New Compounds Discovery and Development in Medicine — Advances in Research on Potential Therapeutic Agents and Drug Candidates, 2nd Edition

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite huge progress in science and technology, we are still unable to cure many diseases. Research in recent years has shown that there is a great need for new, safe drugs in almost every field of medicine and pharmacy, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, microbiology, parasitology, virology, dermatology, hematology and endocrinology.

Therefore, the search for new compounds and substances of potential therapeutic importance is an important and urgent challenge for modern medicine. Publications of particular interest in our Special Topic include research and future perspectives on various compounds exhibiting a broad spectrum of biological activity (in vitro, in vivo and in silico studies). Research aimed at determining the molecular mechanisms of action of new compounds for their potential application in therapy will also be of interest. The search for new, active compounds is a tedious and lengthy process. The recent advances in research conducted towards the discovery of potential therapeutic agents and drug candidates, presented as part of this Special Topic, will provide the medical community with the latest knowledge in the field.

This Special Topic will publish original experimental research, reviews and preclinical observations regarding the discovery and development of new biologically active compounds in medicine.

Prof. Dr. Monika Wujec
Prof. Dr. Anna Bogucka-Kocka
Dr. Przemysław Kołodziej
Dr. Jacek Bogucki
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Biomedicines biomedicines	3.9	5.2	2013	14.6 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	4.9	8.1	2000	16.8 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Medicines medicines	-	-	2014	28.6 Days	CHF 1400	Submit
Molecules molecules	4.2	7.4	1996	15.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Pharmaceuticals pharmaceuticals	4.3	6.1	2004	13.9 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Scientia Pharmaceutica scipharm	2.3	4.6	1930	26.1 Days	CHF 1000	Submit

Preprints.org is a multidisciplinary platform offering a preprint service designed to facilitate the early sharing of your research. It supports and empowers your research journey from the very beginning.

MDPI Topics is collaborating with Preprints.org and has established a direct connection between MDPI journals and the platform. Authors are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by posting their preprints at Preprints.org prior to publication:

1. Share your research immediately: disseminate your ideas prior to publication and establish priority for your work.
2. Safeguard your intellectual contribution: Protect your ideas with a time-stamped preprint that serves as proof of your research timeline.
3. Boost visibility and impact: Increase the reach and influence of your research by making it accessible to a global audience.
4. Gain early feedback: Receive valuable input and insights from peers before submitting to a journal.
5. Ensure broad indexing: Web of Science (Preprint Citation Index), Google Scholar, Crossref, SHARE, PrePubMed, Scilit and Europe PMC.

Related Topic

Published Papers (9 papers)

Order results

Content type Publication Date

Result details

Normal Extended Compact

Journals

All Biomedicines IJMS Medicines Molecules Pharmaceuticals Sci. Pharm.

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Plain Text BibTeX BibTeX (without abstracts) Endnote Endnote (without abstracts) Tab-delimited RIS

Error

Oops... you haven't selected anything for export.

Ok

clear

16 pages, 1447 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Formulations with Boric Acid or Aryl-Organoboron Compounds for Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers

by Marvin A. Soriano-Ursúa, Marlet Martínez-Archundia, Ahmet Kilic, Teresa Pérez-Capistran, Miriam A. Hernández-Zamora, Juan E. López-Ramos and Eunice D. Farfán-García

Sci. Pharm. 2025, 93(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm93010014 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 1090

Abstract

Boron-containing compounds (BCCs) have been proposed for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. Recent studies have reported an improvement in the design and development of pharmaceutical formulations (often gels) containing boric acid applied to the foot ulcers of humans diagnosed with diabetes. [...] Read more.

Boron-containing compounds (BCCs) have been proposed for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. Recent studies have reported an improvement in the design and development of pharmaceutical formulations (often gels) containing boric acid applied to the foot ulcers of humans diagnosed with diabetes. The proposed mechanisms of action of boric acid include antimicrobial effects, the modulation of inflammation and metabolism, and the induction of cell differentiation. On the other hand, recent studies have suggested that boronic acids are potent antibacterial and antifungal compounds, effective modulators of inflammation, and inducers of vascular regeneration as well as inducers of healing, and they confer attractive properties such as adhesion, interaction, and the formation of complexes in formulations. Moreover, only a handful of studies conducted in animals have suggested the effective role of some BCCs as potent enhancers of wound healing, including their actions on induced and/or infected wounds in animals with disrupted metabolism. Also, it should be mentioned that no strong interactions between boric acid and the boronic acids present in formulations have been described. The developed combination could act as an additive and complementary therapy in the treatment of diabetic ulcers in humans. Further studies are required to support the hypothesis that this combination acts through diverse mechanisms to improve healing while avoiding or limiting a local or disseminated infection. Furthermore, the safety of BCCs used for foot ulcers should be established, as should the role of these formulations as a complementary therapy in current protocols for treating patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Compounds Discovery and Development in Medicine — Advances in Research on Potential Therapeutic Agents and Drug Candidates, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

attachment

Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 83 KiB)

13 pages, 6738 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Teriparatide and Alendronate on Functional Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury and Postinjury Bone Loss

by Shuai Wang, Jingliang Zhu, Yuping Feng, Yuchen Hua, Gangjun You, Jahui Su and Benchao Shi

Biomedicines 2025, 13(2), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13020342 - 3 Feb 2025

Viewed by 980

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated the efficacy of teriparatide (TPTD) and alendronate (ALN) in mitigating bone loss, enhancing bone structure, and facilitating motor function recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: All the rats were allocated into four groups: a sham surgery group (SHAM [...] Read more.

Objectives: This study evaluated the efficacy of teriparatide (TPTD) and alendronate (ALN) in mitigating bone loss, enhancing bone structure, and facilitating motor function recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: All the rats were allocated into four groups: a sham surgery group (SHAM group), a normal saline group (SCI + NS group), a TPTD treatment group after SCI (SCI + TPTD group), and an ALN treatment group after SCI (SCI + ALN group). The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores and gait analyses were used to assess the motor abilities of rats following SCI and the effects of treatment. HE staining, Masson’s trichrome staining, and LFB staining were performed to evaluate the extent of spinal cord tissue damage. Micro-CT was used to measure 12 bone-related parameters of the proximal tibia and create 3D images, and structural changes in the proximal tibial bone tissue were observed under a light microscope after HE staining. Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, the micro-CT data indicated that TPTD significantly increased key bone indicators, such as bone mineral density, after SCI (p < 0.01), whereas ALN did not significantly improve these indicators (p > 0.05). Compared with the SCI + NS group, the SCI + TPTD group presented significantly greater BBB scores and near-normal gait parameters (p < 0.05). Analyses of pathological sections revealed that TPTD significantly reduced the cavity area in the spinal cord after SCI, decreased the proportion of scar tissue, and increased the retention of neural myelin (p < 0.05). However, ALN had no significant effect on these indicators (p > 0.05). Conclusions: TPTD was more effective than ALN at mitigating bone loss and promoting motor function recovery after SCI, and it demonstrated significant advantages in reducing spinal cord damage and improving tissue structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Compounds Discovery and Development in Medicine — Advances in Research on Potential Therapeutic Agents and Drug Candidates, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

attachment

Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 8263 KiB)

22 pages, 2471 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Stereoselective Synthesis and Antimicrobial Studies of Allo-Gibberic Acid-Based 2,4-Diaminopyrimidine Chimeras

by Dima Depp, Noémi Regina Sebők, András Szekeres and Zsolt Szakonyi

Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(2), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18020168 - 26 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1357

Abstract

Background: Gibberellins (GAs) are a family of tetracyclic ent-kaurenoid diterpenes found widely in several commonly used plants. Besides agricultural applications, gibberellins play an important role in the synthesis of bioactive compounds, especially those with antiproliferative and antibacterial activity. Methods: A [...] Read more.

Background: Gibberellins (GAs) are a family of tetracyclic ent-kaurenoid diterpenes found widely in several commonly used plants. Besides agricultural applications, gibberellins play an important role in the synthesis of bioactive compounds, especially those with antiproliferative and antibacterial activity. Methods: A series of gibberellic acid-based 2,4-diaminopyrimidines was designed and synthesized from commercially available gibberellic acid. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared compounds was also explored in B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa bacteria, as well as in C. krusei and C. albicans fungi. Results: The treatment of gibberellic acid with hydrochloric acid under reflux conditions resulted in aromatization followed by rearrangement to form allo-gibberic acid. The key intermediate azido alcohol was prepared according to the literature methods. The second key intermediate azidotriol was synthesized by the stereoselective dihydroxylation of the allylic function by the osmium (VIII)-tetroxide/NMO system. Starting from azide intermediates, click reactions were also carried out with 4-monoamino- and 2,4-diaminopyrimidines functionalized with the N-propargyl group. The new chimeric compounds, coupled with gibberellins thus obtained, were characterized by 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques and HRMS measurements. While the 4-monoamino-substituted derivatives exhibited only weak antibacterial activity, they demonstrated significant antifungal effectiveness against C. krusei. In general, 5-chloro-substituted pyrimidine derivatives displayed more consistent biological activities compared to their 5-fluoro counterparts, with the exception of one derivative, which showed acceptable activity against both C. krusei and C. albicans. The two derivatives featuring 5-chloro and 2-((4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)amino substituents proved to be highly effective against P. aeruginosa, making them promising candidates for further research. Aiming to elucidate the molecular interactions between the active compounds and their potential targets, molecular docking studies were conducted using AutoDock Vina 1.1.2. involving the most active compounds against P. aeruginosa.Conclusions: The biological effects of 2-monoamino or 2,4-diamino substitution as well as the effect of chloro or fluoro substitution at position 5 of the pyrimidine ring combined with the allo-gibberic acid moiety were determined. Compounds with selective antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa as well as selective antifungal activity against C. krusei and C. albicans fungi were identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Compounds Discovery and Development in Medicine — Advances in Research on Potential Therapeutic Agents and Drug Candidates, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 3164 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Org24598, a Selective Glycine Transporter 1 (GlyT1) Inhibitor, Reverses Object Recognition and Spatial Memory Impairments Following Binge-like Ethanol Exposure in Rats

by Joanna Filarowska-Jurko, Pawel Grochecki, Ewa Gibuła-Tarlowska, Joanna Listos, Ewa Kedzierska, Justyna Socha, Irena Smaga, Tymoteusz Slowik, Małgorzata Filip and Jolanta H. Kotlinska

Molecules 2024, 29(24), 6017; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29246017 - 20 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1016

Abstract

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor is a major target of ethanol, and it is implicated in learning and memory formation, and other cognitive functions. Glycine acts as a co-agonist for this receptor. We examined whether Org24598, a selective inhibitor of glycine transporter1 (GlyT1), [...] Read more.

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor is a major target of ethanol, and it is implicated in learning and memory formation, and other cognitive functions. Glycine acts as a co-agonist for this receptor. We examined whether Org24598, a selective inhibitor of glycine transporter1 (GlyT1), affects ethanol withdrawal-induced deficits in recognition memory (Novel Object Recognition (NOR) task) and spatial memory (Barnes Maze (BM) task) in rats, and whether the NMDA receptor glycine site participates in this phenomenon. Male Wistar rats were habituated to NOR or BM tasks, and then received binge-like intragastric ethanol administration (5 days, 5 g/kg). After ethanol withdrawal, Org24598 (0.1, 0.3, and 0.6 mg/kg) was administered 30 min before NOR (day 10 of withdrawal) or the reversal learning phase of BM (day 11–13 of withdrawal) task. The expression of GluN1 and GluN2B subunits of NMDA receptors were measured in the perirhinal cortex (PRC) and hippocampus (HIP) after termination of NOR. In the BM task, a glycine antagonist, L-701,324 (5 mg/kg), was administered 30 min before Org24598 to confirm the involvement of the NMDA receptor glycine site in the effects of Org24598. Our study showed that binge-like ethanol administration induced recognition and spatial memory impairments after withdrawal in rats. Additionally, an up-regulation of GluN1 and GluN2B subunits of the NMDA receptor was observed in the HIP and PRC on day 11 of abstinence. Org24598 ameliorated memory loss and normalized the expression of these subunits. L-701,324 reversed the effect of Org24598. Thus, NMDA receptor glycine sites are important in ethanol withdrawal-induced memory impairments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Compounds Discovery and Development in Medicine — Advances in Research on Potential Therapeutic Agents and Drug Candidates, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

attachment

Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 2180 KiB)

12 pages, 2693 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Does Ortho-Substitution Enhance Cytotoxic Potencies in a Series of 3,5-Bis(benzylidene)-4-piperidones?

by Subhas S. Karki, Umashankar Das, Jan Balzarini, Erik De Clercq, Hiroshi Sakagami, Yoshihiro Uesawa, Praveen K. Roayapalley and Jonathan R. Dimmock

Medicines 2024, 11(8), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines11080019 - 30 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1499

Abstract

Background: A series of 3,5-benzylidene-4-piperidones, 1a–n, were prepared to evaluate the hypothesis that the placement of different groups in the ortho-location of the aryl rings led to compounds with greater cytotoxic potencies than structural analogs. Methods: The bioevaluation of 1a [...] Read more.

Background: A series of 3,5-benzylidene-4-piperidones, 1a–n, were prepared to evaluate the hypothesis that the placement of different groups in the ortho-location of the aryl rings led to compounds with greater cytotoxic potencies than structural analogs. Methods: The bioevaluation of 1a–n was undertaken using human Molt/4C8 and CEM cells as well as murine L1210 cells. Correlations were sought between the interplanar angles θ_A and θ_B and the cytotoxic potencies. A QSAR analysis was also undertaken. In order to evaluate whether these compounds demonstrated greater toxicity to neoplasms than non-malignant cells, 1a–n were evaluated against HSC-2, HSC-3, HSC-4 and HL60 neoplasms as well as non-malignant HGF, HPC and HPLF cells. Results: A positive correlation was noted between the interplanar angle θ_A of one of the aryl rings and the adjacent olefinic linkage with IC₅₀ values in the Molt4/C8 screens. The QSAR analysis revealed a positive correlation between the Hansch pi (π) value of the aryl substituents and the IC₅₀ values of the compounds towards the Molt4/C8 and CEM cells. The dienones in series 1 demonstrated higher tumor-selective toxicity towards HSC-2, HSC-3, HSC-4 and HL-60 neoplasms than HGF, HPC and HPLF cells. Conclusions: The bioevaluations revealed some support for greater cytotoxic potencies to be displayed by compounds having ortho-substituents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Compounds Discovery and Development in Medicine — Advances in Research on Potential Therapeutic Agents and Drug Candidates, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

attachment

Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 734 KiB)

13 pages, 2487 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

In Vivo Effects of a GHR Synthesis Inhibitor During Prolonged Treatment in Dogs

by Elpetra P. M. Timmermans, Joëlle Blankevoort, Guy C. M. Grinwis, Sietske J. Mesu, Ronette Gehring, Patric J. D. Delhanty, Peter E. M. Maas, Ger J. Strous and Jan A. Mol

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(10), 1381; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17101381 - 16 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1631

Abstract

Background: The activation of the growth hormone receptor (GHR) is a major determinant of body growth. Defective GHR signaling, as seen in human Laron dwarfism, resulted in low plasma IGF-1 concentrations and limited growth, but also marked absence in the development of breast [...] Read more.

Background: The activation of the growth hormone receptor (GHR) is a major determinant of body growth. Defective GHR signaling, as seen in human Laron dwarfism, resulted in low plasma IGF-1 concentrations and limited growth, but also marked absence in the development of breast cancer and type 2 diabetes. In vitro, we identified a small molecule (C#1) that inhibits the translation of GHR mRNA to receptor protein. Methods: Before its application in humans as a potential anticancer drug, C#1 was tested in animals to evaluate whether it could be administered to achieve a plasma concentration in vivo that inhibits cell proliferation in vitro without causing unwanted toxicity. To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of C#1, a group of six intact female Beagle dogs was treated daily each morning for 90 days with an oral solution of C#1 in Soiae oleum emulgatum at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg body weight. During treatment, dogs were closely monitored clinically, and blood samples were taken to measure plasma C#1 concentrations, complete blood counts (CBC), clinical chemistry, and endocrinology. At the end of the treatment, dogs were euthanized for gross and histopathological analysis. An additional group of six female Beagle dogs was included for statistical reasons and only evaluated for efficacy during treatment for 30 days. Results: Daily administration of C#1 resulted in a constant mean plasma concentration of approximately 50 nmol/L. In both groups, two out of six dogs developed decreased appetite and food refusal after 4–5 weeks, and occasionally diarrhea. No significant effects in CBC or routine clinical chemistry were seen. Plasma IGF-1 concentrations, used as biomarkers for defective GHR signaling, significantly decreased by 31% over time. As plasma growth hormone (GH) concentrations decreased by 51% as well, no proof of GHR dysfunction could be established. The measured 43% decrease in plasma acylated/non-acylated ghrelin ratios will also lower plasma GH concentrations by reducing activation of the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR). C#1 did not directly inhibit the GHSR in vivo, as shown in vitro. There were no significant effects on glucose, lipid, or folate/homocysteine metabolism. Conclusions: It is concluded that with daily dosing of 0.1 mg C#1/kg body weight, the induction of toxic effects prevented further increases in dosage. Due to the concomitant decrease in both IGF-1 and GH, in vivo inhibition of GHR could not be confirmed. Since the concept of specific inhibition of GHR synthesis by small molecules remains a promising strategy, searching for compounds similar to C#1 with lower toxicity should be worthwhile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Compounds Discovery and Development in Medicine — Advances in Research on Potential Therapeutic Agents and Drug Candidates, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3538 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Natural Antioxidants from Acmella oleracea Extract as Dermatocosmetic Actives

by Claudia Maxim, Alexandra Cristina Blaga, Ramona Cimpoeșu, Inga Zinicovscaia, Alexandra Peshkova, Maricel Danu, Ana Simona Barna and Daniela Suteu

Sci. Pharm. 2024, 92(3), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm92030052 - 19 Sep 2024

Viewed by 2722

Abstract

Compounds from plant extracts make dermatocosmetic products more effective as they avoid the adaptation and resistance of the organism and achieve a synergistic effect of the molecular properties of interest. Acmella oleracea extract is considered to have great potential in preventing oxidative damage [...] Read more.

Compounds from plant extracts make dermatocosmetic products more effective as they avoid the adaptation and resistance of the organism and achieve a synergistic effect of the molecular properties of interest. Acmella oleracea extract is considered to have great potential in preventing oxidative damage and improving the appearance of the skin. The purpose of this article is to support the product formulated by preliminary studies of two types of O/W emulsions with 3% and 5% concentrations of Acmella oleracea extract. Physico-chemical methods were performed to evaluate the stability, microbiological control, rheological behavior and diffusion through the membrane. Good homogeneity, structural strength and flexibility, adequate skin diffusion, and high physico-chemical and microbiological stability were confirmed. The conclusions lead to the idea that these results require further in vivo studies as well as studies of toxicity and cytotoxicity to obtain the necessary data to place this product on the market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Compounds Discovery and Development in Medicine — Advances in Research on Potential Therapeutic Agents and Drug Candidates, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3172 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Analgesic Effect of Human Placenta Hydrolysate on CFA-Induced Inflammatory Pain in Mice

by Keun-Tae Park, Heejoon Jo, So-Hyun Jeon, Kyeongsoo Jeong, Minju Im, Jae-Won Kim, Jong-Pil Jung, Hoe Chang Jung, Jae hun Lee and Woojin Kim

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(9), 1179; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17091179 - 7 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1478

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of human placenta hydrolysate (HPH) in a mice model of CFA-induced inflammatory pain. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 are key pro-inflammatory cytokine factors for relieving inflammatory pain. Therefore, this study investigates whether HPH suppresses CFA-induced pain and attenuates the inflammatory [...] Read more.

To evaluate the efficacy of human placenta hydrolysate (HPH) in a mice model of CFA-induced inflammatory pain. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 are key pro-inflammatory cytokine factors for relieving inflammatory pain. Therefore, this study investigates whether HPH suppresses CFA-induced pain and attenuates the inflammatory process by regulating cytokines. In addition, the relationship between neuropathic pain and HPH was established by staining GFAP and Iba-1 in mice spinal cord tissues. This study was conducted for a total of day 28, and inflammatory pain was induced in mice by injecting CFA into the right paw at day 0 and day 14, respectively. 100 μL of 20% glucose and polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and 100, 200, and 300 μL of HPH were administered intraperitoneally twice a week. In the CFA-induced group, cold and mechanical allodynia and pro-inflammatory cytokine factors in the spinal cord and plantar tissue were significantly increased. The five groups of drugs evenly reduced pain and gene expression of inflammatory factors, and particularly excellent effects were confirmed in the HPH 200 and 300 groups. Meanwhile, the expression of GFAP and Iba-1 in the spinal cord was increased by CFA administration but decreased by HPH administration, which was confirmed to suppress damage to peripheral ganglia. The present study suggests that HPH attenuates CFA-induced inflammatory pain through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine factors and protection of peripheral nerves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Compounds Discovery and Development in Medicine — Advances in Research on Potential Therapeutic Agents and Drug Candidates, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 5451 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Methylene Blue Reduces Electroretinogram Distortion and Ganglion Cell Death in a Rat Model of Glaucoma

by Ronan Nakamura, Nicolás S. Ciranna, Juan C. Fernández, Rafael Peláez, Álvaro Pérez-Sala, Miriam Bobadilla, Juan J. López-Costa, César F. Loidl, Alfredo Martínez and Manuel Rey-Funes

Biomedicines 2024, 12(9), 1983; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12091983 - 2 Sep 2024

Viewed by 3879

Abstract

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and is, in most cases, a consequence of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), ultimately resulting in the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Current treatments are mostly focused on normalizing IOP, but we propose the [...] Read more.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and is, in most cases, a consequence of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), ultimately resulting in the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Current treatments are mostly focused on normalizing IOP, but we propose the additional use of neuroprotective agents, including methylene blue (MB), to block the loss of RGCs. Wistar rats were subjected to episcleral vein cauterization (EVC) in the left eye while the right eye was sham-operated. One week later, they were divided into two groups, which were injected with either 2.0 mg/kg MB or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), twice a day, for 7 days. Fifteen days after surgery, rats were tested with scotopic electroretinography (ERG) or pattern electroretinography (PERG). After sacrifice, the number of RGCs and the thickness of the inner retina (IR) were evaluated both in the peripheral and central areas of the retina. Scotopic ERG showed a marked reduction (p < 0.0001) on the a- and b-wave amplitude and oscillatory potential (OP) complexity of the eyes subjected to EVC. These parameters were significantly (p < 0.01) restored by the application of MB. PERG indicated that EVC was responsible for a very significant decrease in N2 amplitude (p < 0.0001) and prolongation of N2 implicit time (p < 0.0001). Treatment with MB significantly restored N2 amplitude (p < 0.0001). In parallel with the ERG results, morphological analysis showed a significant loss of RGCs (p < 0.0001) and IR thickness (p < 0.0001) in both the peripheral and central retinas subjected to EVC, which was significantly prevented (p < 0.0001) by MB treatment. We have shown that MB treatment can be effective in preventing physiological and morphological hallmarks of optic neuropathy in a model of ocular hypertension, which faithfully recapitulates human open-angle glaucoma. Due to its high safety profile, this drug could therefore represent a new pharmacologic strategy to prevent vision loss in glaucoma patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Compounds Discovery and Development in Medicine — Advances in Research on Potential Therapeutic Agents and Drug Candidates, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Plain Text BibTeX BibTeX (without abstracts) Endnote Endnote (without abstracts) Tab-delimited RIS

 

Error

Oops... you haven't selected anything for export.

Ok

clear

Displaying articles 1-9