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Title:
METHOD OF PROPHYLAXIS OR TREATMENT OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/1985/003871
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A method of prophylaxis or treatment of atheromatosis in susceptible vertebrates comprising administration of manganese-containing pharmaceutical preparations in appropriate ratios of tryptophan to manganese to prevent development and progression of atheromatosis; both the manganese and tryptophan being given in cumulative amounts appropriate to the amount, frequency and ratios that it reflects in the changing degrees of susceptibility and imbalance in the metabolism of the affected individual as it returns to a normal metabolic state of the arterial intima and walls. The same therapeutic approach presents itself for use in individuals with premature atheromatosis of Hutchison-Gilford syndrome.

Inventors:
ERK VERNON (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US1985/000327
Publication Date:
September 12, 1985
Filing Date:
March 01, 1985
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
ERK VERNON
International Classes:
C07F13/00; A61K31/28; A61K33/00; A61K38/00; A61K38/04; C07K5/04; (IPC1-7): A61K37/02; A61K31/195; A61K31/28; A61K31/40
Foreign References:
US4435424A1984-03-06
US3873296A1975-03-25
US4218474A1980-08-19
Other References:
CHEMICAL ABSTRACTS, Vol. 98, 1983, KALIMAN, Biogenic Monoamines and Their Precursors in Rats with Spontaneous Arterial Hypertension, Abst. No. 195890u
CHEMICAL ABSTRACTS, Vol. 90, 1979, SHUKLA, Species Variation in Manganese Induced Changes in Brain Biogenic Amines, Abst. No. 198507u
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 6, No.5, 1958, SALMON, The Significance of Amino Acid Imbalance in Nutrition, pages 487-494
Nutrition Reviews, Vol. 32, No. 5, 1974, Metabolism of alpha-Keto Analogues of Essential Amino Acids, pages 147-149
American Heart Journal, Vol. 82, No. 3, 1971, ROSENBLOOM, Progeria of Hutchenson-Gilford: A Caricature of Aging, pages 287-289
Proceedings of the Third International Symposium Freising, Fed. Rep. of Germany, July 1977, FRIEDEN, Mode of Metal Metabolism in Mammals, pages 8-14
Proceedings of the Third International Symposium Freising, Fed. Rep. of Germany, July 1977, LASSITER, Role of Bile and Diet on 54Mn Metabolism in Animals, pages 140-143
Proceedings of The Third International Symposium Freising, Fed. Rep. of Germany, July 1977, PIRCHNER, Genetical Aspects of Trace Mineral Research, pages 646-649
See also references of EP 0174978A4
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Description:
METHOD OF PROPHYLAXIS OR TREATMENT OP ATHEROSCLEROSIS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

The two-carbon breakdown products of lipids and fats have been implicated in the synthesis of the lipids consti¬ tuting lipoproteins and finding their way into atheromatous plagues.

Catecholamines facilitate increased formation of "acetyl Co "Active isoprene units are formed from this "active acetate" and polymerize into the isoprenoids, including cholesterol. Diabetic and hypertensive patients tend to an elevated ratio of catecnolamines and are especially susceptible to atheromat

The two-carbon units are formed in relation to the balance of chemical activity in the tricarboxylic acid cycle in the mitochondrion. Maintaining the proper balance of carbohydrat and lipid breakdown in tFTat organelle is central to avoiding excessive accumulation of lipids such as cholesterol.

PRIOR ART STATEMENT

25 Prior Art

"Monoamine oxidase is a flavoprotein oxidase of PURPORTED CENTRAL METABOLIC IMPORTANCE. CONVERTING NEUROACTIVE AMINES INTO INACTIVE ALDEHYDES....The flavin linked monoamine oxidase is localized in the OUTER MITOCHONDRIAL MEMBRANE OF ANIMAL CELLS.. Walsh pp. . 402-403. "Actions: Monoamine oxidase is a complex enzyme system widely distri buted throughout the body. Drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase in the laboratory are associated with a number of clinical effects. Thus it is U_-_C.O * ;-JN 7-7HETKER MAO INHIBITOR PER £E, OTHER PHAEMACO LOGICAL ACTIONS OR AN INTERACTION OP BOTH is responsible for the clinical effects observed. Therefore the physician should become familiar with all the effects produced by drugs of this class. PDR (Physicians' Desk Reference 1983) p. 1516.

Two classifications of amine oxidases were presented in 1959. That by Blashko, et al used the response to carbonyl inhibitors to distinguish between the activities of the various aπtine oxidase- That by Zeller, et al, used semicarbazide inhibitors. The use of inhibitors to classify axπine oxidases reflected difficulties encountered in purifying these enzymes and studying the structure of their active sites.

"A. Occurence

"Monoamine oxidase (MA0 " » has been found in all classes of vertebrates so far examined (1970) : mammals birds reptiles, amphibians and teleosts (161) . The enzyme occurs in many different tissues particularly in glands, plain muscle, and the nervous system (162

In man the parotid and submaxillary glands seem to be the richest source of MAO (163). It also occurs in molluscs and plants (4)." Kapeller- Adl

In 1957 iproniazid was introduced for the treatment of depression

New York Times article June 4, 1981, p. B9. It has been studied extensi and is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. However, it has a variety of effe besides the effect on depression. These have frequently posed problems.

The use of these drugs has continued to be empirical. Iproniazid was removed fromthe maurket"becauseόfsevere liver toxicity. It is interestin to note that these drugs exert their beneficial effect in depressed patients anywhere from one to several weeks after treatment is begun,

"In some instances the improvement may progress to a state of euphoria, hypomania, or even mania. Central stimulatory effects are seen with these drugs in normal individuals as well as in depressed patients." Be

Other effects are orthostatic hypotension, allergic reactions affecting the liver, dizziness., and a number of anticholinergic type symptoms.

Catecholamines activate a variety of processes in liver cells, for instance lipolyis, the breakdown of fat. Catecholamines can also initiate vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction has been implicated in hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. The "free fatty acids" released from the liver are converted to "acβtyl CαA" by beta oxidation .of the fatty acid chain in- mitochondria. T ese "active acetate" units are synthesized into the lipids that make up large parts of lipoproteins and proteolipids. The latter proteins carry lipids about the body. F,- * 3.tty acids make up part of phospholipids and other complex lipids. Acet:>rl GoA. is used to synthesize "active isoprene" units that poleπnyrize to form steroids, such as cholesterol."

Individual lipid constituents of atheromatous plasues have been implicated in their causation. The "ost studied of these have been cholesterol and cholesterol esters. Ef orts to control the cholesterol have included: competitive inhibition of cholesterol absorption from the gut; low cholesterol diets; metabolic inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis. One of the latter had to be discontinued because of the tendency to develop cataracts when using it.

Varying degrees of success have been reflected in declining death rates from, coronary artery disease and heart attacks. The cause of the disease still has not been stated chemically. In t3e susceptible individual there a;/ be alterations in the lipoprotein profile. Special groupings of s ch patients do have a high risk. These represent a limited percentage,, however. Diabetic and hyper¬ tensive patients are especially susceptible to atheromatosis. Kany of these do not correlate " with the lipoprotein high risk groups.

Presently efforts to control the disease are directed at altering the principal facets of life style ar.d attempting to change facets of the pattern from high risk categories to activities listed in low risk categories. Some exercise programs have had promising success whdn combined with these efforts.

A number of syndromes exhibit malar ypoplasia and nicrognathia. Along with these there are apt to be disuurbances in bone growth generally. Several of these have on occasion beer- described as having bird-like face ' s. Such syndromes as Cockayne's, Haller an-Stre___ζ Hutchinson-Gilford, Seckel's, and Treacher- Coilins may show some of these features. When the above are combined with atrophy of facial fatty t i ssue the appearance of these dwarfs becomes striking. Of the various syndromes the most interesting is Hutchinson-Gilford. It is now usually referred to as progeria. Werner's syndrome of older individuals also demonstrates changes suggesting premature ageing.

Progeriacs attended a meeting in Henryville, Pa. June 22nd, 1933. Fourteen of the eighteen known cases in the world were there. Orie died of a heart ailment while there. One of the group has lived to age 27. The usual time of death is perhaps about ten to fifteen years of age. Death is likely to occur secondary to advanced hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). All of the progeriacs look alike. The cause of death primarily relates to that form of ageing associated with abnormal lipid deposits in the arteries. hey appear to be classic cases of athero otosis occurring at a very early age. These individuals are estimated to occur once in every eight million births. These individuals are never spoken of in terms of progeny. Biological fitness is seldom considered.

Metamorphosis introduces striking changes in the tadpole and other forms of life. In insects it is even more remarkable. There may be several phases in the latter. One phase, however, occurs in which the organism changes its sexual status, ,i.e., goes from prereproductive form to a reproductive form of the organism. The comparable changes would be referred to as puberty in the mammal. In the tadpole, "This transition is accompanied by the appearance in the liver of the four enz.vr.es required to generate urea from ammonia in the urea cycle. These finding-strongly suggest that these enzymes are coordinateiy DEREPRΞ3SED DUP.IKG THE METAMORPHOSIS OF THE TADPOLE." Lehninger (1970) p. 7Λ2. The close correlation between thyroid functional status and thyroid initiation of metamorphosis in the tadpole indicates that the MTA sequence* must operate at a level sufficient to permit the .development of puberty and then sustain the organism at a sexual level sufficient to-achieve progeny.

* See Formulation Section VII - last page.

c * _____MIC_-L EFFECTS OF MONOAMINE OXIDASE

"SPECIFICITY

"The enzyme isolated from a number of sources exhibits low specificity. In general, primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, trytamine derivatives and catechol amines are oxidized (1,5). The enzyme isolated " from human placenta, howe er . will only attack primary amines and with simple alkyl amines increase in chain length results in increased affinity (7).' ! Barman p. 180.

"Inhibition of MAO leads to a very pronounced increase in the levels of norepinephrine in the sympathetic nervous system and βf the monoamines serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the rnonoamine-containing neurones of the CNS....Large amounts of amine now accumulate in the cytoplasm. The storage sites rapidly become filled to capacity with the transmitter. This enhanced accumulation of neuroanines within the neurones is presumed to be the basis for the antidepressant action of the MAO inhibitors. .. It should be added that the presence in the urine of large amounts of -iinmetabolized serotonin and 3 0 methvlated catecholamines is characteristic of patients on MAO inhibitor antidepressants. Bevan pp. 183, 184. These urinary compounds indicate clearance of the above amines from the blood and is consistent with an increased turnover rate of increased amounts of each amine.

"The flavoprotein responsible for the oxidative deamination of the catechol amine (monoamine oxidase) is found in a wide variety of tissues and is located primarily in the outer membrane of mitochondria." Frisell p.628.

CHEMICAL EFFECTS ON MONOAMINE OXIDASE

Halogenated compounds enter the body frequently from the environment. The anaesthetics halothane and methoxyflurane are cases in point. "Incubation of the volatile general anaes¬ thetics halothane or methoxyflurane (labelled with Cl) with hepatic microsomes, NADPH, and oxygen is accompanied by extensive DECΣ_LORINATIO .

' Similarly thyroxine and triiodothyronine undergo deiodination by hepatic microsomal enzymes (8). '" Bacq p. 577. "Dimino and Hoch (197.:) found a considerable enrichment of iodine in liver mitochondria of rats injected with 4 - These mitochondria were more dense than those of untreated animals and and appeared to contain iodine TIGHTLY BOUND TO THEIR INNER MEMBRANES (9) .

...Direct effects of T. on isolated mitochondria have been known

4 for some time, but they occuiTonly at HIGH, UNPHYSIOLOGICAL CONCENTRATIONS and their significance is doubtful. (9)" Lash p. 332. "The actual biochemical mechanism of thyroid hormone action on neural tissue is poorly understood. ιr " •' It is evident that a single regulatory reaction has not been found to explain the multiple effects of tbvroid hormones. ' " Although the activities of more than 100 enzvmes have been shown to be affected by t_rτ:oxine administration it appears that all are not influenced to the same degree. (10). Frisell p. 608

MANGANESE METABOLISM 9

"The early studies of Greenberg (65) with radiomanganese indicated only 3-4% of an orally administered dose is absorbed in rats. The absorbed manganese quickly appeared in the bile and was excreted in the feces. Experiments since that time with several species including man indicate that manganese is almost totally excreted via the intestinal wall by several routes. These routes are interdependent and combine to provide the body with an efficient homeostatic mechanism regulating the manganese levels in the tissues (16, 90,129). The relative stability of manganese concentrations in the tissues to which earlier reference was made is due to such controlled excretion rather than to regulated absorption. (27)." Underwood p. 184.

It is important to realize that each of these tissues in the intestinal tract are actually using the same system to take in and to dispose of manganese. ..hat is being described above is the flow of manganese into mitochondria and αut again. It is a reflection of the mitochondrial pool, which is a very labile pool. Manganese is carried in the plasma bound to protein. Very little of it is cleared by the kidneys.

"Injeσted radiomanganese disappears rapidly from the bloodstream (23, 90). Borg and Cotzias (28) have resolved this clearance into three phases. The first and fastest of these is identical to the

THE CLEARANCE RATE OF OTHER SMALL ION , SUGGESTING THE NORMAL TRANSCAPILLARY MOVEMENT, the second can be identified with the ENTRANCE OF THE MANGANESE INTO THE MITOCHONDRIA OF THE TISSUES, AND THE THIRD AND SLOWEST COMPONENT COULD INDICATE THE RATE OF

NUCLSAR ACCUMULATION OF TH7 ELEMENT The kinetic patterns for blood clearance and for liver uptake of manganese are almost identical indicating that the two manganese pools - BLOOD MANGANESE AND LIVER MITOCHONDRIAL MANGANESE - RAPIDLY ENTER EQUILIBRIUM. A high proportion of the body manganese must therefore, bein a dynamic mobile state. Underwood p. 185.

54 " " The turnover of parenterally administered Mn has been directly related to the level of stable manganese in the diet of mice over a wide range (27) . A linear relationship between the rate of excretion of the tracer and the level of nanganese in the diet

54 was observed and the concentratim of Mn in the tissues was directly related to the level of stale manganese in the diet. THIS PROVIDES

FURTHER SUPPORT FOR THE CONTENTION TIIAT VARIABLE EXCRETION

RATHER THAN VARIABLE ABSORPTION REGULATES THE CONCENTRATION OF THIS

METAL IN TISSUES." Underwood p. 185,

"Little is known of the mechanism of absorption of manσanese from the gastrointestinal tract, or of the means by which excess dietary calcium and phosphorus reduces manganese availabilty....

Theeffect of vaxiations in dietary calcium and phosphorus on the metabolism of 54Mn in rats has been studied further H Lassiter and associates (100) . These worker found that the fecal excretion of

54 . . parenterally administered Mn was much higher and the liver retention lower, on a 1.0% calcium diet than on a 0.64 calcium diet.

It appears, therefore, that calcium can influence manganese metabolism by affecting retention of absorbed manganese as well as by affecting manganese absorption. Variations in dietary phosphorus had no comparable effects on the excretion of intra peritoneally administered 54 Mn, BUT THE ABSORPTION OF ORALLY ADMINISTERED 5 Mn WAS IMPAIRED. Underwood, p. 186.

During 1970 a rash of books drew attention to energized translocation or transport and to the changes in conformation of the membranes of the mitochondria. There were extensive correlations devised with the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorvlations. By 1975 some of this was discounted by claims that manv solutes crossed the mitochondrial membranes without active transport. A number of postulates evolved including Droton, phosphate and other mechanisms for these transfers.

In muscle and nervous tissue there are differences of sixty millivolts or more between the inner and outer surfaces of cell membranes. A Ca/Mg pump explains a wide variety of data.' There seemed initially to be good data for high resonant phosphate compounds activating the cation pumps of mitochondria. Such a pump is affected by changes in concentration of calcium and it is also modulated by magnesium. Mn goeβ in and out of mitochondria

readily. It does so by active translocation and in the company of alkaline earth metal cations. Other metals participate but to a lesser degree. A Ca/Mg pump operatinσ in tandem with a/K ATPase pumps not only fits the cell membrane, but it also would have a place in the mitochondrial scheme of things.

It has long been suggested that mitochondria represent primitive bacteria originally ingested when cells developed phagocytic functions. The effective oxidation processes of the ingested cells are cited as the cause of the symbiosis developing. The corollary of that suggestion is the need that developed to correlate flow of high resonant compounds between the original cell and the mitochondria. This theory suggests that metabolic disease might well occur at the site of such a complex metabolic adjustment between the metabolism of two different cells. This mechanism of regulation is consistent with that theory.

The added point must be made that the high efficiency ascribed to mitochondria as sources of high resonant bonds highlights the need for a central control mechanism. Such a mechanism must collate the energy production of the mitochondria with the energy metabolism of the cells, organs, and indeed the entire organism. Calcium would seem a logical choice as the modulator of a system interactive between eukaryotic cells and mitochondria . This is consisten with the present presentation.

This mechanism or system of control has been called a mechanism of regulation. Listing the sequence of components described includes cation- ATPase pump, Mn, deiodinase, thyroid hormones, monoamine oxidase and amines. ALL ARE FOUND IN CLOSE PROXIMITY IN THE MITOCHONDHIA.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Manganese-containing pharmaceutical preparations decelerate the rate of oxidation of biogenic amines. The increased levels of amines resulting cause higher levels of activity in most cells in the organism. Shifts in biological parameters occur. By combining the use of manganese with tryptophan, the precursor of serotonin, the elevated ratios of the catecholamines are restored to their previously lower values.

k

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the invention, there are manganese- containing pharmaceutical preparations provided that are adapted for use in the system of oxidation of amines in biological systems. It is the overall concept of the subject invention to control the rates of amine oxidation by providing these compounds.

In order that the invention may be more easily under¬ stood, the following constructive examples will be given, though by way of illustration only, to show details of the formulation of the Invention and the proposed clinical results ob-tain__5ulo using such formulations.

The standard methods of evaluation of atheromatosis and atherosclerosis are employed. Their association with hypertension and diabetes- mellitus are ready syndromes for evaluating both atheromatosis and the secondary atherosclerosis.

Periodic laboratory determinations of lipid profiles and associated fundoscopic examinations are convenient. For the Hu chison-Gil ord, the relative hypertension that develops and its response to -the pharmaceutical agents claimed can be correlated to see if there is a receding of lesions or diminished formation of same. For the adult hypertensive and/or diabetic, similar studies can be used to see if a correlation between the use of these agents and the long-term diminution of lesions or diminished formation of lesions can be demonstrated.

Constructive evaluation of Hutchison-Gilford syndrome

These unusual patients are usually shown as being quite alert. Trial with tryptophan might well be conducted first.

Range of intake: Per kg body weight.

Tryptophan: 2/3 to 2 mg/kg Manganese (calculated as mg in manganese gluconate.) 1 to -4-0 micrograms/kg Combined treatment: begin with lowest dose of each, progress by steps.

Objective findings:

Blood pressure: systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure corre Lipoprotein profile: Correlate with each advance in dosage l

The presence of increased blood pressures in these patients as compared with the members of their age groups provides the best means of monitoring the effects of manganese and tryptophan.

It may be necessaryto use other than the oral route. For manganese parenteral use there shouldbe a clear knowledge of the status of the gastrointestinal tract.

The objective of the treatment shuld be to maintain the blood pressurewithin normal limits.

Constructive evaluation of adult hypertensive

These patientt can readily be tested with the lipid profiles and fundoscopic examinations. However, a much longer Interval of time would be required than for the progeriacs. Because of the ease of monitoring the blood pressure, the effects of the anganes and the tryptophan can be determined in relation to the laboratory values. This is much simpler than attempting to do the amine levels, which are likely to vary from individual to individual. Any attempt to use amine levels will require a somewhat extensive profile.

Range of intake: This will vary depending upon -the stage of the disease. The individual clinician will need to determine this from visit to visit initially. 50 to 150 mg of tryptophan is a representative figure. The manganese may vary considerably initially. Values of 12.5 to -2-5 mg manganese gluconate may be encountered at firs .

The objective of the treatment should be to maintain the blood pressure within normal limits. This provides a convenient method of evaluating episodes of stress in the life of the patient and the effect both upon blood pressure and of atheromatous changes and lipoprotein profile.