The mvention refers to phaπnaceutical compositions suitable for the protection ofthe mitochondnal genom and/or mkochondrium from damages or for the treatment of diseases connected with such damages, said compositions comprising a hydroximic acid derivative ofthe formula

X R Y

R ³ - A - I

B

wherein

R ¹ represents a hydrogen or a Ci.s alkyl group,

R ² stands for a hydrogen, a C ₁ -5 alkyl group, a C3-8 cycloalkyl group or a phenyl group optionally substituted by a hydroxy or a phenyl group, or

R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form a 5 to 8 membered ring optionally containing one or more further nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atom(s) and said ring can be condensed with another alicyclic or heterocyclic ring, preferably a benzene, naphthalene, quinoline, isoquinoline, pyridine or pyrazoline ring, furthermore, if desired and

chemically possible, the nitrogen and/or sulfur heteroatom(s) are present in the form of an oxide or dioxide, R ³ means a hydrogen, a phenyl group, a naphthyl group or a pyridyl group wherein said groups can be substituted by one or more halo atom(s) or C alkoxy group(s), Y is a hydrogen, a hydroxy group, a C _]-24 alkoxy group optionally substituted by an amino group, a C ₂ . polyalkenyloxy group containing 1 to 6 double bond(s), a C|. ₂ ? alkanoyl group, a C ₃ .o alkenoyl group or a group ofthe formula R ⁷ -COO-, wherein R ⁷ represents a C _2-3 o polyalkenyl group containing 1 to 6 double bond(s), X stands for a halo, an amino group, a C alkoxy group, or X forms with B an oxygen atom, or X and Y together with the carbon atoms they are attached to and the

-NR-O-CH ₂ group being between said carbon atoms form a ring ofthe formula

I Z CH.

-C CH ₂ a

^N -O ^

wherein

Z represents an oxygen or a mtrogen, R stands for a hydrogen or R forms with B a chemical bond,

is a C _M alkylene group or a chemical bond or a group ofthe formula

R ⁴ R ⁵

-(CH),„ - (CHV

wherein

R ⁴ represents a hydrogen, a Cι-5 alkyl group, a C^ cycloalkyl group or a phenyl group optionally substituted by a halo, a C _M alkoxy group or a C alkyl group,

R ⁵ stands for a hydrogen, a C _M alkyl group or a phenyl group, m has a value of 0, 1 or 2, n has a value of 0, 1 or 2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable . acid addition salt thereof as the active ingredient.

HU-P No. 177 578 and s equivalent US-P No. 4,308,399 describe hydroximic acid derivatives within the compounds of the formula I suitable for the treatment of diabetic angiopathy.

HU-P No. 207 988 and its equivalent E-P No. 417 210 also describe hydroximic acid halogenides within die formula I having a selective beta-blocking effect, thus, being suitable for the treatment of diabetic angiopathy.

HU-P Apphcation No. 2385/92 published under No. T/66350 describes further hydroximic acid derivatives within the formula I.

These known compounds can be used in the treatment of vascular deformations, mainly in the therapy of diabetes mellitus.

It is well-known that the nuclear genom of a human cell encodes about 100 000 genes, but in the cytoplast there is also a small, independent mitochondrial genom ΛVellace, D.C, Science, 256. 628-632 (1992)/.

The mitochondrial genom codes only for 13 genes /Clayton, D.A., Cell, 28, 693-705 (1982)/, but without them the cell is unable to consume the oxygen, therefore, as an effect of the damages in the mitochondrial genom, the cell becomes anaerobic. Unlike the nuclear genom, the mitochondrial genom does not have a DNA repair capacity and the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is not surrounded by histons which makes the mitochondrial genes much more vulnerable than the nuclear encoded genes /Tzagoloff, A, Myer, A.M., Annu. Rev. Biochem., 55, 249-285 (1986)/. More than 90 % ofthe oxygen consumption of a cell takes place in the mitochondrial inner membrane where besides normal oxidation also oxygen free radicals are formed /Stryer, L., Biochemistry, 4th edition, W.H. Freeman and Co., New York, 1995/. Such free radicals can easily modify the mitochondrial DNA in the immediate vicinity of their formation. The formation of the reactive oxygen free radicals significantly increases e.g. during the reoxigenation following an ischaemia which increased free radical concentration may cause considerable and irreversible damages to the mitochondrial DNA /Marklund, S.L., J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol., 20, (Supplement II), 23-30 (1988)/. Even under normal circumstances, free radicals cause minor but accumulative damages to the mtDNA. Therefore it is understandable that the damages of

mtDNA increase by age AVellace, D.C, Annu. Rev. Biochem., 6_1, 1175-1212 (1992)/, although the level of such damages depends on the individual, and that such damages of mtDNA may well cause the development of cardiomyopathy and neurodegenerative diseases in elderly people /Cortopassi, G.A., Arnheim, N., Nucleic Acids Res., 18, 6027-6033 (1990)/.

Through damages of the energy metabolism of a cell, the damages of the mitochondrial genom can cause severe illnesses such as myopathy /Luft, R, Proc. Natl. Acad. ScL USA, 91, 8731-8738 (1994)/, dilatative or hypertrofic cardiomyopathy /Ozawa, T. et aL, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 170, 830-836 (1990)/, furthermore may have a role in the aggravation by age of a number of neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease) and of he severe symptoms of diabetes /Luft, R, cited publication/.

In a number of the above diseases (e.g. the myopathy), a treatment with antioxidants was apphed (treatment with coenzyme Q and vrtamin C) /Shoffher, J.M., Wallace, D.C, Adv. Hum. Genet., 19. 267-330 (1990)/. These treatments bring results only occasionally. Further test treatments were made to avoid damages of after- ischaemia reoxidation applying antioxidant and metabolic therapy, using lipoamid. Lipoamid corrects the damages to the heart caused by the ischaemia on one hand by its antioxidant effect, on the other hand by its positive influence on the mitochondrial metabolism /Sύmegi, Balazs et al., Biochem. J., 297, 109-113 (1994)/. Without a profound knowledge of the damaging process, no breakthrough therapy has been developed yet.

Based on the above, there is a need for the development of a pharmaceutical product which can protect the mitochondrial genom from damages or also prevent such damages.

It was found that the compounds of the formula I are able to protect the mitochondrial genom from damages, thus, they are suitable for the protection of the mitochonrial genom and/or mitochondrium from damages or for the treatment of diseases connected with such damages. Examples of diseases of mitochondrial origin:

KSS (Keams-Sayre's syndrome),

MERRF (myoclonus epilepsy and ragged red fibers syndrome),

LHON (Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy),

MELAS (mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes),

Leigh disease,

CPEO (chronic progressive external phthalmoplegia),

Alper's syndrome. Examples of age-dependent degenerative diseases where the mitochondrial genom has been damaged: Neurodegenerative diseases:

Alzheimer's disease,

Parkinson's disease,

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis),

HD (Huntington's disease),

Cardiomiopathies and other myopathies.

Thus, the invention refers to pharmaceutical compositions comprising 0.1 to 95 % by mass of a hydroximic acid derivative of the foπnula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof as the active ingredient in admixture with one or more conventional caπier(s).

In the specification and Claims, a C1-5 alkyl group is, for example, a methyL ethyL n-propyL isopropyL n-butyl or n-pentyl group, peferably a methyl or an ethyl group.

A C ₃ .8 cycloalkyl group is, for example, a cyclopropyL cyclopentyL cyclohexyL cycloheptyl or cyclooctyl group, preferably a cyclopentyl or a cyclohexyl group.

A 5 to 8 membered ring containing one or more heteroatom(s) can be, for example a pyrrole, pyrazole, imidazole, oxazole, ύϋazole, pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, piperazine, morpholine, indole, quinoline etc. ring.

A Cι _-2 alkoxy group is, for example, a methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, tert. -butoxy, n-pentoxy, decyloxy, dodecyloxy, octadecyloxy etc. group.

A Cι-25 alkanoyl group is, for example, a formyL acetyL propionyL butiryL caproyL palmityL stearyl etc. group.

A C ₃ .9 alkenoyl group is, for example, an acryloyL pentenoyL hexenoyL heptenoyL octenoyl etc. group.

A CM alkylene group is, for example, a methylene, ethylene, propylene or butylene group.

A halo atom is, for example, a fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo atom, preferably a chloro or a bromo atom.

If Y stands for a group of the formula R ⁷ -COO-, it can represent, for example, a linolenoyL linoloyL docosahexanoyL eicosapentanoy arachidonoyl etc. group.

The pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of the compounds of the formula I are the acid addition salts formed with pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid etc. or with pharmaceutically acceptable organic acids such as acetic acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid etc.

A prefeπed subgroup of the compounds of the formula I consists ofthe hydroximic acid derivatives ofthe formula

R ⁴ R ⁵

R ³ - (CH) _m - (CH) _n - C - X

N - O - CH ₂ - CH - CH ₂ - N D

Ϋ "^R ²

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ^J , m and n are as stated in relation to formula I, X represents a halo atom or an amino group, Y means a hydroxy group.

Especially prefeπed compounds of the formula II are those wherein R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form a piperidino group, R ³ stands for a pyridyl group, m and n have a valaue of 0, X is as defined above. Of these compounds, prefeπed species are as follows: 0-(3-piperidino-2-hydroxy- l-propyl)pyrid-3-y-hydroximic acid

chloride (Compound "A") and

0-(3-ρiperidmo-2-hydroxy-l-propyl)nicotinic amidoxime (compound "B").

A further prefeπed subgroup of the hydroximic acid derivatives ofthe formula I consists ofthe compounds ofthe formula

R ³ - A -

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and A are as stated in relation to formula I.

Another prefeπed subgroup ofthe hydroximic acid derivatives ofthe formula I consists ofthe compounds ofthe foπnula

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and A are as stated in relation to formula I, Z represents an oxygen or a nitrogen atom.

A still further prefeπed subgroup of the hydroximic acid derivatives ofthe formula I consists ofthe compounds ofthe formula

OR ⁶ OH _/ R ¹

R ³ - A - C ¹ = N - O - CH ₂ - C ' H - CH ₂ - N ^ V

^R ²

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and A are as stated in relation to formula I, R ⁶ stands for a CM alkyl group.

The compounds of the formula I can be prepared by the processes known from HU-P Nos. 177 578 and 207 988 as well as from HU-P Apphcation published under No. T/66350.

The pharmaceutical composition of the invention comprises 0.1 to 95 % by mass, preferably 1 to 50 % by mass, especially 5 to 30 % by mass, of a hydroximic acid derivative of the formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof as the active ingredient and one or more conventional carriers).

The pharmaceutical compositions ofthe mvention are suitable for peroral, parenteral or rectal administration or for local treatment, and can be sohd or hquid.

The sohd pharmaceutical compositions suitable for peroral administration may be powders, capsules, tablets, film-coated tablets, microcapsules etc., and can comprise binding agents such as gelatine, sorbitoL poly(vinylpyπolidone) etc.; filling agents such as lactose, glucose, starch, calcium phosphate etc.; auxihary substances for tabletting such as magnesium stearate, talc, poly( ethyleneglycol), sihca etc.; wetting agents such as sodium laurylsulfate etc. as the carrier.

The hquid pharmaceutical compositions suitable for peroral administration may be solutions, suspensions or emulsions and can comprise e.g. suspending agents such as gelatine, carboxymethylcellulose etc.; emulsifiers such as sorbitane monooleate etc.; solvents such as water, oils, propyleneglycoL ethanol etc.; preservatives such as methyl p-hydroxybenzoate etc. as the caπier.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for parenteral adrninistration consist of sterile solutions of the active ingredient, in general.

Dosage forms listed above as well as other dosage forms are known per se, see e.g. Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Edition, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, USA (1990).

The pharmaceutical compositions of the mvention contain, generally, unit dosage. A typical daily dose for adult patients amounts to 0.1 to 1000 mg of the compound of the formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid additon salt thereof. The above dose can be administered in one portion or in more portions. The actual dose depends on many factors and is determined by the doctor.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are prepared by admixing a compound of the formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof to one or more carriers), and converting the mixture obtained to a pharmaceutical composition in a manner known per se. Useful methods are known from the literature, e.g. Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Another embodiment of the invention consists of a use of a compound ofthe formula I, wherein R, R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, A and B are as stated in relation to formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, optionally in admixture with one or more carriers) commonly employed in pharmaceutical compositions for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition useful in the protection of the mitochondrial genom amnd/or mitochondrium from damages.

A still another embodiment of the invention consists of a use of a compound ofthe formula I, wherein R, wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, A and B are as stated in relation to formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, optionally in admixture with one or more carriers) commonly employed in pharmaceutical compositions for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition useful in the treatment of diseases connected with the damage of the mitochondrial genom and/or mitochondrium. Such diseases include especially myopathy, cardiomyopathy as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease or Huntington's disease.

According to a prefeπed use of the invention, a hydroximic acid derivatives ofthe formula U, wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ , X, Y, m and n are as stated in relation to formula II, or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof is employed.

In accordance with a still prefeπed use of the invention, a compound of the formula II, wherein R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen atom they are attached to form a piperidino group, m and n have the value of 0, X and Y are as stated in relation to formula II, or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof is employed.

According to an especially prefeπed use ofthe invention 0-(3- piperid o-2-hydroxy-l-propyl)pyrid-3-ymydroximic acid chloride or 0-(3-piperidmo-2-hydroxy-l-propyl)nicotinic amidoxime or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof is employed.

In vitro tests

The mitochondrial genom protection effect of the hydroximic acid derivatives ofthe formula I was tested by their abihty to protect the oxidative phosphorylation, in vitro. The theoretical background of the tests is that the energy needed for the cells is produced by the adenozm-triphosphate (ATP) which is synthesized in the mitochondrium. The abnormalities of the substrate transport, the citrate pathwax, the defect of the respiratory complexes and a disconnect in the oxidative phosphorylation entails a disturbed energy supply of the cell. In the test the oxidative phosphorylation was damaged by applying heat-shock on Sacharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells and K562 human eritroleukemic cells and the protective effect of compound "B" was determined.

It is known that one ofthe damaging effects ofthe heat-shock that is developped immediately, Le. within a few mmutes, affects the mitochondrium by disconnecting the respiratory chain from the oxidative phosphorylation. Tests using chemical uncouplers showed that protons pumped into the space between the inner and outer rmtchondrium membranes by the enzyme complexes of the respiratory chain during electron transport get back to the inner space due to the effect of the uncouplers, thus, no ATP is synthesized. Due to heat-shock, there is a similar process going on which results in a rapidly decreasing energy supply to the cells.

Materials used in testing:

Sacharomyces cerevisiae cell culture. The S288C haploid wild-type cell line was cultured on a YPG medium that contained 1 % of yeast extract, 2 % of peptone and 3 % of glycerol. The culture was shaken on a hquid medium in a water bath at 25 °C under aerobic conditions.

The K562 culture.

The K562 eritroleukemic type cell line of human chronic myeloid leukemic origin was cultured on an RPMI 1640 hquid medium in the presence of 10 % of calf serum, at a temperature of 37 °C, in a wet gas mixture containing 95 % of air and 5 % of carbon dioxide.

Oligomycin.

Carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CI-CCP) manufacturer.

Sigma Chemicals Co., St. Louis, USA).

Oxygen consumption was measured in the following way:

The cells were centrifuged during their logarithmic growth phase and, in case of the Sacharomyces cerevisiae, were taken in a tenfold amount of YPG medium containing 1 % of mannose instead of the 2

% of glycerol. In case of the K 562, after the separation, the cells were taken in a 4x10 ⁶ cell/ml concentration in an RPMI 1640 medium containing 20 mM of HEPES. The oxygen consumption was measured in a 2 ml thermostated cuvet, with Clare's electrode. Details of the method are described in the following article: Patriarca, E.J. and Maresca, B. Experimental CeU Research, 190, 57-64 (1990).

Stimulation ofthe respiratory rate is given in % using the formula:

One hour before the heat-shock, after the separation, IO ^"5 , 2.5xl0 ^"5 , 5xl0 ^"5 M of compound "B" and solvent (PBS i.e. physiological

sodium chloride solution containing phosphate buffer), respectively, were added to the medium. The heat-shock was caπied out by keeping the culture at 42 °C for 5 minutes instead of the original temperature of 25 °C In case of the K562 cells the culture was kept at 48 °C for 10 mmutes instead ofthe original 37 °C

It has been noted during the experiments that the heat-shock significantly uncoupled the electron transport chain from the ATP synthesis in both the Sacharomyces cerevisiae and K 562 cells.

The results obtained are shown in Tables 1 and 2 where the method of treatment is displayed together with the stimulation in % and the obtained protection in %.

Table 1 Protection ofthe oxidative phosphorylation of Sacharomyces cerevisiae

Treatment Stimulation, % Protection, %

25 °C 99 + 13

42 °C + solvent 8 ± 2 0

42 °C + lxlO ^"3 M 33 ± 5 27 compound "B"

42 °C + 2.5xl0 ^'5 M 47 ± 4 43 compound "B"

42 °C + 5xl0 ⁵ M 43 ± 5 38 compound "B"

Table 2

Protection ofthe oxidative phosphorylaltion ofthe K 562

Treatment Stimulation, % Protection, %

37 °C 1 17 ± 22

48 °C + solvent 27 ± 3 0

48 °C + lxl0 ^"5 M 70 ± 8 36 compound "B"

48 °C + 2.5x10 - ⁵ M 95 ± 11 57 compound "B"

48 °C + 5x10 ^'5 M 97 + 11 58 compound "B"

Data of Tables 1 and 2 demonstrate that the apphcation of compound "B" undoubtedly provided an increased protection to the cells by preventing the uncoupling ofthe mitochondrial respiratory complexes. In the examined range, the optimal concentration of the compound "B" was 25 micromoles. In additon to retaining the proper cell functions, most probably indirectly prevents the formation of oxygen free radicals. From this we can conclude that the compound "B" provides protection against damages ofthe mitochondrial genom.

Protection ofthe mitochondria from heat induced uncoupling

Under normal circumstances the respiratory complexes pump out proton during the oxidation of NADH creating a proton gradient in the two sides of the inner mitochondrial membrane. This proton gradient provides energy to ATP synthesis from ADP and inorganic phosphate. The protons can only reenter the inner membrane space through FiFoATPase utilizing the energy of proton gradient for ATP synthesis from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi). In the absence of ADP or PL the proton gradient increases and inhibits the respiratory complexes and the mitochondrial oxygen consumption. However, if there is any damage in the inner membrane, the protons can reenter the inner membrane space through the damaged region, and the energy of proton gradient is not utilized by FιF _< ΛTPase, and so the mitochondrial oxidation becomes ADP independent (mitochondria becomes uncoupled).

It is well known that heat-stress can induce an uncoupling of mitochondrial oxidation from mitochondrial energy (ATP) production which is the consequence of heat-stress induced mitochondrial inner membrane damage. In the damaged membrane regions, protons leak back from the intermembrane space to inneπnembrane compartment, thus, the mitochondrial oxidation becomes ADP independent.

For the test, mitochondria were isolated from control rats or from rats treated with 40 mg/kg of compound "B" 6 hours before preparation, the preparation taking place as described by Sϋmegj et aL, J. Biol. Chem., 259, 8748 (1984). Oxygen consumption was

determined with Clark electrode in a chamber at 37 °C The rate of oxygen consumption in the presence of 5mM of ADP as well as in the absence of ADP is determined and shown in Table 3 both for untreated mitochondria and mitochondria preincubated for 8 minutes at 42 °C

Table 3 Protection ofthe mitochondria from heat induced uncoupling

Treatment

Mitochondria

None 8 min. at 43 °C

Ratio of mitochondrial oxygen consumption in the presence versus in the absence of ADP

Control animals 6 ± 0.8 2.7 + 1.1

Compound "B" treated animals 6.2 ± 1.0 5.0 ± 1.2

Data shown are the average ± standard eπor of three experiments.

It can be seen in Table 3 that under normal conditions, the mitochondrial oxidation is approximately 6 times faster in the presence of ADP than in ADP free medium showing a good coupling between mitochondrial oxidation and ATP synthesis. However, heat-

stress significantly decreases the coupling of mitochondria, and in the control cases this value decreased (2.7) but in the mitochondria from animals pretreated with compound "B" still preserved a relatively high coupling ratio (5.1). These data show that the compounds of the formula I and especially compound "B" protected the mitochondrial energy production (ATP synthesis) from heat-stress caused damage.

Protection of cholinergic neurons from hydrogen peroxide induced cell degeneration

It is well known that hydrogen peroxide causes oxidative cell damage through generating oxygen related free radicals in cells. Therefore, hydrogen peroxide induced cell damage can be used as a general model for neuron degeneration. SN6.10.2.2 hybrid , N18TG2 + ED 15 septal neurons cell-line /Hammond et aL, Science, 234, 1237 (1986)/ were used to study the protecting effect ofthe compounds of the formula I against oxygen relateed free radical caused cell damage which is the main pathway in most neurodegenerative diseases.

For the test, the cells were divided into two groups on 96-wells plate. One of the groups was maintained in the medium containing compound "B" (40 mg/l), another one was maintained int the base medium. The treatment was started 24 hours after dividing. Both of the groups were treated with their medium containing different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. The survival test was performed after 48 hours' treatment periods.

Survival test:

The medium was removed from the weU, the cells were rinsed with sterile PBS and then 150 μg of alkalme phosphatase substrate dissolved in 150 μg of fresh diethanolamine buffer (pH 9.8) was added to each welL Plates were incubated at 30 °C and the reaction was stopped by adding 50 μl of sodium hydroxide to each well. The absorbance was measured at 405 nm by Dynatech ELISA reader and peripheral wells of each plate containing only medium were utilized for blank background determination.

The results obtained are shown in Table 4.

Table 4

Protection of cholinergic neurons from hydrogen peroxide induced cell lysis by compound "B"

Medium Medium with compound "B"

control 100 % 100 %

60 mM H ₂ O ₂ 11±2 % 63±4 %

120 mM H ₂ O ₂ 8±3 % 52±5 %

Table 4 shows that the compound ofthe formula I tested (Le. compound "B") effectively protects cholinergic neurons from hydrogen peroxide induced cell lysis. Since hydrogen peroxide kills cell by generating a large quantity of oxygen related free radicaL compound "B" can protect neurons in any diseases where neuronal

damage is associated with oxygen related free radicals. Therefore, compounds of the formula I can be advantageous in Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease and several dementia of mixed origin /Life Sciences, 16, 1151-1171 (1995)/.

In vivo tests

The mitochondrial genom protective effect ofthe hydroximic acid derivatives ofthe formula I was also tested in vivo, treatmg rats. Vistar rats were treated daily with AZT (3 -azidothymidme, manufacturer: Sigma Chemicals Inc.) in a dose of 50 mg/kg for 14 days. Certam test goups were treated with AZT in combination either with the compound "A" (daily dose of 20 mg/kg) or with the compound "B" (daily dose of 40 mg/kg). During and after the treatment various measurements were made.

1) Schiller AT-6 ECG was used to momtor cardiac function of the animals, on all four limbs. The ECG parameters were evaluated using a standard method described in the technical literature /KawaL C, Takatsu, T., New EngL J. Med., 293, 592 (1975); Angelakos, E.T., Beraardmi, P.J. AppL Physiol., 18, 261-263 (1963)/. We have determmed the RR, PR and TQ intervals and the J point depressions. The results obtamed are shown in Table 5 where values are presented as the average of 5 measurements with ± standard deviation.

Table 5

Effect of compound "B" on the AZT induced cardiac function abnormalities (cardiomyopathies)

Treatment RR PR QT(ms) J (mm)

Before treatment 174+12 53±2 70±2 -0.1+0.1

Treatment for 14 days with dai y

50 mg/kg of AZT 284+16 82±3 112±9 ■1.1+0.1

Treatment for 14 days with daily

50 mg/kg of AZT and 40 mg/kg of compound "B" 161+24 47+6 76±5 -0.2±0.14

Data of Table 5 demonstrate that as an effect of the AZT treatment, compared to the control group, the animal heart frequency was significantly prolonged (RR) and also the PQ intervals were increased. Furthermore, the QT value increased significantly and in leads I and VL which represent the main muscle mass of the left ventricle, significant J point depressions (over 0.1 mV) were found. These parameters characterize a developed myocardial ischaemia or a defective oxygen consumption. However, in cases when, in addition to AZT, also compound "B" was administered to the rats in a daily

dose of 40 mg/kg, the heart parameters returned to the normal range, that is the compound protected u e heart from the abnormahties mduced by AZT.

2) The respiratory activity of the animals was determined. In doing so the activities of the NADH: cytochrome C oxidoreductase, cytochrome oxidase and citrate synthase were determined with methods described in the technical literature /SϋmegL Balazs et aL; Clin. Chim. Acta., 192, 9-18, (1990)/. (NADH: nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotid, reduced form). The results obtained are shown in Table 6.

Table 6

Effect of compounds "A" and "B" on the AZT induced decrease in the respiratory activity

Treatment Cytochrome NADH: cytochrome C Citrate oxidase oxidoreductase synthase unit/gram wet tissue

Control group 14.7±1.6 11.6±0.7 292+28

AZT 8.7±2 9.5±0.2 242+19

AZT+compound

"A" 10.3+1.2 11.3±0.5 262±47

AZT+compound

"B" 11.8±1.3 10.5+1 271+11

It is well demonstrated in Table 6 that the AZT treatment significantly decreases the activity of the respiratory complexes in the mitochondria of the heart. In this way, AZT remarkably reduces the oxidative energy production in the heart which can lead to a state in that the heart is unable to properly perform its basic function (see Table 5, ECG data). Besides this, a decreased capacity of the mitochondrial respiration can lead to an abnormal mitochondrial metabolism which may cause further heart damages.

When AZT was administered to animals in combination with the compound "A" or "B", its respiratory actrvity decreasing effect almost disappeared and the respiratory activity values stayed close to normal. That is the tested dompounds of the formula I significantly decreased the AZT induced mitochondrial membrane damages by protecting the respiratory complexes.

3) The damages to the mitochondrial genom were examined. Damages to the mitochondrial genom were determined applying the PCR method. (PCR: polimerase chain reaction). The primers were selected by amplifying the range from the cytochrome oxidase component I to the cytochrome B in order to look for deletions. (The primers were purchased from the Ransonhill BioScience Co.). The method apphed is described in the publication of SumegL Balazs et al. /B.B.A. (1996)/ which publication is being edited. Using PCR primers in amplifying the region 4929 to 16298 of the mitochondrial genom showed that 0.5 and 1.5 kb ranges significantly amplified in AZT

treated rats. At the same time, no amplificiation of such short ranges is seen on the animals of the control group. It is understandable that an undamaged genom does not amplify short DNA ranges as in these tests the primers are more than 11.3 kb from each other. The fact that such short DNA ranges are amplified in AZT treated rats shows that, due to the AZT treatment, 10 kb ranges are deleted from the mitochondrial genom and it is in such damaged genoms that the primers become as close to each other as 0.5 - 1.5 kb. As a conseqeuence, the DNA range can be amplified. The amplification of such DNA ranges shows the damage to the mitochondrial genom, that is the partial or complete deletion of uie genes coding for the subgroups I, II and HI of the cytochrome oxidase, of the genes encoding for ATP 6 and 8, the genes coding for Complex I or NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase 2, 4, 4L, 5 and 6, and coding for cytochrome B.

When AZT was administered to animals in combmation with compound "B", the amplification ofthe above short DNA ranges have significantly decreased and certain DNA fragments could not be detected.

This means that compound "B" protected the above genes from AZT induced damages or at least significantly decreased those damages. It is to be noted that the AZT induced artificial damages to the above genes can also occur as an effect of ischaemic cardiomyopathy or cardiomyopathy of aged people.

The effect of the compounds of the formula I on inherited mitochondrial cardiomyopathies.

Test were carried out using inherited mitochondrial cardiomyopathic rats that were treated with a daily dose of 40 mg/kg of compound "B" for 14 days. The rat heart function was monitored by ECG. The ECG data obtamed for the control group and the group treated with compound "B" are shown in Table 7. Values are presented as the average of 3 measurements with ± standard deviation.

Table 7

The effect of compound "B" on the heart function of rats with inherited mitochondrial cardiomyopathy

Treatment RR PR QT (ms) J (mm)

Control group 204±20 54+5 92±8 -l.O±O. l

Compound "B" 169+21 43+7 71+7 -0.3+0.1

Tests were performed on rats with inherited cardiomyopathy which have abnormal heart functions. This fact can easily be seen from Table 7. These cardiomyopathic rats serve as a perfect model of ischaemic cardiomyopathy and cardiomyopathy of aged people. As an effect of the 14 days' treatment with compound "B", the animals' heart functions improved significantly and theECG parameters moved back to the normal range.

The above tests show that the hydroximic derivatives of the formula I are able to protect the mitochondrial genom agamst various damages. In the case of the animal models used, they have virtually eliminated the AZT induced heart damages and this can bear a great significance in the human medical science considering that, at present, more than a hundred thousand people are treated with AZT worldwide.

Further important feature ofthe compounds is that in case of a developed cardiomyopathy (where the mitochondrial damages are similar to those of the ischaemic cardiomyopathy and the cardiomyopathy of aged people), they eliminate heart function abnormahties and restore the normal ECG parameters.

Based on the above tests it can be said that the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention contaimng as active ingredient a compound of the formula I can protect the mitochondrial genom or the mitochondrium from damages, furthermore can treat diseases with already developed damages of that kind.