Peptidotriazolamers Inhibit A beta(1-42) Oligomerization and Cross a Blood-Brain-Barrier Model

In peptidotriazolamers every second peptide bond is replaced by a 1H-1,2,3-triazole. Such foldamers are expected to bridge the gap in molecular weight between small-molecule drugs and protein-based drugs. Amyloid beta (A beta) aggregates play an important role in Alzheimer's disease. We studied the impact of amide bond replacements by 1,4-disubstituted 1H-1,2,3-triazoles on the inhibitory activity of the aggregation "hot spots" (KLVFF20)-L-16 and G(39)VVIA(42) in A beta(1-42). We found that peptidotriazolamers act as modulators of the A beta(1-42) oligomerization. Some peptidotriazolamers are able to interfere with the formation of toxic early A beta oligomers, depending on the position of the triazoles, which is also supported by computational studies. Preliminary in vitro results demonstrate that a highly active peptidotriazolamer is also able to cross the blood-brain-barrier.Peer reviewe

Peptidotriazolamers Inhibit Abeta(1-42) Oligomerization and Cross a Blood-Brain-Barrier Model

Tonali NM, Hericks L, Schröder DC, et al. Peptidotriazolamers Inhibit Abeta(1-42) Oligomerization and Cross a Blood-Brain-Barrier Model. ChemPlusChem. 2021;86(6):840-851.In peptidotriazolamers every second peptide bond is replaced by a 1H-1,2,3-triazole. Such foldamers are expected to bridge the gap in molecular weight between small-molecule drugs and protein-based drugs. Amyloid beta (Abeta) aggregates play an important role in Alzheimer's disease. We studied the impact of amide bond replacements by 1,4-disubstituted 1H-1,2,3-triazoles on the inhibitory activity of the aggregation "hot spots" K16 LVFF20 and G39 VVIA42 in Abeta(1-42). We found that peptidotriazolamers act as modulators of the Abeta(1-42) oligomerization. Some peptidotriazolamers are able to interfere with the formation of toxic early Abeta oligomers, depending on the position of the triazoles, which is also supported by computational studies. Preliminary in vitro results demonstrate that a highly active peptidotriazolamer is also able to cross the blood-brain-barrier. © 2021 The Authors. ChemPlusChem published by Wiley-VCH GmbH

Assessment of frequency and severity of hypomagnesemia in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with cetuximab, with a review of the literature

Currently, there are a few systemic treatment options for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Targeted therapy used in this setting includes the use of monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab or panitumumab, directed against epidermal growth factor receptor. The aim of the present study was to estimate the frequency and severity of hypomagnesemia among patients with mCRC treated with cetuximab. The data from the Department of Clinical Oncology, University Hospital of Krakow (Krakow, Poland), concerning 52 patients treated between 2009 and 2013 were collected. Of these, 27 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria to enter this retrospective study. The National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 were used to grade the level of hypomagnesemia. In total, 29.6% of all patients experienced hypomagnesemia during treatment, and the majority of cases were grade 1 (22.2%). There was no statistically significant correlation between magnesium (Mg) level and patient age, duration of treatment, localization of primary tumor or metastases, and the number of metastases. However, there was an upward trend in a logistic regression model showing that the risk of developing hypomagnesemia increases with age. Hypomagnesemia is a frequent problem among mCRC patients receiving cetuximab. It is essential to introduce guidelines regarding the monitoring of the Mg level and its supplementation in this group of patients