Ana Lucić Vrdoljak

Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Grad Zagreb, Croatia

Are you Ana Lucić Vrdoljak?

Claim your profile

Publications (23)45.49 Total impact

  • Source
    Article: A conjugate of pyridine-4-aldoxime and atropine as a potential antidote against organophosphorus compounds poisoning.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: A conjugate of pyridine-4-aldoxime and atropine (ATR-4-OX) was synthesized and its antidotal efficiency was tested in vitro on tabun- or paraoxon-inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of human erythrocytes as well as in vivo using soman-, tabun- or paraoxon-poisoned mice. Its genotoxic profile was assessed on human lymphocytes in vitro and was found acceptable for further research. ATR-4-OX showed very weak antidotal activity, inadequate for soman or tabun poisoning. Conversely, it was effective against paraoxon poisoning both in vitro and in vivo. All animals treated with 5 % or 25 % LD(50) doses of the new oxime survived after administration of 10.0 or 16.0 LD(50) doses of paraoxon, respectively. Based on the persistence of toxicity symptoms in mice, the atropine moiety had questionable effects in attenuating such symptoms. It appears that ATR-4-OX has a therapeutic effect related to the reactivation of phosphylated AChE, but not to receptor antagonization.
    Acta biochimica Polonica 01/2011; 58(2):193-8. · 1.49 Impact Factor
  • Article: In vivo experimental approach to treatment against tabun poisoning.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Organophosphorus compounds pose a potential threat to both military and civilian populations. Since post-exposure therapy has its limitations, our research was focused on the possibility of improving pretreatment in order to limit the toxic effects of tabun. We determined the protective index of various combinations of atropine, oximes (K074, K048, and TMB-4), and pyridostigmine given to mice before tabun intoxication. Although the tested oximes showed very good therapeutic efficacy in tabun-poisoned mice, the given pretreatments improved therapy against tabun poisoning. These regimens ensured survival of all animals up to 25.2 LD(50) of tabun. Our results indicate that even pretreatment with atropine alone is sufficiently effective in enhancing the survival of mice poisoned by multiple doses of tabun, if oxime therapy follows. K048 is our oxime of choice for future research, as it shows better protective and reactivating potency.
    Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry 03/2010; 25(4):531-6. · 1.62 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Qualitative GC-MS assessment of TCP and TAMORF elimination in rats.
    Maja Jelena Petek, Ana Lucić Vrdoljak, Gordan Mrsić
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Nerve agents are highly toxic organophosphorus (OP) compounds. They inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that hydrolyses acetycholine (ACh) in the nervous system. Pathophysiological changes caused by OP poisonings are primarily the consequence of surplus ACh on cholinergic receptors and in the central nervous system. Standard treatment of OP poisoning includes combined administration of carbamates, atropine, oximes and anticonvulsants. In order to improve therapy, new compounds have been synthesised and tested. Tenocyclidine (TCP) and its adamantane derivative 1-[2-(2-thienyl)-2-adamantyl] morpholine (TAMORF) have shown interesting properties against soman poisoning. In this study, we developed a qualitative GC-MS method to measure elimination of TCP and TAMORF through rat urine in order to learn more about the mechanisms through which TCP protects an organism from OP poisoning and to determine the duration of this protective effect. GC-MS showed that six hours after treatment with TCP, rat urine contained only its metabolite 1-thienylcyclohexene, while urine of rats treated with TAMORF contained both TAMORF and its metabolites.
    Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology 03/2010; 61(1):61-7. · 1.05 Impact Factor
  • Article: The antidotal efficacy of the bispyridinium oximes K027 and TMB-4 against tabun poisoning in mice.
    Suzana Berend, Bozica Radić, Kamil Kuca, Ana Lucić Vrdoljak
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: A toxic effect of highly toxic nervous agents is irreversible inhibition of vitally important enzyme acethylcholinesterase (AChE). Inhibition of AChE results in accumulation of acetylcholine (ACh) at the synaptic cleft of the cholinergic neurons, leading to overstimulation of cholinergic receptors. The highly toxic nature of tabun has been known for many years, but there are still serious limitations to the antidotal therapy. In this paper a bispyridinium compound K027 [1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-3-(-4-carbamoylpyridinium) propane dibromide] was tested as potential antidote in tabun poisoned mice. Oxime TMB-4 was included for comparison. The therapeutic efficacy of applied antidotal regimens was tested as pretreatment given 15 min before tabun poisoning and/or as therapy given 1 min after tabun poisoning. Using oxime K027 (25% of its LD(50)) plus atropine as both, pretreatment and therapy, we showed that this combination can protect mice 8 times better than the therapy alone. Under these experimental conditions we confirmed good antidotal efficacy of K027. Moreover, its low acute toxicity is as much as beneficial effect in contrast to high toxicity of currently used TMB-4.
    Chemico-biological interactions 02/2010; 187(1-3):291-4. · 2.46 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Effects of high sucrose diet, gemfibrozil, and their combination on plasma paraoxonase 1 activity and lipid levels in rats.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: We investigated the influence of high sucrose diet (HSD) after 3 or 5 weeks of administration on paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity in plasma of normolipidemic rats and the relationship between serum PON1 activity, triacylglycerides (TGs), HDL and total cholesterol vs. the control group of rats fed normal, control diet (CD). Because the data about the influence of gemfibrozil (GEM) on PON1 activity are controversial, we also investigated its effects (administration in the 4th and 5th week in rats on HSD and CD) on plasma PON1 activity and lipid levels in normolipidemic rats, and in rats with hypertriglyceridemia caused by HSD. Our results obtained in rats on HSD show a significant increase of plasma TGs levels by 47% (P<0.05) after 5 weeks of treatment, and PON1 activity by 32% and 23% (P<0.05) after 3 and 5 weeks, but without change in lipid levels vs. rats on CD. In the rats on CD and HSD, GEM caused a significant decrease of PON1 activity by 44% and 33%, while a significant decrease of TGs level by 38% (P<0.05) was measured only in rats on CD. The effects of GEM on total cholesterol, HDL and LDL in both groups of rats were typical for its action on lipoprotein metabolism. Because GEM in the rat liver stimulates proliferation of peroxisomes, β oxidation, and production of H₂O₂, it is possible that the oxidative stress induced by GEM damages hepatocytes and lowers the synthesis of PON1.
    Acta biochimica Polonica 01/2010; 57(3):321-6. · 1.49 Impact Factor
  • Article: Irinotecan side effects relieved by the use of HI-6 oxime: in vivo experimental approach.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Some compounds, although not primarily designed as supportive drugs in chemotherapy, are promising candidates for clinical use. The ability of HI-6 oxime to relieve the side effects of irinotecan was recently determined in vitro. In this animal study, we investigated the efficacy of HI-6 in vivo, when given as a pre-treatment and concomitantly with irinotecan. We evaluated the cholinesterase (ChE)/acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, the levels of oxidative stress markers, DNA damage and the radical scavenging capacity of HI-6. Both HI-6 and irinotecan inhibited ChE/AChE activity but showed different levels of ChE inhibition in plasma and AChE inhibition in the liver and brain tissue. We also observed a weak antioxidant capacity of HI-6, undiscovered until now, and found an acceptable genotoxicity profile in three types of somatic cells in rats. The in vivo erythrocyte micronucleus assay showed that HI-6 did not significantly change either the frequency of micronuclei or the ratio of polychromatic and normorchromatic erythrocytes. Taken together, our results provide a good argument in favour of HI-6 as a promising molecule for further studies and eventual use in humans.
    Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology 09/2009; 105(6):401-9. · 2.18 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Evaluation of oxime k203 as antidote in tabun poisoning.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: We studied bispyridinium oxime K203 [(E)-1-(4-carbamoylpyridinium)-4-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-but-2-ene dibromide] with tabun-inhibited human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in vitro, and its antidotal effect on tabun-poisoned mice and rats in vivo. We compared it with oximes K048 and TMB-4, which have proven the most efficient oxime antidotes in tabun poisoning by now. Tabun-inhibited AChE was completely reactivated by K203, with the overall reactivation rate constant of 1806 L mol(-1) min(-1). This means that K203 is a very potent reactivator of tabun-inhibited AChE. In addition, K203 reversibly inhibited AChE (Ki = 0.090 mmol L(-1)) and BChE (K(i) = 0.91 mmol L(-1)), and exhibited its protective effect against phosphorylation of AChE by tabun in vitro. In vivo, a quarter of the LD50 K203 dose insured survival of all mice after the application of as many as 8 LD50 doses of tabun, which is the highest dosage obtained compared to K048 and TMB-4. Moreover, K203 showed high therapeutic potency in tabun-poisoned rats, preserving cholinesterase activity in rat plasma up to 60 min after poisoning. This therapeutic improvement obtained by K203 in tabun-poisoning places this oxime in the spotlight for further development.
    Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology 04/2009; 60(1):19-26. · 1.05 Impact Factor
  • Article: New bispyridinium oximes: in vitro and in vivo evaluation of their biological efficiency in soman and tabun poisoning.
    Suzana Berend, Ana Lucić Vrdoljak, Bozica Radić, Kamil Kuca
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Improving the efficacy of antidotal treatment of poisonings with nerve agents is still a challenge for the scientific community. This study investigated the interactions of four bispyridinium oximes with human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and their effects on soman- and tabun-poisoned mice. Oximes HI-6 and TMB-4 were used for comparison. These oximes inhibited AchE with inhibitory potency (IC(50)) ranging from 0.02 to 1.0 mM. The best reactivating potency (%R) was obtained with K074, when AChE was inhibited by tabun. The protective potency (P(50)) of all oximes in human erythrocyte AChE inhibited by soman and tabun could not be determined. In tabun-poisoned mice very good antidotal efficacy was obtained with K027, K048, and K074, which makes them interesting for future investigation. The combination of HI-6 and atropine is the therapy of choice for soman poisoning.
    Chemico-Biological Interactions 06/2008; 175(1-3):413-6. · 2.46 Impact Factor
  • Article: Oximes: Reactivators of phosphorylated acetylcholinesterase and antidotes in therapy against tabun poisoning.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: One of the therapeutic approaches to organophosphate poisoning is to reactivate AChE with site-directed nucleophiles such as oximes. However, pyridinium oximes 2-PAM, HI-6, TMB-4 and obidoxime, found as the most effective reactivators, have limiting reactivating potency in tabun poisoning. We tested oximes varying in the type of ring (pyridinium and/or imidazolium), the length and type of the linker between rings, and in the position of the oxime group on the ring to find more effective oximes to reactivate tabun-inhibited human erythrocyte AChE. Three of our tested pyridinium oximes K027, K048, K074, along with TMB-4, were the most promising for AChE reactivation. Promising oximes were further tested in vivo on tabun poisoned mice not only as antidotes in combination with atropine but also as pretreatment drug. Herein, we showed that a promising treatment in tabun poisoning by selected oximes and atropine could be improved if oximes are also used in pretreatment. Since the reactivating efficacy of the oximes in vitro corresponded to their therapeutic efficacy in vivo, it seems that pharmacological effect of these oximes is indeed primarily related to the reactivation of tabun-phosphorylated AChE.
    Chemico-Biological Interactions 06/2008; 175(1-3):173-9. · 2.46 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Tenocyclidine treatment in soman-poisoned rats--intriguing results on genotoxicity versus protection.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the antidotal potency of tenocyclidine (TCP) that probably might protect acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the case of organophosphate poisoning. TCP was tested alone as a pretreatment or in combination with atropine as a therapy in rats poisoned with (1/4) and (1/2) of LD(50) of soman. Possible genotoxic effects of TCP in white blood cells and brain tissue were also studied. Results were compared with previous findings on the adamantyl tenocyclidine derivative TAMORF. TCP given alone as pretreatment, 5 min before soman, seems to be superior in the protection of cholinesterase (ChE) catalytic activity in the plasma than in brain, especially after administration of the lower dose of soman. Plasma activities of the enzyme after a joint treatment with TCP and soman were significantly increased at 30 min (P<0.001) and 24 h (P=0.0043), as compared to soman alone. TCP and atropine, given as therapy, were more effective than TCP administered alone as a pretreatment. The above therapy significantly increased activities of the enzyme at 30 min (P=0.046) and 24 h (P<0.001), as compared to controls treated with (1/4) LD(50) of soman alone. Using the alkaline comet assay, acceptable genotoxicity of TCP was observed. However, the controversial role of TCP in brain protection of soman-poisoned rats should be studied further.
    Acta biochimica Polonica 02/2008; 55(1):97-105. · 1.49 Impact Factor
  • Article: Comparative evaluation of acetylcholinesterase status and genome damage in blood cells of industrial workers exposed to carbofuran.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Literature data on carbofuran genotoxicity in vitro and in vivo are very scarce. There are few papers indicating that occupational exposure to this AChE inhibiting insecticide might be connected to increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and lung cancer. Other authors showed its genotoxicity in vitro. We used comet and CBMN micronucleus assay combined with centromere probes to evaluate genome damage in lymphocytes of workers employed in carbofuran production. Also, the level of AChE activity in blood and plasma was measured. Only few workers exhibited AChE activity below 85%. Comet assay parameters were slightly but significantly elevated compared to control subjects, especially the long-tailed nuclei ratio. We found poor correlation between AChE activity and comet assay parameters, but significant effect of smoking and alcohol intake on the latest. In binucleated lymphocytes of workers significantly increased number of micronuclei, nuclear buds, and nucleoplasmic bridges was detected. Proportion of micronuclei with centromere, DAPI signal positive micronuclei was also elevated. Micronucleus assay parameters also appeared to be significantly influenced by duration of exposure to carbofuran. Together with published data on carbofuran's effect on health our results might indicate the need for further evaluations of its genotoxicity using a range of different cytogenetic techniques.
    Food and Chemical Toxicology 01/2008; 45(12):2488-98. · 3.00 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: The involvement of oxidative stress in ochratoxin A and fumonisin B1 toxicity in rats.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to find out whether very low doses of nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic mycotoxins ochratoxin A (OTA) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) induce oxidative stress in rat kidney and liver and whether their effect is synergistic. Rats were treated orally with OTA (5 ng/kg b.w. and 50 microg/kg b.w.) and FB1 (200 ng/kg b.w. and 50 microg/kg b.w.), or their combinations. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PCs) concentration in kidney was affected with lower dose of OTA than in liver (p<0.05). FB1 did not affect MDA and PCs concentrations in the liver, while in the kidney both FB1 doses increased MDA concentration (p<0.05). The combination of the lower doses of OTA+FB1 increased the MDA and PCs concentration both in the liver and the kidney, compared to controls and animals treated with respective doses of mycotoxins (p<0.05). The combinations of mycotoxins reduced the catalase activity only in the kidney when compared to controls (p<0.05). In contrast to the increased kidney concentrations of MDA and PCs even with very low doses of OTA and FB1, the activity of catalase and SOD does not change. Combinations of OTA+FB1 affected almost all parameters, which indicates their potential to produce oxidative damage.
    Molecular Nutrition & Food Research 09/2007; 51(9):1147-51. · 4.30 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Irinotecan toxicity to human blood cells in vitro: relationship between various biomarkers.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Toxic effects of the antineoplastic drug irinotecan on human blood cells at concentrations of 9.0 microg/ml and 4.6 microg/ml were evaluated in vitro. Using the alkaline and neutral comet assay significantly increased levels of primary DNA damage in lymphocytes were detected. The induction of apoptosis/necrosis, as determined by a fluorescent assay, was also notably increased. Cytogenetic outcomes of the treatment were assessed by the analysis of structural chromosome aberrations and fluorescence in situ hybridization. A significantly higher incidence of chromatid breaks and complex quadriradials was observed. Painted chromosomes 1, 2 and 4 were equally involved in translocations, but only the chromosome 1 was involved in the formation of quadriradials. Sister chromatid exchange analysis was performed in parallel with the analysis of lymphocyte proliferation kinetics. The higher concentration of irinotecan caused almost seven-time increase, while the lower one caused a five-time increase of the basal sister chromatid exchange frequency, accompanied with significant lowering of the lymphocyte proliferation index. Using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, a dose-dependent increase in micronucleus frequency along with the formation of nuclear buds and nucleoplasmic bridges was noticed. Inhibitory effects of irinotecan on enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were studied in erythrocytes. An IC(50) value of 5.0 x 10(-7) was established. Irinotecan was found to be strong inhibitor of the acetylcholine hydrolysis and to cause a continuous decrease of catalytic activity of AChE. The results obtained on a single donor may contribute to the understanding of irinotecan toxicity, but further in vitro and in vivo studies are essential in order to clarify remaining issues, especially on possible inter-individual variability in genotoxic responses to the drug.
    Basic &amp Clinical Pharmacology &amp Toxicology 07/2007; 100(6):403-13. · 2.18 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Evaluation of HI-6 oxime: potential use in protection of human acetylcholinesterase inhibited by antineoplastic drug irinotecan and its cyto/genotoxicity in vitro.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The function of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the rapid hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), which is involved in the numerous cholinergic pathways in both the central and the peripheral nervous system. Therefore, AChE measurement is of high value for therapy management, especially during the course of intoxication with different chemicals or drugs that inhibit the enzyme. Pyridinium or bispyridinium aldoximes (oximes) are able to recover the activity of the inhibited enzyme. Since their adverse effects are not well elucidated, in this study the efficiency of HI-6 oxime in protection and/or reactivation of human erythrocyte AChE inhibited by the antineoplastic drug irinotecan as well as its cyto/genotoxicity in vitro were investigated. HI-6 was effective in protection of AChE and increased its activity up to 30%; the residual activity after irinotecan inhibition was 7%. Also, it reactivated the enzyme previously inhibited by 50% irinotecan (4.6 microg/ml) applied at 1/4 of the IC50 value. The tested concentrations of HI-6 exhibited acceptable genotoxicity towards white blood cells, as estimated by the alkaline comet assay, DNA diffusion assay and cytogenetic endpoints (structural chromosome aberrations and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay). The results obtained warrant the further investigation of HI-6 in vivo, as well as its development for possible application in chemotherapy.
    Acta biochimica Polonica 02/2007; 54(3):583-93. · 1.49 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Qualitative and quantitative gamma-hydroxybutyrate analysis].
    Maja Jelena Petek, Ana Lucić Vrdoljak
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a naturally occurring compound present in the brain and peripheral tissues of mammals. It is a minor metabolite and precursor of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Just as GABA, GHB is believed to play a role in neurotransmission. GHB was first synthesized in vitro in 1960, when it revealed depressive and hypnotic effects on the central nervous system. In 1960s it was used as an anaesthetic and later as an alternative to anabolic steroids, in order to enhance muscle growth. However, after it was shown that it caused strong physical dependence and severe side effects, GHB was banned. For the last fifteen years, GHB has been abused for its intoxicating effects such as euphoria, reduced inhibitions and sedation. Illicitly it is available as white powder or as clear liquid. Paradoxically GHB can easily be manufactured from its precursor gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), which has not yet been banned. Because of many car accidents and criminal acts in which it is involved, GHB has become an important object of forensic laboratory analysis. This paper describes gas and liquid chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, microscopy, colourimetry and nuclear magnetic resonance as methods for detection and quantification of GHB in urine and illicit products.
    Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology 01/2007; 57(4):397-404. · 1.05 Impact Factor
  • Article: In vitro biological efficiency of tenocyclidine-TCP and its adamantane derivative TAMORF.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Tenocyclidine-TCP showing a broad spectrum of pharmacological activity including antidotal effect in organophosphorus compounds poisoning, radioprotective and anticancer effects. We investigated in vitro interactions of TCP and its adamantane derivative--TAMORF with human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Moreover, their genotoxicity and radioprotective activity on human white blood cells were studied using the alkaline comet assay, viability testing and the analysis of the structural chromosome aberrations. The tested compounds were found to be weak inhibitors of AChE, for TCP IC(50)=1 x 10(-5)M and for TAMORF IC(50)>1 x 10(-3)M, without reactivating and protective effects on AChE inhibited by soman. Results suggest that TCP modified by the replacement of the cyclohexyl ring with an adamantly ring and piperidine with morpholine group (TAMORF) have lower toxicity. Both compounds possess low cytotoxicity and radioprotective activity, but TAMORF also shows cell growth inhibitory effects. To clarify differences in their biological efficiency observed in vitro and in vivo, additional analyses are necessary. Since TAMORF was found to significantly inhibit cell growth and proliferation in vitro, it is reasonably to consider it as a source molecule promising for further modifications and development of more potent substances with antitumor properties rather then radioprotector or antidote in organophosphorus poisoning.
    Toxicology in Vitro 12/2006; 20(8):1455-64. · 2.78 Impact Factor
  • Article: Pretreatment with pyridinium oximes improves antidotal therapy against tabun poisoning.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Oximes K033 [1,4-bis(2-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium) butane dibromide] and K048 [1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-4-(4-carbamoylpyridinium) butane dibromide] were tested as pretreatment drugs in tabun-poisoned mice followed by treatment with atropine plus K033, K048, K027 [1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-3-(4-carbamoylpyridinium) propane dibromide], TMB-4 [1,3-bis(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium) propane dibromide] and HI-6 [(1-(2-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-3-(4-carbamoylpyridinium)-2-oxapropane dichloride)]. Oxime doses of 25% or 5% of its LD(50) were used for pretreatment 15 min before tabun-poisoning and for treatment 1 min after tabun administration to mice. The best therapeutic effect was obtained when oxime K048 (25% of its LD(50)) was used in both pretreatment and treatment with atropine. This regiment insured survival of all tested animals after the application of 10 LD(50) of tabun. In addition, since butyrylcholinesterase (BChE; EC 3.1.1.8) is considered an endogenous bioscavenger of anticholinesterase compounds and its interactions with oximes could be masked by AChE interactions, we evaluated kinetic parameters for interactions of tested oximes with native and tabun-inhibited human plasma BChE and compared them with results obtained previously for human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7). Progressive inhibition of BChE by tabun was slightly faster than that of AChE. The reactivation of tabun-inhibited BChE by oximes was very slow, and BChE binding affinity for oximes was lower than AChE's. Therefore, BChE could scavenge tabun prior to AChE inhibition, but fast oxime-assisted reactivation of tabun-inhibited AChE or protection of AChE by oxime against inhibition with tabun would not be obstructed by interaction between BChE and oximes.
    Toxicology 12/2006; 228(1):41-50. · 3.68 Impact Factor
  • Article: Antidotal efficacy of pyridinium chloride derivatives against soman poisoning.
    Ana Lucić Vrdoljak, Jasna Lovrić, Bozica Radić, Vilim Zlender
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7.) is an extremely active enzyme necessary for terminating the action of acetylcholine in cholinergic synapses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of four mono-pyridinium compounds 1-phenacylpyridinium chloride (I), 1-phenacyl-2-methylpyiridinium chloride (II), 1-benzoylethylpyridinium chloride (III), and 1-benzoylethylpyridinium-4-aldoxime chloride (IV) in the therapy of soman poisoning. Their effect was compared with HI-6 and TMB-4 oximes. The inhibitory potency (IC50) of compounds as well as reactivating (%R) and protective potency (P50) with respect to soman-inhibited AChE were determined for each of the compounds. Their acute intraperitoneal toxicity (LD50 with 95% confidence limits) was tested in mice and observed for 24 hr. The therapeutic effect was expressed as the protective index and as the therapeutic dose. The tested compounds were found to be reversible inhibitors of AChE. In vivo results show that the tested compounds are relatively toxic (their LD50 was from 74.9 to 210.0 mg/kg body weight). The best antidotal efficacy was obtained with compound II, which had the highest affinity for AChE (IC50 was 1.9 x 10(-5) mol l(-1)) and seems to be an adequate antidote in soman poisoning (its protective index and therapeutic dose were 2.8 and 2, respectively). Our results indicate that its antidotal effect is related to the reactivation or protection of AChE. The type of the substituent in the pyridinium ring generally has a significant influence on toxicity in vitro and in vivo, and on the antidotal efficacy of all new tested compounds.
    Basic &amp Clinical Pharmacology &amp Toxicology 08/2006; 99(1):17-21. · 2.18 Impact Factor
  • Article: In vitro and in vivo evaluation of pyridinium oximes: mode of interaction with acetylcholinesterase, effect on tabun- and soman-poisoned mice and their cytotoxicity.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The increased concern about terrorist use of nerve agents prompted us to search for new more effective oximes against tabun and soman poisoning. We investigated the interactions of five bispyridinium oximes: K027 [1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-3-(4-carbamoylpyridinium) propane dibromide], K048 [1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-4-(4-carbamoylpyridinium) butane dibromide], K033 [1,4-bis(2-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium) butane dibromide], TMB-4 [1,3-bis(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium) propane dibromide] and HI-6 [(1-(2-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-3-(4-carbamoylpyridinium)-2-oxapropane dichloride)] with human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE; E.C. 3.1.1.7) and their effects on tabun- and soman-poisoned mice. All the oximes reversibly inhibited AChE, and the enzyme-oxime dissociation constants were between 17 and 180 microM. Tabun-inhibited AChE was completely reactivated by TMB-4, K027 and K048, with the overall reactivation rate constants of 306, 376 and 673 min(-1)M(-1), respectively. The reactivation of tabun-inhibited AChE by K033 reached 50% after 24h, while HI-6 failed to reactivate any AChE at all. Soman-inhibited AChE was resistant to reactivation by 1mM oximes. All studied oximes protected AChE from phosphorylation with both soman and tabun. In vivo experiments showed that the studied oximes were relatively toxic to mice; K033 was the most toxic (LD50=33.4 mg/kg), while K027 was the least toxic (LD50=672.8 mg/kg). The best antidotal efficacy was obtained with K048, K027 and TMB-4 for tabun poisoning, and HI-6 for soman poisoning. Moreover, all tested oximes showed no cytotoxic effect on several cell lines in concentrations up to 0.8mM. The potency of the oximes K048 and K027 to protect mice from five-fold LD50 of tabun and their low toxicity make these compounds leading in the therapy of tabun poisoning. The combination of HI-6 and atropine is the therapy of choice for soman poisoning.
    Toxicology 03/2006; 219(1-3):85-96. · 3.68 Impact Factor
  • Article: Interaction of pyridinium oximes with acetylcholinesterase and their effect on organophosphate-poisoned mice.
    Zrinka Kovarik, Maja Calić, Ana Lucić Vrdoljak, Bozica Radić
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The progressive inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE [EC 3.1.1.7]) by organophosphates (OPs), such as the nerve agents tabun and soman, is due to phosphorylation of the active center serine characterized by the formation of conjugates and inactivation of this essential enzyme involved in neurotransmission. Presently, a combination of an antimuscarinic agent, e.g., atropine, and an AChE reactivator, oxime, is used for the treatment of organophosphorus compound poisoning. The increased concern about terrorist use of nerve agents prompted us to search for new, more effective oximes against tabun and soman poisoning. We investigated the interactions of five bispyridinium oximes with human erythrocyte AChE and their effects on tabun- and soman-poisoned mice.
    Journal of Molecular Neuroscience 02/2006; 30(1-2):113-4. · 2.50 Impact Factor

Top co-authors

Institutions

  • 2005–2011
    • Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health
      Zagreb, Grad Zagreb, Croatia