Synthesis, Conformation, Biodistribution, and Hormone-Related in Vitro Antitumor Activity of a Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonist−Branched Polypeptide Conjugate

Autor: Mezo, G., Mezo, I., Pimm, M. V., Kajtar, J., Seprodi, J., Teplan, I., Kovacs, M., Vincze, B., Palyi, I., Idei, M., Szekerke, M., Hudecz, F.
Zdroj: Bioconjugate Chemistry; November 27, 1996, Vol. 7 Issue: 6 p642-650, 9p
Abstrakt: Since permanently high levels of GnRH analogues are necessary to exert direct and/or indirect antitumor effect on mammary tumors, much emphasis was put on the development of retarded-release devices (e.g. microcapsules) for GnRH derivatives. Alternatively, these compounds can be covalently coupled to high-molecular mass carrier molecules for the design of bioconjugates acting as (a) prodrugs producing prolonged release or (b) macromolecular therapeutics. In order to evaluate the feasibility of this approach, a prototype construct has been prepared with a potent GnRH antagonist Ac(d-Trp1,3,d-Cpa2,d-Lys6,d-Ala10)-GnRH (MI-1544). As a carrier, a representative of a new generation of synthetic, biodegradable branched poly[Lys(Xi-dl-Alam)] (XAK) type polypeptides with poly(l-lysine) backbone has been used in which X is an acetylated derivative of glutamic acid (AcEAK). This polyanionic polypeptide with free γ-carboxyl groups was conjugated to MI-1544, which has only a single amino group at position 6. In this paper, we describe (i) the synthesis and structure (primary structure, conformation) properties of the MI-1544−AcEAK conjugate with a 33% degree of substitution, (ii) the effect of the covalent attachment of MI-1544 to AcEAK on its blood clearance and tissue distribution, and (iii) the hormone-related indirect (ovulation inhibitory) or direct (antiproliferative) antitumor activity of the conjugate studied by in vitro assays. Data obtained with 111In- and 125I-labeled conjugates have demonstrated that in fact the body/blood survival of MI-1544 was prolonged by 1.5−3 times. The direct in vitro antitumor effect of MI-1544 was maintained or even enhanced in the MI-1544−AcEAK conjugate. Furthermore, we have shown that this conjugate was able to antagonize the effect of GnRH in vitro or to act as free MI-1544 both in short- and long-term inhibition of ovulation even after single subcutaneous injection. These data suggest that it is feasible to use a biodegradable polymeric polypeptide for development of a macromolecular therapeutic with GnRH antagonists.
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