Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
MTX Treatment (mtx + treatment)
Selected AbstractsEfficiency of combined methotrexate/chloroquine therapy in adjuvant-induced arthritisFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 4 2005M.A.R.C.P. Silva Abstract The present study evaluates the effects of methotrexate (MTX) and chloroquine (CQ), and of combined MTX + CQ treatment, on the inflammatory response and on plasma and liver phosphatase and transaminase activities, employing an adjuvant-induced arthritis model in rats. Arthritis was induced by the intradermal injection of a suspension of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in mineral oil into the plantar surface of the hind paws. Development of the inflammatory response was assessed over a 21-day period. Animal groups received either: (i) MTX, administered i.p., weekly, in 0.15, 1.5, 3, 6 or 12 mg/kg doses; (ii) CQ, given intragastrically, in daily 25 or 50 mg/kg doses; or (iii) MTX + CQ, administered in two combinations (MTX1.5 mg/kg + CQ50 mg/kg, or MTX6 mg/kg + CQ50 mg/kg). At the end of the experimental period, the animals were anesthetized and killed, blood and liver samples were collected and prepared for measurement of acid and alkaline phosphatase (AP, ALP), and aspartate (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities. MTX at 6 and 12 mg/kg reduced the inflammatory response while CQ had no effect. MTX6 mg/kg + CQ50 mg/kg reduced the inflammatory response similar to MTX12 mg/kg, without affecting the bone marrow. Plasma AP and liver ALP activities were very elevated in the arthritic rats. While MTX treatment partially reduced both plasma AP and liver ALP activities at all doses used in the arthritic rats, CQ treatment reduced plasma AP, but increased liver AP activity. MTX + CQ treatment decreased plasma AP and liver ALP activities in the arthritic rats to control values. Plasma and liver AST activities were unaltered in the arthritic rats, and were unaffected by treatment. However, plasma and liver ALT activities were significantly reduced in the arthritic rats. While MTX or CQ treatment did not alter plasma transaminase activity in the arthritic rats, after MTX + CQ treatment, plasma ALT activity returned to normal values. In conclusion, the present data suggest that MTX + CQ treatment provides more effective anti-inflammatory protection against adjuvant-induced arthritis than does MTX alone, reverting the alterations in enzyme activities induced by this inflammatory disease in rats. [source] Methotrexate induction of human sulfotransferases in Hep G2 and Caco-2 cellsJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 5 2005Xinrong Chen Abstract Methotrexate (MTX) was the first antifolate drug developed for the treatment of cancer. It is also effective in treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Sulfotransferases are phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes and their induction by hormones and endogenous molecules is relatively well known, although xenobiotic drug induction of sulfotransferases has not been well studied. In the present investigation, MTX is shown to be a xenobiotic inducer of human sulfotransferases in transformed human liver (Hep G2) and intestinal (Caco-2) cells. Following MTX treatment, various sulfotransferases were induced in both cell lines. Enzyme assay, Western blot and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results demonstrated that protein and mRNA expressions of human simple phenol sulfotransferase (P-PST), human monoamine sulfotransferase (M-PST), human dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase (DHEA-ST) and human estrogen sulfotransferase (EST) were induced in Hep G2 cells; M-PST and DHEA-ST were induced in Caco-2 cells. Inductions in both cell lines were dose dependent. Enzyme activity and Western blot results were in good agreement with RT-PCR results, suggesting that the induction is at the gene transcription level. Folic acid had a significantly lesser effect on sulfotransferases compared with MTX. Interestingly, the induction of different sulfotransferases by MTX was inhibited by high doses of folic acid at both protein and mRNA levels in Hep G2 cells. Methotrexate is the first antifolate and apoptosis-inducing drug to show induction of sulfotransferases in Hep G2 cells and Caco-2 cells. The inhibition by folic acid suggests a possible mechanism for MTX induction. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Methotrexate induced differentiation in colon cancer cells is primarily due to purine deprivationJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2006R. Singh Abstract The folate antagonist methotrexate (MTX) inhibits synthesis of tetrahydrofolate (THF), pyrimidines and purines, and induces differentiation in several cell types. At 1 µM, MTX reduced proliferation and induced differentiation in HT29 colon cancer cells; the latter effect was augmented (P,<,0.001) by thymidine (100 µM) but was reversed (P,<,0.001) by the purines, hypoxanthine (Hx; 100 µM) and adenosine (100 µM). In contrast 5-fluoro-uracil (5-FU), a specific thymidylate synthase (TS) inhibitor, had no effect on differentiation, suggesting that MTX-induced differentiation is not due to a reduction in thymidine but to the inhibition of purine biosynthesis. Inhibition of cyclic AMP (cAMP) by RpcAMP (25 µM) further enhanced (P,<,0.001) MTX induced differentiation, whereas the cAMP activator forskolin (10 µM) reversed (P,<,0.001) MTX induced differentiation. These observations implicate a central role of adenosine and cAMP in MTX induced differentiation. By combining Western blot analysis with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)and HPLC analyses we also reveal both the expression and activity of key enzymes (i.e. methionine synthase (MS), s-adenosylhomocysteinase, cystathionine ,-synthase and ornithine decarboxylase) regulating methyl cycle, transsulfuration and polyamine pathways in HT29 colon cancer cells. At 1 µM, MTX induced differentiation was associated with a marked reduction in the intracellular concentrations of adenosine and, consequently, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine, polyamines and glutathione (GSH). Importantly, the marked reduction in methionine that accompanied MS inhibition following MTX treatment was non-limiting with respect to SAM synthesis. Collectively, these findings indicate that the effects of MTX on cellular differentiation and single carbon metabolism are primarily due to the intracellular depletion of purines. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Combined local and systemic methotrexate treatment of viable ectopic pregnancy: Outcomes of 31 casesJOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 9 2008Noam Smorgick MD Abstract Purpose. Medical treatment of viable unruptured ectopic pregnancies by systemic methotrexate (MTX) is controversial due to elevated failure rates. This study describes a combined local and systemic MTX administration and compares the outcomes between viable ectopics in different locations. Methods. This retrospective study evaluated 31 patients treated with combined local (sonographically guided) and systemic MTX for viable, unruptured ectopic pregnancies. Success was defined by pregnancy resolution without surgical intervention. Details on subsequent pregnancies were obtained via telephone questionnaires. Results. The ectopic pregnancies were located in the fallopian tube (n = 23), cesarean section scar (n = 5), and intramural portion of the tube (interstitial pregnancy) (n = 3). ,-Human chorionic gonadotropin levels and gestational weeks were similar. The combined treatment was successful in 73.9%, 100%, and 66.7% of cases, respectively (p > 0.05). Details regarding reproductive outcomes were available for 28 women (90.3%). Eighteen of the 24 women attempting to conceive became pregnant, and 15 of these had at least one live birth. There were three subsequent tubal pregnancies, all in patients with previous tubal pregnancies. Conclusion. Combined MTX administration is effective and safe for treating viable cesarean scar pregnancies but is less successful for viable tubal or interstitial pregnancies. Reproductive outcomes following the combined MTX treatment are comparable to other treatment modalities for ectopic pregnancy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008 [source] Methotrexate in psoriasis: 26 years' experience with low-dose long-term treatmentJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 5 2000U-F. Haustein Abstract Objective,To evaluate the efficacy, safety and side-effects of methotrexate (MTX) in psoriasis. Design,A 26-year retrospective study. Setting,Department of Dermatology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany. Patients,One hundred and fifty-seven patients with extensive plaque psoriasis, erythrodermic, pustular and arthropathic forms, were treated with low-dose methotrexate (15,20 mg maximum weekly dosage [Weinstein schedule]), the majority for long-term periods. The mean cumulative dose was 3394 mg, the mean duration 237 weeks. Results,The effect of MTX treatment was good in 76%, moderate in 18% and poor in 6% of subjects; 61% experienced side-effects, most frequently due to liver function abnormalities, bone marrow suppression, nausea, gastric complaints and hair loss. In 20% of cases the subjects were forced to discontinue therapy; 9% refused therapy due to physical and psychological discomfort, 2% wanted to become pregnant, 16% were lost to follow-up, 6% died from multimorbidity and old age. Three subjects (2%) developed cancer of the lung, breast or cervix uteri, possibly in relation to long-term MTX treatment. Altogether there were no deaths or life-threatening side-effects attributable to MTX treatment, and no cases of progressive liver cirrhosis apart from two extensive skin necroses due to overdosage (misunderstanding, suicidal attempt) that were treated successfully with citrovorum factor. Conclusion,Low-dose MTX (<15,20 mg/week) is an effective therapy for extensive and severe forms of psoriasis if patients are selected carefully and monitored regularly, particularly with respect to liver and bone marrow toxicity. This helps to reduce severe side-effects even during long-term treatment. Drug interactions must be avoided. MTX therapy according to the guidelines is relatively safe and still has a place in the systemic treatment of psoriasis with 40 years of experience and an acceptable safety record. [source] Effect of aged garlic extract against methotrexate-induced damage to the small intestine in ratsPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 6 2006Mehmet Yüncü Abstract Methotrexate (MTX) chemotherapy is often accompanied by side effects such as gastrointestinal ulceration and diarrhea. The aim of this study was to examine histologically whether an aged garlic extract (AGE) had a protective effect on the small intestine of rats with MTX-induced damage. Forty male Wistar albino rats were randomized into experimental and control groups and divided into four groups of ten animals. To the first group, MTX was applied as a single dose (20 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. To the second group, in addition to MTX application, AGE (250 mg/kg) was administered orally every day at the same time by intragastric intubation until the rats were killed. To the third group, AGE only was given. The fourth group was the control. All animals were killed 4 days after the intraperitoneal injection of MTX for histopathologic analysis and tissue MDA levels. Before killing, intracardiac blood was obtained from each animal to perform biochemical analysis (plasma lactate level). MTX was found to lead to damage in the jejunal tissues and to increase the MDA and lactate levels in the plasma. Administration of the AGE decreased the severity of jejunal damage, but increased MDA and lactate levels caused by MTX treatment on the other hand. These results suggest that AGE may protect the small intestine of rats from MTX-induced damage. Thus this study substantiated the thought that the protective effect of AGE is derived from the manner in which it interacts with crypt cells. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Protection of the Peyer's patch-associated crypt and villus epithelium against methotrexate-induced damage is based on its distinct regulation of proliferationTHE JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2002Ingrid B. Renes Abstract The crypt and villus epithelium associated with Peyer's patches (PPs) is largely spared from methotrexate (MTX)-induced damage, compared with the non-patch (NP) epithelium. To assess the mechanism(s) preventing damage to the PP epithelium after MTX treatment, epithelial proliferation, apoptosis, and cell functions were studied in a rat-MTX model. Small intestinal segments containing PPs were excised after MTX treatment. Epithelial proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by detection of incorporated BrdU and cleaved caspase-3, respectively. Epithelial functions were determined by the expression of cell type-specific gene products at mRNA and protein level. Before and after MTX treatment, the number of BrdU-positive cells was higher in PP crypts than in NP crypts. BrdU incorporation was diminished in NP crypts, while in PP crypts incorporation was hardly affected. In PP and NP crypts, similar and increased levels of cleaved caspase-3-positive cells were observed after MTX. The enterocyte markers, sucrase-isomaltase, sodium-glucose co-transporter 1, glucose transporters 2 and 5, and intestinal and liver fatty acid binding protein, were down-regulated after MTX in NP epithelium but not in PP epithelium. In contrast, expression of the goblet cell markers, Muc2 and trefoil factor 3, and the Paneth cell marker, lysozyme, was maintained after MTX in both PP and NP epithelium. In conclusion, as MTX-induced apoptosis was similar in PP and NP crypts, the protection of the PP epithelium seems to be based on differences in the regulation of epithelial proliferation. Enterocyte function in the PP epithelium was unaffected by MTX treatment. Goblet and Paneth cell function was maintained in both NP and PP epithelium. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Methotrexate polyglutamate concentrations are not associated with disease control in rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving long-term methotrexate therapy,ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 2 2010Lisa K. Stamp Objective There are limited data suggesting that methotrexate polyglutamate (MTXGlu) concentrations can guide MTX dosing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to define a therapeutic range of red blood cell (RBC) MTXGlun concentrations (where n refers to the number of glutamate groups), including threshold values for efficacy and adverse effects in patients receiving long-term oral MTX treatment. Methods A cross-sectional study of 192 patients receiving oral MTX was undertaken. Disease activity was assessed by the swollen and tender joint counts, the C-reactive protein level, and the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28). High disease activity was defined as a DAS28 of >3.2. A standardized questionnaire regarding common MTX adverse effects was completed. Results The MTX dosage was significantly higher in patients in whom the swollen joint count and DAS28 were higher. The MTXGlu4, MTXGlu5, MTXGlu3,5, and MTXGlu1,5 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with high disease activity. After correction for age, the estimated glomerular filtration rate, and the MTX dosage, the association remained significant for MTXGlu5. RBC folate concentrations were significantly higher in the group with high disease activity. There was no association between any MTXGlun concentration and adverse effects. Conclusion In contrast to other studies, the results of the present study did not show a relationship between the MTXGlun concentration and reduced disease activity in patients with RA who were receiving long-term MTX therapy. However, disease activity was influenced by the RBC folate level, which may be a more important factor than MTXGlun concentrations for disease control. In accordance with the findings of previous studies, we were unable to show a relationship between MTXGlun concentrations and adverse effects. Prospective studies will be important to determine whether there is a role for measuring MTXGlun concentrations in patients receiving long-term treatment with MTX. [source] Determinants of red blood cell methotrexate polyglutamate concentrations in rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving long-term methotrexate treatment,ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 8 2009Lisa K. Stamp Objective Methotrexate (MTX) is the most commonly used disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MTX is transported into cells, where additional glutamate moieties are added and it is retained as MTX polyglutamates (MTXGlu [referred to as a group as MTXGlun]). There is large interpatient variability in MTXGlun concentrations. This study was undertaken to determine nongenetic factors that influence red blood cell (RBC) MTXGlun concentrations in patients receiving long-term stable low-dose oral MTX. Methods One hundred ninety-two patients receiving long-term oral MTX for the treatment of RA were recruited. Trough MTXGlun concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Univariate analysis was performed to determine variables influencing MTXGlun concentrations. Backward stepwise multivariate regression analysis was done to determine variables that affect individual MTXGlun concentrations; variables with P values of <0.1 in the univariate analysis for any MTXGlun were included. Results Univariate analysis revealed that increased age, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), higher MTX dosage, longer duration of MTX treatment, and use of prednisone were associated with significantly higher MTXGlun concentrations. Smokers had significantly lower concentrations of MTXGlu3, MTXGlu3,5, and MTXGlu1,5. Sex, rheumatoid factor and anti,cyclic citrullinated peptide status, RBC folate level, and body mass index had no significant effect on MTXGlun levels. Concomitant use of other DMARDs was associated with lower MTXGlu2 levels, and treatment with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs was associated with lower MTXGlu3 and MTXGlu1,5 concentrations. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that age, MTX dosage, and estimated GFR were the major determinants of MTXGlun concentrations. Conclusion Large interpatient variability in MTXGlun concentrations can be explained, at least in part, by a combination of factors, particularly age, MTX dosage, and renal function. There are complex interactions between smoking, RBC folate levels, and concentrations of MTXGlun. [source] Efficacy of methotrexate treatment in patients with probable rheumatoid arthritis: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trialARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 5 2007Henrike van Dongen Objective To determine whether patients with undifferentiated arthritis (UA; inflammatory, nontraumatic arthritis that cannot be diagnosed using current classification criteria) benefit from treatment with methotrexate (MTX). Methods The PRObable rheumatoid arthritis: Methotrexate versus Placebo Treatment (PROMPT) study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter trial involving 110 patients with UA who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1958 criteria for probable RA. Treatment started with MTX (15 mg/week) or placebo tablets, and every 3 months the dosage was increased if the Disease Activity Score was >2.4. After 12 months, the study medication was tapered and discontinued. Patients were followed up for 30 months. When a patient fulfilled the ACR criteria for RA (primary end point), the study medication was changed to MTX. Joint damage was scored on radiographs of the hands and feet. Results In 22 of the 55 patients (40%) in the MTX group, UA progressed to RA compared with 29 of 55 patients (53%) in the placebo group. However, in the MTX group, patients fulfilled the ACR criteria for RA at a later time point than in the placebo group (P = 0.04), and fewer patients showed radiographic progression over 18 months (P = 0.046). Conclusion This study provides evidence for the efficacy of MTX treatment in postponing the diagnosis of RA, as defined by the ACR 1987 criteria, and retarding radiographic joint damage in UA patients. [source] The combination of calcipotriol and methotrexate compared with methotrexate and vehicle in psoriasis: results of a multicentre placebo-controlled randomized trialBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2003E.M.G.J. De Jong SummaryBackground A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group study was carried out to study the effect of the addition of calcipotriol ointment to methotrexate (MTX) therapy in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Objectives To investigate whether the addition of calcipotriol to treatment with MTX has an MTX-sparing effect, and whether the combination of treatments is safe. Additionally, to compare the effect of calcipotriol or vehicle on the duration of the relapse-free interval after cessation of MTX. Methods Patients on maintenance therapy with MTX with controlled psoriasis were selected. The study was divided into three phases: (i) an MTX-free phase with double-blind treatment with either calcipotriol ointment or vehicle; (ii) an MTX titration phase with open MTX treatment and additional double-blind treatment with either calcipotriol or vehicle until target response; and (iii) follow-up phase: in a group of 97 patients, psoriasis was assessed using the modified psoriasis severity score, patients' assessment and safety parameters were monitored as well. Results The combined use of calcipotriol with MTX resulted in an MTX-sparing effect of 3·4 mg week,1 (phase (II) and 2·6 mg week,1 (phase I and II taken together), while still maintaining efficacy. Calcipotriol treatment increased the time to relapse of psoriasis following discontinuation of MTX: 113 days vs. 35 days. A decrease in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase was seen during the study of 8% (calcipotriol) and 12% (vehicle). Conclusions The combination of calcipotriol and MTX was safe and well tolerated. The combination resulted in lower cumulative dosages of MTX compared with MTX and vehicle. Therefore the risk of side-effects is substantially decreased. [source] The anti-inflammatory actions of methotrexate are critically dependent upon the production of reactive oxygen speciesBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 3 2003Darren C Phillips The mechanism of action by which methotrexate (MTX) exerts its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the hypothesis that MTX exerts these effects via the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Addition of MTX (100 nM,10 ,M) to U937 monocytes induced a time and dose dependent increase in cytosolic peroxide [peroxide]cyt from 6,16 h. MTX also caused corresponding monocyte growth arrest, which was inhibited (P<0.05) by pre-treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC; 10 mM) or glutathione (GSH; 10 mM). In contrast, MTX induction of [peroxide]cyt in Jurkat T cells was more rapid (4 h; P<0.05), but was associated with significant apoptosis at 16 h at all doses tested (P<0.05) and was significantly inhibited by NAC or GSH (P<0.05). MTX treatment of monocytes (10 nM,10 ,M) for 16 h significantly reduced total GSH levels (P<0.05) independently of dose (P>0.05). However, in T-cells, GSH levels were significantly elevated following 30 nM MTX treatment (P<0.05) but reduced by doses exceeding 1 ,M compared to controls (P<0.05). MTX treatment significantly reduced monocyte adhesion to 5 h and 24 h LPS (1 ,g ml,1) activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC; P<0.05) but not to resting HUVEC. Pre-treatment with GSH prevented MTX-induced reduction in adhesion. In conclusion, ROS generation by MTX is important for cytostasis in monocytes and cytotoxicity T-cells. Furthermore, MTX caused a reduction in monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, where the mechanism of MTX action requires the production of ROS. Therefore its clinical efficacy can be attributed to multiple targets. British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 138, 501,511. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705054 [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||