Carbon Monoxide and sweet

Carbon monoxide (CO) is toxic in large doses, but scientists have found that it can have beneficial effects by reducing inflammation and protecting cells from damage. Previous studies have demonstrated the protective effects of CO on the kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and liver. For the past five years, a group of scientists led by Professor Binhe Wang of the University of Georgia has been working on the safe delivery of toxic carbon monoxide to protect against acute kidney damage. For this purpose, prodrugs were created – inactive compounds that are converted into an active pharmacological agent in the body.

Two common sweeteners, saccharin and acesulfame, were used as carrier molecules for oral administration of CO. The researchers designed the molecules so that they release CO during decomposition when exposed to water. These are the first examples of oral organic prodrugs using a carrier approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with a proven safety profile.

Of the two prodrugs, the scientists tested one – CO-306 with saccharin as a carrier, evaluating the pharmacological efficacy against acute kidney injury. The researchers injected mice with CO-306, which led to a decrease in the level of biomarkers associated with kidney damage. This proves that the drug can be used for the treatment of kidney diseases in humans. The mouse model simulated the mechanisms of kidney tissue damage that occur in patients with extensive muscle damage, sickle cell anemia, severe sepsis and after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Wang and his colleagues from the Georgia Center for Diagnostics and Therapy, Vanderbilt University, Harvard Medical School and the University of Mississippi plan to conduct larger studies in animal models and evaluate the safety of CO-306 to prepare a platform for the transition to clinical trials of the drug. They also plan to test CO-306 for efficacy in other organ injuries, as well as to protect organs during transplantation and improve outcomes for transplant patients.

Article L.K.De La Cruz et al. Adapting decarbonylation chemistry for the development of prodrugs capable of in vivo delivery of carbon monoxide utilizing sweeteners as carrier molecules is published in the journal Chemical Science.

Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru Based on materials from Georgia State University: Artificial Sweeteners Enable Delivery of Carbon Monoxide to Treat Organ Injury.