The Tranilast./ El Tranilast
 

 

Home Page

About Dermagic

Contact Dermagic

Next Edition

Past Editions

Secret X files 

 

 

The Tranilast.

El Tranilast.  

************************************
****** DATA-MÉDICOS **********
*********************************** 
EL TRANILAST 
THE TRANILAST 
**************************************
***** DERMAGIC-EXPRESS No.29 ******** 
****** 19 ENERO DE 1.999 ******* 
**************************************




EDITORIAL ESPAÑOL:
=====================
Amigos dermatólogos, DERMAGIC de nuevo con ustedes. EL TRANILAST (Acido antranilico) producto nuevo que esta siendo usado por los Japoneses, en numerosas patologías dermatológicas y no dermatológicas.

Les traigo estas 31 referencias que ilustran las bondades del producto. Nombre comercial RIZABEN.  Entre las enfermedades dermatológicas donde esta siendo usado figuran: queloides, cicatrices hipertróficas, esclerodermia localizada, pseudoainhum, sarcoidosis, mastocitosis, granuloma anular, pénfigo vulgar y dermatitis atópica.

!!! EL SINGULAIR (Montelukast Sódico) llego a VENEZUELA, !!!precio 29.500 bs, UNA CAJA DE 30 TABS (5 MGRS), 32.950 (TABS 10 MGRS), PRECIO FARMACIAS  MACRO,,,LABORATORIO MERCK SHARP AND DOHME, !!!.

En la próxima edición una corta REVISIÓN DEL MONTELUKAST !!! 

Saludos,,, 

Dr. José Lapenta R.


EDITORIAL ENGLISH:
=====================
Friends dermatologist, DERMAGIC again with you. THE TRANILAST (anthranilic acid) new product that is being used by Japaneses, in numerous pathologies dermatologic and non dermatologic.

I bring these 31 references thatNillustrate the kindness of the product. Commercial name, RIZABEN. Among the illnesses dermatologics where this being used they figure: keloid and hypertrophic scars, localized scleroderma, pseudoainhum, sarcoidosis, mastocytoma, granuloma annulare, pemphigus vulgaris and atopicdermatitis. 

Greetings, 

Dr. José Lapenta R. 
================================================================
DERMAGIC/EXPRESS(29)
================================================================
EL TRANILAST  / THE TRANILAST 
================================================================
1.) Treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars by iontophoretic transdermal delivery of tranilast.
2.) Topical delivery of keloid therapeutic drug, tranilast, by combined use of oleic acid and propylene glycol as a penetration enhancer: evaluation by skin microdialysis in rats.
3.) In vitro release of tranilast from oily gels and penetration of the drug into Yucatan micropig skin.
4.) Successful treatment of pemphigus vulgaris with prednisolone and tranilast [letter]
5.) Solitary mastocytoma treated with tranilast.
6.) Treatment of granuloma annulare with tranilast.
7.) A case of atypical localized scleroderma presenting with pseudoainhum: treatment with tranilast, an anti-fibrotic agent [letter]
8.) Tranilast inhibits collagen synthesis in normal, scleroderma and keloid fibroblasts at a late passage culture but not at an early passage culture.
9.) Treatment of linear localized scleroderma with the anti-allergic drug, tranilast.
10.) Treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis with tranilast.
11.) Tranilast antagonizes angiotensin II and inhibits its biological effects in vascular smooth muscle cells. 
12.) Inhibition of interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 production from lymphocytes stimulated with food antigens by an anti-allergic drug, Tranilast, in patients with food-sensitive atopic dermatitis.
13.) In-vivo calibration of microdialysis probe by use of endogenous glucose as an internal recovery marker: measurement of skin distribution of tranilast in rats.
14.) Inhibitory effects of tranilast on expression of transforming growth factor-beta isoforms and receptors in injured arteries. 
15.) [Eosinophilic cystitis induced by tranilast: a case report]
16.) Inhibition by tranilast of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/vascular permeability factor (VPF)-induced increase in vascular permeability in rats.
17.) Tranilast inhibits the proliferation, chemotaxis and tube formation of human microvascular endothelial cells in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo.
18.) [The effect of tranilast on subepithelial corneal opacity after excimer laser keratectomy]
19.) Effectiveness of tranilast on restenosis after directional coronary atherectomy.
20.) Inhibition of proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells by a blocker of Ca(2+)-permeable channel. Cell Calcium
21.) Effects of pemirolast and tranilast on intimal thickening after arterial injury in the rat.
22.) Effect of topical tranilast and corticosteroids on subepithelial haze after photorefractive keratectomy in rabbits.
23.) Tranilast inhibits contraction of rat aortic smooth muscle.
24.) Suppressive effects of tranilast on the expression of inducible cyclooxygenase (COX2) in interleukin-1beta-stimulated fibroblasts.
25.) Tranilast inhibits the growth of rat mesangial cells.
26.) Tranilast inhibits contraction and Ca2+ movement of porcine coronary arteries.
27.) Tranilast (N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid) down-regulates the growth of scirrhous gastric cancer.
28.) Inhibitory effect of tranilast on activation and transforming growth factor beta 1 expression in cultured rat stellate cells.
29.) Blockade of DNA synthesis induced by platelet-derived growth factor by tranilast, an inhibitor of calcium entry, in vascular smooth muscle cells.
30.) Inhibition by tranilast of collagen accumulation in hypersensitive granulomatous inflammation in vivo and of morphological changes and functions of fibroblasts in vitro.
31.) Suppressive effects of tranilast on pulmonary fibrosis and activation of alveolar macrophages in mice treated with bleomycin: role of alveolar macrophages in the fibrosis. 
========================================================================
========================================================================

1.) Treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars by iontophoretic transdermal delivery of tranilast.
========================================================================
Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg Hand Surg 1997 Jun;31(2):151-8 (ISSN: 0284-4311)

Shigeki S; Murakami T; Yata N; Ikuta Y [Find other articles with these
Authors]

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hiroshima University School of Medicine, Japan.

The feasibility of iontophoretic transdermal delivery of tranilast (N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid) for the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars was evaluated in hairless rats and humans. A drug electrode containing tranilast 1.5 ml (8 mg/ml in ethanol/water (8/2, v/v) mixture) was placed on the dorsal skin surface of anaesthetised rats or the affected parts of patients, and connected to the negative pole; an electric current (0.5-4 mA for rats, 2 mA for people) was pulsed through at one minute intervals.

Tranilast was effectively delivered transdermally iontophoretically into the restricted skin tissues of hairless rats and the affected parts of four patients with hypertrophic scars with no skin damage. In four other patients tranilast given iontophoretically for a period of 30 minutes a week reduced the patients' complaints of pain and itching after only one or two treatments although there were some variations among patients. These results indicate that the transdermal iontophoretic delivery of tranilast is a useful treatment for keloid and hypertrophic scars, particularly for relieving pain and itching, and is more beneficial than tranilast given orally. 

========================================================================
2.) Topical delivery of keloid therapeutic drug, tranilast, by combined use of oleic acid and propylene glycol as a penetration enhancer: evaluation by skin microdialysis in rats.
========================================================================
J Pharm Pharmacol 1998 Jan;50(1):49-54 (ISSN: 0022-3573)

Murakami T; Yoshioka M; Yumoto R; Higashi Y; Shigeki S; Ikuta Y; Yata N
[Find other articles with these Authors]

Department of Biopharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hiroshima University School of Medicine, Japan.

Topical delivery of tranilast (N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl)anthranic acid), an inhibitor of collagen synthesis and a therapeutic drug for keloid and hypertrophic scar, was examined, in rats, with oleic acid alone or a combination of oleic acid and propylene glycol as penetration enhancer.

Evaluation was by measurement of the concentration of tranilast in plasma and in the dialysate from skin microdialysis. When tranilast at a dose of 1.5 mg was applied topically as an ethanol solution containing 5% polyvinylpyrrolidone on a dorsal skin surface (2.25 cm2), the maximum concentration of tranilast in skin dialysate was approximately 2 microM. When 10 or 20% oleic acid was added to the same ethanol solution the maximum concentration of tranilast in the dialysate increased to 10-20 microM, and this value was further increased to 60 microM by the addition of a combination of oleic acid (10 or 20%) and propylene glycol (10%) to the solution. With the combination of oleic acid and propylene glycol the area under the plot of the concentration of tranilast in skin dialysate against time between 0 and 4 h (AUC0-4) was more than 400-fold that after intravenous administration.

The transdermal bioavailability of tranilast as assessed by the AUC0-4 of tranilast in plasma, was 0.2% of the dose applied in the ethanol solution, 3-5% of that applied in the ethanol solution containing oleic acid, and 14-16% of that applied in the ethanol solution containing both oleic acid and propylene glycol. These results suggest that the topical delivery of tranilast with an absorption enhancer such as a mixture of oleic acid and propylene glycol might be a more effective medication than oral administration of tranilast for the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scar. 

========================================================================
3.) In vitro release of tranilast from oily gels and penetration of the drug into Yucatan micropig skin.
========================================================================
Biol Pharm Bull 1998 Mar;21(3):300-3 (ISSN: 0918-6158)

Hori N; Fujii M; Yamanouchi S; Miyagi M; Saito N; Matsumoto M [Find other
articles with these Authors]

Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nagano, Japan.

For the transdermal delivery of tranilast (TL), a drug used for the treatment of skin diseases such as keloids and hypertrophic scars, its oily gels were prepared; its in vitro release and penetration into Yucatan micropig skin were evaluated. In the gels that consisted of hydrogenated soybean phospholipids (HSL) and octyl isononanoate (IOIN), a fatty-acid ester, the release of TL from the gels was proportional to the drug content, and the extent of TL released up to 6 h from them was approximately 70% of the amount of applied TL.

On the other hand, with the gels consisting of HSL and isocetyl isostearate (ICIS), the release of TL from the gels was about half of that from IOIN gels, even at the same drug concentration. When oily gels were used, the TL skin concentration was rapidly increased compared with the level obtained with suspensions. With 0.1% IOIN gel, a high concentration of TL (ca. 160 microg/g) in the dermis was obtained and continued until at least 48 h. These results suggest that oily gels may be useful for the topical application of TL. 

========================================================================
4.) Successful treatment of pemphigus vulgaris with prednisolone and tranilast [letter]

Acta Derm Venereol 1997 Jan;77(1):87-8 (ISSN: 0001-5555)
Miyamoto H; Takahashi I [Find other articles with these Authors] 
========================================================================

========================================================================
5.) Solitary mastocytoma treated with tranilast.
========================================================================
J Dermatol 1996 May;23(5):335-9 (ISSN: 0385-2407)

Katoh N; Hirano S; Yasuno H [Find other articles with these Authors]

Department of Dermatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan.

Two infants with solitary mastocytoma were treated with 5 mg/kg/day of tranilast [N-(3',4'-dimethoxycinnamoyl)anthranilic acid], a mast cell stabilizing compound extracted from Nandina domestica. Tranilast was administered orally in three divided doses. In one infant, a topical corticosteroid was also applied in combination with the oral tranilast. Patients experienced symptomatic relief, and nodules resolved almost completely after eight weeks of treatment. Tranilast therapy was continued for six months. No relapses were observed after discontinuation of therapy. We speculated that tranilast not only inhibited mast cell degranulation but also reduced the number of mast cells. 

========================================================================
6.) Treatment of granuloma annulare with tranilast.
========================================================================
J Dermatol 1995 May;22(5):354-6 (ISSN: 0385-2407)

Yamada H; Ide A; Sugiura M; Kurihara S; Tajima S


Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. Three cases of granuloma annulare which did not exhibit a self-limited course were treated with tranilast at the dose of 300 mg/daily. The treatment resulted in the resolution of skin lesions within three months of administration. Although spontaneous resolution is often observed in granuloma annulare, tranilast may provide an alternative therapy for the treatment of cases resistant to spontaneous healing. 

========================================================================
7.) A case of atypical localized scleroderma presenting with pseudoainhum: treatment with tranilast, an anti-fibrotic agent [letter] Acta Derm Venereol 1996 Mar;76(2):162 (ISSN: 0001-5555)

Tajima S; Suzuki Y; Inazumi T 
========================================================================
========================================================================
8.) Tranilast inhibits collagen synthesis in normal, scleroderma and keloid fibroblasts at a late passage culture but not at an early passage culture.
========================================================================
J Dermatol Sci 1995 Jan;9(1):45-7 (ISSN: 0923-1811)

Yamada H; Tajima S; Nishikawa T [Find other articles with these Authors]

Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

We have previously reported that tranilast, an anti-allergic agent, specifically suppresses collagen synthesis in normal skin fibroblasts and to a greater extent in keloid fibroblasts. We found in this study that the specific suppression of collagen synthesis by tranilast was limited to the fibroblasts with a high passage number (passage 8-10). In normal skin fibroblasts with a low passage number (passage 1-2), tranilast exerted no significant effect on collagen synthesis. This was also observed with scleroderma and keloid fibroblasts. This result suggests that inhibition of collagen by tranilast will be dependent on in vitro cellular aging and that serial cell passages result in the loss of the cell phenotype resistant to tranilast effect. 

========================================================================
9.) Treatment of linear localized scleroderma with the anti-allergic drug, tranilast.
========================================================================
Clin Exp Dermatol 1994 Sep;19(5):391-3 (ISSN: 0307-6938)

Taniguchi S; Yorifuji T; Hamada T 

Department of Dermatology, Osaka City University Medical School, Japan.

A 14-year-old boy with linear localized scleroderma had a dramatic improvement in contractures after treatment with N-(3',4'-dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid (tranilast, Rizaben). The observation that this anti-allergic drug was effective in localized scleroderma lends further support to the concept that mast cells play a role in increased collagen synthesis in this disease. 

========================================================================
10.) Treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis with tranilast.
========================================================================
J Dermatol 1995 Feb;22(2):149-52 (ISSN: 0385-2407)

Yamada H; Ide A; Sugiura M; Tajima S


Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Tranilast is an anti-allergic drug clinically used for the treatment of atopy or urticaria. The drug has been shown to have an anti-fibrotic effect as well. We treated two cutaneous sarcoidosis patients with tranilast, resulting in remission within three months of administration. This drug should be an excellent tool for the treatment of other granulomatous diseases. 

========================================================================
11.) Tranilast antagonizes angiotensin II and inhibits its biological effects in vascular smooth muscle cells. 
========================================================================
Author 
Miyazawa K; Fukuyama J; Misawa K; Hamano S; Ujiie A 
Address 
Pharmacological Laboratories, Kissei Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hotaka, Nagano 399-83, Japan. 
Source 
Atherosclerosis, 121(2):167-73 1996 Apr 5 

Abstract 

Recent studies have been reported indicating that angiotensin II may potentiate neointimal formation. In the present study, we examined the antagonistic effect of tranilast on angiotensin II. Losartan was used as the reference compound. First, tranilast inhibited the angiotensin II-induced contraction of rabbit aortic strips in a noncompetitive manner (pD'(2) = 3.7), whereas it had little effect on the contraction induced by noradrenaline or endothelin-l. Second, tranilast inhibited the binding of (125)I-labeled angiotensin II to angiotensin AT1 receptors in rat liver membranes with an IC(50) value of 289 mu M. Finally, functional antagonism of tranilast (100 and 300 mu M) was demonstrated by its blockade of angiotensin II (10(-8)M)-induced (45)Ca(2+) -efflux from human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). However, tranilast (30-300 mu M) exerted no influence on PDGF-induced formation of inositol triphosphates which cause an increase in [Ca(2+)]i in human VSMC.

The antagonistic activity of tranilast towards angiotensin II may be involved in part in preventing restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). 

========================================================================
12.) Inhibition of interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 production from lymphocytes stimulated with food antigens by an anti-allergic drug, Tranilast, in patients with food-sensitive atopic dermatitis.
========================================================================
Biotherapy 1994;8(1):19-22 (ISSN: 0921-299X)

Kondo N; Fukutomi O; Shinbara M; Orii T [Find other articles with these Authors]

Department of Pediatrics, Gifu University School of Medicine, Japan.

N(3',4'-dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid (Tranilast) inhibits antibody-mediated hypersensitivity reactions, and is an effective drug for patients with bronchial asthma or allergic rhinitis. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production of ovalbumin (OA)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from hen's egg-sensitive patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) was significantly higher than those of healthy controls. Tranilast inhibited this IFN-gamma production. Moreover, interleukin-2 (IL-2) production of OA-stimulated PBMCs from hen's egg-sensitive patients with AD was also inhibited by Tranilast. Our results suggest that Tranilast can be used to the patients with food sensitive AD. 

========================================================================
13.) In-vivo calibration of microdialysis probe by use of endogenous glucose as an internal recovery marker: measurement of skin distribution of tranilast in rats.
========================================================================
J Pharm Pharmacol 1998 Jun;50(6):621-6 (ISSN: 0022-3573)

Hashimoto Y; Murakami T; Kumasa C; Higashi Y; Yata N; Takano M [Find other
articles with these Authors]

Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hiroshima University School of Medicine, Japan.

To estimate the absolute concentration of substrates surrounding a microdialysis probe in-vivo, we developed a simple calibration method using endogenous glucose as an internal recovery marker and determined the skin distribution of tranilast (N-(3,4-dimethoxy-cinnamoyl)anthranic acid), an anti-allergic agent, in rats.

This calibration method was based on the assumption that the concentration of glucose in the extracellular fluid of skin tissues is the same as that in plasma and that the in-vivo recovery ratio of glucose to tranilast by microdialysis is the same as that estimated in-vitro.

Based on these assumptions, the dialysate concentrations of tranilast and glucose recovered from cutaneous microdialysis, glucose concentration in plasma, and in-vitro recovery ratio of tranilast to glucose by microdialysis were determined for the estimation of absolute unbound concentration of tranilast in the extracellular fluid of skin tissues. In an in-vitro study employing plasma containing tranilast, the unbound concentration of tranilast in plasma estimated from the dialysate concentration was just comparable with that determined by ultrafiltration methods.

Also in an in-vivo study under steady-state plasma concentration of tranilast in rats, the estimated concentration of tranilast in the skin extracellular fluid was the same level as the unbound concentration of tranilast in plasma. Using the present calibration method, the skin distribution of tranilast administered into the intestinal loop or transdermally was continuously monitored in a quantitative manner. 

========================================================================
14.) Inhibitory effects of tranilast on expression of transforming growth factor-beta isoforms and receptors in injured arteries. 
========================================================================
Atherosclerosis 1998 Apr;137(2):267-75 (ISSN: 0021-9150)

Ward MR; Sasahara T; Agrotis A; Dilley RJ; Jennings GL; Bobik A [Find other
articles with these Authors]

Cell Biology Laboratory, Baker Medical Research Institute, Prahran, VIC, Australia. [email protected].

Tranilast (N(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl)anthranilic acid), an agent which in cell culture inhibits transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) secretion and antagonises the effects of TGF-beta and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on cell migration and proliferation, has been reported to reduce the incidence of restenosis after angioplasty in angiographically validated human clinical trials.

We investigated in a rat model of balloon angioplasty whether tranilast's effects in vivo could be attributed to inhibition of expression of TGF-beta and/or its receptor types. Using a standardised reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, we examined the effects of three doses of tranilast (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) on the expression of two TGF-beta isoforms, the types I and II TGF-beta receptors and two putative TGF-beta responses, induction of integrins alpha(v) and beta3 mRNA, 2 h after oral administration and 26 h after vessel injury. Tranilast attenuated in a dose-dependent and reversible manner the injury-induced increases in mRNA levels encoding TGF-beta1, TGF-beta3, two type I TGF-beta receptors ALK-5 and ALK-2, and the type II receptor TbetaRII.

At the highest dose mRNA levels encoding TGF-beta1 and TbetaRII were attenuated to levels approaching or below those observed in uninjured vessels. Messenger RNAs encoding TGF-beta3, ALK-5 and ALK-2 were all attenuated by between 70 and 74% (all P 0.05).

Tranilast also attenuated in a reversible manner the elevations in mRNA levels for integrins alpha(v) and beta3 observed after vessel injury, by 90 and 72%, respectively.

We also investigated, in cultured smooth muscle cells derived from injured carotid arteries, the extent to which tranilast (300 mg/l) attenuated any increases in expression of type I and type II receptors stimulated by PDGF-BB and TGF-beta1, growth factors implicated in smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation in injured vessels.

Increases in mRNA levels of the type I receptors ALK-5 and ALK-2 induced by PDGF-BB and TGF-beta1 were almost completely prevented by tranilast. Tranilast also prevented the PDGF-BB induced increases in TbetaRII but only partially inhibited the TGF-beta1 induced upregulation of TbetaRII. We conclude that tranilast can inhibit transcriptional mechanisms associated with the upregulation of TGF-beta and its receptor types in balloon catheter injured vessels. It is possible that these mechanisms contribute to its ability to reduce the frequency of restenosis after angioplasty. 

========================================================================
15.) [Eosinophilic cystitis induced by tranilast: a case report]
========================================================================
Hinyokika Kiyo 1998 Jan;44(1):45-7 (ISSN: 0018-1994)

Sakai N; Yamada T; Murayama T [Find other articles with these Authors]

Department of Urology, Sagamihara National Hospital.

We report a patient with tranilast-induced eosinophilic cystitis who had no allergies, but had been administered tranilast to reduce prednisolone. A 62-year-old man presented with macroscopic hematuria and bladder irritative symptoms. The patient had a past medical history of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpula and had been treated with 15 mg of prednisolone since 1980. He had been receiving 300 mg of tranilast for the past 18 months. Urinalysis revealed a marked increase in eosinophils (4 x 10(4)/ml). A cystoscopic examination revealed reddish mucosa throughout the bladder. A retrograde cystogram showed incomplete bilateral vesicoureteral reflux. Histological examinations of biopsied bladder specimens revealed a marked increase in the number of eosinophils (1,126/mm2), but not of mast cells (12/mm2). The symptoms resolved within one week after cessation of tranilast. 

========================================================================
16.) Inhibition by tranilast of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/vascular permeability factor (VPF)-induced increase in vascular permeability in rats.
========================================================================

Life Sci 1998;63(4):PL71-4 (ISSN: 0024-3205)

Isaji M; Miyata H; Ajisawa Y; Yoshimura N [Find other articles with these Authors]

Discovery Research Laboratories, Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Minamiazumi, Nagano-Pref., Japan.

We studied the effects of tranilast, an anti-allergic and anti-proliferative drug in clinical use, on VEGF/VPF-induced vascular permeability in a rat air pouch model. A large increase in vascular permeability was induced by injection of 4 ml of a 100 ng/ml VEGF/VPF solution into the preformed air pouch. Over a 15-min period, tranilast inhibited the VEGF/VPF-induced vascular permeability in a dose-dependent manner. This result suggests that tranilast, which we recently found to inhibit VEGF/VPF-induced angiogenesis, could also improve VEGF/VPF-dependent increases in vascular permeability. 

========================================================================
17.) Tranilast inhibits the proliferation, chemotaxis and tube formation of human microvascular endothelial cells in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo.
========================================================================
Br J Pharmacol 1997 Nov;122(6):1061-6 (ISSN: 0007-1188)

Isaji M; Miyata H; Ajisawa Y; Takehana Y; Yoshimura N [Find other articles
with these Authors]

Discovery Research, R & D, Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Nagano-Pref., Japan.

1. First developed as an antiallergic drug, tranilast inhibits chemical mediator release from mast cells. In the present study, we examine the effects of tranilast on angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo and discuss the application of tranilast for angiogenic diseases.

2. Tranilast inhibited significantly the proliferation (IC50: 136 microM, 95% confidence limits: 134-137 microM) and vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF)-induced chemotaxis (IC50: 135 microM, 95% confidence limits: 124-147 microM) of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) at concentrations greater than 25 micrograms ml-1. No toxicity to HDMECs measuring by LDH release and no inhibitory effects on metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activity were observed even at 100 micrograms ml-1 (306 microM).

3. Tube formation of HDMECs cultured on the matrigel as an in vitro angiogenesis model was inhibited by tranilast in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 value and 95% confidence limits were 175 microM and 151-204 microM, respectively.

4. In vivo angiogenesis was induced in mice by the subcutaneous injection of matrigel containing 30 ng ml-1 VEGF and 64 micrograms ml-1 heparin. Tranilast was administered orally twice a day for 3 days. Tranilast dose-dependently suppressed angiogenesis in the matrigel and a significant change was observed at a dose of 300 mg kg-1.

5. These results indicate that tranilast is an angiogenesis inhibitor which may be beneficial for the improvement of angiogenic diseases such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, tumour invasion and rheumatoid arthritis. 

========================================================================
18.) [The effect of tranilast on subepithelial corneal opacity after excimer laser keratectomy]
========================================================================
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 1997 Oct;101(10):783-7 (ISSN: 0029-0203)

Sakai T; Okamoto S; Iwaki Y [Find other articles with these Authors]

Second Department of Ophthalmology, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Recent studies have reported that tranilast inhibited in vitro the proliferation of keratocytes from corneal subepithelial opacities (haze) and collagen synthesis in cultured corneas after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). In this study 0.5% tranilast eye drops, 0.1% betametazone phosphate eyedrops, and a 0.5% tranilast base solution (control) were administered four times daily to rabbits which had undergone PRK. Weekly evaluation of the inhibitory effect of these drugs on haze began two weeks after surgery according to Fantes' classification. 0.5% tranilast suppressed haze from six weeks to thirteen weeks after PRK (p 0.05). 0.1% betametazone phosphate showed no effect. These results suggested that 0.5% tranilast had a satisfactory therapeutic effect on haze after PRK. 

========================================================================
19.) Effectiveness of tranilast on restenosis after directional coronary atherectomy.
========================================================================
Am Heart J 1997 Oct;134(4):712-8 (ISSN: 0002-8703)

Kosuga K; Tamai H; Ueda K; Hsu YS; Ono S; Tanaka S; Doi T; Myou-UW; Motohara S; Uehata H [Find other articles with these Authors]

Department of Cardiology, Shiga Medical Center for Adult Diseases, Japan.

Tranilast is an antiallergic drug used widely in Japan that also inhibits the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. This pilot study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of tranilast on restenosis after successful directional coronary atherectomy. After the procedure, 40 patients (56 lesions, tranilast group) were treated with oral tranilast for 3 months, and 152 patients (188 lesions, control group) did not receive tranilast. Angiographic and clinical variables were compared between the two groups.

The minimal lumen diameter was significantly larger in the tranilast group than in the control group at both 3-month (2.08 vs 1.75 mm, p = 0.004) and 6-month follow-up (2.04 vs 1.70 mm, p = 0.003). The diameter stenosis in the tranilast group was smaller than that in the control group both 3 months (28% vs 40%, p = 0.0007) and 6 months (30% vs 43%, p = 0.0001) after the procedure, with a lower restenosis rate (percent diameter stenosis or =50) in the tranilast group at 3 months (11 % vs 26%, p = 0.03).

The number of clinical events over the 12-month period after the procedure was significantly reduced by tranilast administration (p = 0.013). These findings suggest that the oral administration of tranilast strongly prevents restenosis after directional coronary atherectomy. 

========================================================================
20.) Inhibition of proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells by a blocker of Ca(2+)-permeable channel. Cell Calcium
========================================================================

1997 Aug;22(2):75-82 (ISSN: 0143-4160)
Nie L; Oishi Y; Doi I; Shibata H; Kojima I [Find other articles with these Authors]

Department of Cell Biology, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan.

In MCF-7 breast cancer cells, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) increased the calcium-permeability of the cells by activating a voltage-independent calcium-permeable channel. IGF-1 also induced oscillatory elevation of cytoplasmic free calcium concentration in these cells. An anti-allergic compound, tranilast, reduced the calcium-permeability augmented by IGF-1 in a dose-dependent manner and blocked the oscillatory elevation of cytoplasmic free calcium concentration.

Tranilast did not affect early intracellular signals activated by IGF-1, including receptor autophosphorylation, activations of Ras, mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Tranilast inhibited increases in [3H]-thymidine incorporation, DNA content and cell number induced by IGF-1. The ID50 for [3H]-thymidine incorporation and DNA content were about 10 microM. The inhibitory effect of tranilast was reversible, and cell viability was not affected. Treatment with tranilast increased the number of cells in the G1 phase suggesting that this compound induced G1 arrest. Tranilast also reduced the phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein. These results indicate that tranilast inhibits the IGF-1-induced cell growth in MCF-7 cells by blocking calcium entry. 

========================================================================
21.) Effects of pemirolast and tranilast on intimal thickening after arterial injury in the rat.
========================================================================
J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1997 Aug;30(2):157-62 (ISSN: 0160-2446)

Miyazawa N; Umemura K; Kondo K; Nakashima M [Find other articles with these Authors]

Department of Pharmacology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Handa-cho, Japan.

We previously reported that tranilast, an antiallergic agent, reduced intimal thickening after endothelial injury in rats. In this study, to verify whether or not antiallergic agents inhibit intimal thickening, we investigated the effect of pemirolast on intimal thickening after endothelial injury and compared its effect with that of tranilast. Administration of two antiallergic agents, pemirolast (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) and tranilast (300 mg/kg, p.o., daily), was begun 2 days before endothelial injury and continued until the animals were killed. Endothelial injury in the rat femoral artery was induced by a photochemical reaction between localized irradiation by green light and intravenously administered rose bengal.

To evaluate intimal hyperplasia, we measured the cross-sectional area of the intima 21 days after endothelial damage. Pemirolast at doses of 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg reduced the intimal area to 2.10 +/- 0.33, 1.36 +/- 0.19, and 1.35 +/- 0.18 (x0.01 mm2), respectively, and tranilast showed a tendency to reduce the intimal area, which was 1.86 +/- 0.35 x 0.01 mm2, compared with findings for controls (2.83 +/- 0.49 x 0.01 mm2). In rat A10 vascular smooth-muscle cells, we investigated the effects of antiallergic agents on migration by using a modified Boyden chamber assay and on proliferation by using the bromodeoxyuridine-incorporation assay.

Two antiallergic agents inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner both migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor. These results suggest that antiallergic agents directly inhibit migration of smooth-muscle cells to the intima from the media and proliferation in the intima, and that pemirolast has more potent antihyperplastic action than does tranilast. Antiallergic agents may be effective in preventing restenosis after coronary angioplasty. 

========================================================================
22.) Effect of topical tranilast and corticosteroids on subepithelial haze after photorefractive keratectomy in rabbits.
========================================================================
J Refract Surg 1997 Aug;13(5 Suppl):S457-8 (ISSN: 1081-597X)

Furukawa H; Nakayasu K; Gotoh T; Watanabe Y; Takano T; Ishikawa T; Kanai A
[Find other articles with these Authors]

Kanai Juntendo University, Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo, Japan.

BACKGROUND: Tranilast (trade name Rizaben), an anti-allergic drug with anti-inflammatory effects, is thought to inhibit synthesis of extracellular matrix of fibroblasts through the suppression of TGF-beta. We evaluated the effect of topical tranilast on the subepithelial haze that developed after excimer laser keratectomy and its effect was compared with that of betamethasone eye drops

METHODS: Excimer laser keratectomy (phototherapeutic keratectomy mode) was performed with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser on 16 rabbit corneas (eight rabbits). From the second postoperative day, topical 2% tranilast was instilled in the right eye and the control solution in the left eye, four times daily. Until the fourth week after the operation, we measured the densitometric values of scattered light intensity of the subepithelial haze with an anterior ocular analyzer, EAS-1000 (Nidek). At the fifth postoperative week, light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry with an antibody to TGF-beta were also performed.

RESULTS: Densitometric values of the subepithelial haze in the corneas treated with 2% tranilast were slightly less than those of the subepithelial haze in the control corneas. However, the values of the subepithelial haze in the betamethasone-treated corneas were significantly less than those in control corneas. Histochemical examinations revealed that topical tranilast had a small effect on the subepithelial haze after excimer laser keratectomy in rabbits.

CONCLUSION: Topical 0.1% betamethasone can limit the amount of subepithelial haze and tranilast may inhibit development of subepithelial haze by the suppression of TGF-beta. 

========================================================================
23.) Tranilast inhibits contraction of rat aortic smooth muscle.
========================================================================
Eur J Pharmacol 1997 Jun 18;329(1):43-8 (ISSN: 0014-2999)

Ihara T; Ikeda U; Ishibashi S; Shimada K [Find other articles with these Authors]

Department of Cardiology, Jichi Medical School, Minamikawachi-Machi, Tochigi, Japan.

Recently, the anti-allergic drug tranilast has been shown to reduce the rate of coronary restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. In this study, we investigated the effect of tranilast on contraction of and Ca2+ movement in vascular smooth muscle. We measured the isometric force and fura-2-estimated intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) of rat aortic strips. Exposure of aortic strips to tranilast (0-500 microM) dose-dependently inhibited endothelin-1-induced increases in tension and [Ca2+]i elevation of the strips. Similar inhibition by tranilast was observed in response to high K+ stimulation. These results suggest that tranilast inhibits the contraction of vascular smooth muscle by inhibiting Ca2+ mobilization, which might be related to its preventive effect on coronary restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. 

========================================================================
24.) Suppressive effects of tranilast on the expression of inducible cyclooxygenase (COX2) in interleukin-1beta-stimulated fibroblasts.
========================================================================
Biochem Pharmacol 1997 Jun 15;53(12):1941-4 (ISSN: 0006-2952)

Inoue H; Ohshima H; Kono H; Yamanaka M; Kubota T; Aihara M; Hiroi T; Yago N; Ishida H [Find other articles with these Authors]

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Miyamae, Kawasaki, Japan.

We investigated the effects of tranilast on inducible cyclooxygenase (COX2)-mediated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production and enzyme induction in interleukin-lbeta (IL-1beta)-stimulated cultured dermal fibroblasts. IL-1beta enhanced PGE2 production in cultured fibroblasts. Tranilast did not affect constitutive cyclooxygenase (COX1) or COX2 activity in non-stimulated or IL-lbeta-stimulated fibroblasts. However, the COX2 expression induced by IL-1beta was inhibited by tranilast. This result, that IL-1beta-induced COX2 expression was suppressed by tranilast, was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis. Thus, it is possible for tranilast to regulate PGE2 production by inhibiting COX2 induction. 

========================================================================
25.) Tranilast inhibits the growth of rat mesangial cells.
========================================================================
Eur J Pharmacol 1997 Apr 18;324(2-3):283-7 (ISSN: 0014-2999)

Ikeda M; Ikeda U; Shimada K; Fujita N; Okada K; Saito T; Minota S; Kano S
[Find other articles with these Authors]

Department of Clinical Immunology, Jichi Medical School, Minamikawachi-Machi, Tochigi, Japan.

 [email protected].

We investigated the effects of tranilast on the growth of cultured rat mesangial cells. The number of mesangial cells increased fivefold during a 5-day incubation in RPMI 1640 with 20% fetal bovine serum. The number of cells was significantly lower in the presence of tranilast than in its abscence.

Tranilast (0 approximately 500 microM) inhibited platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced DNA synthesis of rat mesangial cells cultured in RPMI 1640 medium containing 0.5% fetal bovine serum in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of DNA synthesis by tranilast was not affected by the presence of indomethacin (1 microg/ml) or N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (0.5 mM).

Tranilast did not stimulate nitrite oxide synthesis in PDGF-stimulated cells. Mitogen-activated protein kinase activity in mesangial cells was significantly increased by exposure to PDGF, while the effect was significantly suppressed in the presence of tranilast. The present study revealed that tranilast inhibits the growth of rat mesangial cells, independently of nitric oxide or prostacycline synthesis. 

========================================================================
26.) Tranilast inhibits contraction and Ca2+ movement of porcine coronary arteries.
========================================================================
Atherosclerosis 1997 Apr;130(1-2):113-9 (ISSN: 0021-9150)

Ishibashi S; Ikeda U; Ihara T; Shimada K [Find other articles with these Authors]

Department of Cardiology, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi, Japan.

In a recent clinical study, tranilast, an anti-allergic agent, was shown to reduce the rate of coronary restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, although the mechanism of this effect is unclear. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of tranilast on contraction and Ca2+ movement of the coronary arteries. We characterized the effects of tranilast on isometric force and aequorin-estimated intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) of porcine coronary artery strips.

Tranilast concentration-dependently (10-500 microM) inhibited histamine (3 x 10(-5) M)-induced contraction of the coronary arteries. A similar tendency was observed in the response to high K+ (30 mM) stimulation. Histamine caused phasic and tonic increases in [Ca2+]i, and high K+ caused a tonic increase in [Ca2+]i of smooth muscle, both of which were significantly suppressed in the presence of tranilast. These results suggest that tranilast inhibits the contraction of coronary arteries by inhibiting both Ca2+ influx from extracellular environment and Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores, which might be related to its preventive effect on restenosis after coronary angioplasty. 

========================================================================
27.) Tranilast (N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid) down-regulates the growth of scirrhous gastric cancer.
========================================================================
Anticancer Res 1997 Mar-Apr;17(2A):895-900 (ISSN: 0250-7005)

Yashiro M; Chung YS; Sowa M [Find other articles with these Authors]

First Department of Surgery, Osaka City University Medical School, Japan.

BACKGROUND: Fibroblasts have been reported to play an important role in the proliferation of scirrhous gastric cancer cells. It would be an effective cancer therapy to reduce the cancer-stimulating activity of fibroblasts. The aim of the present investigation was to define the efficacy of Tranilast (N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid), a drug used clinically for the treatment of excessive proliferation of fibroblasts, on the growth of scirrhous gastric carcinoma both in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and Method: The human scirrhous gastric cancer cell line, OCUM-2M, and the human gastric fibroblasts, NF-8, were used. OCUM-2M cells on the upper well and NF-8 cells in the lower well were co-incubated with Tranilast at the required concentrations in vitro. The in vivo effect of Tranilast was examined by measuring the size and the apoptotic index of coinoculated tumor by OCUM-2M cells and NF-8 cells.

RESULTS: The proliferation of OCUM-2M cells was significantly stimulated by co-culture with NF-8 cells. Tranilast significantly suppressed the proliferation of NF-8 cells and subsequently decreased the growth of OCUM-2M cells in vitro. Furthermore, Tranilast depressed gastric carcinoma growth and induced cancer cell apoptosis through its effect in blocking the growth-interactions between fibroblasts and scimbous gastric cancer cells in vivo.

CONCLUSION: Tranilast is a useful drug to reduce the proliferation of scirrhous gastric carcinoma. 

========================================================================
28.) Inhibitory effect of tranilast on activation and transforming growth factor beta 1 expression in cultured rat stellate cells.
========================================================================
Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1996 Oct 14;227(2):322-7 (ISSN: 0006-291X)

Ikeda H; Inao M; Fujiwara K [Find other articles with these Authors]

Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.

Stellate cells, the primary extracellular matrix-producing cells in the liver, undergo activation characterized by fibrogenesis, proliferation and smooth muscle alpha-actin expression, in hepatic fibrosis or when cultured on plastic. TGF beta 1 is known to have a pivotal role in fibrogenesis.

Tranilast, a drug used for allergic diseases with anti-inflammatory effects, is known to inhibit collagen synthesis by cultured fibroblasts. Thus, effects of tranilast on activation and TGF beta 1 expression in stellate cells was investigated in vitro. Tranilast reduced collagen synthesis in a dose-related manner up to 50.8% of the control. This effect was reversible after tranilast withdrawal.

The mobility of procollagen on gel electrophoresis and the ratio of intracellular procollagen to extracellular collagen concentrations were not affected by tranilast. Tranilast decreased DNA synthesis and increased smooth muscle alpha-actin expression. mRNA expressions of procollagen and TGF beta 1 were reduced by tranilast. Tranilast with anti-fibrogenic and anti-inflammatory actions merits consideration as a candidate for therapeutic agent of hepatic fibrosis. 

========================================================================
29.) Blockade of DNA synthesis induced by platelet-derived growth factor by tranilast, an inhibitor of calcium entry, in vascular smooth muscle cells.
========================================================================
Mol Pharmacol 1996 Oct;50(4):763-9 (ISSN: 0026-895X)

Nie L; Mogami H; Kanzaki M; Shibata H; Kojima I [Find other articles with these Authors]

Department of Cell Biology, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan.

The present study was conducted to establish a pharmacological method of controlling growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) by blocking calcium entry. In cultured rat VSMC, 1 nM platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced a biphasic elevation of cytoplasmic free calcium concentration, ([Ca2+]c). The second sustained phase of [Ca2+]c was dependent on extracellular calcium. At lower concentrations, PDGF induced oscillatory changes in [Ca2+]c, and reduction of extracellular calcium attenuated the oscillation. An antiallergic compound, tranilast, abolished the sustained phase of [Ca2+]c induced by 1 nM PDGF.

Tranilast also inhibited the oscillatory changes in [Ca2+]c induced by 200 pM PDGF. In addition, PDGF-induced calcium influx in the late G1 phase, as assessed by measuring the initial uptake of 45Ca, was inhibited by tranilast in a concentration-dependent manner. Tranilast also inhibited PDGF-augmented DNA synthesis; the ID50 for the inhibition of DNA synthesis was nearly identical to that for calcium influx. Although tranilast blocked PDGF-induced calcium entry, it did not affect PDGF-mediated autophosphorylation of the PDGF receptor, activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, activation of Ras or mitogen-activated protein kinase. Similarly, PDGF-induced elevation of diacylglycerol was not affected by tranilast.

These results suggest that the antiallergic drug tranilast inhibits PDGF-induced DNA synthesis by blocking PDGF-mediated calcium entry. Tranilast may be of use in controlling PDGF-induced DNA synthesis in VSMC. 

========================================================================
30.) Inhibition by tranilast of collagen accumulation in hypersensitive granulomatous inflammation in vivo and of morphological changes and functions of fibroblasts in vitro.
========================================================================
Life Sci 1994;55(15):PL287-92 (ISSN: 0024-3205)

Isaji M; Aruga N; Naito J; Miyata H [Find other articles with these Authors]

Central Research Laboratories, Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nagano-pref., Japan.

We examined the effects of tranilast, an anti-allergic agent, on hypersensitive inflammation and on morphology and functions of fibroblasts. In vivo, tranilast suppressed the content of collagen in granulation tissue of hypersensitive granulomatous inflammation induced by methylated bovine serum albumin (m-BSA) in rats. In culture, tranilast inhibited the TGF-beta-independent inflammatory exudate-induced stimulation of morphological changes of fibroblasts to myofibroblast-like cells and their proliferation.

Collagen gel contraction by myofibroblast-like cells and fibroblasts was also inhibited by tranilast. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that tranilast suspended the cell cycle of fibroblasts at the G0/G1 phase. These results suggest that tranilast modulates the fibrosis and contraction of granulation tissue by inhibiting the growth of myofibroblast-like cells and fibroblasts. 

========================================================================
31.) Suppressive effects of tranilast on pulmonary fibrosis and activation of alveolar macrophages in mice treated with bleomycin: role of alveolar macrophages in the fibrosis. 
========================================================================
Author 
Mori H; Tanaka H; Kawada K; Nagai H; Koda A 
Address 
Department of Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Japan. 
Source 
Jpn J Pharmacol, 67(4):279-89 1995 Apr 

Abstract 

We have reported that tranilast, an anti-allergic drug that inhibits chemical mediator release from mast cells, suppresses bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice through mechanisms other than inhibiting chemical mediator release from mast cells.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of tranilast on alveolar macrophage (AM) activation and on the development of fibrosis in ICR mice instilled with BLM intratracheally.

Twenty eight days after the BLM instillation (0.01 mg/mouse), AM often migrated into alveolar spaces surrounding the fibrotic areas. Flow cytometry analysis for the size and density of AM (MAC-1 positive cells) suggested that AM were activated not only in the earlier acute inflammatory phase, but also in the later chronic phase. The p.o. administration of tranilast suppressed an increase of AM activity to produce reactive oxygen species in BLM-instilled mice, and it inhibited the subsequent development of pulmonary fibrosis. In vitro treatment with tranilast suppressed the reactive oxygen species production from murine peritoneal macrophages. However, several different anti-oxidants failed to inhibit the development of fibrosis.

These results suggest that the activation of AM plays an important role in the development of fibrosis, and it is likely that tranilast suppresses fibrosis by inhibiting AM activation but not by scavenging reactive oxygen species. 

======================================================================
DATA-MÉDICOS/DERMAGIC-EXPRESS No (29) 19/01/99 DR. JOSÉ LAPENTA R. 
======================================================================


 

Produced by Dr. José Lapenta R. Dermatologist  
Maracay Estado Aragua Venezuela 1999-2026
Telf.: 04142976087 - 04127766810