Outcome of Leflunomide in the Treatment of Proliferative Lupus Nephritis Compared to Cyclophosphamide

Background: Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most common presentations of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Cyclophosphamide is one of the key immunosuppressive agents for the management of LN. Leflunomide is an isoxazole immunomodulatory agent has been shown to be safe, well tolerated and effective in SLE and LN. Objective: To evaluate the outcome of leflunomide in the treatment of proliferative lupus nephritis compared to cyclophosphamide. Method: This randomized clinical trial was held in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2017 to August 2019. A total of 66 patients of proliferative lupus nephritis who need induction therapy were enrolled in this study. Leflunomide 100 mg/day for consecutive 3 days followed by 0.5 mg/kg/day in divided dose was given in experimental group (n = 32) and intravenous cyclophosphamide 0.5 gm/m2 of body surface area monthly pulse was given in control group (n = 34). All study patients have received prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine according to KDIGO guideline then followed up monthly for 6 months. Outcomes were measured at 6th month by renal function [S. Creatinine, 24 hours urinary total protein (24-hr UTP)], changes in SELENA-SLEDAI score, anti-ds DNA level, serum complement levels (serum C3 & C4), remission (complete/partial) and adverse drug responses. Result: In experimental group, remission occurred in 18 (56.3%) patients and no remission in 14 (43.7%) patients. In control group, remission occurred in 24 (70.6%) patients and no remission in 10 (29.4%) patients. Adverse effects in experimental group were: elevated ALT (6.3%), hypertension (12.5%), infection (6.3%) and amenorrhea (12.5%). In control group, adverse effects were mainly leucopenia (5.9%), infection (17.7%) and amenorrhea (29.4%). Intergroup analysis for treatment responses and adverse effects showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Leflunomide combined with prednisolone is effective in the induction treatment of proliferative lupus nephritis in Bangladeshi patients in terms of response rate and adverse effects.

Efficacy and safety of low-dose cyclophosphamide combined with lenvatinib, pembrolizumab and TACE for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma:A single-center, prospective,single-arm clinical trial

Objective: Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(uHCC) continues to pose effective treatment options. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of combining low-dose cyclophosphamide with lenvatinib, pembrolizumab and transarterial chemoembolization(TACE) for the treatment of uHCC.Methods: From February 2022 to November 2023, a total of 40 patients diagnosed with uHCC were enrolled in this small-dose, single-center, single-arm, prospective study. They received a combined treatment of low-dose cyclophosphamide with lenvatinib, pembrolizumab, and TACE. Study endpoints included progression-free survival(PFS), objective response rate(ORR), and safety assessment. Tumor response was assessed using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(mRECIST), while survival analysis was conducted through KaplanMeier curve analysis for overall survival(OS) and PFS. Adverse events(AEs) were evaluated according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events(version 5.0).Results: A total of 34 patients were included in the study. The median follow-up duration was 11.2 [95% confidence interval(95% CI), 5.3-14.6] months, and the median PFS(mPFS) was 15.5(95% CI, 5.4-NA) months.Median OS(mOS) was not attained during the study period. The ORR was 55.9%, and the disease control rate(DCR) was 70.6%. AEs were reported in 27(79.4%) patients. The most frequently reported AEs(with an incidence rate >10%) included abnormal liver function(52.9%), abdominal pain(44.1%), abdominal distension and constipation(29.4%), hypertension(20.6%), leukopenia(17.6%), constipation(17.6%), ascites(14.7%), and insomnia(14.7%). Abnormal liver function(14.7%) had the most common grade 3 or higher AEs.Conclusions: A combination of low-dose cyclophosphamide with lenvatinib, pembrolizumab, and TACE is safe and effective for u HCC, showcasing a promising therapeutic strategy for managing uHCC.

Damage effect and mechanisms of cyclophosphamide to human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells

OBJECTIVE To investigate the damage effect and mechanisms of cyclophosphamide(CTX)and its active metabolite derivative 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide(4-HC)to human neuroblas⁃toma SH-SY5Y cells.METHODS SH-SY5Y cells were treated with CTX[0(cell control),0.01,0.1,1,5,10,20,40 and 80 mmol·L^(-1)]and 4-HC[0(cell control),0.01,0.1,1,5,10,20,40 and 80μmol·L^(-1)]for 48 h.Cell confluence and morphology were observed by the IncuCyte ZOOM system.Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay.Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)release was measured by LDH assay kit.SH-SY5Y cells were treated with CTX(0,1,5,10 and 20 mmol·L^(-1))and 4-HC(0,1,5,10 and 20μmol·L^(-1))for 48 h before cell proliferation was analyzed by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU)staining assay.Immunofluorescence was employed to assess the levels of the DNA double-strand break markerγ-H2AX and to evaluate changes in mitochondrial membrane potential.SH-SY5Y cells were treated with CTX(0,1,5 and 10 mmol·L^(-1))and 4-HC(0,1,5 and 10μmol·L^(-1))for 48 h,and the alterations in glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation levels were analyzed using the Seahorse XFe96 Analyzer.RESULTS Compared with the cell control group,cell confluence and cell viability were significantly reduced in the CTX and 4-HC groups(P<0.01),and the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations(IC50)for CTX and 4-HC were 4.44 mmol·L^(-1) and 4.78μmol·L^(-1),respectively.The release rate of LDH was signif⁃icantly increased while the percentage of EdU+cells was significantly reduced in the CTX and 4-HC groups(P<0.01).The percentage ofγ-H2AX+cells was significantly increased and mitochondrial membrane potential significantly decreased in the CTX and 4-HC group(P<0.05).Treatment with CTX and 4-HC resulted in reduced levels of maximum glycolytic capacity,glycolytic reserve,maximal respi⁃ration,and ATP production(P<0.05).CONCLUSION CTX and 4-HC exert significant cytotoxic effects on SH-SY5Y cells by disrupting cell membrane structure,impeding cell proliferation,and reducing cell viability.The mechanisms underlying these effects may involve intracellular DNA damage,disturbance of energy metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction.

UPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based metabolomics reveals modulatory effects of Mesona chinensis Benth polysaccharide in liver injury mice induced by cyclophosphamide

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the improvement effect of Mesona chinensis Benth polysaccharide(MP)on cyclophosphamide(CTX)induced liver injury in mice.To explore metabolic profile of liver tissue and feces among normal group,CTX-induced group and MP management group based on metabolomics method by using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS.The results showed that MP could alleviate liver injury and promote the production of short chain fatty acids(SCFAs),with the best dose of 200 mg/kg·body weight(bw).The principal component analysis(PCA)and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLSDA)scores plots of the liver and feces samples showed a clear separation among normal,model and highdose of MP(MPH).There were 18 endogenous metabolites in liver and 29 endogenous metabolites in feces,which were mainly involved in 8 metabolic pathways:taurine and hypotaurine metabolism,phenylalanine metabolism,α-linolenic acid metabolism,tricarboxylic acid(TCA)cycle,phenylalanine,tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis,arachidonic acid metabolism,sphingolipid metabolism as well as tryptophan metabolism.Moreover,a common metabolite arachidonic acid was observed in liver and feces samples.These endogenous metabolites may be considered to be MP’s response to liver protection.It will help to further understand the mechanism of MP and provide a basis for further research.

Leflunomide对实验性IgA肾病大鼠肾脏TGF-β_1、MCP-1表达的影响

目的:分别从基因和蛋白水平研究leflunomide对实验性IgA肾病(IgAN)大鼠肾组织转化生长因子(TGF-β1)、单核细胞趋化因子(MCP-1)水平的影响,了解其作用机制。方法:建立IgAN大鼠模型,随机分成leflunomide组、强的松组、模型对照组,并同时设立正常对照组。用免疫组化、RT-PCR的方法分别检测和比较各组肾组织TGF-β1、MCP-1蛋白和基因的表达水平。结果:Leflunomide组TGF-β1、MCP-1表达均明显低于模型对照组(P<0.05);leflunomide组与激素组相比,TGF-β1、MCP-1表达无明显差异。结论:Leflunomide可通过下调TGF-β1、MCP-1在肾脏的表达,减少局部炎症反应,延缓肾脏纤维化的进程,从而保护肾脏。

Treatment outcome analysis of bevacizumab combined with cyclophosphamide and oxaliplatin in advanced pseudomyxoma peritonei

BACKGROUND Pseudomyxoma peritonei(PMP)is a rare peritoneal malignant tumor syndrome.Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is its standard treatment.However,there are few studies and insufficient evidence regarding systemic chemotherapy of advanced PMP.Regimens for colorectal cancer are often used clinically,but there is no uniform standard for late-stage treatment.AIM To determine if bevacizumab combined with cyclophosphamide and oxaliplatin(Bev+CTX+OXA)is effective for treatment of advanced PMP.The primary study endpoint was progression-free survival(PFS).METHODS Retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with advanced PMP who received Bev+CTX+OXA regimen(bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg ivgtt d1,oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 ivgtt d1 and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 ivgtt d1,q3w)in our center from December 2015 to December 2020.Objective response rate(ORR),disease control rate(DCR)and incidence of adverse events were evaluated.PFS was followed up.Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw survival curve,and log-rank test was used for comparison between groups.Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the independent influencing factors of PFS.RESULTS A total of 32 patients were enrolled.After 2 cycles,the ORR and DCR were 3.1%and 93.7%,respectively.The median follow-up time was 7.5 mo.During the follow-up period,14 patients(43.8%)had disease progression,and the median PFS was 8.9 mo.Stratified analysis showed that the PFS of patients with a preoperative increase in CA125(8.9 vs 2.1,P=0.022)and a completeness of cytoreduction score of 2-3(8.9 vs 5.0,P=0.043)was significantly longer than that of the control group.Multivariate analysis showed that a preoperative increase in CA125 was an independent prognostic factor for PFS(HR=0.245,95%CI:0.066-0.904,P=0.035).CONCLUSION Our retrospective assessment confirmed that the Bev+CTX+OXA regimen is effective in second-or posterior-line treatment of advanced PMP and that adverse reactions can be tolerated.A preoperative increase in CA125 is an independent prognostic factor of PFS.

Leflunomide对实验性IgA肾病大鼠肾脏病理及MCP-1表达的影响

目的观察leflunomide对实验性IgA肾病(IgAnephropathyIgAN)大鼠肾脏病理及肾组织单核细胞趋化因子(monocytechemoattractivepeptide1,MCP-1)表达的影响,了解其作用机制。方法建立IgAN大鼠模型,随机分成leflunomide组,强的松组,模型对照组,并同时设立正常对照组。行免疫荧光、光镜检查,并用免疫组化和RT-PCR方法分别检测肾组织MCP-1蛋白和基因水平的表达。结果与模型对照组相比,leflunomide组免疫复合物在肾脏的沉积明显减少,系膜区基质增生程度显著减轻(P<0.01);Leflunomide在基因和蛋白水平均能够有效抑制MCP-1在肾组织的表达(P<0.05)。结论Leflunomide能够减少免疫复合物在肾脏的沉积,减轻系膜区基质增生,并且下调MCP-1在肾脏的表达,减少局部炎症反应,减轻肾脏损害,保护肾脏。

Leflunomide对异种肾移植(豚鼠/大白鼠)超急排斥反应的抑制效果

目的：观察Ｌｅｆｌｕｎｏｍｉｄｅ对异种肾移植超急排斥反应的抑制效果。方法：用已经建立的异种异位肾移植超急排斥反应模型。术前１，３，５，７天开始分别给５组受鼠口服Ｌｅｆｌｕｎｏｍｉｄｅ１０ｍｇ／（ｋｇ·ｄ）。观察超急排斥反应发生的时间。结果：术前服药时间少于３天的受鼠，其超急排斥反应发生的时间与对照组相比无明显变化；术前服药５天和７天的受鼠，移植肾的持续泌尿时间分别为９５８±２０９ｍｉｎ和２７２５±７６３ｍｉｎ，显著长于对照组。结论：Ｌｅｆｌｕｎｏｍｉｄｅ作为免疫抑制剂，在异种（豚鼠→大白鼠）肾移植实验研究中，可推迟、但不能消除异种超急排斥反应。

Leflunomide对结肠癌细胞增殖及凋亡的影响

目的:检测Leflunomide对结肠癌细胞增殖和诱导凋亡作用。方法:实验采用结肠癌细胞株SW260,与不同浓度的Leflunomide药物(0、5、10、20、40、80μg/ml)共同培养,以MTT方法和流式细胞仪技术检测细胞的增殖状态,用TUNEL染色和流式细胞仪技术检测细胞的凋亡。结果:Leflunomide在对结肠癌细胞增殖具有双重影响,即在低浓度下(5μg/ml和10μg/ml)有轻度的促进结肠癌细胞SW620增殖的作用,而提高浓度后(>40μg/ml)则表现为明显的抑制细胞的增殖作用,并随着剂量增加和作用时间延长,抑制作用更为明显,即存在着时相性和量-效依赖性。结论:Leflunomide可抑制结肠癌细胞增殖和诱导凋亡。可能对结肠癌病人有潜在的治疗作用。

Effect of Rituximab Versus Mycophenolate Mofetil or Cyclophosphamide as Control in Lupus Nephritis:A Meta-Analysis

Objective:To evaluate the effects of rituximab versus mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide as control in lupus nephritis by meta-analysis.Methods:A systematic search was carried out up to January 2022,obtaining 7 studies involving 645 participants with lupus nephritis at the commencement of the investigation;198 of them were treated with rituximab,while 447 were treated with mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide.We determined the odds ratio(OR)and mean difference(MD)with 95%confidence index(CI)to compare rituximab’s efficacy to that of mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide as control in lupus nephritis using random-or fixed-effects model by dichotomous or continuous techniques.Results:The rituximab group showed significantly higher complete renal remission rate(OR=2.52;95%CI 1.30-4.91,P=0.006)and total renal remission rates(OR=2.22;95%CI 1.36-3.63,P=0.001)than the control group.However,there was no significant difference in terms of end Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index(SLEDAI)score(MD-1.16;95%CI-2.88-0.57,P=0.19),proteinuria(MD-0.31;95%CI-0.70-0.09,P=0.013),and serum creatinine(MD 0.01;95%CI-0.04-0.07,P=0.64)between the rituximab group and the control.Conclusion:Rituximab exhibited significantly greater complete renal remission rate and total renal remission rates,with no significant difference in terms of shorter-end SLEDAI,proteinuria,and serum creatinine,compared with the control in individuals with lupus nephritis.

抗排斥反应的新型免疫抑制剂──Leflunomide

Ｌｅｆｌｕｎｏｍｉｄｅ是一种新型的免疫抑制剂，具有明显的抗急、慢性免疫排斥反应的作用。其作用机制可能与以下三个方面有关：抑制Ｔ、Ｂ淋巴细胞增殖，影响细胞因子及其受体的表达；抑制蛋白酪氨酸激酶的活性；抑制二清乳氢酸脱氢酶的活性。

抗排斥反应的新型免疫抑制剂——Leflunomide

Leflunomide(Lef),又称HWA486,暂译名为雷抑素),是一种新型免疫抑制剂,属异恶唑类衍生物。1979年由德国Hoechst A.G药厂首先合成,初步证实能有效防治MRL小鼠系统性红斑狼疮及慢性移植物抗宿主病和大鼠肾小管间质性肾炎等一系列自身免疫性疾病。此外。

Leflunomide在器官移植中的应用

Leflunomide(Lef)是一种异恶唑类化合物 ,它的应用范围较广 ,目前的研究发现 ,Lef作用于免疫反应的多个环节 ,具有强大的抗排斥反应作用 ,同时Lef具有独特的抗巨细胞病毒感染的作用 ,因此受到移植界的重视。本文对Lef在器官移植抗排斥反应中的应用研究作一综述。

Isolation and characterization of a degradation product in leflunomide and a validated selective stability-indicating HPLC-UV method for their quantification

Leflunomide （LLM） is subjected to forced degradation under conditions of hydrolysis, oxidation, dry heat, and photolysis as recommended by International Conference on Harmonization guideline Q1A（R2）. In total, four degradation products （I-IV） were formed under different conditions. Products I, II and IV were formed in alkaline hydrolytic, acidic hydrolytic and alkaline photolytic conditions. LLM and all degradation products were optimally resolved by gradient elution over a C18 column. The major degradation product （IV） formed in hydrolytic alkaline conditions was isolated through column chromatography. Based on its IH NMR, IR and mass spectral data, it was characterized as a British Pharmacopoeial impurity B. The HPLC method was found to be linear, accurate, precise, sensitive, specific, rugged and robust for quantification of LLM as well as product IV. Finally, the method was applied to stability testing of the commercially available LLM tablets.

The Active Metabolite of Leflunomide A771726 Inhibits Corneal Neovascularization

The effects of A771726, the active metabolite of leflunomide, on experimental rat corneal neovascularization （NV） in vivo and on cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro were studied. The corneal NV was induced by alkali burn in 40 SD rats. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups with 10 rats in each group. Group A was treated with 0.9% sodium chloride （control group）, and group B, group C and group D were given different concentrations of A771726 eye drops （0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% respectively） 4 times daily during days 0--28. The occurrence and development of corneal NV were observed at 4, 7, 14, 21 and 28 day after alkali burn by a slit lamp microscope. The cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells （ECV-304） were incubated with A771726 solution at different concentrations （20, 40, 80, 160, 320 μmol/L） for 36 h. The proliferation of cells was assessed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT）, and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） in cells was detected by using immunofluorescence under the laser confocal microscope. The rat model showed that the onset of corneal NV was delayed and progression of corneal NV was inhibited in the groups C and D. The corneal NV areas in groups C and D were significantly smaller than in groups A and B （P〈0.01）. No significant difference was found in corneal NV areas between groups C and group D （P〉0.05）. A771726 solution （940 μmol/L） could inhibit proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and decrease the expression of PCNA in cells significantly, A771726, as the active metabolite of leflunomide, strongly prevented corneal NV induced by alkali burn in the in vivo model, and inhibited proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in the in vitro model. Therefore, A771726 may serve as an angiogenic inhibitor in the treatment of corneal NV.

Leflunomide抑制大鼠角膜移植免疫排斥反应的研究

目的 研究 L eflunomide对大鼠角膜移植排斥反应的防治作用。方法 建立大鼠穿透性角膜移植排斥反应的动物模型 ,观察 L eflunomide对大鼠角膜植片存活和排斥反应指数 (RI)的影响 ,并与阴性对照组和 Cs A治疗组相比较。结果 阴性对照组角膜植片存活时间为 12 .375 d± 1.76 8d,而 Cs A组为 17.375 d± 1.40 8d,L eflunom ide组为 18.2 5 0 d±1.35 6 d,均比阴性对照组显著延长 (P<0 .0 1)。结论 L eflunomide能抑制大鼠穿透性角膜移植免疫排斥反应 ,显著延长角膜植片的存活时间。

Flare up of rheumatoid arthritis associated with VogtKoyanagi-Harada syndrome treated with leflunomide

Dear Editor,We present a case of"Flare up of rheumatoid arthritis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada(VKH)syndrome treated with leflunomide".To our knowledge,this is the first case of uveitis and arthritis inflammation active at the same time and no treatment for this condition has been described in the literature.

Clinical efficacy of tocilizumab combined with leflunomide in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Objective:To study the clinical efficacy of tocilizumab combined with leflunomide in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.Methods:114 patients with rheumatoid arthritis admitted from May 2015 to April 2018 were randomly divided into control group(n=57)and observation group(n=57).The control group was treated with leflunomide.On the basis of this,the observation group was treated with tocilizumab for 12 weeks.Functional indicators,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),rheumatoid factor and inflammatory factors were evaluated and adverse reactions were recorded.Results:The total treatment efficiency of the observation group(89.47%)was significantly higher than that of the control group(75.44%)(P<0.05).Morning stiffness time,joint pain score,joint swelling score,ESR,serum C-reactive protein(CRP),rheumatoid factor(RF),tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),and interleukin-1 were observed in the observation group and the control group.The levels of IL-1),IL-6,IL-8 and other indicators were lower than those before treatment.The indexes of the observation group were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),and after treatment The morning stiffness time,joint pain score,joint swelling score,ESR,CRP,RF,TNF-α,IL-1,IL-6,IL-8 and other indicators in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was 14%,and the incidence of adverse reactions in the control group was 17.54%.Toltuzumab combined with leflunomide in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis did not increase the probability of adverse reactions.Conclusion:The use of tocilizumab combined with leflunomide in the treatment of rheumatoid joints has good efficacy and safety.This may be related to a significant reduction in inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-1,IL-6,IL-8 and the like.

Effect of leflunomide combined with losartan potassium therapy on renal function and glomerular podocyte injury in patients with diabetic nephropathy

Objective:To study the effect of leflunomide combined with losartan potassium therapy on renal function and glomerular podocyte injury in patients with diabetic nephropathy.Methods:A total of 82 patients with diabetic nephropathy (CKDIIIa, IIIb stage) who were treated in our hospital between June 2013 and May 2016 were selected as the research subjects, random number table was used to divide them into leflunomide (LEF) group and control group who received leflunomide combined with losartan potassium therapy and losartan potassium monotherapy respectively. Before treatment and 8 weeks after treatment, serum contents of renal function indexes, RAAS molecules and inflammatory factors as well as urine contents of podocyte damage proteins were determined.Results:8 weeks after treatment, serum Scr, BUN, CysC, PRA, AT-II, ALD, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α contents, urine ACR levels as well as podocalyxin, nephrin, CA2AP and podocin contents of both groups of patients were significantly lower than those before treatment, and serum Scr, BUN, CysC, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α contents, urine ACR level as well as podocalyxin, nephrin, CA2AP and podocin contents of LEF group were significantly lower than those of control group, serum PRA, AT-II, ALD contents had no significant difference with control group.Conclusion:Leflunomide combined with losartan potassium therapy can improve the renal function of patients with diabetic nephropathy, and inhibit the inflammatory response injury to glomerular podocyte.