title: TRO40303, a mitochondrial-targeted cytoprotective compound, provides protection in hepatitis models.
abstract: TRO40303 is cytoprotective compound that was shown to reduce infarct size in preclinical models of myocardial infarction. It targets mitochondria, delays mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and reduces oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes submitted to ischemia/reperfusion in vitro. Because the involvement of the mitochondria and the mPTP has been demonstrated in chronic as well as acute hepatitis, we investigated the potential of TRO40303 to prevent hepatocyte injury. A first set of in vitro studies showed that TRO40303 (from 0.3 to 3 μmol/L) protected HepG2 cells and primary mouse embryonic hepatocytes (PMEH) from palmitate intoxication, a model mimicking steatohepatitis. In PMEH, TRO40303 provided similar protection against cell death due to Jo2 anti-Fas antibody intoxication. Further studies were then preformed in a mouse model of Fas-induced fulminant hepatitis induced by injecting Jo2 anti-Fas antibody. When mice received a sublethal dose of Jo2 at 125 μg/kg, TRO40303 pretreatment prevented liver enzyme elevation in plasma in parallel with a decrease in cytochrome C release from mitochondria and caspase 3 and 7 activation in hepatic tissue. When higher, lethal doses of Jo2 were administered, TRO40303 (10 and 30 mg/kg) significantly reduced mortality by 65-90% when administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) 1 h before Jo2 injection, a time when TRO40303 plasma concentrations reached their peak. TRO40303 (30 mg/kg, i.p.) was also able to reduce mortality by 30-50% when administered 1 h postlethal Jo2 intoxication. These results suggest that TRO40303 could be a promising new therapy for the treatment or prevention of hepatitis.
authors.affiliation: Trophos S. A., Luminy Biotech Entreprise Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schaller
authors.affiliation: Trophos S. A., Luminy Biotech Entreprise Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Magali
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Michaud
authors.affiliation: Trophos S. A., Luminy Biotech Entreprise Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Virginie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Latyszenok
authors.affiliation: Trophos S. A., Luminy Biotech Entreprise Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Fabrice
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Robert
authors.affiliation: Trophos S. A., Luminy Biotech Entreprise Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Mélanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hocine
authors.affiliation: Trophos S. A., Luminy Biotech Entreprise Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Arnoux
authors.affiliation: Trophos S. A., Luminy Biotech Entreprise Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Mélanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gabriac
authors.affiliation: Trophos S. A., Luminy Biotech Entreprise Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Hélène
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Codoul
authors.affiliation: Trophos S. A., Luminy Biotech Entreprise Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bourhane
authors.affiliation: Trophos S. A., Luminy Biotech Entreprise Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Isabel Clémançon
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: de Bellefois
authors.affiliation: Trophos S. A., Luminy Biotech Entreprise Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Afxantidis
authors.affiliation: Trophos S. A., Luminy Biotech Entreprise Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Rebecca M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Pruss
keywords: Acute hepatitis; acute liver failure; hepatoprotection; mitochondria