BOL-303242-X, a novel selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist, with full anti-inflammatory properties in human ocular cells

PURPOSE: BOL-303242-X is a novel selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist under clinical evaluation for the treatment of inflammatory skin and eye diseases. Data from in vitro and in vivo studies suggest an improved side-effect profile of this compound compared to classical glucocorticoids. The aim of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of BOL-303242-X in ocular cells. METHODS: Four primary human ocular cell cultures, including human conjunctival fibroblasts (HConFs), human corneal epithelial cells (HCEpiCs), human optic nerve astrocytes (HONAs), and human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs), as well as a human monocytic cell line, THP-1, were challenged with either lipopolysacharide (LPS) or interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß). Luminex technology was used to determine the effect of BOL-303242-X on LPS- or IL-1ß-induced cytokine release and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) levels. Effects of BOL-303242-X on nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in HCEpiCs were also assessed by measuring inhibitory kappa B protein-α (IκB-α), phosphorylated p65 NFκB, and MAPK levels by western blotting. Dexamethasone (DEX) or triamcinolone acetonide (TA) was used as the control. RESULTS: LPS or IL-1ß induced multiple cytokine release in all cell types studied. BOL-303242-X significantly reduced LPS- or IL-1ß-induced inflammatory cytokine release in a dose-dependent manner, including granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p40, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). BOL-303242-X showed activity and potency comparable to that observed for DEX or TA. A statistically significant inhibitory effect of BOL-303242-X was observed at doses ranging from 1 to 100 nM in HConFs, HCEpiCs, HONAs, and THP-1. The IC(50) values for these effects were in the low nM range. BOL-303242-X also significantly reduced LPS-induced IL-1ß release and ICAM-1 levels in HRECs. Furthermore, BOL-303242-X inhibited IL-1ß-induced decreases in IκB-α levels, as well as IL-1ß-induced phosphorylation of NFκB, p38, and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPKs in HCEpiCs. CONCLUSIONS: BOL-303242-X acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent in various primary human ocular cells with similar activity and potency compared to classical steroids. Results also suggest that MAPK (p38 and JNK) and NFκB signaling pathways are involved in the anti-inflammatory properties of BOL-303242-X in HCEpiCs. An improved side effect profile of this novel SEGRA compound has been reported recently. Thus, BOL-303242-X may provide a new option for the treatment of ophthalmic conditions with an inflammatory component.