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Published on: December 8, 2023
The anti-inflammatory effects of Fuzapladib in an endotoxemic porcine model
Chihiro Sugita1, Takaharu Itami1, Taku Miyasho2
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan.
Abstract:
Endotoxemia is a systemic inflammatory condition caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, which produces inflammatory cytokines. Fuzapladib (FZP) inhibits the activation of adhesion molecules found on the surface of inflammatory cells, mitigating inflammation. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of fuzapladib on inflammatory cytokines and cardio-respiratory function using an LPS-induced endotoxemic porcine model. Fifteen pigs were separated into three groups: low-FZP (n=5), high-FZP (n=5), and control (n=5). Pigs were administered LPS under general anesthesia, and complete blood cell count, blood biochemistry, inflammatory cytokines, and cardio-respiratory function were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using a linear mixed-effects model and the Steel-Dwass test, with a significance threshold of P<0.05. During the 4 hr experimental period, one pig in the control group and two pigs in the low-FZP group died due to hypoxemia and hypotension. In the early acute changes following LPS administration, the high-FZP group maintained significantly higher arterial oxygen partial pressure and normal blood pressure compared to the control group. Although interleukin-6 levels increased in all groups during the experiment, they were significantly lower in the high-FZP group compared to the control group. Other parameters showed no clinically significant differences. In conclusion, while high-dose fuzapladib did not reduce organ damage in the porcine endotoxemia model, it suppressed interleukin-6 production, delayed the progression of deterioration, and contributed to a reduction in mortality during the observation period.
Insights
High-dose fuzapladib (FZP) in endotoxemia models suppressed interleukin-6, delayed deterioration, and reduced mortality. This study investigated FZP
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Endotoxemia, a systemic inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), triggers cytokine release and can lead to organ dysfunction.
- Fuzapladib (FZP) is an inhibitor of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules, potentially mitigating endotoxemia-induced inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic effects of fuzapladib on inflammatory cytokines and cardio-respiratory function in an LPS-induced endotoxemic porcine model.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen pigs were divided into low-FZP, high-FZP, and control groups, administered LPS, and monitored for hematology, biochemistry, cytokines, and cardio-respiratory parameters.
- Statistical analysis utilized a linear mixed-effects model and the Steel-Dwass test (P<0.05 significance).
Main Results:
- The high-FZP group exhibited significantly higher arterial oxygen partial pressure and maintained normal blood pressure compared to controls post-LPS administration.
- Interleukin-6 levels were significantly lower in the high-FZP group than in the control group.
- Mortality was observed in the control and low-FZP groups, with the high-FZP group showing reduced mortality during the 4-hour observation period.
Conclusions:
- High-dose fuzapladib did not prevent organ damage but suppressed interleukin-6 production and delayed deterioration in the porcine endotoxemia model.
- Fuzapladib demonstrated a potential to reduce mortality in the acute phase of endotoxemia.

