PG545 treatment reduces RRV-induced elevations of AST, ALT with secondary lymphoid organ alterations in C57BL/6 mice

PLoS One. 2019 Jun 6;14(6):e0217998. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217998. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Recently the anti-viral effects of prophylactic treatment with the low-molecular-weight heparan sulfate mimetic PG545 in Ross River virus (RRV) infected mice were reported. We further investigated the related, transient pathophysiology of PG545 drug treatment in RRV-infected and mock-infected PG545-treated mice. PG545 treatment resulted in mild lethargy and piloerection, on days after the drug administration. Mice were treated with two or three doses of PG545 within a ten-day period and were subsequently culled at peak disease or at disease resolution. The treatment responses of the spleen and liver were assessed through histology, flow cytometry, gene arrays and serum biochemistry. Microscopy showed an expanded red pulp in the spleen following either two or three treatments with PG545. The red pulp expansion was further demonstrated by the proliferation of megakaryocytes and erythrocyte precursors within the spleen. In addition, flow cytometry and gene array analyses revealed a reduction of lymphocytes within the spleens of PG545-treated mice. Previously unreported, RRV-induced elevations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) enzymes and creatinine were also noted in the RRV-infected mice. However, PG545 only reduced AST and ALT levels but not the creatinine levels in infected mice during treatment. Mice treated with three doses of PG545 also showed hepatosplenomegaly and anaemia, which were reversed upon discontinuation of the treatment. In summary, this study demonstrates that dose and frequency related haemopoietic pathophysiology such as hepatosplenomegaly and anaemia, occurred in C57BL/6 mice treated with PG545. However, this effect was reversible once drug administration is terminated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alanine Transaminase
  • Alphavirus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Alphavirus Infections / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / metabolism*
  • Glucuronidase / metabolism
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Ross River virus / drug effects*
  • Saponins / pharmacology*
  • Spleen / drug effects
  • Spleen / metabolism

Substances

  • PG 545
  • Saponins
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alanine Transaminase
  • Glucuronidase

Grants and funding

LJH is the recipient of the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Career Development Award (ID: 105760) This study was supported by an NHMRC project grant number awarded to L.J.H (ID: 1081954).