Brusatol alleviates pancreatic carcinogenesis via targeting NLRP3 in transgenic Krastm4Tyj Trp53tm1Brn Tg (Pdx1-cre/Esr1*) #Dam mice.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer (PanCa), ranked as the 4th leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, exhibits an dismal 5-year survival rate of less than 5 %. Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a known major risk factor for PanCa. Brusatol (BRT) possesses a wide range of biological functions, including the inhibition of PanCa proliferation. However, its efficacy in halting the progression from CP to pancreatic carcinogenesis remains unexplored. METHODS: We assess the effects of BRT against pancreatic carcinogenesis from CP using an experimentally induced CP model with cerulein, and further evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of BRT on PanCa by employing Krastm4TyjTrp53tm1BrnTg (Pdx1-cre/Esr1*) #Dam/J (KPC) mouse model. RESULTS: Our finding demonstrated that BRT mitigated the severity of cerulein-induced pancreatitis, reduced pancreatic fibrosis and decreased the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), which is a biomarker for pancreatic fibrosis. In addition, BRT exerted effects against cerulein-induced pancreatitis via inactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Moreover, BRT significantly inhibited tumor growth and impeded cancer progression. CONCLUSIONS: The observed effect of BRT on impeding pancreatic carcinogenesis through targeting NLRP3 inflammasome suggests its good potential as a potential agent for treatment of PanCa.

Ginsenoside Rg1 mitigates cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury in mice by inhibiting autophagy through activation of mTOR signalling.

Reperfusion injury, which is distinct from ischaemic injury, occurs when blood flow is restored in previously ischaemic brain tissue, further compromising neurons and other cells and worsening the injury. There is currently a lack of pharmaceutical agents and therapeutic interventions that specifically mitigate cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), a protopanaxatriol-type saponin isolated from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, has been found to protect against cerebral I/R injury, but its intricate protective mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Numerous studies have shown that autophagy plays a crucial role in protecting brain tissue during the I/R process and is emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy for effective treatment. In this study, we investigated whether Rg1 protected against I/R damage in vitro and in vivo by regulating autophagy. Both MCAO and OGD/R models were established. SK-N-AS and SH-SY5Y cells were subjected to OGD followed by reperfusion with Rg1 (4-32 µM). MCAO mice were injected with Rg1 (30 mg·kg-1·d-1. i.p.) for 3 days before and on the day of surgery. Rg1 treatment significantly mitigated ischaemia/reperfusion injury both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the induction of autophagy contributed to I/R injury, which was effectively inhibited by Rg1 in both in vitro and in vivo models of cerebral I/R injury. Rg1 inhibited autophagy through multiple steps, including impeding autophagy initiation, inducing lysosomal dysfunction and inhibiting cathepsin enzyme activities. We revealed that mTOR activation was pivotal in mediating the inhibitory effect of Rg1 on autophagy. Treatment with Torin-1, an autophagy inducer and mTOR-specific inhibitor, significantly reversed the impact of Rg1 on autophagy, decreasing its protective efficacy against I/R injury both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our results suggest that Rg1 may serve as a promising drug candidate against cerebral I/R injury by inhibiting autophagy through activation of mTOR signalling.

Red ginseng ameliorates lipotoxicity-induced renal fibrosis in hyperuricemia mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chronic kidney disease can be caused by numerous diseases including obesity and hyperuricemia (HUA). Obesity may exacerbate the renal injury caused by HUA. Red ginseng, a steamed products of Panax ginseng Meyer root, is known for its remarkable efficacy in improving metabolic syndrome, such as maintaining lipid metabolic balance. However, the role of red ginseng on hyperuricemia-induced renal injury in obese cases remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the action of red ginseng extract (RGE) on lipotoxicity-induced renal injury in HUA mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model was employed to initially investigate the effects of RGE on body weight, TC, OGTT, renal lipid droplets, and renal function indices such as uric acid, creatinine, and urea nitrogen. Renal structural improvement was demonstrated by H&E staining. Subsequently, an animal model combining obesity and HUA was established to further study the impact of RGE on OAT1 and ACC1 expression levels. The mechanisms underlying renal injury regulation by RGE were postulated on the basis of RNA sequencing, which was verified by immunohistochemical (including F4/80, Ki67, TGF-ß1, α-SMA, and E-cadherin), Masson, and Sirius red staining. RESULTS: RGE modulated HFD-induced weight gain, glucose metabolism, and abnormalities of uric acid, urea nitrogen, and creatinine. RGE alleviated the more severe renal histopathological changes induced by obesity combined with HUA, with down-regulated the protein levels of ACC1, F4/80, Ki67, TGF-ß1, and α-SMA, and up-regulated OAT1 and E-cadherin. CONCLUSIONS: RGE has ameliorative effects on chronic kidney disease caused by obesity combined with HUA by maintaining lipid balance and reducing renal inflammation and fibrosis.

Autophagy Regulators in Cancer.

Autophagy plays a complex impact role in tumor initiation and development. It serves as a double-edged sword by supporting cell survival in certain situations while also triggering autophagic cell death in specific cellular contexts. Understanding the intricate functions and mechanisms of autophagy in tumors is crucial for guiding clinical approaches to cancer treatment. Recent studies highlight its significance in various aspects of cancer biology. Autophagy enables cancer cells to adapt to and survive unfavorable conditions by recycling cellular components. However, excessive or prolonged autophagy can lead to the self-destruction of cancer cells via a process known as autophagic cell death. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying autophagy regulation in cancer is crucial for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. In this review, we seek to present a comprehensive summary of current knowledge regarding autophagy, its impact on cancer cell survival and death, and the molecular mechanisms involved in the modulation of autophagy for cancer therapy.

Synergistic Anti-Tumor Effect of Toosendanin and Paclitaxel on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer via Regulating ADORA2A-EMT Related Signaling.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive cancer with very poor prognosis. Combination therapy has proven to be a promising strategy for enhancing TNBC treatment efficacy. Toosendanin (TSN), a plant-derived triterpenoid, has shown pleiotropic effects against a variety of tumors. Herein, it is evaluated whether TSN can enhance the efficacy of paclitaxel (PTX), a common chemotherapeutic agent, against TNBC. It is found that TSN and PTX synergistically suppress the proliferation of TNBC cell lines such as MDA-MB-231 and BT-549, and the combined treatment also inhibits the colony formation and induces cell apoptosis. Furthermore, this combination shows more marked migratory inhibition when compared to PTX alone. Mechanistic study shows that the ADORA2A pathway in TNBC is down-regulated by the combination treatment via mediating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In addition, the combined treatment of TSN and PTX significantly attenuates the tumor growth when compared to PTX monotherapy in a mouse model bearing 4T1 tumor. The results suggest that combination of TSN and PTX is superior to PTX alone, suggesting that it may be a promising alternative adjuvant chemotherapy strategy for patients with TNBC, especially those with metastatic TNBC.

A novel method for age identification of mountain-cultivated ginseng.

Panax ginseng, a slow-growing perennial herb, is the most praised and popular traditional medicinal herb. Mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) and cultivated ginseng (CG) both belong to Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer. The market price and medical effects of this popular health product are closely related to its age. It is widely acknowledged that CG is typically harvested after 4-6 years of growth, but MCG is often collected after 10 years. Until now, the age identification of MCG or mountain wild ginseng (MWG) has remained a major challenge. In this study, we established a novel and rapid method for staining xylem vessels with phloroglucinol and identifying the "annual growth rings" of ginseng by utilizing a stereoscope, which serves as a reliable indicator of the age of MCG. Statistical analysis of the ring radius and the ring density of MCG aged from 1 to 20 years shows that the secondary xylem of MCG increases rapidly in the first 3 years but then gradually slows down from 4 to 10 years, and minor fluctuation is observed in the next 10 years. Meanwhile, the space between the growth rings (ring density) becomes increasingly small with age. This straightforward staining approach can reveal the age of MCG with remarkable clarity and can distinguish MCG from CG. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: A novel rapid staining method for Panax ginseng was established. The age of mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) can be identified by microscopic techniques. MCG and cultivated ginseng (CG) can be discriminated by microstructure characteristics.

Natural Nrf2 Inhibitors: A Review of Their Potential for Cancer Treatment.

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor that regulates redox homeostasis, plays a pivotal role in several cellular processes such as cell proliferation and survival, and has been found to be aberrantly activated in many cancers. As one of the key oncogenes, Nrf2 represents an important therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Research has unraveled the main mechanisms underlying the Nrf2 pathway regulation and the role of Nrf2 in promoting tumorigenesis. Many efforts have been made to develop potent Nrf2 inhibitors, and several clinical trials are being conducted on some of these inhibitors. Natural products are well-recognized as a valuable source for development of novel therapeutics for cancer. So far, a number of natural compounds have been identified as Nrf2 inhibitors, such as apigenin, luteolin, and quassinoids compounds including brusatol and brucein D. These Nrf2 inhibitors have been found to mediate an oxidant response and display therapeutic effects in different types of human cancers. In this article, we reviewed the structure and function of the Nrf2/Keap1 system and the development of natural Nrf2 inhibitors with an emphasis on their biological function on cancer. The current status regarding the Nrf2 as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment was also summarized. It is hoped that this review will stimulate research on naturally occurring Nrf2 inhibitors as therapeutic candidates for cancer treatment.

Garcinia oligantha: A comprehensive overview of ethnomedicine, phytochemistry and pharmacology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Garcinia oligantha Merr. is an ethnomedicine plant mainly distributed in Guangdong and Hainan, China. It has the effects of heat-clearing and detoxicating, which has been used by local ethnic minorities to treat a variety of diseases, including inflammation, internal heat, toothache and scald. THE AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review summarizes and discusses the progress of the chemical compounds and biological activities of G. oligantha that have been studied in recent years to provide the direction for the prospective research and applications of G. oligantha. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relevant literature about G. oligantha was accessible from ancient Chinese medical books and records, theses, as well as major scientific databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Baidu Scholar and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). RESULTS: To date, more than 150 chemical compounds were isolated from this plant, including xanthones, volatile oil, fatty acid, benzofurane derivative and biphenyl compounds. Xanthones are the main bioactive compounds that exhibit diverse biological effects, such as antitumor, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, neuroprotective, antimalarial and antibacterial effects, which are consistent with its traditional uses as a folk medicine. Modern pharmacological studies show that these compounds participate in a variety of signaling pathways underlying different pathophysiologies, making them a valuable medicinal resource. CONCLUSION: G. oligantha is an ethnomedicine with a long history. However, due to regional and cultural constraints, the popularisation and use of ethnomedicine are still limited. Modern pharmacological and chemical research suggest that G. oligantha contains a variety of bioactive compounds and showed diverse biological functions, which is worthy of comprehensive and in-depth research. This review summarizes and discusses the recent progress in studies on G. oligantha, looking forward to promote further research and sustainable development of folk medicinal plants.

Traditional uses, chemical compounds, pharmacological activities and clinical studies on the traditional Chinese prescription Yi-Gan San.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: A widely used traditional prescription, Yi-Gan San (YGS) is a remedy for neurodegenerative disorders. The formulation consists of seven Chinese medicinal materials in specific proportions, namely Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis (Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Miq. ex Havil.), Bupleuri Radix (Bupleurum chinense DC.), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels), Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Ligusticum wallichii Franch.), Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.) and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.). Using YGS has been shown to alleviate various behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). AIM OF THIS REVIEW: The goal of this review is to give up-to-date information about the traditional uses, chemistry, pharmacology and clinical efficacy of YGS based on the scientific literature and to learn the current focus and provide references in the next step. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The database search room was accessed using the search terms "Yi-Gan San" and "Yokukansan" to obtain results from resources such as Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar and Sci Finder Scholar. We not only consulted the literature of fellow authors for this review but also explored classical medical books. RESULTS: YGS has been used to cure neurosis, sleeplessness, night weeping and restlessness in infants. Its chemical components primarily consist of triterpenes, flavonoids, phenolics, lactones, alkaloids and other types of compounds. These active ingredients displayed diverse pharmacological activities to ameliorate BPSD by regulating serotonergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, dopaminergic, adrenergic, and GABAergic neurotransmission. In addition, YGS showed neuroprotective, antistress, and anti-inflammatory effects. The majority of cases of neurodegenerative disorders are treated with YGS, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. CONCLUSIONS: Based on previous studies, YGS has been used as a traditional prescription in East Asia, such as Japan, Korea and China, and it has diverse chemical compounds and multiple pharmacological activities. Nevertheless, few experimental studies have focused on chemical and quantitative YGS studies, suggesting that further comprehensive research on its chemicals and quality assessments is critical for future evaluations of drug efficacy.

Medicinal plants and natural compounds against acyclovir-resistant HSV infections.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV), an alphaherpesvirus, is highly prevalent in the human population and is known to cause oral and genital herpes and various complications. Represented by acyclovir (ACV), nucleoside analogs have been the main clinical treatment against HSV infection thus far. However, due to prolonged and excessive use, HSV has developed ACV-resistant strains. Therefore, effective treatment against ACV-resistant HSV strains is urgently needed. In this review, we summarized the plant extracts and natural compounds that inhibited ACV-resistant HSV infection and their mechanism of action.

A review on computational approaches that support the researches on traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) against COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 highly caused contagious infections and massive deaths worldwide as well as unprecedentedly disrupting global economies and societies, and the urgent development of new antiviral medications are required. Medicinal herbs are promising resources for the discovery of prophylactic candidate against COVID-19. Considerable amounts of experimental efforts have been made on vaccines and direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), but neither of them was fast and fully developed. PURPOSE: This study examined the computational approaches that have played a significant role in drug discovery and development against COVID-19, and these computational methods and tools will be helpful for the discovery of lead compounds from phytochemicals and understanding the molecular mechanism of action of TCM in the prevention and control of the other diseases. METHODS: A search conducting in scientific databases (PubMed, Science Direct, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) found a total of 2172 articles, which were retrieved via web interface of the following websites. After applying some inclusion and exclusion criteria and full-text screening, only 292 articles were collected as eligible articles. RESULTS: In this review, we highlight three main categories of computational approaches including structure-based, knowledge-mining (artificial intelligence) and network-based approaches. The most commonly used database, molecular docking tool, and MD simulation software include TCMSP, AutoDock Vina, and GROMACS, respectively. Network-based approaches were mainly provided to help readers understanding the complex mechanisms of multiple TCM ingredients, targets, diseases, and networks. CONCLUSION: Computational approaches have been broadly applied to the research of phytochemicals and TCM against COVID-19, and played a significant role in drug discovery and development in terms of the financial and time saving.

The natural compound from Garcinia bracteata mainly induces GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in esophageal cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of programmed cell death (PCD), is reported to play important roles in the treatment of tumors. In our previous studies, we found that neobractatin (NBT), a caged prenylxanthone isolated from edible fruits of Garcinia bracteata C. Y. Wu ex Y. H. Li, showed anticancer effects against different cancer cells. However, the effect of NBT on pyroptosis is not well understood. PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate whether and how GSDME-mediated pyroptosis contributes to NBT-induced antitumor effects in esophageal cancer (EC) cells. METHODS: Cell viability assay and colony formation assay were used to determine the anticancer effects of NBT in esophageal cancer cells. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay and microscopy imaging were used to detect the main characteristic of pyroptosis. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout and siRNA knockdown were performed to verify the roles of GSDME and caspase-3 in NBT-induced pyroptosis. Flow cytometry was used to measure the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and cell apoptosis. The changes of related protein level were detected by Western blot. Furthermore, animal experiments were used to verify the in vivo effect of NBT. RESULTS: The results showed that NBT reduced the viability of EC cells mainly through GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Morphologically, NBT induced cell swelling and formed large bubbles emerging from plasma membrane in wild type EC cells. Furthermore, NBT induced the cleavage of GSDME by activating caspase-3 in EC cells. On the other hand, caspase-3 activated by NBT also induced apoptosis especially at high dosage. Knocking down GSDME switched NBT-induced cell death from mainly pyroptosis to apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistic studies indicated that NBT led to accumulation of ROS, which then regulated the phosphorylation of both JNK and MEK/ERK. In the absence of ROS or caspase-3, NBT-induced pyroptosis and apoptosis were completely reversed. Moreover, NBT showed a significant antitumor effect in both the KYSE150 and GSDME knockout KYSE150-/- xenograft models by inducing pyroptosis and apoptosis, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that natural compound NBT could induce GSDME-mediated pyroptosis and apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells, making it a potential therapeutic drug in clinical treatment.

Total alkaloid fraction of Leonurus japonicus Houtt. Promotes angiogenesis and wound healing through SRC/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Leonurus japonicus Houtt., also known as motherwort, is a traditional Chinese medicine that was first identified in Shennong Bencao Jing, the first and essential pharmacy monograph in China. L. japonicus has been regarded as a good gynecological medicine since ancient times. It has been widely used in clinical settings for treatment of gynecological diseases and postnatal rehabilitation with good efficacy and low adverse effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: The main purpose of this study was to determine the angiogenic and wound healing effects of total alkaloid fraction from L. japonicus Houtt. (TALH) in vivo and in vitro. In addition, the main bioactive components of total alkaloids were to be identified and analyzed in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, the UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS method was used to identify and quantify the major components in the TALH extract. The wound healing activity was evaluated in vivo using a rat full-thickness cutaneous wound model. Histological study of wound healing in rat model was performed via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. Wound healing and transwell assays were used for detection of cell migration. The effect on tube formation was determined by tube formation assay in HUVECs. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the expressions of relative proteins and genes respectively. Knock-down of SRC by siRNA was done to verify the crucial role of SRC in promotion of angiogenesis induced by TALH. RESULTS: Seven characteristic peaks were recognized in the UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS spectrum, while four of the main components were quantified. The wound model in rats showed that treatment of TALH promoted wound healing by stimulating cellular proliferation and collagen deposition. In vitro experiments showed that co-treatment of TALH and VEGF increased cell proliferation, migration and tube formation in HUVECs. Mechanistic studies suggested that the co-treatment increased gene expressions of SRC, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2, as well as the phosphorylation levels of these proteins. Furthermore, the effect of co-treatment was attenuated after SRC knockdown, suggesting that SRC plays an important role in angiogenesis and wound healing induced by TALH and VEGF co-treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that TALH was one of the main active components of L. japonicus that promoted angiogenesis and wound healing by regulating the SRC/MEK/ERK pathway. Our study provided scientific basis for better clinical application of L. japonicas.

Two Novel Phenylpropanoid Trimers From Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort With Inhibitory Activities on Alpha-Hemolysin Secreted by Staphylococcus aureus.

The emergence of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus has necessitated the development of innovative anti-infective agents acting on novel targets. Alpha-hemolysin (Hla), a key virulence factor of S. aureus, is known to cause various cell damage and death. In this study, with bioassay-guided fractionation, a pair of unusual epimeric lignan trimers, ligustchuanes A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from the rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort, together with two known phthalides being identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS. To the best of our knowledge, trimers with rare C8-C9″-type neolignan and ferulic acid fragments have not been identified in any natural product. Both of them were isolated as racemic mixtures, and their absolute configurations were determined by comparing experimental and calculated ECD spectra after enantioseparation. Ligustchuane B exhibited an outstanding inhibitory effect on α-hemolysin expression in both MRSA USA300 LAC and MSSA Newman strains at concentrations of 3 and 6 µM, respectively. Notably, a mouse model of infection further demonstrated that ligustchuane B could attenuate MRSA virulence in vivo.

Major Constituents From Brucea javanica and Their Pharmacological Actions.

Brucea javanica (Ya-dan-zi in Chinese) is a well-known Chinese herbal medicine, which is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of intestinal inflammation, diarrhea, malaria, and cancer. The formulation of the oil (Brucea javanica oil) has been widely used to treat various types of cancer. It has also been found that B. javanica is rich in chemical constituents, including quassinoids, triterpenes, alkaloids and flavonoids. Pharmacological studies have revealed that chemical compounds derived from B. javanica exhibit multiple bioactivities, such as anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, and others. This review provides a comprehensive summary on the pharmacological properties of the main chemical constituents presented in B. javanica and their underlying molecular mechanisms. Moreover, the review will also provide scientific references for further research and development of B. javanica and its chemical constituents into novel pharmaceutical products for disease management.

The anti-infective activity of Salvia miltiorrhiza against Staphylococcus aureus by attenuating accessory gene regulator system-mediated virulence.

Due to the rapid evolution of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, antivirulence therapy may be a promising alternative for the effective control of the spread of resistant pathogens. The Chinese Materia Medica has been widely used for the treatment of diseases and production of health foods, and it remains a valuable resource for the discovery of compounds possessing antivirulence activity. Through a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model, an EtOAc-soluble fraction of 80% EtOH extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMEA) was found to possess potential anti-infective activity against S. aureus. Then, several in vitro assays indicated that SMEA had robust antivirulence activity at the dose of 400 µg mL-1, reducing hemolytic activity and α-hemolysin expression in S. aureus. Furthermore, at 100 mg kg-1, SMEA reduced abscess formation in the main organs of mice challenged with S. aureus. In order to identify the bioactive components of SMEA and investigate the mechanisms underlying the antivirulence activity, SMEA was separated using bioassay-guided fractionation. As a result, eight compounds were identified in SMEA. Among them, tanshinone IIB (TNB) showed strong antivirulence activity both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, at 24 µg mL-1, TNB significantly reduced the expression of RNAIII and psmα, indicating that the mechanism underlying TNB activity was related to the accessory gene regulator quorum sensing system. In conclusion, TNB's antivirulence properties make it a promising candidate for drug development against S. aureus infections.

Brucein D augments the chemosensitivity of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer via inhibiting the Nrf2 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Gemcitabine (GEM) is the first-line chemotherapeutic drug used to treat pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma carcinoma (PDAC), but chemoresistance is often encountered clinically. Nrf2, an oxidative stress responsive transcription factor, is an important contributor to chemoresistance and poor prognosis of PDAC. Brucein D (BD), a naturally occurring quassinoid, has been reported to exert anti-tumor effect in several cancers including PDAC. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of BD and the role of Nrf2 axes on the chemosensitivity of GEM and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Analyses of clinical samples of PDAC and GEPIA database were first conducted to identify the expression of Nrf2 in PDAC. We then established cell lines with stable deletion of Nrf2 through transfecting lentivirus into PDAC cells. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were performed to determine the expression of Nrf2 in these cell lines. The effects of BD and Nrf2 axes on PDAC cell proliferation, colony-formation, tumor growth and chemosensitivity were determined both in vitro and in vivo. Orthotopic xenograft and genetically engineered KPC mouse models of PDAC were used to evaluate the anti-pancreatic cancer effects of BD and GEM. RESULTS: Nrf2 was highly expressed in PDAC in the clinical samples and GEPIA analysis. Gain- and lost-function study demonstrated that Nrf2 affected the chemosensitivity of GEM on PDAC cells both in vitro and in vivo. We further found that BD effectively inhibited PDAC cell proliferation and enhanced the chemosensitivity of GEM. Mechanistic studies revealed that BD sensitized GEM in PDAC cells through the ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent degradation of Nrf2, and downregulating the Nrf2 pathway. Silencing of Nrf2 plus BD treatment resulted in more potent inhibitory effects of GEM. In contrast, Nrf2 activation attenuated the chemosensitivity of GEM, indicating that the action of BD was Nrf2 dependent. Finally, the efficacy of BD alone and in combination with GEM on PDAC was validated on both orthotopic xenograft and genetically engineered KPC mouse models. CONCLUSIONS: BD was able to enhance the chemosensitivity of GEM in PDAC through inhibition of the Nrf2 pathway. Our experimental findings indicate that BD, a potent Nrf2 inhibitor, holds promise for further development into a novel adjuvant therapy for PDAC.

New monoterpenoids from the stigmas of Crocus sativus.

One new compound, crocusatin M (1), and three new glycosidic compounds, crocusatins N-P (2-4), along with nine known compounds were isolated from the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus. The structures of new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations of 1, 2, and 3 were unambiguously assigned by the comparison of experimental and calculated ECD data. This is the first report of the isolation of 4 with the HMG moiety from the genus Crocus. Compounds 1 and 4 exhibited weak anti-inflammatory activities on inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production.

Natural Products and Their Derivatives against Human Herpesvirus Infection.

Herpesviruses establish long-term latent infection for the life of the host and are known to cause numerous diseases. The prevalence of viral infection is significantly increased and causes a worldwide challenge in terms of health issues due to drug resistance. Prolonged treatment with conventional antiviral drugs is more likely to develop drug-resistant strains due to mutations of thymidine nucleoside kinase or DNA polymerase. Hence, the development of alternative treatments is clearly required. Natural products and their derivatives have played a significant role in treating herpesvirus infection rather than nucleoside analogs in drug-resistant strains with minimal undesirable effects and different mechanisms of action. Numerous plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria-derived compounds have been proved to be efficient and safe for treating human herpesvirus infection. This review covers the natural antiherpetic agents with the chemical structural class of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, anthraquinones, anthracyclines, and miscellaneous compounds, and their antiviral mechanisms have been summarized. This review would be helpful to get a better grasp of anti-herpesvirus activity of natural products and their derivatives, and to evaluate the feasibility of natural compounds as an alternative therapy against herpesvirus infections in humans.