scRNA-seq reveals that origin recognition complex subunit 6 regulates mouse spermatogonial cell proliferation and apoptosis via activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.

ABSTRACT: The regulation of spermatogonial proliferation and apoptosis is of great significance for maintaining spermatogenesis. The single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of the testis was performed to identify genes upregulated in spermatogonia. Using scRNA-seq analysis, we identified the spermatogonia upregulated gene origin recognition complex subunit 6 (Orc6), which is involved in DNA replication and cell cycle regulation; its protein expression in the human and mouse testis was detected by western blot and immunofluorescence. To explore the potential function of Orc6 in spermatogonia, the C18-4 cell line was transfected with control or Orc6 siRNA. Subsequently, 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays, flow cytometry, and western blot were used to evaluate its effects on proliferation and apoptosis. It was revealed that ORC6 could promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of C18-4 cells. Bulk RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis indicated that Orc6 was involved in the activation of wingless/integrated (Wnt)/ ß-catenin signaling. Western blot revealed that the expression of ß-catenin protein and its phosphorylation (Ser675) were significantly decreased when silencing the expression of ORC6. Our findings indicated that Orc6 was upregulated in spermatogonia, whereby it regulated proliferation and apoptosis by activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.

Tolerability, Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of SY-004, a Glucokinase Activator, in Healthy Chinese Adults: A Randomized, Phase Ia, Single-Ascending Dose Study.

PURPOSE: SY-004, a dual-acting full glucokinase activator, is under development to provide a dose-dependent improvement of glucose control. This study aimed to assess the tolerability, safety, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of SY-004 in healthy Chinese adults. METHODS: Two study participants were administered 2 mg of SY-004 in the 2-mg cohort, whereas 6 study participants were randomized with 4 study participants receiving SY-004 and 2 receiving placebo in the 20-mg cohort. In each of other 3 dose cohorts (40, 80, and 120 mg), 12 participants were randomized in a 10:2 ratio to receive single oral SY-004 capsules or placebos. Drug concentrations, glucose and insulin levels, and safety data were assessed and analyzed. Noncompartmental analysis was used to determine SY-004 pharmacokinetic parameters. FINDINGS: SY-004 was generally well tolerated. Nine of the 44 study participants reported 17 treatment-related adverse events, and most treatment-related adverse events were mild. SY-004 had approximately dose-proportional increases in systemic exposure. The mean t½ ranged from 37.6 to 49.9 hours, and CL/F values ranged from 67.1 to 110 L/h across all doses. The cumulative amounts of the unchanged drug excreted in urine were very low, accounting for no more than 1.53% of the given doses. No significant difference in sex was observed in pharmacokinetic parameters. The pharmacodynamic response appeared to slightly correlate with dose. IMPLICATIONS: SY-004, a new potential glucokinase activator, had favorable safety profiles and good PK characteristics. The glucose-lowering effects were slightly dose related. The SY-004 data in healthy Chinese adults supports further development. CLINICALTRIALS: gov identifier: NCT03171623.

Exploration of percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture as day surgery: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of patients underwent PVP for OVCF as day surgery with the outcomes of patients managed as traditional inpatients. METHODS: According to the selection criteria, patients who underwent PVP for single-segment thoracolumbar OVCF were included retrospectively in the day surgery procedure (DSP) group and the traditional inpatient procedure (TIP) group between April 2018 and September 2019. The visual analog scale score (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score were recorded preoperatively and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Duration of hospital stay, preoperative waiting time, hospital cost, and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 335 patients (53 in DSP group; 282 in TIP group) were enrolled and completed 12-month follow-up. The mean duration of hospital stay, the mean preoperative waiting time, and the mean hospital costs were significant lower in the DSP group. The postoperative VAS and ODI scores in both groups were significantly improved after surgery. Moreover, both VAS and ODI scores at each follow-up stage were also significantly lower than the previous follow-up stage. However, the ODI score in the DSP group was significantly lower at 1-day, 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month follow-up, respectively. For cement leakage and secondary vertebral compression fractures, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that PVP for OVCFs in day surgery procedure is worthy of wide application.

Tolerability, safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of SHR0534, a potent G protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) agonist, at single- and multiple-ascending oral doses in healthy Chinese subjects.

SHR0534 is being developed for type-2 diabetes mellitus. Herein the tolerability, safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of SHR0534 in healthy Chinese subjects were assessed in a phase-I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single- and multiple-ascending dose study. Forty subjects were randomized 4:1 to receive SHR0534 at the dose of 10, 25, 50 or 100 mg, or placebo, and another eleven subjects were allocated to either the 5 mg group or the placebo group at an 8:3 ratio. All subjects received a single dose on day 1, followed by a 9-day washout and once-daily administrations for 14 consecutive days. Serial samples were collected, and vital signs, electrocardiograms, laboratory tests, urinalysis and adverse events (AEs) were recorded. All doses of SHR0534 were safe and well tolerated with infrequent, generally mild-to-moderate AEs and no serious AEs in the study. SHR0534 was absorbed with a T max of approximately 4 hours, and systemic exposure increased with dose. Accumulation was minimal (2- to 3-fold) and steady state was reached after seven days of dosing. For pharmacodynamics, no significant hypoglycaemic effects were seen in healthy adults. Good pharmacokinetics and safety were demonstrated but no obvious effect was found.

Seminal plasma miR-210-3p induces spermatogenic cell apoptosis by activating caspase-3 in patients with varicocele.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of seminal plasma miR-210-3p in the impairment of semen quality caused by varicocele. This study included 102 patients whose semen quality was normal when they were diagnosed with varicocele. A 2-year follow-up for included patients was performed, and they were divided into Group A (semen quality became abnormal) and Group B (semen quality remained normal) according to the results of semen analysis during the follow-up. Semen parameters and seminal plasma miR-210-3p expression were investigated by semen analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. In vitro experiments with GC-2 cells were performed to explore the role of miR-210-3p in spermatogenic cells. The results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that the level of seminal plasma miR-210-3p in Group A was higher than that in Group B both after 2-year follow-up and when they were diagnosed with varicocele (both P < 0.01). Apoptosis and proliferation assays showed that miR-210-3p induces apoptosis of spermatogenic cells by promoting caspase-3 activation. In conclusion, our study indicated that seminal plasma miR-210-3p induces spermatogenic cell apoptosis by activating caspase-3 in patients with varicocele. Seminal plasma miR-210-3p may be a potential biomarker for predicting impaired semen quality caused by varicocele.

Efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of ilaprazole infusion in healthy subjects and patients with esomeprazole as positive control.

AIMS: The objectives were to investigate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of ilaprazole infusion in healthy subjects and patients with esomeprazole as positive control, and then recommend the dosage regimen for Phase 2b/3 studies. METHODS: Three clinical studies were performed. First, 16 healthy subjects received infusion of ilaprazole 30 mg or esomeprazole 80 mg. Second, 12 healthy subjects received ilaprazole 20 mg followed by 10 mg once daily for 2 days. Finally, 20 patients with duodenal ulcers received ilaprazole 20 mg followed by 10 mg for 2 days or esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily for 3 days. Serial blood samples were collected and intragastric pH was recorded. RESULTS: The mean percentages time of intragastric pH >6 was 63.6 and 51.7% for healthy subjects after receiving ilaprazole 30 mg and esomeprazole 80 mg. Linear pharmacokinetics was observed when the dose was increased to 30 mg but the effect was saturated. Ilaprazole 20 mg followed by 10 mg for 2 days provided higher plasma exposure in healthy subjects than patients, but the effect was comparable. After multiple administrations, ilaprazole provided similar effect to esomeprazole. Ilaprazole infusion was safe and well tolerated without serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Ilaprazole provided comparable effect of pH control to esomeprazole, with lower dose and fewer times of administration. There was no significant difference of ilaprazole between healthy subjects and patients regarding intragastric acid inhibition. A loading dose of ilaprazole 20 mg followed by 10 mg once daily for 2 days was recommended for Phase 2b/3 studies.

Preclinical Evaluation of 1,2-Diamino-4,5-Dibromobenzene in Genetically Engineered Mouse Models of Pancreatic Cancer.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly resistant to standard chemo- and radiotherapy. Recently, a new class of non-platinum-based halogenated molecules (called FMD compounds) was discovered that selectively kills cancer cells. Here, we investigate the potential of 1,2-Diamino-4,5-dibromobenzene (2Br-DAB) in combination with standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy in murine and human PDAC. Methods: Cell viability and colony formation was performed in human (Panc1, BxPC3, PaTu8988t, MiaPaCa) and three murine LSL-KrasG12D/+;LSL-Trp53R172H/+;Pdx-1-Cre (KPC) pancreatic cancer cell lines. In vivo, preclinical experiments were conducted in LSL-KrasG12D/+;p48-Cre (KC) and KPC mice using 2Br-DAB (7 mg/kg, i.p.), +/- radiation (10 × 1.8 Gy), gemcitabine (100 mg/kg, i.p.), or a combination. Tumor growth and therapeutic response were assessed by high-resolution ultrasound and immunohistochemistry. Results: 2Br-DAB significantly reduced cell viability in human and murine pancreatic cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, colony formation in human Panc1 cells was significantly decreased upon 25 µM 2Br-DAB + radiation treatment compared with vehicle control (p = 0.03). In vivo, 2Br-DAB reduced tumor frequency in KC mice. In the KPC model, 2Br-DAB or gemcitabine monotherapy had comparable therapeutic effects. Furthermore, the combination of gemcitabine and 2Br-DAB or 2Br-DAB and 18 Gy irradiation showed additional antineoplastic effects. Conclusions: 2Br-DAB is effective in killing pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. 2Br-DAB was not toxic in vivo, and additional antineoplastic effects were observed in combination with irradiation.

Effects of CYP3A4*1G and CYP3A5*3 polymorphisms on pharmacokinetics of tylerdipine hydrochloride in healthy Chinese subjects.

The aim of this analysis was to explore the influence of CYP3A4*1G and CYP3A5*3 polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of tylerdipine in healthy Chinese subjects. A total of 64 and 63 healthy Chinese subjects were included and identified as the genotypes of CYP3A4*1G and CYP3A5*3, respectively. Plasma samples were collected for up to 120 h post-dose to characterize the pharmacokinetic profile following single oral dose of the drug (5, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mg). Plasma levels were measured by a high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using non-compartmental method. The maximum concentration (Cmax) and the area under the curve (AUC0-24 h) were all corrected by the dose given. In the wild-type group, the mean dose-corrected AUC0-24 h was 1.35-fold larger than in CYP3A4*1G carriers (p = .018). Among the three CYP3A5 genotypes, there showed significantly difference (p = .008) in the t1/2, but no significant difference was observed for the AUC0-24 h and Cmax. In subjects with the CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype, the mean t1/2 was 1.35-fold higher than in CYP3A5*1/*1 group (p = .007). And the t1/2 in CYP3A5*3 carriers also was 1.32-fold higher than in the wild-type group (p = .004). CYP3A4*1G and CYP3A5*3 polymorphisms may influence tylerdipine pharmacokinetic in healthy Chinese subjects.

A Randomized, Open-Label, Crossover Phase 1 Study to Evaluate the Effects of Food on the Pharmacokinetics of a Single Oral Dose of a 15-mg Tylerdipine Tablet in Healthy Chinese Male Volunteers.

Tylerdipine hydrochloride is a novel L-type and T-type dual calcium channel antagonist that has the potential effects of expanding blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. It is expected to reduce the side effect of ankle edema observed with other drugs in the same class. A randomized, open-label, crossover phase 1 study was performed to evaluate the effect of food on the bioavailability of tylerdipine. Fourteen healthy male volunteers were enrolled. The administration of tylerdipine after a high-fat meal increased the bioavailability of tylerdipine. In the fed state there was a 130% increase in the mean total systemic exposure (AUCinf ) and a 73% increase in the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax ) compared with that in the fasting state. The geometric mean ratios (90% confidence interval) of Cmax and AUCinf were 2.54 (1.94, 3.33) and 1.75 (1.50, 2.04) for tylerdipine. The exposures of the 2 main metabolites M2 and M4 were increased by approximately 10% after a high-fat meal. The median time to peak plasma concentration of tylerdipine showed no difference between fasting and fed states.

Pharmacokinetics, Safety and Tolerability of Tylerdipine Hydrochloride, a Novel Dihydropyridine Dual L/T-type Calcium Channel Blocker, after Single and Multiple Oral Doses in Healthy Chinese Subjects.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Tylerdipine hydrochloride (KBP-5660) is a novel L/T-type dual calcium channel blocker developed for the treatment of hypertension. We aimed to study the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of tylerdipine in healthy Chinese subjects. METHODS: Two double-blind, randomized, dose-escalation studies were conducted that included a total of 88 healthy subjects: (1) a single-ascending dose (SAD) study; and (2) a multiple-ascending dose (MAD) study. In the SAD study, 64 subjects were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of 0.5, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 mg of tylerdipine or placebo. In the MAD study, 24 subjects were randomly assigned to receive 10 or 20 mg of tylerdipine or placebo once daily for 9 days. Blood samples were collected at the designated time points for pharmacokinetic analyses. Safety assessments were conducted throughout the study. RESULTS: Following a single oral dose of tylerdipine of 5-30 mg, the mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) increased from 0.9993 to 10.11 ng/ml; mean area under the plasma-concentration curve (AUC) from time zero to 72 h increased from 4.332 to 73.95 h·ng/ml. AUC increased in a greater than dose-proportional manner, whereas Cmax exhibited a rough but non-typical dose-proportionality increase. In the MAD study, steady-state conditions were achieved after 1 week of daily dosing in both dose groups. Accumulation of tylerdipine was low, with accumulation ratios (RAUC) of less than 1.65. All adverse events were assessed as mild or moderate. CONCLUSION: Tylerdipine hydrochloride was safe and well tolerated. The exposure (AUC) of tylerdipine over the dose range of 5-30 mg increased in a greater than dose-proportional manner, while Cmax exhibited a rough but non-typical dose proportionality increase. A slight accumulation of tylerdipine was observed following multiple dosing. STUDY REGISTRATIONS: CTR20140862 and CTR20150660.

Angelica sinensis polysaccharide encapsulated into PLGA nanoparticles as a vaccine delivery and adjuvant system for ovalbumin to promote immune responses.

Nanoparticles (NPs)-based vaccine delivery systems are widely used for their ability to control the release of antigens and promote immune responses against cancer or infectious diseases. In this study, the immunopotentiator Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) and model protein antigen ovalbumin (OVA) were encapsulated into Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) to formulate the novel NPs-based vaccine delivery system (ASP-PLGA/OVA). These formulations were subcutaneously administered to mice, then the magnitude and kinetics of antibody and cellular immune responses were assessed. The ASP-PLGA/OVA NPs were pherical in shape with smooth surfaces, approximately 225.2 nm in average size, negatively charged (around -11.27 mV), and the encapsulation efficiency of OVA at around 66.28%, respectively. Furthermore, ASP-PLGA/OVA NPs could keep stable at 4 °C over 30 days and provide a sustained and controlled release of OVA from the NPs. The results demonstrated that mice immunized with ASP-PLGA/OVA NPs could significantly enhance lymphocyte proliferation and improve the ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ T cells, thereby ASP-PLGA/OVA NPs could induce a strong cellular immune response. Moreover, the ASP-PLGA/OVA NPs could induce vigorous and long-term IgG immune responses with a mixed Th1 and Th2 responses and up-regulate the levels of Th-associated cytokines. These results suggested that ASP-PLGA/OVA NPs, which stimulated strong and continuous antibody responses and induced cellular immune responses, could potentially serve as an efficient and safe vaccine delivery and adjuvant system against infections and diseases.

Mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides liposomes on activating murine dendritic cells.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells (APC) that play a central role in the initiation and regulation of immune responses. We have previously demonstrated that Lycium barbarum polysaccharides liposomes (LBPL) as immune adjuvant elicits strong antigen-specific Th1 immune responses. The purpose of this study was to investigate underlying mechanism of liposomes promoting effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on activating DCs. LBP were loaded with high entrapment efficiency (86%) into liposomes using reverse phase evaporation. LBPL activation of phenotypic and functional maturation of DCs was explored through mechanistic studies of the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway and amount of proinflammatory cytokines released. We found that LBPL indeed activated immature DCs and induced DCs maturation characterized by up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules (MHCII, CD80, CD86), production of cytokines (IL-12p40, TNF-α), and enhancement of antigen uptake. Additionally, we demonstrated that liposomes could promote LBP up-regulation of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB gene and protein expression.

Development and validation of two LC-MS/MS methods to assay urinary tylerdipine hydrochloride and its metabolites in healthy Chinese subjects.

For quantitative assaying tylerdipine hydrochloride, and its two primary metabolites (M2 and M4) in human urine, two sensitive and accurate LC-MS/MS methods were firstly developed and validated, where multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was applied under positive electrospray ionization mode for tylerdipine and negative electrospray ionization mode for M2/M4, respectively. Urinary proteins were precipitated using acetonitrile, and deuterated isotopes of tylerdipine and M4 ([D5]­tylerdipine and [D6]-M4) were used as internal standards. Triton X-100, a good surfactant, was used to prevent the adsorption. An Agilent Poroshell 120 column was employed for chromatographic separation of the analytes with the mobile phases of 2 mM ammonium formate solution (containing 0.1% formic acid) and acetonitrile (45:55 for tylerdipine and 75:25 for the M2/M4, v/v). Flow rate was 0.3 mL/min. Calibration curves for tylerdipine, M2 and M4 in urine were linear over the ranges of 0.02-10 ng/mL, 2-1500 ng/mL and 0.5-200 ng/mL, respectively. The precision, accuracy, specificity and stability of two methods all evaluated and achieved the acceptable criteria. The LC-MS/MS methods were successfully applied to assay urinary excretion of tylerdipine and the metabolites in healthy Chinese subjects who orally received a single dose of 20 mg tylerdipine tablet. Generally, the urinary excretion of the two primary metabolites accounted for 11.7% of the total dose of tylerdipine in healthy Chinese subjects, while little tylerdipine was recovered in urine.

Immunopotentiation of Polysaccharides of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers as an adjuvant.

The immunoregulation and immunopotentiation of Polysaccharides of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) have been widely demonstrated. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) have high drug loading capacity for lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs, and have good biocompatibility and high bioavailability. In this study, the effect of PAKM-NLC on the surface molecule expression of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) in vitro was investigated by flow cytometry, and the cytokines secreted by dendritic cell supernatants were detected by ELISA. The results showed that compared with other control groups, PAMK-NLC could significantly increase the expression of CD80 and CD86 and promote the secretion of IL-1ß, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ, indicating that PAMK-NLC have a more pronounced effect on the maturation and differentiation of BMDCs. In addition, effects of PAMK-NLC nanoparticles on OVA-immunized mice were explored. Compared with other control groups, PAMK-NLC-OVA can significantly promote the production of OVA-specific antibodies in serum, stimulate the secretion of cytokines, increase the proliferation rate of spleen lymphocytes after OVA re-stimulation, and induce stronger activation of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes. As an adjuvant of OVA, PAMK-NLC has a better immunological enhancement effect than PAMK or blank NLC, and has good adjuvant activity.

Evaluation of optimum conditions for Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharides encapsulated in cubosomes and immunological activity in vitro.

Cubosomes, as biocompatible carriers in drug delivery systems, consist of curved bicontinuous lipid bilayers. With a honeycombed structure divided into two internal aqueous channels, cubosomes could be used for many bioactive ingredients. Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharides (ABPs) are isolated from the roots of Achyranthes bidentata, used in Chinese herbal medicine, and present a noticeable effect as an immunomodulator. This study investigates the optimal preparation of combined cubosome-ABP (Cub-ABP) nanoparticles using response surface methodology and explores their characteristics and stability. The encapsulation efficiency of optimized Cub-ABPs was 72.59%. In-vitro stability studies demonstrated the stability of Cub-ABPs and cubosome nanoparticles without ABPs; both were stable for up to 25days. Safe concentrations of Cub-ABPs and cubosome nanoparticles without ABPs are 104.06µg/mL and 208.13µg/mL with comparatively low cytotoxicity against lymphocytes. Moreover, the feasible immunomodulatory effects of Cub-ABPs were determined by evaluating their proliferation and change of CD4+/CD8+ ratio on splenic lymphocytes in vitro. Proliferation and flow cytometry studies revealed that, compared with free ABPs and blank cubosomes, Cub-ABPs proved more effective in promoting lymphocyte proliferation and in triggering the transformation of T-lymphocytes into Th-cells.

Optimization of angelica sinensis polysaccharide-loaded Poly (lactic-co-glycolicacid) nanoparticles by RSM and its immunological activity in vitro.

In this study, angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) was encapsulated into the Poly (lactic-co-glycolicacid) (PLGA) to constitute the ASP-PLGA. The aim of the study is to obtain optimal encapsulation efficiency of ASP-PLGA by optimizing the preparation conditions and investigate the immunological enhancement activity of ASP-PLGA. To obtain the optimal processing parameters, the parameters, such as the ratio of organic phase (o) to internal water phase (w1), the ratio of external water phase (w2) to organic phase (o) and the concentration of Pluronic F68 (F68) (w/v) were examined through response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum preparation conditions of ASP-PLGA for maximizing encapsulation efficiency (EE) was as follows:ratio of organic phase (o) to internal water phase (w1) at 10:1, ratio of external water phase (w2) to organic phase (o) at 11:1, the concentration of F68 at 0.8% and the experimental EE 67.89±0.48% was achieved. In addition, the results showed that ASP-PLGA could significantly promote the lymphocytes proliferation and increase the ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ T cells compared with ASP and blank PLGA. This study provided strong evidence that the immunological enhancement of ASP was significantly improved through establishing a drug delivery system with PLGA.

Simple nanoliposomes encapsulating Lycium barbarum polysaccharides as adjuvants improve humoral and cellular immunity in mice.

The success of subunit vaccines has been hampered by the problems of weak or short-term immunity and the lack of availability of nontoxic, potent adjuvants. It would be desirable to develop safe and efficient adjuvants with the aim of improving the cellular immune response against the target antigen. In this study, the targeting and sustained release of simple nanoliposomes containing Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) as an efficacious immune adjuvant to improve immune responses were explored. LBP liposome (LBPL) with high entrapment efficiency (86%) were obtained using a reverse-phase evaporation method and then used to encapsulate the model antigen, ovalbumin (OVA). We demonstrated that the as-synthesized liposome loaded with OVA and LBP (LBPL-OVA) was stable for 45 days and determined the encapsulation stability of OVA at 4°C and 37°C and the release profile of OVA from LBPL-OVA was investigated in pH 7.4 and pH 5.0. Further in vivo investigation showed that the antigen-specific humoral response was correlated with antigen delivery to the draining lymph nodes. The LBPL-OVA were also associated with high levels of uptake by key dendritic cells in the draining lymph nodes and they efficiently stimulated CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation in vivo, further promoting antibody production. These features together elicited a significant humoral and celluar immune response, which was superior to that produced by free antigen alone.

A phase I study to investigate the metabolism, excretion, and pharmacokinetics of [14C]fruquintinib, a novel oral selective VEGFR inhibitor, in healthy Chinese male volunteers.

PURPOSE: Fruquintinib (HMPL-013) is a novel, potent, and highly selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (1, 2 and 3). This study was conducted to investigate the metabolism, excretion, and pharmacokinetics of HMPL-013 after a single oral dose to healthy Chinese men. METHODS: Six subjects were administrated an oral suspension containing 5 mg of 14C-labeled HMPL-013 (100 µCi) in a fasted state. Blood and excreta samples were collected at the designated time points or intervals for pharmacokinetics and radiometric analyses. Safety assessments were conducted throughout the study. RESULTS: Over a 336-h post-dose collection period, mean recovery was 90.11% of the radiolabeled dose, with 60.31% in urine and 29.80% in feces. Mean C max, AUC0-∞, and T max for HMPL-013 in plasma were 113 ng/mL, 4797 h ng/mL, and 2 h, respectively. Radioactivity and HMPL-013 were cleared from circulation with terminal half-lives of 41.1 and 33.4 h. HMPL-013 was the predominant circulating radioactive component, representing 72.48% of the total radioactivity. M11 was the major circulating metabolite, accounting for 17.31% of the total radioactivity. An additional seven circulating metabolites were identified, each accounting for less than 5% of the total radioactivity. In urine, HMPL-013 accounted for only 0.50% of the administered dose. Three major metabolites M285, M381, and M409-4 were identified in urine accounting for 10.48, 21.16, and 8.92% of the dose, respectively. In feces, HMPL-013 accounted for 5.34% of the dose. M205, M365-2, and M380 were the major metabolites, accounting for 2.29, 3.30, and 2.59% of the dose, respectively. CONCLUSION: HMPL-013 was well tolerated and absorbed rapidly, with parent compound being the predominant circulating component. HMPL-013 was extensively metabolized prior to excretion, and urine was the major route of excretion.

Simultaneous quantification of antofloxacin and its major metabolite in human urine by HPLC-MS/MS, and its application to a pharmacokinetic study.

This study presents a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of antofloxacinin and its main metabolite - N-demethylated metabolite (N-DM) - in human urine. Ornidazole was used as the internal standard. This was a clinical urine recovery study, in which 10 healthy Chinese volunteers were intravenously administered a single 200 mg dose of antofloxacin hydrochloride. Compounds were extracted by albumen precipitation, after which samples were isocratically eluted using a Poroshell 120 SB-C18 column, and were analysed using HPLC-MS/MS under electronic spray ionization positive ion mode. The method was successfully applied in a urine pharmacokinetic study of antofloxacinin, with a detection range of 0.02/0.01 to 200/100 µg/mL (for antofioxacin/N-DM).The average percentages of antofioxacin/N-DM measured in urinary excretion frp, 10 volunteers were 54.9 ± 5.7/8.2 ± 2.5% in 120 h duration.

Pharmacokinetics of ginkgolides A, B and K after single and multiple intravenous infusions and their interactions with midazolam in healthy Chinese male subjects.

PURPOSE: Ginkgo terpene lactones meglumine injection (GMI) is a novel preparation of traditional Chinese medicine that contains ginkgolides A, B and K (GA, GB, GK, respectively) as its primary components. In this study we evaluated the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of these three ginkgolides after single and multiple intravenous infusions of GMI. We also investigated the effect of GMI on cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in healthy Chinese volunteers. METHODS: In this open-label, placebo-controlled study 15 subjects were randomly assigned to receive GMI or matched placebo (4:1 ratio). All subjects first received midazolam (MDZ) on day 1, followed by a 6-day washout. On Day 8, the subjects were started on once-daily dosing of either GMI or placebo for 14 days. Lastly, on Day 22 the subjects were given second dose of MDZ + GMI or MDZ + placebo. Plasma concentrations of ginkgolides, MDZ and its metabolite 1-hydroxy midazolam were quantified. RESULTS: The steady-state conditions of GA, GB and GK were achieved after 6 days of daily dosing. Following a single dose of GMI (Day 8) the area under the concentration-timecurve from zero to 24 h after administration (AUC0-24h) of GA, GB and GK (arithmetic ± standard deviation) was 4.10 ± 1.06, 4.61 ± 1.31 and 0.127 ± 0.102 h µg/mL, respectively; the corresponding values following multiple doses of GMI (Day 19) were 3.94 ± 1.16, 5.00 ± 1.55 and 0.118 ± 0.096 h µg/mL, respectively. The mean accumulation ratios were 0.95, 1.08 and 0.89 for GA, GB and GK, respectively. Additionally, the geometric mean [peak concentration (Cmax) and AUC0-24h] ratios of MDZ and 1-hydroxy midazolam were all within the specified acceptance ranges in the MDZ + placebo treatment and MDZ + GMI treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that GMI was well tolerated during the entire study. There was no systemic accumulation and no significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of MDZ in healthy Chinese male subjects after repeated dosing of GMI.