Anti-NSCLC activity in vitro of Hsp90N inhibitor KW-2478 and complex crystal structure determination of Hsp90N-KW-2478.

KW-2478 is a promising anti-cancer lead compound targeting to the molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 N (Hsp90N). Absence of complex crystal structure of Hsp90N-KW-2478, however, hampered further structure optimization of KW-2478 and understanding on the molecular interaction mechanism. Herein, a high-resolution complex crystal structure of Hsp90N-KW-2478 was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD, resolution limit: 1.59 Å; PDB ID: 6LT8) and their molecular interaction was analyzed in detail, which suggested that KW-2478 perfectly bound in the N-terminal ATP-binding pocket of Hsp90 to disable its molecular chaperone function, therefore suppressed or killed cancer cells. The results from thermal shift assay (TSA, ΔTm, 18.82 ± 0.51 °C) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC, Kd, 7.30 ± 2.20 nM) suggested that there is an intense binding force and favorable thermodynamic changes during the process of KW-2478 binding with Hsp90N. Additionally, KW-2478 exhibited favorable anti-NSCLC activity in vitro, as it inhibited cell proliferation (IC50, 8.16 µM for A549; 14.29 µM for H1975) and migration, induced cell cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis. Thirty-six novel KW-2478 derivatives were designed, based on the complex crystal structure and molecular interaction analysis of Hsp90N-KW-2478 complex. Among them, twenty-two derivatives exhibited increased binding force with Hsp90N evaluated by molecular docking assay. The results would provide new guidance for anti-NSCLC new drug development based on the lead compound KW-2478.

[Clinical and Laboratory Features of 6 Cases of Pemphigoid Nodularis].

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestations and laboratory characteristics of 6 cases of pemphigoid nodularis (PN). Method The clinical and laboratory data of 6 patients with PN admitted to the Department of Dermatology,Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2016 to August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Results PN mainly occurred in middle-aged and elderly people,with an average age of (58±16) years. Eosinophils were elevated in 4 patients. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) level was (530±672) kU/L in five patients. Direct immunofluorescence showed IgG and/or C3 deposition on basal membrane zone. Indirect immunofluorescence showed positive IgG anti-basement membrane zone,with a titer of 1:40-1:320. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed the anti-BP180 antibodies were positive [24-85 U/ml,average(43±26) U/ml] in 5 patients. None of the patients had neurological disorders. One patient was lost to follow-up. The disease recurred in 3 of 5 patients during the follow-up,and two patients still received maintenance corticosteroids. Conclusions PN mainly occurs in middle-aged and elderly individuals. It is featured by elevated eosinophils and total IgE and relatively low anti-BP180 antibody titers. Recurrence is common but PN is less likely to be associated with neurological diseases.

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors enhance corticosteroid therapy for Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis linked to immune checkpoint inhibitors: a prospective study.

Introduction: Immune-related epidermal necrolysis (irEN), including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), represents a potentially lethal reaction to immune checkpoint inhibitors. An optimal treatment strategy remains undefined. This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of combination therapy with corticosteroids and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) in treating irEN patients. Methods: In this single-center, prospective, observational study, patients with irEN received either corticosteroid monotherapy or a combination therapy of corticosteroids and TNFi (etanercept for SJS, infliximab for TEN). The primary endpoint was re-epithelization time, with secondary endpoints including corticosteroid exposure, major adverse event incidence, acute mortality rates, and biomarkers indicating disease activity and prognosis. The study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100051052). Results: Thirty-two patients were enrolled (21 SJS, 11 TEN); 14 received combination therapy and 18 received corticosteroid monotherapy. IrEN typically occurred after 1 cycle of ICI administration, with a median latency of 16 days. Despite higher SCORTEN scores in the combination group (3 vs. 2, p = 0.008), these patients experienced faster re-epithelization (14 vs. 21 days; p < 0.001), shorter corticosteroid treatment duration (22 vs. 32 days; p = 0.005), and lower prednisone cumulative dose (1177 mg vs. 1594 mg; p = 0.073). Major adverse event rates were similar between groups. Three deaths occurred due to lung infection or disseminated intravascular coagulation, with mortality rates for both groups lower than predicted. Potential risk factors for increased mortality included continuous reduction in lymphocyte subset counts (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, natural killer cells) and consistent rises in inflammatory markers (serum ferritin, interleukin-6, TNF-α). Re-epithelization time negatively correlated with body mass index and positively correlated with epidermal detachment area and serum levels of interleukin-6 and TNF-α. Conclusions: Corticosteroids combined with TNFi markedly promote re-epithelization, reduce corticosteroid use, and decrease acute mortality in irEN patients without increasing major adverse events, offering a superior alternative to corticosteroid monotherapy. Inflammatory markers and lymphocyte subsets are valuable for assessing disease activity and prognosis.

Interleukin-17A Inhibitors in Patients with Psoriasis and Tuberculosis Infection: A 2-Year Prospective Study on Safety Without Preventive Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: The necessity for tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) and routine T-SPOT.TB monitoring in patients with psoriasis and tuberculosis infection (TBI) undergoing interleukin (IL)-17A inhibitor therapy remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the long-term safety of IL-17A inhibitors administered without TPT and analyze changes in T-SPOT.TB among these patients. It also identifies risk factors for TBI in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: This single-center prospective study enrolled adult patients with plaque psoriasis and TBI receiving IL-17A inhibitors. TBI was defined as positive T-SPOT.TB results (≥ 6 spots) without symptoms or evidence of active tuberculosis (ATB). TPT administration was based on contraindications, tuberculosis risk factors, and patient preferences. The primary endpoint was the incidence of ATB over 2 years. Secondary outcomes included T-SPOT.TB changes and TBI risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 129 patients with psoriasis and TBI enrolled in the study, 97 (75.2%) did not receive TPT, while 32 (24.8%) did. Among them, 109 patients (84.5%) completed the 2-year follow-up. During the 235 person-years of observation, no ATB cases were identified. Median T-SPOT.TB values showed no significant changes from baseline to year 2 in both the non-TPT (20 vs. 17 spots, p = 0.975) and TPT groups (55 vs. 58 spots, p = 0.830). T-SPOT.TB reversed in 14 patients (12.8%), mostly in the non-TPT group. Moreover, for TBI risk factor analysis, a cohort of 212 patients with psoriasis with negative baseline T-SPOT.TB was evaluated, revealing a TBI prevalence of 37.8%. Logistic regression analysis highlighted age ≥ 45 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50-3.99, p < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) < 24.0 kg/m2 (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.27-3.54, p = 0.004) as independent risk factors for TBI. CONCLUSION: IL-17A inhibitors do not appear to reactivate tuberculosis in patients with psoriasis and TBI, potentially reducing the need for routine TBI screening and preventive treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100045823.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review.

Introduction: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare yet life-threatening adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This systematic review synthesizes the current literature to elucidate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with ICI-related SJS/TEN. Methods: We conducted a thorough search across databases including Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, MEDLINE, Scopus, and PubMed. Selection criteria focused on reports of SJS/TEN among cancer patients treated with ICIs, analyzing clinical manifestations, therapeutic interventions, and outcomes. Results: Our analysis included 47 articles involving 50 patients with ICI-related SJS/TEN. The cohort had a mean age of 63 years, with a slight male predominance (54%). Most patients had melanoma or non-small cell lung cancer. SJS/TEN typically occurred early, with a median onset of 23 days post-ICI initiation. Treatment primarily involved systemic corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins. The overall mortality rate was 20%, higher for TEN at 32%, with infections and tumor progression as leading causes. Median time from onset to death was 28 days. Survivors experienced a median re-epithelization time of 30 days, positively correlated with the extent of epidermal detachment (rs = 0.639, p = 0.009). Deceased patients exhibited a significantly higher proportion of TEN (90% vs. 48%, p = 0.029) and a larger epidermal detachment area (90% vs. 30% of the body surface area [BSA], p = 0.005) compared to survivors. The combination therapy group showed a higher proportion of TEN compared to corticosteroid monotherapy or non-corticosteroid therapy groups (72% vs. 29% and 50%, p = 0.01), with no significant differences in mortality or re-epithelization time. Dual ICI therapy resulted in a higher TEN rate than single therapy (100% vs. 50%, p = 0.028). Among single ICI therapies, the sintilimab-treated group trended towards a higher TEN rate (75% vs. 40-50%, p = 0.417), a larger detachment area (90% vs. 30-48% of BSA, p = 0.172), and a longer re-epithelization time (44 vs. 14-28 days, p = 0.036) compared to other ICI groups, while mortality rates remained similar. Conclusion: ICI-related SJS/TEN substantially impacts patient outcomes. Prospective clinical trials are critically needed to further clarify the pathogenesis and optimize therapeutic regimens.

Pharmacological Research Progress of Novel Antihypertensive Drugs.

Cardiovascular disease stands as the leading cause of death globally, with hypertension emerging as an independent risk factor for its development. The worldwide prevalence of hypertension hovers around 30%, encompassing a staggering 1.2 billion patients, and continues to escalate annually. Medication plays a pivotal role in managing hypertension, not only effectively regulating blood pressure (BP) but also substantially mitigating the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This review comprehensively outlines the categories, mechanisms, clinical applications, and drawbacks of conventional antihypertensive drugs. It delves into the five primary pharmacological classifications, namely ß-receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and diuretics. The emphasis is placed on elucidating the mechanisms, advantages, and research progress of novel antihypertensive drugs targeting emerging areas. These include mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), atrial natriuretic peptides (ANPs), neutral endopeptidase inhibitors (NEPIs), sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2Is), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs), soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) agonists, brain aminopeptidase A inhibitors (APAIs), and small interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNAs) targeting hepatic angiotensinogen. Compared to conventional antihypertensive drugs, these novel alternatives exhibit favorable antihypertensive effects with minimal adverse reactions. This review serves as a valuable reference for future research and the clinical application of antihypertensive drugs.

[IgG subclasses targeting NC16A domain of BP180 in bullous pemphigoid].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the distribution of four IgG subclasses targeting NC16A domain of BP180 in bullous pemphigoid (BP) patients by developing and optimizing a detection method of anti-BP180NC16A IgG subclasses so as to assess its sensitivity and specificity. METHODS: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed with recombinant GST-BP180NC16A proteins generated by a bacterial expression system. And 136 BP sera and 20 healthy control sera from our hospital between 2009 and 2012 were tested by ELISA, and the cutoff value of four IgG subclasses was set at an A reading corresponding to the mean value plus 3 times of standard deviation of 20 healthy controls sera. Western blot was also used to detect the IgG subclasses in patients with four positive IgG subclasses by ELISA. RESULTS: The cutoff value of specific IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 were 0.113,0.196,0.154 and 0.120. The values of four IgG subclasses from 20 healthy controls were lower than the corresponding cutoff value, making the detection system good specificity. The positive rates of anti-BP180NC16A IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 antibody were 67.6% (92/136) , 45.6% (62/136), 50.7% (69/136) and 54.4% (74/136) respectively in 136 BP sera. All four IgG subclasses were positive in 29 BP sera, accounting for 21.3%. The number of BP sera positive for at least one IgG subclass were 112, accounting for 82.4%, indicating that the combined sensitivity of four IgG subclasses was 82.4%. Western blot revealed that the number of positivity was 15 and 14 for IgG1 and IgG4 respectively in 20 BP patients with four IgG subclasses positive with ELISA. CONCLUSION: The specificity of ELISA is excellent while its sensitivity needs further improvements.

[Establishment of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the detection of BP180NC16A-specific IgE and its significance in bullous pemphigoid].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method of detecting circulating immunoglobulin E (IgE) autoantibodies for BP180NC16A and evaluate its significance in bullous pemphigoid (BP). METHODS: GST-NC16A fusion proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli using the pGEX-2T expression system and purified by glutathione affinity chromatography.For optimal working conditions of enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA), checkerboard titrations were performed with serial dilutions of antigen. Also optimized dilution of secondary antibody was confirmed. Sera samples from 56 patients with BP, 24 healthy controls, 18 with pemphigus and 1 with Stevens-Johnson syndrome at our hospital during February 2011 to October 2012 were examined by the modified ELISA approach. The optimal cut-off point for a positive result was selected with receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: The optimized ELISA was performed with plates coated with 500 µg/ml GST-NC16A. And the optimal dilutions of sera samples and secondary antibody were 1: 10 and 1: 1000 respectively. According to the established cut-off value (0.549), 40 of 56 BP patients and none of controls had detectable levels of BP180NC16A IgE. CONCLUSION: The established ELISA provides a highly specific tool for the detection of IgE anti-BP180NC16A in BP patients.

Complex Crystal Structure Determination of Hsp90N-NVP-AUY922 and In Vitro Anti-NSCLC Activity of NVP-AUY922.

New targeted chemotherapy agents greatly improved five-year survival in NSCLC patients, but which were susceptible to drug resistance. NVP-AUY922, terminated in phase II clinical trials, exhibited promising anti-NSCLC (non-small-cell lung cancer) activity targeting to Hsp90N (heat shock protein), which demonstrated advantages in overcoming drug resistance as a broad-spectrum anti-cancer target. It was expected to develop novel anti-NSCLC drugs to overcome drug resistance by the structural optimization of NVP-AUY922. However, the absence of high-resolution complex crystal structure of Hsp90N-NVP-AUY922 blocked the way. Herein, 1.59 Å-resolution complex crystal structure of Hsp90N-NVP-AUY922 (PDB ID 6LTI) was successfully determined by X-ray diffraction. Meanwhile, there was a strong binding capability between NVP-AUY922 and its target Hsp90N verified by TSA (ΔTm, -15.56 ± 1.78°C) and ITC (K d, 5.10 ± 2.10 nM). Results by the complex crystal structure, TSA and ITC verified that NVP-AUY922 well accommodated in the ATP-binding pocket of Hsp90N to disable the molecular chaperone activity of Hsp90. Therefore, NVP-AUY922 exhibited approving inhibitory activity on NSCLC cell line H1299 (IC50, 2.85 ± 0.06 µM) by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest and promoting cell apoptosis. At the basis of the complex crystal structure and molecular interaction analysis, thirty-two new NVP-AUY922 derivatives were further designed, and among which twenty-eight new ones display enhanced binding force with Hsp90N by molecular docking evaluation. The results would promote anti-NSCLC new drug development to overcome drug resistance based on the lead compound NVP-AUY922.

New paeonol derivative C302 reduces hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats through endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilation.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and Chinese herb monomers could provide new structural skeletons for anti-hypertension new drug development. Paeonol is a Chinese herbal monomer extracted from Cortex moutan, exhibited some anti-hypertensive activity. The study focused on the structural optimization of paeonol to provide promising lead compounds for anti-hypertension new drug development. Herein, twelve new paeonol derivatives (PD) were designed and synthesized and their vasodilation activity was evaluated by in vitro vasodilation drug screening platform based on Myograph. Its anti-hypertension activity, PD-C302 (2-hydroxy-4-methoxyvalerophenone) as a representative with the optimal vasodilation activity, was determined by its response to blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in vivo. Moreover, its molecular mechanism was probed by the vasodilation activity of rat superior mesenteric artery rings with or without endothelium pre-contracted by potassium chloride (KCl) or phenylephrine hydrochloride (PE). It was indicated that PD-C302 significantly reduced the blood pressure in SHR, which would involve in PD-C302-induced vasodilation. Furthermore, endothelium-dependent pathways and endothelium-independent pathways both contributed importantly to PD-C302-induced vasodilation at low concentration of PD-C302. Endothelium-independent pathways (vascular smooth muscle cell-mediated vasodilation), were mainly responsible for the PD-C302-induced vasodilation at high concentration of PD-C302, which involved in opening multiple K+ channels to restrain Ca2+ channels, and then triggered vasodilation to reduce blood pressure. PD-C302 has a simple structure and favorable anti-hypertensive activity in vivo, which could be a promising lead compound for anti-hypertension new drug development.

Plastid signals confer Arabidopsis tolerance to water stress.

Plastid-to-nucleus retrograde signalling coordinates nuclear gene expression with chloroplast function and is essential for the photoautotrophic life-style of plants. The relationship between plastid signalling and water stress response was investigated with genome uncoupled (gun) mutants, gun1, gun3, and gun5, and an abscisic acid (ABA)-responsible transcription factor mutant, abi4. The results showed that gun1, gun3, gun5, and abi4 mutants suffered from more oxidative damages than the wild-type plants under the water stress and the water stress + herbicide (norflurazon, NF) co-treatment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities could not be prompted in the plastid-signalling defective mutants under the stress conditions. At the same time, Lhcb expression was not repressed in the plastid-signalling defective mutants by the NF treatment or water stress. Therefore, the photosynthetic apparatus in the mutant cells could not be closed during the stresses and the excessive light caused more photodamages on the mutant leaves. The roles of GUN1, GUN3, GUN5 and ABI4 proteins in environmental stress adaptation have been discussed.

Role of Long Non-coding RNAs on Bladder Cancer.

Bladder cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor in the urinary system, and its early diagnosis is conducive to improving clinical prognosis and prolonging overall survival time. However, few biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity are used as diagnostic markers for BC. Multiple long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are abnormally expressed in BC, and play key roles in tumorigenesis, progression and prognosis of BC. In this review, we summarize the expression, function, molecular mechanisms and the clinical significance of lncRNAs on bladder cancer. There are more than 100 dysregulated lncRNAs in BC, which are involved in the regulation of proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, invasion, metabolism and drug resistance of BC. Meanwhile, the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in BC was explored, including lncRNAs interacting with DNA, RNA and proteins. Additionally, the abnormal expression of thirty-six lncRNAs is closely associated with multiple clinical characteristics of BC, including tumor size, metastasis, invasion, and drug sensitivity or resistance of BC. Furthermore, we summarize some potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of lncRNA for BC. This review provides promising novel biomarkers in early diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of BC based on lncRNAs.

Atheroprotective Effects and Molecular Mechanism of Berberine.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases and it is closely associated with hyperlipidemia, endothelial injury, macrophage-derived foam cells formation, proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), platelet aggregation, and altered gut microbiota. Various symptomatic treatments, that are currently used to inhibit atherosclerosis, need to be administered in long term and their adverse effects cannot be ignored. Berberine (BBR) has beneficial effects on atherosclerosis through regulating multiple aspects of its progression. This review highlights the recent advances in understanding the anti-atherosclerosis mechanism of BBR. BBR alleviated atherosclerosis by attenuation of dyslipidemia, correction of endothelial dysfunction, inhibition of macrophage inflammation and foam cell formation, activation of macrophage autophagy, regulation of the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, attenuation of platelet aggregation, and modulation of gut microbiota. This review would provide a modern scientific perspective to further understanding the molecular mechanism of BBR attenuating atherosclerosis and supply new ideas for atherosclerosis management.

Multiple functions of autophagy in vascular calcification.

BACKGROUND: Vascular calcification is a closely linked to cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension and aging. The extent of vascular calcification is closely correlate with adverse clinical events and cardiovascular all-cause mortality. The role of autophagy in vascular calcification is complex with many mechanistic unknowns. METHODS: In this review, we analyze the current known mechanisms of autophagy in vascular calcification and discuss the theoretical advantages of targeting autophagy as an intervention against vascular calcification. RESULTS: Here we summarize the functional link between vascular calcification and autophagy in both animal models of and human cardiovascular disease. Firstly, autophagy can reduce calcification by inhibiting the osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs related to ANCR, ERα, ß-catenin, HIF-1a/PDK4, p62, miR-30b, BECN1, mTOR, SOX9, GHSR/ERK, and AMPK signaling. Conversely, autophagy can induce osteoblast differentiation and calcification as mediated by CREB, degradation of elastin, and lncRNA H19 and DUSP5 mediated ERK signaling. Secondly, autophagy also links apoptosis and vascular calcification through AMPK/mTOR/ULK1, Wnt/ß-catenin and GAS6/AXL synthesis, as apoptotic cells become the nidus for calcium-phosphate crystal deposition. The failure of mitophagy can activate Drp1, BNIP3, and NR4A1/DNA­PKcs/p53 mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathways, which have been closely linked to the formation of vascular calcification. Additionally, autophagy also plays a role in osteogenesis by regulating vascular calcification, which in turn regulates expression of proteins related to bone development, such as osteocalcin, osteonectin, etc. and regulated by mTOR, EphrinB2 and RhoA. Furthermore, autophagy also promotes vitamin K2-induced MC3T3 E1 osteoblast differentiation and FGFR4/FGF18- and JNK/complex VPS34-beclin-1-related bone mineralization via vascular calcification. CONCLUSION: The interaction between autophagy and vascular calcification are complicated, with their interaction affected by the disease process, anatomical location, and the surrounding microenvironment. Autophagy activation in existent cellular damage is considered protective, while defective autophagy in normal cells result in apoptotic activation. Identifying and maintaining cells at the delicate line between these two states may hold the key to reducing vascular calcification, in which autophagy associated clinical strategy could be developed.

Rational Design and Synthesis of 3-Morpholine Linked Aromatic-Imino-1H-Indoles as Novel Kv1.5 Channel Inhibitors Sharing Vasodilation Effects.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinical sustained arrhythmia; clinical therapeutic drugs have low atrial selectivity and might cause more severe ventricle arrhythmias while stopping AF. As an anti-AF drug target with high selectivity on the atrial muscle cells, the undetermined crystal structure of Kv1.5 potassium channel impeded further new drug development. Herein, with the simulated 3D structure of Kv1.5 as the drug target, a series of 3-morpholine linked aromatic amino substituted 1H-indoles as novel Kv1.5 channel inhibitors were designed and synthesized based on target-ligand interaction analysis. The synthesis route was practical, starting from commercially available material, and the chemical structures of target compounds were characterized. It was indicated that compounds T16 and T5 (100 µM) exhibited favorable inhibitory activity against the Kv1.5 channel with an inhibition rate of 70.8 and 57.5% using a patch clamp technique. All compounds did not exhibit off-target effects against other drug targets, which denoted some selectivity on the Kv1.5 channel. Interestingly, twelve compounds exhibited favorable vasodilation activity on pre-contracted arterial rings in vitro using KCl or phenylephrine (PE) by a Myograph. The vasodilation rates of compounds T16 and T4 (100 µM) even reached over 90%, which would provide potential lead compounds for both anti-AF and anti-hypertension new drug development.

Complex crystal structure determination and anti-non-small-cell lung cancer activity of the Hsp90N inhibitor Debio0932.

Debio0932 is a promising lead compound in phase I clinical trials targeting the N-terminal ATP-binding pocket of the molecular chaperone heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90N). The absence of a crystal structure of the Hsp90N-Debio0932 complex, however, has impeded further structural optimization of Debio0932 and understanding of the molecular-interaction mechanism. Here, a high-resolution crystal structure of the Hsp90N-Debio0932 complex was successfully determined (resolution limit 2.20 Å; PDB entry 6lr9) by X-ray diffraction and the molecular-interaction mechanism was analysed in detail, which suggested that Debio0932 suppresses cancer cells by accommodating itself in the ATP-binding pocket of Hsp90N, disabling its molecular-chaperone capability. The results of a thermal shift assay (ΔTm = 8.83 ± 0.90°C) and isothermal titration calorimetry (Kd = 15.50 ± 1.30 nM) indicated strong binding and favourable thermodynamic changes in the binding of Hsp90N and Debio0932. Based on the crystal structure of the complex and on molecular-interaction analysis, 30 new Debio0932 derivatives were designed and nine new derivatives exhibited increased binding to Hsp90N, as determined by molecular-docking evaluation. Additionally, Debio0932 suppressed cell proliferation (IC50 values of 3.26 ± 2.82 µM for A549, 20.33 ± 5.39 µM for H1299 and 3.16 ± 1.04 µM for H1975), induced cell-cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis in three non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. These results provide novel perspectives and guidance for the development of new anti-NSCLC drugs based on the lead compound Debio0932.

Complex Crystal Structure Determination and in vitro Anti-non-small Cell Lung Cancer Activity of Hsp90 N Inhibitor SNX-2112.

SNX-2112, as a promising anticancer lead compound targeting heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), absence of complex crystal structure of Hsp90 N -SNX-2112 hindered further structural optimization and understanding on molecular interaction mechanism. Herein, a high-resolution complex crystal structure of Hsp90 N -SNX-2112 was successfully determined by X-ray diffraction, resolution limit, 2.14 Å, PDB ID 6LTK, and their molecular interaction was analyzed in detail, which suggested that SNX-2112 was well accommodated in the ATP-binding pocket to disable molecular chaperone activity of Hsp90, therefore exhibiting favorable inhibiting activity on three non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines (IC50, 0.50 ± 0.01 µM for A549, 1.14 ± 1.11 µM for H1299, 2.36 ± 0.82 µM for H1975) by inhibited proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest, and aggravated cell apoptosis. SNX-2112 exhibited high affinity and beneficial thermodynamic changes during the binding process with its target Hsp90 N confirmed by thermal shift assay (TSA, ΔTm, and -9.51 ± 1.00°C) and isothermal titration calorimetry (K d , 14.10 ± 1.60 nM). Based on the complex crystal structure and molecular interaction analysis, 32 novel SNX-2112 derivatives were designed, and 25 new ones displayed increased binding force with the target Hsp90 N verified by molecular docking evaluation. The results would provide new references and guides for anti-NSCLC new drug development based on the lead compound SNX-2112.

Clinical recommendations for perioperative immunotherapy-induced adverse events in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Perioperative adjuvant treatment has become an increasingly important aspect of the management of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In particular, the success of immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as antibodies against PD-1 and PD-L1, in patients with lung cancer has increased our expectations for the success of these therapeutics as neoadjuvant immunotherapy. Neoadjuvant therapy is widely used in patients with resectable stage IIIA NSCLC and can reduce primary tumor and lymph node stage, improve the complete resection rate, and eliminate microsatellite foci; however, complete pathological response is rare. Moreover, because the clinical benefit of neoadjuvant therapy is not obvious and may complicate surgery, it has not yet entered the mainstream of clinical treatment. Small-scale clinical studies performed in recent years have shown improvements in the major pathological remission rate after neoadjuvant therapy, suggesting that it will soon become an important part of NSCLC treatment. Nevertheless, neoadjuvant immunotherapy may be accompanied by serious adverse reactions that lead to delay or cancellation of surgery, additional illness, and even death, and have therefore attracted much attention. In this article, we draw on several sources of information, including (i) guidelines on adverse reactions related to immune checkpoint inhibitors, (ii) published data from large-scale clinical studies in thoracic surgery, and (iii) practical experience and published cases, to provide clinical recommendations on adverse events in NSCLC patients induced by perioperative immunotherapy.

Research Progress on PARP14 as a Drug Target.

Poly-adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP) implements posttranslational mono- or poly-ADP-ribosylation modification of target proteins. Among the known 18 members in the enormous family of PARP enzymes, several investigations about PARP1, PARP2, and PARP5a/5b have been launched in the past few decades; more specifically, PARP14 is gradually emerging as a promising drug target. An intact PARP14 (also named ARTD8 or BAL2) is constructed by macro1, macro2, macro3, WWE, and the catalytic domain. PARP14 takes advantage of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) as a metabolic substrate to conduct mono-ADP-ribosylation modification on target proteins, taking part in cellular responses and signaling pathways in the immune system. Therefore, PARP14 has been considered a fascinating target for treatment of tumors and allergic inflammation. More importantly, PARP14 could be a potential target for a chemosensitizer based on the theory of synthetic lethality and its unique role in homologous recombination DNA repair. This review first gives a brief introduction on several representative PARP members. Subsequently, current literatures are presented to reveal the molecular mechanisms of PARP14 as a novel drug target for cancers (e.g., diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma) and allergic inflammatory. Finally, potential PARP inhibitor-associated adverse effects are discussed. The review could be a meaningful reference for innovative drug or chemosensitizer discovery targeting to PARP14.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Longevity and Diffusion Pattern of Hyaluronic Acid in Nasolabial Fold Correction through High-Frequency Ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Injectable hyaluronic acid fillers have been widely applied in the clinical treatment of facial wrinkles. However, further information and clinical evidence concerning dermal changes and hyaluronic acid filler longevity after injection and diffusion pattern are limited. METHODS: The authors evaluated the longevity and diffusion pattern of two hyaluronic acid fillers generated by different cross-linking technologies used in the treatment of nasolabial folds using high-frequency ultrasound. Forty-one subjects were treated with Restylane 2 and the remaining 41 were treated with Dermalax DEEP. Wrinkle severity rating scale score and high-frequency ultrasound evaluation of nasolabial folds were performed before and after the injection of hyaluronic acid filler. The ultrasound images were acquired and analyzed to determine dermal thickness and the shape and distribution of hyaluronic acid filler. RESULTS: At 2 and 24 weeks from baseline, increased dermal thickness induced by hyaluronic acid filler treatment was not significantly different between groups. At 48 weeks after injection, increased dermal thicknesses of the Restylane 2 group (0.14 ± 0.12 mm) were much lower than those of the Dermalax DEEP group (0.20 ± 0.13 mm). Ultrasound examination revealed that hyaluronic acid materials form well-demarcated and hypoechogenic areas. Restylane 2 tended to form a more diffuse pattern, with multiple smaller bubbles, whereas Dermalax DEEP developed into a more localized configuration, with larger clumps. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first long-term assessment of nasolabial fold correction that reveals the performance of different hyaluronic acid materials in vivo and validates high-frequency ultrasound as a simple and rapid modality. Hyaluronic acid fillers generated by different cross-linking technologies display differential diffusion patterns in skin tissues. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.