1,3,6-Trigalloylglucose: A Novel Potent Anti-Helicobacter pylori Adhesion Agent Derived from Aqueous Extracts of Terminalia chebula Retz.

1,3,6-Trigalloylglucose is a natural compound that can be extracted from the aqueous extracts of ripe fruit of Terminalia chebula Retz, commonly known as "Haritaki". The potential anti-Helicobacter pylori (HP) activity of this compound has not been extensively studied or confirmed in scientific research. This compound was isolated using a semi-preparative liquid chromatography (LC) system and identified through Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS (UPLC-MS/MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Its role was evaluated using Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assay, scanning electron microscope (SEM), inhibiting kinetics curves, urea fast test, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, Western blot, and Griess Reagent System. Results showed that this compound effectively inhibits the growth of HP strain ATCC 700392, damages the HP structure, and suppresses the Cytotoxin-associated gene A (Cag A) protein, a crucial factor in HP infection. Importantly, it exhibits selective antimicrobial activity without impacting normal epithelial cells GES-1. In vitro studies have revealed that 1,3,6-Trigalloylglucose acts as an anti-adhesive agent, disrupting the adhesion of HP to host cells, a critical step in HP infection. These findings underscore the potential of 1,3,6-Trigalloylglucose as a targeted therapeutic agent against HP infections.

A Bioactive Compound from Sanguisorba officinalis L. Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Cell Death in 5-Fluorouracil-Sensitive/Resistant Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancer in the world. The first line chemotherapeutic agent, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), plays a predominant role in the clinical treatment of CRC. However, with the wide use of 5-FU, more and more CRC patients have been obtaining drug resistance to 5-FU, which leads to a large amount of treatment failures. One of the effective strategies to overcome this obstacle is to find bioactive natural products from traditional medicine. In our previous work, Sanguisorba officinalis L. was found to exert a strong anti-proliferative activity against 5-FU-senstive/resistant CRC cells. Therefore, several compounds were isolated from this herb and screened for their anti-CRC effects to find promising compounds. Among them, a triterpenoid compound named 3ß-[(α-l-arabinopyranosyl) oxy]-urs-12,18(19)-dien-28-oic acid ß-d-glucopyranosyl ester (AGE), showed strong activity against both 5-FU-senstive and resistant CRC cells. In order to further study the mechanism of AGE on CRC cells, flow cytometer analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) measurement, Western blotting, and RT-PCR assays were performed. Results demonstrated that AGE induced cell death by apoptosis pathway and autophagy, and inhibited cell proliferation via cell cycle arrest in G0-G1 phase mediated by Wnt signaling pathway. Therefore, AGE may be a potential bioactive compound for CRC treatment in clinic.

Post-transcriptional regulation activity through alternative splicing involved in the effects of Aloe vera on the Wnt/ß-catenin and Notch pathways in colorectal cancer cells.

Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. is widely used as laxative drugs, cosmetics, and functional food due to a variety of therapeutic effects. However, several studies indicated a colonic carcinogenic activity of Aloe vera. But the underline mechanism has not been well clarified. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism at the post-transcriptional level. Identification of Differential Expressed Alternative Splicing (DEAS) genes and events and the corresponding functional enrichment analyses were conducted on RKO cells after treated with Aloe vera aqueous extract and its two active components, aloin and aloesin. And RT-qPCR was conducted for validation. Results indicated that they induced 2200, 2342 and 2133 DEAS events, respectively. The GO enrichment and the COG classification results of DEAS genes showed that they were associated with transcription, as well as functions like signal transduction mechanisms. Moreover, DEAS genes related to the two colorectal cancerous pathways, Wnt and Notch pathways, were annotated. In conclusion, aloe extract, aloin and aloesin significantly regulated the DEAS profile of RKO cells. The colonic carcinogenicity of Aloe vera may due to its post-transcriptional regulatory activity through Alternative Splicing (AS) on genes, especially on Wnt-related and Notch-related key genes.

Comparison of the pharmacokinetic profiles of 13 phenolic acids and 6 triterpenes in normal and leukopenia rats after oral administration of Sanguisorba officinalis L. extract by LC-MS/MS.

A selective, accurate, and efficient liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 13 phenolic acids. Additionally, for more comprehensively determining the chemical constituents in Sanguisorba officinalis L. extract, a previously developed method was employed for the simultaneous determination of six triterpenes. Thus, two methods were used to ensure the comprehensiveness and reliability of this study. Based on these methods, the pharmacokinetic profiles of the 13 phenolic acids and 6 triterpenes in normal and leukopenia rats after oral administration of S. officinalis L. extract were compared for the first time in the present study. Quantitative detection of the 13 phenolic acids and 6 triterpenes was performed using the multiple reaction monitoring mode with the electrospray ion source in negative and positive electrospray ionization, respectively. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 RRHD column (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.8 µm) using gradient elution with a mobile phase composed of methanol-0.1% aqueous formic acid. The pharmacokinetic results demonstrated that the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the 19 analytes in leukopenia rats differed significantly from those determined in normal rats, which could provide a helpful reference for the clinical application of S. officinalis L. in the prevention and treatment of leucopenia.

[Study on screening potential traditional Chinese medicines against 2019-nCoV based on Mpro and PLP].

With the rapid outbreak of COVID-19, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has been playing an active role against the epidemic. However, the screening of TCM is limited by the development cycle and laboratory conditions, which greatly limits the screening speed. This study established optimization docking models and virtual screening to discovery potential active herbs for the prevention and treatment of the novel coronavirus based on molecular docking technology. The crystal structures of 3 CL protease(Mpro) and papain-like protease(PLP) were obtained from PDB database and homologous modeling respectively, and were used to conduct virtual screening of TCMD 2009 database by CDOCKER program. The ingredients scored in the top 100 were selected respectively, and the candidate herbs were ranked by the numbers of hit molecules. Based on Mpro inhibitors screening, 12 322 potential active components were obtained, and the representative active components included aster pentapeptide A, ligustrazine, salvianolic acid B, etc., and Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Asteris Radix et Rhizoma, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Dianthi Herba, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Cistanches Herba were obtained. While 11 294 potential active ingredients were obtained by PLP inhibitor screening, representative active ingredients included gingerketophenol, ginkgol alcohol, ferulic acid, etc., and Codonopsis Radix, Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Ginkgo Semen, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Trichosanthis Fructus, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Psoraleae Fructus, Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix were chosen. By combining the diagnosis and treatment scheme of Hunan province's and angiotensin converting enzyme 2(ACE2) inhibitors screening from literature, present study also discussed the rational application of candidate herbs to this epidemic situation. Trichosanthis Fructus obtained by PLP inhibitors screening and Fritillaria verticillata obtained by ACE2 inhibitors screening were parts of the Sangbei Zhisou Powder and Xiaoxianxiong Decoction, which might be applicable to the syndromes of cough and dyspnea. Rhei Radix et Rhizoma screened by Mpro and Trichosanthis Fructus screened by PLP were contained in Maxing Shigan Decoction and Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction, and could be applied to the syndromes of epidemic virus blocking lung. Mori Folium, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos and Forsythiae Fructus obtained by ACE2 inhibitors screening were included in the Sangju Decoction and Yinqiaosan, which might be applicable to the syndromes of warm pathogen attacking lung and cough and dyspnea. The results of this study are intended to provide a reference for the further development of traditional Chinese medicine to deal with the new epidemic.

[Study on treatment of "cytokine storm" by anti-2019-nCoV prescriptions based on arachidonic acid metabolic pathway].

Since the outbreak of 2019-nCoV, the epidemic has developed rapidly and the situation is grim. LANCET figured out that the 2019-nCoV is closely related to "cytokine storm". "Cytokine storm" is an excessive immune response of the body to external stimuli such as viruses and bacteria. As the virus attacking the body, it stimulates the secretion of a large number of inflammatory factors: interleukin(IL), interferon(IFN), C-X-C motif chemokine(CXCL) and so on, which lead to cytokine cascade reaction. With the exudation of inflammatory factors, cytokines increase abnormally in tissues and organs, interfering with the immune system, causing excessive immune response of the body, resulting in diffuse damage of lung cells, pulmonary fibrosis, and multiple organ damage, even death. Arachidonic acid(AA) metabolic pathway is principally used to synthesize inflammatory cytokines, such as monocyte chemotactic protein 1(MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor(TNF), IL, IFN, etc., which is closely related to the occurrence, development and regression of inflammation. Therefore, the inhibition of AA metabolism pathway is benefit for inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors in the body and alleviating the "cytokine storm". Based on the pharmacophore models of the targets on AA metabolic pathway, the traditional Chinese medicine database 2009(TCMD 2009) was screened. The potential herbs were ranked by the number of hit molecules, which were scored by pharmacophore fit value. In the end, we obtained the potential active prescriptions on "cytokine storm" according to the potential herbs in the "National novel coronavirus pneumonia diagnosis and treatment plan(trial version sixth)". The results showed that the hit components with the inhibitory effect on AA were magnolignan Ⅰ, lonicerin and physcion-8-O-ß-D-glucopy-ranoside, which mostly extracted from Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, Gardeniae Fructus, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Arctii Fructus, Dryopteridis Crassirhizomatis Rhizoma, Paeoniaeradix Rubra, Dioscoreae Rhizoma. Finally the anti-2019-nCoV prescriptions were analyzed to obtain the potential active prescriptions on AA metabolic pathway, Huoxiang Zhengqi Capsules, Jinhua Qinggan Granules, Lianhua Qingwen Capsules, Qingfei Paidu Decoction, Xuebijing Injection, Reduning Injection and Tanreqing Injection were found that may prevent 2019-nCoV via regulate cytokines. This study intends to provide reference for clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine to resist new coronavirus.

Method for Quantification of Ribonucleotides and Deoxyribonucleotides in Human Cells Using (Trimethylsilyl)diazomethane Derivatization Followed by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Investigation into intracellular ribonucleotides (RNs) and deoxyribonucleotides (dRNs) is important for studies of the mechanism of many biological processes, such as RNA and DNA synthesis and DNA repair, as well as metabolic and therapeutic efficacy of nucleoside analogues. However, current methods are still unsatisfactory for determination of nucleotides in complex matrixes. Here we describe a novel method for the determination of RN and dRN pools in cells based on fast derivatization with (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane (TMSD) followed by quantification using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Derivatization was accomplished in 3 min, and each derivatized nucleotide not only had a sufficient retention on reversed-phase column by introduction of methyl groups but also exhibited a unique ion transition which consequently eliminated mutual interference in LC-MS/MS. Chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column with a simple acetonitrile-water gradient elution system, which avoided contamination and ion suppression caused by ion-pairing reagents. The developed method was fully validated and applied to the analysis of RNs and dRNs in cell samples. Moreover, results demonstrated that the applicability of this method could be extended to nucleoside analogues and their metabolites and could facilitate many applications in future studies.

Simultaneous Determination and Pharmacokinetics Study of Six Triterpenes in Rat Plasma by UHPLC-MS/MS after Oral Administration of Sanguisorba officinalis L. Extract.

A selective and sensitive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of ziyuglycoside I (I), 3ß,19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic-acid 28-ß-d-glucopyranosyl ester (II), 3ß-[(α-l-arabinopyranosyl) oxy]-urs-12,18(19)-dien-28-oic acid ß-d-glucopyranosyl ester (III), rosamultin (IV), 1ß-hydroxyeuscaphic acid (V) and alpinoside (VI) in rats after oral administration of Sanguisorba officinalis L. (S. officinalis) extract. The 3ß,19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic-acid 28-ß-d-glucopyranosyl ester, 3ß-[(α-l-arabinopyranosyl) oxy]-urs-12,18(19)-dien-28-oic acid ß-d-glucopyranosyl ester, rosamultin, 1ß-hydroxyeuscaphic acid and alpinoside in rat plasma were the first report in the pharmacokinetics study in the present study. The analytes were quantified using the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with the electrospray ion source in positive electrospray ionization. Plasma was extracted with ethyl acetate via liquid⁻liquid extraction. Bifendate was used as internal standard (IS). The current method was validated for linearity, intra-day and inter-day precisions, accuracy, extraction recovery, matrix effect and stability. The lower limits of quantification of ziyuglycoside I, 3ß,19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic-acid 28-ß-d-glucopyranosyl ester, 3ß-[(α-l-arabinopyranosyl) oxy]-urs-12,18(19)-dien-28-oic acid ß-d-glucopyranosyl ester, rosamultin, 1ß-hydroxyeuscaphic acid and alpinoside were 6.1, 4.9, 1.3, 3.8, 1.5 and 5.7 ng/mL, respectively. Intra-day and inter-day precision and the accuracy of the assay were in range from -9.48 to 12.74%. The extraction recoveries of analytes and bifendate (IS) from rat plasma ranged from 77.17% to 92.48%. Six compounds could be rapidly absorbed into blood (Tmax, 0.58⁻1.58 h), and then eliminated relatively slowly (t1/2, 6.86⁻11.63 h). The pharmacokinetic results might contribute to further guide the clinical application of S. officinalis.

Exploring the Antitumor Mechanism of High-Dose Cytarabine through the Metabolic Perturbations of Ribonucleotide and Deoxyribonucleotide in Human Promyelocytic Leukemia HL-60 Cells.

Despite the apparent clinical benefits of high-dose cytarabine (Ara-C) over lower dose Ara-C in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) therapy, the mechanism behind high-dose Ara-C therapy remains uncertain. In this study, a LC-MS-based method was carried out to investigate the metabolic alteration of ribonucleotide and deoxyribonucleotide in human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60) after treatment with Ara-C to reveal its antitumor mechanism. The metabolic results revealed that four nucleotides (ATP, ADP, CDP, and dCTP) could be used as potential biomarkers indicating the benefit of high-dose Ara-C over lower dose Ara-C treatment. Combining metabolic perturbation and cell cycle analysis, we conjectured that, apart from the acknowledged mechanism of Ara-C on tumor inhibition, high-dose Ara-C could present a specific action pathway. It was suggested that the pronounced rise in AMP/ATP ratio induced by high-dose Ara-C can trigger AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and subsequently Forkhead Box, class O (FoxO), to promote cell cycle arrest. Moreover, the significant decrease in CDP pool induced by high-dose Ara-C might further accelerate the reduction of dCTP, which then aggravates DNA synthesis disturbance. As a result, all of these alterations led to heightened tumor inhibition. This study provides new insight in the investigation of potential mechanisms in the clinical benefits of high-dose Ara-C in therapy for AML.

Determination of sunitinib and its active metabolite, N-desethyl sunitinib in mouse plasma and tissues by UPLC-MS/MS: assay development and application to pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies.

A simple, sensitive and specific method using ultraperformance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was developed to determine sunitinib and N-desethyl sunitinib in mouse plasma and tissues. The analytes were separated by an isocratic mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and buffer solution (water with 0.1% formic acid and 5 m m ammonium acetate; 40: 60, v/v) running at a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min for 2 min. Quantification was performed using a mass spectrometer by multiple reaction monitoring in positive electrospray ionization mode. The transition was monitored at m/z 399 → 283, m/z 371 → 283 and m/z 327 → 270 for sunitinib, N-desethyl sunitinib and internal standard, respectively. Calibration curves were linear over concentration ranges of 2-500, 0.5-50 and 1-250 ng/mL for plasma, heart and other biosamples. The method was successfully applied to animal experiments. The pharmacokinetic study indicated that sunitinib was eliminated quickly in mice with a half-life of 1.2 h; tissue distribution data showed more sunitinib and its metabolite in liver, spleen and lung, which provided reference for further study.

Inhibitory effect of Aristolochia fruit on Cytochrome P450 isozymes in vitro and in vivo.

The mature fruits of Aristolochia debilis, known in China by the name, "Madouling" has been popularly prescribed in Asia, particularly in China, to treat a range of conditions including gynaecological problems, arthritis and wound healing. This study was aimed to evaluate the potential effect of Madouling on the cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes in vitro in microsomal fractions and in vivo in rats. The influence of Madouling on CYPs activity was first explored by an in vitro method of estimating levels of four respective metabolites in rat liver microsomes. The results were re-examined in vivo in rats by using a cocktail approach involving the probe drugs theophylline, tolbutamide, chlorzoxazone and dapsone. Pharmacokinetics of the four substrates was used to analyze the activities of the targeting isozymes. In vitro study revealed that Madouling decreased the activity of CYP1A2, 3A1 and 2E1. However, no significant influence on CYP2C6 was found. These results coincided with those of in vivo study to a great degree except that in vivo estimation the herb didn't inhibit CYP1A2 significantly. From the data obtained, Madouling is suggested as a candidate for clinically significant CYP interactions. Drug co-administrated with Madouling may need dose adjustment.

Pharmacokinetics of anthraquinones in rat plasma after oral administration of a rhubarb extract.

A sensitive and specific LC-MS/MS method was developed for simultaneous determination of aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol and physcion and their conjugates in rat plasma. The lower limit of quantitation of each anthraquinone was 0.020-0.040 µm. Intra-day and inter-day accuracies were 90.1-114.3% and the precisions were <14.6%. The matrix effects were 104.0-113.2%. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats receiving a rhubarb extract orally. The area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0-t ) and peak concentration (Cmax ) of free aloe-emodin and emodin in rat plasma were much lower than those of rhein. The amounts of chrysophanol and physcion were too low to be continuously detected. After treating the plasma samples with ß-glucuronidases, each anthraquinone was detectable throughout the experimental period (36 h) and showed much higher plasma concentrations and AUC0-t . The free/total ratios of aloe-emodin, rhein and emodin were 6.5, 49.0 and 1.7% for Cmax and 3.7, 32.5 and 1.1% for AUC0-t , respectively. The dose-normalized AUC0-t and Cmax of the total of each anthraquinone were in the same descending order: rhein > emodin > chrysophanol > physcion > aloe-emodin. These findings reveal phase II conjugates as the dominant in vivo existing forms of rhubarb antharquinones and warrant a further study to evaluate their contribution to the herbal activity.

Determination of newly synthesized lipoic acid-niacin dimer in rat plasma by UPLC/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry: assay development, validation and application to a pharmacokinetic study.

A simple, sensitive and specific ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed to determine the newly synthesized compound lipoic acid-niacin dimer (N2L) in plasma. Plasma samples were precipitated by methanol using tetrahydropalmatine as internal standard. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an Acquity BEH C18 (2.1 × 50 mm i.d., 1.7 µm) column; the mobile phase contains methanol and buffer solution (water with 0.5% formic acid and 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate). Multiple reaction monitoring (m/z 353.9 → 148.6 for N2L and m/z 356.0 → 192.0 for internal standard) was performed for detection and quantification. The method was validated to be rapid, specific, accurate and precise over the concentration range of 1-750 ng/mL; N2L was not stable on the bench-top or during freeze-freeze-thaw cycles in plasma, but was stable in the stock solution and after preparation in the autosampler for 24 h. The utility of the assay was confirmed by pharmacokinetic study of N2L in rats.

A two-electrode system-based electrochemiluminescence detection for microfluidic capillary electrophoresis and its application in pharmaceutical analysis.

A two-electrode configuration powered by batteries was designed for a microchip capillary electrophoresis-electrochemiluminescence system. A home-made working electrode for end-column mode detection and wall-jet configuration was made up of a platinum wire (0.3 mm diameter) and a quartz capillary (320 µm internal diameter). The platinum wire served as a pseudoreference electrode. The configuration of the detection power supply comprised two D-size batteries (connected in series), a switch, and an adjustable resistor. The microchip consisted of two layers: the bottom layer was a glass sheet containing injection and separation channels; the upper layer was polydimethylsiloxane block. In order to reduce the loss of electrochemiluminescence signal, a coverslip (0.17 mm thickness) was used as the floor of the detection reservoir. The performance of the system was demonstrated by separation and detection of atropine, anisodamine and proline. The linear response for proline ranged from 5 µM to 100 µM (r = 0.9968), and the limit of detection was 1.0 µM (S/N = 3). The system was further applied to the measurement of atropine in atropine sulfate injection solutions with the limit of detection 2.3 µM. This new system is a potential tool in pharmaceutical analysis.

Effect of natural borneol on the pharmacokinetics and distribution of nimodipine in mice.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of natural borneol (NB) on the pharmacokinetics and distribution of nimodipine in mice. A single dose of nimodipine was administered intravenously (2 mg/kg) to mice pretreated with NB (250 mg/kg) or vehicle. Blood as well as brain, liver, and kidney tissue samples were collected at 5, 10, 20, 40, and 60 min post-dose nimodipine. The concentrations of nimodipine in plasma and tissues were determined by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with UV detection, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated based on non-compartmental analysis. NB increased the plasma AUC5-60 min by 26 % compared to the vehicle. In addition, brain concentrations of nimodipine in NB-treated mice were significantly higher than those in control mice with the increased AUC5-60 min by 30 %. In liver and kidney, NB also caused 26 and 47 % increase in AUC5-60 min, respectively. These results implicated that NB may inhibit the metabolism or elimination of nimodipine and enhance its distribution in brain and kidney tissue.

Effect of raw Radix Rehmanniae on the pharmacokinetics of pioglitazone in rats.

Raw Radix Rehmanniae (RRR) is a frequently used traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of diabetes mellitus according to the statistics on all of the anti-diabetic formulas recorded in New National Traditional Chinese Medicine. Pioglitazone and RRR may be co-administrated for presumably enhanced therapeutic effects because of the common indications. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of RRR on the pharmacokinetics of pioglitazone in healthy rats and type 2 diabetic rats. The pharmacokinetic effect of RRR on pioglitazone was studied in healthy rats and type 2 diabetic rats. A validated UPLC-MS/MS method was used to analyze the concentration of pioglitazone in blood samples. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using non-compartmental analyses by Winnonlin 5.0.1. In healthy group, the pre-treatment of RRR significantly (P<0.05) reduced the C(max) but enhanced the V/F of pioglitazone; whereas in T2DM group, significant increase of C(max) and decrease of V/F and T½ were found after the rats were pre-treated with RRR. However, AUC(0-t) and CL/F remained unchanged in both healthy group and T2DM group. In conclusion, co-administration with RRR could alter the pharmacokinetic profiles of pioglitazone to statistically significant levels.

Studies on the mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori inhibition by Syzygium aromaticum aqueous extract.

BACKGROUND: The aqueous extract of the dried buds of Syzygium aromaticum (SAAE) have the potential to alleviate Helicobacter pylori infection, but the specific molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of SAAE on H. pylori pathogenicity. METHODS: The inhibitory kinetics and anti-H. pylori adhesive capacity assays were conducted to examine the effects of SAAE on the growth and adhesive capability of H. pylori. The H. pylori outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) were purified from the culture supernatant through high-speed centrifugation, filtration, and two rounds of ultracentrifugation. Their characteristics and protein composition were then identified using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and qualitative proteomics study. Subsequently, the effect of SAAE on the pathogenicity of H. pylori OMVs was investigated using the Griess reagent assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative proteomics study, TEM, and western blotting assay. RESULTS: SAAE exhibited inhibitory effects on H. pylori growth and adhesion. The isolated H. pylori OMVs showed particle size of 27-242 nm and Zeta potential of -9.67 ± 0.53 mV. A total of 599 proteins were identified in the OMVs. Proteomics study indicated that the differential expressed proteins induced by OMVs with or without SAAE commonly enriched in P53 and autophagy pathways. Besides, SAAE counteracted the increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and attenuated the induction of cell autophagy caused by H. pylori OMVs. Furthermore, SAAE normalized the abnormal regulation of downstream targets (AIFM2 and IGFBP3) in the P53 signaling pathway caused by H. pylori OMVs. CONCLUSION: SAAE can inhibit the growth and adhesion of H. pylori, reduce the inflammation and autophagy induced by H. pylori OMVs, and combated the abnormal regulation of P53 signaling pathway caused by H. pylori OMVs. These findings may help elucidate the mechanisms through which SAAE reduces the pathogenicity of H. pylori.

Helicobacter pylori infection facilitates cell migration and potentially impact clinical outcomes in gastric cancer.

Gastric cancer is a significant health concern worldwide. Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is associated with gastric cancer risk, but differences between HP-infected and HP-free gastric cancer have not been studied sufficiently. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of HP infection on the viability and migration of gastric cancer cells and identify potential underlying genetic mechanisms as well as their clinical relevance. Cell counting kit-8, lactate dehydrogenase, wound healing, and transwell assay were applied in the infection model of multiple clones of HP and multiple gastric cancer cell lines. Genes related to HP infection were identified using bioinformatics analysis and subsequently validated using real-time quantitative PCR. The association of these genes with immunity and drug sensitivity of gastric cancer was analyzed. Results showed that HP has no significant impact on viability but increases the migration of gastric cancer cells. We identified 1405 HP-upregulated genes, with their enriched terms relating to cell migration, drug, and immunity. Among these genes, the 82 genes associated with survival showed a significant impact on gastric cancer in consensus clustering and LASSO prognostic model. The top 10 hub HP-associated genes were further identified, and 7 of them were validated in HP-infected cells using real-time quantitative PCR, including ERBB4, DNER, BRINP2, KCTD16, MAPK4, THPO, and VSTM2L. The overexpression experiment showed that KCTD16 medicated the effect of HP on gastric cancer migration. Our findings suggest that HP infection may enhance the migratory potential of gastric cancer cells and these genes might be associated with immunity and drug sensitivity of gastric cancer. In human subjects with gastric cancer, HP presence in tumors may affect migration, immunity, and drug sensitivity.

Chebulinic acid isolated from aqueous extracts of Terminalia chebula Retz inhibits Helicobacter pylori infection by potential binding to Cag A protein and regulating adhesion.

Background: Terminalia chebula Retz, known as the King of Tibet, is considered a functional food in China, celebrated for its antioxidant, immune-modulating, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Chebulinic acid, derived from aqueous extracts of Terminalia chebula Retz, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, its potential as an anti-Helicobacter pylori (HP) agent has not been fully explored. Methods: Herein, we extracted the main compound from Terminalia chebula Retz using a semi-preparative liquid chromatography (LC) system and identified compound 5 as chebulinic acid through Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS (UPLC-MS/MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). To evaluate its role, we conducted minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays, scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, inhibiting kinetics curves, urea fast test, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, western blot analysis, griess reagent system, and molecular docking. Results: Our results showed that chebulinic acid effectively inhibited the growth of the HP strain ATCC 700392, damaged the HP structure, and exhibited selective antimicrobial activity without affecting normal epithelial cells GES-1. Importantly, it suppressed the expression of Cytotoxin-associated gene A (Cag A) protein, a crucial factor in HP infection. Molecular docking analysis predicted a strong affinity (-9.7 kcal/mol) between chebulinic acid and Cag A protein. Conclusion: Overall, our findings suggest that chebulinic acid acts as an anti-adhesive agent, disrupting the adhesion of HP to host cells, which is a critical step in HP infection. It also suppresses the Cag A protein. These results highlight the potential of chebulinic acid against HP infections.

In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity and the underlining mechanism of an empirical herbal formula - Hezi Qingyou.

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is thought to primarily colonize the human stomach and lead to various gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastritis and gastric cancer. Currently, main eradication treatment is triple or quadruple therapy centered on antibiotics. Due to antibiotic resistance, the eradication rate of H. pylori is decreasing gradually. Therefore, searching for anti-H. pylori drugs from herbal sources has become a strategy for the treatment. Our team proposed a Hezi Qingyou Formula (HZQYF), composed of Chebulae Fructus, Ficus hirta Vahl and Cloves, and studied its anti-H. pylori activity and mechanism. Methods: Chemical components of HZQYF were studied using UHPLC-MS/MS and HPLC. Broth microdilution method and agar dilution method were used to evaluate HZQYF's antibacterial activity. The effects of HZQYF on expression of adhesion genes (alpA, alpB, babA), urease genes (ureE, ureF), and flagellar genes (flaA, flaB) were explored using Reverse Transcription-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) technology. Effects on morphology and permeability of the extracellular membrane were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N-phenylnaphthalen-1-amine (NPN) uptake. Effect on urease activity was studied using a urease kinetics analysis in vitro. Immunofluorescence staining method was used to examine the effect on adhesion. Western blot was used to examine the effect on cagA protein. Results: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the formula against H. pylori clinical strains and standard strains were 80-160 µg/mL, and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were 160-320 µg/mL. The formula could down-regulate the expression of adhesion genes (alpA, alpB, babA), urease genes (ureE, ureF) and flagellar genes (flaA, flaB), change the morphology of H. pylori, increase its extracellular membrane permeability, and decrease its urease activity. Conclusion: Present studies confirmed that HZQYF had promising in vitro anti-H. pylori activities and demonstrated its possible mechanism of action by down-regulating the bacterial adhesion, urease, and flagellar gene expression, which provided scientific bases for further clinical investigations.