Factors related to microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion in teenagers and young adults: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: For patients with maxillary transverse deficiency, selecting an appropriate therapeutic method is important for the treatment effect and prognosis. Our study aimed to explore factors related to microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) in teenagers and young adults using cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS: Twenty-five patients who underwent MARPE were included in this retrospective study from February 2014 to June 2019. Midpalatal suture density (MPSD) ratio, midpalatal suture maturation (MPSM), bone effect, dentoalveolar effect, and dental effect in maxillary first molar were evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the MPSD ratio, MPSM, age, and the expansion amount generated by MARPE. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (mean age, 19.84 ± 3.96 years; range, 15-29 years) with maxillary transverse deficiency were analyzed. Age was negatively correlated with bone expansion, alveolar expansion, and alveolar change (all P <0.05). There was a negative correlation between MPSM and nasal cavity variation, bone expansion, and alveolar change (all P <0.05). The bone expansion was negatively correlated with MPSD ratio 3 (r = -0.417; P <0.05) and MPSD ratio 4 (all P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Age, MPSM, and MPSD ratio were significantly related to the MARPE effect. Age, MPSM, and MPSD ratio should be considered when choosing MARPE.

TNF-α impairs EP4 signaling through the association of TRAF2-GRK2 in primary fibroblast-like synoviocytes.

Our previous study showed that chronic treatment with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) decreased cAMP concentration in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. In this study we investigated how TNF-α impairs cAMP homeostasis, particularly clarifying the potential downstream molecules of TNF-α and prostaglandin receptor 4 (EP4) signaling that would interact with each other. Using a cAMP FRET biosensor PM-ICUE3, we demonstrated that TNF-α (20 ng/mL) blocked ONO-4819-triggered EP4 signaling, but not Butaprost-triggered EP2 signaling in normal rat FLSs. We showed that TNF-α (0.02-20 ng/mL) dose-dependently reduced EP4 membrane distribution in normal rat FLS. TNF-α significantly increased TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) expression and stimulated proliferation in human FLS (hFLS) via ecruiting TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) to cell membrane. More interestingly, we revealed that TRAF2 interacted with G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK2) in the cytoplasm of primary hFLS and helped to bring GRK2 to cell membrane in response of TNF-α stimulation, the complex of TRAF2 and GRK2 then separated on the membrane, and translocated GRK2 induced the desensitization and internalization of EP4, leading to reduced production of intracellular cAMP. Silencing of TRAF2 by siRNA substantially diminished TRAF2-GRK2 interaction, blocked the translocation of GRK2, and resulted in upregulated expression of membrane EP4 and intracellular cAMP. In CIA rats, administration of paroxetine to inhibit GRK2 effectively improved the symptoms and clinic parameters with significantly reduced joint synovium inflammation and bone destruction. These results elucidate a novel form of cross-talk between TNFR (a cytokine receptor) and EP4 (a typical G protein-coupled receptor) signaling pathways. The interaction between TRAF2 and GRK2 may become a potential new drug target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

An IgD-Fc-Ig fusion protein restrains the activation of T and B cells by inhibiting IgD-IgDR-Lck signaling in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis and the destruction of small joints. Emerging evidence shows that immunoglobulin D (IgD) stimulation induces T-cell activation, which may contribute to diseases pathogenesis in RA. In this study, we investigated the downstream signaling pathways by which IgD activated T cells as well as the possible role of IgD in the T-B interaction. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy controls and RA patients. We demonstrated that IgD activated T cells through IgD receptor (IgDR)-lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck)-zeta-associated protein 70 (ZAP70)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathways; IgD-induced CD4+ T cells promoted the proliferation of CD19+ B cells in RA patients. A novel fusion protein IgD-Fc-Ig (composed of human IgD-Fc domain and IgG1 Fc domain, which specifically blocked the IgD-IgDR binding) inhibited the coexpression of IgDR and phosphorylated Lck (p-Lck) and the expression levels of p-Lck, p-ZAP70, p-PI3K on CD4+ T cells, and decreased NF-κB nuclear translocation in Jurkat cells. Meanwhile, IgD-Fc-Ig downregulated the expression levels of CD40L on CD4+ T cells as well as CD40, CD86 on CD19+ B cells in RA patients and healthy controls. It also decreased the expression levels of CD40L on CD4+ T cells and CD40 on CD19+ B cells from spleens of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice and reduced IL-17A level in mouse serum. Moreover, administration of IgD-Fc-Ig (1.625-13 mg/kg, iv, twice a week for 4 weeks) in CIA mice dose-dependently decreased the protein expression levels of CD40, CD40L, and IgD in spleens. IgD-Fc-Ig restrains T-cell activation through inhibiting IgD-IgDR-Lck-ZAP70-PI3K-NF-κB signaling, thus inhibiting B-cell activation. Our data provide experimental evidences for application of IgD-Fc-Ig as a highly selective T cell-targeting treatment for RA.

Emerging photodynamic/sonodynamic therapies for urological cancers: progress and challenges.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) that developed from PDT, have been studied for decades to treat solid tumors. Compared with other deep tumors, the accessibility of urological tumors (e.g., bladder tumor and prostate tumor) makes them more suitable for PDT/SDT that requires exogenous stimulation. Due to the introduction of nanobiotechnology, emerging photo/sonosensitizers modified with different functional components and improved physicochemical properties have many outstanding advantages in cancer treatment compared with traditional photo/sonosensitizers, such as alleviating hypoxia to improve quantum yield, passive/active tumor targeting to increase drug accumulation, and combination with other therapeutic modalities (e.g., chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy) to achieve synergistic therapy. As WST11 (TOOKAD® soluble) is currently clinically approved for the treatment of prostate cancer, emerging photo/sonosensitizers have great potential for clinical translation, which requires multidisciplinary participation and extensive clinical trials. Herein, the latest research advances of newly developed photo/sonosensitizers for the treatment of urological cancers, and the efficacy, as well as potential biological effects, are highlighted. In addition, the clinical status of PDT/SDT for urological cancers is presented, and the optimization of the photo/sonosensitizer development procedure for clinical translation is discussed.

The Interaction of Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome and Abdominal Obesity on Cognitive Function.

BACKGROUND: Both obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and obesity are related to cognitive deficits, but the interaction effects of OSAHS and abdominal obesity on cognitive function are unclear. Thus, we performed this study to investigate this issue. METHODS: We recruited subjects who received polysomnography test, anthropometric measurements and cognitive function assessment and/or blood protein test. Correlations between apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and cognitive function were assessed. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the differences in cognitive function between groups and detect the interactions of OSAHS and obesity on cognitive function. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine the associations between OSAHS and cognitive function. RESULTS: In total, 196 subjects with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), 161 subjects with Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and Trail making test, and 44 subjects with blood protein test were enrolled. Significant negative correlations between AHI and visuo-spatial and executive, language, delayed recall and total score of MoCA were observed. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, subjects with severe OSAHS had significant lower delayed recall score and total score of MoCA, SDMT index, and Aß40 protein level than those with non-severe OSAHS group. Severe OSAHS was independently negatively associated with delayed recall score and total score of MoCA, SDMT index, and Aß40 protein level. An interactive effect of severe OSAHS and abdominal obesity on language score of MoCA was found. CONCLUSIONS: Severe OSAHS increased the risk of cognitive deficits. Interaction effect of severe OSAHS and abdominal obesity on language was seen.

CP-25 exerts therapeutic effects in mice with dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis by inhibiting GRK2 translocation to downregulate the TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway in macrophages.

Deficiency of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) was found to protect mice from dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Paeoniflorin-6'-O-benzene sulfonate (CP-25) has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory immune regulatory effects in animal models of inflammatory autoimmune disease. This study aimed to investigate the of GRK2 in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and its effects on macrophage polarization, macrophage subtype regulation of intestinal barrier function, and therapeutic effects of CP-25 in mice with DSS-induced colitis. We found imbalanced macrophage polarization, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and abnormal activation of GRK2 and TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway in the colonic mucosa of patients with UC. CP-25, restored the damaged intestinal barrier function by inhibiting the transmembrane region of GRK2 in macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharides. CP-25 exerted therapeutic effects by ameliorating clinical manifestation, regulating macrophage polarization, and restoring abnormally activated TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway by inhibiting GRK2. These data suggest the pathogenesis of UC may be related to the imbalance of macrophage polarization, which leads to abnormal activation of TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway mediated by GRK2 and destruction of the intestinal mucosal barrier. CP-25 confers therapeutic effects on colitis by inhibiting GRK2 translocation to induce the downregulation of TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in macrophages.

Molecular characterization and chemotaxis assay of a CC motif chemokine ligand 25 from Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus).

CC motif chemokine ligand 25 (CCL25) is a key chemokine that attracts various types of leukocytes, such as activated peritoneal macrophages. However, information on CCL25 in fish is limited. Here, a CCL25 gene (LjCCL25) was identified from Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus), showing upregulation in multiple tissues against Vibrio harveyi infection. The recombinant LjCCL25 (rLjCCL25) only significantly induced the migration of monocytes/macrophages (MO/MΦ) both in vitro and in vivo, but didn't induce that of neutrophils or lymphocytes. Additionally, rLjCCL25 only induced migration of the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated MO/MΦ (M1 type). Knockdown of Japanese sea bass CC chemokine receptor 9 (LjCCR9) expression in MO/MФ by RNA interference inhibited the LjCCL25-induced chemotaxis of resting and M1 type MO/MФ. Moreover, administration of 300 ng/g rLjCCL25 effectively increased the survival of V. harveyi-infected fish and decreased bacterial load. Our study demonstrates that LjCCL25 functions as an MO/MФ chemoattractant via LjCCR9 in Japanese sea bass against V. harveyi.

BAFF, involved in B cell activation through the NF-κB pathway, is related to disease activity and bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

B cell activating factor of TNF family (BAFF) is a member of TNF ligand superfamily and plays a key role in B cell homeostasis, proliferation, maturation, and survival. In this study, we detected BAFF level, the expressions of BAFF receptors and important molecules in NF-κB pathway in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and analyzed the correlation between BAFF level and clinical variables, laboratory parameters or X-ray scores in order to elucidate the roles of BAFF in RA. A total of 50 RA patients and 50 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. We showed that the serum BAFF level in RA patients was significantly higher than that of HCs, and the percentages of B cell subsets (CD19+ B cells, CD19+CD27+ B cells, CD19+CD20+CD27+ B cells, and CD19+CD20-CD27+ B cells) in the serum of RA patients were significantly increased compared with those of HCs. The percentages of CD19+BAFFR+ B cells, CD19+ BCMA+ B cells, and CD19+ TACI+ B cells in RA patients were significantly increased compared with those in HCs. The expression of important molecules in the NF-κB pathway (MKK3, MKK6, p-P38, p-P65, TRAF2, and p52) was significantly higher in RA patients than in HCs, but p100 level in RA patients was lower than that in HCs. The serum BAFF level was positively correlated with C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, disease activity score (in 28 joints), swollen joint counts, tender joint counts, and X-ray scores. When normal B cells were treated with BAFF in vitro, the percentages of the B cell subset and the expression of BAFF receptors were significantly upregulated. BAFF also promoted the expression of MKK3, MKK6, p-P38, p-P65, TRAF2, and p52. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that BAFF level is correlated with the disease activity and bone destruction of RA. BAFF is involved in the differentiation, proliferation, and activation of B cells in RA through NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting that BAFF might be an ideal therapeutic target for RA.

Deficiency of ß-arrestin2 exacerbates inflammatory arthritis by facilitating plasma cell formation.

ß-arrestin2 (ß-arr2) is, a key protein that mediates desensitization and internalization of G protein-coupled receptors and participates in inflammatory and immune responses. Deficiency of ß-arr2 has been found to exacerbate collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) through unclear mechanisms. In this study we tried to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying ß-arr2 depletion-induced exacerbation of CAIA. CAIA was induced in ß-arr2-/- and wild-type (WT) mice by injection of collagen antibodies and LPS. The mice were sacrificed on d 13 after the injection, spleen, thymus and left ankle joints were collected for analysis. Arthritis index (AI) was evaluated every day or every 2 days. We showed that ß-arr2-/- mice with CAIA had a further increase in the percentage of plasma cells in spleen as compared with WT mice with CAIA, which was in accordance with elevated serum IgG1 and IgG2A expression and aggravating clinical performances, pathologic changes in joints and spleen, joint effusion, and joint blood flow. Both LPS stimulation of isolated B lymphocytes in vitro and TNP-LPS challenge in vivo led to significantly higher plasma cell formation and antibodies production in ß-arr2-/- mice as compared with WT mice. LPS treatment induced membrane distribution of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on B lymphocytes, accordingly promoted the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and the transcription of Blimp1. Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that more TLR4 colocalized with ß-arr2 in B lymphocytes in response to LPS stimulation. Depletion of ß-arr2 restrained TLR4 on B lymphocyte membrane after LPS treatment and further enhanced downstream NF-κB signaling leading to additional increment in plasma cell formation. In summary, ß-arr2 depletion exacerbates CAIA and further increases plasma cell differentiation and antibody production through inhibiting TLR4 endocytosis and aggravating NF-κB signaling.

Paeoniflorin-6'-o-benzene sulfonate (CP-25) improves vasculitis through inhibiting IL-17A/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway in endothelial cells of HFD CIA rats.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects not only joints but also multiple organ systems including cardiovascular system. Endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In RA, endothelial dysfunction exists at both the macrovascular and the microvascular levels, which is a precursor to vasculitis. This study aimed to investigate the pathogenesis of vasculitis and the therapeutic effect of CP-25 on vasculitis in high-fat diet (HFD) collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Experimental groups were divided into normal group, HFD group, CIA group, HFD CIA group, CP-25 group and MTX group. In vitro, IL-17A was used to stimulate human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and then CP-25 was used to intervene. Results showed that CP-25 reduced global scoring (GS), arthritis index (AI), and swollen joint count (SJC) scores, improved histopathological score, reduced T cells percentage, and decreased IL-17A and ICAM-1 levels. Besides, CP-25 reduced the expression of p-STAT3 to normal levels in vascular of HFD CIA rats. In vitro, IL-17A promoted the expression of p-JAK1, p-JAK2, p-JAK3, pSTAT3, and ICAM-1, and CP-25 inhibited the expression of p-JAK1, p-JAK2, p-JAK3, p-STAT3, and ICAM-1. In conclusion, CP-25 might inhibit endothelial cell activation through inhibiting IL-17A/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway, which improves vasculitis in HFD CIA rats.

Risk factors and nomogram for diabetes mellitus in idiopathic chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common complication of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (ICP), which impairs the quality of life for patients. This study aimed to identify risk factors and develop nomogram for DM in ICP to help early diagnosis. METHODS: Idiopathic chronic pancreatitis patients admitted to our center from January 2000 to December 2013 were included. Cumulative rates of DM were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. Patients were randomly assigned, in a 2:1 ratio, to the training and validation cohort. Based on training cohort, risk factors for DM were identified through Cox proportional hazards regression model, and nomogram was developed. Internal and external validations were performed based on the training and validation cohort, respectively. RESULTS: Totally, 1633 patients with ICP were finally enrolled. The median follow-up duration was 9.8 years. DM was found in 26.3% (430/1633) of patients after the onset of CP. Adult at onset of ICP, biliary stricture at/before diagnosis of CP, steatorrhea at/before diagnosis of CP, and complex pathologic changes in main pancreatic duct were identified risk factors for DM development. The nomogram achieved good concordance indexes in the training and validation cohorts, respectively, with well-fitted calibration curves. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors were identified, and nomogram was developed to determine the risk of DM in ICP patients. Patients with one or more of the risk factors including adult at onset of ICP, biliary stricture at/before diagnosis of CP, steatorrhea at/before diagnosis of CP, and complex pathologic changes in main pancreatic duct have higher incidence of DM.

IgD-Fc-Ig fusion protein, a new biological agent, inhibits T cell function in CIA rats by inhibiting IgD-IgDR-Lck-NF-κB signaling pathways.

IgD-Fc-Ig fusion protein, a new biological agent, is constructed by linking a segment of human IgD-Fc with a segment of human IgG1-Fc, which specifically blocks the IgD-IgDR pathway and selectively inhibits the abnormal proliferation, activation, and differentiation of T cells. In this study we investigated whether IgD-Fc-Ig exerted therapeutic effects in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. CIA rats were treated with IgD-Fc-Ig (1, 3, and 9 mg/kg) or injected with biological agents etanercept (3 mg/kg) once every 3 days for 40 days. In the PBMCs and spleen lymphocytes of CIA rats, both T and B cells exhibited abnormal proliferation; the percentages of CD3+ total T cells, CD3+CD4+ Th cells, CD3+CD4+CD25+-activated Th cells, Th1(CD4+IFN-γ+), and Th17(CD4+IL-17+) were significantly increased, whereas the Treg (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) cell percentage was decreased. IgD-Fc-Ig administration dose-dependently decreased the indicators of arthritis; alleviated the histopathology of spleen and joint; reduced serum inflammatory cytokines levels; decreased the percentages of CD3+ total T cells, CD3+CD4+ Th cells, CD3+CD4+CD25+-activated Th cells, Th1 (CD4+IFN-γ+), and Th17(CD4+IL-17+); increased Treg (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) cell percentage; and down-regulated the expression of key molecules in IgD-IgDR-Lck-NF-κB signaling (p-Lck, p-ZAP70, p-P38, p-NF-κB65). Treatment of normal T cells with IgD (9 µg/mL) in vitro promoted their proliferation. Co-treatment with IgD-Fc-Ig (0.1-10 µg/mL) dose-dependently decreased IgD-stimulated T cell subsets percentages and down-regulated the IgD-IgDR-Lck-NF-κB signaling. In summary, this study demonstrates that IgD-Fc-Ig alleviates CIA and regulates the functions of T cells through inhibiting IgD-IgDR-Lck-NF-κB signaling.

In Situ Fluorescence Tracking Toxic Metabolite Mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) of Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in HeLa Cells.

In this study, we synthesized a small molecule fluorescent probe for detecting mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) named MEHP-AF, which formed by MEHP cross-linked with 5-aminofluorescein (5-AF) through amide bond. MEHP-AF had been purified based on the different physicochemical properties of 5-AF with MEHP. MEHP-AF showed fluorescence characteristics coming from 5-AF and liposoluble property coming from MEHP. After physicochemical characterization, a series of biological studies of its action in cells were carried out. The results indicated that MEHP-AF was a fluorescent probe with strong specificity and high sensitivity. It can visibly track the location of MEHP in HeLa cell or subcellular levels under confocal laser scanning microscopy in situ. This novel fluorescent probe is expected to use for studying its intracellular behavior at the cell level, especially for investigating the interaction between MEHP and cellular molecules.

Co-delivery nanoparticles of doxorubicin and chloroquine for improving the anti-cancer effect in vitro.

To increase the efficacy of small molecule chemotherapeutic drug (SMCD) and reduce its toxic and side effects, we selected two model drugs doxorubicin (DOX) and chloroquine (CQ). DOX is a SMCD and CQis a chemosensitizer with autophagy inhibition. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and alpha-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate were chosen as delivery carriers to design and prepare a novel type of drug co-delivery single-nanoparticles by emulsification-solvent volatilisation, named NPDOX+CQ. The physicochemical properties of NPDOX+CQ were characterised. Then A549 cells and A549/Taxol cells were used for the in vitro anti-cancer effect study. At the same time, cellular uptake, intracellular migration and anti-cancer mechanism of nanoparticles were studied. The NPs showed a uniform spherical shape with good dispersibility, and both drugs had good encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity. In all formulations, NPDOX+CQ showed the highest in vitro cytotoxicity. The results showed that NPs could protect drugs from being recognised and excluded by P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Moreover, the results of the mechanistic study demonstrated that NPs were transported by autophagy process after being taken up by the cells. Therefore, during the migration of NPDOX+CQ, CQ could exert its efficacy and block autophagy so that DOX would not be hit by autophagy. Western Blot results showed that NPDOX+CQ had the best inhibition effect of autophagy. It can be concluded that the system can prevent the drug from being recognised and excluded by P-gp, and CQ blocks the process of autophagy so that the DOX is protected and more distributed to the nucleus of multidrug resistance (MDR) cell. The NPDOX+CQ constructed in this study provides a feasible strategy for reversing MDR in tumour cells.

The mechanism of interactions between flavan-3-ols against a-glucosidase and their in vivo antihyperglycemic effects.

Catechin and epicatechin are flavan-3-ols, with (+)-catechin (C) and (-)-epicatechin (EC) being the most common optical isomers found in nature. In this study, we found that C and EC showed notable inhibitory activity against a-glucosidase (AGH), and that both inhibition activities reversible and competitive. Additionally, we observed that C and EC quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of AGH through a static quenching mechanism, and that the electrostatic force was the predominant driving factor in the binding reaction. Molecular docking studies indicated that the benzene-ring-4'-hydroxyphenyl construct on flavan-3-ol plays an important role in AGH inhibition, and that the inhibition increases along with increased binding of amino acid residues at this site. Furthermore, C and EC inhibited glucose absorption in everted intestine sleeves in vitro and suppressed increases in postprandial blood glucose levels in vivo. Our results suggest that C and EC are useful to protect against hyperglycemia through inhibiting the activity of a-glucosidase.

Monocarbonyl curcumin analog A2 potently inhibits angiogenesis by inducing ROS-dependent endothelial cell death.

Excessive and abnormal vessel growth plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as cancer. Angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer growth, invasion, and metastasis. Discovery of novel antiangiogenic agents would provide new insights into the mechanisms of angiogenesis, as well as potential drugs for cancer treatment. In the present study, we investigated the antiangiogenic activity of a series of monocarbonyl analogs of curcumin synthesized previously in our lab. We found that curcumin analog A2 displayed the full potential to be developed as a novel antiangiogenic agent. Curcumin analog A2 at and above 20 µM dramatically inhibited the migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro, new microvessels sprouting from the rat aortic rings ex vivo and newly formed microvessels in chicken chorioallantoic membranes (CAMs) and Matrigel plus in vivo. We further demonstrated that curcumin analog A2 exerted its antiangiogenic activity mainly through inducing endothelial cell death via elevating NADH/NADPH oxidase-derived ROS. Curcumin analog A2 at the antiangiogenic concentrations also triggered autophagy in HUVECs, but this process is neither a pre-requisite for toxicity, leading to the cell death nor a protective response against the toxicity of curcumin analog A2. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time the potent antiangiogenic activity of the monocarbonyl curcumin analog A2, which could serve as a promising potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment angiogenesis-related diseases, such as cancer.

Paeoniflorin-6'-O-benzene sulfonate alleviates collagen-induced arthritis in mice by downregulating BAFF-TRAF2-NF-κB signaling: comparison with biological agents.

Paeoniflorin-6'-O-benzene sulfonate (CP-25) is a new ester derivative of paeoniflorin with improved lipid solubility and oral bioavailability, as well as better anti-inflammatory activity than its parent compound. In this study we explored whether CP-25 exerted therapeutic effects in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice through regulating B-cell activating factor (BAFF)-BAFF receptors-mediated signaling pathways. CIA mice were given CP-25 or injected with biological agents rituximab or etanercept for 40 days. In CIA mice, we found that T cells and B cells exhibited abnormal proliferation; the percentages of CD19+ total B cells, CD19+CD27+-activated B cells, CD19+BAFFR+ and CD19+TACI+ cells were significantly increased in PBMCs and spleen lymphocytes. CP-25 suppressed the indicators of arthritis, alleviated histopathology, accompanied by reduced BAFF and BAFF receptors expressions, inhibited serum immunoglobulin levels, decreased the B-cell subsets percentages, and prevented the expressions of key molecules in NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, we showed that treatment with CP-25 reduced CD19+TRAF2+ cell expressions stimulated by BAFF and decreased TRAF2 overexpression in HEK293 cells in vitro. Thus, CP-25 restored the abnormal T cells proliferation and B-cell percentages to the normal levels, and normalized the elevated levels of IgA, IgG2a and key proteins in NF-κB signaling. In comparison, rituximab and etanercept displayed stronger anti-inflammatory activities than CP-25; they suppressed the elevated inflammatory indexes to below the normal levels in CIA mice. In summary, our results provide evidence that CP-25 alleviates CIA and regulates the functions of B cells through BAFF-TRAF2-NF-κB signaling. CP-25 would be a soft immunomodulatory drug with anti-inflammatory effect.

[Psoralen and isopsoralen improve lipid metabolism disorder via inhibition of NF-κB activation in LO2 cells].

The aim of this paper was to investigate the mechanism and effect of psoralen and isopsoralen in the treatment of lipid accumulation in LO2 cells. Human LO2 cells nonalcoholic fatty liver models were established by using palmitic acid( PA). Then psoralen and isopsoralen were administered for intervention. Intracellular triglyceride( TG) and total cholesterol( TC) content,the cell supernatant alanine aminotransferase( ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase( AST) levels were determined by enzyme method. Cell supernatant proinflammatory cytokines( IL-6,TNF-α) and chemokines( IL-8,MCP-1) were determined by ELISA method. Western blot method was conducted to detect the protein expression of intracellular nuclear factor( NF-κB) p65 phosphorylation( p-p65),nonphosphorylated protein( p65),and transforming factor TGF-ß1. Result showed that as compared with the model group,intracellular TG and TC levels,the cell supernatant ALT and AST levels,proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines were decreased( P < 0. 01,P <0. 05); the p-p65/p65 ratio and TGF-ß1 protein expression were also significantly decreased( P< 0. 01,P< 0. 05) in psoralen intervention group. As compared with the model cells,intracellular TG content had no significant changes,but all the other indexes were reduced( P<0. 01,P<0. 05) in the cells of isopsoralen intervention group. Psoralen exhibited better effect than isopsoralen( P< 0. 01,P<0. 05). It is concluded that psoralen could improve the adipogenesis of LO2 cells induced by PA; both psoralen and isopsoralen are effective in ameliorating LO2 cells injury induced by PA,reducing inflammation via inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and down-regulating the expression of TGF-ß1.

Ag(I)-Promoted Dehydroxylation and Site-Selective 1,7-Disulfonylation of Diaryl(1 H-indol-2-yl)methanols.

A novel dehydroxylation and site-selective 1,7-disulfonylation reaction of diaryl(1 H-indol-2-yl)methanols with sodium sulfinates was described. The protocol provided an efficient strategy for the synthesis of disulfonylated 2-(diarylmethyl)indoles by exploring a range of substrates. The mechanistic studies revealed that silver nitrate served as both a Lewis acid and an oxidant for the sequential 1,7-disulfonylation process leading to the formation of final products.

A randomized phase I study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and food-effect of Iguratimod in healthy adult volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the safety, maximum tolerated dose and pharmacokinetics (PK) of iguratimod and the effect of food on PK parameters in healthy adult volunteers. METHODS: This phase 1 study consisted of four parts. Part 1 was a single-ascending dose (3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 75 mg) study to assess the maximum tolerated dose and safety of iguratimod. Part 2 was a single-ascending dose study to analyze the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of iguratimod; subjects were divided into three groups, with each group receiving iguratimod at a different dose (25, 50 or 75 mg). Part 3 was designed to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters of iguratimod between single-dose and multiple-dose administration; subjects were divided into two groups, with one group receiving a single dose of 50 mg on day 1 and the other group receiving a multiple dose of 50 mg, once every day, until a stable plasma concentration had been achieved. The aim of part 4 was to evaluate the effect of food on the pharmacokinetic parameters of iguratimod; subjects were divided into two groups, namely a fed group and a fasted group, with each group receiving a single 50 mg dose of iguratimod on day 1. Following a 14-day washout period, the two groups were crossed-over and received a single dose of 50 mg iguratimod on day 15. RESULTS: In part 1 of the study, iguratimod at doses ranging from 3.125 to 50 mg were well tolerated, with most adverse effects (AEs) being mild; no severe AEs occurred. In part 2, there were no significant differences in Tmax, T1/2, Ka and V/F among volunteers receiving doses of 25, 50 and 75 mg iguratimod. The Cmax and AUC0-last in volunteers receiving 75 mg iguratimod were higher than those in volunteers receiving 25 and 50 mg. The Cmax was linear from 25 to 75 mg, with a correlation coefficient (r 2) of 0.9808. The AUC0-last was also linear from 25 to 75 mg, with an r 2 of 0.9839. In part 3, in subjects receiving multiple doses of 50 mg, the T1/2 was 10.25 h, Tmax was 3.63 h, Cmax was 1.88 mg/L, AUC0-last was 31.88 mg/L h, Vd was 1.16 L and Ka was 0.87 1/h.There were no significant differences in the Cmax, AUC0-last, Ka and V/F between the single-dose and multiple-dose groups; there were, however, significant differences in Tmax and T1/2 between the two groups. In part 4, there were no significant differences in T1/2, AUC0-last, Ka and V/F between the fed group and fasted group; however, food may promote the absorption of iguratimod. CONCLUSIONS: The maximum tolerated dose for iguratimod was confirmed to be 50 mg. The ingestion of food was able to increase the peak concentration of iguratimod and shorten the time to peak concentration. Therefore, based on our results, iguratimod can be administered with food. The PK profile and metabolic effects of iguratimod support further clinical development for its application in treating autoimmune diseases.