MiR-9 promotes the phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells by targeting KLF5

Background/aim: Diabetic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are characterized by increased proliferation and migration. Small noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) have been considered critical modulators of the VSMC phenotypic switch after an environmental stimulus. However, microRNA in high glucose-induced proinflammation and its atherogenic effect is still ambiguous. Materials and methods: The technique of qRT-PCR was used to examine the expression of miR-9 in VSMCs. The downstream signaling protein relative to miR-9 regulation, Krüppel-like factor 5, and some marker genes of contractile VSMCs were analyzed by western blotting and qRT-PCR. Luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the expression of KLF5, which is regulated by miR-9. To examine the function of a miR-9 inhibitor in VSMC proliferation and migration, VSMC proliferation and migration assays were performed. Results: Reduced transcriptional levels of miR-9 and expression of specific genes of contractile VSMCs were observed in the SMC cell line C-12511 treated with high glucose and SMCs, which were isolated from db/db mice. Moreover, the activity of KLF5 3'-UTR was dramatically reduced by a miR-9 mimic and increased by a miR-9 inhibitor. The proliferation and migration of SMCs were reduced by the miR-9 mimic. Conclusion: miR-9 inhibits the proliferation and migration of SMC by targeting KLF5 in db/db mice.

[Mechanism of Gardenia jasminoides against cholestasis based on network pharmacology].

To screen the active ingredients of Gardenia jasminoides and potential targets,and investigate the mechanisms against cholestasis based on network pharmacology technology. Twenty-one active components of G. jasminoides were retrieved and the target sites were screened by using Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform( TCMSP). Cytoscape3. 2. 1 was used to construct the component-target network. Two hundred and eight targets related to cholestasis were searched and screened through Dis Ge NET,KEGG and OMIM databases. The key targets of G. jasminoides components and cholestasis were integrated and screened,and the component-target-disease network was constructed with Cytoscape 3. 2. 1 software to screen out the core network whose freedom degree was greater than the average value. The Clue GO plug-in of Cytoscape 3. 2. 1 software was used to analyze the biological processes and pathway enrichment of G. jasminoides in regulation of cholestasis. GO biological process analysis revealed 17 biological processes,involving 3 signaling biological processes related to cholestasis,i.e. acute inflammatory response,positive regulation of reactive oxygen species metabolic process,and nitric oxide biosynthetic process. KEGG-KEEG-305 terms and REACTOME pathways analysis revealed 17 regulatory pathways,involving 4 signaling pathways related to cholestasis,i.e. metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450,nuclear receptor transcription pathway,GPVI-mediated activation cascade and platelet activation. It was found that aqueous extract of G. jasminoides could improve serum biochemical abnormalities in ANIT-induced cholestasis rats. Aqueous extract of G. jasminoides could decrease the protein and mRNA expression levels of ESR1 in liver tissues,and increase the protein and mRNA expression levels of PPARG,NOS2,F2 R,NOS3,and NR3 C1. To sum up,the possible mechanisms of G. jasminoides against cholestasis may be related with the above three processes and four pathways.

[Effect of geniposidic acid on hepato-enteric circulation in cholestasis rats through Sirt1-FXR signaling pathway].

To investigate the effects of geniposidic acid( GPA) on hepato-enteric circulation in cholestasis rats,and to explore the mechanism based on the sirtuin 1( Sirt1)-farnesol X receptor( FXR) pathway,sixty SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:blank control group,ANIT model group,ursodeoxycholic acid group( 100 mg·kg~(-1)·d-1 UDCA),and GPA high,medium and low( 100,50 and 25 mg·kg~(-1)·d-1) dosage groups,10 rats in each group. Corresponding drugs were intragastrically( ig) administered for10 days. After administration on day 8,all rats except blank rats were administered with 65 mg·kg~(-1)α-naphthalene isothiocyanate( ANIT) once. After the last administration,the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase( ALT),glutamine oxalacetate aminotransferase( AST),gamma-glutamyltransferase( γ-GGT),alkaline phosphatase( ALP),total bilirubin( TB) and total bile acid( TBA)were measured,and the mRNA transcription levels of Sirt1,FXR,multidrug resistant associated protein 2( MRP2),bile salt export pump( BSEP),sodium taurocholate contractible polypeptide( NTCP) in liver and apical sodium bile acid transporter( ASBT),ileum bile acid binding protein( IBABP) in ileum were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction( RT-PCR). The protein expression levels of Sirt1,FXR and NTCP were detected by Western blot; the expression of MRP2,BSEP in liver and ASBT,IBABP in ileum were determined by immunofluorescence three staining. Primary rat hepatocytes were cultured in vitro to investigate the inhibitory effect of GPA on a potent and selective Sirt1 inhibitor( EX 527),and the mRNA and protein expression levels of Sirt1 and FXR were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. GPA significantly decreased the levels of ALT,AST,γ-GGT,ALP,TB,TBA in serum( P<0.01) and improved the pathological damage of liver tissues in ANIT-induced cholestasis rats; significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of Sirt1,FXR,MRP2,BSEP,NTCP in liver and ASBT,IBABP in ileum( P< 0.01). In vitro primary hepatocytes experiment indicated that the gene and protein expression levels of FXR and Sirt1 were noticeably improved by GPA in primary hepatocytes inhibited by EX-527( P<0.01). It was found that the improvement of GPA was in a dose-dependent manner. GPA could improve bile acid hepatointestinal circulation and play a liver protection and cholagogu role in cholestasis rats induced by ANIT.The mechanism may be that GPA activated FXR by regulating Sirt1,a key regulator of oxidative stress injury,and then the activated FXR could regulate protein of bile acid hepato-enteric circulation.

Iodine-catalyzed direct C-H thiolation of imidazo[1,5-a]quinolines for the synthesis of 3-sulfenylimidazo[1,5-a]quinolines.

An iodine-catalyzed regioselective sulfenylation of imidazo[1,5-a]quinolines was developed under metal- and oxidant-free reaction conditions. Using disulfides or thiophenols as sulfenylating agents, 3-sulfenylimidazo[1,5-a]quinoline derivatives were obtained in good to excellent yields with broad functional group tolerance. A multi-component reaction to generate 1-sulfenylated imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines is also described. Preliminary biological evaluation showed that some of the 3-sulfenylated imidazo[1,5-a]quinolines had significant anticancer activity.

Copper-Promoted Double Oxidative C-H Amination Cascade for the Synthesis of Imidazo[1,5-a]quinolines.

A copper-promoted cascade reaction of 2-methylazaarenes and benzylamines has been developed via sequential double oxidative C(sp(3))-H aminations. This protocol provides straightforward access to imidazo[1,5-a]quinoline derivatives without employing prefunctionalized substrates.

[Synergistic Effects of Clopidogrel and Xuesaitong Dispersible Tablet by Modulating Plasma Protein Binding].

Objective: The ginsenoside Rb1,which account for platelet aggregation of Xuesaitong dispersible tablet, was selected to investigate the synergistic effects of clopidogrel( CPG) and Xuesaitong dispersible tablet drug by modulating plasma protein binding rate aspect. Methods: The HPLC and equilibrium dialysis were employed to determine the concentration of Rb1 both in dialysate( PBS) and blank plasma from healthy volunteer blood donors. The differences in protein-binding rate between Xuesaitong dispersible tablet alone( the concentration of ginsenoside Rb1 were 5. 0,1. 0,0. 4 µg / m L,respectively) and combined with CPG( each add CPG 2 µg / m L) were then compared. The three-dimensional spatial structure of the blank plasma albumin( HSA) in the subjects was construct by rabbit plasma albumin( PDB ID 3V09) template and evaluated by PRO-CHECK and ERRAT methods. Molecular simulation technique was used to display the competition mechanism with human plasma protein. Results: The protein binding rate of Xuesaitong dispersible tablet alone group in plasma PBS and human plasma at high( the concentration of ginsenoside Rb1 were 5. 0 µg / m L),middle( the concentred of ginsenoside Rb1 were 1. 0 µg / m L) and low( the concentration of ginsenoside Rb1 were 0. 4 µg / m L) concentrations were( 58. 17 ±3. 82) %,( 57. 43 ± 3. 21) %,( 55. 63 ± 3. 42) % respectively. When combined with CPG( each add CPG 2 µg / m L),the protein binding rate value were decline to( 46. 54 ± 3. 35) %,( 49. 25 ± 3. 56) %,( 48. 15 ± 3. 76) %,respectively. The molecular simulation results suggested that the two compounds have competitive synergistic effects with human plasma protein. Conclusion: The present investigation suggestes that there are synergistic effects of CPG and Xuesaitong dispersible tablet by modulating plasma protein binding rate of ginsenoside Rb1.

[Potency Material Bases of Xuebijing Formula and Its Multi-target Effects on Sepsis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore potency material bases of Xuebijing (XBJ) formula, and to analyze its effects at the molecular network level. METHODS: Totally 16 sepsis-related targets were selected and classified into three categories such as inflammation, immune, and coagulation referring to biological roles. Then molecular database of chemical compositions in XBJ formula were constructed to explore mutual actions with inflammation, immune, and coagulation targets. RESULTS: Danshen root and safflower, with more effector molecules with immune and coagulation targets, have extensive anticoagulation and anti-inflammation effects. The former 10 molecules with better mutual actions with sepsis targets were sequenced as tryptophane, danshensu, gallic acid, salvianolic acid D, protocatechuic acid, salvianolic acid A, danshensu C, vanillic acid, rosmarinic acid, phenylalanine. There existed two phenomena in XBJ formula as follows. One component had stronger actions with multi-targets, for example, danshensu had actions with 13 targets. Meanwhile, different components acted on the same target protein, for example, 8 molecules acted with MD-2. CONCLUSION: XBJ formula had certain potential synergistic effects with sepsis targets, which could provide certain referential roles for findina new type anti-septic drugs.

[Computational Pharmacological Study on Clopidogrel Metabolism Enzymes Influenced by Fufang Danshen Dripping Pill].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Fufang Danshen Dripping Pill on Clopidogrel metabolism enzymes target such as human liver carboxylesterasel (CES1), cytochrome P450 3A4, CYP450 2C19, CYP450 1A2, and CYP450 2B6, and to interpret the interaction effects. METHODS: The CES1, cytochrome P450 3A4, CYP450 2C19, CYP450 1A2 and CYP450 2B6 which involved in Clopidogrel metabolism were selected at first, the chemical ligand database were created then, and finally the interaction effects between the ligand database and Clopidogrel metabolism target were explored. RESULT: 1 MX1 (CES1), 3NXU (CYP450 3A4), 4GQS (CYP450 2C19), 2HI4 (CYP450 1A2) and 3IBD(CYP450 2B6) as well as THA, RIT, OXU, Chlorzoxazone and CPZ were used as receptors and cutoff for each target respectively. The number of hits with potentially positive activities with metabolism enzymes target from the bioactive compounds in the preparation was 29, 8, 31, 51 and 44, respectively. These computational pharmacological docking studies were in accordance with the referenced cocktail experiment results. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that Fufang Danshen Dripping Pill has inhibitory effects on Clopidogrel metabolism enzymes target such as CES1, Cytochrome P450 3A4, CYP450 2C19, CYP450 1A2 and CYP450 2B6.

[Effect of Clopidogrel on Pharmacokinetic of Fufang Danshen Dripping Pill (FDDP)].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of clopidogrel on the pharmacokinetic of Fufang Danshen Dripping Pill (FDDP); METHODS: 20 SD rats were randomly divided into two group,which were intrinsically administrated FDDP(324 mg/kg) alone and combination of FDDP(324 mg/kg) and clopidogrel(30 mg/kg) respectively for 21 days. The ginsenoside Rg, from FDDP was determined by HPLC and its pharmacokinetic parameter were finally compared. RESULTS: The value of Cmax and AUC0-∞ of ginsenoside Rg, were increased from 1.97 ± 0.44 mg/L and 8.44 ± 2.64 mg/L · h to 2.48 ± 0.63 mg/L and 14.38 ± 5.72 mg/L · h respectively. CONCLUSION: Long term with clopidogrel has effect on the pharmacokinetic character of Rg, from FDDP, this research may provides theoretical support for the FDDP-clopidogrel combination treatment in clinical.

[Synergistic action of Compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP) on Clopidogrel Bisulfate (CPG) counteracting platelet aggregation].

OBJECTIVE: To study the synergistic action of Compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP) on Clopidogrel Bisulfate (CPG) counteracting platelet aggregation. METHODS: 40 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into four groups: normal control group (CMC-Na), CPG alone group (30 mg/kg), CDDP alone group (324 mg/kg), co-administration group (CPG 30 mg/kg and CDDP 324 mg/kg). The rats received gastric infusion of corresponding drugs for 21 continuous days. Blood sample of SD rats were collected by puncture of the abdominal artery for the determination of coagulation parameters such as prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB) concentration and thrombin time (TT) in each group. Another 40 SD rats were used for the observation of inhibitory effect on the thrombosis in arteriovenous shunt. Finally, homology modeling and molecular docking were employed to simulate their interaction between the P2Y purinoceptor 12 (P2Y12) target and bioactive compounds contained in CDDP. RESULTS: The bleeding time of coagulation parameters was prolonged, the thrombosis in arteriovenous shunt was inhibited in the medication group. The above effect was much better in the combination group. The molecular docking showed that bioactive compounds contained in CDDP was able to inhibit target P2Y12. CONCLUSION: CDDP can enhance the effect of CPG on inhibiting platelet aggregation.

Resveratrol down-regulates Myosin light chain kinase, induces apoptosis and inhibits diethylnitrosamine-induced liver tumorigenesis in rats.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a serious healthcare problem worldwide because of its increasing morbidity and high mortality rates. However, our understanding of the mechanism of liver tumorigenesis remains incomplete. We report the expression of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) in the livers of rats with diethylnitrosamine (DENA)-induced HCC and investigated the correlation between MLCK and liver tumorigenesis by observing the expression of MLCK in a rat model of HCC. HCC was induced in rats by an intraperitoneal injection of DENA, and resveratrol-treated rats were orally administered resveratrol with 50 mg/kg body weight/day. The livers of rats were excised after 20 weeks and immersed in 10% formaldehyde prior to immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses for determining the level of MLCK expression. These analyses indicated that the MLCK expression was higher in the livers of HCC rats than in normal and resveratrol-treated rats. High level of MLCK expression was responsible for proliferation and anti-apoptotic effects. However, resveratrol down-regulated the expression of MLCK, which induced cell apoptosis and inhibited liver tumorigenesis in rats with DENA-induced HCC. Our results suggest that the over expression of MLCK may be related to the development of liver tumorigenesis.

[Effect of pulchinenoside in regulating FLS SFRP2 expression of RA model rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of pulchinenoside (PULC) in modulating SFRP2 expression in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model rats. METHOD: The effect of PULC in treating RA rats was evaluated by rat arthritis score and paw swelling score. The inhibitory effect of PULC on FLS proliferation was detected by MTT reagent. The effects of PULC gavage treatment in modulating gene expression of FLS SFRP2, critical gene beta-catenin of Wnt pathway and downstream effector genes C-myc of of Wnt pathway were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULT: PULC had a significant effect in treating RA rats and that SFRP2 expression was down-regulated in FLS. After PULC gavage treatment, FLS SFRP2 expression was obviously up-regulated, whereas beta-catenin and C-myc gene expressions were significantly down-regulated. CONCLUSION: PULC can inhibit abnormal proliferation of synovial membrane by modulating Wnt pathway of RA rats.

[Study on determination of caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid in rat plasma and their pharmacokinetics with LC-MS/MS].

To establish a LC-MS/MS method to determine caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid in rat plasma and study their pharmacokinetics in rats. Six Sprague-Dawley rats were intravenously injected with 4 mL x kg(-1) of Dengzhanxixin injection, respectively. Their drug plasma concentration was determined by LC-MS/MS, with tinidazole as an internal standard. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS 1.0. The linear concentration ranges of caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid were 2-128 microg x L(-1) (r = 0.998 1) and 3-384 microg x L(-1) (r = 0.998 7), respectively. The methodological test showed conformance to the requirements. The intraday and inter-day variable coefficients were both less than 10.0%, indicating that both of legitimate precise and accuracy were in conformity with the requirements of biological sample analysis. For caffeic acid, the pharmacokinetic parameter t1/2beta AUC0-t, and CL were (130.91 +/- 38.77) min, (4.89 +/- 0.96) mg x min x L(-1) and (0.12 +/- 0.02) L x min(-1) x kg(-1), respectively. For chlorogenic acid, the pharmacokinetic parameter t1/2beta , AUC0-t, and CL were (49.38 +/- 8.85) min, (9.54 +/- 0.95) mg x min x L(-1) and (0.09 +/- 0.003) L x min(-1) x kg(-1), respectively. The LC-MS/MS analysis method established in this study was proved to be so accurate and sensitive that it can be applied to the pharmacokinetic study of caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid.

Simultaneous determination of phenols in the four main original plants of the famous traditional Chinese medicine Shihu by pressurized capillary electrochromatography.

A rapid pressurized capillary electrochromatography (pCEC) method has been established for the simultaneous analysis of 11 phenols in the four main original plants of the famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Shihu. The effects of wavelength, mobile phase, flow rate, pH value, concentration of buffer, and applied voltage were systematically studied. The investigated 11 phenols could be isolated in 35 min on a reversed-phase EP-100-20/45-3-C18 capillary column using the established method. To apply the established pCEC method, all phenols except tristin (11) were detected in the four Dendrobium plants. A total of 10 components were detected in D. huoshanense, 6 components in D. nobile, 3 components in D. chrysotoxum, and 4 components in D. fimbriatum. The consistent evaluation revealed that the similarities among the four original plants of Shihu were 38.2-86.0% based on the 11 polyphenols and 92.5-97.7% based on the pCEC fingerprints. These further suggested that the components of the four original plants of TCM Shihu might be significantly different. Further investigation should be conducted to confirm and evaluate if the four species could be used as the same medicine with the same amount according to Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP).

Quantitative Determination of Quercitrin Levels in Rat Plasma Using UHPLC-MS/MS and its Application in a Pharmacokinetic Study after the Oral Administration of Polygoni cuspidati Folium Capsules.

BACKGROUND: Quercitrin is widely found in herbal medicines, and it is particularly important in the design of new therapeutic agents. Because of its wide range of biological activities, methods for detecting quercitrin and its pharmacokinetics in biological samples must be investigated. OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a sensitive and reliable ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for the quantitative determination of quercitrin levels in rat plasma, and test its application in a pharmacokinetic investigation after the oral administration of Polygoni cuspidati folium capsules (HC). METHODS: First, a rapid analytical method implementing UHPLC-MS/MS for the quantification of quercitrin levels in rat plasma was developed and validated. The analyte and internal standard (IS) tinidazole were extracted from rat plasma via protein precipitation with 800 µL of methanol and 50 µL of 1% formic acid solution. Chromatographic separation was performed using an Agilent ZORBAX C18 column within 4 min. Mass spectrometry was performed for quantification using a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer employing electrospray ionization in the negative ion mode. The MRM transitions for quercitrin and IS were m/z 447.2→229.9 and m/z 246.0→125.8, respectively. The UHPLC-MS/MS method for the quantitative determination of quercitrin levels in rat plasma was then applied to investigate its pharmacokinetics after the oral administration of HC in rats. RESULTS: The developed UHPLC-MS/MS method for detecting quercitrin in rat plasma was linear over the range of 0.1-160 ng/mL. The linear regression equation was Y = (0.7373 ± 0.0023)X - (0.0087 ± 0.0021) (r2 = 0.9978). The intra- and interday precision values were within 7.8%, and the recoveries of quercitrin and IS exceeding 67.3%. The UHPLC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to characterize the pharmacokinetic profile of quercitrin in eight rats after the oral administration of HC. The experimentally obtained values were fit to a one-compartment, first-order pharmacokinetic model, and they appeared to fit the concentration-time curve. CONCLUSION: Quercitrin was proven to be stable during sample storage, preparation, and the analytical procedures. The pharmacokinetic parameters suggested that quercitrin may be present in the peripheral tissues of rats.

A Network Pharmacology Approach for Exploring the Mechanisms of Panax notoginseng Saponins in Ischaemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) have been deemed effective herb compounds for treating ischaemic stroke (IS) and improving the quality of life of IS patients. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of PNS in the treatment of IS based on network pharmacology. METHODS: PNS were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, and their possible targets were predicted using the PharmMapper database. IS-related targets were identified from the GeneCards database, OMIM database, and DisGeNET database. A herb-compound-target-disease network was constructed using Cytoscape, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were established with STRING. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were performed using DAVID. The binding of the compounds and key targets was validated by molecular docking studies using AutoDock Vina. The neuroprotective effect of TFCJ was substantiated in terms of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and malondialdehyde) and the levels of IGF1/PI3K/Akt pathway proteins. RESULTS: A total of 375 PNS targets and 5111 IS-related targets were identified. Among these targets, 241 were common to PNS, and IS network analysis showed that MAPK1, AKT1, PIK3R1, SRC, MAPK8, EGFR, IGF1, HRAS, RHOA, and HSP90AA1 are key targets of PNS against IS. Furthermore, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that PNS probably exert therapeutic effects against IS by regulating many pathways, such as the Ras, oestrogen, FoxO, prolactin, Rap1, PI3K-Akt, insulin, PPAR, and thyroid hormone signalling pathways. Molecular docking studies further corroborated the experimental results.The network pharmacology results were further verified by molecular docking and in vivo experiments. CONCLUSIONS: The ameliorative effects of PNS against IS were predicted to be associated with the regulation of the IGF1-PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Ginsenoside Re and ginsenoside Rb1 may play an important role in the treatment of IS.

Unraveling the Action Mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Tang (BYHWT) for Cerebral Ischemia by Systematic Pharmacological Methodology.

BACKGROUND: Buyang Huanwu Tang (BYHWT) and relevant Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has its unique advantages in the treatment of cerebral ischemia. However, its pharmacological mechanism has not been fully explained. OBJECTIVE: Base on the multi-component, also the entire disease network targets, the present study sets out to identify major bioactive ingredients, key disease targets, and pathways of BYHWT against cerebral ischemia disease by systematic pharmacological methodology. METHODS: Both the bioactive compounds from the BYHWT and the positive drugs against cerebral ischemia were fully investigated. The binding targets of the positive drugs were then obtained. A virtual screening protocol was then used to highlight the compound-target interaction and network was constructed to visualize the compound-target binding effect after docking analysis. Moreover, the targets enrichment analysis for biological processes and pathways were performed to further explore the function of bio-targets protein gene and its role in the signal pathway. RESULTS: A total of 382 active ingredients of the BYHWT and 23 candidate disease targets were identified. Virtual screening results indicated that multiple bioactive compounds targeted multiple proteins. Each compound acts on one or more targets. The mechanisms were linked to 20 signaling pathways, and the key mechanism was related to serotonergic synapse, calcium signaling pathway and camp signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: The present study explored the bioactive ingredients and mechanisms of BYHWT against cerebral ischemia by systematic pharmacological methodology. The novel methodology would provide a reference for the lead discovery of precursors, disease mechanism and material base for TCM.

Iodide-promoted transformations of imidazopyridines into sulfur-bridged imidazopyridines or 1,2,4-thiadiazoles.

A NaI-promoted sequential double carbon-sulfur bond formation was developed to afford sulfur-bridged imidazopyridines, using Deoxofluor as the sulfur source and requiring only 15 min at room temperature. Using this process, imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines could also be transformed to 1,2,4-thiadiazoles in the presence of ammonium salt with the formation of both carbon-sulfur and nitrogen-sulfur bonds. This mechanistically unique method is distinguished by its wide substrate scope, lack of requirement for transition metals and mild conditions.

Catechins from oolong tea improve uterine defects by inhibiting STAT3 signaling in polycystic ovary syndrome mice.

BACKGROUND: It is showed that inflammation is causative factor for PCOS, leading to a decline in ovarian fertility. Previous studies have reported that tea consumption can reduce the incidence of ovarian cancer. We speculate that catechins from oolong tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) may have a potential therapeutic effect on PCOS. This study aims to investigate the effects of oolong tea catechins on the uterus of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) mice induced by insulin combined with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). METHODS: Sixty female mice were divided into 6 groups (n = 10): model, model + Metformin 200 mg/kg, model + catechins 25 mg/kg, model + catechins 50 mg/kg, and model + catechins 100 mg/kg. Another forty female mice were divided into 4 groups (n = 10): control, control + catechins 100 mg/kg, model, and model + catechins 100 mg/kg. Ovarian and uterine weight coefficients, sex hormone levels, glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, and ovarian and uterine pathology were examined. Changes in NF-κB-mediated inflammation, MMP2 and MMP9 expressions, and STAT3 signaling were evaluated in the uterus of mice. RESULTS: Catechins could effectively reduce the ovarian and uterine organ coefficients, reduce the levels of E2, FSH and LH in the blood and the ratio of LH/FSH, and improve glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in PCOS mice induced by insulin combined with hCG. In addition, catechins could significantly down-regulated the expression of p-NF-κB p65 in the uterus and the protein expressions of the pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α). The expressions of mmp2 and mmp9 associated with matrix degradation in uterine tissue were also significantly down-regulated by catechins. Further, catechins significantly reduced the expression of p-STAT3 and increased the expression of p-IRS1 and p-PI3K in the uterus of PCOS mice. CONCLUSION: Catechins from oolong tea can alleviate ovarian dysfunction and insulin resistance in PCOS mice by inhibiting uterine inflammation and matrix degradation via inhibiting p-STAT3 signaling.

Downregulation of lncRNA H19 inhibits migration and invasion of human osteosarcoma through the NF-κB pathway.

The present study aimed to investigate the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 in the development of osteosarcoma and to determine the underlying mechanism involved. A total of 40 patients with osteosarcoma were selected and the expression level of H19 in tumor tissue and adjacent healthy tissue was detected by reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan­Meier method to investigate the prognostic value of H19 expression level for patients with osteosarcoma. H19 knockdown osteosarcoma cell lines were constructed using small interfering (si)RNA transfection. Cell migration and invasion abilities were measured by Transwell migration and invasion assays, respectively. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3­kinase (PI3K), phospho (p)­PI3K, RAC­alpha serine/threonine­protein kinase (AKT), p­AKT and NF­κB inhibitor α (IκBα) in osteosarcoma cells transfected with H19 siRNA. Expression level of H19 was significantly elevated in tumor tissue compared with adjacent healthy tissue. Expression level of H19 was positively associated with distant metastasis of osteosarcoma (P<0.01), but not with gender and age. Overall survival of patients with osteosarcoma with high H19 level was significantly shorter compared with patients with low H19 expression (P<0.05). H19 knockdown significantly reduced migration and invasion ability of osteosarcoma cells. Significantly decreased levels of p­PI3K and p­AKT, and elevated level of IκBα were observed in H19 knockdown osteosarcoma cells compared with control osteosarcoma cells, while no significant differences in levels of PI3K and AKT were observed. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that knockdown of lncRNA H19 can inhibit migration and invasion of human osteosarcoma cells by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κB pathway.