NGF monoclonal antibody DS002 alleviates chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in rats.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the pervasive side effects of chemotherapy, leading to poor quality of life in cancer patients. Discovery of powerful analgesics for CIPN is an urgent and substantial clinical need. Nerve growth factor (NGF), a classic neurotrophic factor, has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for pain. In this study, we generated a humanized NGF monoclonal antibody (DS002) that most effectively blocked the interaction between NGF and tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA). We showed that DS002 blocked NGF binding to TrkA in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 6.6 nM; DS002 dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of TF-1 cells by blocking the TrkA-mediated downstream signaling pathway. Furthermore, DS002 did not display noticeable species differences in its binding and blocking abilities. In three chemotherapy-induced rat models of CIPN, subcutaneous injection of DS002 produced a significant prophylactic effect against paclitaxel-, cisplatin- and vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that an NGF inhibitor effectively alleviates pain in animal models of CIPN. DS002 has the potential to treat CIPN pain in the clinic.

Structure-based optimization and derivatization of 2-substituted quinolone-based non-nucleoside HCV NS5B inhibitors with submicromolar cellular replicon potency.

HCV NS5B polymerase is an attractive and validated target for anti-HCV therapy. Starting from our previously identified 2-aryl quinolones as novel non-nucleoside NS5B polymerase inhibitors, structure-based optimization furnished 2-alkyl-N-benzyl quinolones with improved antiviral potency by employing privileged fragment hybridization strategy. The N-(4-chlorobenzyl)-2-(methoxymethyl)quinolone derivative 5f proved to be the best compound of this series, exhibiting a selective sub-micromolar antiviral effect (EC50=0.4µM, SI=10.8) in Huh7.5.1 cells carrying a HCV genotype 2a. Considering the undesirable pharmacokinetic property of the highly substituted quinolones, a novel chemotype of 1,6-naphthyridine-4,5-diones were evolved via scaffold hopping, affording brand new structure HCV inhibitors with compound 6h (EC50 (gt2a)=2.5µM, SI=7.2) as a promising hit. Molecular modeling studies suggest that both of 2-alkyl quinolones and 1,6-naphthyridine-4,5-diones function as HCV NS5B thumb pocket II inhibitors.

A novel pyridazinone derivative inhibits hepatitis B virus replication by inducing genome-free capsid formation.

Here we first identified a novel pyridazinone derivative, compound 3711, as a nonnucleosidic hepatitis B virus (HBV) inhibitor in a cell model system. 3711 decreased extracellular HBV DNA levels by 50% (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50]) at 1.5 ± 0.2 µM and intracellular DNA levels at 1.9 ± 0.1 µM, which demonstrated antiviral activity at levels far below those associated with toxicity. Both the 3TC/ETV dually resistant L180M/M204I mutant and the adefovir (ADV)-resistant A181T/N236T mutant were as susceptible to 3711 as wild-type HBV. 3711 treatment induced the formation of genome-free capsids, a portion of which migrated faster on 1.8% native agarose gel. The induced genome-free capsids sedimented more slowly in isopycnic CsCl gradient centrifugation without significant morphological changes. 3711 treatment decreased levels of HBV DNA contained in both secreted enveloped virion and naked virus particles in supernatant. 3711 could interfere with capsid formation of the core protein (Cp) assembly domain. A Cp V124W mutant, which strengthens capsid interdimer interactions, recapitulated the effect of 3711 on capsid assembly. Pyridazinone derivative 3711, a novel chemical entity and HBV inhibitor, may provide a new opportunity to combat chronic HBV infection.

Isothiafludine, a novel non-nucleoside compound, inhibits hepatitis B virus replication through blocking pregenomic RNA encapsidation.

AIM: To investigate the action of isothiafludine (NZ-4), a derivative of bis-heterocycle tandem pairs from the natural product leucamide A, on the replication cycle of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: HBV replication cycle was monitored in HepG2.2.15 cells using qPCR, qRT-PCR, and Southern and Northern blotting. HBV protein expression and capsid assembly were detected using Western blotting and native agarose gel electrophoresis analysis. The interaction of pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) and the core protein was investigated by RNA immunoprecipitation. To evaluate the anti-HBV effect of NZ-4 in vivo, DHBV-infected ducks were orally administered NZ-4 (25, 50 or 100 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) for 15 d. RESULTS: NZ-4 suppressed intracellular HBV replication in HepG2.2.15 cells with an IC50 value of 1.33 µmol/L, whereas the compound inhibited the cell viability with an IC50 value of 50.4 µmol/L. Furthermore, NZ-4 was active against the replication of various drug-resistant HBV mutants, including 3TC/ETV-dual-resistant and ADV-resistant HBV mutants. NZ-4 (5, 10, 20 µmol/L) concentration-dependently reduced the encapsidated HBV pgRNA, resulting in the assembly of replication-deficient capsids in HepG2.2.15 cells. Oral administration of NZ-4 dose-dependently inhibited DHBV DNA replication in the DHBV-infected ducks. CONCLUSION: NZ-4 inhibits HBV replication by interfering with the interaction between pgRNA and HBcAg in the capsid assembly process, thus increasing the replication-deficient HBV capsids. Such mechanism of action might provide a new therapeutic strategy to combat HBV infection.

Intranasal delivery of replicating mRNA encoding hACE2-targeting antibody against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection in the hamster.

The Omicron variant is sweeping the world, which displays striking immune escape potential through mutations at key antigenic sites on the spike protein, making broad-spectrum SARS-CoV-2 prevention or therapeutical strategies urgently needed. Previously, we have reported a hACE2-targeting neutralizing antibody 3E8, which could efficiently block both prototype SARS-CoV-2 and Delta variant infections in prophylactic mouse models, having the potential of broad-spectrum to prevent SARS-CoV-2. However, preparation of monoclonal neutralizing antibodies is severely limited by the time-consuming process and the relative high cost. Here, we utilized a modified VEEV replicon with two subgenomic (sg) promoters engineered to express the light and heavy chains of the 3E8 mAb. The feasibility and protective efficacy of replicating mRNA encoding 3E8 against Omicron infection in the hamster were demonstrated through the lung targeting delivery with the help of VEEV-VRP. Overall, we developed a safe and cost-effective platform of broad-spectrum to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Tryptamine derivatives as novel non-nucleosidic inhibitors against hepatitis B virus.

A series of tryptamine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity and cytotoxicity in the HepG2.2.15 cell line. The preliminary SAR was discussed. Compounds 2e and 4a showed potent antiviral activity (IC(50)=0.4 and <1 µM, respectively) and low cytotoxicity (CC(50)=40.6 and >25 µM, respectively).

Synthesis and anti-hepatitis B virus activity of a novel class of thiazolylbenzimidazole derivatives.

Recently, heterocyclic benzimidazole derivatives have been investigated and validated as a promising class of antiviral agents. In this paper, a series of novel thiazolylbenzimidazole derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for their anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity and cytotoxicity on the HepG2.2.15 cell line. Afterwards, the preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) was discussed. Compound 8b, with IC(50) = 1.1 µM and SI > 90.9, was the most promising compound and could be selected as a benchmark compound for further investigation.

Design and synthesis of novel benzimidazole derivatives as inhibitors of hepatitis B virus.

A series of novel benzimidazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity and cytotoxicity in the HepG2.2.15 cell line. The preliminary SAR was discussed. Compound 12a, with IC50<0.41 microM and SI>81.2, was the most promising compound and selected as the benchmark compound for further optimization.

WSS45, a sulfated alpha-D-glucan, strongly interferes with Dengue 2 virus infection in vitro.

AIM: To investigate the mode of action of WSS45, one sulfated derivative of an alpha-D-glucan from the Gastrodia elata Bl, on the multiplication cycle of dengue virus serotype 2 (DV2), including initial infection and intracellular replication. METHODS: Virus multiplication in BHK cells were monitored by qRT-PCR, plaque reduction assay, and flow cytometry. Initial virus infection was dissected into adsorption and penetration steps by converting temperature and treating by acid glycine. Surface bound virions were detected by immunofluorescence staining for Evelope protein. RESULTS: WSS45 effectively inhibited DV2 infection in BHK cells with an EC(50) value of 0.68+/-0.17 microg/mL, mainly interfered with virus adsorption, in a very early stage of the virus cycle. However, WSS45 showed no viricidal effect. Moreover, WSS45 could increase the detaching of virus from cell surface in BHK cell line. CONCLUSION: WSS45 exerted potent inhibitory effect on DV2 through interfering with the interaction between viruses and targeted cells. This activity was related to its molecular size.

[Epidemiological study of high risk human papillomavirus infection in 25 to 54 years old married women in Beijing.].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate high risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) prevalence among married women in Beijing and to study the high risk factors. METHODS: During March 2007 to September 2008, a total of 6185 married women sampled from 137 communities in 12 districts were screened by HR-HPV DNA test and cytological test. The interview was carried out with unified questionnaires. The database was set up and twice entered in EpiData 3.0. After checked up, the data were analyzed in SPSS 15.0. RESULTS: (1) The HR-HPV infection rate was 9.89%. The HR-HPV infection rate of the city zone, the suburb and the exurb were 9.34%, 10.51% and 9.51% (P > 0.05). The HR-HPV infection rate of the native and the outlander were 9.53%, 11.30% (P < 0.05). (2) The age distribution of HR-HPV infection was that the rate was around 10% among 25 to 44 age groups, which was the highest (11.21%) in 30 to 34 age group; then the rate was descended as the age raising, the rate of 50 to 54 age group was the lowest (7.78%). (3) Multiple logistic regression showed that the related risk factors of HR-HPV infection mainly included 1000 RMB and above of family income per person per month, possessing more than 1 sexual partner of her husband, outlander and high levels of education. (4) The prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in HR-HPV positive group was significantly higher than that in HR-HPV negative group (29.76% vs 3.32%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: (1) The HR-HPV infection rate among aged 25 to 54 years was 9.9% and there was no significant difference in area distribution. (2) The high risk population which should strengthen screening was the married bearing-age women with high level of family income, outlander, high levels of education and her husband possessing more than 1 sexual partner. (3) HR-HPV infection is the main risk factor for CIN and cervical cancer, while does not provide a causal relationship with them. The high risk population should be checked regularly to understand the development of HR-HPV infection and CIN incidence.

Identification of 1-isopropylsulfonyl-2-amine benzimidazoles as a new class of inhibitors of hepatitis B virus.

A series of 1-isopropylsulfonyl-2-amine benzimidazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity and cytotoxicity in the HepG2.2.15 cell line. In general, these derivatives are potent HBV inhibitors (IC(50)<4 microM) with high selectivity indices (SIs>40). Compounds 5b-e, g, j, and 9a were among the most prominent compounds, with IC(50)s of 0.70-2.0 microM and SIs of 41-274. The potent anti-HBV activity and safety profiles of the most promising compounds 5d and j (IC(50)s=0.70 microM, SIs>120) demonstrate the potential of this series of benzimidazoles for the development of new anti-HBV drugs.

[Identification and analysis of differentially expressed genes during wood formation in Chinese fir by SSH].

Wood is an important raw material for the global industry with rapidly increasing demand. To isolate the differentially expressed genes in xylogenesis of Chinese fir [Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook], a forward subtractive cDNA library was constructed using suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) method, which was performed using the cDNA from the mutant Dugansha clone as the tester and the cDNA from the normal Jurong 0 clone as the driver. Six hundred and eighteen clones were obtained. Recombinants were identified using PCR with universal T7 and SP6 primers and using EcoR digestion. To further eliminate false positive, dot hybridization was used with four DIG-labeled probes (FSP, RSP, UTP, and UDP). Real-time PCR was performed to confirm the results. A total of 260 unique ESTs were obtained, 60% of the ESTs exhibiting homologies with proteins of known function fell into 4 major classes: metabolism, cell wall biogenesis and remodeling, signal transduction and stress. The systematic analysis of genes involved in wood formation in Chinese fir provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in xylem differentiation, is important resources for forest research directed toward understanding the genetic control of wood formation and future endeavors to modify wood and fiber properties for industrial use.

Primary splenic carcinosarcoma with local invasion of chest wall: a rare case.

We herein present a case of carcinosarcoma arising as a primary lesion in the spleen with the presence of local invasion of chest wall prior to widespread metastasis all over the body of a female aged 64 years. The detailed information of therapy and imaging evidences of morphology, histology, and immunohistochemistry are fully provided. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fifth reported case of a primary splenic carcinosarcoma and even the first case to be described with local invasion in the mongoloid. Carcinosarcoma that develops in the spleen with local invasion is extremely rare.

Synthesis and anti-hepatitis B virus activity of novel benzimidazole derivatives.

A series of novel benzimidazole derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for their anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity and cytotoxicity in vitro. Strong activity against HBV replication and low cytotoxicity were generally observed in these benzimidazoles. The most promising compounds were 12a and 12b, with similar high antiviral potency (IC50 = 0.9 and 0.7 microM, respectively) and remarkable selectivity indices (>1111 and 714, respectively). They were selected for further evaluation as novel HBV inhibitors.

Effect of a hepatitis B virus inhibitor, NZ-4, on capsid formation.

During the hepatitis B virus (HBV) life cycle, nucleocapsid assembly is essential for HBV replication. Both RNA reverse transcription and DNA replication occur within the HBV nucleocapsid. HBV nucleocapsid is consisted of core protein (HBcAg), whose carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) contains an Arg-rich domain (ARD). The ARD of HBcAg does contribute to the encapsidation of pregenomic RNA (pgRNA). Previously, we reported a small-molecule, NZ-4, which dramatically reduced the HBV DNA level in an in vitro cell setting. Here, we explore the possible mechanisms by which NZ-4 inhibits HBV function. As an HBV inhibitor, NZ-4 leads to the formation of genome-free capsids, including a new population of capsid that runs faster on agarose gels. NZ-4's activity was dependent on the presence of the ARD I, containing at least one positively charged amino acid. NZ-4 might provide a new option for further development of HBV therapeutics for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.

Benzimidazole derivative, BM601, a novel inhibitor of hepatitis B virus and HBsAg secretion.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) belongs to the Hepadnaviridae family. HBsAg, greatly outnumbered mature virion, has been mysterious since the discovery of HBV. A novel benzimidazole derivative, BM601, is identified inhibiting the secretion of HBV virions and HBsAg, with 50% effective concentration of 0.6µM and 1.5µM, as well as 50% cytotoxicity concentration of 24.5µM. It has no effect on transcription, protein production, nucleocapsid formation or intracellular HBV DNA synthesis. Immunofluorescence analysis suggests that BM601 might inhibit virion and HBsAg secretion by interfering surface protein aggregation in trans Golgi apparatus. Furthermore, BM601 does not trigger cellular stress response or affect HBeAg or host protein secretion. We hypothesize that BM601 is a secretion inhibitor functioning at the level of virion and HBsAg secretion pathway.

Fatal extensive bone cement embolism: histological findings confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

We herein report the first case of fatal extensive bone cement embolism appearing in pulmonary arterioles following surgical vertebral screw augmentation, which histological evidence of bone cement emboli was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A 47-year-old woman has accepted multilevel spine fusion and pedicle screw augmentation with totally 4 ml bone cement infusion. She suddenly developed low blood pressure, dyspnoea, and unconsciousness approximately 1 h post anaesthetic recovery, and then she was dead. It was shown both lungs were edematous in autopsy, and bluish emboli were appeared in extensive pulmonary arterioles in H&E stained sections. Negative information was shown in Molybdenum target X-ray imaging, but the emboli were confirmed to be PMMA bone cement by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The present case indicated it might be effective to confirm the dubious trace component in histology by FTIR.

[Effect of different orthodontic interproximal reduction methods on the enamel].

PURPOSE: To find a suitable interproximal enamel (IER) reduction method for clinical use by pH cycles in vitro. METHODS: 50 human premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were collected for the experiment. After removal of the roots, the crowns were split vertically into two halves with wafer-thin wheel blade. Then the 100 samples were randomly divided into 5 groups, 20 samples for each group. The enamel in each group was reduced with different IER methods: group I, stripping strip; group II, stripping disk; group III, stripping strip with polishing system and 35% orthophosphoric acid; group IV, stripping disk with polishing system and 35% orthophosphoric acid; group V, no treatment control group. All the samples were treated with pH cycles in vitro for 30 days. The microhardness of enamel surface of all samples was detected by microhardness testing machine. The enamel surface morphology of microstructure was examined by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The data was analyzed with SPSS13.0 software package. RESULTS: 1.ANOVA detected statistically significant differences between groups. The post SNK-q test showed that there was no significant difference between group I and group II, between group III and group IV(P>0.05); But there was significant difference between group I and group III, group I and group IV, group II and group III, group II and group IV(P<0.01). And there was significant difference between group I and group V, group II and group V, group III and group V, group IV and group V(P<0.05). 2.From naked eye and SEM, there was no distinct difference between the two chemical polishing groups, but better than the others. CONCLUSIONS: 1.There is no significant difference between strip and disk after IER. 2.Chemical polishing group is better than the others after IER. 3.The scratches of the enamel surface caused by IER are hardly repaired even after remineralization.

Correlation of nitric oxide and other free radicals with the severity of acute pancreatitis and complicated systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the correlation of nitric oxide (NO) and other free radicals with the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) and complicated systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). METHODS: Fifty AP patients (24 simple AP patients and 26 patients with AP complicated by SIRS) were involved in the study. Fifty healthy volunteers were included as controls. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores were evaluated, and plasma NO, plasma lipid peroxides, plasma vitamin E, plasma beta-carotene, whole-blood glutathione (GSH), and the activity of plasma GSH peroxidase were measured. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the APACHE II scores heightened in the AP group, and the SIRS group had the highest APACHE II scores (P < 0.005, P < 0.001, respectively). Plasma NO and plasma lipid peroxides increased with the heightening APACHE II scores, demonstrating a significant linear positive correlation (r = 0.618, r = 0.577, respectively; P < 0.001). Plasma vitamin E, plasma beta-carotene, whole-blood GSH, and the activity of plasma GSH peroxidase decreased with the heightening APACHE II scores, demonstrating a significant linear negative correlation (r = -0.600, r = -0.609, r = -0.559, r = -0.592, respectively; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Nitric oxide and other free radicals take part in the aggravation of oxidative stress and oxidative injury and may play important roles in the pathogenesis of AP and SIRS. It may be valuable to measure free radicals to predict the severity of AP.

Anti-hepatitis B virus activity of chlorogenic acid, quinic acid and caffeic acid in vivo and in vitro.

Chlorogenic acid and its related compounds are abundant plant polyphenols that have a diverse antiviral activity. In this study, HepG2.2.15 cells and duck hepatitis B virus infection model were used as in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate their anti-HBV activity. In the cell model, all the three compounds inhibited HBV-DNA replication as well as HBsAg production. Chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid also reduced serum DHBV level in DHBV-infected duckling model. Moreover, the anti-HBV activity of crude extracts of coffee beans, which have a high content of chlorogenic acid, was studied. Both the extracts of regular coffee and that of decaffeinated coffee showed inhibitory effect on HBV replication.