[Cell metabolomics study of ginkgo flavone aglycone combined with doxorubicin against liver cancer in synergy].

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-Q exactive orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-QEOrbitrap-MS/MS) was used to explore the inhibitory effect and mechanism of ginkgo flavone aglycone(GA) combined with doxorubicin(DOX) on H22 cells. The effects of different concentrations of GA and DOX on the viability of H22 cells were investigated, and combination index(CI) was used to evaluate the effects. In the experiments, control(CON) group, DOX group, GA group, and combined GA and DOX(GDOX) group were constructed. Then the metabolomics strategy was employed to explore the metabolic markers that were significantly changed after combination therapy on the basis of single medication treatment, and by analyzing their biological significance, the effect and mechanism of the anti-tumor effect of GA combined with DOX were explained. The results revealed that when 30 µg·mL~(-1) GA and 0.5 µmol·L~(-1) DOX was determined as the co-administration concentration, the CI value was 0.808, indicating that the combination of GA and DOX had a synergistic anti-tumor effect. Metabolomics analysis identified 23 metabolic markers, including L-arginine, L-tyrosine and L-valine, mostly amino acids. Compared with the CON group, 22 and 17 metabolic markers were significantly down-regulated after DOX treatment and GA treatment, respectively. Compared with the DOX and GA groups, the treatment of GA combined with DOX further down-regulated the levels of these metabolic markers in liver cancer, which might contribute to the synergistic effect of the two. Five key metabolic pathways were found in pathway enrichment analysis, including glutathione metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, ß-alanine metabolism, and valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation. These findings demonstrated that the combination of GA and DOX remarkably inhibited the viability of H22 cells and exerted a synergistic anti-tumor effect. The mechanism might be related to the influence of the energy supply of tumor cells by interfering with the metabolism of various amino acids.

Efficacy of 12 weeks oral beta-alanine supplementation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Beta-alanine (BA) supplementation increases muscle carnosine, an abundant endogenous antioxidant and pH buffer in skeletal muscle. Carnosine loading promotes exercise capacity in healthy older adults. As patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suffer from elevated exercise-induced muscle oxidative/carbonyl stress and acidosis, and from reduced muscle carnosine stores, it was investigated whether BA supplementation augments muscle carnosine and induces beneficial changes in exercise capacity, quadriceps function, and muscle oxidative/carbonyl stress in patients with COPD. METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo (PL)-controlled trial (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02770417), 40 patients (75% male) with COPD (mean ± standard deviation: age 65 ± 6 years; FEV1 % predicted 55 ± 14%) were assigned to 12 weeks oral BA or PL supplementation (3.2 g/day). The primary outcome, i.e. muscle carnosine, was quantified from m. vastus lateralis biopsies obtained before and after intervention. Co-primary outcomes, i.e. incremental and constant work rate cycle capacity, were also assessed. Linear mixed model analyses were performed. Compliance with and side effects of supplement intake and secondary outcomes (quadriceps strength and endurance, and muscle oxidative/carbonyl stress) were also assessed. RESULTS: Beta-alanine supplementation increased muscle carnosine in comparison with PL in patients with COPD (mean difference [95% confidence interval]; +2.82 [1.49-4.14] mmol/kg wet weight; P < 0.001). Maximal incremental cycling capacity (VO2 peak: +0.5 [-0.7 to 1.7] mL/kg/min; P = 0.384, Wpeak: +5 [-1 to 11] W; P = 0.103) and time to exhaustion on the constant work rate cycle test (+28 [-179 to 236] s; P = 0.782) did not change significantly. Compliance with supplement intake was similar in BA (median (quartile 1-quartile 3); 100 (98-100)%) and PL (98 (96-100)%) (P = 0.294) groups, and patients did not report side effects possibly related to supplement intake. No change was observed in secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Beta-alanine supplementation is efficacious in augmenting muscle carnosine (+54% from mean baseline value) without side effects in patients with COPD in comparison with PL. However, accompanied beneficial changes in exercise capacity, quadriceps function, and muscle oxidative/carbonyl stress were not observed.

ß-Alanine Supplementation Attenuates the Neurophysiological Response in Animals Exposed to an Acute Heat Stress.

The effect of 30 days of ß-alanine supplementation on neurophysiological responses of animals exposed to an acute heat stress (HS) was examined. Animals were randomized to one of three groups; exposed to HS (120 min at 40-41 °C) and fed a normal diet (EXP; n = 12); EXP and supplemented with ß-alanine (EXP + BA; n = 10); or not exposed (CTL; n = 10). Hippocampal (CA1, CA3 and DG) and hypothalamic (PVN) immunoreactive (ir) cell numbers of COX2, IBA-1, BDNF, NPY and HSP70 were analyzed. Three animals in EXP and one in EXP-BA did not survive the HS, however no significant difference (p = 0.146) was noted in survival rate in EXP + BA. The % change in rectal temperature was significantly lower (p = 0.04) in EXP + BA than EXP. Elevations (p's < 0.05) in COX-2, IBA-1 and HSP70 ir-cell numbers were noted in animals exposed to HS in all subregions. COX-2 ir-cell numbers were attenuated for EXP + BA in CA1 (p = 0.02) and PVN (p = 0.015) compared to EXP. No difference in COX-2 ir-cell numbers was noted between CTL and EXP + BA at CA1. BDNF-ir cell numbers in CA1, DG and PVN were reduced (p's < 0.05) during HS compared to CTL. No difference in BDNF-ir cell numbers was noted between EXP + BA and CTL in CA3 and PVN. NPY-ir density was reduced in exposed animals in all subregions, but NPY-ir density for EXP-BA was greater than EXP in CA3 (p < 0.001) and PVN (p = 0.04). ß-Alanine supplementation attenuated the thermoregulatory and inflammatory responses and maintained neurotrophin and neuropeptide levels during acute HS. Further research is necessary to determine whether ß-alanine supplementation can increase survival rate during a heat stress.

Women dealing with hot flushes: the role of ß-alanine.

Hot flushes (HFs) are a very frequent condition in menopausal women, associated with a marked decrease in quality of life, impaired ability to carry on daily activities and sleep disturbances. However, this condition is often only given poor attention in daily practice and in clinical research. Indeed, several treatments for HFs exist. The most effective is considered to be hormone replacement therapy, but this strategy has been associated with a poor risk-benefit ratio given its link with the development of cancer. Other treatments have been tested and are currently used, but they are usually only poorly effective or cannot be recommended in all patients due to potential side effects or interference with other molecules. Therefore, there is a major need for new treatment options for HFs. ß-alanine supplementation is widely used for the enhancement of energetic metabolism and is known to be devoid of any relevant adverse effect. BA has also been widely used for the treatment of HFs. This narrative review will discuss the current pharmacological management of HFs and will present the role of ß-alanine in this setting.

Cardioprotective effect of taurine and ß-alanine against cardiac disease in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion-induced rats

BACKGROUND: The present study analyzed the synergistic protective effect of ß-alanine and taurine against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. Myocardial infarct size, lipid peroxidation, and levels of glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, and the mRNA and protein expression of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator 3 of transcription (STAT3) were determined. The molecular docking was carried out by using AutoDock 4.2.1. RESULTS: Combined treatment with ß-alanine and taurine reduced myocardial infarct size, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory marker, ROS levels, and apoptosis and increased Gpx, SOD activity, GSH, and catalase activity. Furthermore, combined treatment significantly reduced JAK2 and STAT3 mRNA and protein expression compared with the control. The small molecule was docked over the SH2 domain of a STAT3, and binding mode was determined to investigate the inhibitory potential of ß-alanine and taurine. ß-Alanine bound to SH2 domain with ΔG of -7.34 kcal/mol and KI of 1.91 µM. Taurine bound to SH2 domain with ΔG of -7.38 kcal/mol and KI of 1.95 µM. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results suggest that the combined supplementation of ß-alanine and taurine should be further investigated as an effective therapeutic approach in achieving cardioprotection in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion.

Current therapeutic options and treatments in development for the management of primary open-angle glaucoma.

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common type of glaucoma, and is responsible for approximately 90% of glaucoma cases in North America. POAG is characterized by an asymptomatic onset, where patients do not present with symptoms until significant visual loss occurs in late stages of the disease. Importantly, while glaucoma is associated with several risk factors that contribute to damage and disease progression, intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only proven modifiable risk factor at this time. Treatments for POAG include use of pharmacologic and surgical interventions. As of this writing, available pharmacologic options reduce IOP through reduction of aqueous humor production or by facilitating aqueous humor drainage through the uveoscleral outflow pathway (the unconventional pathway). Although cholinergic agonists (eg, pilocarpine) indirectly targets aqueous humor draining through the trabecular meshwork/Schlemm's canal (the conventional outflow pathway), cholinergic agonists are not frequently used, and as of this writing, no agents are currently available that target both the conventional and unconventional outflow pathways. Therapies in late-stage development include trabodenoson, netardsudil, and latanoprostene bunod.

Beta-alanine supplementation enhances judo-related performance in highly-trained athletes.

OBJECTIVES: In official judo competitions, athletes usually engage in 5-7 matches in the same day, performing numerous high-intensity efforts interspersed by short recovery intervals. Thus, glycolytic demand in judo is high and acidosis may limit performance. Carnosine is a relevant intracellular acid buffer whose content is increased with beta-alanine supplementation. Thus, we hypothesized that beta-alanine supplementation could attenuate acidosis and improve judo performance. DESIGN: Twenty-three highly-trained judo athletes were randomly assigned to receive either beta-alanine (6.4gday-1) or placebo (dextrose, same dosage) for 4 weeks. METHODS: Performance was assessed before (PRE) and after (POST) supplementation through a 5-min simulated fight (randori) followed by 3 bouts of the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). Blood samples were collected for blood pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-) and lactate determination. RESULTS: Beta-alanine supplementation improved the number of throws per set and the total number of throws (both p<0.05). Placebo did not change these variables (both p>0.05). Blood pH and HCO3- reduced after exercise (all p<0.001), with no between-group differences (all p>0.05). However, the lactate response to exercise increased in the beta-alanine group as compared to placebo (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, 4 weeks of beta-alanine supplementation effectively enhance judo-related performance in highly-trained athletes.

[Prophylaxis of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation: new oral anticoagulants and left atrial appendage closure]. / Embolieprophylaxe bei Vorhofflimmern: Neue orale Antikoagulanzien und Vorhofohrverschluss.

Thrombo-embolic prophylaxis is a key element within the therapy of atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter. Besides new oral anticoagulants the concept of left atrial appendage occlusion has approved to be a good alternative option, especially in patients with increased risk of bleeding.

ß-Alanine supplementation and military performance.

During sustained high-intensity military training or simulated combat exercises, significant decreases in physical performance measures are often seen. The use of dietary supplements is becoming increasingly popular among military personnel, with more than half of the US soldiers deployed or garrisoned reported to using dietary supplements. ß-Alanine is a popular supplement used primarily by strength and power athletes to enhance performance, as well as training aimed at improving muscle growth, strength and power. However, there is limited research examining the efficacy of ß-alanine in soldiers conducting operationally relevant tasks. The gains brought about by ß-alanine use by selected competitive athletes appears to be relevant also for certain physiological demands common to military personnel during part of their training program. Medical and health personnel within the military are expected to extrapolate and implement relevant knowledge and doctrine from research performed on other population groups. The evidence supporting the use of ß-alanine in competitive and recreational athletic populations suggests that similar benefits would also be observed among tactical athletes. However, recent studies in military personnel have provided direct evidence supporting the use of ß-alanine supplementation for enhancing combat-specific performance. This appears to be most relevant for high-intensity activities lasting 60-300 s. Further, limited evidence has recently been presented suggesting that ß-alanine supplementation may enhance cognitive function and promote resiliency during highly stressful situations.

Novel oral anticoagulants: efficacy, laboratory measurement, and approaches to emergent reversal.

Warfarin, the most commonly used of the vitamin K antagonists, has been a mainstay of oral anticoagulation for decades. However, its usage is limited by morbidity and mortality secondary to bleeding as well as a cumbersome therapeutic monitoring process. In the past several years, a number of competing novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been developed, each of which aspires to match or exceed warfarin's effectiveness while mitigating bleeding risk and eliminating therapeutic monitoring requirements. At present, 1 oral direct thrombin inhibitor and 2 direct factor Xa inhibitors are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Here, we compare the clinical efficacy and safety profiles of these new drugs. In addition, we discuss various laboratory assays that may be useful to measure these drugs in certain clinical circumstances. Finally, we discuss emerging strategies to reverse these agents in an emergency. The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for practicing pathologists to advise clinicians on NOAC laboratory measurement and management of NOAC-associated bleeding.

[Periprocedural management of anticoagulation in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation]. / Anticoagulation péri-interventionnelle lors d'ablation de fibrillation auriculaire.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been increasingly performed and has become a standard of care treatment option for drug-refractory symptomatic patients. However, this procedure has been associated with major complications, like thromboembolic or bleeding events. Optimal periprocedural anticoagulation strategy is essential for minimizing these complications. In this article, we review current anticoagulation strategies, including use of oral anticoagulation with Vit-K-Antagonists, as well as use of direct oral anticoagulants in the periprocedural settings of AF ablation.

The periprocedural management of novel oral anticoagulants in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: rationale and a summary of the available evidence from phase 3 clinical trials.

The novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have rapidly emerged as an alternative therapy to warfarin. Several recent phase 3 randomized control trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the NOACs in the treatment for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. As the NOACs are incorporated in clinical practice, questions have begun to arise concerning their optimal use in commonly encountered situations. In this review, we provide a summary of the available evidence from the phase 3 randomized control trials specifically with regard to 1 such scenario, the periprocedural management of NOACs, with a goal of providing guidance for practicing clinicians.

Risk stratification and stroke prevention therapy care gaps in Canadian atrial fibrillation patients (from the Co-ordinated National Network to Engage Physicians in the Care and Treatment of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation chart audit).

The objectives of this national chart audit (January to June 2013) of 6,346 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF; ≥18 years without a significant heart valve disorder) from 647 primary care physicians were to (1) describe the frequency of stroke and bleed risk assessments in patients with nonvalvular AF by primary care physicians, including the accuracy of these assessments relative to established predictive indexes; (2) outline contemporary methods of anticoagulation used; and (3) report the time in the therapeutic range among patients prescribed warfarin. An annual stroke risk assessment was not undertaken in 15% and estimated without a formal risk tool in 33%; agreement with CHADS2 score estimation was seen in 87% of patients. Major bleeding risk assessment was not undertaken in 25% and estimated without a formal risk tool in 47%; agreement with HAS-BLED score estimation was observed in 64% with physician overestimation in 26% of patients. Antithrombotic therapy included warfarin (58%), dabigatran (22%), rivaroxaban (14%), and apixaban (<1%). Among warfarin-treated patients, the median international normalized ratio was 2.4 and time in therapeutic range (TTR) was 73%; however, the TTR was <50% in 845 (25%), 50% to 69% in 674 (20%), and ≥70% in 1,827 (55%) patients. In conclusion, we describe a contemporary real-world elderly population with AF at important risk for stroke. There is apparent overestimation of bleeding risk in many patients. Warfarin was the dominant stroke prevention treatment; however, the suggested TTR target was achieved in only 55% of these patients.

Overview of the new oral anticoagulants: opportunities and challenges.

The non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are replacing warfarin for many indications. These agents include dabigatran, which inhibits thrombin, and rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban, which inhibit factor Xa. All 4 agents are licensed in the United States for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and for treatment of venous thromboembolism and rivaroxaban and apixaban are approved for thromboprophylaxis after elective hip or knee arthroplasty. The NOACs are at least as effective as warfarin, but are not only more convenient to administer because they can be given in fixed doses without routine coagulation monitoring but also are safer because they are associated with less intracranial bleeding. As part of a theme series on the NOACs, this article (1) compares the pharmacological profiles of the NOACs with that of warfarin, (2) identifies the doses of the NOACs for each approved indication, (3) provides an overview of the completed phase III trials with the NOACs, (4) briefly discusses the ongoing studies with the NOACs for new indications, (5) reviews the emerging real-world data with the NOACs, and (6) highlights the potential opportunities for the NOACs and identifies the remaining challenges.

Reversal of the novel oral anticoagulants dabigatran, rivoraxaban, and apixaban.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We summarize the available data related to reversing the anticoagulant effect of the oral direct thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors and provide our opinion on treating patients presenting with severe and life-threatening hemorrhage related to these agents. RECENT FINDINGS: No specific antidotes are currently available for the oral direct thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors but two promising agents are under investigation in phase 3 trials. No data are available on reversing these agents in bleeding patients. Activated charcoal may be effective in reducing factor Xa inhibitor absorption up to 6 h after ingestion. Animal models suggest that unactivated 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate may be an effective reversal agent. Recent data in warfarin-treated patients suggest that 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate may provide more rapid and effective hemostasis than fresh frozen plasma. SUMMARY: In the absence of evidence in bleeding patients, animal models and ex-vivo studies suggest administration of coagulant factors in the form of hemostatic agents may be of benefit in reversing the effect of direct thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors. Specific reversal agents and clinical data in patients with hemorrhage remain an unmet need.

Changing practice of anticoagulation: will target-specific anticoagulants replace warfarin?

The target-specific oral anticoagulants are a class of agents that inhibit factor Xa or thrombin. They are effective and safe compared to warfarin for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation and for the treatment of venous thromboembolism, and they are comparable to low-molecular-weight heparin for thromboprophylaxis after hip or knee arthroplasty. For other indications, however, such as the prevention of stroke in patients with mechanical heart valves, initial studies have been unfavorable for the newer agents, leaving warfarin the anticoagulant of choice. Further studies are needed before the target-specific anticoagulants can be recommended for patients with cancer-associated thrombosis or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Concerns also persist about difficulties with the laboratory assessment of anticoagulant effect and the lack of a specific reversal agent. For these reasons, we anticipate that the vitamin K antagonists will continue to be important anticoagulants for years to come.