Investigating the Effects and Mechanisms of Cyclomorusin on Osteoclasts in a High Glucose Environment.

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disease characterized by prolonged hyperglycemia. Prolonged high blood sugar levels interfere with the differentiation and maturation process of OBs and OCs, leading to the onset of osteoporosis. However, OCs differentiation and maturation is a complex regulatory process. In this study, we used a co-culture system of RAW264.7 and MC3T3-E1 cells under HG concentration to explore the effect of CYM on OCs in a HG environment. The effects of CYM on the formation and function of OCs were observed using TRAP-positive cell counts and bone resorption pits. Then, mRNA and protein expression levels of OCs-related genes were detected by real-time qPCR and western blotting. The results showed that CYM had an inhibitory effect on OCs differentiation and bone resorption, reduced mRNAs expression of OCs-associated genes, and downregulated RANKL/RANK/TRAF6 pathway that mediates OCs differentiation. CYM could be a promising natural compound against diabetic osteoporosis.

[Effect and mechanism of Gusong Qianggu Decoction on reducing bone loss in ovariectomized mice by targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis of osteocytes].

This study aims to investigate the role and mechanism of Gusong Qianggu Decoction(GSQG) in attenuating bone loss in ovariectomized mice by targeting the endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)-induced apoptosis of osteocytes. After the modeling of osteoporosis in mice with bilateral ovary removal(OVX), 60 mice were randomized by the random number method into six groups: sham,model, low-, medium-, and high-dose GSQG(GSQG-L, GSQG-M, and GSQG-H, respectively), and estradiol(E_2), with 10 mice in each group. The mice in each group were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage one month after surgery and the administration lasted for 3 months. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to determine the serum levels of osteocalcin(OCN), procollagen type Ⅰ N-terminal propeptide(PINP), carboxy-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type Ⅰ collagen(CTX),and anti-tartarte acid phosphatase 5b(TRAcP-5b). Micro-CT was employed to observe the changes in bone microstructure of the distal femur. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was employed to observe the morphology of the bone tissue. RT-qPCR was conducted to determine the m RNA levels of tibial stem osteogenesis-associated genes [type Ⅰ collagen(Col-Ⅰ), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), Runtrelated transcription factor-2(Runx2), bone sialoprotein(BSP), and OCN] and bone-breaking related genes [tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP), nuclear factor-activated T cell 1(NFATc1), and cathepsin K(CATK)]. TUNEL staining and immunohistochemistry were employed to detect the apoptosis of osteoblasts. Western blot was employed to measure the expression of ERS-related proteins glucose-regulated protein 78( Grp78), protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase( PERK), phosphorylated PERK(p-PERK),eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha(eIF2α), phosphorylated e IF2α(p-eIF2α), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha(IRE1α), phosphorylated IRE1α(p-IRE1α), and activating transcription factor 6(ATF6) in the proximal tibial bone tissue. The results showed that GSQG significantly recovered the levels of OCN, PINP, TRAc P-5b, and CTX in the serum of ovariectomized mice, and Micro-CT showed that GSQG improved the bone microstructure of distal femur in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the model group, GSQG widened and increased the bone trabeculae, restored the reticular structure with neat arrangement and enlarged interstitial gaps, and reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells(P<0. 05, P<0. 01). Furthermore, GSQG down-regulated the expression levels of cysteine aspartate protease-3( caspase-3) and factor Bcl-2-associated X protein( Bax)(P< 0. 05,P<0. 01) and up-regulated the expression level of Bcl-2(P<0. 05, P<0. 01). The GSQG groups showed up-regulated m RNA levels of Col-Ⅰ, ALP, Runx2, BSP, and OCN(P< 0. 01) and down-regulated m RNA levels of TRAP, NFATc1, and CATK(P< 0. 05,P<0. 01). In addition, GSQG, especially GSQG-H, down-regulated the protein levels of Grp78, p-PERK, p-eIF2, p-IRE1α, and ATF6(P< 0. 05, P< 0. 01). In conclusion, GSQG can inhibit the apoptosis of osteocytes by inhibiting the Grp78/PERK/e IF2α/IRE1α/ATF6 signaling pathway in the proximal tibia tissue, thus reducing bone loss in ovariectomized mice.

Synthesis and Antiviral and Antitumor Activities of Novel 18ß-Glycyrrhetinic Acid Derivatives.

A series of novel derivatives of 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) were synthesized by introducing aromatic or heterocyclic structures to extend the side chain, thereby enhancing their interaction with amino acid residues in the active pocket of the target protein. These compounds were structurally characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS. The compounds were subsequently evaluated for their inhibitory effects on HIV-1 protease and cell viability in the human cancer cell lines K562 and HeLa and the mouse cancer cell line CT26. Towards HIV-1 protease, compounds 28 and 32, which featured the introduction of heterocyclic moieties at the C3 position of GA, exhibited the highest inhibition, with inhibition rates of 76% and 70.5%, respectively, at 1 mg/mL concentration. Further molecular docking suggests that a 3-substituted polar moiety would be likely to enhance the inhibitory activity against HIV-1 protease. As for the anti-proliferative activities of the GA derivatives, incorporation of a thiazole heterocycle at the C3- position in compound 29 significantly enhanced the effect against K562 cells with an IC50 value of 8.86 ± 0.93 µM. The introduction of electron-withdrawing substituents on the C3-substituted phenyl ring augmented the anti-proliferative activity against Hela and CT26 cells. Compound 13 exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against Hela cells with an IC50 value of 9.89 ± 0.86 µM, whereas compound 7 exerted the strongest inhibition against CT26 cells with an IC50 value of 4.54 ± 0.37 µM. These findings suggest that further modification of GA is a promising path for developing potent novel anti-HIV and anticancer therapeutics.

Identification of Flavonoids from Scutellaria barbata D. Don as Inhibitors of HIV-1 and Cathepsin L Proteases and Their Structure-Activity Relationships.

Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB, Chinese: Ban Zhi Lian), a well-known medicinal plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, is rich in flavonoids. It possesses antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory activities of SB extracts and its active components against HIV-1 protease (HIV-1 PR) and SARS-CoV2 viral cathepsin L protease (Cat L PR). UPLC/HRMS was used to identify and quantify the major active flavonoids in different SB extracts, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays were used to determine HIV-1 PR and Cat L PR inhibitions and identify structure-activity relationships. Molecular docking was also performed, to explore the diversification in bonding patterns of the active flavonoids upon binding to the two PRs. Three SB extracts (SBW, SB30, and SB60) and nine flavonoids inhibited HIV-1 PR with an IC50 range from 0.006 to 0.83 mg/mL. Six of the flavonoids showed 10~37.6% inhibition of Cat L PR at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL. The results showed that the introduction of the 4'-hydroxyl and 6-hydroxyl/methoxy groups was essential in the 5,6,7-trihydroxyl and 5,7,4'-trihydroxyl flavones, respectively, to enhance their dual anti-PR activities. Hence, the 5,6,7,4'-tetrahydroxyl flavone scutellarein (HIV-1 PR, IC50 = 0.068 mg/mL; Cat L PR, IC50 = 0.43 mg/mL) may serve as a lead compound to develop more effective dual protease inhibitors. The 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyl flavone luteolin also showed a potent and selective inhibition of HIV-1 PR (IC50 = 0.039 mg/mL).

Synthesis and Activity Evaluation of Vinpocetine-Derived Indole Alkaloids.

This study focuses on the synthesis of novel vinpocetine derivatives (2-25) and their biological evaluation. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were fully characterized using techniques such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS. The inhibitory activity of the synthesized compounds on PDE1A was evaluated, and the results revealed that compounds 3, 4, 5, 12, 14, 21, and 25 exhibited superior inhibitory activity compared to vinpocetine. Compound 4, with a para-methylphenyl substitution, showed a 5-fold improvement in inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 3.53 ± 0.25 µM. Additionally, compound 25, with 3-chlorothiazole substitution, displayed an 8-fold increase in inhibitory activity compared to vinpocetine (IC50 = 2.08 ± 0.16 µM). Molecular docking studies were conducted to understand the binding models of compounds 4 and 25 within the active site of PDE1A. The molecular docking study revealed additional binding interactions, such as π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding, contributing to the enhanced inhibitory activity and stability of the ligand-protein complexes. Overall, the synthesized vinpocetine derivatives demonstrated promising inhibitory activity on PDE1A, and the molecular docking studies provided insights into their binding modes, supporting further development of these compounds as potential candidates for drug research and development.

Catalytic asymmetric Michael/cyclization reaction of 3-isothiocyanato thiobutyrolactone: an approach to the construction of a library of bispiro[pyrazolone-thiobutyrolactone] skeletons.

Here, we demonstrate the first example of 3-isothiocyanato thiobutyrolactone serving as a useful building block in the Michael/cyclization reaction with alkylidene pyrazolones for the enantioselective construction of optically active structural bispiro[pyrazolone-thiobutyrolactone] skeletons containing three contiguous stereocenters with two spiroquaternary stereocenters. These products were smoothly afforded in up to 90% yield, >20 : 1 dr and >99% ee with chiral squaramide as the catalyst under mild conditions. Notably, this is also the first example of the merger of a spirocyclic pyrazolone scaffold with a spirocyclic thiobutyrolactone scaffold, potentially useful in medicinal chemistry.

Construction of gem-Difluoroenol Esters through Catalytic O-Selective Addition of Difluoroenoxysilanes to Ketenes.

The O-site reactivity of difluoroenoxysilanes is disclosed for the first time, which enabled the direct construction of versatile gem-difluoroalkenes through an unprecedented highly efficient addition reaction with ketenes. A series of valuable gem-difluoroenol esters were achieved in good to excellent yields. The synthetic versatility of this protocol is further demonstrated by the gram-scale synthesis and good functional group tolerance.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of Isosteviol derivatives as FXa inhibitors.

Firstly, a series of Isosteviol derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for FXa inhibitory activity. Among these compounds, the inhibitory activity of compounds 22, 35 and 38 on FXa was better than that of Isosteviol. Secondly, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays were performed for selected compounds. Compounds 22, 35, 38 have similar kinetic signatures, and affinity values were at µM level. Thirdly, compounds 22 and 35 displayed moderate-to-high anticoagulation activity and showed similar sensitivity to PT and aPTT. These findings will provide new insight into the exploration of FXa inhibition.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of Vinpocetine derivatives.

A new series of Vinpocetine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity on PDE1A in vitro. Seven compounds with higher inhibitory activity were selected for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding experiments. Compared with Vinpocetine, these high potency compounds presented a higher binding affinity with PDE1A, which was consistent with inhibitory activity. After further screening, compounds 5, 7, 21, 34 and Vinpocetine were selected to examine the vasorelaxant effects on endothelium-intact rat thoracic aortic rings. The study suggested that the effects of compounds 7 and 21 were the most significant with the maximum value of 93.46 ±â€¯0.77% and 92.90 ±â€¯0.78% (n = 5) at a concentration of 100 µM respectively. Based on these studies, compounds 7 and 21 were considered for further development as hit compounds.

Catalytic enantioselective synthesis using carbon dioxide as a C1 synthon.

This review summarizes the advances in catalytic enantioselective reactions using CO2 as a C1 synthon, introduces major synthetic strategies and discusses their advantages and limitations, highlights the application of known protocols, and outlines the synthetic opportunities.

A highly efficient and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of 1,3-indandione ring-fused 3-oxindoles bearing two contiguous quaternary stereocenters via an aldol reaction in aqueous media.

A highly efficient and environmentally benign method for the synthesis of oxindoles featuring two contiguous quaternary carbon centers via an aldol reaction starting from various 3-substituted oxindoles has been established. A wide variety of such featured multi-substituted 1,3-indandione ring-fused 3-oxindole scaffolds were obtained smoothly in good yields (up to 98%) employing the most green of solvents, namely water, as reaction medium. Furthermore, their biological activity has been preliminarily demonstrated by in vitro evaluation against human prostate cancer cells PC-3, human lung cancer cells A549 and human leukemia cells K562 by MTT-based assays, using the commercially available standard drug, cisplatin, as a positive control. Gratifyingly, compounds 3s, 3u, 3y and 3c' exhibited the best levels of in vitro inhibitory activity against human leukemia cells K562, which were almost 2.0, 2.8, 2.5 and 2.2 times, respectively, the activity of the positive control, cisplatin. Compound 3y had 2.7 times the activity of the positive control, cisplatin, against PC-3 cancer cells, and 3s, 3u and 3c' showed levels of in vitro inhibitory activity against PC-3 cancer cells that were comparable to that of cisplatin. Compounds 3s, 3u and 3y had good inhibitory ability against human lung cancer cells A549. The results indicated that 1,3-indandione ring-fused 3-oxindole analogs may be useful leads for further biological screenings.

Synthesis and pharmacological activity of vinpocetine derivatives.

Vinpocetine and its derivatives were extensively employed in the treatment of ischemic stroke, serving as effective cerebrovascular vasodilators. They could also be utilized for neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory purposes, anti-aging interventions, insomnia treatment, and antidepressant effects. However, due to issues such as hepatic first-pass effect, low bioavailability, and poor patient compliance with multiple dosing, the secondary development of Vinpocetine to address these limitations became a prominent area of research. Five primary methodologies were employed for the synthesis of Vinpocetine derivatives. These included substitution on the A ring to modify the 14-ester group, alteration of the 16-ethyl group, simplification of the D and E rings, and modification of the conformation of Vinpocetine. This paper summarized the current synthesis and activity studies of Vinpocetine and its derivatives, with the aim of providing a reference for the discovery of more potent derivatives of Vinpocetine.

Identification and quantitative analysis of bioactive components from Potentilla kleiniana Wight et Arn with anti HIV-1 proteases activity.

Potentilla kleiniana Wight et Arn（PK, 'Wu Pi Feng' in Chinese） was recorded as Miao ethnic medicine for treatment of fever, cough, ulcer, and erysipelas for thousands years. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral activity of four PK extracts and seven compounds by using HIV-1 protease (HIV-1 PR). In addition, Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography and High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS) was employed to identify the bioactive components. The toxicity assessment of the extracts was done before antiviral screening using a highly specific human aspartyl protease, renin protease by fluorimetric method. As a result, seven compounds and four extracts of PK inhibited HIV-1 PR with IC50 range from 0.009 to 0.36 mg/mL, and did not appreciably inhibit the general human protease renin. This study first demonstrated that four PK extracts, ellagic acid and ursolic acid potent inhibit HIV-1 protease, could be used as an efficacious drug candidate to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Fischer's base-triggered formal (3+2) cycloadditions with 3-isothiocyanato oxindoles as acceptor-donor synthons.

Herein, previously unreported Fischer's base reactants serving as useful 2C building blocks in (3+2) cycloaddition reactions to build a library of bispiro[Fischer's base-oxindole] hybrids are described. These structurally intriguing products containing three adjacent quaternary stereocentres were smoothly afforded in up to 82% yield and >20 : 1 dr under catalyst-free conditions. Notably, the present protocol firstly employs 3-isothiocyanato oxindole serving as an acceptor and then as a donor in the formal (3+2) cycloadditions, allowing practical, straightforward access to structurally diverse cycloadducts. This work expands the applicability scope of 3-isothiocyanato oxindoles, which have been limited to behaving as donor/acceptor-based synthons in cycloadditions in previous work.

Inhibitors of HIV-1 and Cathepsin L Proteases Identified from the Insect Gall of Hypericum kouytchense.

Hypericum kouytchense Lévl is a semi-evergreen plant of the Hypericaceae family. Its roots and seeds have been used in a number of traditional remedies for antipyretic, detoxification, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral functions. However, to date, no bioactivity compounds have been characterized from the insect gall of H. kouytchens. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral activities of different extracts from the insect gall of H. kouytchen against cathepsin L, HIV-1 and renin proteases and identified the active ingredients using UPLC-HRMS. Four different polar extracts (HW, H30, H60 and H85) of the H. kouytchense insect gall exhibited antiviral activities with IC50 values of 10.0, 4.0, 3.2 and 17.0 µg/mL against HIV-1 protease; 210.0, 34.0, 24.0 and 30.0 µg/mL against cathepsin L protease; and 180.0, 65.0, 44.0 and 39.0 µg/mL against human renin, respectively. Ten compounds were identified and quantified in the H. kouytchense insect gall extracts. Epicatechin, eriodictyol and naringenin chalcone were major ingredients in the extracts with contents ranging from 3.9 to 479.2 µg/mg. For HIV-1 protease, seven compounds showed more than 65% inhibition at a concentration of 1000.0 µg/mL, especially for hypericin and naringenin chalcone with IC50 values of 1.8 and 33.0 µg/mL, respectively. However, only hypericin was active against cathepsin L protease with an IC50 value of 17100.0 µg/mL, and its contents were from 0.99 to 11.65 µg/mg. Furthermore, we attempted to pinpoint the interactions between the active compounds and the proteases using molecular docking analysis. Our current results imply that the extracts and active ingredients could be further formulated and/or developed for potential prevention and treatment of HIV or SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Catalytic enantioselective construction of vicinal quaternary carbon stereocenters.

This review summarizes the advances in the catalytic enantioselective construction of vicinal quaternary carbon stereocenters, introduces major synthetic strategies and discusses their advantages and limitations, highlights the application of known protocols in the total synthesis of natural products, and outlines the synthetic opportunities.

Synthesis of Multifunctional α,α-Difluoroketones through Allylic Alkylation of Difluoroenoxysilanes with MBH Carbonates.

The first allylic alkylation of difluoroenoxysilanes with MBH carbonates catalyzed by triethylenediamine (DABCO) is developed, which allows rapid access to multifunctional α-gem-difluoroketones with up to 97% yields. Moreover, the gram-scale synthesis and the diversifying transformation of products to valuable gem-difluorinated molecules highlight the practicality of this methodology.