Glutamate acts on acid-sensing ion channels to worsen ischaemic brain injury.

Glutamate is traditionally viewed as the first messenger to activate NMDAR (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor)-dependent cell death pathways in stroke1,2, but unsuccessful clinical trials with NMDAR antagonists implicate the engagement of other mechanisms3-7. Here we show that glutamate and its structural analogues, including NMDAR antagonist L-AP5 (also known as APV), robustly potentiate currents mediated by acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) associated with acidosis-induced neurotoxicity in stroke4. Glutamate increases the affinity of ASICs for protons and their open probability, aggravating ischaemic neurotoxicity in both in vitro and in vivo models. Site-directed mutagenesis, structure-based modelling and functional assays reveal a bona fide glutamate-binding cavity in the extracellular domain of ASIC1a. Computational drug screening identified a small molecule, LK-2, that binds to this cavity and abolishes glutamate-dependent potentiation of ASIC currents but spares NMDARs. LK-2 reduces the infarct volume and improves sensorimotor recovery in a mouse model of ischaemic stroke, reminiscent of that seen in mice with Asic1a knockout or knockout of other cation channels4-7. We conclude that glutamate functions as a positive allosteric modulator for ASICs to exacerbate neurotoxicity, and preferential targeting of the glutamate-binding site on ASICs over that on NMDARs may be strategized for developing stroke therapeutics lacking the psychotic side effects of NMDAR antagonists.

Adsorption Structures, Vibrational Raman Spectra and Chemical Binding Properties of Thioglycolic Acid on Cu(111) Surfaces: A DFT Study.

Copper is widely used in everyday life and industrial production because of its good electrical and thermal conductivity. To overcome copper oxidation and maintain its good physical properties, small organic molecules adsorbed on the surface of copper make a passivated layer to further avoid copper corrosion. In this work, we have investigated thioglycolic acid (TGA, another name is mercaptoacetic acid) adsorbed on copper surfaces by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and a periodical slab model. We first get five stable adsorption structures, and the binding interaction between TGA and Cu(111) surfaces by using density of states (DOS), indicating that the most stable configuration adopts a triple-end binding model. Then, we analyze the vibrational Raman spectra of TGA adsorbed on the Cu(111) surface and make vibrational assignments according to the vibrational vectors. Finally, we explore the temperature effect of the thermodynamically Gibbs free energy of TGA on the Cu(111) surface and the antioxidant ability of the small organic molecular layer of copper oxidation on the copper surface. Our calculated results further provide evidences to interpret the stability of adsorption structures and antioxidant properties of copper.

Copper nanoclusters on specific-primer PCR fragments with magnetic capture for the label-free fluorescent sensing of the T315I single nucleotide variant in the BCR-ABL1 gene.

In this study, a simple and facile procedure using the all or none formation of double-stranded DNA-templated copper nanoclusters on specific-primer PCR fragments was designed to fluorescently identify the T315I single nucleotide variant on the BCR-ABL1 gene. Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), a disease caused by the BCR-ABL1 fusion of tyrosine kinase, is well known for the T315I mutation that causes tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) to be resisted due to the alternative structure of the drug-binding site. Therefore, it is an important single nucleotide variant for clinical detection. In this study, only specific functional primers and the digestion of the wild genotype from the T315I mutation site with specific restriction enzymes were designed, and the different digested products could then be captured using magnetic beads. The final products would allow for fluorescent sensing via the all or none formation of double-stranded DNA-templated copper nanoclusters for the detection of the T315I mutation. This study has been successfully applied for identifying wild and mutant homozygotes and the mutant/wild heterozygote of the T315I mutation. It is expected that this analytical system can serve as a tool for the clinical diagnosis of T315I mutations and be applied to real samples of CML patients in the future.

Chronic cough in asthma is associated with increased airway inflammation, more comorbidities, and worse clinical outcomes.

Background: Cough is often the most prominent and intractable symptom reported by patients with asthma, but few studies have explored the characteristics of patients with asthma and with chronic cough (CC) in a real-world setting. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, patients ages ≥ 18 years with stable asthma were consecutively recruited at the West China Hospital, Sichuan University. The patients were classified as having asthma with CC (the CC group) or asthma with non-CC (the non-CC group) after 3 months of optimized asthma therapy according to standard guidelines. Multidimensional assessment was performed at baseline, followed by a 12-month follow-up to assess asthma exacerbations. Results: Of 323 patients with asthma, 127 patients were assigned to the CC group and 196 patients were assigned to the non-CC group. The participants with CC were older and had more airflow obstruction; worse asthma control and quality of life; increased airway inflammation; upper respiratory tract infection as a trigger; and more comorbidities, such as psychological dysfunction, rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and bronchiectasis. They reported greater work productivity loss and daily activity impairment, and increased moderate-to-severe exacerbations. Conclusion: The participants with asthma and with CC had a significant disease burden, with increased exacerbations, health-care utilization, and impaired work productivity and daily activity. These observations indicated potential clinical implications in patients with asthma and with CC, and call for more attention to this aspect of asthma.

Evaluating the effects of microparticle addition on mycelial morphology, natural yellow pigments productivity, and key genes regulation in submerged fermentation of Monascus purpureus.

Morphology plays an important role in fungal fermentation and secondary metabolites biosynthesis. One novel technique, microparticle-enhanced cultivation was successfully utilized to control the morphology of Monascus purpureus precisely and enhance the yield of yellow pigments. The production of yellow pigments increased to 554.2 U/ml when 4 g/L 5000 mesh talc added at 24 h. Field emission scanning electron microscope observation indicated that the actual effect depends on the properties of microparticle. Sharp-edged microparticles showed better stimulatory effects than smooth, round-shaped ones. Particle size analysis, scanning electron microscope, and cell integrity evaluation proved obvious morphological changes were induced by talc addition, including smaller mycelial size, rougher hyphae, and decreased cell integrity. Furthermore, the expression levels of MrpigG, MrpigD, MrpigE, and MrpigH were significantly upregulated by the addition of talc. It indicated that the microparticle could not only affect the mycelial morphology, but also influence the expression levels of key genes in biosynthetic pathway of Monascus yellow pigments.

STAT1 participates in the induction of substance P expression in airway epithelial cells by respiratory syncytial virus.

PURPOSE: The regulation effect and mechanism of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection on the expression of tachykinin substance P (SP) in airway epithelial cells was investigated. METHODS: The regulation of SP expression by RSV was investigated in the BEAS-2B airway epithelial cell line. RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, and ELISA assay were used to examine the expression of the SP encoding gene TAC1, the intracellular SP protein expression, and the extracellular SP secretion. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of TAC1 and the intracellular SP protein level in BEAS-2B cells were significantly enhanced by RSV infection with multiplicity of infection (MOI) values of both 1 and 0.1 at 48 hours post infection. Heat-inactivated and UV-inactivated RSV, but not live RSV, significantly induced SP secretion in both control BEAS-2B cells and CX3CR1 receptor knockout cells without affecting the TAC1 gene expression or cell viability. RSV G protein (2-10 µg/ml) and fractalkine (10-50 ng/ml), both CX3CR1 receptor ligands, did not affect SP secretion in BEAS-2B cells. Inhibition of STAT1 phosphorylation by fludarabine (1 µM) markedly reduced the RSV-induced TAC1 gene expression and antagonized the inhibition of RSV replication by interferon-α in BEAS-2B cells. CONCLUSIONS: STAT1 participates in RSV infection-induced SP expression in airway epithelial cells.

A chlorogenic acid-phospholipid complex ameliorates post-myocardial infarction inflammatory response mediated by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in SAMP8 mice.

Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) directly stimulate the inflammatory cytokines cascades and participate in age-related changes of cardiovascular diseases. Application of small molecule targeting the mtROS is significant towards development of better therapy to combat inflammatory response after myocardial infarction (MI) in the aging heart. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a well-known natural compound while the clinical potential is largely stifled by its poor oral absorption. In the present study, we tested the protective effect of a novel chlorogenic acid-phospholipid complex (CGA-PC) against acute post-MI inflammation in aged senescence accelerated mouse model. 10-month-old SAMP8 mice were treated with CGA-PC (equivalent of CGA 10 or 20 mg/kg body weight) or phospholipid randomly by gavage on a daily basis for 2 weeks. mtROS, lipid peroxidation, H2O2 production and oxygen consumption were evaluated in hearts subjected to ischemia reperfusion (I/R) induced by left anterior descending artery ligation. CGA-PC significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and myocardial necrosis, accompanied by decreased oxidative stress and mitochondrial respiratory deficits. p-JNK, MnSOD and soluble cytochrome c were up-regulated in the necrotic heart tissue, while CGA-PC treatment increased the expression of MKP-1 and inhibited the downstream activation of JNK. Our study indicated that CGA-PC ameliorated post-MI inflammatory response in aging heart and that it might be a promising candidate for the clinical development of CGA.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of chlorogenic acid in beagles after oral administrations of single compound, the extracts of Lonicera japanica, and the mixture of chlorogenic acid, baicalin, and Forsythia suspense.

CONTEXT: Chlorogenic acid (ChA) is the major compound in Shuang-Huang-Lian (SHL), which is mainly composed of ChA, baicalin, and Forsythia suspense Thunb Vahl. OBJECTIVE: The effects of co-existing compounds in SHL and Lonicera japanica Thunb on the absorption of ChA was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: According to 3 × 3 Latin-square test, ChA alone, the extracts of Lonicera japanica, or the mixture of ChA, baicalin and Forsythia suspense (ChA effective doses is 60 mg/kg) was separately given to six beagles for seven days. The oral pharmacokinetic parameters of ChA in plasma, urine and faeces were quantified by HPLC/UV and analyzed. RESULTS: The pharmacokinetic parameters of ChA alone, the extracts of Lonicera japanica, and the mixture of ChA, baicalin, and Forsythia suspense were as followed: Cmax (2.350 ± 0.483, 1.655 ± 0.576, 2.332 ± 0.606 µg/mL), AUC0-∞ (6.324 ± 1.853, 4.216 ± 1.886, 6.074 ± 1.473 µg·h/mL), t1/2 (0.911 ± 0.187, 1.204 ± 0.309, 1.094 ± 0.193 h), and Tmax (1.861 ± 0.499, 1.000 ± 0.459, 1.833 ± 0.279 h). Accumulative fraction excretion of ChA in urine were 0.73 ± 0.55, 1.25 ± 1.23, 1.05 ± 0.96%, while that in faeces were 0.68 ± 0.94, 0.19 ± 0.40, and 1.76 ± 3.57%. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Co-existing compounds in SHL have no effect on the absorption of ChA, while the concomitant compounds in Lonicera japanica could decrease that of ChA. ChA in Beagles might have high biological transformation.

[Application of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to the determination of trace chemical hazards in food products].

In the present review, we summarized the research progress in applying SERS for the determination of illegal food additives, residual pesticides, banned or restricted antibiotics and other drugs. The nanosubstrates used in these studies included, but were not limited to, gold and silver nanosphere colloids, solid surface gold coated nanosubstrates, bimetallic nanosubstrates and spherical magnetic-core gold-shell nanoparticles, and etc. Standard solutions of a targeted chemical were normally tested first before analysis of relevant food in which the targeted chemical was commonly detected, and the tested food products included dairy products, condiments (such as chili powder and spices), fish, fruits and vegetables. The intensity of surface-enhanced Raman scattering signal is affected by various factors, which makes it difficult to obtain reproducible spectra. In addition, interferences of non-targeted food components on the target molecules during SERS analyses further makes it difficult to apply SERS as a routine analytic technique, despite its high specificity and sensitivity. Nevertheless, SERS is a new tool with great potential for analysis of trace amounts of chemical hazards in various food products and other complex systems.

Plant elicitor Peptides regulate root hair development in Arabidopsis.

Plant Elicitor Peptides (Peps) induce plant immune responses and inhibit root growth through their receptors PEPR1 and PEPR2, two receptor-like kinases. In our study, we found a previously unknown function of Peps that enhance root hair growth in a PEPRs-independent manner. When we characterized the expression patterns of PROPEP genes, we found several gene promoters of PROPEP gene family were particularly active in root hairs. Furthermore, we observed that PROPEP2 is vital for root hair development, as disruption of PROPEP2 gene led to a significant reduction in root hair density and length. We also discovered that PROPEP2 regulates root hair formation via the modulation of CPC and GL2 expression, thereby influencing the cell-fate determination of root hairs. Additionally, calcium signaling appeared to be involved in PROPEP2/Pep2-induced root hair growth. These findings shed light on the function of Peps in root hair development.

NLRP3 knockout in mice provided protection against Serratia marcescens-induced acute pneumonia by decreasing PD-L1 and PD-1 expression in macrophages.

Antibiotic-resistant Serratia marcescens (Sm) is known to cause bloodstream infections, pneumonia, etc. The nod-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), has been implicated in various lung infections. Yet, its role in Sm-induced pneumonia was not well understood. In our study, we discovered that deletion of Nlrp3 in mice significantly improved Sm-induced survival rates, reduced bacterial loads in the lungs, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and bloodstream, and mitigated the severity of acute lung injury (ALI) compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Mechanistically, we observed that 24 h post-Sm infection, NLRP3 inflammasome activation occurred, leading to gasdermin D NH2-terminal (GSDMD-NT)-induced pyroptosis in macrophages and IL-1ß secretion. The NLRP3 or NLRP3 inflammasome influenced the expression PD-L1 and PD-1, as well as the count of PD-L1 or PD-1-expressing macrophages, alveolar macrophages, interstitial macrophages, PD-L1-expressing neutrophils, and the count of macrophage receptors with collagenous structure (MARCO)-expressing macrophages, particularly MARCO+ alveolar macrophages. The frequency of MARCO+ alveolar macrophages, PD-1 expression, particularly PD-1+ interstitial macrophages were negatively or positively correlated with the Sm load, respectively. Additionally, IL-1ß levels in BALF correlated with three features of acute lung injury: histologic score, protein concentration and neutrophil count in BALF. Consequently, our findings suggest that Nlrp3 deletion offers protection agaisnt acute Sm pneumonia in mice by inhibiting inflammasome activation and reducing Sm infection-induced PD-L1/PD-1 or MARCO expression, particularly in macrophages. This highlights potential therapeutic targets for Sm and other gram-negative bacteria-induced acute pneumonia.

Aletrisguangxiensis (Nartheciaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China.

Aletrisguangxiensis Y. Nong & Y. F. Huang (Nartheciaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. This new species is most similar to A.scopulorum, but it can be easily distinguished by its sparsely glandular, 5-18 cm long scape, glandular inflorescence axis, distinctly pedicellate flowers, sparsely glandular, 5-10 mm long pedicel, bract borne at base of pedicel, glabrous perianth divided to the base, strongly recurved or revolute perianth lobes and turbinate, obovoid to oblong-obovoid capsule. An identification key for 24 species and 1 hybrid of Aletris is also provided.

Reprogramming of mouse and human somatic cells by high-performance engineered factors.

Reprogramming somatic cells to become induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by using defined factors represents an important breakthrough in biology and medicine, yet remains inefficient and poorly understood. We therefore devised synthetic factors by fusing the VP16 transactivation domain to OCT4 (also known as Pou5f1), NANOG and SOX2, respectively. These synthetic factors could reprogramme both mouse and human fibroblasts with enhanced efficiency and accelerated kinetics. Remarkably, Oct4-VP16 alone could efficiently reprogramme mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) into germline-competent iPSCs. Furthermore, episomally delivered synthetic factors could reproducibly generate integration-free iPSCs from MEFs with enhanced efficiency. Our results not only demonstrate the feasibility of engineering more potent reprogramming factors, but also suggest that transcriptional reactivation of OCT4 target genes might be a rate-limiting step in the conversion of somatic cells to pluripotent cells. Synthetic factor-based reprogramming might lead to a paradigm shift in reprogramming research.

Protective effect of rosmarinic acid-rich extract from Trichodesma khasianum Clarke against microbiota dysbiosis in high-fat diet-fed obese mice.

Hypertrophy of adipose tissues and dysbiosis are hallmarks of obesity. Although drugs are applied for obesity treatment, side effects limit their use. The anti-obesity capacity of rosmarinic acid (RA) has been documented. Trichodesma khasianum Clarke is an edible RA-rich plant grown in Taiwan. Our previous study found that an 80 % ethanol extract of T. khasianum Clarke leaves (80EETC) ameliorates gastric mucosal damage through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and microbiota modulation abilities. However, the anti-obesity effect of 80EETC remains unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the protective effects of low-dose 80EETC (125 mg/kg b.w., 80EETCL) or high-dose 80EETC (250 mg/kg b.w., 80EETCH) on obesity development through gut microbiota modulation in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced C57BL/6 mice. The results showed a high RA content (89.2 ± 7.4 mg/g) in 80EETC. 80EETC administration significantly decreased body weight, body fat ratio, serum lipid levels (TC, TG, and LDL-C), adipose tissue accumulation, malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, supplementation with 80EETC reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and enhanced the relative abundance of gut microbiota (p_Bacteroidetes, f_Lactobacillus, f_Muribaculaceae, f_Prevotellaceae, g_Lactobacillus, g_Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, g_Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013, and g_Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014), which negatively correlated with obesity-related factors such as body weight, energy intake, fat accumulation in adipose tissue, TC, TG, LDL, and MDA. In conclusion, RA-rich 80EETC had a protective effect against obesity development and it has potential in healthy food applications.

Upregulation of A-type potassium channels suppresses neuronal excitability in hypoxic neonatal mice.

Neuronal excitability is a critical feature of central nervous system development, playing a fundamental role in the functional maturation of brain regions, including the hippocampus, cerebellum, auditory and visual systems. The present study aimed to determine the mechanism by which hypoxia causes brain dysfunction through perturbation of neuronal excitability in a hypoxic neonatal mouse model. Functional brain development was assessed in humans using the Gesell Development Diagnosis Scale. In mice, gene transcription was evaluated via mRNA sequencing and quantitative PCR; furthermore, patch clamp recordings assessed potassium currents. Clinical observations revealed disrupted functional brain development in 6- and 18-month-old hypoxic neonates, and those born with normal hearing screening unexpectedly exhibited impaired central auditory function at 3 months. In model mice, CA1 pyramidal neurons exhibited reduced spontaneous activity, largely induced by excitatory synaptic input suppression, despite the elevated membrane excitability of hypoxic neurons compared to that of control neurons. In hypoxic neurons, Kcnd3 gene transcription was upregulated, confirming upregulated hippocampal Kv 4.3 expression. A-type potassium currents were enhanced, and Kv 4.3 participated in blocking excitatory presynaptic inputs. Elevated Kv 4.3 activity in pyramidal neurons under hypoxic conditions inhibited excitatory presynaptic inputs and further decreased neuronal excitability, disrupting functional brain development in hypoxic neonates.

Measuring endogenous levels of unconjugated bilirubin released from isolated murine brain tissue during oxygen-glucose deprivation.

Quantitative assessment of endogenously synthesized and released bilirubin from brain tissue remains a challenge. Here, we present a sensitive and reproducible experimental paradigm to quantify, in real time, unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) from isolated murine brain tissue during oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). We describe steps for perfusion, brain dissection, brain slice preparation and incubation, glucose depletion, and OGD processing. We then detail procedures for standard calibration plotting and sample UCB measurement. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Liu et al.1.

Efficient production of Antrodin C by microparticle-enhanced cultivation of medicinal mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea.

The microparticle-enhanced cultivation (MPEC) was used to enhance the production of Antrodin C by submerged fermentation of medicinal mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea. The crucial factors such as types, sizes, concentrations, and addition time of microparticles were optimized. The mechanism of MPEC on the membrane permeability and fluidity of A. cinnamomea and the expression of key genes in Antrodin C were investigated. When talc (18 µm, 2 g/L) was added into the fermentation liquid at 0 h, the promoting effect on Antrodin C was the best. The maximum yield of Antrodin C was 1615.7 mg/L, which was about 2.98 times of the control (541.7 mg/L). Talc slightly damaged the mycelia of A. cinnamomea, increased the release of intracellular constituents, and enhanced the index of unsaturated fatty acid. In addition, the key genes (IDI, E2.3.3.10, HMGCR, atoB) that might play an important role in the synthesis of the triquine-type sesquiterpene Antrodin C, were upregulated. In conclusion, talc increased the permeability and fluidity of cell membrane, upregulated the key genes and improved the biosynthesis process to enhance the yield of Antrodin C in the submerged fermentation of A. cinnamomea.

The Active Fraction of Polyrhachis vicina Roger (AFPR) activates ERK to cause necroptosis in colorectal cancer.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Polyrhachis vicina Roger (P. vicina), a traditional Chinese medicinal animal, has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, cancer, and other conditions. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, our previous pharmacological investigations have demonstrated that it is effective against cancer, depression, and hyperuricemia. Nevertheless, the key active components and targets of P. vicina in cancers are still unexplored. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological treatment mechanism of the active fraction of P. vicina (AFPR) in treating colorectal cancer (CRC) and to further reveal its active ingredients and key targets. METHODS: To examine the inhibitory impact of AFPR on CRC growth, tumorigenesis assays, cck-8 assays, colony formation assays, and MMP detection were utilized. The primary components of AFPR were identified by GC-MS analysis. The network pharmacology, molecular docking, qRT-PCR, western blotting, CCK-8 assays, colony formation assay, Hoechst staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, and MMP detection were performed to pick out the active ingredients and potential key targets of AFPR. The function of Elaidic acid on necroptosis was investigated through siRNA interference and the utilization of inhibitors. Elaidic acid's effectiveness to suppress CRC growth in vivo was assessed using a tumorigenesis experiment. RESULTS: Studies confirmed that AFPR prevented CRC from growing and evoked cell death. Elaidic acid was the main bioactive ingredient in AFPR that targeted ERK. Elaidic acid greatly affected the ability of SW116 cells to form colonies, produce MMP, and undergo necroptosis. Additionally, Elaidic acid promoted necroptosis predominantly by activating ERK/RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, Elaidic acid is the main active component of AFPR, which induced necroptosis in CRC through the activation of ERK. It represents a promising alternative therapeutic option for CRC. This work provided experimental support for the therapeutic application of P. vicina Roger in the treatment of CRC.

Bilirubin gates the TRPM2 channel as a direct agonist to exacerbate ischemic brain damage.

Stroke prognosis is negatively associated with an elevation of serum bilirubin, but how bilirubin worsens outcomes remains mysterious. We report that post-, but not pre-, stroke bilirubin levels among inpatients scale with infarct volume. In mouse models, bilirubin increases neuronal excitability and ischemic infarct, whereas ischemic insults induce the release of endogenous bilirubin, all of which are attenuated by knockout of the TRPM2 channel or its antagonist A23. Independent of canonical TRPM2 intracellular agonists, bilirubin and its metabolic derivatives gate the channel opening, whereas A23 antagonizes it by binding to the same cavity. Knocking in a loss of binding point mutation for bilirubin, TRPM2-D1066A, effectively antagonizes ischemic neurotoxicity in mice. These findings suggest a vicious cycle of stroke injury in which initial ischemic insults trigger the release of endogenous bilirubin from injured cells, which potentially acts as a volume neurotransmitter to activate TRPM2 channels, aggravating Ca2+-dependent brain injury.

Dual ß2-adrenoceptor agonists-PDE4 inhibitors for the treatment of asthma and COPD.

We designed and synthesized a novel class of dual pharmacology bronchodilators targeting both ß(2)-adrenoceptor and PDE4 by applying a multivalent approach. The most potent dual pharmacology molecule, compound 29, possessed good inhibitory activity on PDE4B2 (IC(50)=0.278 µM, which was more potent than phthalazinone, IC(50)=0.520 µM) and possessed excellent relaxant effects on tracheal rings precontracted by histamine (pEC(50)=9.3).