CDK9 inhibition as an effective therapy for small cell lung cancer.

Treatment-naïve small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is typically susceptible to standard-of-care chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and etoposide recently combined with PD-L1 inhibitors. Yet, in most cases, SCLC patients develop resistance to first-line therapy and alternative therapies are urgently required to overcome this resistance. In this study, we tested the efficacy of dinaciclib, an FDA-orphan drug and inhibitor of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 9, among other CDKs, in SCLC. Furthermore, we report on a newly developed, highly specific CDK9 inhibitor, VC-1, with tumour-killing activity in SCLC. CDK9 inhibition displayed high killing potential in a panel of mouse and human SCLC cell lines. Mechanistically, CDK9 inhibition led to a reduction in MCL-1 and cFLIP anti-apoptotic proteins and killed cells, almost exclusively, by intrinsic apoptosis. While CDK9 inhibition did not synergise with chemotherapy, it displayed high efficacy in chemotherapy-resistant cells. In vivo, CDK9 inhibition effectively reduced tumour growth and improved survival in both autochthonous and syngeneic SCLC models. Together, this study shows that CDK9 inhibition is a promising therapeutic agent against SCLC and could be applied to chemo-refractory or resistant SCLC.

Boosting wound healing in diabetic rats: The role of nicotinamide riboside and resveratrol in UPR modulation and pyroptosis inhibition.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes-related skin ulcers provide a substantial therapeutic issue, sometimes leading to amputation, needing immediate practical treatments for efficient wound care. While the exact mechanisms are unknown, pyroptosis and deregulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) are known to exacerbate inflammation. Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Resveratrol (RV), which are known for their Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, are being studied as potential treatments. The purpose of this study was to shed light on the underlying molecular mechanisms and explore the medical application of NR and RV in diabetic wound healing. METHODS: 54 male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into control, diabetic (DM), Gel Base, DM-NR, DM-RV, and DM-NR + RV. Rats were orally administered 50 mg/kg/day of RV and 300 mg/kg/day of NR for 5 weeks. Following diabetes induction, their wounds were topically treated with 5 % NR and RV gel for 15 days. The wound closure rate, body weight, and serum lipid profiles were examined. Gene expression study evaluated UPR and pyroptosis-related genes (BIP, PERK, ATF6, IRE1α, sXBP1, CHOP, NLRP3, caspase-1, NFκB, and IL1-ß) in wound tissues, alongside histological assessment of cellular changes. RESULTS: NR and RV treatments greatly enhanced wound healing. Molecular investigation demonstrated UPR and pyroptosis marker modifications, suggesting UPR balance and anti-inflammatory effects. Histological investigation demonstrated decreased inflammation and increased re-epithelialization. The combination of NR and RV therapy had better results than either treatment alone. CONCLUSION: This study shows that NR and RV have therapeutic promise in treating diabetic wounds by addressing UPR dysregulation, and pyroptosis. The combination therapy is a viable strategy to improving the healing process, providing a multimodal intervention for diabetic skin ulcers. These findings pave the way for additional investigation and possible therapeutic applications, giving hope for better outcomes in diabetic wound care.

Restoration of nerve agent impaired neuromuscular transmission in rat diaphragm by bispyridinium non-oximes - Structure-activity relationships.

Organophosphate (OP) poisoning is currently treated with atropine, oximes and benzodiazepines. The nicotinic signs, i.e., respiratory impairment, can only be targeted indirectly via the use of oximes as reactivators of OP-inhibited acetylcholinesterase. Hence, compounds selectively targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) might fundamentally improve current treatment options. The bispyridinium compound MB327 has previously shown some therapeutic effect against nerve agents in vitro and in vivo. Nevertheless, compound optimization was deemed necessary, due to limitations (e.g., toxicity and efficacy). The current study investigated a series of 4-tert-butyl bispyridinium compounds and of corresponding bispyridinium compounds without substituents in a rat diaphragm model using an indirect field stimulation technique. The length of the respective linker influenced the ability of the bispyridinium compounds to restore muscle function in rat hemidiaphragms. The current data show structure-activity relationships for a series of bispyridinium compounds and provide insight for future structure-based molecular modeling.

Long-Term Nicotinamide Riboside Use Improves Coordination and Eye Movements in Ataxia Telangiectasia.

BACKGROUND: Supplementation of nicotinamide riboside (NR) ameliorates neuropathology in animal models of ataxia telangiectasia (A-T). In humans, short-term NR supplementation showed benefits in neurological outcome. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate the safety and benefits of long-term NR supplementation in individuals with A-T. METHODS: A single-arm, open-label clinical trial was performed in individuals with A-T, receiving NR over a period of 2 years. Biomarkers and clinical examinations were used to assess safety parameters. Standardized and validated neuromotor tests were used to monitor changes in neurological symptoms. Using generalized mixed models, test results were compared to expected disease progression based on historical data. RESULTS: NAD+ concentrations increased rapidly in peripheral blood and stabilized at a higher level than baseline. NR supplementation was well tolerated for most participants. The total scores in the neuromotor test panels, as evaluated at the 18-month time point, improved for all but one participant, primarily driven by improvements in coordination subscores and eye movements. A comparison with historical data revealed that the progression of certain neuromotor symptoms was slower than anticipated. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term use of NR appears to be safe and well tolerated, and it improves motor coordination and eye movements in patients with A-T of all ages. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Efficacy of the oxime HI-6 dimethanesulphonate in the treatment of guinea-pigs exposed to the nerve agents GB and GD.

The bispyridinium oxime HI-6 DMS is in development as an improved therapy for the treatment of patients exposed to organophosphorus nerve agents. The aim of the work described in this paper was to provide non-clinical data to support regulatory approval of HI-6 DMS, by demonstrating efficacy against an oxime-sensitive agent, GB and an oxime-resistant agent, GD. We investigated the dose-dependent protection afforded by therapy including atropine, avizafone and HI-6 DMS in guinea-pigs challenged with GB or GD. We also compared the efficacy of 30 mg.kg-1 of HI-6 DMS to an equimolar dose of the current in-service oxime P2S and the dichloride salt of HI-6 (HI-6 Cl2). In the treatment of GB or GD poisoning there was no significant difference between the salt forms. The most effective dose of HI-6 DMS in preventing lethality following challenge with GB was 100 mg.kg-1; though protection ratios of at least 25 were obtained at 10 mg.kg-1. Protection against GD was lower, and there was no significant increase in effectiveness of HI-6 DMS doses of 30 or 100 mg.kg-1. For GD, the outcome was improved by the addition of pyridostigmine pre-treatment. These data demonstrate the benefits of HI-6 DMS as a component of nerve agent therapy. © Crown copyright (2023), Dstl.

The use of Nicotinamide and Nicotinamide riboside as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of glaucoma.

Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which leads to progressive visual field loss and may result in blindness. Currently, the only available treatment to avoid or delay progression in glaucoma patients is to decrease intraocular pressure (IOP). However, despite adequate IOP control, approximately 25% of the patients continue to progress. To delay or prevent optic nerve damage in glaucoma, two forms of vitamin B3, nicotinamide (NAM) and nicotinamide riboside (NR) are emerging as viable adjuvant therapies. These compounds are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) precursors. NAD is essential for proper cell functioning and is involved in several metabolic activities, including protection against reactive oxygen species, contribution to the performance of various enzymes, and maintenance of mitochondrial function. Due to its beneficial effects and to the evidence of the reduction of NAD bioavailability with aging, researchers are seeking ways to replenish the cellular NAD pool, by administrating its precursors (NAM and NR), believing that it will reduce the RGC vulnerability to external stressors, such as increased IOP. This article attempts to analyze the current knowledge regarding the use of NAM and NR for the prevention and/or treatment of glaucoma.

Intravenous Nicotinamide Riboside Administration Has a Cardioprotective Effect in Chronic Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy.

Doxorubicin, which is widely used to treat a broad spectrum of malignancies, has pronounced dose-dependent side effects leading to chronic heart failure development. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is one of the promising candidates for leveling the cardiotoxic effect. In the present work, we performed a comparative study of the cardioprotective and therapeutic actions of various intravenous NR administration modes in chronic doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in Wistar rats. The study used 60 mature male SPF Wistar rats. The animals were randomized into four groups (a control group and three experimental groups) which determined the doxorubicin (intraperitoneally) and NR (intravenous) doses as well as the specific modes of NR administration (combined, preventive). We demonstrated the protective effect of NR on the cardiovascular system both with combined and preventive intravenous drug administration, which was reflected in a fibrous tissue formation decrease, reduced fractional-shortening decrease, and better antioxidant system performance. At the same time, it is important to note that the preventive administration of NR had a more significant protective effect on the animal organism as a whole. This was confirmed by better physical activity parameters and vascular bed conditions. Thus, the data obtained during the study can be used for further investigation into chronic doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy prevention and treatment approaches.

Balancing NAD+ deficits with nicotinamide riboside: therapeutic possibilities and limitations.

Alterations in cellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels have been observed in multiple lifestyle and age-related medical conditions. This has led to the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with NAD+ precursors, or vitamin B3s, could exert health benefits. Among the different molecules that can act as NAD+ precursors, Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) has gained most attention due to its success in alleviating and treating disease conditions at the pre-clinical level. However, the clinical outcomes for NR supplementation strategies have not yet met the expectations generated in mouse models. In this review we aim to provide a comprehensive view on NAD+ biology, what causes NAD+ deficits and the journey of NR from its discovery to its clinical development. We also discuss what are the current limitations in NR-based therapies and potential ways to overcome them. Overall, this review will not only provide tools to understand NAD+ biology and assess its changes in disease situations, but also to decide which NAD+ precursor could have the best therapeutic potential.

Nicotinic Acid Riboside Regulates Nrf-2/P62-Related Oxidative Stress and Autophagy to Attenuate Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyocyte Injury.

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an effective chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of various cancers. Due to its potential fatal cardiotoxic side effects, the clinical application is often limited. Dexrazoxane (Dex) is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of Dox-induced cardiotoxicity but has side effects. Thus, more protective strategies should be explored. If NAD+ plays a role in maintaining heart function, its precursor prospectively alleviates Dox-induced cellular injury. Here, we studied the protective effects of nicotinic acid riboside (NAR) on Dox-induced cardiotoxicity in vivo and in vitro. We found that NAR significantly improved the cardiac function of Dox-treated mice by restoring ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS), and serum level of cardiac troponin (cTnI). NAR not only reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in Dox-treated cardiomyocytes but also further promoted the activities of cardiac superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). Following exposure to 5 µM Dox, cotreatment with NAR exhibited increased cell viability with a decrease in the apoptosis cell population. Moreover, the levels of apoptosis-related proteins, as well as proteins involved in oxidative stress and autophagy, were altered after NAR treatment. Collectively, these findings underline the protective potential of NAR against Dox-induced cardiomyocyte injury by regulating Nrf-2/P62-related oxidative stress and autophagy, which could potentially promote survival.

The NADPARK study: A randomized phase I trial of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in Parkinson's disease.

We conducted a double-blinded phase I clinical trial to establish whether nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) replenishment therapy, via oral intake of nicotinamide riboside (NR), is safe, augments cerebral NAD levels, and impacts cerebral metabolism in Parkinson's disease (PD). Thirty newly diagnosed, treatment-naive patients received 1,000 mg NR or placebo for 30 days. NR treatment was well tolerated and led to a significant, but variable, increase in cerebral NAD levels-measured by 31phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy-and related metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid. NR recipients showing increased brain NAD levels exhibited altered cerebral metabolism, measured by 18fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography, and this was associated with mild clinical improvement. NR augmented the NAD metabolome and induced transcriptional upregulation of processes related to mitochondrial, lysosomal, and proteasomal function in blood cells and/or skeletal muscle. Furthermore, NR decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Our findings nominate NR as a potential neuroprotective therapy for PD, warranting further investigation in larger trials.

Nicotinamide Riboside for the Prevention and Treatment of Doxorubicin Cardiomyopathy. Opportunities and Prospects.

Despite the progress in the development of new anticancer strategies, cancer is rapidly spreading around the world and remains one of the most common diseases. For more than 40 years, doxorubicin has been widely used in the treatment of solid and hematological tumors. At the same time, the problem of its cardiotoxicity remains unresolved, despite the high efficiency of this drug. Symptomatic therapy is used as a treatment for side-effects of doxorubicin or pathological conditions that have already appeared in their background. To date, there are no treatment methods for doxorubicin cardiomyopathy as such. A drug such as nicotinamide riboside can play an important role in solving this problem. Nicotinamide riboside is a pyridine nucleoside similar to vitamin B3 that acts as a precursor to NAD+. There is no published research on nicotinamide riboside effects on cardiomyopathy, despite the abundance of works devoted to the mechanisms of its effects in various pathologies. The review analyzes information about the effects of nicotinamide riboside on various experimental models of pathologies, its role in the synthesis of NAD+, and also considers the possibility and prospects of its use for the prevention of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy.

Nicotinamide riboside has minimal impact on energy metabolism in mouse models of mild obesity.

Supplementation with precursors of NAD has been shown to prevent and reverse insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and liver damage in mouse models of diet-induced obesity. We asked whether the beneficial effects of supplementation with the NAD precursor nicotinamide riboside (NR) are dependent on mouse strain. We compared the effects of NR supplementation on whole-body energy metabolism and mitochondrial function in mildly obese C57BL/6N and C57BL/6J mice, two commonly used strains to investigate metabolism. Male C57BL/6N and C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or standard chow with or without NR supplementation for 8 weeks. Body and organ weights, glucose tolerance, and metabolic parameters as well as mitochondrial O2 flux in liver and muscle fibers were assessed. We found that NR supplementation had no influence on body or organ weight, glucose metabolism or hepatic lipid accumulation, energy expenditure, or metabolic flexibility but increased mitochondrial respiration in soleus muscle in both mouse strains. Strain-dependent differences were detected for body and fat depot weight, fasting blood glucose, hepatic lipid accumulation, and energy expenditure. We conclude that, in mild obesity, NR supplementation does not alter metabolic phenotype in two commonly used laboratory mouse strains.

Complementary NAD+ replacement strategies fail to functionally protect dystrophin-deficient muscle.

BACKGROUND: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle wasting disorder stemming from a loss of functional dystrophin. Current therapeutic options for DMD are limited, as small molecule modalities remain largely unable to decrease the incidence or mitigate the consequences of repetitive mechanical insults to the muscle during eccentric contractions (ECCs). METHODS: Using a metabolomics-based approach, we observed distinct and transient molecular phenotypes in muscles of dystrophin-deficient MDX mice subjected to ECCs. Among the most chronically depleted metabolites was nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), an essential metabolic cofactor suggested to protect muscle from structural and metabolic degeneration over time. We tested whether the MDX muscle NAD pool can be expanded for therapeutic benefit using two complementary small molecule strategies: provision of a biosynthetic precursor, nicotinamide riboside, or specific inhibition of the NAD-degrading ADP-ribosyl cyclase, CD38. RESULTS: Administering a novel, potent, and orally available CD38 antagonist to MDX mice successfully reverted a majority of the muscle metabolome toward the wildtype state, with a pronounced impact on intermediates of the pentose phosphate pathway, while supplementing nicotinamide riboside did not significantly affect the molecular phenotype of the muscle. However, neither strategy sustainably increased the bulk tissue NAD pool, lessened muscle damage markers, nor improved maximal hindlimb strength following repeated rounds of eccentric challenge and recovery. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of dystrophin, eccentric injury contributes to chronic intramuscular NAD depletion with broad pleiotropic effects on the molecular phenotype of the tissue. These molecular consequences can be more effectively overcome by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of CD38 than by supplementing nicotinamide riboside. However, we found no evidence that either small molecule strategy is sufficient to restore muscle contractile function or confer protection from eccentric injury, undermining the modulation of NAD metabolism as a therapeutic approach for DMD.

Recognition of G-quadruplex topology through hybrid binding with implications in cancer theranostics.

The selective recognition and imaging of oncogene specific G-quadruplex (GQ) structures holds great promise in the development of diagnostic therapy (theranostics) for cancer and has been challenging due to their structural dynamics and diversity. We report selective recognition of GQ by a small molecule through unique hybrid loop stacking and groove binding mode with turn on far-red fluorescence response and anticancer activity demonstrating the potential implications for GQ-targeted cancer theranostics. Methods: Biophysical investigation reveal the turn on far-red emission property of TGP18 for selective recognition of GQ. In cellulo studies including DNA damage and oxidative stress evaluation guided us to perform in vitro (3D spheroid) and in vivo (xenograft mice model) anti-cancer activity, and tumor tissue imaging to assess the theranostic potential of TGP18. Results: Neocuproine-based far-red turn on fluorescence probe TGP18 shows GQ-to-duplex selectivity and specifically recognizes BCL-2 GQ with high affinity through a unique hybrid binding mode involving loop-stacking and groove interactions. Our study reveals that the selective recognition originating from the distinct loop structure of GQ that alters the overall probe interaction and binding affinity. TGP18 binding to anti-apoptotic BCL-2 GQ ablates the pro-survival function and elicit anti-cancer activity by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. We deciphered that inhibition of BCL-2 transcription synergized with signaling cascade of nucleolar stress, DNA damage and oxidative stress in triggering apoptosis signaling pathway. Conclusion: Intervention of GQ mediated lethality by TGP18 has translated into anti-cancer activity in both in vitro 3D spheroid culture and in vivo xenograft models of lung and breast cancer with superior efficacy for the former. In vivo therapeutic efficacy supplemented with tumor 3D spheroid and tissue imaging potential define the role of TGP18 in GQ-targeted cancer theranostics.

Nicotinamide riboside with pterostilbene (NRPT) increases NAD+ in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, stepwise safety study of escalating doses of NRPT in patients with AKI.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical studies have identified both NAD+ and sirtuin augmentation as potential strategies for the prevention and treatment of AKI. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a NAD+ precursor vitamin and pterostilbene (PT) is potent sirtuin activator found in blueberries. Here, we tested the effect of combined NR and PT (NRPT) on whole blood NAD+ levels and safety parameters in patients with AKI. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of escalating doses of NRPT in 24 hospitalized patients with AKI. The study was comprised of four Steps during which NRPT (5 subjects) or placebo (1 subject) was given twice a day for 2 days. NRPT dosing was increased in each Step: Step 1250/50 mg, Step 2500/100 mg, Step 3750/150 mg and Step 41,000/200 mg. Blood NAD+ levels were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and safety was assessed by history, physical exam, and clinical laboratory testing. RESULTS: AKI resulted in a 50% reduction in whole blood NAD+ levels at 48 h compared to 0 h in patients receiving placebo (p = 0.05). There was a trend for increase in NAD+ levels in all NRPT Steps individually at 48 h compared to 0 h, but only the change in Step 2 reached statistical significance (47%, p = 0.04), and there was considerable interindividual variability in the NAD+ response to treatment. Considering all Steps together, NRPT treatment increased NAD+ levels by 37% at 48 h compared to 0 h (p = 0.002). All safety laboratory tests were unchanged by NRPT treatment, including creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), electrolytes, liver function tests, and blood counts. Three of 20 patients receiving NRPT reported minor gastrointestinal side effects. CONCLUSION: NRPT increases whole blood NAD+ levels in hospitalized patients with AKI. In addition, NRPT up to a dose of 1000 mg/200 mg twice a day for 2 days is safe and well tolerated in these patients. Further studies to assess the potential therapeutic benefit of NRPT in AKI are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03176628 , date of registration June 5th, 2017.

Implications of NAD+ boosters in translational medicine.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+ ) is an essential metabolite in energy metabolism as well as a co-substrate in biochemical reactions such as protein deacylation, protein ADP-ribosylation and cyclic ADP-ribose synthesis mediated by sirtuins, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) and CD38. In eukaryotic cells, NAD+ is synthesized through three distinct pathways, which offer different strategies to modulate the bioavailability of NAD+ . The therapeutic potential of dietarily available NAD+ boosters preserving the NAD+ pool has been attracting attention after the discovery of declining NAD+ levels in ageing model organisms as well as in several age-related diseases, including cardiometabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review the recent advances in the biology of NAD+ , including the salubrious effects of NAD+ boosters and discuss their future translational strategies.

EP2 and EP3 receptors as therapeutic targets for underactive bladder/detrusor underactivity due to diabetic cystopathy in a type 1 diabetic rat model.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic cystopathy (DC) is recognized as one of the major etiologies of underactive bladder (UAB)/detrusor underactivity (DU). Although DC was first reported about three decades ago, there is a distinct lack of effective pharmacological management methods for UAB/DU due to DC with a robust certainty of evidence. In this study, we investigated whether EP2 and EP3 receptors are promising targets of pharmacological management of UAB/DU due to DC. METHODS: We used streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats with postvoid residual urine (PVR) greater than 0.1 mL. Sixteen weeks after induction of diabetes, we performed awake single cystometry after oral administration of the vehicle, an α-blocker (tamsulosin [TAM], 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg), a cholinesterase inhibitor (distigmine [DIS], 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg), or an EP2/3 dual agonist (ONO-8055, 0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg). We compared cystometric parameters after administration of the vehicle and drugs using a paired t test. P < .05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Compared with the vehicle, TAM significantly decreased maximum intravesical pressure during voiding (Pmax), while DIS significantly increased it. However, neither drug significantly affected PVR or the residual urine rate (RUR). On the other hand, ONO-8055 significantly decreased PVR and tended to decrease RUR, although it did not significantly affect Pmax. CONCLUSION: The present study was unable to demonstrate that stimulation of EP2 and EP3 receptors caused major improvements in UAB/DU due to DC. However, this equivocal result could arise from inherent limitations of the STZ-induced diabetic rat as a UAB/DU model.

Histomorphological Study of a New Nasal Spray with Anti-inflammatory Properties Efficacy in Rabbits with Rhinosinusitis.

INTRODUCTION: The high world prevalence of rhinosinusitis (RS) initiates the ways of a favorable search for effective and safe medicines for its pathogenetic treatment. The important part of this process is the choice of the most comfortable dosage form, which will enhance therapeutic compliance and ensure the appropriate medicine efficacy and safety. AIM: To substantiate the efficacy of a new nasal spray with anti-inflammatory properties containing Enisamium Iodide (EI) at a concentration of 10 mg/mL by histomorphological study of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses mucosal in rabbits with experimental rhinosinusitis (ERS). METHODS: EI (nasal spray) was a test object. Sinupret® was a reference drug. ERS was induced in rabbits on the first day of the study by tamponade of the right half of the nasal cavity under general anesthesia. The study was performed using 24 rabbits (4 groups, 6 rabbits in each group). The histomorphological examination was performed on the 25th day of the study by the standard light microscopy methods. RESULTS: The histomorphological examination of EI 10 mg/mL (nasal spray) impact on RS in rabbits, which administered during 10 days intranasally, revealed the significant therapeutic effect presented by reduced inflammation signs in the epithelium of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses mucosal. Besides, the EI impact was not inferior to the reference drug Sinupret® in tablets. The study of the pharmacological properties of the EI (nasal spray) on ERS showed the high rate of onset of EI actions when used intranasally which was superior to the rate of actions of the reference drug Sinupret® (tablets) administered intragastrically. CONCLUSION: The EI (nasal spray) is a promising drug for a pathogenetic therapy of acute RS, which demands further pre-clinical and clinical studies aiming to substantiate its implementation to the clinical practice.

Pyridinium-Substituted Tetraphenylethylenes Functionalized with Alkyl Chains as Autophagy Modulators for Cancer Therapy.

Tuning autophagy in a controlled manner could facilitate cancer therapy but it remains challenging. Pyridinium-substituted tetraphenylethylene salts (PTPE 1-3), able to target mitochondria and disrupt autophagy after forming complexes with albumin, are reported. Mitochondrion affinity and autophagy-inducing activity are improved by prolonging the length of alkyl chains in PTPE 1-3. PTPE 1-3 demonstrate proautophagic activity and a mitophagy blockage effect. Failure of autophagosome-lysosome fusion in downstream autophagy flux results in cancer cell death. Moreover, fast formation of complexes of PTPE 1-3 with albumin in blood can facilitate biomimetic delivery and deep tumor penetration. Efficient tumor accumulation and effective tumor suppression are successfully demonstrated with in vitro and in vivo studies. PTPE 1-3 salts exhibit dual functionality: they target and image mitochondria because of aggregation-induced emission effects and they are promising for cancer therapy.

Nicotinamide riboside protects noise-induced hearing loss by recovering the hair cell ribbon synapses.

OBJECTIVE: Nicotinamide riboside (NR) has been proved to protect the hearing. To achieve animal models of temporary threshold shift (TTS) and permanent threshold shift (PTS) respectively, evaluate the dynamic change of ribbon synapse before and after NR administration. METHODS: Mice were divided into control group, noise exposure (NE) group and NR group. The noise was exposed to NE and NR group, and NR was injected before noise exposure. Auditory brainstem response (ABR), ribbon synapse count and cochlear morphology were tested, as well as the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ATP. RESULTS: Ribbon synapse count decrease with the intensity of noise exposure, and the cochlear morphology remains stable during TTS and was damaged during PTS. NR promotes the oxidation resistance to protect the synapse and the inner ear morphology. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that TTS mice are more vulnerable to noise, and NR can promote the recovery of the synapse count to protect the animals' hearing.