Gene Polymorphisms and Drug-Drug Interactions Determine the Metabolic Profile of Blonanserin.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) gene polymorphism and drug interaction on the metabolism of blonanserin. Human recombinant CYP3A4 was prepared using the Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system. A microsomal enzyme reaction system was established, and drug-drug interactions were evaluated using Sprague-Dawley rats. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect the concentrations of blonanserin and its metabolite. Compared with wild type CYP34A, the relative clearance of blonanserin by CYP3A4.29 significantly increased to 251.3%, while it decreased notably with CYP3A4.4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 28, 31, 33, and 34, ranging from 6.09% to 63.34%. Among 153 tested drugs, nimodipine, felodipine, and amlodipine were found to potently inhibit the metabolism of blonanserin. Moreover, the inhibitory potency of nimodipine, felodipine, and amlodipine varied with different CYP3A4 variants. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration and enzymatic kinetics assay demonstrated that the metabolism of blonanserin was noncompetitively inhibited by nimodipine in rat liver microsomes and was inhibited in a mixed manner by felodipine and amlodipine in both rat liver microsomes and human liver microsomes. When nimodipine and felodipine were coadministered with blonanserin, the area under the blood concentration-time curve (AUC)(0-t), AUC(0-∞), and C max of blonanserin increased. When amlodipine and blonanserin were combined, the C max of blonanserin C increased remarkably. The vast majority of CYP3A4 variants have a low ability to catalyze blonanserin. With combined administration of nimodipine, felodipine, and amlodipine, the elimination of blonanserin was inhibited. This study provides the basis for individualized clinical use of blonanserin. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The enzyme kinetics of novel CYP3A4 enzymes for metabolizing blonanserin were investigated. Clearance of blonanserin by CYP3A4.4, 5, 7-10, 12-14, 16-18, 23-24, 28, 31, 33, and 34 decreased notably, but increased with CYP3A4.29. Additionally, we established a drug interaction spectrum for blonanserin, in which nimodipine, felodipine, and amlodipine kinetics exhibited mixed inhibition. Moreover, their inhibitory potencies decreased with CYP3A4.4 and 5 compared to CYP3A4.1. This study provides essential data for personalized clinical use of blonanserin.

Study on genotype and phenotype of novel CYP2D6 variants using pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models with metoprolol as a substrate drug.

To investigate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of volunteers carrying CYP2D6 genotypes with unknow metabolic phenotypes, a total of 22 volunteers were recruited based on the sequencing results. Peripheral blood and urine samples were collected at specific time points after oral administration of metoprolol. A validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used to determine the concentrations of metoprolol and α-hydroxymetoprolol. Blood pressure and electrocardiogram were also monitored. The results showed that the main pharmacokinetic parameters of metoprolol in CYP2D6*1/*34 carriers are similar to those in CYP2D6*1/*1 carriers. However, in individuals carrying the CYP2D6*10/*87, CYP2D6*10/*95, and CYP2D6*97/*97 genotypes, the area under the curve (AUC) and half-life (t1/2) of metoprolol increased by 2-3 times compared to wild type. The urinary metabolic ratio of metoprolol in these genotypes is consistent with the trends observed in plasma samples. Therefore, CYP2D6*1/*34 can be considered as normal metabolizers, while CYP2D6*10/*87, CYP2D6*10/*95, and CYP2D6*97/*97 are intermediate metabolizers. Although the blood concentration of metoprolol has been found to correlate with CYP2D6 genotype, its blood pressure-lowering effect reaches maximum effectiveness at a reduction of 25 mmHg. Furthermore, P-Q interval prolongation and heart rate reduction are not positively correlated with metoprolol blood exposure. Based on the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model, this study clarified the properties of metoprolol in subjects with novel CYP2D6 genotypes and provided important fundamental data for the translational medicine of this substrate drug.

The impact of CYP3A4 genetic polymorphism on crizotinib metabolism and drug-drug interactions.

To elucidate the impact of CYP3A4 activity inhibition and genetic polymorphism on the metabolism of crizotinib. Enzymatic incubation systems for crizotinib were established, and Sprague-Dawley rats were utilized for in vivo experiments. Analytes were quantified using LC-MS/MS. Upon screening 122 drugs and natural compounds, proanthocyanidins emerged as inhibitor of crizotinib metabolism, exhibiting a relative inhibition rate of 93.7%. The IC50 values were 24.53 ± 0.32 µM in rat liver microsomes and 18.24 ± 0.12 µM in human liver microsomes. In vivo studies revealed that proanthocyanidins markedly affected the pharmacokinetic parameters of crizotinib. Co-administration led to a significant reduction in the AUC(0-t), Cmax of PF-06260182 (the primary metabolite of crizotinib), and the urinary metabolic ratio. This interaction is attributed to the mixed-type inhibition of liver microsome activity by proanthocyanidins. CYP3A4, being the principal metabolic enzyme for crizotinib, has its genetic polymorphisms significantly influencing crizotinib's pharmacokinetics. Kinetic data showed that the relative metabolic rates of crizotinib across 26 CYP3A4 variants ranged from 13.14% (CYP3A4.12, 13) to 188.57% (CYP3A4.33) when compared to the wild-type CYP3A4.1. Additionally, the inhibitory effects of proanthocyanidins varied between CYP3A4.12 and CYP3A4.33, when compared to the wild type. Our findings indicate that proanthocyanidins coadministration and CYP3A4 genetic polymorphism can significantly influence crizotinib metabolism.

Activity Variations of CYP2B6 Determine the Metabolic Stratification of Efavirenz.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of hepatic enzyme activity variations and CYP2B6 gene polymorphisms on the in vivo and in vitro metabolism of efavirenz. MAIN METHODS: In vitro enzyme systems using rat and human liver microsomes (RLM/HLM) were established, with in vivo studies conducted on Sprague-Dawley rats. Metabolite detection was performed via LC-MS/MS. Human recombinant CYP2B6 microsomes were prepared using a baculovirus-insect cell system and ultracentrifugation, with efavirenz serving as the substrate to study enzyme kinetics. RESULTS: Isavuconazole exhibited an IC50 of 21.14 ± 0.57 µM in RLM, indicating a mixed competitive and noncompetitive mechanism, and an IC50 of 40.44 ± 4.23 µM in HLM, suggesting an anticompetitive mechanism. In rats, coadministration of efavirenz and isavuconazole significantly increased the AUC, Tmax, and Cmax of efavirenz. Co-administration of efavirenz and rifampicin significantly elevated the AUC, Tmax, and Cmax of 8-OH-efavirenz. The activity of CYP2B6.4, 6, and 7 increased significantly compared to CYP2B6.1, with relative clearance ranging from 158.34% to 212.72%. Conversely, the activity of CYP2B6.3, 8, 10, 11, 13-15, 18-21, 23-27, 31-33, and 37 was markedly reduced, ranging from 4.30% to 79.89%. CONCLUSION: Variations in liver enzyme activity and CYP2B6 genetic polymorphisms can significantly alter the metabolism of efavirenz. It provides laboratory-based data for the precise application of efavirenz and other CYP2B6 substrate drugs.

Discovery and Enzyme Kinetic Characterization of Novel CYP2D6 Variants.

Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) exhibits rich genetic polymorphism, and functional changes caused by variations are the key reasons for differences in substrate drug systemic exposure. Discovering novel variants and defining their enzymatic kinetic characteristics can contribute to the personalized application of drugs. In this study, a data chain of variant-function-structure was established through population-based sequencing, baculovirus insect cell expression, in vitro enzymatic incubation, and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results revealed nine novel missense mutations in the exonic regions. After the corresponding microsomes were obtained, the kinetics of the variants were investigated using dextromethorphan as a probe substrate. It was found that the activities of CYP2D6.2, 10, 17, 35, 65, R28G, T76M, and E215K were significantly reduced, while D301V almost led to loss of enzyme function. Additionally, the relative clearance rate of R25Q was significantly increased. From the molecular structure perspective, the mutation sites are distributed outside the dextromethorphan binding pocket, suggesting that they primarily influence CYP2D6 activity via allosteric modulation. These research findings provide fundamental data for the precise application of CYP2D6 substrate drugs.

A modified nucleoside O6-methyl-2'-deoxyguanosine-5'-triphosphate exhibits anti-glioblastoma activity in a caspase-independent manner.

Resistance to temozolomide (TMZ), the frontline chemotherapeutic agent for glioblastoma (GBM), has emerged as a formidable obstacle, underscoring the imperative to identify alternative therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated a novel agent, O6-methyl-2'-deoxyguanosine-5'-triphosphate (O6-methyl-dGTP) for its anti-GBM activity both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, O6-methyl-dGTP exhibited pronounced cytotoxicity against GBM cells, including those resistant to TMZ and overexpressing O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). Mechanistic investigations revealed that O6-methyl-dGTP could be incorporated into genomic DNA, disrupting nucleotide pools balance, and inducing replication stress, resulting in S-phase arrest and DNA damage. The compound exerted its anti-tumor properties through the activation of AIF-mediated apoptosis and the parthanatos pathway. In vivo studies using U251 and Ln229 cell xenografts supported the robust tumor-inhibitory capacity of O6-methyl-dGTP. In an orthotopic transplantation model with U87MG cells, O6-methyl-dGTP showcased marginally superior tumor-suppressive activity compared to TMZ. In summary, our research, for the first time, underscores the potential of O6-methyl-dGTP as an effective candidate against GBM, laying a robust scientific groundwork for its potential clinical adoption in GBM treatment regimens.

Functional evaluation of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 gene polymorphism on ibuprofen metabolism.

AIM: Ibuprofen is the most commonly used analgesic. CYP polymorphisms are mainly responsible for the differences in drug metabolism among individuals. Variations in the ability of populations to metabolize ibuprofen can lead to drug exposure events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 polymorphisms on ibuprofen metabolism in a Chinese population. METHODS: First, 31 CYP2C19 and 12 CYP3A4 microsomal enzymes were identified using an insect expression system. Then, variants were evaluated using a mature incubation system. Moreover, ibuprofen metabolite content was determined via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Finally, kinetic parameters of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 genotypes were determined via Michaelis-Menten curve fitting. RESULTS: Most variants exhibited significantly altered intrinsic clearance compared to the wild type. In the CYP2C19 metabolic pathway, seven variants exhibited no significant alterations in intrinsic clearance (CLint), six variants exhibited significantly high CLint (121-291%), and the remaining 15 variants exhibited substantially reduced CLint (1-71%). In the CYP3A4 metabolic pathway, CYP3A4*30 was not detected in the metabolite content due to the absence of activity, and 10 variants exhibited significantly reduced CLint. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the kinetic characteristics of 31 CYP2C19 and 12 CYP3A4 genotypes on ibuprofen metabolism. However, further studies are needed on poor metabolizers as they are more susceptible to drug exposure. Our findings suggest that the kinetic characteristics in combination with artificial intelligence to predict the toxicity of ibuprofen and reduce any adverse drug reactions.

Dectin-1 plays a deleterious role in high fat diet-induced NAFLD of mice through enhancing macrophage activation.

The innate immune response and inflammation contribute to hepatic steatosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Dectin-1 is a pathogen recognition receptor in innate immunity. In this study, we investigated the role of Dectin-1 in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. We first showed that Dectin-1 expression was significantly elevated in liver tissues of patients with NASH. NAFLD was induced in mice by feeding high fat diet (HFD) for 24 weeks. At the end of treatment, mice were sacrificed, and their blood and liver tissues were collected for analyses. We showed HFD feeding also increased liver Dectin-1 levels in mice, associated with macrophage infiltration. Either gene knockout or co-administration of a Dectin-1 antagonist laminarin (150 mg/kg twice a day, ip, from 16th week to 24th week) largely protected the livers from HFD-induced lipid accumulation, fibrosis, and elaboration of inflammatory responses. In primary mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPMs), challenge with palmitate (PA, 200 µM), an abundant saturated fatty acid found in NAFLD, significantly activated Dectin-1 signaling pathway, followed by transcriptionally regulated production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Dectin-1 was required for hepatic macrophage activation and inflammatory factor induction. Condition media generated from Dectin-1 deficient macrophages failed to cause hepatocyte lipid accumulation and hepatic stellate activation. In conclusion, this study provides the primary evidence supporting a deleterious role for Dectin-1 in NAFLD through enhancing macrophage pro-inflammatory responses and suggests that it can be targeted to prevent inflammatory NAFLD.

Effects of CYP2D6 Genetic Polymorphism and Drug Interaction on the Metabolism of Dacomitinib.

We aim to study the effects of CYP2D6 variants and drug-drug interaction on the metabolism of dacomitinib. CYP2D6 variants were incubated with 25-1000 µM dacomitinib for 40 min at 37 °C, and the reaction was terminated by cooling to -80 °C immediately. For an in vivo experiment, 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6): a single dose of 5 mg/kg dacomitinib (group A), a single dose of 6 mg/kg trazodone (group B), and a combined group (group C). Processed samples were analyzed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS.) The relative clearance of dacomitinib was reduced for most of the variants. Moreover, the inhibitory potency of classic CYP inhibitors on dacomitinib metabolism was significantly different among the main subtypes of CYP2D6. Interestingly, compared with gefitinib, even the same CYP2D6 variants showed significant differences in metabolic activity, suggesting that the activity of CYP2D6 has strong variability. In addition, the interaction between trazodone and dacomitinib was determined both in vitro and in vivo. When dacomitinib was given in combination with trazodone, the blood exposure to these two drugs increased remarkably. The mechanistic study revealed that the interaction followed the noncompetitive inhibition. We demonstrated that the activity of CYP2D6 variants to metabolize dacomitinib was significantly reduced. In combination with the CYP2D6 inhibitor, the degree of activity inhibition of different variants obviously differed. When trazodone and dacomitinib were used in combination, the body exposure to the two drugs increased significantly. This study provides data for the precise use of dacomitinib in clinical settings.

Pharmacological inhibition of MyD88 suppresses inflammation in tubular epithelial cells and prevents diabetic nephropathy in experimental mice.

Emerging evidence shows that chronic inflammation mediated by toll-like receptors (TLRs) contributes to diabetic nephropathy. Myeloid differentiation primary-response protein-88 (MyD88) is an essential adapter protein of all TLRs except TLR3 in innate immunity. It is unclear whether MyD88 could be a therapeutic target for diabetic nephropathy. Here, we used a new small-molecule MyD88 inhibitor, LM8, to examine the pharmacological inhibition of MyD88 in protecting kidneys from inflammatory injury in diabetes. We showed that MyD88 was significantly activated in the kidney of STZ-induced type 1 diabetic mice in tubular epithelial cells as well as in high glucose-treated rat tubular epithelial cells NRK-52E. In cultured tubular epithelial cells, we show that LM8 (2.5-10 µM) or MyD88 siRNA attenuated high-concentration glucose-induced inflammatory and fibrogenic responses through inhibition of MyD88-TLR4 interaction and downstream NF-κB activation. Treatment with LM8 (5, 10 mg/kg, i.g.) significantly reduced renal inflammation and fibrosis and preserved renal function in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic mice. These renoprotective effects were associated with reduced MyD88-TLR4 complex formation, suppressed NF-κB signaling, and prevention of inflammatory factor expression. Collectively, our results show that hyperglycemia activates MyD88 signaling cascade to induce renal inflammation, fibrosis, and dysfunction. Pharmacological inhibition of MyD88 may be a therapeutic approach to mitigate diabetic nephropathy and the inhibitor LM8 could be a potential candidate for such therapy.

Herbacetin Broadly Blocks the Activities of CYP450s by Different Inhibitory Mechanisms.

Herbacetin is a bioactive flavanol compound that has various pharmacological effects. However, the pharmacokinetic characteristics have not been thoroughly investigated. Previously, we screened a natural compound library and identified herbacetin as a potent CYP blocker. Herein, we aimed to mechanistically determine the inhibitory effects of herbacetin on CYP450 and its potential application. A human liver microsome incubation system was developed based on a UPLC-MS/MS method. Moreover, an in silico docking assay and a human CYP recombinase reaction system were developed and used to investigate binding affinity and inhibitory efficacy. Subsequently, the effects of the combination of herbacetin and sorafenib on HepG2 cells were assessed by MTT and immunoblotting assays. The concentration of sorafenib and its main metabolite were measured by UPLC-MS/MS after incubation with or without herbacetin. As a result, we found herbacetin almost completely inhibited the functions of major CYPs at 100 µM. Moreover, through analysis of the structure-activity relationship, we found 4-, 6-, and 8-hydroxyl were essential groups for the inhibitory effects. Herbacetin inhibited CYP3A4, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, and CYP2E1 in a mixed manner, but non-competitively blocked CYP2D6. These results are in good agreement with the recombinase reaction in vitro results, with an IC50 < 10 µM for each tested isoenzyme. Interestingly, the stimulatory effects of sorafenib on HepG2 cell apoptosis were significantly enhanced by combining with herbacetin, which was associated with increased sorafenib exposure. In summary, herbacetin is a potent inhibitor of a wide spectrum of CYP450s, which may enhance the exposure of drugs in vivo.

cyy-287, a novel pyrimidine-2,4-diamine derivative, inhibits tumor growth of EGFR-driven non-small cell lung cancer via the ERK pathway.

In recent decades, EGFR-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been proven to be an effective therapy for EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, resistance to EGFR-TKIs limits their clinical application. In the present study, we investigate the antitumor effect and underlying mechanism of a novel pyrimidine-2,4-diamine derivative, cyy-287, in NSCLC. We find that cyy-287 has a high affinity for lung tissue and inhibits the proliferation of NSCLC cells. Interestingly, the significant suppression of migration and induction of apoptosis by cyy-287 are only observed in EGFR-driven but not in EGFR-wild-type (wt) cells. According to the RNA sequencing and KEGG enrichment analysis results, cyy-287 markedly inhibits the MAPK pathway in EGFR-driven PC9 cells, and western blot analysis results further indicate that cyy-287 selectively blocks the ERK pathway in EGFR-driven cells. Meanwhile, apoptosis induced by cyy-287 could be partially reversed by ERK pathway inhibition. Further experiment indicates that cyy-287 inhibits the EGFR pathway in both EGFR-driven and EGFR-overexpressing cells. Interestingly, it only induces apoptosis in EGFR-driven cells, not in EGFR-overexpressing cells. The growth of EGFR-driven cells is suppressed by cyy-287 in vivo, with fewer side effects. Our results suggest that cyy-287 may be a potential therapeutic drug with promising antitumor effects against NSCLC.

CDK9 inhibition improves diabetic nephropathy by reducing inflammation in the kidneys.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chronic inflammatory renal disease induced by hyperglycemia. Recent studies have implicated cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) in inflammatory responses and renal fibrosis. In this study, we explored a potential role of CDK9 in DN by using cultured mouse mesangial cell line SV40 MES-13 and streptozotocin-induced type 1 mouse model of diabetes. We inhibited CDK9 in mice and in cultured cells by a highly selective CDK9 inhibitor, LDC000067 (LDC), and evaluated inflammatory and fibrogenic outcome by mRNA and protein analyses. Our studies show that treatment of diabetic mice with LDC significantly inhibits the levels of inflammatory cytokines and fibrogenic genes in kidney specimens. These reductions were associated with improved renal function. We also found that LDC treatment suppressed MAPK-AP1 activation. We then confirmed the involvement of CDK9 in cultured SV40 MES-13 cells and showed that deficiency in CDK9 prevents glucose-induced inflammatory and fibrogenic proteins. This protection was also afforded by suppression of MAPK-AP1. Taken together, our results how that hyperglycemia activates CDK9-MAPK-AP1 axis in kidneys to induce inflammation and fibrosis, leading to renal dysfunction. Our findings also suggest that CDK9 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for DN.

The imidazopyridine derivative X22 prevents diabetic kidney dysfunction through inactivating NF-κB signaling.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is considered a chronic inflammatory renal disease induced by hyperglycemia. Therefore, even meticulous control of blood glucose levels cannot prevent the progression of DKD efficiently. Management of the inflammatory response could be one of the most promising strategies for treatment. We previously validated an imidazopyridine derivative (X22) as an active compound in suppressing lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation. However, its potential for protection against DKD has not been exanimated. In the present study, streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mice were used to study the effect of X22 on DKD associated inflammation and fibrosis by Q-PCR and immunoblotting assays. The results showed that X22 significantly inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and fibrosis biomarkers. At the same time, kidney function was dramatically improved. To elucidate the mechanism of action of X22, we examined its effects on the NRK-52E cell line. Strikingly, X22 restored the protein level of IKB-α and blocked the nuclear translocation of P65. Collectively, the data indicate that X22 can attenuate diabetic kidney dysfunction and inflammatory injury and may represent a potential agent for the treatment of DKD. It could be a potential agent for use in the treatment of DKD.

A novel salviadione derivative, compound 15a, attenuates diabetes-induced renal injury by inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses.

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of renal failure worldwide. Elevated inflammatory signaling has been shown to lead to deterioration of renal function in human and experimental diabetes. We recently developed a salviadione derivative (compound 15a) that prevented microbial lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses, which are largely driven by nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). In the present study, we have tested the hypothesis that 15a will protect kidneys from diabetes-induced dysfunction by suppressing NF-κB activation and inflammatory signaling. Treatment of diabetic mice with 15a inhibited diabetes-induced renal fibrosis, NF-κB activation, and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Histologically, kidney specimens from diabetic mice treated with 15a were indistinguishable from non-diabetic controls. We confirmed our findings in cultured renal tubular epithelial cells exposed to high levels of glucose. In these cultured cells, 15a pretreatment prevented high glucose-induced NF-κB activation and expression of inflammatory cytokines. These protective effects were also reflected in reduced levels of proteins involved in matrix expansion. Overall, our studies show that a salviadione derivative, 15a, is effective in suppressing diabetes-induced NF-κB activation and inflammatory signaling.

Schisandrin B alleviates diabetic nephropathy through suppressing excessive inflammation and oxidative stress.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a progressive kidney disease due to glomerular capillary damage in diabetic patients, with inflammation and oxidative stress implicated as crucial pathogenic factors. There is an urgent need to develop effective therapeutic drug. Natural medicines are rich resources for active lead compounds. They would provide new opportunities for the treatment of DN. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Schisandrin B (SchB) on DN and to delineate the underlying mechanism. Oral administration of SchB in the diabetic mouse model significantly alleviated hyperglycemia-induced renal injury, which was accompanied by maintenance of urine creatinine and albumin levels at similar to those of control non-diabetic mice. Histological examination of renal tissue indicated that both development of fibrosis and renal cell apoptosis were dramatically inhibited by SchB. The protective effect of SchB on DN associated with suppression of inflammatory response and oxidative stress. These results strongly suggested that SchB could be a potential therapeutic agent for treatment of DN. Moreover, our findings provided a fuller understanding of the regulatory role of NF-κB and Nrf2 in DN, indicating that they could be important therapeutic targets.

An Aza resveratrol-chalcone derivative 6b protects mice against diabetic cardiomyopathy by alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress.

Inflammation and oxidative stress play a crucial role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). We previously had synthesized an Aza resveratrol-chalcone derivative 6b, of which effectively suppressing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in macrophages. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of 6b on DCM and underlying mechanism. In H9c2 myocardial cells, 6b potently decreased high glucose (HG)-induced cell fibrosis, hypertrophy and apoptosis, alleviating inflammatory response and oxidant stress. In STZ-induced type 1 diabetic mice (STZ-DM1), orally administration with 6b for 16 weeks significantly attenuated cardiac hypertrophy, apoptosis and fibrosis. The expression of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress biomarkers was also suppressed by 6b distinctly, without affecting blood glucose and body weight. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of 6b were mechanistic associated with nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) nucleus entry blockage and Nrf2 activation both in vitro and in vivo. The results indicated that 6b can be a promising cardioprotective agent in treatment of DCM via inhibiting inflammation and alleviating oxidative stress. This study also validated the important role of NF-κB and Nrf2 taken in the pathogenesis of DCM, which could be therapeutic targets for diabetic comorbidities.

Schisandrin B exhibits potent anticancer activity in triple negative breast cancer by inhibiting STAT3.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subgroup of human breast cancer. In this study, we have examined the potential of Schisandrin B (Sch B), a bioactive chemical compound found in Schisandra chinensis, against TNBC. We used MDA-MB-231, BT-549, and MDA-MB-468 TNBC cells and immunodeficient mice to study the effect of Sch B. Our results show that Sch B inhibits TNBC growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and by triggering apoptotic death. Sch B also inhibited the migration and colony formation of tumor cells, and prevented the growth of TNBC cells in mice. We found that these inhibitory activities were mediated through suppression of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Taken together, our studies show that Sch B has potent anti-tumor activity against TNBC via a novel mechanism involving STAT3 inactivation.

Structurally Diverse Sesquiterpenoids from the Endangered Ornamental Plant Michelia shiluensis.

A preliminary phytochemical investigation on the MeOH extract of the leaves and twigs of the endangered ornamental plant Michelia shiluensis led to the isolation of 16 sesquiterpenoids. The isolated compounds comprised germacrane- (1-4, 13, 14), guaiane- (5-9, 15), amorphane- (10), and eudesmane-type (11, 12, 16) sesquiterpenoids. The new structures (1-12) were elucidated by spectroscopic and computational methods, and their absolute configurations (except for 9) were assigned by single-crystal X-ray diffraction crystallographic data and/or electronic circular dichroism spectra. Shiluolides (A-D, 1-4) are unprecedented C16 or C17 homogermacranolides, and their putative biosynthetic pathways are briefly discussed. Shiluone D (8) is a rare 1,10- seco-guaiane sesquiterpenoid featuring a new ether-containing spirocyclic ring, whereas shiluone E (9) represents the first example of a 1,5-4,5-di- seco-guaiane with a rare 5,11 -lactone moiety. Shiluone F (10) is the first amorphane-type sesquiterpenoid possessing an oxetane ring bridging C-1 and C-7. Bioassay evaluations indicated that lipiferolide (13) showed noteworthy cytotoxicities toward human cancer cell lines MCF-7 and A-549, with IC50 values of 1.5 and 7.3 µM, respectively. Shiluone D (8) exerted inhibition against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (IC50: 46.3 µM).

Osthole Protects against Acute Lung Injury by Suppressing NF-κB-Dependent Inflammation.

Inflammation is a key factor in the pathogenesis of ALI. Therefore, suppression of inflammatory response could be a potential strategy to treat LPS-induced lung injury. Osthole, a natural coumarin extract, has been reported to protect against acute kidney injury through an anti-inflammatory mechanism, but its effect on ALI is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated whether osthole ameliorates inflammatory sepsis-related ALI. Results from in vitro studies indicated that osthole treatment inhibited the LPS-induced inflammatory response in mouse peritoneal macrophages through blocking the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Consistently, the in vivo studies indicated that osthole significantly prolonged the survival of septic mice which was accompanied by inflammation suppression. In the ALI mouse model, osthole effectively inhibited the development of lung tissue injury, leukocytic recruitment, and cytokine productions, which was associated with inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation. These findings provide evidence that osthole was a potent inhibitor of NF-κB and inflammatory injury and suggest that it could be a promising anti-inflammatory agent for therapy of septic shock and acute lung injury.