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Aim To explore the mechanism by which total coumarins in Pileostegia tomentella (TCPT) inhibits the proliferation of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) H1688 cells via inducing ferroptosis. Methods The gradient concentrations of TCPT were used to treat H1688 cells. CCK-8 assay was applied for detection of proliferative inhibition of H1688 cells. Transmission electron microscopy was used to approach the morphological changes of H1688 cells under the treatment of TCPT. Additionally, dichlorofluorescein (DCFH-DA) probe was used to detect the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. BODIPY 581/ 589 Cll probe was applied to examine the intracellular lipid peroxide formation. Western blotting was employed to detect the expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), kelch-like ECH-associated protein (KEAP1), nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (NRF2), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) proteins in HI688 cells. Results The proliferation of small cell lung cancer cell H1688 was dramatically inhibited after TCPT intervention (P < 0. 05, P < 0. 01). The morphological characteristics of ferroptosis induced by TCPT were observed by transmission electron microscope. TCPT could also effectively elevate intracellular level of ROS and lipid peroxide. In HI688 cells the expression of ferroptosis markers GPX4, NRF2, and FTH1 was down-regulated, while the expression of KEAP1 was up-regulated, and there were statistically significant differences among the markers mentioned a-bove (P<0. 01). Conclusions Total coumarins in TCPT can significantly inhibit the proliferation of H1688 cells, possibly through increasing ROS and intracellular lipid peroxide levels and eventually inducing ferroptosis.
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Scaffold hopping refers to computer-aided screening for active compounds with different structures against the same receptor to enrich privileged scaffolds, which is a topic of high interest in organic and medicinal chemistry. However, most approaches cannot efficiently predict the potency level of candidates after scaffold hopping. Herein, we identified potent PDE5 inhibitors with a novel scaffold via a free energy perturbation (FEP)-guided scaffold-hopping strategy, and FEP shows great advantages to precisely predict the theoretical binding potencies ΔG FEP between ligands and their target, which were more consistent with the experimental binding potencies ΔG EXP (the mean absolute deviations | Δ G FEP - Δ G EXP | < 2 kcal/mol) than those ΔG MM-PBSA or ΔG MM-GBSA predicted by the MM-PBSA or MM-GBSA method. Lead L12 had an IC50 of 8.7 nmol/L and exhibited a different binding pattern in its crystal structure with PDE5 from the famous starting drug tadalafil. Our work provides the first report via the FEP-guided scaffold hopping strategy for potent inhibitor discovery with a novel scaffold, implying that it will have a variety of future applications in rational molecular design and drug discovery.
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Network pharmacology and bioinformatics technology were used to predict the mechanism of action of Fuzi-Lizhong pill (FLP) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). 26 components (23 prototype compounds and 3 metabolites) in the blood of FLP were selected as the research objects. PharmMapper database, SwissTargetPrediction platform, GeneCards and OMIM database were used to screen and predict potential targets of FLP in blood. The protein-protein interaction network model was constructed by using String database and Cytoscape software. DAVID platform, KEGG and Reactome databases were used for GO analysis and pathway analysis of potential targets. Network of drug ingredients-targets-pathways was constructed by Cytoscape software. AutoDock vina software was used to dock the molecules of the absorbed ingredients of FLP in blood with the key targets. 82 potential targets of FLP for treatment of UC were obtained. Potential targets mainly involve biological processes such as response to organic substance, regulation of apoptosis, regulation of programmed cell death, which played roles in the treatment of UC by adjusting pathways in cancer, Colorectal cancer, Vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway, Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, arachidonic acid metabolism and the other signal pathways. From the perspective of network pharmacology, this study predicted the mechanisms of action of FLP in treating UC, indicating that FLP in treating UC had the characteristics of multiple ingredients, multiple targets and multiple pathways, which laid a foundation for further research.
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Optimization efforts were devoted to discover novel PDE10A inhibitors in order to improve solubility and pharmacokinetics properties for a long-term therapy against pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) starting from the previously synthesized inhibitor
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Objective: To observe the effects of butylphthalide on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Methods: We divided 90 SD rats into sham-operation group, model group, low-dose butylphthalide group, medium-dose butylphthalide group, high-dose butylphthalide group, and ATRA group. Neurological impairment score (NDS) was used to evaluate neurological function. TTC staining was used to calculate the volume of ischemic brain tissue. The xanthine oxidase method was used to detect SOD. The thiobarbituric acid colorimetry was used to detect MDA. ELISA was used to detect IL-6 and TNF-α expressions. The Real-time PCR was used to detect HO-1 gene expression. Western blot was used to detect Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expressions. Results: In low-, medium-, and high-butylphthalide groups, the NDS; volume of ischemic brain tissue; expressions of MDA, IL-6 and TNF-α; 2-△△Ct value of HO-1; protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were lower than those in model group (P<0.05), but SOD expression was higher than that in model group (P<0.05). The NDS; volume of ischemic brain tissue; expressions of MDA, IL-6 and TNF-α; 2-△△Ct value of HO-1; protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 decreased in a dose-depended manner in low-, medium-, and high-butylphthalide groups, and SOD expression was increased in a dose-depended manner (P<0.05). Conclusion: Butylphthalide can play an antioxidant role by up-regulating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, which benefits neuroprotective function in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats.
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Background/Aims@#To investigate an effect of ML204 (an inhibitor of transient receptor potential canonical 4 and 5 [TRPC4/5] channels) on interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and therefore determine whether TRPC4/5 channels act on ICC-generated pacemaker activity. @*Methods@#We enforced whole cell patch clamp analysis, measurements of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to determine the effect of ML204 (10 μM) or englerin A (a selective activator of TRPC4/5 channeles, 10 μM) and the existence of TRPC4/5 in mouse small intestinal ICC. @*Results@#Treatment of ICCs with ML204 or englerin A caused the membrane potentials to depolarize. This depolarization effect of membrane potentials by ML204 in ICCs was observed to be concentration-dependent. After treating Ca 2+ - and Na + -free solutions or flufenamic acid (a non-selective cation channel blocker), the pacemaker potentials in the ICCs were abolished. A specific anoctamin 1 channel blocker did not have any effect on the pacemaker activity in ML204-untreated control cells; however, they blocked ML204-induced pacemaker activity in ICCs. Specific primers designed against TRPC4 and TRPC5 detected the presence of TRPC4/5 in small intestinal ICCs, and the application of ML204 increased raise the frequency of Ca2+ oscillations in ICCs, as assessed using Fluo-4 AM. @*Conclusion@#The results implied that ML204 could not inhibit the pacemaker activity but depolarized the membrane potential of ICCs by regulating intracellular Ca2+oscillations and anoctamin 1 channels.
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome, hypercoagulability, hypertension, and multiorgan dysfunction. Effective antivirals with safe clinical profile are urgently needed to improve the overall prognosis. In an analysis of a randomly collected cohort of 124 patients with COVID-19, we found that hypercoagulability as indicated by elevated concentrations of D-dimers was associated with disease severity. By virtual screening of a U.S. FDA approved drug library, we identified an anticoagulation agent dipyridamole (DIP) , which suppressed SARS-CoV-2 replication . In a proof-of-concept trial involving 31 patients with COVID-19, DIP supplementation was associated with significantly decreased concentrations of D-dimers ( < 0.05), increased lymphocyte and platelet recovery in the circulation, and markedly improved clinical outcomes in comparison to the control patients. In particular, all 8 of the DIP-treated severely ill patients showed remarkable improvement: 7 patients (87.5%) achieved clinical cure and were discharged from the hospitals while the remaining 1 patient (12.5%) was in clinical remission.
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Objective:To analyze and identify the non-medicinal parts in Zanthoxylum nitidum husk by HPLC-LTQ/Orbitrap-MS, and study the antioxidant activity, in order to provide the scientific basis for further research and development of Z. nitidum. Method:Data is collected by HPLC-LTQ/Orbitrap-MS,and high-resolution MS and MS2 spectra of mass spectrogram of chromatographic peaks were analyzed and compared with the literature database. The structure of each chromatographic peak was calculated and confirmed. The anti-oxidative activity of the Z. nitidum husk was studied by DPPH scavenging free radical ability and ABTS free radical scavenging ability. Result:Twenty-five alkaloids were identified from Z. nitidum husk. The main constituents were isoquinoline alkaloids (nitidine,liriodenine,magnocurarine),pyrrolidine alkaloid (allocryptopine,oxymatrine,oxysophocarpine),quinoline alkaloid (magnoflorine,nitidine chloride),and organic amine alkaloids (γ-sanshool). Antioxygenic activity was studied by DPPH scavenging free radical ability and ABTS free radical scavenging ability. The results showed that they were within the measured concentration range, the antioxidant activity increased with the rise of the sample concentration, a good dose dependence was presented. Conclusion:In this paper,the chemical constituents and the activity Z. nitidum husk were studied. Studies have shown a variety of alkaloids, with a good antioxidant activity. This study provides a reference for further research and development of Z. nitidum.
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Objective:Based on the previous studies, to investigate the dissolution behavior of Fuzi Lizhongwan by simultaneously determining the dissolution of benzoylmesaconine, benzoylaconine and benzoylhypaconine in Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata. Method:The simultaneous determination of benzoylmesaconine, benzoylaconine and benzoylhypaconine in Fuzi Lizhongwan was established by HPLC-QQQ-MS. The dissolution amounts of three compositions in 15 batches of Fuzi Lizhongwan from 5 manufacturers at different time points, the cumulative dissolution was calculated and the dissolution curve was drawn. The f2 similarity factor method was adopted to evaluate similarity of dissolution curves of index components in different batches of samples from the same manufacturer, and to evaluate similarity of dissolution curves of samples from different manufacturers based on the same index component. The dissolution model of Fuzi Lizhongwan was concluded by fitting with the dissolution data. Result:When hydrochloric acid solution with pH of 1.2 was used as the dissolution medium, the three alkaloids had the best dissolution effect. The dissolution behavior of three monoester alkaloids in Fuzi Lizhongwan was basically synchronous and the dissolution lasted for 24 h. Three batches of samples from the same manufacturer (manufacturer 1, 3, 4 and 5) appeared to be similar on dissolution behavior, indicating that the dissolution behavior of the majority of samples from different manufacturers was similar. The dissolution behavior of batch 1 sample was different from batch 2 and 3 samples in manufacturer 2, suggesting that the quality of different batches of samples in manufacturer 2 might be different. The fitting results of dissolution data of index components in samples from different manufacturers were consistent, and the Weibull model was the best. Conclusion:Index components in fifteen batches of samples from 5 manufacturers are continuously dissolved within 24 h, indicating that the samples have the characteristics of slow dissolution. The dissolution curves of samples from the same manufacturer are similar to each other, indicating that the quality of different batches of products from most manufacturers is stable. The dissolution behavior of benzoylmesaconine, benzoylaconine and benzoylhypaconine in samples form different manufacturers has some differences, which may be caused by the source of medicinal materials and preparation technology parameters.
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Objective:To explore the correlation of tyrosine phosphatase-1/2 (SHP-1,SHP-2) with indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase(IDO) in maternal fetal interface.Methods: The expression of SHP-1,SHP-2 and IDO were detected by Western blot method and the relationship of the proteins was analysed,in human chorionic villi and decidua tissues of 30 cases of artificial abortion patients.Results:The expression of SHP-1,SHP-2 were positively correlated withthe expression of IDO in human chorionic villi and de-cidua;the expression of SHP-1,SHP-2 and IDO in decidual tissues were higher than those in the villi.Conclusion: Normal physiological state of pregnancy,SHP-1 and SHP-2 may be involved in the regulation of immune tolerance by positive regulation of IDO expression at maternal fetal interface.
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Objective The Improved segmental arch technique can effectively intrude incisors and correct deep overbites. To research its biomechanical characteristics, we reconstruct 3D nonlinear finite element model of mandibular teeth with improved segmen-tal arch, study the biomechanical characteristics and the suitable loading force of intrusion arch. Methods Combined with the re-sults of previous research, we complete the reconstruction of 3D nonlinear finite element model of mandibular teeth with improved seg-mental arch.Then, we set loading force of intrusion arch five conditions from 0.2 N~0.6 N, calculate the movement trend and stress distribution of improved segmental arch. Results In the five conditions of improved segmental arch, lateral incisors and canines in-truded and tipped labially, first molars tipped distally and rotated. In addition, the moment the initial loading force of intrusive arch in-creased, the movement of these teeth increased. However, other teeth did not move clearly. When the initial loading force of improved segment arch was 0.5 N, it can achieve appropriate intrusion of anterior teeth. Conclusion Under an appropriate intrusive force, improved segment arch can effectively intrude incisors and control the extrusion of posterior teeth. It can be used to correct the deep overbites, especially with high mandibular planes, gummy smile or adult stage.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the expressions of ryanodine receptor type 1 (RyR1) and Cav1.3 L-type calcium channel (Cav1.3) in the vaginal smooth muscle cells of castrated rats and investigate the correlation of RyR1 and Cav1.3 with estrogen in female sexual dysfunction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty female SD rats of 8 weeks were randomly divided into Groups A (2-week sham operation), B (4-week sham operation), C (2-week castration) and D (4-week castration). Two and 4 weeks after surgery, the serum estradiol level was determined with the automated immunochemiluminescence system and the expressions of RyR1 and Cav1.3 in the vaginal smooth muscle were detected by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Gray scale ratio was used to represent the mRNA expression levels of RyR1 and Car1.3, and the optical density value to denote their protein expression levels.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Serum estradiol was significantly decreased in Group C ([0.210 +/- 0.026] nmol/L) as compared with A ([0.505 +/- 0.053] nmol/L) (P < 0.01), and so was it in Group D ([0.130 +/- 0.031] nmol/L) in comparison with B ([0.476 +/- 0.058] nmol/L) (P < 0.01). RyR1 and Cav1.3 were expressed in all groups. The mRNA expressions of RyR1 and Cav1.3 were significantly reduced in Group C (0. 680 +/- 0.073 and 0.580 +/- 0.043) as compared with A (0.950 +/- 0.064 and 0.870 +/- 0.019) (P < 0.01), as well as in Group D (0.220 +/- 0.032 and 0.190 +/- 0.020) in comparison with B (0.890 +/- 0.072 and 0.820 +/- 0.021) (P < 0.01). The protein expressions of RyR1 and Cav1.3 were significantly down-regulated in Group C (96.67 +/- 7.75 and 87.97 +/- 6.96) as compared with A (123.69 +/- 10.66 and 106.46 +/- 8.04) (P < 0.01), and so were they in D (86.45 +/- 8.16 and 69.43 +/- 8.30) in comparison with B (109.31 +/- 9.87 and 97.38 +/- 7.56) (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both RyR1 and Cav1.3 were expressed in the vaginal smooth muscle cells of the rats, and estrogen might be involved in the regulation of female sexual reaction by acting on the expressions of RyR1 and Cav1.3.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Rats , Calcium Channels , Metabolism , Estrogens , Blood , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle , Metabolism , Ovariectomy , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel , Metabolism , Vagina , Cell BiologyABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the preventive and therapeutic effect of oral solution of Niao Du Kang (尿毒康) on acute renal tubular necrosis (ATN) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats,and preliminarily approach its mechanisms.Methods The oral solution was composed of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (大黄),Radix Sanguisorbae Offieinalis (地榆),Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (丹参), Radix Astragali seu Hedysari (黄芪),Flos Carthami Tinctorii (红花) and so on.Sixty-four SD male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:normal control group,ATN model group,verapamil treatment group and traditional Chinese medicine,oral solution of Niao Du Kang treatment group,every group having 16 rats.. The ATN model of SD rats was induced by intramuscular injection of 50% glycerin mixed with isotonic saline solution at the back of bilateral lower extremities.After the model was established in each group ,the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN),levels of blood serum creatinine (SCr),renal failure index (RFI) and renal pathological changes were detected at different time points after modeling for 12 and 24 hours,and the therapeutic effect of oral solution of Niao Du Kang was observed.Results After the model establishment, Niao Du Kang oral solution could lower the elevation of blood BUN,SCr,RFI in the model,and compared with the normal control group,there were statistical significances (all P
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'Shuhui527' is a promising restorer line bred by Rice Research Institute of Sichuan Agricultural University in recent years. However, this line is susceptible to Bacterial Blight (BB), which limits its use. The IRBB60, from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), contains dominant genes Xa21 and Xa4 conferring resistance to BB. The objective of this study is to improve the BB resistance of 'Shuhui527' by introgressing Xa21 and Xa4, the two broad-spectrum BB resistance genes, into 'Shuhui527' with IRBB60 as the donor, pTA248 and MP12, linking tightly with Xa21 and Xa4 respectively as DNA markers. BC1 F1 progenies of (Shuhui527 x IRBB60), containing Xa21 and Xa4 identified using PCR screening and with agronomic traits including plant type, grain type and days to heading etc similar to those of 'Shuhui527', were subsequently backcrossed to 'Shuhui527' and self-pollinated to generate BC2 F1 and BC1 F2 . The BC3 F1 and BC3 F2 were subsequently developed using the same approach. Among the 20 BC3 F2 plants, homozygous Xa21 and Xa4,10 plants were the most similar to 'Shuhui527' in the agronomic traits, and were screened using 120 pairs SSR and 100 pairs RAPD markers. Based on the results of the background screening and the performance of the agronomic traits, 5 plants were identified as improved-'Shuhui527' and designated as 527R-5, 527R-6, 527R-8, 527R-9 and 527R-10. The improved-' Shuhui527' lines expressed high resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv . oryzae (Xoo) stains C I - C VII, P1 and P6. The evaluation of the polymorphisms and selection accuracies of pTA248 and MP12 demonstrated that the polymorphisms of the two markers were obvious and co-dominant and the accuracies were more than 97% and 83% respectively, indicating the two markers are good for Xa21 and Xa4 in Molecular Marker-assisted Selection.
Subject(s)
Genes, Plant , Genetics , Physiology , Oryza , Genetics , Microbiology , Plant Diseases , Genetics , Microbiology , Plants, Genetically Modified , Genetics , Microbiology , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Xanthomonas , VirulenceABSTRACT
Objective: To explorate the drug releasing rule in vitro of Maxingshigan Dropping pill and Suppository. Methods: Their dissolution rates in vitro were determined by the rotary basket method, the contents of total alkaloid in ephedra alkaloid in the two preparations were determined by acidic dye colorimetry, and they were used as markers of dissolution.Results:The dissolution quantity in 45 min of Dropping pill reached 100%, whereas that of suppository reached 92.58%. Conclusion: T 50 , T d of the two preparations showed significant difference ( P