Diallyl disulfide augments sensitivity of DJ-1 overexpressed human gastric cells to 5-FU / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate whether diallyl disul-fide (DADS) augments the sensitivity of DJ-1 (protein/ nucleic acid deglycase) overexpressed human gastric SGC7901 cells to 5-FU (5-fluorouracil). Methods The experimental groups include control group, DADS group, VCR (vincristine) group, VCR + DADS group, DJ-1 group, DJ-1 + DADS group. MTT was used to analyze the effect of DADS on 5 -FU (5 -fluorou- racil) induced proliferation inhibition. Flow cytometry was performed to examine the effect of DADS on cell apoptosis. RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluo-rescence were used for determine the effect of DADS on the drug resistance associated gene expression. Results DADS enhanced the proliferation inhibitory effect of 5-FU on DJ-1 overexpressed cells and VCR resistant cells. DADS could induce apoptosis in VCR-resistant cells. DADS downregulated the expression of DJ-1 while inducing apoptosis in DJ-1 overexpressed cells. DJ-1 overexpression upregulated the expression of P-gp (P-glycoprotein), Bcl-2, and XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein), downregulated the expression of caspase-3. DADS decreased the expression of P-gp, Bcl-2, and XIAP, while increased the expression of caspase-3 in DJ-1 overexpressed cells and VCR-resistant cells. Conclusions DADS can augment the sensitivity of DJ-1 overexpressed cells to 5-FU, which is related to its antagonism against DJ-1 mediated upregula- tion of P-gp, Bcl-2, XIAP, and downregulation of caspase-3.

Association of ABCB1 gene polymorphisms rs1128503, rs2032582, rs4148738 with anemia in patients receiving dabigatran after total knee arthroplasty / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Dabigatran is usually prescribed in recommended doses without monitoring of the blood coagulation for the prevention of venous thromboembolism after joint arthroplasty. ABCB1 is a key gene in the metabolism of dabigatran etexilate. Its allele variants are likely to play a pivotal role in the occurrence of hemorrhagic complications.@*METHODS@#The prospective study included 127 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Patients with anemia and coagulation disorders, elevated transaminase and creatinine levels as well as already receiving anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy were excluded from the study. The association of ABCB1 gene polymorphisms rs1128503, rs2032582, rs4148738 with anemia as the outcome of dabigatran therapy was evaluated by single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis with a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay and laboratory blood tests. The beta regression model was used to predict the effect of polymorphisms on the studied laboratory markers. The probability of the type 1 error (p) was less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. BenjaminiHochberg was used to correct for significance levels in multiple hypothesis tests. All calculations were performed using Rprogramming language v3.6.3.@*RESULTS@#For all polymorphisms there was no association with the level of platelets, protein, creatinine, alanine transaminase, prothrombin, international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrinogen. Carriers of rs1128503 (TT) had a significant decrease of hematocrit (p = 0.001), red blood count and hemoglobin (p = 0.015) while receiving dabigatran therapy during the postoperative period compared to the CC, CT. Carriers of rs2032582 (TT) had a significant decrease of hematocrit (p = 0.001), red blood count and hemoglobin (p = 0.006) while receiving dabigatran therapy during the postoperative period compared to the GG, GT phenotypes. These differences were not observed in carriers of rs4148738.@*CONCLUSION@#It might be necessary to reconsider thromboprophylaxis with dabigatran in carriers of rs1128503 (TT) or rs2032582 (TT) polymorphisms in favor of other new oral anticoagulants. The long-term implication of these findings would be the reduction of bleeding complications after total joint arthroplasty.

The reversal effect of albiflorin on multidrug resistance of human ovarian cancer and its mechanism / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the reversal effect of albiflorin(AL)on multidrug resistance of human ovarian cancer and the potential mechanism. Methods The drug resistance reversal effect of AL on SKOV3/DDP cells was detected by CCK-8 kit,and the effect of AL on P-glycoprotein(P-gp)function was detected by flow cytometry. The effects of AL on MYC,WWP1 and ABCB1 in SKOV3/DDP cells were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The MYC-knockdown SKOV3/DDP cell line was constructed by RNA interference technology,and its drug resistance,P-gp function and related gene and protein expression changes were investigated. Results AL had a drug resistance reversal effect on SKOV3/DDP cells and a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on P-gp function. The inhibitory effects of AL 25,50 and 100 μmol·L-1 on ABCB1/P-gp,MYC and WWP1 were gradually enhanced. The inhibitory effect of MYCi975,a MYC inhibitor,on ABCB1/P-gp,MYC and WWP1 was stronger than or equivalent to that of AL 100 μmol·L-1 group. After knockdown of MYC in SKOV3/DDP cells,cell drug resistance,P-gp function,and related gene and protein expression were inhibited. Conclusions The drug resistance reversal effect of AL on SKOV3/DDP cells may be related to the inhibition of P-gp function and the expression of ABCB1/P-gp,MYC and WWP1,which provides an experiment base for the development of AL as a drug resistance reversal agent for the clinical treatment of ovarian cancer.

Salmonella-mediated blood‒brain barrier penetration, tumor homing and tumor microenvironment regulation for enhanced chemo/bacterial glioma therapy

Chemotherapy is an important adjuvant treatment of glioma, while the efficacy is far from satisfactory, due not only to the biological barriers of blood‒brain barrier (BBB) and blood‒tumor barrier (BTB) but also to the intrinsic resistance of glioma cells via multiple survival mechanisms such as up-regulation of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). To address these limitations, we report a bacteria-based drug delivery strategy for BBB/BTB transportation, glioma targeting, and chemo-sensitization. Bacteria selectively colonized into hypoxic tumor region and modulated tumor microenvironment, including macrophages repolarization and neutrophils infiltration. Specifically, tumor migration of neutrophils was employed as hitchhiking delivery of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs/DOX). By virtue of the surface pathogen-associated molecular patterns derived from native bacteria, OMVs/DOX could be selectively recognized by neutrophils, thus facilitating glioma targeted delivery of drug with significantly enhanced tumor accumulation by 18-fold as compared to the classical passive targeting effect. Moreover, the P-gp expression on tumor cells was silenced by bacteria type III secretion effector to sensitize the efficacy of DOX, resulting in complete tumor eradication with 100% survival of all treated mice. In addition, the colonized bacteria were finally cleared by anti-bacterial activity of DOX to minimize the potential infection risk, and cardiotoxicity of DOX was also avoided, achieving excellent compatibility. This work provides an efficient trans-BBB/BTB drug delivery strategy via cell hitchhiking for enhanced glioma therapy.

Effects of hypoxia on the expression and function of P-gp in Caco-2 cells / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Hypoxia can alter the oral bioavailability of drugs, including various substrates (drugs) of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), suggesting that hypoxia may affect the function of P-gp in intestinal epithelial cells. Currently, Caco-2 monolayer model is the classic model for studying the function of intestinal epithelial P-gp. This study combines the Caco-2 monolayer model with hypoxia to investigate the effects of hypoxia on the expression and function of P-gp in Caco-2 cells, which helps to elucidate the mechanism of changes in drug transport on intestinal epithelial cells in high-altitude hypoxia environment.@*METHODS@#Normally cultured Caco-2 cells were cultured in 1% oxygen concentration for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. After the extraction of the membrane proteins, the levels of P-gp were measured by Western blotting. The hypoxia time, with the most significant change of P-gp expression, was selected as the subsequent study condition. After culturing Caco-2 cells in transwell cells for 21 days and establishing a Caco-2 monolayer model, they were divided into a normoxic control group and a hypoxic group. The normoxic control group was continuously cultured in normal condition for 72 h, while the hypoxic group was incubated for 72 h in 1% oxygen concentration. The integrity and polarability of Caco-2 cells monolayer were evaluated by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), apparent permeability (Papp) of lucifer yellow, the activity of alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and microvilli morphology and tight junction structure under transmission electron microscope. Then, the Papp of rhodamine 123 (Rh123), a kind of P-gp specific substrate, was detected and the efflux rate was calculated. The Caco-2 cell monolayer, culturing at plastic flasks, was incubated for 72 h in 1% oxygen concentration, the expression level of P-gp was detected.@*RESULTS@#P-gp was decreased in Caco-2 cells with 1% oxygen concentration, especially the duration of 72 h (P<0.01). In hypoxic group, the TEER of monolayer was more than 400 Ω·cm2, the Papp of lucifer yellow was less than 5×10-7 cm/s, and the ratio of AKP activity between apical side and basal side was greater than 3. The establishment of Caco-2 monolayer model was successful, and hypoxia treatment did not affect the integrity and polarization state of the model. Compared with the normoxic control group, the efflux rate of Rh123 was significantly reduced in Caco-2 cell monolayer of the hypoxic group (P<0.01). Hypoxia reduced the expression of P-gp in Caco-2 cell monolayer (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Hypoxia inhibits P-gp function in Caco-2 cells, which may be related to the decreased P-gp level.

Advances in clinical determinants and mechanisms of calcineurin inhibitor pharmacokinetic disposition in vivo / 中国药理学通报

Tacrolimus and cyclosporine are both calcineurin inhibitors ( CNI) that widely used for immunosuppression and have the characteristics of great intra-and inter-variabilities in phar-macokinetics and pharmacodynamics.CNI undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism and is substrate for cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4, CYP3A5 and P-glycoprotein in intestine and liver.'Hie functions of the enzyme and transporter are determined by complex interactions including gene polymorphisms, induction or inhibition of drugs and endogenous substances ( such as inflam-matory factors).This review summarizes the clinical determinants of CNI treatment variability, including food intake, diarrhea and other intestinal diseases, anemia, hypoproteinemia, hyperlipidemia, liver and kidney disease and combination medications.The underlying mechanisms are also discussed.

Screening potential P-glycoprotein inhibitors by combination of a detergent-free membrane protein extraction with surface plasmon resonance biosensor

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) highly expressed in cancer cells can lead to multidrug resistance (MDR) and the combination of anti-cancer drugs with P-gp inhibitor has been a promising strategy to reverse MDR in cancer treatment. In this study, we established a label-free and detergent-free system combining surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor with styrene maleic acid (SMA) polymer membrane proteins (MPs) stabilization technology to screen potential P-gp inhibitors. First, P-gp was extracted from MCF-7/ADR cells using SMA polymer to form SMA liposomes (SMALPs). Following that, SMALPs were immobilized on an SPR biosensor chip to establish a P-gp inhibitor screening system, and the affinity between P-gp and small molecule ligand was determined. The methodological investigation proved that the screening system had good specificity and stability. Nine P-gp ligands were screened out from 50 natural products, and their affinity constants with P-gp were also determined. The in vitro cell verification experiments demonstrated that tetrandrine, fangchinoline, praeruptorin B, neobaicalein, and icariin could significantly increase the sensitivity of MCF-7/ADR cells to Adriamycin (Adr). Moreover, tetrandrine, praeruptorin B, and neobaicalein could reverse MDR in MCF-7/ADR cells by inhibiting the function of P-gp. This is the first time that SMALPs-based stabilization strategy was applied to SPR analysis system. SMA polymer can retain P-gp in the environment of natural lipid bilayer and thus maintain the correct conformation and physiological functions of P-gp. The developed system can quickly and accurately screen small molecule ligands of complex MPs and obtain affinity between complex MPs and small molecule ligands without protein purification.

Effect of hypoxia on HIF -1 α/MDR1/VEGF expression in gastric cancer cells treated with 5 -fluorouracil / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Fluorouracil chemotherapeutic drugs are the classic treatment drugs of gastric cancer. But the problem of drug resistance severely limits their clinical application. This study aims to investigate whether hypoxia microenvironment affects gastric cancer resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and discuss the changes of gene and proteins directly related to drug resistance under hypoxia condition.@*METHODS@#Gastric cancer cells were treated with 5-FU in hypoxia/normoxic environment, and were divided into a Normoxic+5-FU group and a Hypoxia+5-FU group. The apoptosis assay was conducted by flow cytometry Annexin V/PI double staining. The real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to detect the expression level of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which were related to 5-FU drug-resistance. We analyzed the effect of hypoxia on the treatment of gastric cancer with 5-FU.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the Normoxic+5-FU group, the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells treated with 5-FU in the Hypoxia+5-FU group was significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the expression of apoptosis promoter protein caspase 8 was also decreased. Compared with the the Normoxic+5-FU group, HIF-1α mRNA expression in the Hypoxia+5-FU group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expression levels of MDR1, P-gp and VEGF were also significantly increased (all P<0.05). The increased expression of MDR1, P-gp and VEGF had the same trend with the expression of HIF-1α.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Hypoxia is a direct influencing factor in gastric cancer resistance to 5-FU chemotherapy. Improvement of the local hypoxia microenvironment of gastric cancer may be a new idea for overcoming the resistance to 5-FU in gastric cancer.

Sunitinib induced resistance of endothelial cells by up-regulating P-glycoprotein and PI3K/Akt pathway

Abstract Drug resistance is a crucial obstacle to achieve satisfactory chemotherapeutic effects. Numerous studies have shown that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway plays a significant role in various processes of cellular events and tumor progression, while few studies have focused on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in drug resistance of endothelial cells. The present study aims to explore the relationship of PI3K/Akt signaling and cellular resistance to anticancer drugs in human microvessel endothelial cells (HMEC-1). We established stable sunitinib-resiatant human microvessel endothelial cells (HMEC-su) after long-term exposure to sunitinib (a small-molecule tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor) for 12 months. HMEC-su showed significant alternations of cell morphology and exhibited a 2.32-fold higher IC50 of sunitinib than parental HMEC-1 cells. Expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer-resistance protein (ABCG2) which mediates drug efflux, increased significantly in HMEC-su lines compared with HMEC-1 cells by western blots assay. Our study further demonstrates that LY294002 (blocking the PI3K/Akt pathway) enhances the sensibility of HMEC-su to suntinib and inhibits the gene transcription and protein expression of P-gp, ABCG2 in HMEC-su cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that LY294002 could reverse P-gp and ABCG2 mediated-drug resistance to sunitinib in HMEC-su cells by inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling.

Effect of Notoginseng Total Saponins on Changing Multidrug Resistance in HepG2/ Adriamycin Cells Through ERK/Akt Signaling / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of notoginseng total saponins （TNS） on adriamycin （Adr） resistance in HepG2/Adr cells and the expression and activity of the mechanisms as the modulators of multi-drug resistance， so as to explore the possible mechanism of extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK） and protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathways in reversing the resistance of HepG2/Adr cells mechanism. Method:Effect of TNS on HepG2/Adr cell proliferation was detected by thiazole blue （MTT） method. HepG2/Adr cells were treated with different concentrations （100， 50， 25， 0 mg·L^-1） of TNS and （20 μmol·L^-1） Adr respectively， and a blank group was set. The high-content screening platform was used to detect the accumulation of Adr in HepG2/Adr cells after 40 minutes， 3 hours and 6 hours. Western blot was used to detect the expression of P-glycoprotein /multidrug resistance/ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1（P-gp/MDR1/ABCB1） and other drug resistance-related proteins and the main protein expression of ERK/Akt signaling pathway. The change of MDR1 on cell membranes was observed by laser confocal microscopy. Result:Compared with HepG2 cells， the expression of MDR1 in HepG2/Adr cells was significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the Adr group， the half-inhibitory concentration （IC₅₀） of TNS （25， 50， 100 mg·L^-1） and Adr （20 μmol·L^-1） co-administration group on HepG2/Adr cells <italic>in vitro</italic> significantly reduced （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and the highest reversal multiple was 10 times. Compared with the Adr group， the co-administration group could significantly increase the accumulation of Adr in the cells （<italic>P</italic><0.05） in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the blank group， the co-administration group could significantly reduce MDR1， ABC semitransporter （ABCG2）， multidrug resistance associated protein （MRP1）， ERK， phosphorylated extracellular regulatory protein kinase （p-ERK）， Akt， phosphorylated protein kinase B （p-Akt）， mammals， rapamycin target protein （mTOR） and phosphorylated mammalian rapamycin target protein （p-mTOR） （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， with the same results in the doxorubicin group. Compared with the blank group， there was no significant difference in the distribution and fluorescence intensity of MDR1 on the cell membrane between the Adr group and the notoginseng total saponins （25 mg·L^-1） group. Compared with the blank group and the doxorubicin group， TNS could significantly reduce the distribution of MDR1 on the cell membrane （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:TNS can inhibit the ERK/Akt pathway， reduce the expression of MDR1， and significantly increase the accumulation of doxorubicin in HepG2/Adr cells， which may be one of the mechanisms of notoginseng total saponins in reversing resistance.

Progression on Multifunctional Nanoparticles Interfering with Cell Membrane Transporters-associated Drug Resistance / 中国医学科学院学报

Multi-drug resistance(MDR)refers to the loss of sensitivity of tumor cells to traditional chemotherapeutics agents under the mediation of various mechanisms,resulting in the reduction of chemotherapy efficacy.Current studies suggest that a variety of factors,including cell membrane transporter-mediated efflux of anti-tumor drugs,special microenvironment in tumor tissue,DNA self-repair and anti-apoptotic process,and epithelial-mesenchymal cell transformation,may contribute to the formation of MDR.Cell membrane transporter-mediated drug efflux refers to an increase in the amount of anti-tumor drug pumped out of the cell through the up-regulation of the ATP-binding cassette transporter on tumor cell membrane,which reduces the concentration of the drug in the cell,thus forming MDR.An effective method to inhibit the efflux pump caused by overexpression of membrane transporters plays an important role in overcoming MDR.As a promising drug delivery system,multifunctional nanoparticles have demonstrated many advantages in antitumor therapy.Meanwhile,nanoparticles with tailored design are capable of overcoming MDR when combined with a variety of strategies.This paper described in detail the studies relevant to the use of multifunctional nano-sized drug delivery system combined with different strategies,such as co-delivery of agents,external responsiveness or target modification for intervention with efflux pump in order to reverse MDR.This paper provides reference for the development of nano-sized drug delivery system and the formulation of reversal strategy in the future.

First report of nt230(del4) mutation in the MDR1 gene in German Shepherds in Southern Brazil / Primeiro relato da mutação nt230(del4) no gene MDR1 em Pastores Alemães no Sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT: The P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a transmembrane protein encoded by the MDR1 gene that functions as a biological barrier by extruding toxins and xenobiotics out of cells. The MDR1 gene can carry a mutation called nt230(del4), which is a deletion of four base pairs resulting in the formation of a non-functional protein that may predispose to severe toxicosis, as observed in dogs with sensitivity to ivermectin. Several breeds have been described as carriers of the mutation, including German Shepherds (GS). However, the presence of the mutant allele in this breed has not been described in Brazil. This study aimed to determine the genotypic and allelic frequency of the nt230(del4) mutation in the MDR1 gene in GS from Southern Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 79 GS in the state of Rio Grande do Sul and genotype for the MDR1 gene was performed. Seventy-eight (98.7%) dogs were dominant homozygous genotype (wild) and one (1.3%) was heterozygous. This study showed that there is a low frequency (0.6%) of the mutant allele while the frequency of the wild allele is high (99.4%) in this specific population. This is the first report of the presence of the nt230(del4) mutation in the MDR1 gene in GS in Brazil. This information is important for breeders to prevent dissemination of the mutant allele in the national breeding population and international exchange of animals for breeding; for owners and veterinarians to be aware when dispensing and administering medications for GS dogs in Brazil.

RESUMO: A Glicoproteína-P é uma proteína transmembrana codificada pelo gene MDR1 que atua como uma barreira fisiológica através da extrusão de toxinas e xenobióticos para fora das células. O gene MDR1 pode carregar uma mutação chamada nt230(del4) que é uma deleção de quatro pares de bases, resultando na formação de uma proteína não-funcional que pode predispor à toxicoses graves, como as observadas em cães sensíveis à ivermectina. Diversas raças de cães foram descritas como portadoras da mutação nt230(del4), incluindo Pastores Alemães (PA). Entretanto, a presença do alelo mutante nessa raça não foi descrita em cães no Brasil. O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar a frequência genotípica e alélica da mutação nt230(del4) em PA no sul do Brasil. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 79 PA no estado do Rio Grande do Sul e o genótipo dos cães para o gene MDR1 realizado. Setenta e oito (98.7%) cães foram homozigotos dominantes (selvagem) e um (1.3%) tinha genótipo heterozigoto. A frequência do alelo mutante foi baixa (0.6%), enquanto a frequência do alelo selvagem foi alta (99.4%) nesta população. Este é o primeiro relato da presença desta mutação nt230(del4) no gene MDR1 em PA no Brasil. Esta informação é importante para criadores a fim de prevenir a disseminação do alelo mutante na população de criadores da raça no Brasil e programas internacionais de troca de animais para criação, para tutores e veterinários estarem conscientes quando prescreverem e administrarem medicações para cães PA no Brasil.

Expression of miR-145-5p in colorectal cancer and its relationship with multidrug resistance / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the expression and relationship between miR-145-5p and multidrug resistance gene (MDR1) protein P-glycoprotein(P-gp) in colorectal cancer. Methods SP, Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of P-gp colorectal carcinoma (CRC) in 50 patients and in 30 paracancerous normal tissue patients, the effect of miR-145-5p expression on MDR1 mRNA and P-gp and the correlation between them and clinicopathological features. Results The expression level of miR-145-5p in CRC was significantly lower than that in paracancerous normal tissue, and the expression level of MDR1 mRNA and P-gp was significantly higher than that in paracancerous normal tissue (r=-0. 403, P<0. 01).MiR-145-5p could inhibit the expression of MDR1 mRNA and P-gp in HCT-15 cells(P<0. 05). Conclusion MiR-145-5p plays a regulatory role in the expression of multidrug resistance genes and proteins in colorectal cancer, and is involved in the occurrence, development and multidrug resistance of colorectal cancer.

Potential synergic mechanism of Wutou-Gancao herb-pair by inhibiting efflux transporter P-glycoprotein / 药物分析学报

Wutou-Gancao herb-pair is extensively used to attenuate the toxicity and enhance the efficacy of aconite. In this study, potential synergic mechanism of the herb pair was investigated by utilizing multiple ap-proaches. In silico and in vitro Caco-2 cell models were applied to study the potential binding mode of bioactive ingredients existing in liquorice with P-glycoprotein (P-gp), as well as the inhibition effects on P-gp. Additionally, anti-inflammatory activity of aconitine (AC) combined with active ingredients of liquorice, as well as pharmacokinetic patterns of AC after co-administration was investigated. Anti-inflammatory effect of AC (1 mg/kg) in rats was enhanced in combination with bioactive ingredients of liquorice (10 mg/kg). In the meanwhile, the exposure of AC in vivo was altered, in terms of Cmax and AUC. For instance, the Cmax and AUC were increased to 1.9 and 1.3 folds, respectively, when used in combination with liquiritigenin. The in silico study revealed the potential binding mode with outward facing conformation of P-gp. The resulting data obtained from transport of rhodamine-123 (Rh-123) across Caco-2 cell monolayer further indicated that the function of P-gp was inhibited by chemicals in liquorice. The synergic effect was therefore proposed to be attributed to inhibition of P-gp by liquorice since AC has been demonstrated to be the substrate of P-gp. The resuls revealed that potential synergic mechanism of Wutou-Gancao herb-pair by inhibiting function of key efflux transporter P-gp to enhance the exposure of AC in systematic circulation, and further the anti-inflammatory effect, which helps clarify the compatibility rationale of these two herbs.

Kaempferol in reversing drug resistance of chronic myelogenous leukemia K562/ADM cells and its related mechanism / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective@#To investigate the drug resistance of kaempferol reversed adriamycin (ADM)-resistant K562/ADM cells in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and its related mechanism.@*Methods@#Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method was used to detect the toxicity of ADM on K562 and K562/ADM cells for 24 h. The half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ADM and the drug resistance multiple for 24 h were calculated. MTT method was used to detect the toxicity of kaempferol on K562/ADM cells for 24 h. The 5% inhibitory concentration (IC5) and 10% inhibitory concentration (IC10) of kaempferol for 24 h were calculated to determine the concentration of kaempferol in the subsequent experiments. And the cells untreated by the kaempferol were selected as the control group. The cell inhibition after the treatment of ADM for 24 h of the blank control group and kaempferol intervention group was detected by using MTT method. And then the cell inhibition for 24 h and ADM IC50 for 24 h in the above groups were calculated. The ratio of IC50 in the blank control group and kaempferol group was the reversal drug resistance multiple of kaempferol. The fluorescence intensity of ADM in K562/ADM cells treated by kaempferol was detected by using flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), phosphorylated p38 (p-p38), and total p38 (t-p38) protein in K562/ADM cells after the treatment of kaempferol, the specific inhibitor of p38-MAPK signaling pathway SB202190, and the combination of kaempferol and SB202190.@*Results@#After the treatment of ADM for 24 h, the IC50 value of K562 and K562/ADM cells was (0.9±0.6), (28.1 ±3.5) μg/ml, respectively. The drug resistance multiple of K562/ADM cells on the treatment of ADM for 24 h was 31.16 compared with the K562 cells. MTT method showed that kaempferol inhibited the proliferation of K562/ADM cells in a dose-dependent manner. According to the IC5 and IC10, 0.5 μmol/L and 1.0 μmol/L kaempferol were determined to do the subsequent experiments. After the combined interaction of kaempferol and ADM for 24 h, the ADM IC50 of K562/ADM cells in the blank control group, 0.5 μmol/L kaempferol group and 1.0 μmol/L kaempferol group was (33.7±5.7), (21.4±0.6), (15.9±1.8) μg/ml, respectively (F = 30.85, P < 0.05), and there was a statistical difference of pairwise comparison (both P < 0.05). The reversal drug resistance multiple of K562/ADM cells for 24 h in 0.5 μmol/L kaempferol group and 1.0 μmol/L kaempferol group was 1.58 and 2.12, respectively. Flow cytometry results showed that the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of ADM in the blank control group, 0.5 μmol/L kaempferol group and 1.0 μmol/L kaempferol group was 138.4±8.9, 154.3±2.2, 165.7±4.8, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (F = 161.48, P < 0.05). Compared with the blank control group, after treatment of K562/ADM cells with 0.5 μmol/L and 1.0 μmol/L kaempferol for 24 h, the relative expressions of P-gp, MRP1 and p-p38 protein were decreased in K562/ADM cells (all P < 0.05), but there was no statistical difference in the expression of t-p38 protein (P > 0.05); SB202190 could reduce the relative expressions of P-gp, MRP1 and p-p38 protein (all P < 0.05); after the treatment of SB202190 combined with different concentration of kaempferol, the relative expressions of P-gp, MRP1 and p-p38 protein in K562/ADM cells did not decrease (P > 0.05).@*Conclusions@#Kaempferol can decrease the relative expressions of P-gp and MRP1 in K562/ADM cells by inhibiting p38-MAPK pathway, so as to increase the concentrations of ADM and to reverse the drug resistance of K562/ADM cells.

Effect of α-asarone on the Function and Expression of P-glycoprotein in Rat Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells / 中国医学科学院学报

To investigate the effect of α-asarone on the function and expression of P-glycoprotein(P-gp)in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells(rBMECs). rBMECs were exposed to L-glutamate(100 μmol/L) for 30 mins to induce the overexpression of P-gp/multidrug resistance gene 1a(Mdr1a)on the cell membranes,which mimicked the overexpression of P-gp/Mdr1a in blood brain barrier(BBB) when drug-resistant epilepsy attacked.MTT assay was used to detect the safe range of α-asarone concentration.The model cells were intervened with different concentrations of α-asarone at 12.5,25.0,and 50.0 μg/μl for 24 hours.After the treatment of α-asarone,the expression and the function of P-gp/Mdr1 were measured by Western blotting,real-time PCR,and intracellular rhodamine 123 accumulation assays. The rBMECs,stimulated by glutamine,showed a high expression of P-gp(=1.924,=0.020)/Mdr1a(=1.788,=0.019) compared to the normal rBMECs.The treatment with 25.0(=1.924,=0.025;=1.788,=0.017) and 50.0 μg/μl(=1.924,=0.035;=1.788,=0.026) α-asarone significantly depressed the expression of P-gp/Mdr1a.The treatment with 25.0 and 50.0 μg/μl α-asarone significantly increased intracellular accumulation of Rhodamine 123 by 40% and 60% respectively. α-asarone down-regulates the high expressions of P-gp and Mdr1a mRNA in rBMECs induced by L-glutamate.Moreover and increases intracellular accumulation of rhodamine-123.Thus,α-asarone may reverse drug resistance in P-gp-mediated drug-resistant epilepsy.

P-glycoprotein associated with diabetes mellitus and survival of patients with pancreatic cancer: 8-year follow-up

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has a high prevalence in patients with pancreatic cancer (PaC), but the prognostic value of DM in PaC remains controversial. Alterations of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) contribute to multidrug resistance and intestinal metabolism in a variety of cancer types, which may be implicated in DM development. This study aimed to explore the potential prognostic value of P-gp and CYP3A4 in PaC patients in the context of DM through long-term follow-up. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with PaC admitted at The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Jiangsu, China, from January 2011 to November 2019 and identified two cohorts of adult patients with PaC, including 24 with DM and 24 without DM (non-DM). The baseline clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared. Immunohistochemistry showed that protein expression of P-gp, but not CYP3A, in duodenum tissues was significantly upregulated in PaC patients with DM compared with those without DM. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test showed that the survival of patients with PaC and DM/high expression of P-gp was not significantly reduced compared with that of patients without DM/low expression of P-gp. These findings suggested that P-gp expression levels were different in the DM and non-DM groups of patients with PaC, but DM and duodenal P-gp levels were not associated with the long-term survival of patients with PaC. It appears that the presence of DM or P-gp expression levels may not serve as effective prognostic markers for PaC.

Effectiveness of malabaricone-A in P-glycoprotein over-expressing cancer cell lines

Background: A major impediment in treatment for cancers is resistance to chemotherapy and is primarily attributed to over-expression of efflux pumps. This study aimed to establish the cytotoxicity of malabaricone-A (MAL-A) in P-glycoprotein/multidrug resistance (P-gp/MDR) over-expressing hematopoietic cancer cell lines.Methods: Leukemia and multiple myeloma cell lines were indirectly evaluated for their P-gp/MDR status by examining Calcein-AM fluorescence and cell viability was assessed by the MTS-PMS assay.Results: The fluorescence of calcein was significantly decreased in three cell lines LP-1, RPMI-8226 and CEM-ADR 5000 and reversal with verapamil endorsed their P-gp/MDR activity. The mean IC50 of MAL-A in these MDR+ cell lines (5.40±1.41 to 12.33±0.78 µg/ml) was comparable with the MDR- leukemic (9.72±1.08 to 19.26±0.75 µg/ml) and multiple myeloma cell lines (9.65±0.39 to 18.05±0.17 ?g/ml).Conclusions: Irrespective of their P-gp activity, the cytotoxicity of MAL-A was comparable, making it worthy of future pharmacological consideration in multidrug resistance.

The correlation between the expression of differential drug-resistant proteins and inflammatory cyto-kines in collagen-induced arthritis model / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective We investigated the correlation between inflammatory cytokines and drugresi-stant proteins. Methods Fourteen DBA1 mice were successfully induced by collagen and Freund's adjuvant. According to the scores of synovial pathology, the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) group was divided into mild, moderate-severe groups, another four mice were selected as controls. The mRNA expressions of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) in splenic lymphocyte cells were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The concentrations of inter-leukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, umor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-17 in serum were detected by Cytometric Bead Array (CBA). The correlation between different inflammatory cytokines and these proteins were analyzed, then one of the proteins which were most related with cytokines by immunohisto-chemical (IHC) in the synovium was studied. Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test and spearman analysis. Results ①Compared with normal controls, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum of mild CIA group, moderate-severe CIA group were significantly increased {IL-6 controls: [7.75 (5.14, 9.17) pg/ml];mild CIA: [25.31 (15.15, 29.27) pg/ml]; modeate-severe CIA: [45.03 (38.87, 64.02) pg/ml]. TNF-α: controls: [22.81 (20.84, 28.17) pg/ml]; mild CIA: [45.00(32.76, 58.51) pg/ml]; modeate-severe CIA: [45.00(39.78, 8.95) pg/ml]}(Z=14.383, P<0.05; Z=8.375, P<0.05). Compared with the mild CIA group, the level of IL-6 in serum was significantly increased in the moderate-to-severe CIA group (P<0.05), but there was no signigicant difference in the TNF-α level (P>0.05). ② In the spleen lymphocytes, there was no significant difference in the mRNA expression level of P-gp and BCRP among the groups, but the mRNA expression level of MRP1 was significantly increased (Z=12.634, P<0.05). Compared with the mild CIA group, the MRP1 mRNA in the moderate-severe CIA group was higher, the difference was significant (Z=12.634, P<0.05). There was a correlation between mRNA expression of MRP1 and P-gp (r=0.635, P=0.015). ③ The mRNA expression of MRP1 was positively correlated with IL-6 level (r=0.711, P=0.004). ④ The expression of MRP1 in normal group, low-level IL-6 group and high- IL-6 level group were as follows: [1.08 (0.65, 1.30)], [1.32 (1.08, 1.49)], [2.07 (1.77, 2.22)] respectively.⑤Compared with the controls, the cytoplasm/membrane of the knee and ankle joint synovial tissue in the CIA group was yellowish-brown, which indicated that MRP1 expression was positive. Conclusion In the CIA arthritis model, synovial tissue lesion is not only related to inflammatory cytokines, but also related to MRP1 expression in the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport protein family, and it is proved that IL-6 is highly correlated to MRP1.

Effects of ginkgo biloba extract on learning and memory and protection of hippocampal neurons in rats with vascular dementia / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of ginkgo biloba extracts ( EGb761) on learning and memory and the protective effect on hippocampal neurons in rats with vascular dementia (VD). Meth-ods Ninety rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group,model group and EGb761-treated group, with 30 rats in each group. Rats in each group were examined at 15 days,1 month and 2 months,with 10 rats in each time point. VD model was established by bilateral carotid artery occlusion combinding with injection of sodium nitroprusside. Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory function of rats. The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was observed by immunofluorescence. Western-blot was used to detect the protein expression of P-glycoprotein ( P-GP ), excitatory amino acid transporters 2 ( EAAT2),caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of P-GP and EAAT2 in the hippocampus of rats in each group. Results Compared with sham-operated group,the escape latency (EL) was significantly prolonged at each time point in model group ( sham-operated group:15 days (15. 52±3. 23) s,1 month ( 14. 21 ± 2. 62) s,2 months ( 15. 37 ± 1. 66) s;model group:15 days ( 30. 35 ± 2. 30)s,1 month(40. 78± 3. 55) s, 2 months( 33. 88± 1. 47) s; all P<0. 01). The EL of EGb761-treated group was significantly shorter than that of the model group(EGb761-treated group:15 days(25. 69±2. 44)s, 1 month(20. 78±1. 72)s,2 months(18. 23±1. 67)s,all P<0. 01). Immunofluorescence showed that the ex-pression of GFAP in EGb761-treated group was lower than that of the model group (P<0. 01). Western blot showed that cleaved caspase-3 protein expression in EGb761-treated group at each time point was significant-ly lower than that in the model group (P<0. 01). Western-blot and RT-PCR results showed that the protein and mRNA expression of P-GP and EAAT2 in EGb761-treated group at 15 day and 1 month time points were significant increased than those in the model group (P<0. 01). At 2 month time point,which were lower than those in the model group (P<0. 01). Conclusion EGb761 can improve the learning and memory ability of VD rats,and regulate the protein and mRNA expression of P-GP and EAAT2 in hippocampus of VD rats at different time points (up-regulated in 1 month and down-regulated in 2 month),and down-regulate the ex-pression of cleaved caspase-3 and GFAP at different time points,thereby delaying the brain damage of VD rats and protecting neurons.