Two types of coumarins-specific enzymes complete the last missing steps in pyran- and furanocoumarins biosynthesis

Pyran- and furanocoumarins are key representatives of tetrahydropyrans and tetrahydrofurans, respectively, exhibiting diverse physiological and medical bioactivities. However, the biosynthetic mechanisms for their core structures remain poorly understood. Here we combined multiomics analyses of biosynthetic enzymes in Peucedanum praeruptorum and in vitro functional verification and identified two types of key enzymes critical for pyran and furan ring biosynthesis in plants. These included three distinct P. praeruptorum prenyltransferases (PpPT1-3) responsible for the prenylation of the simple coumarin skeleton 7 into linear or angular precursors, and two novel CYP450 cyclases (PpDC and PpOC) crucial for the cyclization of the linear/angular precursors into either tetrahydropyran or tetrahydrofuran scaffolds. Biochemical analyses of cyclases indicated that acid/base-assisted epoxide ring opening contributed to the enzyme-catalyzed tetrahydropyran and tetrahydrofuran ring refactoring. The possible acid/base-assisted catalytic mechanisms of the identified cyclases were theoretically investigated and assessed using site-specific mutagenesis. We identified two possible acidic amino acids Glu303 in PpDC and Asp301 in PpOC as vital in the catalytic process. This study provides new enzymatic tools in the epoxide formation/epoxide-opening mediated cascade reaction and exemplifies how plants become chemically diverse in terms of enzyme function and catalytic process.

Ginsenoside Rg1 injection combined with inosine tablets and vitamin B1 for the treatment of primary retinitis pigmentosa / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the effects of ginsenoside Rg1 injection combined with inosine tablets and vitamin B1 on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide(PACAP)and clinical efficacy in primary retinitis pigmentosa.METHODS: A total of 50 patients(100 eyes)with primary retinitis pigmentosa who admitted to the Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from August 2019 to March 2022 were selected as the research object. They were divided into the study group and the control group according to random number table, with 50 eyes in each group. Patients in the control group were treated with inosine tablets and vitamin B1, while patients in the study group were treated with ginsenoside Rg1 injection on the basis of the control group. The expression of BDNF and PACAP in serum, electroretinogram and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)were compared before and after treatment, and the retinal thickness(RT), mean deviation(MD), clinical efficacy and safety indexes were compared between the two groups.RESULTS: There were no differences in the MD of the two groups before treatment(t=1.670, P=0.098), while the MD of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group after treatment(t=3.628, P<0.01). Before treatment, RT with a diameter of 1mm at the circle of macular fovea was compared between the two groups(t=0.108, P=0.914), it was significantly higher than that in the control group after treatment(t=6.125, P<0.01). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the results of dark adaptation of electroretinogram between the two groups(all P>0.05). After treatment, the results of dark adaptation in the study group were significantly better than those in the control group(all P<0.01). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the results of electroretinogram adaptation between the two groups(all P>0.05). After treatment, the results of electroretinogram adaptation in the study group were significantly better than those in the control group(all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in BDNF and PACAP between the two groups before treatment(all P>0.05). BDNF and PACAP in the study group were higher than those of the control group after treatment(all P<0.01). After treatment, no adverse reactions were observed in both groups.CONCLUSION: The treatment of patients with primary retinitis pigmentosa with ginsenoside will improve the retinal function and promote the prognosis of the disease by regulating the expression of BDNF and PACAP, and it is highly safe.

Clinical study of TBX21 and ADCY9 polymorphisms in the development of childhood asthma / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

To investigate the clinical role of T-cell transcription factor (TBX21) and adenylate cyclase 9 antibody (ADCY9) gene polymorphisms in the development of childhood asthma. METHODS: Two hundred Han Chinese wheezing children aged 5 years and younger in Henan region from July 2016 to January 2017 were selected as the study group, and another 100 Han Chinese healthy children aged 5 years and younger in the same period were selected as the control group. Oral mucosal exfoliated cells were collected from both groups, and the genotypes of TBX21 gene rs2240017 polymorphic locus and ADCY9 gene rs2230739 polymorphic locus were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, and the risk level of asthma was assessed based on the test results. The children in the low-risk and high-risk groups were compared in terms of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, API positivity rate and allergic disease incidence, and the correlation between the risk level of asthma-related genetic polymorphisms and serum IgE levels, API and allergic disease incidence was analyzed. All children were followed up until 6 years of age to confirm the diagnosis of asthma, and the incidence of asthma was compared between the low-risk and high-risk groups. Children with asthma were treated with inhaled glucocorticoids and leukotriene receptor antagonists for 3 months, and the control of asthma and the impairment of lung function were compared between the low-risk and high-risk groups. RESULTS: The genotype detection results of rs2240017 polymorphic locus of TBX21 gene and rs2230739 polymorphic locus of ADCY9 gene in the study group compared with those in the control group were statistically significant (P<0.001). The percentages of CC, CT, and TT genotypes of rs2240017 polymorphic locus of TBX21 gene were 19.50%, 56.00%, and 24.50%, respectively, and the percentages of CC, CG, and GG genotypes of rs2230739 polymorphic locus of ADCY9 gene were 86.00%, 10.00%, and 4.00%, respectively, in 200 children with wheezing; serum IgE level, API positivity rate and allergic disease incidence were higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (P< 0.001, <0.001, 0.021, respectively). The degree of risk of asthma-related gene polymorphisms in children with wheezing was positively correlated with serum IgE levels, API positivity, and the incidence of allergic diseases (P<0.001); the incidence of asthma (81.48%) and impaired lung function (74.07%) were higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (4.90%, 3.50%) (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the asthma control rate of children with asthma in the high-risk group (79.55%) compared with the asthma control rate of children with asthma in the low-risk group (100.00%) (P=0.433). CONCLUSION: Gene polymorphisms at rs2240017 locus of TBX21 gene and rs2230739 locus of ADCY9 gene are closely associated with asthma development and impaired lung function in children with wheezing.

Oxidosqualene cyclases in triterpenoids biosynthesis: a review / 生物工程学报

Triterpenoids are one of the most diverse compounds in plant metabolites, and they have a wide variety of physiological activities and are of important economic value. Oxidosqualene cyclases catalyze the cyclization of 2, 3-oxidosqualene to generate different types of sterols and plant triterpenoids, which is of great significance to the structural diversity of natural products. However, the mechanism of the diversified cyclization of 2, 3-oxidosqualene catalyzed by oxidosqualene cyclases remains unclear. This review summarized the research progress of oxidosqualene cyclases from the aspects of catalytic function, molecular evolutionary relationship between genes and proteins, protein structure, molecular simulation and molecular calculations, which may provide a reference for protein engineering and metabolic engineering of triterpene cyclase.

Pharmacology and clinical evaluation of vericiguat in the treatment of heart failure / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

Vericiguat is a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, acting on nitric oxide-soluble guanylate cyclase-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway. Vericiguat can improve the sensitivity soluble guanylate cyclase sensitivity to nitric oxide, stimulate soluble guanylate cyclase without relying on nitric oxide, leading to increased formation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which results in multi-dimensional protection effects for the heart. It provides a new therapeutic approach for patients with heart failure. This review provides an overview of mechanism, preclinical studies, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, drug-drug interactions and limitations of vericiguat.

Progress of pharmacotherapy for heart failure / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

Heart failure is the terminal stage of all kinds of heart diseases. Despite the use of a variety of traditional drug standard treatment, the prognosis is still not ideal, and there is an urgent need for the update and improvement of new drugs and treatment methods. In recent years, angiotensin receptor-enkephalase inhibitors (Sacubitril/Valsartan), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i), soluble guanoside cyclase agonists (Vericiguat) and myocardial myosin activators omecamtiv mecarbil have been developed successively. SGLT2 inhibitors can improve ventricular load, reduce fibrosis and affect myocardial metabolism. sGC agonists play an anti-heart failure role by enhancing l-ARg-No-SGC-CGMP signaling pathway, improving myocardial and vascular function, reversing ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis, slowing ventricular remodeling, and reducing ventricular afterload through systemic and pulmonary vasodilation. In addition, fineridone, a novel salt corticosteroid receptor antagonist, has also been reported in clinical studies in the field of heart failure. Therefore, it is the direction and hope for the development of heart failure in the future to select appropriate drugs for different types of patients with heart failure and carry out individualized treatment according to the optimized process of heart failure.

Research progress in regulating cAMP pathway to prevent and treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中国药理学通报

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)is a “second messenger” that regulates cell signal transduction. Adenylyl cyclases(ACs)and phosphodiesterases(PDEs)can directly regulate cAMP level in cells and then regulate the downstream signaling pathways. Increasing intracellular cAMP level can inhibit inflammation and enhance smooth muscle relaxation, which is an effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). This paper briefly summarizes the signaling pathways regulating cAMP and their mechanisms and related drugs in COPD therapy, hoping to provide references for further research and development of new target drugs which regulate cAMP for the prevention and treatment of COPD.

Research progress on the role of bile salts in ischemic-type biliary lesion after liver transplantation / 器官移植

Ischemic-type biliary lesion (ITBL) refers to biliary tract injury caused by insufficient blood supply of hepatic artery, which is one of the main factors affecting the long-term survival and quality of life of liver transplant recipients. The incidence of ITBL is associated with cold and warm ischemia, acute and chronic rejection, cytomegalovirus infection and the bile effect, etc. The occurrence of ITBL is a complicated process involving with multiple factors and steps. The therapeutic option of ITBL is extremely limited. A large proportion of ITBL patients should undergo repeated liver transplantation. ITBL has become one of the most critical factors preventing further advancement of liver transplantation. Hence, it is of significance to strengthen prevention and explore more effective modalities. Recent studies have found that toxic injury of bile salts plays a central role in ITBL. Active regulation of bile components, regulation of bile acid-related receptor expression and blockage or activation of bile acid-related signaling pathways probably have potentials in the prevention and treatment of ITBL. In this article, the cytotoxicity of bile salts and the mechanism of bicarbonate umbrella in the incidence and progression of ITBL after liver transplantation were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of ITBL.

Vascular interactions of Croton schiedeanus major flavonoids in isolated aortic rings from Wistar rats / Interacciones vasculares de los principales flavonoides de Croton schiedeanus en anillos aislados de aorta de ratas Wistar

Background: Ayanin (3,7,4'-Tri-O-methylquercetin) and 3,7-Di-O-methylquercetin (DMQ) are the main active metabolites isolated by bioguided fractionation from Croton schiedeanus, species known popularly in Colombia as "almizclillo", which has been studied in experimental models in rats, exerting vasodilator and antihypertensive effects. Also, when the effect of these flavonoids was studied separately, important vasodilation was observed. Objective:To evaluate whether flavonoids from Croton schiedeanus have synergistic vasodilator properties when different combinations are used in isolated aorta rings. Methods: Cumulative concentrations of ayanin (10-8 M - 6x10-5 M or 0.01 µM - 60 µM) were assayed in the absence and presence of an increasing concentration of 3,7-Di-O-methylquercetin (DMQ) (10-8 ­ 3x10-5M or 0.01­30 µM) in isolated rings from Wistar rats, pre-contracted with phenylephrine. The concentration-response curve with the maximal effect was compared with that obtained by Croton schiedeanus whole ethanolic extract (10-6 ­ 3x10-4 g/mL). Also, this combination was assayed in the presence of the nitric oxide synthetase inhibitor L-NAME (10-4 M) and the guanylate cyclase inhibitor methylene blue (10-4 M) to assess the role of the NO/cGMP pathway in this interaction. Results: Ayanin and DMQ display a dual interaction in vascular relaxant response: agonism at higher concentration ranges (10-6 ­ 3x10-5 M or 1­30 µM) and antagonism at lower concentration ranges (10-8 ­ 3x10-7 M or 0.01­0.3 µM). The efficacy at the highest concentration was greater than that obtained by the whole extract (Emax: 98.4% vs. 33.9%). This response was decreased but not reverted in the presence of L-NAME and methylene blue. Thus, the vasodilator effect of this combination does not depend entirely on the NO/cGMP cyclic pathway. Conclusion: The combined use of appropriate concentrations of these flavonoids could represent an advantage over Croton schiedeanus whole extract for vasodilator purposes

Antecedentes: Ayanina (3,7,4'-Tri-O-metilquercetina) y 3,7-Di-O-metilquercetina (DMQ) son los principales metabolitos activos aislados mediante fraccionamiento bioguiado, a partir de Croton schiedeanus, especie conocida popularmente en Colombia como "almizclillo", la cual ha sido estudiada en modelos experimentales en ratas, ejerciendo efectos antihipertensivos y vasodilatadores. Además, al estudiar por separado el efecto de los flavonoides, se observó importante vasodilatación. Objetivo:Evaluar si los principales flavonoides de Croton schiedeanus tienen propiedades vasodilatadoras sinérgicas al utilizar diferentes combinaciones de ellos en anillos de aorta aislados. Metodología: Se analizaron concentraciones acumulativas de ayanina (10-8 M - 6x10-5 M o 0,01 µM - 60 µM) en ausencia y en presencia de concentraciones crecientes de DMQ (10-8 M - 3x10-5 M o 0,01 µM ­ 30 µM) en anillos aislados de ratas Wistar, pre-contraídos con fenilefrina. La curva concentración respuesta obtenida con el efecto máximo, fue comparada con la obtenida con el extracto etanólico de Croton schiedeanus (10-6 - 3x10-4 g/mL). Adicionalmente, esta combinación fue ensayada en presencia del inhibidor de óxido nítrico sintetasa L-NAME (10-4 M) y el inhibidor de guanilato ciclasa, azul de metileno (10-4 M) para evaluar el papel de la vía NO/GMPc en esta interacción. Resultados: Ayanina y DMQ muestran una interacción dual en la respuesta vascular relajante: agonismo en el rango más alto (10-6 M ­ 3x10-5 M o 1 µM ­ 30 µM), y antagonismo en el rango más bajo (10-8 M ­ 3x10-7 M o 0.01 µM ­ 0,3 µM). A altas concentraciones, la eficacia de los flavonoides fue mayor que las obtenidas por el extracto completo (Emáx: 98,4% vs 33,9%). Esta respuesta disminuyó, pero no se revirtió en presencia de L-NAME y azul de metileno. Por lo tanto, el efecto vasodilatador de esta combinación no depende enteramente de la vía NO/GMPc. Conclusión: El uso combinado de las concentraciones apropiadas de estos flavonoides podría representar una ventaja sobre el extracto de Croton schiedeanus, con propósitos vasodilatadores

Construction of yeast cell factories for production of azadirachtin precursor tirucalla-7,24-dien-3β-ol / 中国中药杂志

Azadirachtin, as a botanical insecticide, is a highly oxidized limonoid triterpenoid existing in the seeds of Azadirachta indica. However, due to the low content in the seeds, the production of azadirachtin by seed extraction has low yield. Chemical synthesis of azadirachtin is characterized by complex process and low yield. Synthetic biology provides an alternative for the supply of azadirach-tin. In this study, two oxidosqualene cyclases AiOSC1 and MaOSC1 respectively derived from A. indica and Melia azedarach were identified in yeast. A yeast strain producing tirucalla-7,24-dien-3β-ol was constructed by integration of AiOSC1, Arabidopsis thaliana-derived squalene synthase gene(AtAQS2), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived truncated 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase gene(PgtHMGR) into the delta site of yeast. Then, the function of MaCYP71BQ5 was successfully verified in yeast after this gene was introduced into the constructed yeast strain. This study not only laid a foundation for the biosynthesis of tirucalla-7,24-dien-3β-ol, but also provided a chassis cell for the functional identification of cytochrome oxidases(CYP450 s) in azadirachtin biosynthesis pathway.

Clinical Observation of Modified Buzhong Yiqitang Combined with Erxian Decoction in Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Perimenopausal Women / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of the modified Buzhong Yiqitang combined with Erxian decoction in treating stress urinary incontinence （SUI） of perimenopausal women due to spleen and kidney Qi deficiency. Method:One hundred and six patients were randomly divided into a control group （52 cases） and an observation group（54 cases）. Patients in both groups received lifestyle intervention and pelvic floor muscle training （PFMT）. On this basis， patients in the observation group were further treated with the modified Buzhong Yiqitang combined with Erxian decoction， 1 bag/day， while those in the control group were provided with Suoquan pills， 6 g/time， 2 times/day， for eight weeks. Following the international consultation on incontinence questionnaire-short form （ICIQ-SF） scoring before and after treatment， the urodynamic parameters such as maximum urinary flow rate （Q_max）， maximum urethral closure pressure （MUCP）， residual urine volume （RUV）， abdominal pressure leakage point pressure （ALPP）， and bladder capacity （BC） were measured. The number of incontinence episodes per 24 h， the degree of urinary incontinence， the amount of 1 h urine leakage， and the spleen and kidney Qi deficiency syndrome score were recorded before and after treatment. The levels of estradiol （E₂）， follicle stimulating hormone （FSH）， pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide （PACAP）， and vasoactive intestinal peptide （VIP） were measured before and after treatment. Result:The ICIQ-SF sub-scores of the urinary incontinence frequency， severity， and impact on quality of life as well as the total score in the observation group were all lower than those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Q_max， MUCP， ALPP and BC in the observation group were elevated in contrast to those in control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while the RUV declined （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the control group， the observation group exhibited a decreased number of incontinence episodes per 24 h， milder degree of urinary incontinence， reduced amount of 1 h urine leakage， and lower spleen and kidney Qi deficiency syndrome score （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The E₂， PACAP， and VIP in the observation group were up-regulated as compared with those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， whereas the FSH was down-regulated （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The cure and effective rates of the observation group were （29/50） 58.00% and （47/50）94.00%， respectively， significantly better than （18/48）37.50% and （38/48）79.17% of the control group （<italic>χ</italic>²=4.124， <italic>χ</italic>²=4.683， <italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:On the basis of the lifestyle intervention and PFMT， the modified Buzhong Yiqitang combined with Erxian decoction obviously alleviates urinary incontinence， adjusts sex hormones， PACAP and VIP， ameliorates urodynamic parameters， and enhances the quality of life of patients with SUI due to spleen and kidney Qi deficiency. The resulting cure and effective rates are superior to those of the positive control.

Summary Report of Expert Seminar on Clinical Use of Linaclotide / 胃肠病学

Linaclotide is the first secretagogue approved for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in China. A group of experts in digestive diseases was convened to discuss the clinical use of linaclotide in China on June 26, 2021. Experts concluded at the seminar that the clinical efficacy of linaclotide should be comprehensively evaluated based on the improvement of constipation and abdominal symptoms; the clinicians should emphasize the importance to patient satisfaction; and the administration time, dose and duration of linaclotide treatment can be optimized according to the treatment response, lifestyle, severity of symptoms and drug sensitivity. In addition, the experts believed that communication with patients should be strengthened to help them to establish reasonable expectations to the efficacy and optimize the treatment regimen timely according to their feedback.

Identification and functional characterization of 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase genes family in Tripterygium wilfordii / 药学学报

italic>Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. is a valuable medicinal plant, with anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and other pharmacological activities. Triterpenoids are one of the main active components that exert pharmacological effects. However, the content of triterpenoids dominated by triptolide is very low in Tripterygium wilfordii, and the analysis of the biosynthetic pathway of triterpenoids in Tripterygium wilfordii provides an effective new idea for obtaining these compounds. 2,3-Oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) are the key enzyme that catalyzes the formation of triterpene skeleton diversity. Based on the genome and transcriptome data of Tripterygium wilfordii, 16 OSC genes were identified and analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 16 TwOSC proteins could be mainly classified as four groups. They are β-amyrin synthase group, friedelin synthase group, multifunctional amyrin synthase and cycloartenol synthase group. TwOSC6 was successfully cloned. Functional characterization analysis revealed that TwOSC6 can catalyze the formation of α-amyrin and β-amyrin. This indicates that TwOSC6 is a multifunctional amyrin synthase. This provides new gene resources for the diversity of Tripterygium wilfordii triterpenoids, as well as new gene elements for biosynthesis triterpenoids.

Neuroprotective Effects of Brain-Gut Peptides: A Potential Therapy for Parkinson's Disease / 神经科学通报·英文版

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and is typically associated with progressive motor and non-motor dysfunctions. Currently, dopamine replacement therapy is mainly used to relieve the motor symptoms, while its long-term application can lead to various complications and does not cure the disease. Numerous studies have demonstrated that many brain-gut peptides have neuroprotective effects in vivo and in vitro, and may be a promising treatment for PD. In recent years, some progress has been made in studies on the neuroprotective effects of some newly-discovered brain-gut peptides, such as glucagon-like peptide 1, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide, nesfatin-1, and ghrelin. However, there is still no systematic review on the neuroprotective effects common to these peptides. Thus, here we review the neuroprotective effects and the associated mechanisms of these four peptides, as well as other brain-gut peptides related to PD, in the hope of providing new ideas for the treatment of PD and related clinical research.

Association of adenylate cyclase-associated protein 2 expression with histopathology and long-term prognosis of gastric cancer / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To explore association of the expression levels of adenylate cyclase-associated protein 2 (CAP2) in gastric cancer tissues with the histopathology and long-term prognosis of the malignancy.@*METHODS@#This study was conducted among a total of 105 patients with gastric cancer undergoing radical gastrectomy in our hospital between January, 2010 and October, 2013. Immunohistochemistry was used to quantitatively assess the expression of CAP2 in gastric cancer tissues and the adjacent tissues. Based on the median relative expression level of CAP2 of 3.5, the patients were divided into low CAP2 expression group (=52) and high CAP2 expression group (=53). The Cox regression model was used to analyze the effect of CAP2 expression on the 5-year survival rate of the patients, and ROC curve analysis was used to assess the predictive value of CAP2 expression for the patients' long-term survival.@*RESULTS@#Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression levels of CAP2 ( < 0.01) and Ki67 ( < 0.01) were significantly higher in gastric cancer tissues than in the adjacent tissues, and the expression level of CAP2 was positively correlated with Ki67 ( < 0.01), peripheral blood CEA ( < 0.01) and CA19-9 ( < 0.01). The percentages of patients with CEA≥5 μg/L, CA19-9≥37 kU/L, pathological grade of G3-G4, T stage of 3-4, and N stage of 2-3 were significantly higher in patients with high CAP2 expression than in those with low CAP2 expression ( < 0.05). Kaplan- Meier survival analysis showed that the 5-year survival rate was significantly lower in patients with a high CAP2 expression ( < 0.01). A high expression level of CAP2, CEA≥5μg/L, CA19-9≥37 and pathological grades G3-G4 were all independent risk factors for shortened 5-year survival after radical gastrectomy ( < 0.01). With the relative expression level of 3.45 as the cut-off value, the sensitivity of CAP2 was 70.15% for predicting death 5 years after the surgery, with a specificity of 71.05% and an area under the curve of 0.779 ( < 0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#CAP2 is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues in close relation with the tumor progression. CAP2 is an independent risk factor for 5-year survival rate after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer and can be of clinical value in prognostic evaluation of the patients.

The abnormal expression and effects of CD38 positive natural killer cells in rheumatoid arthritis / 中国医师杂志

Objective@#To study the distribution of natural killer (NK) cells and the CD38 positive subpopulations in different tissues in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and the mechanism of CD38 agonist.@*Methods@#The levels of NK cells, CD38 positive subpopulation and NK cell surface chemokine receptors (CXCR3, CCR5), as well as granzyme B and perforin were detected by flow cytometry in peripheral blood and knee synovial fluid. The isolated cells were then cultured in vitro and divided into 3 groups, namely blank control group, IB4 stimulation group (Anti-CD38 mAb), IL-2 and IB4 co-stimulation group. And the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 in culture supernatants was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Liposome CD38-siRNA was transfected into peripheral blood lymphocytes of RA patients, and transfection efficiency was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The effect of CD38 and CD38-siRNA silencing on the expression of phospholipase C-gamma 1 (PLC-γ1) protein in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of RA was detected by Western blot.@*Results@#The expression of CCR5 and CXCR3 in NK cells in peripercal NK cells of RA was significantly higher than that in normal healthy subjects (P<0.05). The two chemokine receptors (CXCR3, CCR5) were mainly expressed in CD38+ NK cell subsets. The levels of granzyme B and perforin in synovial lymphocytes cells were significantly higher than those in peripheral blood lymphocytes (P<0.05). The secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α in synovial and peripheral blood lymphocytes cells existed significant difference only in IL-2 and IB4 co-stimulation group (P<0.05). The levels of PLC-γ1 protein in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of RA patients was significantly decreased than that in the blank control group after the treatment with CD38-siRNA (P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#The synovial NK cells are more lethal than the peripheral NK cells in the RA patients. CD38 might mediate the phosphorylation of intracellular proteins via the Protain kinase C (PKC) pathway. Blocking CD38 molecules can reduce the phosphorylation level of intracellular proteins. CD38 maybe involved in the mechanism of chemotaxis and killing capability of NK cells.

The abnormal expression and effects of CD38 positive natural killer cells in rheumatoid arthritis / 中国医师杂志

Objective To study the distribution of natural killer (NK) cells and the CD38 positive subpopulations in different tissues in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and the mechanism of CD38 agonist.Methods The levels of NK cells,CD38 positive subpopulation and NK cell surface chemokine receptors (CXCR3,CCRS),as well as granzyme B and perforin were detected by flow cytometry in peripheral blood and knee synovial fluid.The isolated cells were then cultured in vitro and divided into 3 groups,namely blank control group,IB4 stimulation group (Anti-CD38 mAb),IL-2 and IB4 co-stimulation group.And the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 in culture supernatants was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Liposome CD38-siRNA was transfected into peripheral blood lymphocytes of RA patients,and transfection efficiency was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).The effect of CD38 and CD38-siRNA silencing on the expression of phospholipase C-gamma 1 (PLC-γ1) protein in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of RA was detected by Western blot.Results The expression of CCR5 and CXCR3 in NK cells in peripercal NK cells of RA was significantly higher than that in normal healthy subjects (P ＜ 0.05).The two chemokine receptors (CXCR3,CCRS) were mainly expressed in CD38 + NK cell subsets.The levels of granzyme B and perforin in synovial lymphocytes cells were significantly higher than those in peripheral blood lymphocytes (P ＜0.05).The secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α in synovial and peripheral blood lymphocytes cells existed significant difference only in IL-2 and IB4 co-stimulation group (P ＜0.05).The levels of PLC-γ1 protein in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of RA patients was significantly decreased than that in the blank control group after the treatment with CD38-siRNA (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The synovial NK cells are more lethal than the peripheral NK cells in the RA patients.CD38 might mediate the phosphorylation of intracellular proteins via the Protain kinase C (PKC) pathway.Blocking CD38 molecules can reduce the phosphorylation level of intracellular proteins.CD38 maybe involved in the mechanism of chemotaxis and killing capability of NK cells.

Estudio de costo-efectividad en hipertensión arterial pulmonar Grupo 1: riociguat y sildenafil / Study of cost-effectiveness in pulmonary arterial hypertension Group 1: riociguat and sildenafil / Estudo de custo-efetividade na hipertensão arterial pulmonar Grupo 1: riociguat e sildenafil

Introducción. En los últimos años se han desarrollado nuevas terapias para el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar (HAP); sin embargo, la adopción de estas conlleva un aumento considerable de los costos por parte de las entidades promotoras de salud. Objetivo. Evaluar la costo-efectividad de riociguat versus sildenafil en monoterapia para pacientes con diagnóstico de HAP del Grupo 1 en las clases funcionales II y III. Materiales y métodos. Se diseñó un modelo de Márkov donde todos los individuos inician en clase funcional II con alguna de las dos terapias evaluadas en monoterapia y tienen como desenlaces principales la progresión a la clase funcional IV y la muerte. Se realizó un análisis probabilístico y determinístico de sensibilidad. Resultados. Se encontró una relación de costo-efectividad de riociguat frente a sildenafil de $529.213.933; sin embargo, en el umbral de aceptabilidad para Colombia este no es costo-efectivo.Conclusión. Se aconseja la implementación de sildenafil como medicamento de primera línea

Introduction: In recent years, new therapies have been developed for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but with considerable increase in costs for health services. Objective: To assess the cost-effectiveness of riociguat versus sildenafil monotherapy for patients diagnosed with Group 1 PAH in functional classes II and III. Materials and methods: A model of Markov was designed. All the individuals in functional class II started one of the two drugs in monotherapy. The main outcomes were the progression to functional class IV or death. A probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analysis was made. Results: A cost-effectiveness relationship of riociguat versus sildenafil of $ 529,213,933 was found. However, at the threshold of acceptability for Colombia, this is not cost-effective.Conclusion: The implementation of sildenafil as a first line medication is advised.

Introdução. Nos últimos anos, novas terapias foram desenvolvidas para o tratamento da hipertensão arterial pulmonar (HAP); a adoção destes leva a um aumento considerável de custos por entidades promotoras da saúde. Objetivo. Avaliar a relação custo-efetividade do tratamento com riociguat versus monoterapia com sildenafil em pacientes com diagnóstico de HAP do Grupo 1 nas classes funcionais II e III. Materiais e métodos. Foi desenhado um modelo de Markov onde todos os indivíduos iniciam na classe funcional II com uma das duas terapias avaliadas em monoterapia e têm como principais desfechos a progressão para classe funcional IV e morte. Uma análise de sensibilidade probabilística e determinística foi realizada. Resultados. Uma relação de custo-efetividade de riociguat ver-sus sildenafil de $ 529.213.933 foi encontrada; No entanto, no limiar de aceitabilidade para a Colômbia, isso não é rentável.Conclusão. Recomenda-se a implementação de sildenafil como medicamento de primeira linha

Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators:research advances / 国际药学研究杂志

The soluble guanylate cyclase (s GC) is a key signal transduction enzyme in the nitric oxide (NO) -sGC-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway, which can be activated by NO and thus catalyzes the conversion of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) into the c GMP. As a second messenger, cGMP modulates the activity of downstream effectors, including the cGMP-dependent protein kinases (cGK), cGMP-dependent phosphodiesterases (PDE) and ion-gated channels, and ultimately participates in the regulation of several physiological functions, including the function of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. sGC stimulators could not only directly stimulate s GC but also synergistically act with NO to increase the sGC enzyme activity, which has shown a great potential to treat various diseases via regulating the NO-s GC-cGMP signaling pathway. Here, we give an overview of NOindependent sGC stimulators in clinical trial.