Radix Paeoniae Alba attenuates Radix Bupleuri-induced hepatotoxicity by modulating gut microbiota to alleviate the inhibition of saikosaponins on glutathione synthetase / 药物分析学报

Radix Bupleuri(RB)is commonly used to treat depression,but it can also lead to hepatotoxicity after long-term use.In many anti-depression prescriptions,RB is often used in combination with Radix Paeoniae Alba(RPA)as an herb pair.However,whether RPA can alleviate RB-induced hepatotoxicity remain unclear.In this work,the results confirmed that RB had a dose-dependent antidepressant effect,but the optimal antidepressant dose caused hepatotoxicity.Notably,RPA effectively reversed RB-induced hepatotoxicity.Afterward,the mechanism of RB-induced hepatotoxicity was confirmed.The results showed that saiko-saponin A and saikosaponin D could inhibit GSH synthase(GSS)activity in the liver,and further cause liver injury through oxidative stress and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-KB)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)pathway.Furthermore,the mechanisms by which RPA attenuates RB-induced hepatotoxicity were investigated.The results demonstrated that RPA increased the abundance of intestinal bacteria with glycosidase activity,thereby promoting the conversion of saikosaponins to sai-kogenins in vivo.Different from saikosaponin A and saikosaponin D,which are directly combined with GSS as an inhibitor,their deglycosylation conversion products saikogenin F and saikogenin G exhibited no GSS binding activity.Based on this,RPA can alleviate the inhibitory effect of saikosaponins on GSS activity to reshape the liver redox balance and further reverse the RB-induced liver inflammatory response by the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.In conclusion,the present study suggests that promoting the conversion of saikosa-ponins by modulating gut microbiota to attenuate the inhibition of GSS is the potential mechanism by which RPA prevents RB-induced hepatotoxicity.

Erratum: Author correction to 'Protective effects of VMY-2-95 on corticosterone-induced injuries in mice and cellular models' Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 11(2021) 1903-1913

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.03.002.].

Interpretation for Evidence-based Practice Guideline of Medication Therapy of High-dose Methotrexate in China / 中国药房

Evidence-based Practice Guideline of Medication Therapy of High-dose Methotrexate in China was published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in February 2022. The guideline followed the latest definition of clinical practice guideline and the methodology specification for the guideline development of WHO. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment ， Development，and Evaluation （GRADE）approach was applied to rate the quality of evidence and determine the strength of recommendations. Finally ，this guideline presents 28 recommendations covering the whole process of clinical medication of high-dose methotrexate ，involving evaluation prior to administration （liver and renal function ，pleural effusion and ascites ， comedication，genetic testing ），pre-treatment and routine dosing regimen （pretreatment of hydration and alkalization ，urine alkalization，routine dosing regimen ），therapeutic drug monitoring （necessity，method，timing，target concentration ），leucovorin rescue（rescue timing ，rescue regimen ，rescue dose optimization ），and management of toxicities （liver and kidney function monitoring，supportive treatment ，blood purification treatment ）. This article aims to summarize and interpret the recommendations of this guideline ，so as to promote the better promotion and implementation of this guideline and provide comprehensive technical support and suggestions for whole-course individualized administration of high-dose methotrexate in China.

The biology, function, and applications of exosomes in cancer

Exosomes are cell-derived nanovesicles with diameters from 30 to 150 nm, released upon fusion of multivesicular bodies with the cell surface. They can transport nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids for intercellular communication and activate signaling pathways in target cells. In cancers, exosomes may participate in growth and metastasis of tumors by regulating the immune response, blocking the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and promoting angiogenesis. They are also involved in the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Exosomes in liquid biopsies can be used as non-invasive biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis of cancers. Because of their amphipathic structure, exosomes are natural drug delivery vehicles for cancer therapy.

Sinomenine ester derivative inhibits glioblastoma by inducing mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and autophagy by PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK/mTOR pathway

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in the central nervous system is the most lethal advanced glioma and currently there is no effective treatment for it. Studies of sinomenine, an alkaloid from the Chinese medicinal plant,

3--Acetyl-11-keto- -boswellic acid ameliorated aberrant metabolic landscape and inhibited autophagy in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary tumor in the central nervous system, accounting for 12%-15% of all brain tumors. 3--Acetyl-11-keto--boswellic acid (AKBA), one of the most active ingredients of gum resin from Birdw., was reported to inhibit the growth of glioblastoma cells and subcutaneous glioblastoma. However, whether AKBA has antitumor effects on orthotopic glioblastoma and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. An orthotopic mouse model was used to evaluate the anti-glioblastoma effects of AKBA. The effects of AKBA on tumor growth were evaluated using MRI. The effects on the alteration of metabolic landscape were detected by MALDI-MSI. The underlying mechanisms of autophagy reducing by AKBA treatment were determined by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence, respectively. Transmission electron microscope was used to check morphology of cells treated by AKBA. Our results showed that AKBA (100 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the growth of orthotopic U87-MG gliomas. Results from MALDI-MSI showed that AKBA improved the metabolic profile of mice with glioblastoma, while immunoblot assays revealed that AKBA suppressed the expression of ATG5, p62, LC3B, p-ERK/ERK, and P53, and increased the ratio of p-mTOR/mTOR. Taken together, these results suggested that the antitumor effects of AKBA were related to the normalization of aberrant metabolism in the glioblastoma and the inhibition of autophagy. AKBA could be a promising chemotherapy drug for glioblastoma.

Inhibition of FOXO3a/BIM signaling pathway contributes to the protective effect of salvianolic acid A against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Salvianolic acid A (SalA) is an effective compound extracted from traditional Chinese medicine Bunge. The Forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) signaling pathway plays crucial roles in the modulation of ischemia-induced cell apoptosis. However, no information about the regulatory effect of SalA on FoxO3a is available. To explore the anti-cerebral ischemia effect and clarify the therapeutic mechanism of SalA, SH-SY5Y cells and Sprague-Dawley rats were applied, which were exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) and middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) injuries, respectively. The involved pathway was identified using the specific inhibitor LY294002. Results showed that SalA concentration-dependently inhibited OGD/R injury triggered cell viability loss. SalA reduced cerebral infarction, lowered brain edema, improved neurological function, and inhibited neuron apoptosis in MCAO/R rats, which were attenuated by the treatment of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) specific inhibitor LY294002. SalA time- and concentration-dependently upregulated the phosphorylation levels of protein kinase B (AKT) and its downstream protein FOXO3a. Moreover, the nuclear translocation of FOXO3a was inhibited by SalA both and , which was also reversed by LY294002. The above results indicated that SalA fought against ischemia/reperfusion damage at least partially the AKT/FOXO3a/BIM pathway.

Pharmacokinetics of Three Kinds of Mangiferin Polymorphs in Rats / 医药导报

Objective To study the mangiferin absorption process of mangiferin polymorphs in SD rats thus to find out the optimal crystal form and explore the factors that may affect the clinical effects of mangiferin. Methods Each rat was given one of three crystal forms of mangiferin. Plasma concentration of mangiferin were determined by HPLC-MS method. After liquidliquid extraction by ethyl acetate, the chromatographic separation was carried out on an Agilent ZORBAX SB-C18 (2.1 mm× 100 mm,3.5 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol-0.1％ formic acid aqueous solution (30:70) . Mass spectrometry were performed in positive ion mode. Ion mass-to-charge ratio was set at 445 and 447 for mangiferin and, cefuroxime sodium (internal standard) respectivel for quantitive analysis. Results The main pharmacokinetic parameters of mangiferin form II, Ⅴ, Ⅵ were as follows: AUC(0-24 h) were (1323. 27 ± 218. 07) ,(1974. 34 ± 469. 24) ,(1737. 79 ± 623. 06) ng · mL-1 · h, respectively; Cmax were (321.92±85.18) ,(455.83±277.07) ,(319.92±86.07) μg·L-1, respectively; tmax were (0.70±0.45) , (0.50±0.32) ,(0.50± 0.34) h, respectively; t1/2z were (2.78± 1.72) ,(5.29± 2.67) ,(5.31± 2.82) h, respectively. Conclusion The main pharmacokinetic parameters of mangiferin polymorphs in plasma of rats are different, and mangiferin form Ⅴ has the hightest AUC(0-24 h) and Cmax.

Application and Research Progress of Crystal Forms of Dihydropyridine Antihypertensive Drugs / 医药导报

Dihydropyridine (DHP) calcium channel blockers drugs (dipine in drug names) are currently used in the treatment of hypertension clinically. In recent years, with the emergence of generic drugs, it has been found that the drug efficacy is quite different from that of the original drug, and the reason is closely related to the difference in the crystal forms of the oral preparations. This paper reviews the polymorphic phenomenon of some DHP calcium channel blockers in the domestic market, introduces the clinical application and research progress of the DHP drugs, analyzes the differences between different crystal forms of the same drugs. This work may provide references and ideas for the research and development of generic drugs or new crystalline drug of DHP drugs.

Quantitative Detection for Polymorph of Levonorgestrel by Powder X-ray Diffraction / 医药导报

Objective According to the clinical medicinal crystal form———form γ of levonorgestrel, to establish the quantitative analysis method for levonorgestrel form γ by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) . Methods Firstly, single crystal X-ray diffractometry and powder X-ray diffractometry were used to confirm that the prepared levonorgestrel form γ was 100％ polymorphic purity, which provided a standard sample for quantitative analysis by single peak method; then, the standard samples of different quality levonorgestrel form γ for powder X-ray diffraction were weighed, the peak intensity values of characteristic diffraction peaks d = 6.4 , d = 6. 1  and d = 5. 6  of form γ as quantitative parameters selected, a linear relationship between the peak intensity value and the quality of form γ was established; finally, the content of levonorgestrel form γ was quantitatively analyzed. Results The peak intensity values of characteristic diffraction peaks d = 6.4 , d = 6.1  and d = 5.6  of levonorgestrel form γ and the quality showed a good linear relationship.In the range of form γ masses of 5 mg to 50 mg, the regression linear equations wereY = 459.59X+5 536.5, R2 = 0.993 0, Y = 430.03X+6 867.6, R2 = 0.990 5,Y = 615.95X+ 6 209.5, R2 = 0.990 8,respectively. Conclusion The method is simple, rapid, accurate and reliable, it can be used as quality control method for levonorgestrel polymorphs.

Research Progresses on Pharmaceutical Co-crystals of the Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases Treatment Drugs / 医药导报

The pharmaceutical co-crystal has attracted a lot of attention in recent years as a new direction in the research of polymorphism drugs. The research on pharmaceutical co-crystal has scientific significance for improving the solubility, bioavailability and physical or chemical stability of drugs. In this paper, from the perspective of drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases(including five major types: heart failure, hypertension, coronary heart disease and arrhythmia, stroke) , the latest research results of pharmaceutical co-crystal reported in recent years are reviewed, hope to provide reference for the follow-up research and promote the development of pharmaceutical co-crystal in China.

Pharmacokinetic Study of Letrozole Polymorphs in Rats / 医药导报

Objective To study the gastrointestinal absorption process of three letrozole polymorphs in rats, and evaluate the different pharmacokinetics parameters of different polymorphs. Methods A total of 18 SD rats were given the different letrozole polymorphs. Then the high-performance liquid chromatographic method was used for the determination of plasma concentration of letrozole in these SD rats.Finally the pharmacokinetic parameters among the different polymorphs were calculated. Results Cmax of letrozole crystal form I, crystal form II and crystal form III were (9.247± 4.612) ,(23.387± 9.049) and (15.682±1.589) mg·L-1, respectively, and AUC0→t were(198.115±47.014) ,(476.641±125.467) and (271.817±41.068) mg·L-1·h,respectively. Conclusion The different crystal forms of letrozole result in different plasma concentration in SD rats. Crystal form II may be its preponderant polymorphs which deserves further research and development.

Present Situation and Progress of the Research for Polymorphic Chemical Drugs in China / 医药导报

Polymorphism of chemical drugs has become a hot topic in pharmaceutical research at home and abroad. In this review, the phenomena, causes and significance of polymorphism were introduced briefly. The international drug development process and characteristics of the polymorphic drug development in our country were analyzed. Finally, the present situation and development in China was summarized from four aspects including the basic theory, technical methods, intellectual property rights and supervision. This paper can provide a reference for correct understanding the research level of polymorphic drugs in China and clarifying the direction of polymorphic drug research.

Hirshfeld Surface and Structure Analysis of Two Co-crystal of Isonicotinic Acid Hydrazide / 医药导报

Objective Two co-crystals of isonicotinic acid hydrazide(INH)-malonic acid and INH-glutaric acid were prepared.The formation mechanism and intermolecular interaction were studied. Methods Three-dimensional structure of 2 co-crystals were obtained though single crystal X-ray diffraction(SXRD), and intermolecular interaction was analyzed using Hirshfeld surface method. Results INH-malonic acid crystalized in stoichiometric ratio of 1:0.5,while INH-glutaric acid in 1:1.Two co-crystals maintain their stable arrangement in space by hydrogen bond and van der Waals force. Conclusion With the existence of pyridine ring and carbohydrazide group in INH,which mainter-molecular interaction in co-crystal can be directly and clearly revealed by Hirshfeld surface analysis.

Antihyperuricemic effect of mangiferin aglycon derivative J99745 by inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity and urate transporter 1 expression in mice

A mangiferin aglycon derivative J99745 has been identified as a potent xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitor by previous study. This study aimed to evaluate the hypouricemic effects of J99745 in experimental hyperuricemia mice, and explore the underlying mechanisms. Mice were orally administered 600 mg/kg xanthine once daily for 7 days and intraperitoneally injected 250 mg/kg oxonic acid on the 7th day to induce hyperuricemia. Meanwhile, J99745 (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg), allopurinol (20 mg/kg) or benzbromarone (20 mg/kg) were orally administered to mice for 7 days. On the 7th day, uric acid and creatinine in serum and urine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), malondialdehyde (MDA) content and XOD activities in serum and liver were determined. Morphological changes in kidney were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Hepatic XOD, renal urate transporter 1 (URAT1), glucose transporter type 9 (GLUT9), organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) and ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) were detected by Western blot and real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results showed that J99745 at doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg significantly reduced serum urate, and enhanced fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA). H&E staining confirmed that J99745 provided greater nephroprotective effects than allopurinol and benzbromarone. Moreover, serum and hepatic XOD activities and renal URAT1 expression declined in J99745-treated hyperuricemia mice. In consistence with the ability to inhibit XOD, J99745 lowered serum MDA content in hyperuricemia mice. Our results suggest that J99745 exerts urate-lowering effect by inhibiting XOD activity and URAT1 expression, thus representing a promising candidate as an anti-hyperuricemia agent.

Ganglioside GD3 synthase (GD3S), a novel cancer drug target

Gangliosides are a class of important glycosphingolipids containing sialic acid that are widely distributed on the outer surface of cells and are abundantly distributed in brain tissue. Disialoganglioside with three glycosyl groups (GD3) and disialoganglioside with two glycosyl groups (GD2) are markedly increased in pathological conditions such as cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. GD3 and GD2 were found to play important roles in cancers by mediating cell proliferation, migration, invasion, adhesion, angiogenesis and in preventing immunosuppression of tumors. GD3 synthase (GD3S) is the regulatory enzyme of GD3 and GD2 synthesis, and is important in tumorigenesis and the development of cancers. The study of GD3S as a drug target may be of great significance for the discovery of new drugs for cancer treatment. This review will describe the gangliosides and their roles in physiological and pathological conditions; the roles of GD3 and GD2 in cancers; the expression, functions and mechanisms of GD3S, and its potential as a drug target in cancers.

Salvianolic acid A alleviates renal injury in systemic lupus erythematosus induced by pristane in BALB/c mice

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of salvianolic acid A (SAA) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) induced by pristane in BALB/c mice. Lupus mice were established by confirming elevated levels of autoantibodies and IL-6 after intraperitoneal injection of pristane. Mice were then treated with daily oral doses of SAA for 5 months in parallel with mice treated with prednisone and aspirin as positive controls. The levels of autoantibodies were monitored at monthly intervals and nephritic symptoms observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Western blot analysis of renal tissue was also employed. SAA treatment caused a significant reduction in the levels of anti-Sm autoantibodies and reduced renal histopathological changes and pathological effects. SAA treatment also significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of IKK, IB and NFB in renal tissues of lupus mice. In conclusion, the results suggest that SAA alleviates renal injury in pristane-induced SLE in BALB/c mice through inhibition of phosphorylation of IKK, IB and NFB.

Research on Polymorphs of Edaravone / 医药导报

Objective To study polymorphism of the free radical scavenger edaravone and to find the one which has good advantages to the clinical medication. Methods Preparation of four forms of edaravone through kinds of physical or chemical methods. These polymorphs were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction method (SXRD), powder X-ray diffraction method (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry method (DSC), infrared spectrum method (IR) and melting point method (MP);a variety of influence factors experiment were used to research the stability of polymorphs. Solid edaravone in different forms were orally administered to SD rats respectively, the plasma concentration of the drug was determined by HPLC, and the pharmacokinetic characteristic of different forms was compared according to the HPLC results. Results Four forms(form A, form B, form C, form D) and the preparation of pure crystal forms were obtained by crystal screening technology. These polymorphs were identified by PXRD, DSC and IR. The edaravone polymorphs have an influence on the stability and pharmacokinetic. Conclusion Edaravone research provideds a variety of crystal material composition, preparation methods, stability, solubility and pharmacokinetic characteristic, and form A has been proved of good advantage one. This research provides data and technology support for choice of preponderant pharmaceutical polymorphs and drug quality standard improvement.

Research on Polymorphs of Edaravone / 医药导报

Objective To study polymorphism of the free radical scavenger edaravone and to find the one which has good advantages to the clinical medication. Methods Preparation of four forms of edaravone through kinds of physical or chemical methods. These polymorphs were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction method (SXRD), powder X-ray diffraction method (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry method (DSC), infrared spectrum method (IR) and melting point method (MP);a variety of influence factors experiment were used to research the stability of polymorphs. Solid edaravone in different forms were orally administered to SD rats respectively, the plasma concentration of the drug was determined by HPLC, and the pharmacokinetic characteristic of different forms was compared according to the HPLC results. Results Four forms(form A, form B, form C, form D) and the preparation of pure crystal forms were obtained by crystal screening technology. These polymorphs were identified by PXRD, DSC and IR. The edaravone polymorphs have an influence on the stability and pharmacokinetic. Conclusion Edaravone research provideds a variety of crystal material composition, preparation methods, stability, solubility and pharmacokinetic characteristic, and form A has been proved of good advantage one. This research provides data and technology support for choice of preponderant pharmaceutical polymorphs and drug quality standard improvement.