Label-free target identification for natural products based on proteomics / 药学学报

Target identification and verification of natural products is an important and challenging work in the field of chemical biology. It is also an important job for researchers to apply chemical proteomics technology to biomedicine in order to identify target proteins of natural products. Target identification is critical to understanding its mechanisms and developing natural products as molecular probes and potential therapeutic drugs. Traditional approaches of small molecule target identification based on affinity have been shown to be successful, such as click-chemical probes, radioisotope labeling or photosensitized small-molecule probes. Nevertheless, these technologies require purified candidate target proteins, and modified small molecules with probes or linkers, such as adding agarose beads, biotin labels, fluorescent labeling or photo-affinity labeling. Many structure-activity relationship studies should be performed to ensure that the addition of small molecule labels undisturbed the original biological activity of the small molecules. Unfortunately, all these modifications are likely to alter their biological activity or binding specificity. To overcome the bottleneck of "target recognition", researchers have developed a series of new techniques for unmodified drug target identification. In this article, we reviewed the target identification techniques of natural product without structural modification in order to provide reference for the development of natural products.

The technologies of small molecule ligand-target protein interaction and high throughput ligand screening / 药学学报

The interaction of drug and target protein is a critical part of new drug discovery. It is the premise for drugs to exert therapeutic effects by targeting specific binding sites of target proteins and thereby affecting its pharmacological activity. Currently, a variety of techniques are exploited to detect the interaction between drug ligands and target proteins. For example, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) based on thermodynamics, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance technology, etc. In addition, high-throughput ligand screening technology provides technical convenience for the search of specific ligand, and is a powerful tool to efficiently identify the interaction between drug ligand and target protein. Here, we summarize the detection techniques of interaction between small molecules and target proteins, and discuss the application of high-throughput ligand screening technology in drug research.

Demographic characteristics and associated influencing factors in treated patients with chronic hepatitis B with hypoviremia : a single-center retrospective cross-sectional study / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To investigate the demographic characteristics and clinical influencing factors which associates with the occurrence probability of persistent or intermittent hypoviremia (LLV) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs). Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis was performed on patients with CHB who received outpatient NAs therapy for≥48 ± 2 weeks. According to the serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA load at 48±2 weeks treatment, the study groups were divided into LLV (HBV DNA < 20 IU/ml and < 2 000 IU/ml) and MVR group (sustained virological response, HBV DNA < 20 IU/ml). Demographic characteristics and clinical data at the start of NAs treatment (considered as baseline) were retrospectively collected for both patient groups. The differences in the reduction of HBV DNA load during treatment was compared between the two groups. Correlation and multivariate analysis were further conducted to analyze the associated factors influencing the LLV occurrence. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent samples t-test, c2 test, Spearman analysis, multivariate logistic regression analysis, or area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: A total of 509 cases were enrolled, with 189 and 320 in the LLV and MVR groups, respectively. Compared to patients with MVR group at baseline: (1) the demographics characteristics of patients showed that LLV group was younger in age (39.1 years, P = 0.027), had a stronger family history (60.3%, P = 0.001), 61.9% received ETV treatment, and higher proportion of compensated cirrhosis (20.6%, P = 0.025) at baseline; (2) the serum virological characteristics of patients showed that LLV group had higher HBV DNA load, qHBsAg level, qHBeAg level, HBeAg positive rate, and the proportion of genotype C HBV infection but decreased HBV DNA during treatment (P < 0.001) at baseline; (3) the biochemical characteristics of patients showed that LLV group had lower serum ALT levels (P = 0.007) at baseline; (4) the noninvasive fibrosis markers of patients showed that LLV group were characterized by high aspartate aminotransferase platelet ratio index (APRI) (P = 0.02) and FIB-4 (P = 0.027) at baseline. HBV DNA, qHBsAg and qHBeAg were positively correlated with LLV occurrence (r = 0.559, 0.344, 0.435, respectively), while age and HBV DNA reduction were negatively correlated (r = -0.098, -0.876, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that ETV treatment history, high HBV DNA load at baseline, high qHBsAg level, high qHBeAg level, HBeAg positive, low ALT and HBV DNA level were independent risk factors for patients with CHB who developed LLV with NAs treatment. Multivariate prediction model had a good predictive value for LLV occurrence [AUC 0.922 (95%CI: 0.897 ~ 0.946)]. Conclusion: In this study, 37.1% of CHB patients treated with first-line NAs has LLV. The formation of LLV is influenced by various factors. HBeAg positivity, genotype C HBV infection, high baseline HBV DNA load, high qHBsAg level, high qHBeAg level, high APRI or FIB-4 value, low baseline ALT level, reduced HBV DNA during treatment, concomitant family history, metabolic liver disease history, and age < 40 years old are potential risk factors for developing LLV in patients with CHB during the therapeutic process.

Construction and practice of early clinical research management system based on SaaS / 中华医院管理杂志

The " Internet plus" development approach for early phase clinical study management is of great significance to improve the implementation quality and management effectiveness of clinical trials. In December 2020, a tertiary hospital used the internet platform SaaS mode to build its early clinical study management system, with the design concepts of simplicity, convenience and adaptability. Based on cloud computing and multi-level data flow mode, the system formed a simple and feasible system architecture, real-time follow-up system process and dynamic visual project information through the adaptive design of mobile terminal application link and system user interface, with the advantages of low cost, high flexibility, strong specificity and multi-party interoperability.Since its launched in January 2021, as of May 2022, the system had included 56 early clinical trial projects of the hospital, effectively improving the implementation progress and quality of early clinical trials, strengthening the risk control in the trial, so as to provide reference for the digital development of hospital clinical research.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced penile cancer: an updated evidence / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has shown promising results in patients with locally advanced penile cancer. However, no consensus exists on its applications for locally advanced penile cancer. Thus, it is unclear which kind of chemotherapy regimen is the best choice. Consequently, a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE was performed in March 2021 to assess the efficacy and safety of NAC for the treatment of patients with locally advanced penile cancer. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias in each study. This study synthesized 14 published studies. The study revealed that patients who achieved an objective response to NAC obtained a better survival outcome compared with those who did not achieve an objective response. In addition, the objective response rates (ORRs) and pathological complete response (pCR) rates were 0.57 and 0.11, respectively. The incidence of grade ≥3 toxicity was 0.36. Subgroup analysis found that the ORR and pCR of the taxane-platinum (TP) regimen group performed better than those of the nontaxane-platinum (NTP) regimen group (0.57 vs 0.54 and 0.14 vs 0.07, respectively). Moreover, the TP regimen group had more frequent toxicity than the NTP regimen group (0.41 vs 0.26). However, further studies were warranted to confirm the findings.

Study on the mechanism of Wuzi-Yanzong-Wan-medicated serum interfering with the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in the GC-2 cell induced by atractyloside / 中国天然药物

Wuzi-Yanzong-Wan (WZYZW) is a classic prescription for male infertility. Our previous investigation has demonstrated that it can inhibit sperm apoptosis via affecting mitochondria, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The purpose of the present study was to explore the actions of WZYZW on mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) in mouse spermatocyte cell line (GC-2 cells) opened by atractyloside (ATR). At first, WZYZW-medicated serum was prepared from rats following oral administration of WZYZW for 7 days. GC-2 cells were divided into control group, model group, positive group, as well as 5%, 10%, 15% WZYZW-medicated serum group. Cyclosporine A (CsA) was used as a positive control. 50 μmol·L-1 ATR was added after drugs incubation. Cell viability was assessed using CCK-8. Apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry and TUNEL method. The opening of mPTP and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected by Calcein AM and JC-1 fluorescent probe respectively. The mRNA and protein levels of voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1), cyclophilin D (CypD), adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), cytochrome C (Cyt C), caspase 3, 9 were detected by RT-PCR (real time quantity PCR) and Western blotting respectively. The results demonstrated that mPTP of GC-2 cells was opened after 24 hours of ATR treatment, resulting in decreased MMP and increased apoptosis. Pre-protection with WZYZ-medicated serum and CsA inhibited the opening of mPTP of GC-2 cells induced by ATR associated with increased MMP and decreased apoptosis. Moreover, the results of RT-qPCR and WB suggested that WZYZW-medicated serum could significantly reduce the mRNA and protein levels of VDAC1 and CypD, Caspase-3, 9 and CytC, as well as a increased ratio of Bcl/Bax. However, ANT was not significantly affected. Therefore, these findings indicated that WZYZW inhibited mitochondrial mediated apoptosis by attenuating the opening of mPTP in GC-2 cells. WZYZW-medicated serum inhibited the expressions of VDAC1 and CypD and increased the expression of Bcl-2, which affected the opening of mPTP and exerted protective and anti-apoptotic effects on GC-2 cell induced by ATR.

Sesquiterpenoids from the leaves of Sarcandra glabra / 中国天然药物

Sarglanoids A-F, six new sesquiterpenoids belonging to eudesmane (1-5) and eremophilane (6) types, were isolated from the leaves of Sarcandra glabra, a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compounds 1-2 were rare N-containing eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids. Compound 3 exhibited inhibitory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values at 20.00 ± 1.30 μmol·L-1. These findings provide scientific evidence for sesquiterpenoids as the material foundation of S. glabra.

Research Progress of Immunotherapy Biomarkers for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer / 中国肺癌杂志

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies with the highest morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. In recent years, with the development of immune-oncology research and several therapeutic antibodies have reach the clinic, many breakthroughs have been made in immunotherapy. The advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of NSCLC, but the response and durable clinical benefit are only observed in a small subset of patients. Therefore, strategies to screen the potential beneficial population and improve the efficacy of immunotherapy remain an essential topic. In the current article, the author review the biomarkers that have potential to better predict responders to immunotherapy and to provide ideas for the clinical application of immunotherapy.
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Type B polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols from the roots of Hypericum beanii / 中国天然药物

Two new type B polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) (1 and 2) and a known biogenetic precursor hyperbeanol Q (3) were isolated from the root extract of Hypericum beanii, a medicinal plant widespread in southwest China. Their chemical structures were elucidated by 1D/2D NMR and HRESIMS data analysis, and absolute configurations were determined through detailed electric circular dichroism (ECD) analysis including ECD exciton chirality, Mo

Polyphyllin I promotes cell death via suppressing UPR-mediated CHOP ubiquitination and degradation in non-small cell lung cancer / 中国天然药物

Polyphyllin I (PPI) purified from Polyphyllarhizomes displays puissant cytotoxicity in many kinds of cancers. Several researches investigated its anti-cancer activity. But novel mechanisms are still worth investigation. This study aimed to explore PPI-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as well as the underlying mechanism in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Cell viability or colony-forming was detected by MTT or crystal violet respectively. Cell cycle, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed by flow cytometry. Gene and protein levels were evaluated by qRT-PCR and immunoblotting respectively. Protein interaction was determined by immunoprecipitation or immunofluorescence assay. Gene overexpression or silencing was carried out by transient transfection with plasmids or small interfering RNAs. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used for Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), survival analysis, gene expression statistics or pathway enrichment assay. PPI inhibited the propagation of NSCLC cells, increased non-viable apoptotic cells, arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase, induced ROS levels but failed to decrease mitochondrial membrane potential. High levels of GRP78 indicates poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. PPI selectively suppressed unfolded protein response (UPR)-induced GRP78 expression, subsequently protected CHOP from GRP78-mediated ubiquitination and degradation. We demonstrated that the natural product PPI, obtained from traditional herbal medicine, deserves for further study as a valuable candidate for lead compound in the chemotherapy of NSCLC.

Lignans with (N, N-diethyl)methyl amino group from Buxus rugulosa / 中国天然药物

Buxrugulosides A-E, four lignan glycosides (1-4) and a protocatechuate derivative (5) featuring a rare (N, N-diethyl)methyl amino group at aromatic rings, were obtained from the aerial parts of Buxus rugulosa, which is famous for treating coronary heart disease. Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated by HRMS, 1D and 2D NMR, and by comparing their CD data with previous reports. Compound 1 was a rare sesquilignan, and all of these compounds were the first example of lignans with (N, N-diethyl)methyl amino group.

New oligomeric neolignans from the leaves of Magnolia officinalis var. biloba / 中国天然药物

Six new oligomeric neolignans including two trimeric neolignans (1 and 2) and four dimeric neolignans (3-6) were isolated from the leaves of Magnolia officinalis var. biloba. Their structures were determined based on HR-ESIMS and NMR data, as well as electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compound 1 is formed from two obovatol moieties directly linked to an aromatic ring of the remaining obovatol moiety, which is an unprecedented type of linkage between monomers. All isolates were assessed for their inhibitory effects on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Compounds 1 and 3 showed significantly inhibitory activities with IC

Construction and expression of chimeric antigen receptors targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and programmed cell death ligand-1(PD-L1) / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To construct an expression system of lentivirus vector encoding epidermal growth factor receptor-specific chimeric antigen receptor (EGFR-CAR) and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) antibody.Methods:Human PD-L1-Fc protein was used to immunize BALB/c mice. Cell-fusion and subcloning were performed to screen stable hybridoma strains with high secretion of PD-L1-specific antibodies, which were identified by both ELISA and Western blot. The activity of the antibodies in blocking the binding of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) to PD-L1 was determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Antibody affinity was analyzed by Fortebio Octet96. A single-chain variable fragment (scFv) was further constructed after antibody full-length sequencing and humanization using CDR grafting method. Meanwhile, the genes encoding the light and heavy chain variable regions (VL and VH) were cloned from a hybridoma secreting antibody against human EGFR by 5′ RACE technology to construct scFv gene. The expression of scFv was confirmed using pcDNA3.1 vector. EGFR-CAR containing CD137 intracellular function domain and PD-L1-scFv was ligated using 2A gene. The synthetic single molecule was cloned into pLVX-EF1a-IRES-ZsGreen1 lentivirus expression vector, and then transfected into 293T cells using Lenti-X Packaging Single Shots (VSV-G) to prepare infectious virus. Expression of CAR on cell surface and the soluble form of PD-L1-scFv in the supernatant of transfected 293V cells were detected by FACS and ELISA.Results:A PD-L1 antibody named 11E3 with high ligand-receptor blocking performance was obtained. The humanized antibody showed a stable affinity (2.67×10 -10 mol/L) after directly grafting the mouse CDRs (CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3) to human frameworks. EGFR-scFv was effectively expressed in a form of Fc-fusion. Secretory CAR (CTZ0431-1) and membrane CAR (CTZ0431-2) expression plasmids were constructed using lentivirus vector containing EGFR-CAR and PD-L1-scFv. The infection efficiency in 293V cells was around 10%. EGFR-scFv on the cell membranes and PD-L1-scfv in the culture supernatants were detected after 293V cells were infected with CTZ0431-1. EGFR-scFv and PD-L1-scfv were expressed on the cell membranes of 293V cells infected with CTZ0431-2. The expression rate of CAR in LV-CART46407-1-transfected activated T cells was 39.3%. Conclusions:The lentivirus vectors co-expressing EGFR-CAR with moderate binding affinity and PD-L1-scFv with high binding affinity were successful constructed, which provided an essential tool for investing EGFR- and PD-L1 double targeted CAR-T cell therapy against solid tumor.

Effect of irisin on hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the effect and mechanism of action of irisin on hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats.@*METHODS@#A total of 248 7-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham-operation group, a model group, and low- and high-dose irisin intervention groups (n=62 each). The rats in the model and irisin intervention groups were given hypoxic treatment after right common carotid artery ligation to establish a model of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. Those in the sham-operation group were given the separation of the right common carotid artery without ligation or hypoxic treatment. The rats in the high- and low-dose irisin intervention groups were given intracerebroventricular injection of recombinant irisin polypeptide at a dose of 0.30 µg and 0.15 µg respectively. Those in the model and sham-operation groups were given the injection of an equal volume of PBS. The water maze test was used to compare neurological behaviors between groups. TTC staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining and TUNEL staining were used to observe histopathological changes of the brain. Western blot was used to measure the expression of the apoptosis-related molecules cleaved-caspase-3 (CC3), BCL-2 and BAX.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the sham-operation group, the model group had a significant increase in latency time and a significant reduction in the number of platform crossings (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the high-dose irisin intervention group had a significant reduction in latency time and a significant increase in the number of platform crossings (P<0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, the model group had massive infarction in the right hemisphere, with significant increases in karyopyknosis and karyorrhexis. Compared with the model group, the high-dose irisin intervention group had a smaller infarct area of the right hemisphere, with reductions in karyopyknosis and karyorrhexis. The model group had a significantly higher apoptosis rate of cells in the right cerebral cortex and the hippocampus than the sham-operation group. The high-dose irisin intervention group had a significantly lower apoptosis rate than the model group (P<0.05). At 24 and 48 hours after modeling, the sham-operation group had a significantly lower level of CC3 than the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the high-dose irisin intervention group had a significantly lower level of CC3 and a significantly higher BCL-2/BAX ratio (P<0.05). The low-dose irisin intervention group had similar laboratory markers and histopathological changes of the brain to the model group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Irisin can alleviate hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats in a dose-dependent manner, possibly by reducing cell apoptosis in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus.

Trichilin-type limonoids isolated from the fruits of Trichilia connaroides / 药学学报

Two new trichilin-type limonoids were isolated from the fruits of Trichilia connaroides along with two known limonoids, 3α-deacetylamoorastatin (3) and mesendanins K (4). Their planar structure and relative configuration were elucidated by comprehensive analyses of HR-ESI-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HSQC, HMBC and ROESY data. An antitumor activity assay showed that compounds 1, 2 and known compound 4 had weak cytotoxicity against a human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa).

Current advance in the application of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs in wet age-related macular degeneration / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#Age-related macular degeneration(ARMD)is one of the main causes which lead to irreversible blindness. Wet ARMD, which is featured by choroidal neovascularization(CNV), takes up 90% in ARMD related blind patients. With the increasing population of aged people in China, wet ARMD has become a severe social and medical issues. Currently, management aiming at wet ARMD is the applications of anti-VEGF agents. Anti-VEGF drugs not only postpone the development of CNV, but also preserve the visual function, improve the prognosis, and reduce the incidence of blindness. However, we still need to focus on the non-response during treatment, long-term maintenance, drug resistance, adverse reactions, and economic effectiveness. Here we review the recent clinical medications on wet ARMD.

Expression and role of Pim1 in cultured cortical neurons with oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygen injury / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the expression and effect of Pim1 in primary cortical neurons after hypoxic-ischemic injury.@*METHODS@#Cortical neurons were isolated from 1-day-old C57BL/6 mice and cultured in neurobasal medium. On the 8th day of neuron culture, cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygen (OGD/R) treatment to mimic in vivo hypoxic injury of neurons. Briefly, medium were changed to DMEM medium, and cells were cultured in 1% O for 3 hours and then changed back to normal medium and conditions. Cells were collected at 0 hour, 6 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours after OGD/R. Primary neurons were transfected with Pim1 overexpression plasmid or mock plasmid, and then were exposed to normal conditions or OGD/R treatment. They were named as Pim1 group, control group, OGD/R group and OGD/R+Pim1 group respectively. Real-time PCR was used to detect Pim1 mRNA expression. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of Pim1 and apoptotic related protein cleaved caspase 3 (CC3). TUNEL staining was used to detect cell apoptosis.@*RESULTS@#Real-time PCR and Western blot results showed that Pim1 mRNA and protein were significantly decreased in neurons after OGD/R. They began to decrease at 0 hour after OGD/R, reached to the lowest at 12 hours after OGD/R, and remained at a lower level at 24 hours after OGD/R (P<0.01). Overexpression of Pim1 significantly upregulated the protein level of Pim1. Under OGD/R conditions, the CC3 expression and the apoptosis rate in cells of the Pim1 group were significantly lower than in un-transfected cells (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Hypoxic-ischemic injury may decrease Pim1 expression in neurons. Overexpressed Pim1 may inhibit apoptosis induced by OGD/R.

Advance in Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Predicting Motor Function Outcome after Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can be used to characterize the orientation of water diffusion, and track white matter fiber bundles. The decrease of fractional anisotropy after stroke indicates impairment of structural integrity of fibers, even Wallerian degeneration if serious; in another hand, the increase of fractional anisotropy relates to the more recovery of motor function. The affected/unaffected ratios of fractional anisotropy are more suitable for predicting motor function recovery after stroke. The changes of corticospinal tract in diffusion tensor tractography can also predict the motor outcome in stroke patients.

Advance in Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Predicting Motor Function Outcome after Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can be used to characterize the orientation of water diffusion, and track white matter fiber bundles. The decrease of fractional anisotropy after stroke indicates impairment of structural integrity of fibers, even Wallerian degeneration if serious; in another hand, the increase of fractional anisotropy relates to the more recovery of motor function. The affected/unaffected ratios of fractional anisotropy are more suitable for predicting motor function recovery after stroke. The changes of corticospinal tract in diffusion tensor tractography can also predict the motor outcome in stroke patients.

Withaminimas A-F, six withanolides with potential anti-inflammatory activity from Physalis minima / 中国天然药物

Withaminimas A-F (1-6), six new withaphysalin-type withanolides were isolated from the aerial parts of Physalis minima L.. The structures of these compounds were elucidated through a variety of spectroscopic techniques including HR-MS, NMR, and ECD. Compound 1 belongs to rare 18-norwithanolides, and 2-3 were 13/14-secowithanolides. According to the traditional usage of P. minima, inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccaride-activated RAW264.7 macrophages were evaluated, and compounds 1-4 exhibited significant inhibitory effects with IC values among 3.91-18.46 μmol·L.