Anti-amphiphysin antibody-associated paraneoplastic brainstem encephalitis with pruritus and dysphagia as the first symptoms: A case report.

RATIONALE: Anti-amphiphysin antibodies are uncommonly detected in paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes (PNS), especially in patients with small cell lung cancer. Here, we report the first case of anti-amphiphysin antibody-associated PNS with pruritus and dysphagia as the first complaints. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient was a 58-year-old man who sought medical advice with a chief complaint of dysphagia and the lung occupancy. We found that he had developed progressive pruritus several months ago. DIAGNOSES: In the outer basal segment of the right lung lower lobe, PET-CT revealed small occupancies with hypermetabolism. Later, the pathology showed small cell lung cancer. And anti-amphiphysin antibodies were detected in serum. Above all, the patient's symptoms improved significantly after antitumor treatment. Even neither of the 2 cranial enhancement MRIs showed any meaningful imaging signs, the above evidence could confirm the diagnosis of PNS. INTERVENTIONS: The chemotherapy regimen was etoposide 0.1g d1-3+cisplatin 40 mg d1-3 (q3w). Paroxetine 20 mg/day was given to relieve the itching. OUTCOMES: After the treatment, the Watian water swallowing test dropped from grade 5 to grade 1, the intense itching also became tolerable. LESSONS: Clinicians should consider diagnoses other than anxiety states or esophageal cancer in a patient with pruritus and dysphagia, such as PNS.

Discovery of 4-((E)-3,5-dimethoxy-2-((E)-2-nitrovinyl)styryl)aniline derivatives as potent and orally active NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors for colitis.

NLRP3 inflammasome activation plays a key role in a variety of inflammatory diseases as IBD. Here a series of pterostilbene derivatives were designed and synthesized based on previous SAR, leading to discovery of new effective NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors with metabolic stability. Among them, the most effective compound 27 showed high inhibitory efficacy (against IL-1 ß: IC50 = 1.23 µM) and almost no toxicity (against L02: IC50 > 100 µM). Further mechanism studies have shown that compound 27 directly targets the NLRP3 and affects the assembly of inflammasomes to inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. More importantly, in vitro experiments show that compound 27 has a significant therapeutic effect on DSS-induced colitis in mice with good metabolic stability to liver microsomes (t1/2 = 138.6 min). This research encourages the further development of more effective NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors based on this chemical scaffold.

A Review of the Biological Activities of Heterocyclic Compounds Comprising Oxadiazole Moieties.

The oxadiazole core is considered a privileged moiety in many medicinal chemistry applications. The oxadiazole class includes 1,2,3-oxadiazole, 1,2,4-oxadiazole, 1,3,4-oxadiazole, and 1,2,5-oxadiazole. Compounds bearing an oxadiazole ring show a wide range of biological activities, such as anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, and insecticidal properties. Among oxadiazoles, the 1,3,4-oxadiazole has been the most widely explored moiety in medicinal chemistry research. This review is primarily focused on the anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities of compounds containing 1,2,4-oxadiazole, 1,3,4-oxadiazole and 1,2,5-oxadiazole reported in the last five years.

Discovery of Novel Pterostilbene-Based Derivatives as Potent and Orally Active NLRP3 Inflammasome Inhibitors with Inflammatory Activity for Colitis.

Studies have shown that the abnormal activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in a variety of inflammatory-based diseases. In this study, a high content screening model targeting the activation of inflammasome was first established and pterostilbene was discovered as the active scaffold. Based on this finding, total of 50 pterostilbene derivatives were then designed and synthesized. Among them, compound 47 was found to be the best one for inhibiting cell pyroptosis [inhibitory rate (IR) = 73.09% at 10 µM], showing low toxicity and high efficiency [against interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß): half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 0.56 µM]. Further studies showed that compound 47 affected the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasomes by targeting NLRP3. The in vivo biological activity showed that this compound significantly alleviated dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. In general, our study provided a novel lead compound directly targeting the NLRP3 protein, which is worthy of further research and structural optimization.

Discovery of Novel Pterostilbene Derivatives That Might Treat Sepsis by Attenuating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation through Modulation of MAPKs/NF-κB Signaling Pathways.

Sepsis remains one of the most common life-threatening illnesses that is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and usually arises following severe trauma and various septic infections. It is still in urgent need of new effective therapeutic agents, and chances are great that some candidates can be identified that can attenuate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Pterostilbene, which exerts attractive anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, is a homologue of natural polyphenolic derivative of resveratrol. Starting from it, we have made several rounds of rational optimizations. Firstly, based on the strategy of pharmacophore combination, indanone moiety was introduced onto the pterostilbene skeleton to generate a novel series of pterostilbene derivatives (PIF_1-PIF_16) which could possess both anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities for sepsis treatment. Then, all target compounds were subjected to their structure-activity relationships (SAR) screening of anti-inflammatory activity in mouse mononuclear macrophage RAW264.7 cell line, and their cytotoxicities were determined after. Finally, an optimal compound, PIF_9, was identified. It decreased the mRNA levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2). We also found that the anti-inflammatory effects might be contributed by its suppression on the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and MAPKs signaling pathway. Moreover, PIF_9 also demonstrated potent anti-oxidative activity in RAW264.7 macrophages and the sepsis mouse model. Not surprisingly, with the benefits mentioned above, it ameliorated LPS-induced sepsis in C57BL/6J mice and reduced multi-organ toxicity. Taken together, PIF_9 was identified as a potential sepsis solution, targeting inflammation and oxidative stress through modulating MAPKs/NF-κB.

Discovery of Anticancer Agents from 2-Pyrazoline-Based Compounds.

As nitrogen-containing five-membered heterocyclic structural units, the substituted pyrazole derivatives have a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, especially 4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazoles that also commonly known as 2-pyrazolines. Since 2010, considerable studies have been found that the 2-pyrazoline derivatives possess potent anticancer activities. In the present review, it covers the pyrazoline derivatives reported by literature from 2010 till date (2010-2019). This review aims to establish the relationship between the anticancer activities variation and different substituents introduced into a 2-pyrazoline core, which could provide important pharmacophore clues for the discovery of new anticancer agents containing 2-pyrazoline scaffold.

Discovery and Development of Inflammatory Inhibitors from 2-Phenylchromonone (Flavone) Scaffolds.

Flavonoids are compounds based on a 2-phenylchromonone scaffold. Flavonoids can be divided into flavonoids, flavonols, dihydroflavones, anthocyanins, chalcones and diflavones according to the oxidation degree of the central tricarbonyl chain, the connection position of B-ring (2-or 3-position), and whether the tricarbonyl chain forms a ring or not. There are a variety of biological activities about flavonoids, such as anti-inflammatory activity, anti-oxidation and anti-tumor activity, and the antiinflammatory activity is apparent. This paper reviews the anti-inflammatory activities and mechanisms of flavonoids and their derivatives reported in China and abroad from 2011 till date (2011-2020), in order to find a good drug scaffold for the study of anti-inflammatory activities.

Novel phthalide derivatives: Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo.

Phthalide is a promising chemical scaffold and has been proved to show potent anti-inflammatory efficacy. In this study, three series, total of 31 novel phthalide derivatives were designed and synthesized, their anti-inflammatory activities were screened in vitro and in vivo. The anti-inflammatory activity of all the compounds were screened on LPS induced NO production to evaluating their inhibitory effects. Structure-activity relationship has been concluded, and finally 3-((4-((4-fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)(hydroxy)methyl)-5,7-dimethoxyisobenzofuran-1 (3H)-one (compound 9o) was found to be the active one with low toxicity, which showed 95.23% inhibitory rate at 10 µM with IC50 value of 0.76 µM against LPS-induced NO over expression. Preliminary mechanism studies indicated that compound 9o activated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway via accumulation ROS and blocks the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity shown that compound 9o had obvious therapeutic effect against the adjuvant-induced rat arthritis model.

P(NMe2)3 mediated cyclopropanation of α-methylene-ß-lactams for rapid syntheses of spirocyclopropyl ß-lactams.

An expedient cyclopropanation of α-methylene-ß-lactams with α-ketoesters mediated by P(NMe2)3 has been developed. This reaction enables rapid access to a series of functionalized spirocyclopropyl ß-lactams in good yields from bench-stable starting materials under mild conditions. The experimental results indicated that the C3-substituent of the α-methylene-ß-lactam not only significantly impacted the reaction efficiency and stereochemistry but also played a pivotal role in determining the chemoselectivity of the reaction.

Promising Strategies for Overcoming BRAF Inhibitor Resistance Based on Known Resistance Mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: Almost 50% of metastatic melanomas harbor BRAF mutations. Since 2011, BRAF inhibitors have exhibited striking clinical benefits in BRAF-mutant melanoma patients. Unfortunately, their therapeutic effects are often temporary. The resistance mechanisms vary and can be broadly classified as MAPK reactivation-dependent and -independent. Elucidation of these resistance mechanisms provides new insights into strategies for overcoming resistance. Indeed, several alternative treatment strategies, including changes in the mode of administration, combinations of BRAF and MEK inhibitors, and immunotherapy have been verified as beneficial to BRAF inhibitor-resistant melanoma patients. Prospect: In this review, we discuss promising strategies for overcoming drug resistance and highlighting the prospects for discovering strategies to counteract BRAF inhibitor resistance.

Synthesis and in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of novel 4-ferrocenylchroman-2-one derivatives.

A series of novel 4-ferrocenylchroman-2-one derivatives were designed and synthesised to discover potent anti-inflammatory agents for treatment of arthritis. All the target compounds had been screened for their anti-inflammatory activity by evaluating the inhibition effect of LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Among them, 4-ferrocenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[g]chromen-2-one (3h) was found to be the most potent compound in inhibiting the productions of NO with low toxicity. This compound also exhibited significant inhibition of the productions of IL-6 and TNF-α in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Preliminary mechanism studies indicated that compound 3h could inhibit the activation of LPS-induced NF-κB and MAPKs signalling pathways. The in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of this compound was determined in the rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model.

Estrogen Receptor α (ERα)-targeting Compounds and Derivatives: Recent Advances in Structural Modification and Bioactivity.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer suffered by female, and the second highest cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. At present, hormone therapy is still the main treatment route and can be divided into three main categories: selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), selective estrogen receptor downregulators (SERDs), and aromatase inhibitors (AIs). However, breast cancer is difficult to cure even after several rounds of anti-estrogen therapy and most drugs have serious side-effects. Here, we review the literature published over the past five years regarding the isolation and synthesis of analogs and their derivatives.

Novel resveratrol-based flavonol derivatives: Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo.

In order to discover novel anti-inflammatory agents, total thirty-seven new resveratrol-based flavonol derivatives were designed and synthesized. All compounds have been screened for their anti-inflammatory activity by evaluating their inhibition effect of LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Their toxicity was also assessed in vitro. Structure-activity relationships (SARs) have been concluded, and finally 2-(2,4-dimethoxy-6-(4-methoxystyryl)phenyl)-3-hydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one was found to be the most active scaffold with low toxicity. This compound could significantly decrease productions of NO, IL-6 and TNF-α with IC50 values of 1.35, 1.12 and 1.92 µM, respectively in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Preliminary mechanism studies indicated that it could inhibit the expression of TLR4 protein, resulting in activation of the NF-ĸB cell signaling pathway. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of this compound could reduce pulmonary inflammation by mouse model of LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI). We believe these findings would further support studies of rational design of more efficient acute lung injury regulatory inhibitors.

Derivatives and Analogues of Resveratrol: Recent Advances in Structural Modification.

Resveratrol is a non-flavonoid polyphenol containing a terpenoid backbone. It has been intensively studied because of its various promising biological properties, such as anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the medicinal application of resveratrol is constrained by its poor bioavailability and stability. In the past decade, more attention has been focused on making resveratrol derivatives to improve its pharmacological activities and pharmacokinetics. This review covers the literature published over the past 15 years on synthetic analogues of resveratrol. The emphasis is on the chemistry of new compounds and relevant biological activities along with structure-activity relationship. This review aims to provide a scientific and reliable basis for the development of resveratrol-based clinical drugs.

Synthesis and neuroprotective activity of resveratrol-3-n-butylphthalide hybrids / 药学学报

6-Bromo-3-n-butylphthalide was obtained by nitration, reduction and diazotization from carboxybenzaldehyde. Twenty hybrids from substituted styrene and 6-bromo-3-n-butylphthalide were synthesized and the structure was confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and ESI-MS. All compounds were evaluated for neuroprotective activity against OGD/R-induced neurotoxicity in rat cortical neurons by MTT assay. The mechanism of neuroprotection was investigated by Western blot analyses. The results indicated that most of these compounds had a potent neuroprotective activity (All animal experiments were approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine), especially 10h and 10i showed significant effects, which may play a neuroprotective role by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Modification, Biological Evaluation and SAR Studies of Novel 1H-Pyrazol Derivatives Containing N,N'-Disubstituted Urea Moiety as Potential Anti-melanoma Agents.

Malignant melanomas are amongst the most aggressive cancers. BRAF Inhibitors have exhibited therapeutic effects against BRAF-mutant melanoma. In continuation of our earlier studies on anti-melanoma agents based on 1H-pyrazole skeleton, two sets of novel compounds that include 1H-pyrazole-4-amines FA1 - FA13 and corresponding urea derivatives FN1 - FN13 have been synthesized and evaluated for their BRAFV600E inhibitory and antiproliferation activities. Compound FN10 displayed the most potent biological activity against BRAFV600E (IC50 = 0.066 µm) and the A375 human melanoma cell line (GI50 = 0.81 µm), which was comparable to the positive control vemurafenib, and more potent than our previously reported 1H-pyrazole-3-amines and their urea derivatives. The results of SAR studies and molecular docking can guide further optimization and may help to improve potency of these pyrazole-based anti-melanoma agents.

A Review of the Components of Seaweeds as Potential Candidates in Cancer Therapy.

The marine natural products (MNPs) isolated from seaweeds-associated microbial communities have received substantial attention owing to their exceptional nutritional and pharmacology application, such as antiviral, anticancer, antiprotozoal, antifungal, and antibacterial properties and so on. Particularly, there are several MNPs that have been displayed attractive value for the development of novel anticancer agents. This review covers the literature published in the recent 5 years on the novel anticancer MNPs discovered originating from seaweeds, and focused on the chemistry and relative anticancer activities of new MNPs which categorize their source organisms. These seaweed-derived MNPs are categorized based on their origin as brown algae, red algae, cyanobacteria, chlorophyta and others.

Resveratrol-based cinnamic ester hybrids: synthesis, characterization, and anti-inflammatory activity.

Twenty-three novel resveratrol-based cinnamic ester hybrids were designed and synthesized. All the compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity using RAW264.7 cells. Among them, compound D15 was found to be the most potent one in inhibiting NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The further study indicated that compound D15 could suppress expression of proteins iNOS, COX-2, p-p65, and p-IκB LPS-induced. Immunofluorescence further revealed compound D15 could reduce activation p65 in nuclei. All the results indicated that the anti-inflammatory activity of title compound may partly due to its inhibitory effect on the NF-κB signaling pathway.

From monoclonal antibodies to small molecules: the development of inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway.

Cancer immunotherapy has made an extraordinary journey from bench to bedside. Blocking the interactions between programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand, PD-L1, has emerged as a promising immunotherapy for treating cancer. Here, we review the development of drugs targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. We discuss the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) approved or in clinical trials, peptides and patented small molecules developed against this pathway. Such compounds have the potential to treat cancer as well as chronic virological diseases. We also detail PD-1/PD-L1 interactions, an understanding of which will be useful for the rational design of small-molecule therapeutics that disrupt the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. It is likely that more mAbs targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway will be approved for the treatment of a range of cancers. By contrast, it is likely to be more difficult to successfully develop small molecules or peptides and for them to reach the clinic.

Metalloprotein Inhibitors for the Treatment of Human Diseases.

Metalloproteins have attracted momentous attentions for the treatment of many human diseases, including cancer, HIV, hypertension, etc. This article reviews the progresses that have been made in the field of drug development of metalloprotein inhibitors, putting emphasis on the targets of carbonic anhydrase, histone deacetylase, angiotensin converting enzyme, and HIV-1 integrase. Many other important metalloproteins are also briefly discussed. The binding and coordination modes of different marketed metalloprotein inhibitors are stated, providing insights to design novel metal binding groups and further novel inhibitors for metalloproteins.