A Comprehensive Study of the Association between LEPR Gene rs1137101 Variant and Risk of Digestive System Cancers.

Objective: The leptin receptor, encoded by the LEPR gene, is involved in tumorigenesis. A potential functional variant of LEPR, rs1137101 (Gln223Arg), has been extensively investigated for its contribution to the risk of digestive system (DS) cancers, but results remain conflicting rather than conclusive. Here, we performed a case-control study and subsequent meta-analysis to examine the association between rs1137101 and DS cancer risk. Methods: A total of 1,727 patients with cancer (gastric/liver/colorectal: 460/480/787) and 800 healthy controls were recruited. Genotyping of rs1137101 was conducted using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay and confirmed using Sanger sequencing. Twenty-four eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. Results: After Bonferroni correction, the case-control study revealed that rs1137101 was significantly associated with the risk of liver cancer in the Hubei Chinese population. The meta-analysis suggested that rs1137101 is significantly associated with the risk of overall DS, gastric, and liver cancer in the Chinese population. Conclusion: The LEPR rs1137101 variant may be a genetic biomarker for susceptibility to DS cancers (especially liver and gastric cancer) in the Chinese population.

Two new oleanane triterpenes from Maytenus hookeri.

Two new triterpenes mayteneri A (1), mayteneri B (2), and seven known compounds (3-9) were isolated from stems of Maytenus hookeri Loes. The chemical structures of compounds 1 and 2 were established by 1D, 2D NMR, HRESIMS analysis, and calculating electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The structures of known compounds 3-9 were determined by comparison of their spectral with those reported. Compounds 4-7 showed significant inhibitory activity for NLRP3 inflammasome, with the IC50 values of 2.36-3.44 µM.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals the critical role of chemokine signaling in the anti-atherosclerosis effect of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The process of atherosclerosis (AS) is complicated. Transcriptomics technology can assist in discovering the underlying mechanisms and exploring the key targets of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) against atherosclerosis. AIM: This study aimed to investigate targets and signaling pathways significantly related to AS and the potential intervention targets of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction by transcriptomics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AS models were established by subjecting ApoE-/-mice to an 8-week high-fat diet. Structural changes and plaque formation in the aortic root were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE staining), while Oil Red O staining was employed to visualize lipid deposition within the aortic root plaque. Movat staining and immunohistochemical staining were conducted to examine the components present in the aortic root plaque. Macrophage content within the plaque was observed through immunofluorescence. Additionally, mRNA sequencing was performed on aortic tissues to identify differentially expressed genes. Enrichment analysis was performed using GO and KEGG analysis. Visualization of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was achieved using Cytoscape 3.7.1 and STRING. Western blotting (WB) was employed to assess the protein expression of major differentially expressed genes in the aortic tissue. The drug freeze-dried powder of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction was prepared and the RAW264.7 cells were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to build an in vitro model. Real-time quantitative PCR was employed to measure the mRNA expression of major differential genes. RESULTS: After ApoE-/- mice were fed with an 8-week high-fat diet, observable changes included the thinning of the aortic root wall, the accumulation of foam cells within the plaque, and the formation of cholesterol crystals in the model group. Treatment with Xuefu Zhuyu (XFZY) decoction for 12 weeks significantly reduced the lipid deposition and the number of macrophages (P < 0.05) and significantly increased the collagen content within the plaque (P < 0.01). Enrichment analysis revealed a high enrichment of the Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway and Chemokine signaling pathway. Noteworthy genes involved in this response included Ccl12, Ccl22, Cx3cr1, Ccr7, Ccr2, Tnfrsf25, and Gdf5. Xuefu Zhuyu decoction significantly downregulated the expression of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 (P < 0.05) and upregulated the expression of GDF5 (P < 0.01). Compared with control group, in cell models, the mRNA expressions of Ccl12, Ccl22, and Ccr2 were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Xuefu Zhuyu decoction significantly downregulated the expression of Ccl12, Ccl22, Cx3cr1, Ccr7 and Ccr2 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Xuefu Zhuyu decoction demonstrates effective regulation of plaque components, retarding plaque progression and preserving plaque stability by modulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses. Subsequent transcriptome analysis identified the Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and Chemokine signaling pathway as potential key pathways for the therapeutic effects of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction. This insight not only provides crucial avenues for further exploration into the mechanisms underlying Xuefu Zhuyu decoction but also offers valuable perspectives and hypotheses for enhancing disease prevention and treatment strategies.

RBM15 Knockdown Impairs the Malignancy of Cervical Cancer by Mediating m6A Modification of Decorin.

Cervical cancer (CC) is considered to be the most prevalent female malignancies across the globe and a prime cause of mortality among women. RNA-binding motif protein 15 (RBM15) has been elucidated to participate in tumorigenesis in various cancers by regulating RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation. However, its significance and detailed molecular mechanisms remain uncertain in CC. Using CGA database and qRT-PCR, the RBM15 expression was found to be elevated in CC tissues. After performing EdU, wound healing, Transwell migration, and xenograft tumor assays, RBM15 knockdown inhibited the malignant properties of CC cells along with the tumor development of CC cells in vivo. Moreover, qRT-PCR, MeRIP, and western blotting experiments were also confirmed that decorin (DCN) downregulated in CC was a direct substrate of RBM15 m6A methylation, and RBM15 knockdown could enhance DCN expression in CC cells. The anti-tumor effects of RBM15 knockdown could be abolished by DCN silencing. Overall, RBM15 knockdown lowered the tumorigenesis of CC both in vitro and in vivo, and it does so via mediating m6A modification of DCN mRNA in CC cells.

Asiaticasics A-O, structurally intriguing coumarins from Toddalia asiatica with potential inflammatory inhibitory activity.

Ethyl acetate fraction of Toddalia asiatica was fractionated to yield fifteen previously undescribed prenylated coumarins, asiaticasics A-O (1-15) along with nine (16-24) known derivatives. The structures of these undescribed coumarins were established by spectroscopic analysis and reference data. Biological activity evaluation showed that compound 3 with the IC50 value of 2.830 µM and compound 12 with the IC50 value of 0.682 µM owned anti-inflammatory activity by detecting the rate of lactate dehydrogenase release in pyroptosis J774A.1 cells. The results showed that the expression of Caspase-1 and IL-1ß was decreased in a dose-dependent manner in the compound 12 treatment group, suggesting that compound 12 may reduce pyroptosis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome. To further determine that compound 12 treatment can inhibit macrophage pyroptosis, morphological observation was performed and the results were consistent with the bioactivity evaluation.

The association between blood lipids and cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The study was performed to explore the association between blood lipids and cognitive impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: This study included 336 patients with T2DM. Relevant clinical data including total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B were collected, and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score were used to assess the cognitive function in patients with T2DM. RESULTS: Serum apolipoprotein A1 levels were significantly increased in T2DM patients with cognitive impairment compared with T2DM patients without cognitive impairment (p = 0.017). Serum apolipoprotein A1 levels were significantly negatively correlated with MoCA score (r = - 0.143, p = 0.009) and MMSE score (r = - 0.132, p = 0.016) in patients with T2DM. In multivariable-adjusted regression model, serum apolipoprotein A1 was independently associated with cognitive impairment in patients with T2DM (OR = 5.201, p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Serum apolipoprotein A1 is associated with cognitive impairment in patients with T2DM, but not TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, and apolipoprotein B, indicating that increased serum apolipoprotein A1 may be a risk factor of cognitive impairment in patients with T2DM.

First-in-human study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic target attainment analysis of FL058 alone and in combination with meropenem in healthy subjects.

FL058 is a novel diazabicyclooctane ß-lactamase inhibitor. This first-in-human study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and population pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic target attainment analysis of FL058 alone and in combination with meropenem in healthy subjects. The results showed that the maximum tolerated dose of FL058 was 3,000 mg after single-dose infusion. FL058 in combination with meropenem did not cause any grade 3 or higher adverse event when the dose was escalated up to 1,000 mg/2,000 mg. FL058 exposure PK parameters showed dose proportionality. FL058 was excreted primarily in urine. No significant PK interaction was found between FL058 and meropenem. Population PK model analysis indicated that the PK profiles of FL058 and meropenem were consistent with the two-compartment model. The impact of covariates, creatinine clearance, concomitant use of meropenem, body weight, sex, and FL058 dose, on FL058 exposure was less than 10%. FL058/meropenem combination was safe and well tolerated up to a 1,000-mg/2,000-mg dose in healthy adults. The recommended minimum dose of FL058/meropenem combination was 500 mg/1,000 mg by intravenous infusion over 2 h every 8 h based on target attainment analysis. The good safety, tolerability, and satisfactory PK profiles of FL058 alone and in combination with meropenem in this first-in-human study will support further clinical development of FL058 in combination with meropenem in patients with target infections (ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT05055687, NCT05058118, and NCT05058105).

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, first-in-human phase I study to characterise the safety, pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of 9MW1411 in healthy Chinese subjects.

INTRODUCTION: 9MW1411 is a humanised monoclonal antibody against Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin. The safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and immunogenicity of 9MW1411 should be characterised in humans before further clinical development. METHODS: A single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I clinical study was conducted in humans for the first time. A total of 42 healthy Chinese subjects were randomised to receive a single ascending dose of 9MW1411 (200, 600, 1500, 3000 or 5000 mg) or placebo. Safety, PK parameters and anti-drug antibody (ADA) were analysed. Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) were performed to predict the probability of target attainment (PTA) after single dose IV administration of 1500, 3000 and 5000 mg of 9MW1411. RESULTS: Thirty-four subjects received 9MW1411, completed the study and were included in data analysis. Five cases of drug-related AEs occurred in four subjects. All the adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate. The Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ of 9MW1411 increased with dose after IV administration of 200 to 5000 mg 9MW1411. The mean Cmax increased from 85.40 ± 5.43 to 2082.11 ± 343.10 µg/mL and AUC0-∞ from 29,511.68 ± 5550.91 to 729,985.49 ± 124,932.18 h·µg/mL. The elimination half-life (T1/2) was 19-23 days. 9MW1411 ADA was positive in three subjects. MCS indicated that a single dose of 3000 or 5000 mg 9MW1411 could achieve PTA > 90% for S. aureus. CONCLUSIONS: 9MW1411 has shown a good safety profile in healthy Chinese subjects after a single dose up to 5000 mg. A single dose of 3000 mg 9MW1411 is appropriate for use in subsequent studies.

Pharmacokinetic, Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic, and Safety Investigations of Lefamulin in Healthy Chinese Subjects.

This study aimed to explore the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of oral (PO) and intravenous (IV) lefamulin in healthy Chinese subjects and to evaluate the efficacy of the intravenous administration regimen using pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analysis. This study was a randomized, open-label, single- and multiple-dose, intravenous and oral administration study. PK parameters were calculated, and the probability of target attainment (PTA) and the cumulative fraction of response (CFR) after IV administration of lefamulin 150 mg 1 h q12 h were analyzed with Monte Carlo simulations. Lefamulin exhibited extensive distribution. The mean steady-state AUC0-24 h of 150 mg lefamulin IV and 600 mg lefamulin PO were 10.03 and 13.96 µg·h/mL, respectively. For Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, based on the free-drug AUC over MIC ratio (fAUC/MIC) target of 1-log10 cfu reduction, the PK/PD breakpoints were 0.25 and 0.125 mg/L, respectively. The CFR was over 90% for both types of strains with 95% protein binding rate, suggesting that the regimen was microbiologically effective. Lefamulin was safe and well-tolerated. The PK of lefamulin in healthy Chinese subjects were consistent with that in foreign countries. Lefamulin demonstrated the microbiological effectiveness against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus.

Prognostic significance of the novel nutrition-inflammation marker of lymphocyte-C-reactive protein ratio in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Background: Recent studies indicate that the novel lymphocyte-C-reactive protein ratio (LCR) is strongly associated with the survival of various tumors, but its prognostic value in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is understudied. This study aimed to explore the relationship between LCR and overall survival (OS) in NPC and develop a predictive model. Methods: A total of 841 NPC patients who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) between January 2010 and December 2014 were retrospectively enrolled and randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 589) and a validation cohort (n = 252), and 122 patients between January 2015 and March 2015 were included as an additional validation cohort. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to identify variables associated with OS and construct a predictive nomogram. The predictive accuracy of the nomogram was evaluated and independently validated. Results: The LCR score differentiated NPC patients into two groups with distinct prognoses (HR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.32-0.89, P = 0.014). Multivariate analysis showed that age, T stage, N stage, EBV-DNA status, and LCR score were independently associated with OS, and a predictive nomogram was developed. The nomogram had a good performance for the prediction of OS [C-index = 0.770 (95% CI: 0.675-0.864)]. and outperformed the traditional staging system [C-index = 0.589 (95% CI: 0.385-0.792)]. The results were internally and additionally validated using independent cohorts. Conclusion: The pretreatment LCR could independently predict the overall survival in NPC patients. A novel LCR-based prognostic model of an easy-to-use nomogram was established, and it outperformed the conventional staging system in terms of predictive power. Further external verification remains necessary.

Effect of PTGES3 on the Prognosis and Immune Regulation in Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Background: PTGES3 is upregulated in multiple cancer types and promotes tumorigenesis and progression. However, the clinical outcome and immune regulation of PTGES3 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the expression level and prognostic value of PTGES3 and its correlation with potential immunotherapy in LUAD. Methods: All data were obtained from several databases, including the Cancer Genome Atlas database. Firstly, gene and protein expression of PTGES3 were analyzed using Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), R software, Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC), and Human Protein Atlas (HPA). Thereafter, survival analysis was conducted using the R software, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2), and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. In addition, gene alteration and mutation analyses were conducted using the cBio Cancer Genomics Portal (cBioPortal) and Catalog of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) databases. The molecular mechanisms associated with PTGES3 were assessed via Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), GeneMANIA, GEPIA2, and R software. Lastly, the role of PTGES3 in immune regulation in LUAD was investigated using TIMER, Tumor-Immune System Interaction Database (TISIDB), and SangerBox. Results: The gene and protein expression of PTGES3 were elevated in LUAD tissues and compared to the normal tissues, and the high expression of PTGES3 was correlated with cancer stage and tumor grade. Survival analysis revealed that overexpression of PTGES3 was associated with poor prognosis of LUAD patients. Moreover, gene alteration and mutation analysis revealed the occurrence of several types of PTGES3 gene alterations in LUAD. Moreover, co-expression analysis and cross-analysis revealed that three genes, including CACYBP, HNRNPC, and TCP1, were correlated and interacted with PTGES3. Functional analysis of these genes revealed that PTGES3 was primarily enriched in oocyte meiosis, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways. Furthermore, we found that PTGES3 participated in a complex immune regulation network in LUAD. Conclusion: The current study indicated the crucial role of PTGES3 in LUAD prognosis and immune regulation. Altogether, our results suggested that PTGES3 could serve as a promising therapeutic and prognosis biomarker for the LUAD.

Screening the effective components in treating dampness stagnancy due to spleen deficiency syndrome and elucidating the potential mechanism of Poria water extract.

Poria is an important medicine for inducing diuresis to drain dampness from the middle energizer. However, the specific effective components and the potential mechanism of Poria remain largely unknown. To identify the effective components and the mechanism of Poria water extract (PWE) to treat dampness stagnancy due to spleen deficiency syndrome (DSSD), a rat model of DSSD was established through weight-loaded forced swimming, intragastric ice-water stimulation, humid living environment, and alternate-day fasting for 21 days. After 14 days of treatment with PWE, the results indicated that PWE increased fecal moisture percentage, urine output, D-xylose level and weight; amylase, albumin, and total protein levels; and the swimming time of rats with DSSD to different extents. Eleven highly related components were screened out using the spectrum-effect relationship and LC-MS. Mechanistic studies revealed that PWE significantly increased the expression of serum motilin (MTL), gastrin (GAS), ADCY5/6, p-PKAα/ß/γ cat, and phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein in the stomach, and AQP3 expression in the colon. Moreover, it decreased the levels of serum ADH, the expression of AQP3 and AQP4 in the stomach, AQP1 and AQP3 in the duodenum, and AQP4 in the colon. PWE induced diuresis to drain dampness in rats with DSSD. Eleven main effective components were identified in PWE. They exerted therapeutic effect by regulating the AC-cAMP-AQP signaling pathway in the stomach, MTL and GAS levels in the serum, AQP1 and AQP3 expression in the duodenum, and AQP3 and AQP4 expression in the colon.

Circular RNA circGlis3 protects against islet ß-cell dysfunction and apoptosis in obesity.

Pancreatic ß-cell compensation is a major mechanism in delaying T2DM progression. Here we report the abnormal high expression of circGlis3 in islets of male mice with obesity and serum of people with obesity. Increasing circGlis3 is regulated by Quaking (QKI)-mediated splicing circularization. circGlis3 overexpression enhances insulin secretion and inhibits obesity-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circGlis3 promotes insulin secretion by up-regulating NeuroD1 and Creb1 via sponging miR-124-3p and decreases apoptosis via interacting with the pro-apoptotic factor SCOTIN. The RNA binding protein FUS recruits circGlis3 and collectively assemble abnormal stable cytoplasmic stress granules (SG) in response to cellular stress. These findings highlight a physiological role for circRNAs in ß-cell compensation and indicate that modulation of circGlis3 expression may represent a potential strategy to prevent ß-cell dysfunction and apoptosis after obesity.

Two new compounds from Verbena bonariensis.

Two new compounds verboncin A (1) and verboncin B (4) and 14 known compounds (2-3 and 5-16) were isolated from Verbena bonariensis, and these 14 compounds were first obtained from this plant. Their chemical structures were established by one and two-dimensional NMR and HRESIMS analysis and the results were compared with literature values. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by calculating electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The cytotoxicity of some of the compounds against MCF-7, HCT-116, MDA-MB-231, and SW620 human cancer cell lines were evaluated, in which compound 4 showed negligible cytotoxic activity with an IC50 value of 68.08 ± 0.35 µM against the MCF-7 cell line.

Circulating circular RNA profiles associated with celiac disease seropositivity in children with type 1 diabetes.

Introduction: The frequency of celiac disease autoantibody (CDAb) positivity in type 1 diabetes (T1D) has increased due to unclear mechanisms, including autoimmune injury. Circular ribonucleic acids (circRNAs) participate in autoimmune diseases, but the roles of circRNAs in T1D with CDAbs are currently unknown. This study aimed to determine the frequency of CDAbs in Chinese children with T1D and describe the relationship between CDAbs and circRNAs. Materials and methods: Eighty patients diagnosed with T1D were screened for CDAbs and CD-predisposing genes, and circRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from 47 patients. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was searched for candidate circRNAs in related studies on T1D PBMCs. Data on clinical characteristics (i.e., blood glucose control, residual islet function, and daily insulin dosage) and immunophenotypes (i.e., islet autoantibodies and immune cell subsets) were collected. Results: In total, 35.0% of patients were positive for CDAbs. CD-predisposing genes accounted for 52.5% of the genes, and no significant difference in frequency was found between the CDAb-positive (CDAb+) and CDAb-negative (CDAb-) groups. In addition, among the differentially expressed circRNAs from the GEO database, five highly conserved circRNAs homologous to humans and mice were screened, and only the expression of hsa_circ_0004564 in the CDAb+ group significantly decreased (CDAb+ vs. CDAb-:1.72 ± 1.92 vs. 11.12 ± 8.59, p = 6.0 × 10-6), while the expression of hsa_circ_0004564 was upregulated in the general T1D population. Moreover, its parental gene RAPH1 was significantly upregulated (CDAb+ vs. CDAb-:1.26 ± 0.99 vs. 0.61 ± 0.46, p = 0.011). Importantly, the positive correlation between hsa_circ_0004564 and CD3+ cells was validated in children with T1D after adjustments for CDAbs (p = 0.029), while there were no correlations between hsa_circ_0004564 and clinical characteristics or other immune cell subsets (i.e., CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and natural killer cells). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of screening for CD in Chinese children with T1D, considering the high prevalence of CDAb positivity and CD-predisposing genes. The profile of candidate circRNAs in children with T1D with CDAbs was different from that in previous reports on general T1D patients from the GEO database. Moreover, hsa_circ_0004564 and its parental gene RAPH1 may be new targets for studying immune mechanisms in children with T1D and CD.

Comparisons of Three Methods for Myopia Control in Adolescents.

Objective: A rising trend in electronic use has increased the prevalence of myopia in adolescents, but the optimal approach to controlling myopia remains undetermined. Here, we explored the effects of common single vision (SV) spectacle lenses combined with 0.01% atropine eye drops (SV + A), orthokeratology (OK) lenses, and peripheral defocus (PD) spectacle lenses on myopia control in adolescents. Methods: Totally 150 myopic adolescent patients (300 eyes) receiving treatment at The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou City were enrolled. According to doctors' advice and guardians' wishes, the patients were divided into SV + A group, OK group, and PD group, with each group consisting of 50 cases (100 eyes). The spherical equivalent, axial length, accommodative response index (accommodative sensitivity and accommodative lag), and intraocular pressure were compared before and after 12 months of wearing lenses, and the complications were recorded. Results: Before wearing lenses, there was no statistical significance in baseline characteristics such as age, gender, and spherical equivalent among the three groups (P > 0.05). After wearing lenses, the increase in spherical equivalent and axial length in the SV + A and OK groups were lower than in the PD group (P < 0.05), and the SV + A group had the lowest axial length growth. Compared with the SV + A group, accommodative sensitivity was much higher and accommodative lag was significantly lower in the OK and PD groups (P < 0.01). In addition, there was no significant difference in intraocular pressure before and after wearing lenses among the three groups (P > 0.05). Though the OK group patients had more complications, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: SV + A, OK, and PD lenses can effectively control the progression of myopia in adolescents, but SV + A and OK lenses exhibited more significant effects.

Caseatardies A-K, eleven undescribed clerodane diterpenoids isolated from Casearia tardieuae and their anti-inflammatory activity.

A phytochemical investigation to obtain bioactive substances as lead compounds or agents for anti-inflammatory led to the obtainment of eleven previously undescribed clerodane diterpenoids, named caseatardies A-K (1-11), and four known clerodane diterpenoids (12-15) from the twigs and leaves of Casearia tardieuae. The structural elucidation of these clerodane diterpenoids was based on 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopy (COSY, HSQC, HMBC and ROESY) as well as high resolution mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS). The relative configurations were defined by ROESY correlations. The anti-inflammatory activity of all the isolated compounds was screened and compound 15 decreased LDH level in a dose-dependent manner, showing IC50 value of 2.89 µM.

Clinical Characteristics of Inpatients With New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus in Eastern China: Based on Novel Clustering Analysis.

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the novel classification of inpatients with new-onset diabetes in Eastern China by the cluster-based classification method and compare the clinical characteristics among the different subgroups. Methods: A total of 1017 Inpatients with new-onset diabetes of five hospitals in Eastern China were included in the study. Clustering analysis was used to cluster the data into five subgroups according to six basic variables. The differences in clinical characteristics, treatments, and the prevalence of diabetes-related diseases among the five subgroups were analyzed by multiple groups comparisons and pairwise comparisons. The risk of diabetes-related diseases in the five subgroups was compared by calculating odd ratio (OR). P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Five subgroups were obtained by clustering analysis with the highest proportion of patients with severe insulin-deficient diabetes (SIDD) 451 (44.35%), followed by patients with mild age-related diabetes (MARD) 236 (23.21%), patients with mild obesity-related diabetes (MOD) 207 (20.35%), patients with severe insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD) 81 (7.96%), and patients with severe autoimmune diabetes (SAID) 42 (4.13%). Five subtypes had their own unique characteristics and treatments. The prevalence and risk of diabetes-related complications and comorbidities were also significantly different among the five subtypes. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) was the most common in SIRD group. Patients in SIDD, SIRD, and MARD groups were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) and/or stroke, diabetic peripheral vascular disease (DPVD), and diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN). The prevalence and risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) were the highest in MOD and SIRD groups. Patients in SAID group had the highest prevalence and risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Patients with MOD were more likely to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Conclusions: The inpatients with new-onset diabetes in Eastern China had the unique clustering distribution. The clinical characteristics, treatments, and diabetes-related complications and comorbidities of the five subgroups were different, which may provide the basis for precise treatments of diabetes.

Pharmacokinetic evaluation and relative bioavailability pilot study of fidaxomicin in healthy Chinese subjects: An open, randomized, single-dose, cross-over study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics, investigate relative bioavailability, and provide data for potential additional bioequivalence trials between generic fidaxomicin (test (T) formulation) and the original brand (reference (R) formulation) in healthy Chinese subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An open, randomized, single-dose, cross-over study was conducted in 18 healthy Chinese subjects. The subjects randomly received T or R formulations and the alternative formulations were received after a 14-day wash-out period. Blood and fecal samples were collected and tested by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). PK parameters were calculated using a non-compartmental model. Relative bioavailability considering commonly established bioequivalence criteria was assessed. RESULTS: Cmax were 3.58 ± 2.74 ng/mL and 6.01 ± 3.93 ng/mL, and AUC0-∞ were 35.71 ± 18.68 h×ng/mL and 52.15 ± 31.31 h×ng/mL for the T and R formulations, respectively. The tmax of both formulations was 5.00 hours. The cumulative fecal excretion rate (Fe0-96h/F) of fidaxomicin and its main active metabolite OP-1118 were similar for both formulations. The geometric mean ratios and 90% confidence intervals (CI) of AUC0-t, AUC0-∞, and Cmax were not completely within the range of 80.00 - 125.00%. Significant within-subject and inter-subject coefficients of variation (> 30%) were found. CONCLUSION: Despite the differences in exposure, PK characteristics and fecal recovery of the two formulations were similar, suggesting that an effective concentration of the generic fidaxomicin could be achieved locally in the gastrointestinal tract. Fidaxomicin was a highly viable drug, thus providing reference for future clinical study design.

Integrated 16S rDNA, metabolomics, and TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway analyses to explain the modulatory effect of Poria cocos aqueous extract on anxiety-like behavior.

BACKGROUND: Poria cocos is an ancient medicine and modern functional food, which exerts excellent effects on anxiety, although its mechanism is unknown. PURPOSE: To explore the mechanisms of the aqueous extract of P. cocos (PCD) in ameliorating anxiety-like behavior caused by chronic sleep deprivation (CSD). METHODS: PCD chemical composition was analyzed by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. A CSD rat model was established over 21 days. We examined the effects and mechanisms after 10 days of CSD using open-field tests (OFTs), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, 16S rDNA, non-targeted metabolomics, and Western blot analyses. RESULTS: Sixty-two triterpenoids were identified in PCD. CSD-induced anxiety-like behavior was significantly attenuated by PCD treatment. PCD improved hypothalamic neurotransmitters, decreased proinflammatory cytokines, and depressed the proteins expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway. The full-length 16S rDNA sequence of bacterial cells was also sequenced by high-throughput analysis. CSD caused significant changes in the intestinal flora. PCD improved the species diversity and bacterial abundance in the intestines of rats with anxiety. Metabolomics analysis indicated that 12 PCD-related metabolites in serum and 32 PCD-related metabolites in feces were identified, respectively. Metabolite analysis in serum, PCD treatment affected taurine, hypotaurine, cysteine, methionine, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, among others. Metabolite analysis in feces showed significant effects of PCD treatment on the metabolism of vitamin B6, tyrosine, drugs, and glycerophospholipid. Additionally, the correlation analysis of heatmaps showed a tight relationship between inflammatory factors, metabolic parameters, and gut microbial phylotypes. CONCLUSIONS: PCD relieved anxiety by regulating intestinal flora, regulating metabolic disorders, and inhibiting inflammatory pathways in chronic sleep-deprived rats.