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Smyrska-Wieleba N, Mroczek T. Natural Inhibitors of Cholinesterases: Chemistry, Structure-Activity and Methods of Their Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032722. [PMID: 36769043 PMCID: PMC9916849 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This article aims to provide an updated description and comparison of the data currently available in the literature (from the last 15 years) on the studied natural inhibitors of cholinesterases (IChEs), namely, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). These data also apply to the likely impact of the structures of the compounds on the therapeutic effects of available and potential cholinesterase inhibitors. IChEs are hitherto known compounds with various structures, activities and origins. Additionally, multiple different methods of analysis are used to determine the cholinesterase inhibitor potency. This summary indicates that natural sources are still suitable for the discovery of new compounds with prominent pharmacological activity. It also emphasizes that further studies are needed regarding the mechanisms of action or the structure-activity correlation to discuss the issue of cholinesterase inhibitors and their medical application.
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Ling Y, Hao ZY, Liang D, Zhang CL, Liu YF, Wang Y. The Expanding Role of Pyridine and Dihydropyridine Scaffolds in Drug Design. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2021; 15:4289-4338. [PMID: 34675489 PMCID: PMC8520849 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s329547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pyridine-based ring systems are one of the most extensively used heterocycles in the field of drug design, primarily due to their profound effect on pharmacological activity, which has led to the discovery of numerous broad-spectrum therapeutic agents. In the US FDA database, there are 95 approved pharmaceuticals that stem from pyridine or dihydropyridine, including isoniazid and ethionamide (tuberculosis), delavirdine (HIV/AIDS), abiraterone acetate (prostate cancer), tacrine (Alzheimer's), ciclopirox (ringworm and athlete's foot), crizotinib (cancer), nifedipine (Raynaud's syndrome and premature birth), piroxicam (NSAID for arthritis), nilvadipine (hypertension), roflumilast (COPD), pyridostigmine (myasthenia gravis), and many more. Their remarkable therapeutic applications have encouraged researchers to prepare a larger number of biologically active compounds decorated with pyridine or dihydropyridine, expandeing the scope of finding a cure for other ailments. It is thus anticipated that myriad new pharmaceuticals containing the two heterocycles will be available in the forthcoming decade. This review examines the prospects of highly potent bioactive molecules to emphasize the advantages of using pyridine and dihydropyridine in drug design. We cover the most recent developments from 2010 to date, highlighting the ever-expanding role of both scaffolds in the field of medicinal chemistry and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ling
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-You Hao
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Fei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.,Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Callizot N, Campanari ML, Rouvière L, Jacquemot G, Henriques A, Garayev E, Poindron P. Huperzia serrata Extract 'NSP01' With Neuroprotective Effects-Potential Synergies of Huperzine A and Polyphenols. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:681532. [PMID: 34526893 PMCID: PMC8435632 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.681532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Huperzia serrata (Thunb.) Trevis is widely used in traditional asiatic medicine to treat many central disorders including, schizophrenia, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The major alkaloid, Huperzine A (HA), of H. serrata is a well-known competitive reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with neuroprotective effects. Inspired by the tradition, we developed a green one-step method using microwave assisted extraction to generate an extract of H. serrata, called NSP01. This green extract conserves original neuropharmacological activity and chemical profile of traditional extract. The neuroprotective activity of NSP01 is based on a precise combination of three major constituents: HA and two phenolic acids, caffeic acid (CA) and ferulic acid (FA). We show that CA and FA potentiate HA-mediated neuroprotective activity. Importantly, the combination of HA with CA and FA does not potentiate the AChE inhibitory property of HA which is responsible for its adverse side effects. Collectively, these experimental findings demonstrated that NSP01, is a very promising plant extract for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and memory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Callizot
- Neuro-Sys SAS, Neuro-Pharmacology Department, Gardanne, France
| | - ML Campanari
- Neuro-Sys SAS, Neuro-Pharmacology Department, Gardanne, France
| | - L Rouvière
- Neuro-Sys SAS, Neuro-Pharmacology Department, Gardanne, France
| | | | - A. Henriques
- Neuro-Sys SAS, Neuro-Pharmacology Department, Gardanne, France
| | | | - P. Poindron
- Neuro-Sys SAS, Neuro-Pharmacology Department, Gardanne, France
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Secondary metabolites of endophytic fungi isolated from Huperzia serrata. Fitoterapia 2021; 155:104970. [PMID: 34419561 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2021.104970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The natural product Huperzine A isolated from Huperzia serrata is a targeted inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase that has been approved for clinical use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Given the large demand for natural sources of Huperzine A (Hup. A), efforts have been made to explore whether it is also produced by endophytic fungi from H. serrata and, if so, identify its biosynthetic pathway. These studies have indicated that endophytic fungi from H. serrata represent a huge and largely untapped resource for natural products (including Hup. A) with chemical structures that have been optimized by evolution for biological and ecological relevance. To date, more than three hundred endophytic fungi have been isolated from H. serrata, of which 9 strains can produce Hup. A, whilst more than 20 strains produce other important metabolites, such as polyketones, xanthones, alkaloids, steroids, triterpenoids, furanone derivatives, tremulane sesquitepenes and diterpenoids. In total, 200 secondary metabolites have been characterized in endophytic fungi from H. serrata to date. Functionally, some have cholinesterase-inhibitory or antibacterial activity. This review also considers the different classes of secondary metabolites produced by endophytic fungi, along with their possible applications. We systematically describe the taxonomy, biology, and chemistry of these secondary metabolites. It also summarizes the biosynthetic synthesis of metabolites, including that of Hup. A. The review will aid researchers in obtaining a clearer understanding of this plant-endophyte relationship to better exploit the excellent resources it offers that may be utilized by pharmaceutical industries.
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Liao Z, Zhang J, Cao T, Zhu S. Copper-Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of Bicyclo[3. n.1]alkenones. J Org Chem 2021; 86:5388-5400. [PMID: 33754724 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A series of highly strained bicyclo[3.n.1]alkenones have been successfully constructed in good-to-excellent enantioselectivities and moderate-to-good yields via copper-catalyzed formal [3+3] cycloaddition. The versatile chiral cycloadducts could be selectively converted into various valuable bridge systems, which hold considerable potential for the construction of natural and bioactive compounds containing a [3.n.1] moiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhehui Liao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiantao Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Guandu Road, Maoming 525000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongxiang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, People's Republic of China
| | - Shifa Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, People's Republic of China
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Deng G, Wu C, Rong X, Li S, Ju Z, Wang Y, Ma C, Ding W, Guan H, Cheng X, Liu W, Wang C. Ameliorative effect of deoxyvasicine on scopolamine-induced cognitive dysfunction by restoration of cholinergic function in mice. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 63:153007. [PMID: 31301537 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.153007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aerial parts of Peganum harmala Linn is used as a traditional medical herb for treatment of amnesia in Uighur medicine in China. Deoxyvasicine (DVAS) is one of the chief active ingredients in P. harmala, it possesses strong acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities in vitro, but the therapeutic effect and mechanisms on amnesia in vivo are unclear. PURPOSE The objective of this study was to investigate the improvement effect of DVAS from P. harmala in learning and memory deficits of scopolamine-induced mice and elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved. METHODS Mice were pretreated with DVAS (5, 15 and 45 mg/kg) and huperzine-A (0.2 mg/kg) by gavage for 7 days, and subsequently were daily intraperitoneally injected with scopolamine (1 mg/kg) to induce learning and memory deficits and behavioral performance was assessed by Morris water maze. To further evaluate the potential mechanisms of DVAS in improving learning and memory capabilities, pathological change, levels of various biochemical markers and protein expressions related to cholinergic system, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation were examined. RESULTS The results showed that DVAS could alleviate learning and memory deficits in scopolamine-treated mice. DVAS could regulate cholinergic function by inhibiting AChE and activating choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activities and protein expressions. DVAS could induce brain-derived neurotrophic factor and protect hippocampal pyramidal cells against neuronal damage. DVAS also enhanced antioxidant defense via increasing the antioxidant enzyme level and activity of glutathione peroxidase, and anti-inflammatory function through suppressing tumor necrosis factor-α. Additionally, DVAS could regulate the neurotransmitters by elevating acetylcholine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyric acid and reducing 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid and glutamic acid. CONCLUSION Results illustrated that DVAS may be a promising candidate compound against amnesia via restoration of cholinergic function, regulating neurotransmitters, attenuating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Deng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China; Pingxiang Health Vocational College, Pingxiang 337000, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaojuan Rong
- Xinjiang Institute of Materia Medica, South Xinhua Road 140, Urumqi 830004, China
| | - Shuping Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Natural Products Chemistry, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Zhengcai Ju
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Youxu Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chao Ma
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wenzheng Ding
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Huida Guan
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xuemei Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China; Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Changhong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Pedro L, Cross M, Hofmann A, Mak T, Quinn RJ. Development of an HPLC-based guanosine monophosphate kinase assay and application to Plasmodium vivax guanylate kinase. Anal Biochem 2019; 575:63-69. [PMID: 30943378 PMCID: PMC6494078 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2019.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The development of a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based method, for guanosine monophosphate kinase activity assays, is presented. The method uses the intrinsic UV absorption (at 260 nm) of substrates and products of the enzymatic reaction (GMP, ATP, ADP and GDP) to unambiguously determine percent conversion of substrate into product. It uses a commercially available C18 column which can separate reaction samples by elution under isocratic conditions in 12 min per run. The kinetics of the forward reaction catalyzed by Plasmodium vivax guanylate kinase (PvGK), a potential drug target against malaria, was determined. The relative concentrations of the two substrates (GMP and ATP) have a distinct effect on reaction velocity. Kinetic analyses showed the PvGK-catalyzed reaction to be associated with atypical kinetics, where substrate inhibition kinetics and non-Michaelis-Menten (sigmoidal) kinetics were found with respect to GMP and ATP, respectively. Additionally, the method was used in inhibition assays to screen twenty fragment-like compounds. The assays were robust and reproducible, with a signal window of 3.8 and a Z’ factor of 0.6. For the best inhibitor, an IC50 curve was generated. Simple HPLC separation of nucleotides involved in the guanylate kinase reaction. Direct and unambiguous determination of percent conversion of substrate into product. Successful application to Plasmodium vivax guanylate kinase (PvGK) activity studies. Reaction catalyzed by PvGK found to be associated with atypical kinetics. Robust and reproducible inhibition assay for compound screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Pedro
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Megan Cross
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tin Mak
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ronald J Quinn
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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Liang JH, Shen WT, Li JY, Qu XY, Li J, Jia RX, Wang YQ, Wang S, Wu RK, Zhang HB, Hang L, Xu Y, Lin L. The optimal treatment for improving cognitive function in elder people with mild cognitive impairment incorporating Bayesian network meta-analysis and systematic review. Ageing Res Rev 2019; 51:85-96. [PMID: 30682429 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2019.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
It's widely acknowledged that, as a neurodegenerative aging disease representing an intermediate stage between cognitive intactness and Alzheimer's disease (AD), Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) poses an excessive burden on patients' well-being, family members, health-care providers as well as the whole society. This study focuses on three cognitive interventions proposed by Clare and Woods, which are, Cognitive stimulation (CS), Cognitive training (CT) and Cognitive rehabilitation (CR). Our Network meta-analysis (NMA) aims to compar them with one another to determine the optimal cognitive intervention for elderly adults with MCI in improving their cognitive function. We applied extensive strategies to preliminary literature retrieval to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which scrupulously compared any two of the three cognitive interventions with one another or any one of the three with a control group as the placebo or non-active group in treating elder patients with MCI in accordance with Petersen's criteria. Our NMA of cognitive interventions for patients diagnosed with MCI appraised the relative effectiveness of cognitive interventions across trials simultaneously. Our study attempts to summarize available data to suggest that CS (Mean difference [MD] = 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.27, 1.70) and CT (MD = 0.70, [CI]:0.11,1.30) were significantly beneficial to MCI patients for improving their cognition status while CR (MD = 0.59, [CI]:-0.30,1.50) scored lowest. Our study suggested CS was most likely to be the best intervention for improving the cognitive function of MCI patients.
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Liang J, Li J, Jia R, Wang Y, Wu R, Zhang H, Hang L, Xu Y. Identification of the optimal cognitive drugs among Alzheimer's disease: a Bayesian meta-analytic review. Clin Interv Aging 2018; 13:2061-2073. [PMID: 30425461 PMCID: PMC6201988 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s184968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The increasing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) demands more effective drugs, which are still unclear. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of six drugs, such as donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, memantine, huperzine-A, and tacrine, in senior AD patients and identify the most effective one to improve patients' cognitive function. METHODS A system of search strategies was used to identify relevant studies including randomized controlled trials and clinical controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of six drugs in patients with AD. We updated relevant studies that were published before March 2018 as full-text articles. Using Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA), we ranked cognitive ability objectively based on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Pairwise and NMAs were sequentially performed for the efficacy of drugs compared to each drug or control group through the trials included. RESULTS Among the 35 trials included, no obvious heterogeneity (I 2=0.0%, P=0.583) was revealed according to the pooled data for cognition in NMA and the mean difference (MD) of memantine (MD=1.7, 95% CI: 0.73, 2.8) showed that the memantine was significantly efficacious in the treatment group in terms of MMSE. Followed by galantamine, huperzine-A, rivastigmine, tacrine, and donepezil. CONCLUSION As the first NMA comparing the major drugs in market for AD, our study suggests that memantine might have a more significant benefit on cognition than other five drugs available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghong Liang
- Department of Child Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China,
| | - Jiayu Li
- Department of Child Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China,
| | - Ruixia Jia
- Department of Child Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China,
| | - Yingquan Wang
- Department of Child Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China,
| | - Rongkun Wu
- Department of Child Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China,
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Department of Child Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China,
| | - Lei Hang
- Department of Child Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China,
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Child Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China,
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Recent formulation approaches to oral delivery of herbal medicines. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL INVESTIGATION 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40005-018-0394-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Abcb1a but not Abcg2 played a predominant role in limiting the brain distribution of Huperzine A in mice. Food Chem Toxicol 2017; 107:68-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Tao LX, Huang XT, Chen YT, Tang XC, Zhang HY. Acetylcholinesterase-independent protective effects of huperzine A against iron overload-induced oxidative damage and aberrant iron metabolism signaling in rat cortical neurons. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2016; 37:1391-1400. [PMID: 27498774 PMCID: PMC5099413 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2016.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Iron dyshomeostasis is one of the primary causes of neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Huperzine A (HupA), a natural inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), is a licensed anti-AD drug in China and a nutraceutical in the United Sates. Here, we investigated the protective effects of HupA against iron overload-induced injury in neurons. METHODS Rat cortical neurons were treated with ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), and cell viability was assessed with MTT assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assays were performed to assess mitochondrial function. The labile iron pool (LIP) level, cytosolic-aconitase (c-aconitase) activity and iron uptake protein expression were measured to determine iron metabolism changes. The modified Ellman's method was used to evaluate AChE activity. RESULTS HupA significantly attenuated the iron overload-induced decrease in neuronal cell viability. This neuroprotective effect of HupA occurred concurrently with a decrease in ROS and an increase in ATP. Moreover, HupA treatment significantly blocked the upregulation of the LIP level and other aberrant iron metabolism changes induced by iron overload. Additionally, another specific AChE inhibitor, donepezil (Don), at a concentration that caused AChE inhibition equivalent to that of HupA negatively, influenced the aberrant changes in ROS, ATP or LIP that were induced by excessive iron. CONCLUSION We provide the first demonstration of the protective effects of HupA against iron overload-induced neuronal damage. This beneficial role of HupA may be attributed to its attenuation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction and elevation of LIP, and these effects are not associated with its AChE-inhibiting effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-xue Tao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiao-tian Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yu-ting Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xi-can Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hai-yan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
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De La Garza R, Verrico CD, Newton TF, Mahoney JJ, Thompson-Lake DGY. Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of the Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor Huperzine A as a Treatment for Cocaine Use Disorder. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 19:pyv098. [PMID: 26364275 PMCID: PMC4815469 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyv098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholinergic transmission is altered by drugs of abuse and contributes to psychostimulant reinforcement. In particular, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, like huperzine A, may be effective as treatments for cocaine use disorder. METHODS The current report describes results from a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which participants (n=14-17/group) were randomized to huperzine A (0.4 or 0.8 mg) or placebo. Participants received randomized infusions of cocaine (0 and 40 mg, IV) on days 1 and 9. On day 10, participants received noncontingent, randomized infusions of cocaine (0 and 20mg, IV) before making 5 choices to receive additional infusions. RESULTS Huperzine A was safe and well-tolerated and compared with placebo, treatment with huperzine A did not cause significant changes in any cocaine pharmacokinetic parameters (all P>.05). Time-course and peak effects analyses show that treatment with 0.4 mg of huperzine A significantly attenuated cocaine-induced increases of "Any Drug Effect," "High," "Stimulated," "Willing to Pay," and "Bad Effects" (all P>.05). CONCLUSIONS The current study represents a significant contribution to the addiction field since it serves as the first published report on the safety and potential efficacy of huperzine A as a treatment for cocaine use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard De La Garza
- Baylor College of Medicine, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Houston, TX.
| | - Christopher D Verrico
- Baylor College of Medicine, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Houston, TX
| | - Thomas F Newton
- Baylor College of Medicine, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Houston, TX
| | - James J Mahoney
- Baylor College of Medicine, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Houston, TX
| | - Daisy G Y Thompson-Lake
- Baylor College of Medicine, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Houston, TX
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14
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Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT It is increasingly evident that early identification of cognitive impairment in older adults presents opportunities for interventions that aim to mitigate the impact of cognitive symptoms on daily function and that attempt to delay (or ultimately prevent) progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia. To date, no intervention has proven protective in ultimately preventing conversion to dementia. However, several lifestyle, dietary, and pharmacologic interventions have suggested symptomatic benefit for those having MCI. A number of diet and lifestyle recommendations have been associated with decreased risk of dementia both in cognitively intact older adults and in those having mild cognitive impairment. Thus, these recommendations may be appropriate for both people presenting with subjective cognitive concerns and for those having objective evidence of memory problems. It remains less certain whether adopting these lifestyle habits in later life confers the benefits seen in epidemiological cohorts (where people have likely practiced them for many years). Discussion of starting on a cholinesterase inhibitor is appropriate for those having MCI, particularly those in whom the MCI is thought to have a vascular etiology or to represent the prodromal stage of a neurodegenerative disease. Recent meta-analyses exploring the use of cholinesterase inhibitors in patients having MCI have concluded that there is no evidence to support this practice. Although meta-analytic techniques seemingly strengthen the confidence in a recommendation via the incorporation of a large number of subjects analyzed, the technique is not capable of overcoming any inherent weaknesses of the individual studies included in the analysis. It is arguable whether studies in MCI may have employed endpoints poorly adapted to investigating effect of cholinesterase inhibitors. Most studies have used cognitive screening examinations, all of which stretch their detection ability to identify subjects with MCI, let alone discriminate subtle differences between them. Some have used conversion from MCI to dementia as an endpoint, which may not be the best measure for a symptomatic treatment. Further, once conversion to dementia has occurred, a cholinesterase inhibitor would be started in most (if not all) clinical settings, a reality not well reflected in most study designs. Additionally, several large studies have not permitted subject stratification by APOE carrier status, another important defect in assessing outcome. In clinical practice, our center typically does recommend cholinesterase inhibitors for patients having MCI. Despite the modest effect size, many patients do wish to start on treatment. It appears that this is a generally accepted practice and experience, as most clinical trials for prodromal Alzheimer's disease specify that participants should be taking a cholinesterase inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J Kelley
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, 395 W. 12th Ave.-7th Floor, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA,
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15
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Huperzine a in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia: a meta-analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:363985. [PMID: 24639880 PMCID: PMC3930088 DOI: 10.1155/2014/363985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The objective of our study was to perform an updated meta-analysis of placebo-controlled RCTs of Huperzine A (Hup A) on patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD), in order to provide the basis and reference for clinical rational drug use. The primary outcome measures assessed were minimental state examination (MMSE) and activities of daily living scale (ADL). Eight AD trials with 733 participants and two VD trials with 92 participants that met our inclusion criteria were identified. The results showed that Hup A could significantly improve the MMSE and ADL score of AD and VD patients, and longer durations would result in better efficacy for the patients with AD. It seemed that there was significant improvement of cognitive function measured by memory quotient (MQ) in patients with AD. Most adverse effects in AD were generally of mild to moderate severity and transient. Compared to the patients with AD, Hup A may offer fewer side effects for participants with VD in this study. Therefore, Hup A is a well-tolerated drug that could significantly improve cognitive performance in patients with AD or VD, but we need to use it with caution in the clinical treatment.
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16
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Kalaria DR, Patel P, Merino V, Patravale VB, Kalia YN. Controlled iontophoretic transport of huperzine A across skin in vitro and in vivo: effect of delivery conditions and comparison of pharmacokinetic models. Mol Pharm 2013; 10:4322-9. [PMID: 24028565 DOI: 10.1021/mp4004173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate constant current anodal iontophoresis of Huperzine A (HupA) in vitro and in vivo and hence to evaluate the feasibility of using electrically assisted delivery to administer therapeutic amounts of the drug across the skin for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Preliminary experiments were performed using porcine and human skin in vitro. Stability studies demonstrated that HupA was not degraded upon exposure to epidermis or dermis for 12 h and that it was also stable in the presence of an electric current (0.5 mA · cm(-2)). Passive permeation of HupA (2 mM) was minimal (1.1 ± 0.1 μg · cm(-2)); iontophoresis at 0.15, 0.3, and 0.5 mA · cm(-2) produced 106-, 134-, and 184-fold increases in its transport across the skin. Surprisingly, despite the use of a salt bridge to isolate the formulation compartment from the anodal chamber, which contained 133 mM NaCl, iontophoresis of HupA was shown to increase linearly with its concentration (1, 2, and 4 mM in 25 mM MES, pH 5.0) (r(2) = 0.99). This was attributed to the low ratio of drug to Cl¯ (in the skin and in the receiver compartment) which competed strongly to carry current, its depletion, and to possible competition from the zwitterionic MES. Co-iontophoresis of acetaminophen confirmed that electromigration was the dominant electrotransport mechanism. Total delivery across human and porcine skin was found to be statistically equivalent (243.2 ± 33.1 and 235.6 ± 13.7 μg · cm(-2), respectively). Although the transport efficiency was ∼ 1%, the iontophoretic delivery efficiency (i.e., the fraction of the drug load delivered) was extremely high, in the range of 46-81% depending on the current density. Cumulative permeation of HupA from a Carbopol gel formulation after iontophoresis for 6 h at 0.5 mA · cm(-2) was less than that from solution (135.3 ± 25.2 and 202.9 ± 5.2 μg · cm(-2), respectively) but sufficient for therapeutic delivery. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined in male Wistar rats in vivo (4 mM HupA; 0.5 mA · cm(-2) for 5 h with Ag/AgCl electrodes) using two-compartment models with either constant or time-variant input rates. A superior fit was obtained using the time-variant model, and the input rate in vivo was significantly greater than that in vitro. Based on these results and the known pharmacokinetics, it was estimated that therapeutic amounts of HupA could be delivered for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease using a reasonably sized patch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhaval R Kalaria
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva & University of Lausanne , 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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17
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Huperzine A promotes hippocampal neurogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Brain Res 2013; 1506:35-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Revised: 02/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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18
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Pan SY, Zhou SF, Gao SH, Yu ZL, Zhang SF, Tang MK, Sun JN, Ma DL, Han YF, Fong WF, Ko KM. New Perspectives on How to Discover Drugs from Herbal Medicines: CAM's Outstanding Contribution to Modern Therapeutics. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2013; 2013:627375. [PMID: 23634172 PMCID: PMC3619623 DOI: 10.1155/2013/627375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
With tens of thousands of plant species on earth, we are endowed with an enormous wealth of medicinal remedies from Mother Nature. Natural products and their derivatives represent more than 50% of all the drugs in modern therapeutics. Because of the low success rate and huge capital investment need, the research and development of conventional drugs are very costly and difficult. Over the past few decades, researchers have focused on drug discovery from herbal medicines or botanical sources, an important group of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy. With a long history of herbal usage for the clinical management of a variety of diseases in indigenous cultures, the success rate of developing a new drug from herbal medicinal preparations should, in theory, be higher than that from chemical synthesis. While the endeavor for drug discovery from herbal medicines is "experience driven," the search for a therapeutically useful synthetic drug, like "looking for a needle in a haystack," is a daunting task. In this paper, we first illustrated various approaches of drug discovery from herbal medicines. Typical examples of successful drug discovery from botanical sources were given. In addition, problems in drug discovery from herbal medicines were described and possible solutions were proposed. The prospect of drug discovery from herbal medicines in the postgenomic era was made with the provision of future directions in this area of drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yuan Pan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Shu-Feng Zhou
- College of Pharmacy,University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Si-Hua Gao
- School of basic medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Zhi-Ling Yu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
| | - Shuo-Feng Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Min-Ke Tang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Jian-Ning Sun
- School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Dik-Lung Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
| | - Yi-Fan Han
- Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Wang-Fun Fong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
| | - Kam-Ming Ko
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Hong Kong
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Sun Y, Zhu R, Ye H, Tang K, Zhao J, Chen Y, Liu Q, Cao Z. Towards a bioinformatics analysis of anti-Alzheimer's herbal medicines from a target network perspective. Brief Bioinform 2012; 14:327-43. [DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbs025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
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20
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Tayeb HO, Yang HD, Price BH, Tarazi FI. Pharmacotherapies for Alzheimer's disease: Beyond cholinesterase inhibitors. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 134:8-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2011.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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21
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Abstract
A seven-step synthesis of (±)-7-hydroxylycopodine that proceeds in 5% overall yield has been achieved. The key step is a Prins reaction in 60% sulfuric acid that gave the key tricyclic intermediate with complete control of the ring fusion stereochemistry. A one-pot procedure orthogonally protected the primary alcohol as an acetate and the tertiary alcohol as a methylthiomethyl ether. The resulting product was converted to 7-hydroxydehydrolycopodine by heating with KO-t-Bu and benzophenone in benzene followed by acidic workup. During unsuccessful attempts to make optically pure starting material, we observed the selective Pt-catalyzed hydrogenation of the 5-phenyl group of a 4,5-diphenyloxazolidine under acidic conditions and the Pt-catalyzed isomerization of the oxazolidine to an amide under neutral conditions. In attempts to hydroxylate the starting material so that we could adapt this synthesis to the preparation of (±)-7,8-dihydroxylycopodine (sauroine) we observed the novel oxidation of a bicyclic vinylogous amide to a keto pyridine with Mn(OAc)(3) and to an amino phenol with KHMDS and oxygen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yu Lin
- Department of Chemistry MS 015, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454-9110, USA
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22
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Naeem S, Hylands P, Barlow D. Construction of an Indonesian herbal constituents database and its use in Random Forest modelling in a search for inhibitors of aldose reductase. Bioorg Med Chem 2011; 20:1251-8. [PMID: 22261024 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2011.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Revised: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 12/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Data on phytochemical constituents of plants commonly used in traditional Indonesian medicine have been compiled as a computer database. This database (the Indonesian Herbal constituents database, IHD) currently contains details on ∼1,000 compounds found in 33 different plants. For each entry, the IHD gives details of chemical structure, trivial and systematic name, CAS registry number, pharmacology (where known), toxicology (LD(50)), botanical species, the part(s) of the plant(s) where the compounds are found, typical dosage(s) and reference(s). A second database has been also been compiled for plant-derived compounds with known activity against the enzyme, aldose reductase (AR). This database (the aldose reductase inhibitors database, ARID) contains the same details as the IHD, and currently comprises information on 120 different AR inhibitors. Virtual screening of all compounds in the IHD has been performed using Random Forest (RF) modelling, in a search for novel leads active against AR-to provide for new forms of symptomatic relief in diabetic patients. For the RF modelling, a set of simple 2D chemical descriptors were employed to classify all compounds in the combined ARID and IHD databases as either active or inactive as AR inhibitors. The resulting RF models (which gave misclassification rates of 21%) were used to identify putative new AR inhibitors in the IHD, with such compounds being identified as those giving RF scores >0.5 (in each of the three different RF models developed). In vitro assays were subsequently performed for four of the compounds obtained as hits in this in silico screening, to determine their inhibitory activity against human recombinant AR. The two compounds having the highest RF scores (prunetin and ononin) were shown to have the highest activities experimentally (giving ∼58% and ∼52% inhibition at a concentration of 15μM, respectively), while the compounds with lowest RF scores (vanillic acid and cinnamic acid) showed the lowest activities experimentally (giving ∼29% and ∼44% inhibition at a concentration of 15μM, respectively). These simple virtual screening studies were thus helpful in identifying novel inhibitors of AR, but yielded compounds with only very modest (micromolar) potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Naeem
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Franklin-Wilkins Building, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
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23
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Ha GT, Wong RK, Zhang Y. Huperzine a as potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease: an assessment on chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical studies. Chem Biodivers 2011; 8:1189-204. [PMID: 21766442 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201000269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the fourth leading cause of death in adults, characterized by hallmark neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Current treatments focus only on symptom relief. As a possible new treatment option for AD, huperzine A's chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical effectiveness are assessed. The chemical synthesis of huperzine A has been optimized, while an in vitro technique has provided a renewable plant source. Pharmacological studies showed that the drug inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase reversibly and selectively. Huperzine A also displayed good pharmacokinetics with a rapid absorption and a wide distribution in the body at a low to moderate rate of elimination. Presently, inadequate toxicity data in human have been reported, yet animal studies demonstrated mild to moderate cholinergic side effects at therapeutic doses. Previous clinical trials have shown improvement in memory function using MMSE, MQ, ADAS-COG, and ADL tests. In an unpublished phase II clinical trial, the ADAS-COG and MMSE tests indicated cognitive enhancement at a dose of 0.4 mg, yet no improvement was observed at a dose of 0.2 mg. The MMSE scores indicated cognitive enhancement at 0.4 mg. Promising data suggested that huperzine A is well tolerated at doses up to 0.4 mg for 24 weeks. Therefore, huperzine A seems to be a potential treatment option for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giang T Ha
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA
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24
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Zhao Y, Dou J, Luo J, Li W, Chan HH, Cui W, Zhang H, Han R, Carlier PR, Zhang X, Han Y. Neuroprotection against excitotoxic and ischemic insults by bis(12)-hupyridone, a novel anti-acetylcholinesterase dimer, possibly via acting on multiple targets. Brain Res 2011; 1421:100-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Revised: 08/25/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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25
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Rafii MS, Walsh S, Little JT, Behan K, Reynolds B, Ward C, Jin S, Thomas R, Aisen PS. A phase II trial of huperzine A in mild to moderate Alzheimer disease. Neurology 2011; 76:1389-94. [PMID: 21502597 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e318216eb7b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Huperzine A is a natural cholinesterase inhibitor derived from the Chinese herb Huperzia serrata that may compare favorably in symptomatic efficacy to cholinesterase inhibitors currently in use for Alzheimer disease (AD). METHODS We assessed the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of huperzine A in mild to moderate AD in a multicenter trial in which 210 individuals were randomized to receive placebo (n = 70) or huperzine A (200 μg BID [n = 70] or 400 μg BID [n = 70]), for at least 16 weeks, with 177 subjects completing the treatment phase. The primary analysis assessed the cognitive effects of huperzine A 200 μg BID (change in Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale [ADAS-Cog] at week 16 at 200 μg BID compared to placebo). Secondary analyses assessed the effect of huperzine A 400 μg BID, as well as effect on other outcomes including Mini-Mental State Examination, Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Clinical Global Impression of Change scale, Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Activities of Daily Living scale, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). RESULTS Huperzine A 200 μg BID did not influence change in ADAS-Cog at 16 weeks. In secondary analyses, huperzine A 400 μg BID showed a 2.27-point improvement in ADAS-Cog at 11 weeks vs 0.29-point decline in the placebo group (p = 0.001), and a 1.92-point improvement vs 0.34-point improvement in the placebo arm (p = 0.07) at week 16. Changes in clinical global impression of change, NPI, and activities of daily living were not significant at either dose. CONCLUSION The primary efficacy analysis did not show cognitive benefit with huperzine A 200 μg BID. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class III evidence that huperzine A 200 μg BID has no demonstrable cognitive effect in patients with mild to moderate AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Rafii
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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26
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Cui W, Li W, Zhao Y, Mak S, Gao Y, Luo J, Zhang H, Liu Y, Carlier PR, Rong J, Han Y. Preventing H2O2-induced apoptosis in cerebellar granule neurons by regulating the VEGFR-2/Akt signaling pathway using a novel dimeric antiacetylcholinesterase bis(12)-hupyridone. Brain Res 2011; 1394:14-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2010] [Revised: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Bis(12)-hupyridone, a novel multifunctional dimer, promotes neuronal differentiation more potently than its monomeric natural analog huperzine A possibly through α7 nAChR. Brain Res 2011; 1401:10-7. [PMID: 21665194 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Revised: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The cause of many neurodegenerative disorders can be ascribed to the loss of functional neurons, and thus agents capable of promoting neuronal differentiation may have therapeutic benefits to patients of these disorders. In this study, the effects and underlying mechanisms of bis(12)-hupyridone (B12H), a novel dimeric acetylcholinesterase inhibitor modified from huperzine A (HA), on neuronal differentiation were investigated using both the rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cell line and adult rat hippocampus neural stem cells. B12H (3-30 μM), characterized by morphological changes and expression of GAP-43, induced neurite outgrowth in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with almost 3-fold higher efficacy than that of HA in PC12 cells. Furthermore, B12H (2.5-10 μM), but not HA, promoted neuronal differentiation as shown by the percentage increase of βIII-tubulin positive neurons in neural stem cells. The activities of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), as well as its downstream transcription factors Elk-1 and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) were elevated in the B12H-treated PC12 cells. Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors and alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) antagonist blocked the neurite outgrowth and the activation of ERK induced by B12H. All these findings suggest that B12H potently induces pro-neuronal cells into differentiated neurons by activating the ERK pathway possibly via regulating α7nAChR. These findings support the recent proposition that α7nAChR is required for the neuronal dendritic arborization and differentiation in the adult mice hippocampus, and provide insights into the possible therapeutic potential of B12H in treating neurodegenerative disorders.
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Abstract
A six step synthesis of (±)-7-hydroxylycopodine has been achieved in 5% overall yield. In the key step, a Prins cyclization of a bicyclic keto alkyne in 60% H(2)SO(4) forms a tricyclic dihydroxy amino ketone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yu Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454-9110, USA
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29
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Tun MKM, Wüstmann DJ, Herzon SB. A robust and scalable synthesis of the potent neuroprotective agent (−)-huperzine A. Chem Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1039/c1sc00455g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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30
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Halldorsdottir ES, Jaroszewski JW, Olafsdottir ES. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of lycopodane-type alkaloids from the Icelandic Lycopodium annotinum ssp. alpestre. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2010; 71:149-157. [PMID: 19939421 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2009.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2009] [Revised: 10/21/2009] [Accepted: 10/22/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate structures and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of lycopodane-type alkaloids isolated from an Icelandic collection of Lycopodium annotinum ssp. alpestre. Ten alkaloids were isolated, including annotinine, annotine, lycodoline, lycoposerramine M, anhydrolycodoline, gnidioidine, lycofoline, lannotinidine D, and acrifoline, as well as a previously unknown N-oxide of annotine. 1H and 13C NMR data of several of the alkaloids were provided for the first time. Solvent-dependent equilibrium constants between ketone and hemiketal form of acrifoline were determined. Conformation of acrifoline was characterized using NOESY spectroscopy and molecular modelling. The isolated alkaloids were evaluated for their in vitro inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. Ligand docking studies based on mutated 3D structure of Torpedo californica acetylcholinesterase provided rationale for low inhibitory activity of the isolated alkaloids as compared to huperzine A or B, which are potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors belonging to the lycodine class. Based on the modelling studies the lycopodane-type alkaloids seem to fit well into the active site gorge of the enzyme but the position of their functional groups is not compatible with establishing strong hydrogen bonding interactions with the amino acid residues that line the binding site. The docking studies indicate possibilities of additional functionalization of the lycopodane skeleton to render potentially more active analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Steinunn Halldorsdottir
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Hagi, Hofsvallagata 53, IS-107 Reykjavik, Iceland
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31
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Calderón AI, Simithy J, Quaggio G, Espinosa A, López-Pérez JL, Gupta MP. Triterpenes from Warszewiczia coccinea (Rubiaceae) as Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase. Nat Prod Commun 2009. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x0900401002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Seventy-six plant extracts from the Panamanian flora have been screened for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) bioautography. The most promising extracts with AChE inhibitory and free radical scavenging activities at 100 μg were those of Tabernaemontana panamensis (Markgr., Boiteau & L. Allorge) Leeuwenb., Pentagonia macrophylla Benth., and Warszewiczia coccinea (Vahl) Klotzsch. Bioguided fractionation of W. coccinea stem extract afforded two triterpenes, 3β,6β,19α-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (1) and 3β,6β-dihydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid (sumaresinolic acid) (2), with AChE inhibitory activity. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. This is the first report of these bioactive triterpenes in W. coccinea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela I. Calderón
- Department of Pharmacal Sciences, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, 4306B Walker Building, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Johayra Simithy
- Centro de Investigaciones Farmacognósticas de la Flora Panameña, CIFLORPAN, Universidad de Panamá, Apartado 0824- 00172, Panamá, R. de Panamá
| | - Giuliana Quaggio
- Centro de Investigaciones Farmacognósticas de la Flora Panameña, CIFLORPAN, Universidad de Panamá, Apartado 0824- 00172, Panamá, R. de Panamá
| | - Alex Espinosa
- Centro de Investigaciones Farmacognósticas de la Flora Panameña, CIFLORPAN, Universidad de Panamá, Apartado 0824- 00172, Panamá, R. de Panamá
| | | | - Mahabir P. Gupta
- Centro de Investigaciones Farmacognósticas de la Flora Panameña, CIFLORPAN, Universidad de Panamá, Apartado 0824- 00172, Panamá, R. de Panamá
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Huperzine A, a form of herbal medicine, has been considered as an alternative treatment for vascular dementia (VaD) in China. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of Huperzine A in patients with vascular dementia. SEARCH STRATEGY The Specialized Register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group (CDCIG) was searched on 7 July 2008 using the terms: huperzi* OR ayapin OR scoparon*. The CDCIG Specialized Register contains records from all major health care databases (The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS) as well as from many trials databases and grey literature sources. The review authors searched the following databases in August 2008 using the terms 'Huperzine A', 'Shishanjianjia', 'Haboyin' and 'Shuangyiping': The Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM) (1977 to August 2008); Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database (VIP) (1989 to August 2008); China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) (1979 to August 2008); The Chinese Clinical Trials Register (ChiCTR, August 2008); Google (August 2008). In addition, the review authors searched reference lists, relevant clinical trials and contacted researchers in an effort to identify further published and unpublished studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials comparing Huperzine A with placebo in patients with vascular dementia were considered eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed trial quality, and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS Only one small trial, involving 14 participants, was included. No significant beneficial effect of Huperzine A on the improvement of cognitive function measured by MMSE for VaD (WMD 2.40; 95% CI -4.78 to 9.58) was observed. No death from all causes at the end of treatment were reported. At present, other outcome measures were not available in any of the trials. Although no statistically significant differences were found between the Huperzine A-treated and control groups, the confidence intervals for the treatment effect estimates were wide and included both clinically significant benefits and clinically significant harms. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no [convincing] evidence that Huperzine A is of value in vascular dementia based on one small trial. It deserves further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Hao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiqin Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xi’an Central Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - DongHao Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Desilets AR, Gickas JJ, Dunican KC. Role of huperzine a in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Ann Pharmacother 2009; 43:514-8. [PMID: 19240260 DOI: 10.1345/aph.1l402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the role of huperzine A in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). DATA SOURCES A literature search was conducted through MEDLINE (1950-September week 2, 2008), EMBASE (all years), Google Scholar, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and a bibliographic review of relevant articles. Key words included huperzine, huperin, Huperzia serrata, and Alzheimer's disease. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION All clinical trials published in the English language that evaluated huperzine A in patients with AD were included in this review. Articles published in Chinese were included when English abstracts or electronic translation technology were available. DATA SYNTHESIS AD is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder for which there is no cure; available therapies only decrease cognitive decline. Huperzine A, an alkaloid derived from Chinese club moss (H. serrata), acts as a selective inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase and may also display neuroprotective properties. Preliminary data suggest that huperzine A may improve cognition; studies ranging from 8 to 12 weeks have found improvements in the Mini-Mental State Examination score of 1-5 points. CONCLUSIONS Although use of huperzine A has shown promising results in patients with AD, data supporting its use are limited by weak study design. Largescale, randomized, placebo-controlled trials are necessary to establish the role of huperzine A in the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia R Desilets
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences-Worcester/Manchester, MA, USA.
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Wang BS, Wang H, Wei ZH, Song YY, Zhang L, Chen HZ. Efficacy and safety of natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor huperzine A in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: an updated meta-analysis. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2009; 116:457-65. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-009-0189-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2008] [Accepted: 01/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Protection of red blood cell acetylcholinesterase by oral huperzine A against ex vivo soman exposure: Next generation prophylaxis and sequestering of acetylcholinesterase over butyrylcholinesterase. Chem Biol Interact 2008; 175:380-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2008.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2007] [Revised: 04/22/2008] [Accepted: 04/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Kalaria RN, Maestre GE, Arizaga R, Friedland RP, Galasko D, Hall K, Luchsinger JA, Ogunniyi A, Perry EK, Potocnik F, Prince M, Stewart R, Wimo A, Zhang ZX, Antuono P. Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia in developing countries: prevalence, management, and risk factors. Lancet Neurol 2008; 7:812-26. [PMID: 18667359 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(08)70169-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 701] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite mortality due to communicable diseases, poverty, and human conflicts, dementia incidence is destined to increase in the developing world in tandem with the ageing population. Current data from developing countries suggest that age-adjusted dementia prevalence estimates in 65 year olds are high (>or=5%) in certain Asian and Latin American countries, but consistently low (1-3%) in India and sub-Saharan Africa; Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60% whereas vascular dementia accounts for approximately 30% of the prevalence. Early-onset familial forms of dementia with single-gene defects occur in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Illiteracy remains a risk factor for dementia. The APOE epsilon4 allele does not influence dementia progression in sub-Saharan Africans. Vascular factors, such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes, are likely to increase the burden of dementia. Use of traditional diets and medicinal plant extracts might aid prevention and treatment. Dementia costs in developing countries are estimated to be US$73 billion yearly, but care demands social protection, which seems scarce in these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj N Kalaria
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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