Mechanisms of ferroptosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine: a review

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in hepatocytes (nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL)), and lobular inflammation and hepatocyte damage (which characterize nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are found in most patients). A subset of patients will gradually develop liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a deadly disease that threatens human life worldwide. Ferroptosis, a novel nonapoptotic form of programmed cell death (PCD) characterized by iron-dependent accumulation of reactive oxygen radicals and lipid peroxides, is closely related to NAFLD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD due to its multicomponent, multipathway and multitarget characteristics. In this review, we discuss the effect of TCM on NAFLD by regulating ferroptosis, in order to provide reference for the further development and application of therapeutic drugs to treat NAFLD.

Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Hepatocyte-like Cells: Induction Methods and Applications

The development of regenerative medicine provides new options for the treatment of end-stage liver diseases. Stem cells, such as bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are effective tools for tissue repair in regenerative medicine. iPSCs are an appropriate source of hepatocytes for the treatment of liver disease due to their unlimited multiplication capacity, their coverage of the entire range of genetics required to simulate human disease, and their evasion of ethical implications. iPSCs have the ability to gradually produce hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) with homologous phenotypes and physiological functions. However, how to induce iPSCs to differentiate into HLCs efficiently and accurately is still a hot topic. This review describes the existing approaches for inducing the differentiation of iPSCs into HLCs, as well as some challenges faced, and summarizes various parameters for determining the quality and functionality of HLCs. Furthermore, the application of iPSCs for in vitro hepatoprotective drug screening and modeling of liver disease is discussed. In conclusion, iPSCs will be a dependable source of cells for stem-cell therapy to treat end-stage liver disease and are anticipated to facilitate individualized treatment for liver disease in the future.

Integrating network pharmacology and pharmacological evaluation to explore the protective mechanism of Ershiwuwei Zhenzhu pill in ischemic stroke

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ershiwuwei Zhenzhu Pill (EZP), a representative and classic formula in Tibetan medicine, is commonly used in the treatment of various cerebrovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke (IS). Nevertheless, their efficacy and potential mechanism in treating IS have yet to be investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of EZP in the treatment of IS based on network pharmacology and experimental verification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical profile of EZP was characterized using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The targets related to the compounds in EZP were predicted by the Swiss Target Prediction and Target Net platform, and targets of IS were collected from the Gene Cards and OMIM databases. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of targets was constructed and analyzed by the STRING database and Cytoscape software, version 3.7.1. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed, and an ingredient-target-pathway network was constructed. Ultimately, the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established to evaluate the anti-IS effects of EZP by detecting the neurological deficit score, HE, Nissl and TCC staining, and inflammatory factors, and the expression of key protein targets was detected by western blotting.

RESULTS

A total of 129 components were identified in EZP. Network pharmacology revealed 3136 compound targets and 2826 disease-related targets, and 412 overlapping proteins were obtained as potential therapeutic targets. The PPI network results showed that 6 key targets (AKT1, SRC, VEGFA, TP53, TNF and EGFR) were core targets of EZP in the treatment of IS. Western blotting demonstrated that the expression levels of AKT1, VEGFA, TP53, SRC, TNF and EGFR in the brain tissue of MCAO rats were significantly changed after treatment with EZP compared to the model group.

CONCLUSIONS

EZP ameliorated IS in MCAO rats. The underlying mechanism might be associated with inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis, promoting angiogenesis and protecting neurons by regulating multiple targets and pathways.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes: A Promising Therapeutic Agent for the Treatment of Liver Diseases

Liver disease has become a major global health and economic burden due to its broad spectrum of diseases, multiple causes and difficult treatment. Most liver diseases progress to end-stage liver disease, which has a large amount of matrix deposition that makes it difficult for the liver and hepatocytes to regenerate. Liver transplantation is the only treatment for end-stage liver disease, but the shortage of suitable organs, expensive treatment costs and surgical complications greatly reduce patient survival rates. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an effective treatment modality. Cell-free therapy has become a research hotspot in the field of regenerative medicine. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes have regulatory properties and transport functional "cargo" through physiological barriers to target cells to exert communication and regulatory activities. These exosomes also have little tumorigenic risk. MSC-derived exosomes promote hepatocyte proliferation and repair damaged liver tissue by participating in intercellular communication and regulating signal transduction, which supports their promise as a new strategy for the treatment of liver diseases. This paper reviews the physiological functions of exosomes and highlights the physiological changes and alterations in signaling pathways related to MSC-derived exosomes for the treatment of liver diseases in some relevant clinical studies. We also summarize the advantages of exosomes as drug delivery vehicles and discuss the challenges of exosome treatment of liver diseases in the future.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of novel pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin/pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-amine derivatives as FGFRs-dominant multi-target receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is the second most lethal cancer across the world. With the progress in therapeutic approaches, the 5-year survival rate of early gastric cancer can reach > 95%. However, the prognosis and survival time of advanced gastric cancer is still somber. Therefore, more effective targeted therapies for gastric cancer treatment are urgently needed. FGFR, VEGFR and other receptor tyrosine kinases have recently been suggested as potential targets for gastric cancer treatment. We herein report the discovery of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin/pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-amine derivatives as a new class of FGFRs-dominant multi-target receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. SAR assessment identified the most active compounds 8f and 8k, which showed excellent inhibitory activity against a variety of receptor tyrosine kinases. Moreover, 8f and 8k displayed excellent potency in the SNU-16 gastric cancer cell line. Furthermore, 8f and 8k could inhibit FGFR1 phosphorylation and downstream signaling pathways as well as induce cell apoptosis. In vivo, 8f and 8k suppress tumor growth in the SNU-16 xenograft model without inducing obvious toxicity. These findings raise the possibility that compounds 8f and 8k might serve as potential agents for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives as potent fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors

Abnormal activation of FGFR signaling pathway plays an essential role in various types of tumors. Therefore, targeting FGFRs represents an attractive strategy for cancer therapy. Herein, we report a series of 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives with potent activities against FGFR1, 2, and 3. Among them, compound 4h exhibited potent FGFR inhibitory activity (FGFR1–4 IC₅₀ values of 7, 9, 25 and 712 nM, respectively). In vitro, 4h inhibited breast cancer 4T1 cell proliferation and induced its apoptosis. In addition, 4h also significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of 4T1 cells. Furthermore, 4h with low molecular weight would be an appealing lead compound which was beneficial to the subsequent optimization. In general, this research has been developing a class of 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives targeting FGFR with development prospects.

Discovery of a new class of 1H- pyrrorole [2,3-b]pyridine FGFR inhibitors with high ligand efficiency.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of indazole derivatives as anti-cancer agents

Several FDA approved small molecule anti-cancer drugs contain indazole scaffolds. Here, we report the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of indazole derivatives. In vitro antiproliferative activity screening showed that compound 2f had potent growth inhibitory activity against several cancer cell lines (IC₅₀ = 0.23–1.15 μM). Treatment of the breast cancer cell line 4T1 with 2f inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation. 2f dose-dependently promoted the apoptosis of 4T1 cells, which was connected with the upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, and downregulation of Bcl-2. 2f also decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential and increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in 4T1 cells. Additionally, treatment with 2f disrupted 4T1 cells migration and invasion, and the reduction of matrix metalloproteinase metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) and increase of tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) were also observed. Moreover, 2f could suppress the growth of the 4T1 tumor model without obvious side effects in vivo. Taken together, these results identified 2f as a potential small molecule anti-cancer agent.

One of the synthesized indazole derivatives, 2f, displayed inhibitory activities against proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cell line 4T1, with the potential of inducing cell apoptosis, and suppressing tumor growth in vivo.

Prospective Comparison of Equations Based on Creatinine and Cystatin C for the Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimation in Chinese Renal Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is no dedicated equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for transplanted kidneys. This study aimed to compare the performance of serum creatinine (Scr)- and cystatin C (CysC)-based equations in Chinese renal transplant recipients.

METHODS

A total of 252 stable renal transplant recipients were enrolled in this study. The plasma clearance of ^99mTc-DTPA (rGFR) was used as a reference standard. The Scr, CysC, and rGFR of the patients were measured on the same day. The bias, precision, accuracy (percentage of estimates within 10%, 30%, and 50% of rGFR), and agreements of 8 Scr and 5 CysC eGFR equations were assessed. The factors affecting the accuracy were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Among the Scr-based equations, the Japanese Society of Nephrology-Chronic Kidney Disease Initiatives (JSN-CKDI) equation had the best overall performance with a bias of -6.2 mL/min/1.73 m², and 96.1% of its estimates were within 30% of the rGFR. For the CysC-based equations, the Filler equation had the best performance with a bias of -3.9 mL/min/1.73 m², and 93.7% of its estimates were within 30% of the rGFR. Overall, the CysC-based equations showed better performance than the Scr-based equations. In addition, significant differences were observed between bias and gender and between bias and rGFR value in some equations, whereas transplantation time and immunosuppressive regimens were not correlated with the bias.

CONCLUSION

The JSN-CKDI equation provides the best estimation of the GFR equations, and the CysC-based equations performed better than the Scr-based equations in this population.

[Effect of running granule on repairing capacity of neuro-endocrine-immunity and DNA in treating mastoplasia]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical effect and therapeutic mechanism of Runing Granule (RNG) in treating mastoplasia to elucidate its pathogenesis.

METHODS

One hundred and eighty-seven patients suffering from mastoplasia were randomly divided into the RNG treated group (treated group, 147 cases), and the tabellae tamoxifen control group (control group, 40 cases). The follow-up underwent for 3 months. Before and after treatment, changes of levels of plasma neurotransmitters, serum endocrine hormone, peripheral lymphocyte unscheduled DNA synthesis, the count of T lymphocyte subsets in the luteal phase during the menstrual cycle of 104 cases were measured, their clinical effects were also observed.

RESULTS

Before treatment, these cases showed disturbances in the secretion of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), epinephrine (E), estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and the levels of norepinephrine (NE), prolactin (PRL), inducer-helper T lymphocytes (OKT4+), suppressor T lymphocytes (OKT3+), were significantly increased, progesterone (P), testosterone (T), total T cells (OKT3+), OKT4+/OKT8+ ratio, unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) were obviously reduced (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) in mastoplasia patients. After treatment, RNG showed regulation on disturbances of these parameters, the curative rate of the treated group was higher than that of the control group; the metabolic disturbances of 5-HT/NE, E2/P, T, OKT3+ in the treated group were improved more significantly than those in the control group (P < 0.05). During the period of clinical observation, no obvious side effect and toxicity of RNG were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Mastoplasia is caused by the interactions among multi-factors in which the neuro-endocrine-immune network plays a key role in the pathogenesis of mastoplasia. RGN was effective in treating mastoplasia, the mechanism probably lays on the regulation of comprehensive coordination from the multi-layers, multi-links and multiple pathways in the neuro-endocrine-immunity network and elevation of internal environment-stabilizing capacity of the body.

Chromosome Segregation in Fertilized Eggs From Triploid Pacific Oysters, Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg), Following Inhibition of Polar Body 1

Chromosome segregation in fertilized eggs from triploid Pacific oysters, following inhibition of the first polar body (PB1), was studied with acetic orcein staining techniques. To block the release of PB1, fertilized eggs were treated with 0.5 mg/l of cytochalasin B (CB). Four types of segregation were observed, namely, "tripolar segregation" (54.5%), "united bipolar segregation" (12%), "separated bipolar segregation" (2.5%), and "incomplete united bipolar segregation" (4%). The remaining 23% could not be classified because of chromosome disorganization, but appeared to be variants of the above. It seemed clear that the predominant pattern that gave rise to tetraploids was united bipolar segregation, although certain separated bipolar segregations might also lead to the formation of tetraploids. The sequential events of meioses observed in CB-treated eggs are described. The asynchrony of meiotic events and possible mechanisms for the various types of chromosome segregation are discussed.