N-Containing triterpenoid saponins from Mussaenda densiflora and identification of heinsiagenin A as a potent immunosuppressant

Eleven triterpenoid saponins, including five new compounds, which were named densiflorasides A - E (1 - 5), were isolated from aerial parts of Mussaenda densiflora (Rubiaceae). Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and chemical methods. All the isolated compounds and the aglycone heinsiagenin A were evaluated for their immunosuppressive and antiosteoclastogenic activities in vitro. Compounds 6 - 8 and heinsiagenin A inhibited osteoclastogenesis, with IC50 values ranging from 8.24 to 17.7 µM. Furthermore, compounds 3, 6 - 8, and heinsiagenin A significantly inhibited T-cell proliferation, with IC50 values ranging from 2.56 to 8.60 µM, and compounds 3 - 5 and 11 inhibited the proliferation of B lymphocytes, with IC50 values ranging from 1.29 to 8.49 µM. Further in vivo experiments indicated that heinsiagenin A could significantly attenuate IMQ-induced psoriasis and DSS-induced colitis in mice.

Macrolide sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids from Celastrus monospermus and evaluation of their immunosuppressive and anti-osteoclastogenesis activities

Phytochemical investigation of the stems of Celastrus monospermus Roxb enabled isolation and identification of fifteen new macrolide sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids (1-15) along with five known analogues. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis (NMR, HRESIMS, IR, UV), chemical hydrolysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Bioassay of the abundant isolates revealed that seven compounds inhibited the proliferation of B lymphocytes with IC50 values ranging between 1.4 and 19.9 μM. Among them, celasmondine C (3) could significantly promote the apoptosis of activated B lymphocyte, especially late-stage apoptosis. Besides, compounds 3, 16, and 20 exhibited potent suppression of osteoclast formation at a concentration of 1.0 μM. This investigation enriched the chemical diversity of macrolide sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids, and supported evidence for the development of new immunosuppressive and anti-osteoclastogenesis agents.

Synthesis of 2-amino-9H-chromeno[2,3-d]thiazol-9-ones with anti-inflammatory activity via cascade reactions of 2-amino-3 iodochromones with amines and carbon disulfide

A simple and efficient synthetic approach to 2-amino-9H-chromeno[2,3-d]thiazol-9-ones via copper-promoted cascade reactions was developed. The reaction employed easily available 2-amino-3-iodochromones and amines as substrates and the targeting tricyclic compounds could be obtained with moderate to good yields. Even more important, several synthesized compounds exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activities, which suggested that this protocol may provide valuable hits for drug development in the future.

Physical Mechanism of Selective Healing of Nanopores in Condensed Matter under the Influence of Laser Irradiation and Plasma

The investigation of the features of laser control over the state of nanoscale objects in solid materials is an urgent task of condensed matter physics. We experimentally established the potential for the simultaneous enhancement of hardness and resistance to surface cracking in a titanium alloy due to selective laser irradiation. The regularities of selective heating near nanopores and the influence of the nanopore system on the features of isotherm propagation have been revealed. A physical model is proposed for the healing of nanopores situated in the surface layer of the sample. According to this model and as a result of laser irradiation and laser plasma, a brief transition of the material surface to extreme conditions is initiated.

A novel phthalazinone derivative as a capsid assembly modulator inhibits hepatitis B virus expression

Development of new anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) drugs that target viral capsid assembly is a very active research field. We identify a novel phthalazinone derivative, compound 5832, as a potent HBV inhibitor. In this study, we intend to elaborate the antiviral effect and mechanism of 5832 against HBV in vitro and in vivo. Compound 5832 treatment induces the formation of genome-free empty capsid by interfering with the core protein assembly domain, which significantly decreases the extracellular and intracellular HBV DNA. In the AAV-HBV transduced mouse model, 5832 suppresses serum HBV DNA after 4-week treatment, and decreases HBsAg and HBeAg levels. 5832 treatment also reduces intrahepatic HBV RNA, DNA and HBcAg levels. During the follow-up period after treatment withdrawal, serum antigen levels demonstrated no increase. We demonstrate 5832 treatment could active apoptotic signaling by elevating the expression of death receptor 5 (DR5), which participated in corresponding HBcAg-positive hepatocyte eradication. Phthalazinone derivative 5832 may serve as a promising anti-HBV drug candidate to improve the treatment options for chronic HBV infection.

Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl extract ameliorates ulcerative colitis via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory disease, is caused by abnormal immune system reactions resulting in inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine. Phillygenin (PHI) is a natural compound found in Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl, which is known for its antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, and other biological activities. However, the therapeutic role and molecular mechanisms of PHI on UC are still insufficiently researched.

METHODS

In this study, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and 2.5% 2,4,6-trinitro-Benzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced acute UC were used to investigate the therapeutic effects of PHI. We evaluated the effects of PHI on disease activity index (DAI), body weight, mortality, intestinal mucosal barrier, cytokine secretion, and macrophage infiltration into colon tissue using various techniques such as flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), RT-qPCR, and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that PHI has therapeutic properties in UC treatment. PHI was able to maintain body weight, reduce DAI and mortality, restore the intestinal mucosal barrier, and inhibit cytokine secretion. Flow cytometry assay and immunofluorescence indicated that PHI reduces macrophage infiltration into colon tissue. Mechanistically, PHI may exert anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, PHI possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties and is expected to be a potential drug for UC treatment. Our study delves into the underlying mechanisms of PHI therapy and highlights the potential for further research in developing PHI-based treatments for UC.

A prodrug of the capsid assembly modulator improved druggability and lowing HBsAg and HBeAg for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B

CAMs were disclosed to alter cccDNA levels with sustained hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss or seroconversion in preclinical investigation. Here, we report the discovery of a prodrug Yhhu6669 as CAMs based on the intestinal peptide transporter. This compound exhibited the promising anti-HBV activity with sustained suppression of HBV DNA, as well as HBsAg and HBeAg in the AAV HBV mouse model by oral treatment for 7 weeks and maintained for a further 8 weeks following drug withdraw. Our results show an alternative possibility for a functional cure by specific CAMs and provide the basis for the further mechanism study.

[Research advances on the role and mechanism of microRNA in hypertrophic scar]

Hypertrophic scar (HS) affects the function and beauty of patients, and brings a heavy psychological burden to patients. However, the specific pathogenesis mechanism of HS in molecular biology level is not yet clear, and this disease is still one of the clinical diseases difficult to prevent and cure. MicroRNA (miR) is a family of single-stranded endogenous noncoding RNAs that can regulate gene expression. The abnormal transcription of miR in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts can affect the transduction and expression of downstream signal pathway or protein, and the exploration of miR and its downstream signal pathway and protein helps deeply understand the occurrence and development mechanism of scar hyperplasia. This article summarized and analyzed how miR and multiple signal pathways involve in the formation and development of HS in recent years, and further outlined the interaction between miR and target genes in HS.

Characterization and field application of a novel dual-liquid gas leakage material: Mechanical properties and microscopic hydration mechanism

Gas drainage materials are one critical aspect of preventing coal mine gas explosions. Here, a novel dual-liquid gas sealing material was developed to improve gas extraction. The mechanical properties and hydration mechanism of the proposed material were determined. The novel dual-liquid gas sealing material's performance was verified experimentally and with field testing, with practical application explored in the YunGaiShan 2 coal mine. The results showed that the main factor responsible for gas drainage leakage was the poor sealing effect of the sealing materials on the cracks around the borehole. The novel dual-liquid gas sealing material reduced damage to the rock surrounding the borehole and significantly improved the gas drainage performance. The initial and final setting times of the novel dual-liquid material were shown to be controllable, and the slurry exhibited good fluidity, with a 28-day uniaxial compressive strength of 11.06 MPa. The analysis of the microscopic hydration mechanism showed that the production of ettringite (AFt) in the dual-liquid material increased significantly, forming a denser network interlace that functioned as a network skeleton, improving the compressive strength of the material and achieving the characteristics of plastic deformation. Field-based analysis was performed to verify the practical applicability of the proposed material, showing that the gas drainage concentration increased by 200.5% compared to the original sealing material. Moreover, the average gas drainage negative pressure increased from 7.8 kPa (using the conventional sealing technique) to 16.6 kPa using the proposed material. Overall, the proposed materials are suitable for sealing materials for effective gas drainage performance and can help control gas disasters.

Association of oxidative stress and Kashin-Beck disease integrated Meta and Bioinformatics analysis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between oxidative stress (OS) and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD).

METHODS

Terms associated with "KBD" and "OS" were searched in the six different databases up to October 2021. Stata 14.0 was used to pool the means and standard deviations using random-effect or fixed-effect model. The differentially expressed genes in the articular chondrocytes of KBD were identified, the OS related genes were identified by blasting with the GeneCards. The KEGG pathway and gene ontology enrichment analysis was conducted using STRING.

RESULTS

The pooled SMD and 95% CI showed hair selenium (-4.59; -6.99, -2.19), blood selenium (-1.65; -2.86, -0.44) and glutathione peroxidases (-4.15; -6.97, -1.33) levels were decreased in KBD, whereas the malondialdehyde (1.12; 0.60, 1.64), nitric oxide (2.29; 1.31, 3.27), nitric oxide synthase (1.07; 0.81, 1.33) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (1.69; 0.62, 2.77) were increased compared with external controls. Meanwhile, hair selenium (-2.71; -5.32, -0.10) and glutathione peroxidases (-1.00; -1.78, -0.22) in KBD were decreased, whereas the malondialdehyde (1.42; 1.04, 1.80), nitric oxide (3.08; 1.93, 4.22) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (0.81; 0.00, 1.61) were elevated compared with internal controls. Enrichment analysis revealed apoptosis was significantly correlated with KBD. The significant biological processes revealed OS induced the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. The cellular component of OS located in the mitochondrial outer membrane.

CONCLUSIONS

The OS levels in KBD were significantly increased because of selenium deficiency, OS mainly occurred in mitochondrial outer membrane, released of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and induced apoptotic signaling pathway.

Artemisinin analog SM934 alleviates epithelial barrier dysfunction via inhibiting apoptosis and caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis in experimental colitis

Intestinal barrier disruption due to the intestinal epithelial cells’ (IECs) death is one of the critical pathological features of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). SM934, an artemisinin analog, has previously been proven to ameliorate colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice by suppressing inflammation response. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of SM934 on the epithelial barrier and the underlying mechanism in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis mice. We demonstrated that SM934 restored the body weight and colon length, and improved the intestine pathology. Furthermore, SM934 treatment preserved the intestinal barrier function via decreasing the intestinal permeability, maintaining epithelial tight junction (TJ) protein expressions, and preventing apoptosis of epithelial cells, which were observed both in the colon tissue and the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced human colonic epithelial cell line HT-29. Specifically, SM934 reduced the pyroptosis of IECs exposed to pathogenic signaling and inhibited pyroptosis-related factors such as NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), adapter apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), cysteine protease-1 (caspase-1), gasdermin (GSDMD), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) both in colon tissue and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) co-stimulated HT-29 cells in vitro. Moreover, SM934 interdicted pyroptosis via blocking the transduction of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) signaling pathways. In conclusion, SM934 protected TNBS-induced colitis against intestinal barrier disruption by inhibiting the apoptosis and pyroptosis of epithelial cells via the NLRP3/NF-κB/MAPK signal axis, and intestinal barrier protection in company with an anti-inflammatory strategy might yield greater benefits in IBD treatment.

Hepatic cytochrome P450 8B1 and cholic acid potentiate intestinal epithelial injury in colitis by suppressing intestinal stem cell renewal

Although disrupted bile acid (BA) homeostasis is implicated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the role of hepatic BA metabolism in the pathogenesis of colitis is poorly understood. Here, we found that cholic acid (CA) levels were increased in patients and mice. Cytochrome P450 8B1 (CYP8B1), which synthesizes CA, was induced in livers of colitic mice. CA-treated or liver Cyp8b1-overexpressing mice developed more severe colitis with compromised repair of the mucosal barrier, whereas Cyp8b1-knockout mice were resistant to colitis. Mechanistically, CA inhibited peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), resulting in impeded fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and impaired Lgr5+ intestinal stem cell (ISC) renewal. A PPARα agonist restored FAO and improved Lgr5+ ISC function. Activation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) suppressed liver CYP8B1 expression and ameliorated colitis in mice. This study reveals a connection between the hepatic CYP8B1-CA axis and colitis via regulating intestinal epithelial regeneration, suggesting that BA-based strategies might be beneficial in IBD treatment.

Discovery of potent ebola entry inhibitors with (3S,4aS,8aS)-2-(3-amino-2-hydroxypropyl) decahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxamide scaffold

Ebola virus (EBOV), one member of the family Filoviridae, can causes hemorrhagic fever and other severe diseases in humans with a high mortality rate (25-90%). Until recently, there were no approved drugs and very limited treatment method for Ebola virus disease. In this study, we discovered a series of potent Ebola entry inhibitors with the (3S,4aS,8aS)-2-(3-amino-2-hydroxypropyl)decahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxamide scaffold from high-throughput screening in reported pseudotyped virus system. Further optimization resulted a most potent compound 28 (IC₅₀= 0.05 μM, SI = 98), which displayed 3-fold potency compared to the known inhibitor Toremifene (IC₅₀= 0.17 μM, SI = 55). Moreover, compound 28 exhibited the remarkable selectivity between EBOV-GP and VSV-G (Spec. Index = 58), thus could exclude nonspecific effects. Structure-activity relationship and molecular docking analysis of the new chemical scaffold provided more information on the binding modes and the spare volume at the binding cavity, thus can guide the design of the further potent compounds.

Cortex periplocae modulates the gut microbiota to restrict colitis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer via suppression of pathogenic Th17 cells

Aberrant microbe-immune cell interaction is a predisposing factor in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated cancer (CAC). Cortex Periplocae is a famous traditional Chinese medicine with putative anti-rheumatoid arthritis and anti-dyspepsia effects. Here, we show that the Periploca sepium periplosides (PePs), a cardiac glycosides-free pregnane glycosides extract from root bark of Cortex Periplocae, alleviates colon inflammation, improves intestinal epithelial barrier function, and prevents colitis-associated tumorigenesis in mice with colitis and CAC. Mechanistically, PePs treatment modulates abnormal gut microbiota composition in model mice, especially enriches an anti-inflammatory commensal bacterium A. muciniphila BAA-835. We further demonstrate that the altered gut microbiota following PePs treatment plays an important role in modulation of intestinal Type 17 immunity in both colitis and CAC mouse model. Our results indicate that PePs may be used as a potential gut microbiota modulator to treat IBD and CAC.

The SARS-CoV-2 rS1-E-PLGA nanovaccine and evaluation of its immune effect in BALB/c mice

OBJECTIVE

Vaccination is an important method for preventing COVID-19 infection. However, certain vaccines do not meet the current needs. To improve the vaccine effect, discard ineffective antigens, and focus on high-quality antigenic clusters, S1-E bivalent antigens were designed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Vaccine delivery is performed using poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Here, the recombinant S1-E (rS1-E) was covered on PLGA and injected intramuscularly into mice. In total, 48 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups with 8 mice in each group. The mice received intramuscular injections. Prior to vaccination, the hydrophobicity of the rS1-E and the antigenic site of the E protein were both analysed. The morphology, zeta potential, and particle size distribution of rS1-E-PLGA were examined. Anti-S1 and anti-E antibodies were detected in mouse serum by ELISA. Neutralising an-tibodies were detected by co-incubating the pseudovirus with the obtained serum. IL-2 and TNF-α levels were also measured.

RESULTS

The designed recombinant S1-E protein was successfully coated on PLGA nanoparticles. rS1-E-PLGA nanovaccine has suitable size, shape, good stability, sustained release and other characteristics. Importantly, mice were stimulated with rS1-E-PLGA nanovaccines to produce high-titre antibodies and a good cellular immune response.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that rS1-E-PLGA nanovaccine may provide a good protective effect, and the vaccine should be further investigated in human clinical trials for use in vaccination or as a booster.

CoVac501, a self-adjuvanting peptide vaccine conjugated with TLR7 agonists, against SARS-CoV-2 induces protective immunity

Safe, effective, and economical vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are needed to achieve adequate herd immunity and end the pandemic. We constructed a novel SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, CoVac501, which is a self-adjuvanting peptide vaccine conjugated with Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonists. The vaccine contains immunodominant peptides screened from the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and is fully chemically synthesized. It has been formulated in an optimized nanoemulsion formulation and is stable at 40 °C for 1 month. In non-human primates (NHPs), CoVac501 elicited high and persistent titers of protective neutralizing antibodies against multiple RBD mutations, SARS-CoV-2 original strain, and variants (B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2). Specific peptides booster immunization against the B.1.351 variant has also been shown to be effective in improving protection against B.1.351. Meanwhile, CoVac501 elicited the increase of memory T cells, antigen-specific CD8⁺ T-cell responses, and Th1-biased CD4⁺ T-cell immune responses in NHPs. Notably, at an extremely high SARS-CoV-2 challenge dose of 1 × 10⁷ TCID₅₀, CoVac501 provided near-complete protection for the upper and lower respiratory tracts of cynomolgus macaques.

The Burden of Colorectal Cancer Attributable to Diet Low in Fiber from 1990 to 2019: A Global, Regional and National Analysis

OBJECTIVES

The colorectal cancer (CRC) burden is increasingly high. The aim of this study was to investigate temporal and geographical trends in CRC deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributable to diet low in fiber globally from 1990 to 2019.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The study based on the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019.

PARTICIPANTS

The population comprised individuals from 204 countries and territories who were diagnosed with CRC attributable to diet low in fiber from 1990 to 2019.

MEASUREMENTS

Deaths, DALYs, age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR), and age-standardized DALY rates (ASDR) for CRC attributable to diet low in fiber were described, and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was further calculated to assess the burden in different regions, countries, sexes, and age groups. Additionally, we explored the association between EAPC and ASMR/ASDR (in 1990) and Human Development Index (HDI, in 2019).

RESULTS

From 1990 to 2019, global ASMR and ASDR for CRC attributable to diet low in fiber decreased slightly, but the corresponding deaths and DALYs increased by 63.37% and 51.36%, respectively. Those burden varied considerably between regions and countries. The burden was higher in high, high-middle and middle SDI regions, especially in Asia and Western Europe, but when HDI > 0.7, an increasingly rapid decline in ASMR and ASDR was revealed. Unexpectedly, many less well-developed countries within the traditionally low deaths and DALYs regions of Africa, Central Latin America, and Middle East showed gradual increases in ASMR and ASDR.

CONCLUSION

The global burden of CRC attributable to diet low in fiber has decreased over the last 30 years, but remains at a high level. It is essential for decision-makers to take targeted measures for improving population awareness and intake of dietary fiber.

Psoralen inhibits hepatitis B viral replication by down-regulating the host transcriptional machinery of viral promoters

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a global public health challenge due to its highly contagious nature. It is estimated that almost 300 million people live with chronic HBV infection annually. Although nucleoside analogs markedly reduce the risk of liver disease progression, the analogs do not fully eradicate the virus. As such, new treatment options and drugs are urgently needed. Psoralen is a nourishing monomer of Chinese herb and is known to inhibit virus replication and inactivate viruses. In this study, we evaluated the potential of psoralen as an anti-HBV agent. Quantitative PCR and Southern blot analysis revealed that psoralen inhibited HBV replication in HepG2.2.15 ​cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, psoralen was also active against the 3TC/ETV-dual-resistant HBV mutant. Further investigations revealed that psoralen suppressed both HBV RNA transcription and core protein expression. The transcription factor FOXO1, a known target for PGC1α co-activation, binds to HBV pre-core/core promoter enhancer II region and activates HBV RNA transcription. Co-immunoprecipitation showed that psoralen suppressed the expression of FOXO1, thereby decreasing the binding of FOXO1 co-activator PGC1α to the HBV promoter. Overall, our results demonstrate that psoralen suppresses HBV RNA transcription by down-regulating the expression of FOXO1 resulting in a reduction of HBV replication.

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Psoralen is a nourishing monomer of Chinese herb that inhibits the replication of HBV.

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Psoralen decreases the expression of transcription factor FOXO1 of pre-core/core promoter.

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Psoralen suppresses HBV replication by down-regulation FOXO1 in HBV-producing cells.

[Identification of serum peptide biomarker for ovarian cancer diagnosis by Clin-TOF-II-MS combined with magnetic beads technology]

Objective: To explore the serum cyclic polypeptide biomarkers for ovarian cancer diagnosis. Methods: A total of 54 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer confirmed by pathology in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from March 2018 to September 2018 were selected as the study subjects, and 40 healthy women with normal examination results in the cancer screening center were selected as the control. All of the samples were randomly divided into training set and validation set at the ratio of 1∶1 with a random number. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) combined with magnetic bead technology was used for detecting peptide profiling in serum samples to screen significantly differently expressed peptides between ovarian cancer group and control group of the training set (score>5). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to screen differential peptide peaks with area under curve (AUC) ≥0.8, sensitivity and specificity>90% in the training set and validation set. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was further used to determine the composition of differentially expressed peptides. Results: By comparing the peptide profiles of the two groups, 102 differential peptide peaks were initially detected in the mass-to-charge ratio range of 1 000 to 10 000. ROC curve analysis showed that there were 42 differential peptide peaks with AUC ≥0.8 in both training set and validation set, 19 of which were highly expressed in ovarian cancer group, and 23 were lowly expressed. There were 15 different peptide peaks in highly expressed ovarian cancer group with sensitivity and specificity over 90%. The mass-to-charge ratios were 7 744.27, 5 913.41, 5 329.87, 4 634.21, 4 202.02, 3 879.26, 3 273.35, 3 253.79, 3 234.34, 2 950.33, 2 664.51, 2 018.38, 1 893.37, 1 498.69 and 1 287.55. There were 15 different peptide peaks in lowly expressed ovarian cancer group with sensitivity and specificity over 90%, the mass-to-charge ratios were 9 288.46, 7 759.77, 5 925.24, 4 652.77, 4 210.42, 3 887.02, 3 279.90, 3 240.82, 2 962.15, 2 932.70, 2 022.42, 1 897.16, 1 501.69, 1 337.38 and 1 290.13. No protein composition was identified in 15 different peptide peaks in lowly expressed ovarian cancer group. The two protein compositions identified in 15 different peptide peaks in highly expressed ovarian cancer group were recombinant serglycin (SRGN) and fibinogen alpha chain (FGA), the mass-to-charge ratios of which were 1 498.696 and 5 913.417, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the two proteins for ovarian cancer diagnosis were 100%, 100% and 90.9%, 100%, respectively. Conclusion: SRGN and FGA are highly expressed in the serum of ovarian cancer patients, which may be potential diagnostic markers for ovarian cancer.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of C-17-Amino-Substituted Pyrazole-Fused Betulinic Acid Derivatives as Novel Agents for Osteoarthritis Treatment

A series of pyrazole-fused betulinic acid (BA) derivatives were designed and synthesized by replacing the carboxyl group at C-17 with aliphatic amine, amide, and urea groups. The suppressive effects of the compounds on osteoclast (OC) formation and inflammatory cytokine production were evaluated on murine macrophages, RAW264.7 cells, conditioned with receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), respectively. Results showed that, compared with betulinic acid, most of these compounds exhibited significant improvements in inhibitory potency. Compound 25 exhibited distinguished activities on inhibiting OC differentiation with an IC50 value of 1.86 μM. Meanwhile, compound 25, displaying the most promising suppression on IL-1β secretion from RAW264.7 cells, was further found to possess therapeutic effects in the sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rat model. Dose-dependent benefits were observed in MIA-elicited rats with ameliorated joint pain as well as decreased cartilage damage and bone changes after compound 25 treatment.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of choroquine derivatives bearing long aminated side chains as antivirus and anti-inflammatory agents

Starting from the antimalarial drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, we conducted a structural optimization on the side chain of chloroquine by introducing amino substituted longer chains thus leading to a series of novel aminochloroquine derivatives. Anti-infectious effects against SARS-Cov2 spike glycoprotein as well as immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities of the new compounds were evaluated. Distinguished immunosuppressive activities on the responses of T cell, B cell and macrophages upon mitogen and pathogenic signaling were manifested. Compounds 9–11 displayed the most promising inhibitory effects both on cellular proliferation and on the production of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-17, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α, which might be insightful in the pursuit of treatment for immune disorders and inflammatory diseases.

Antibody responses after first and second Covid-19 vaccination in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is associated with immunosuppression and patients are at increased clinical risk following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Covid-19 vaccines offer the potential for protection against severe infection but relatively little is known regarding the profile of the antibody response following first or second vaccination. We studied spike-specific antibody responses following first and/or second Covid-19 vaccination in 299 patients with CLL compared with healthy donors. 286 patients underwent extended interval (10-12 week) vaccination. 154 patients received the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine and 145 patients received ChAdOx1. Blood samples were taken either by venepuncture or as dried blood spots on filter paper. Spike-specific antibody responses were detectable in 34% of patients with CLL after one vaccine (n = 267) compared to 94% in healthy donors with antibody titres 104-fold lower in the patient group. Antibody responses increased to 75% after second vaccine (n = 55), compared to 100% in healthy donors, although titres remained lower. Multivariate analysis showed that current treatment with BTK inhibitors or IgA deficiency were independently associated with failure to generate an antibody response after the second vaccine. This work supports the need for optimisation of vaccination strategy in patients with CLL including the potential utility of booster vaccines.

Spiro ent-Clerodane Dimers: Discovery and Green Approaches for a Scalable Biomimetic Synthesis

Scospirosins A (1) and B (2), two unprecedented spiro ent-clerodane dimers with 6/6/10/6 and 6/6/6/6/6 ring systems, respectively, were isolated from Isodon scoparius. Their structures were unambiguously established by spectroscopic, X-ray crystallographic, and chemical approaches. A bioinspired protecting-group-free strategy for their synthesis was achieved on a gram scale and featured the application of green methods, including neat reaction, sensitized photooxygenation, and electrochemical oxidation. 2 exhibited selective immunosuppressive activity against the proliferation of T lymphocytes (IC₅₀ = 1.42 μM).

[Analysis of PARP inhibitors induced anemia in advanced and relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer]

Objective: To explore the clinical features of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor-related anemia in advanced and relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods: Patients diagnosed with advanced or relapsed EOC and treated with PARP inhibitor at National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College between January 2015 to October 2020 were accrued. The data included PARP inhibitors, treatment details, and lab tests before treatment and during treatment were collected and the clinical characteristics of PARP inhibitor-related anemia were analyzed. Results: (1) A total of 98 patients with a median age of 56.5 years old (30-82 years old) were enrolled in this study. All patients were treated with PARP inhibitor (65 cases of olaparib, 17 cases of niraparib, and 16 cases of fluzoparib). The median treatment duration was 37.5 weeks (4-119 weeks). (2) The anemia rate was 40% (39/98), including 5% (5/98) of grade Ⅰ, 14% (14/98) of grade Ⅱ, 11% (11/98) of grade Ⅲ, and 9% (9/98) of grade Ⅳ. Fourteen patients with pre-treatment grade Ⅰ anemia had a higher rate of anemia events than the 80 patients without pre-treatment anemia, 7/14 vs 35% (28/80; χ²=4.281, P=0.039). (3) The median anemia occurrence time was 7.0 weeks (1-52 weeks), including 41% (16/39) of anemia cases occurred in 1-4 weeks, 26% (10/39) occurred in 5-8 weeks, 13% (5/39) occurred in 9-12 weeks, 3% (1/39) occurred in 13-16 weeks, 10% (4/39) occurred in 17-20 weeks, 8% (3/39) occurred ≥21 weeks. At the time of the lowest hemoglobulin tested, the median value of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was 106 fl,which was higher than the up limit of normal range (100 fl), 74% (29/39) of anemia patients had an elevated MCV level; the median value of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) was 36 pg, 54% (21/39) of anemia patients had an elevated MCH level; the median value of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was 320 g/L, 69% (27/39) of anemia patients had a higher MCHC level; 92% (36/39) of anemia patients had a normal level of serum iron; 79% (31/39) of anemia patients had a normal level of transferrin. 74% (29/39) of the anemia patients were macrocytic orthochromatic anemia. (4) Among the 39 patients with anemia, 20 patients (51%, 20/39) withhold the treatment of PARP inhibitor due to grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ anemia, including 10 patients (50%, 10/20) who resumed the PARP inhibitor treatment by suppling iron, folate, and vitamin B₁₂. The median stopping time of PARP inhibitor was 5.5 weeks (2-10 weeks), while the other 10 patients terminated the PARP inhibitor treatment for not recovering from severe anemia. Conclusions: One of the common adverse effects of PARP inhibitors is anemia, which mostly happened in the first 3 months of treatment. In the treatment of EOC, PARP inhibitor-related anemia mainly manifest as macrocytic orthochromatic anemia, and most patients with normal serum iron and transferrin.

Triptolide analog LLDT-8 ameliorates psoriasis-like dermatitis in BALB/c mice via suppressing the IL-36α signaling pathway

Triptolide has shown a good immunosuppressive effect on autoimmune diseases. However, the toxicity limited its widely clinical practice. In this study, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of (5R)-5-hydroxytriptolide (LLDT-8), a novel triptolide derivative, on a murine psoriasis-like dermatitis model and related cell lines. Here, we showed that LLDT-8 significantly attenuated symptoms of psoriasis-like dermatitis induced by imiquimod (IMQ, a TLR7 agonist) by reducing the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score and inflammatory parameters. The action of LLDT-8 was involved in down-regulated interleukin (IL)-36α expression and blocked IL-36α pathway by LC-MS-based label-free quantitative (LFQ) proteomic approach and further experiments. Meanwhile, we observed that LLDT-8 significantly inhibited the expression of IL-36α in R837-treated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). In conclusion, LLDT-8 notably alleviated IMQ-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation via suppressing the IL-36α signaling pathway, suggesting LLDT-8 might be a potential drug for the treatment of psoriasis.

Heme supplementation ameliorates lupus nephritis through rectifying the disorder of splenocytes and alleviating renal inflammation and oxidative damage

Heme is an important iron-containing porphyrin molecule expressed ubiquitously in organisms. Recently, this endogenous molecule has been widely reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases such as sepsis, atherosclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease. However, the role of heme during systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis has not been previously evaluated. Herein, we have measured the levels of heme in lupus-prone mice and explored the influence of heme on the pathogenesis of lupus. We revealed that heme levels in serum, kidney and spleen lymphocytes are all negatively associated with the levels of proteinuria in lupus-prone mice. Heme supplementation at 15 mg/kg could significantly ameliorate the syndromes of lupus in MRL/lpr mice, extending lifespan, reducing the level of proteinuria and alleviating splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Further study demonstrated that heme replenishment corrected the abnormal compartment of T cell subsets, plasma cells and macrophages in the spleen and alleviates inflammation and oxidative damage in kidney of MRL/lpr mice. Our study well defined heme as a relevant endogenous molecule in the etiology of SLE, as well as a potential therapeutic target for treating this autoimmune disease. Meanwhile, heme replenishment might be a new choice to therapeutically modulate immune homeostasis and prevent SLE.

Effects of Shuanghuanglian oral liquids on patients with COVID-19: a randomized, open-label, parallel-controlled, multicenter clinical trial

We conducted a randomized, open-label, parallel-controlled, multicenter trial on the use of Shuanghuanglian (SHL), a traditional Chinese patent medicine, in treating cases of COVID-19. A total of 176 patients received SHL by three doses (56 in low dose, 61 in middle dose, and 59 in high dose) in addition to standard care. The control group was composed of 59 patients who received standard therapy alone. Treatment with SHL was not associated with a difference from standard care in the time to disease recovery. Patients with 14-day SHL treatment had significantly higher rate in negative conversion of SARS-CoV-2 in nucleic acid swab tests than the patients from the control group (93.4% vs. 73.9%, P = 0.006). Analysis of chest computed tomography images showed that treatment with high-dose SHL significantly promoted absorption of inflammatory focus of pneumonia, which was evaluated by density reduction of inflammatory focus from baseline, at day 7 (mean difference (95% CI), −46.39 (−86.83 to −5.94) HU; P = 0.025) and day 14 (mean difference (95% CI), −74.21 (−133.35 to −15.08) HU; P = 0.014). No serious adverse events occurred in the SHL groups. This study illustrated that SHL in combination with standard care was safe and partially effective for the treatment of COVID-19.

DZ2002 alleviates psoriasis-like skin lesions via differentially regulating methylation of GATA3 and LCN2 promoters

Psoriasis is the most prevalent inflammatory skin disorders, affecting 1-3% of the worldwide population. We previously reported that topical application of methyl 4-(adenin-9-yl)-2-hydroxybutanoate (DZ2002), a reversible S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) inhibitor, was a viable treatment in murine psoriatic skin inflammation. In current study, we further explored the mechanisms of DZ2002 on keratinocyte dysfunction and skin infiltration, the key pathogenic events in psoriasis. We conducted genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in skin tissue from imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic and normal mice, demonstrated that topical administration of DZ2002 directly rectified aberrant DNA methylation pattern in epidermis and dermis of psoriatic skin lesion. Especially, DZ2002 differentially regulated DNA methylation of GATA3 and LCN2 promoters, which maintained keratinocytes differentiation and reduced inflammatory infiltration in psoriatic skin respectively. In vitro studies in TNF-α/IFN-γ-elicited HaCaT manifested that DZ2002 treatment rectified compromised keratinocyte differentiation via GATA3 enhancement and abated chemokine expression by reducing LCN2 production under inflammatory stimulation. Chemotaxis assays conducted on dHL-60 cells confirmed that suppression of LCN2 expression by DZ2002 was accompanied by CXCR1 and CXCR2 downregulation, and contributed to the inhibition of CXCL8-driven neutrophils migration. In conclusion, therapeutic benefits of DZ2002 are achieved through differentially regulating DNA methylation of GATA3 and LCN2 promoters in psoriatic skin lesion, which efficiently interrupt the pathogenic interplay between keratinocytes and infiltrating immune cells, thus maintains epidermal keratinocytes differentiation and prevents dermal immune infiltration in psoriatic skin.

Rh-Catalyzed C-H alkylation enabling modular synthesis of CF3-substituted benzannulated macrocyclic inhibitors of B cell responses

Inspired by aspirin and chalcone, herein, we describe a modular biomimetic strategy to achieve a new class of CF3-bearing benzannulated macrolactams. The key to the success of macrolactams was the utilization of a highly chemoselective Rh(iii)-catalyzed native carboxylic acid-directed C-H alkylation. Moreover, the unique CF3-containing benzannulated macrocycles showed decent immunosuppressive effects on B cells in vitro, including proliferation, activation, and antibody production upon specific stimulation implicating TLR and BCR signaling.

Maintenance treatment in advanced HER2-negative gastric cancer

Survival for patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC) remains poor. Systemic chemotherapy which has reached a plateau stays the standard first-line (1L) treatment for advanced human epidermal growth-factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative GC. To maximize the benefit of 1L treatment, the concept of maintenance treatment is constantly being explored. In advanced HER2-negative GC, current clinical guidelines do not recommend a standard maintenance therapy strategy. In addition to the monotherapy maintenance with fluorouracil after 4-6 cycles of 1L chemotherapy, some agents that are active against novel targets have been evaluated in clinical trials for maintenance treatment. Whereas most of these trials do not reach their primary endpoints, they open new horizons for the 1L treatment of advanced HER2-negative GC. Therefore, we reviewed the clinical trials in the field of maintenance treatment in advanced HER2-negative GC and discussed some of the problems in clinical trials.

Physically simulating the effect of lateral vapor source-building separation on soil vapor intrusion: Influences of surface pavements and soil heterogeneity

The soil gas concentration attenuation in lateral diffusive transport determines the influence area of a contamination plume in soil vapor intrusion, a major exposure pathway of volatile chemicals at contaminated sites. In this study, we utilize both physical and mathematical models to investigate the roles of soil geology heterogeneities and impermeable surface pavements in determining the attenuation of contaminant soil gas concentration. The results indicate that the attenuation of soil gas concentration with lateral diffusion is observed to be the most significant if with a low-permeability soil layer at the bottom and a high-permeability layer on top, followed by the cases with the uniform soil properties, and the lateral attenuation is the least significant in cases with a high-permeability soil layer at the bottom and a low-permeability soil layer on top, regardless of the surface coverage. Compared to soil heterogeneity, the influences of surface conditions are less significant, and the capping effect of surface cover can only play a role in determining shallow soil gas concentration profiles. At last, the physical experimental results were used to examine a previously developed analytical vapor intrusion model including the influences of layering and surface conditions.

The split-off terahertz radiating dipoles on thermally reduced α-V2O5 (001) surface

The trapped electron states on a pliable lattice have different localization and physical chemistry characteristics. Here, terahertz time-domain measurements suggest that the formation of vanadyl oxygen defect, in the presence of the surface potential traps and mobile charge carriers, leads to a transient charge distribution that forms terahertz radiating dipoles in V2O5. The emergence of radiating dipoles is evidenced by terahertz responses with a two-valley feature of the thermally reduced α-V2O5 (001) thin films in the temperature range of 300-700 K. The two photoconductance valleys on a several millielectron volts interval are related to two emergent split-off traps, which originate from the VO6 octahedra distortion upon the vanadyl oxygen desorption on the surface. The pliable surface lattices plays a decisive role. So long as the α-V2O5 (001) thin films are covered by a 30 nm-thick Al2O3 capping layer, the distinct two-valley feature disappears completely in the full temperature range. The terahertz radiating dipoles with a fine energy structure is potentially a new measure for charge dynamics on the α-V2O5 (001) surface.

Discovery of Phthalazinone Derivatives as Novel Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Inhibitors

HBV capsid assembly has been viewed as an attractive target for new antiviral therapies against HBV. On the basis of a lead compound 4r, we further investigated this target to identify novel active compounds with appropriate anti-HBV potencies and improved pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Structure-activity relationship studies based on metabolic pathways of 4r led to the identification of a phthalazinone derivative 19f with appropriate anti-HBV potencies (IC₅₀ = 0.014 ± 0.004 μM in vitro), which demonstrated high oral bioavailability and liver exposure. In the AAV-HBV/mouse model, administration of 19f resulted in a 2.67 log reduction of the HBV DNA viral load during a 4-week treatment with 150 mg/kg dosing twice daily.

Intravitreal conbercept for branch retinal vein occlusion induced macular edema: one initial injection versus three monthly injections

Background

To compare the efficacy of one initial intravitreal injection of conbercept (IVC) versus three monthly IVCs in patients with macular edema (ME) after branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Both options were followed by a pro re nata (PRN) retreatment regimen.

Methods

This study retrospectively investigated and followed 60 patients with acute ME secondary to BRVO for over a year. 30 subjects received one initial injection (1 + PRN group); while, 30 received three monthly injections (3 + PRN group). The functional and anatomic outcomes were assessed during each follow-up.

Results

The general characteristics of the 60 subjects were as follows: mean [SD] age, 57.43 [13.06] years; 33 [55%] female; 36 [60%] non-ischemic form. Both groups showed a stable gain in visual acuity (VA) with similar logMAR (mean ± SD) (1 + PRN group 0.308 ± 0.399, 3 + PRN group 0.34 ± 0.352) during the first 12 months. Additionally, both groups exhibited a significant reduction in central foveal thickness (CFT) with no statistically significant difference between them (1 + PRN group 222.1 μm ± 197.1 μm, 3 + PRN group 228.4 μm ± 200.2 μm). Both treatment groups had similar improvements in logMAR and anatomic outcomes over time. The stratified analysis showed that patients with the non-ischemic form and those with the ischemic form had similar improvements in VA (0.346 ± 0.366 VS 0.29 ± 0.39, P = 0.575) during the 12 months follow-ups. The number of injections was lower in the 1 + PRN group (4.0 ± 1.6) than in the 3 + PRN group (4.7 ± 1.3) (P = 0.068). No adverse effects or unexpected safety issues were reported in either group.

Conclusions

Conbercept yielded significant improvements in VA and CFT among patients with BRVO induced ME, independent of their retinal ischemia status. The results showed that the 3 + PRN regimen do not lead to better functional outcomes or lower treatment needs in clinical practice as compared to the 1 + PRN regimen.

An examination of the building pressure cycling technique as a tool in vapor intrusion investigations with analytical simulations

The building pressure cycling (BPC) technique has been developed and applied by vapor intrusion (VI) site investigators to obtain estimates of reasonable maximum exposures and to identify possible background sources of contaminant vapors. This method assumes that by application of consistent indoor depressurization one can increase the average contaminated soil gas entry rate into a building of interest. In this study, a one-dimensional analytical model was developed to examine this assumption and explore the mechanism of BPC application. We have established that contaminant entry rate can typically reach a new pseudo-steady state on a time scale of one day following the imposition of enhanced indoor depressurization. Considering the traditional source-soil-building pathway, the results indicate that BPC can increase building loading rate in the first 3-5 hours, to an extent linearly related to the strength of depressurization, and after half a day, the normalized rate would reach a pseudo-steady state of about twice the value before application of depressurization. More significant and substainble increases in building loading rate indicate alternative pathways such as land drain or sewer pipeline. These findings are fully consistent with available field observations, and could help investigators optimize the performance of the BPC operation.

Intervention of oncostatin M-driven mucosal inflammation by berberine exerts therapeutic property in chronic ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and etiologically refractory inflammatory gut disorder. Although berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has been revealed to exert protective effects on experimental colitis, the underlying molecular mechanism in chronic intestinal inflammation remains ill-defined. This study was designed to uncover the therapeutic efficacy and immunomodulatory role of berberine in chronic UC. Therapeutic effects of oral administration of berberine were investigated in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced murine chronic UC and the underlying mechanisms were further identified by si-OSMR transfection in human intestinal stromal cells. Berberine significantly attenuated the experimental symptoms and gut inflammation of chronic UC. Berberine treatment could also maintain the intestinal barrier function and rectify tissue fibrosis. In accordance with infiltrations of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), and activated NK cells in colonic lamina propria, increased expression of OSM and OSMR were observed in the inflamed tissue of chronic UC, which were decreased following berberine treatment. Moreover, berberine inhibited the overactivation of human intestinal stromal cells through OSM-mediated JAK-STAT pathway, which was obviously blocked upon siRNA targeting OSMR. The research provided an infusive mechanism of berberine and illustrated that OSM and OSMR intervention might function as the potential target in chronic UC.

Heme protects intestinal mucosal barrier in DSS-induced colitis through regulating macrophage polarization in both HO-1-dependent and HO-1-independent way

Hemoglobin-derived heme was reported to play protective roles in hemorrhagic diseases by modulating the macrophages toward recovery. Mucosal bleeding is one of the pathological features of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, whether heme provides anti-inflammatory profiles in macrophages, thus contributing to the intestinal mucosal barrier protection, is unclear. In the current study, we investigated the beneficial effects of heme on DSS-induced colitis mice and explored the underlying mechanisms. In vivo, systemic heme supplementation by hemin injection relieved intestinal inflammation and remedied intestinal mucosal barrier damage by correcting abnormal intestinal macrophage polarization. In vitro, we confirmed the reciprocally regulating effects of hemin on M1/M2 macrophage polarization in BMDM. Intriguingly, with knockdown of HO-1, the inhibiting effects of hemin on M1 polarization were maintained, while the promoting effects on M2 polarization were reversed. Further research proved that hemin repressed the inflammatory profiles in macrophages through inhibiting the translocation of NF-κB p65 by disrupting IRF5-NF-κB p65 complex formation in Spi-C-dependent way. In conclusion, these results showed that the modification of colon tissue microenvironment with heme supplementation plays a protective role in DSS-induced colitis mice through regulating the macrophage polarization in both HO-1-dependent and HO-1-independent way, indicating a new choice to therapeutically modulate the macrophage function and prevent IBD.

DZ2002 ameliorates fibrosis, inflammation, and vasculopathy in experimental systemic sclerosis models

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis is a multisystem inflammatory and vascular lesion leading to extensive tissue fibrosis. A reversible S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) inhibitor, DZ2002, modulates the pathologic processes of various inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases. This study is designed to investigate the therapeutic potentiality of DZ2002 for experimental systemic sclerosis models.

METHODS

The anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic features of DZ2002 and its mechanisms were investigated in a bleomycin (BLM)-induced dermal fibrosis mice model. The effects of DZ2002 on expression of extracellular matrix components and TGF-β signaling in human dermal fibroblasts were analyzed. Simultaneously, the effects of DZ2002 on macrophage activation and endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression were also evaluated.

RESULTS

DZ2002 significantly attenuated dermal fibrosis in BLM-induced mice. Consistently, DZ2002 inhibited the expression of various molecules associated with dermal fibrosis, including transforming growth factor β1, connective tissue growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-17A, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 in the lesional skin of BLM-induced mice. Furthermore, DZ2002 decreased the proportion of macrophages, neutrophils, and T cells (especially T helper cells) in the skin tissue of BLM-induced mice. In addition, DZ2002 attenuated both M1 macrophage and M2 macrophage differentiation in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, DZ2002 directly reversed the profibrotic phenotype of transforming growth factor-β1-treated dermal fibroblasts and suppressed ICAM-1, VCAM-1, VEGF, bFGF, and ET-1 expression in endothelial cells. Finally, our investigations showed that DZ2002 relieved systemic sclerosis by regulating fibrosis TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

DZ2002 prevents the development of experimental dermal fibrosis by reversing the profibrotic phenotype of various cell types and would be a potential drug for the treatment of systemic sclerosis.

Investigation on failure behavior of collapse column in China's coal mine based on discontinuous deformation numerical method

Karst collapse column is a serious geological disaster in China’s coal mines. There are various karst collapse columns in coal mine areas, such as Huainan, Huaibei, Xingtai, Lu’an. And they have seriously affected mining safety and geological environment. The present research is focused on analyzing subsidence mechanism and dynamic collapse process. Based on mechanical analysis of thin plate theory, a detailed model of collapse column slipping and bending fracture is constructed to gather the critical conditions of the collapse column roof. The sensitivity parameters analysis shows that both the radius and roof thickness of cave have a great influence on the sliding instability and bending fracture. Meanwhile, the buried depth also affects bending failure. The discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) method is used to simulate and analyze the collapse process. The numerical results indicate that the stability of inverted funnel collapse column is dominated by the bending stress of roof strata. The movement of columnar collapse column is mainly caused by sliding instability. However, the funnel collapse column is relatively stable, and does not change in the same condition. The displacement field analysis shows that the collapse range of inverted funnel collapse column is obviously larger than that of columnar collapse column, in which its maximum displacement is approximately 1.5 times that of the columnar collapse column. There is no large area collapse on the upper part of the funnel collapse column, and the block system is relatively stable. The principal stress field analysis proves the above results.

Inhibition of phosphodiesterase-4 attenuates murine ulcerative colitis through interference with mucosal immunity

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an aetiologically refractory inflammatory disease, accompanied by dysfunction of the epithelial barrier and intestinal inflammation. Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) serves as an intracellular proinflammatory enzyme, hydrolyzing and inactivating cAMP. Though PDE4 inhibitors have been approved for pulmonary and dermatological diseases, the role of PDE4 inhibition in modulating mucosal immunity in the intestine remains ill-defined. This study was designed to explore whether PDE4 inhibition by apremilast exerts protective effects in dextran sulfate sodium-induced murine UC.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Intestinal inflammation and disease severity were evaluated by morphological, histopathological and biochemical assays, and in vivo imaging. Expression of inflammatory mediators, components of PDE4-mediated pathways in colon and macrophages were determined using quantitative real-time PCR, ELISA, Luminex assay, immunostaining, or western blotting, along with siRNA knockdown. Immune cells in mesenteric lymph nodes and colonic lamina propria were analysed by flow cytometry.

KEY RESULTS

Apremilast attenuated clinical features of UC, suppressing microscopic colon damage, production of inflammatory mediators, oxidative stresses, and fibrosis. Apremilast also promoted epithelial barrier function and inhibited infiltration of immune cells into inflamed tissues, through decreasing expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors. Furthermore, in UC, PDE4A, PDE4B, and PDE4D were highly expressed in colon. Apremilast not only inhibited PDE4 isoform expression but also activated PKA-CREB and Epac-Rap1 pathways and subsequently suppressed MAPK, NF-κB, PI3K-mTOR, and JAK-STAT-SOCS3 activation.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Inhibition of PDE4 by apremilast protected against UC, by interfering with mucosal immunity. These findings represent a promising strategy for regulating intestinal inflammation.

Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection Using Small Molecule Modulators of Nucleocapsid Assembly: Recent Advances and Perspectives

On the basis of the recent advance of basic research on molecular biology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, novel antiviral drugs targeting various steps of the HBV life cycle have been developed in recent years. HBV nucleocapsid assembly is now recognized as a hot target for anti-HBV drug development. Structural and functional analysis of HBV nucleocapsid allowed rational design and improvement of small molecules with the ability to interact with the components of HBV nucleocapsid and modulate the viral nucleocapsid assembly process. Prototypes of small molecule modulators targeting HBV nucleocapsid assembly are being preclinically tested or have moved forward in clinical trials, with promising results. This Review summarizes the recent advances in the approach to develop antiviral drugs based on the modulation of HBV nucleocapsid assembly. The antiviral mechanisms of small molecule modulators beyond the capsid formation and the potential implications will be discussed.