Discovery of a Novel Potent Tetrazole Antifungal Candidate with High Selectivity and Broad Spectrum

Thirty-one novel albaconazole derivatives were designed and synthesized based on our previous work. All compounds exhibited potent in vitro antifungal activities against seven pathogenic fungi. Among them, tetrazole compound D2 was the most potent antifungal with MIC values of <0.008, <0.008, and 2 μg/mL against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Aspergillus fumigatus, respectively, the three most common and critical priority pathogenic fungi. In addition, compound D2 also exhibited potent activity against fluconazole-resistant C. auris isolates. Notably, compound D2 showed a lower inhibitory activity in vitro against human CYP450 enzymes as well as a lower inhibitory effect on the hERG K+ channel, indicating a low risk of drug-drug interactions and QT prolongation. Moreover, with improved pharmacokinetic profiles, compound D2 showed better in vivo efficacy than albaconazole at reducing fungal burden and extending the survival of C. albicans-infected mice. Taken together, compound D2 will be further investigated as a promising candidate.

From Synergy to Monotherapy: Discovery of Novel 2,4,6-Trisubstituted Triazine Hydrazone Derivatives with Potent Antifungal Potency In Vitro and In Vivo

Invasive fungal infections pose a serious threat to public health and are associated with high mortality and incidence rates. The development of novel antifungal agents is urgently needed. Based on hit-to-lead optimization, a series of 2,4,6-trisubstituted triazine hydrazone compounds were designed, synthesized, and biological evaluation was performed, leading to the identification of compound 28 with excellent in vitro synergy (FICI range: 0.094-0.38) and improved monotherapy potency against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans and Candida auris (MIC range: 1.0-16.0 μg/mL). Moreover, 28 exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity against multiple pathogenic strains. Furthermore, 28 could inhibit hyphal and biofilm formation, which may be related to its ability to disrupt the fungal cell wall. Additionally, 28 significantly reduced the CFU in a mouse model of disseminated infection with candidiasis at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Overall, the triazine-based hydrazone compound 28 with low cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and favorable ADME/T characteristics represents a promising lead to further investigation.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of novel deferasirox derivatives with high antifungal potency in vitro and in vivo

Here we designed and synthesized 58 deferasirox derivatives with the aim of discovering novel antifungal agents. Most compounds exhibited moderate to excellent in vitro antifungal activities against Cryptococcus neoformans H99 with MIC values ranging from 0.25 μg/mL to 16 μg/mL, including ten compounds with MIC values less than 1 μg/mL that were further screened against an additional six pathogenic fungi. This class of compounds showed high potency against Candida glabrata with MIC values ranging from <0.125 μg/mL to 1 μg/mL. We identified that compound 54 has high potency against 14 strains of Candida glabrata spp. and Cryptococcus spp. with MIC values ranging from <0.125 μg/mL to 1 μg/mL. In addition, compound 54 significantly reduced the CFU in a mouse model of disseminated infection with Cryptococcus neoformans H99 at a dose of 10 mg/kg, which is comparable to FLC. Further investigations on compound 54 are currently in progress.

Discovery of Novel 8-Hydroxyquinoline Derivatives with Potent In Vitro and In Vivo Antifungal Activity

Fungal pathogens can cause life-threatening infections, yet current antifungals are inadequate at treating many of these, highlighting the importance of novel drug discovery. Here, we report hit compound L14, a novel 8-hydroxyquinoline derivative with potent and broad-spectrum antifungal activity. In vitro experiments exhibited that L14 had better activity and lower cytotoxicity than that of clioquinol and showed synergy in combination with fluconazole (FLC). In a Candida albicans-infected murine model, L14 at 2 mg/kg showed better in vivo efficacy than clioquinol at reducing fungal burden and extending the survival of C. albicans-infected mice. In addition, L14 alone or in combination with FLC had significant inhibitory activity against hypha and biofilm formation. Overall, our data indicated that 8-hydroxyquinoline derivative L14 has favorable pharmacokinetics and acceptable safety profiles and could be further investigated as a promising antifungal hit compound.

Design, synthesis and in vitro biological studies of novel triazoles with potent and broad-spectrum antifungal activity

A series of novel triazole derivatives containing aryl-propanamide side chains was designed and synthesised. In vitro antifungal activity studies demonstrated that most of the compounds inhibited the growth of six human pathogenic fungi. In particular, parts of phenyl-propionamide-containing compounds had excellent, broad-spectrum antifungal activity against Candida albicans SC5314, Cryptococcus neoformans 22-21, Candida glabrata 537 and Candida parapsilosis 22-20 with MIC values in the range of ≤0.125 µg/mL-4.0 µg/mL. In addition, compounds A1, A2, A6, A12 and A15 showed inhibitory activities against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans and Candida auris. Preliminary structure-activity relationships (SARs) are also summarised. Moreover, GC-MS analysis demonstrated that A1, A3, and A9 interfered with the C. albicans ergosterol biosynthesis pathway by inhibiting Cyp51. Molecular docking studies elucidated the binding modes of A3 and A9 with Cyp51. These compounds with low haemolytic activity and favourable ADME/T properties are promising for the development of novel antifungal agents.

Discovery of novel thiosemicarbazone derivatives with potent and selective anti-Candida glabrata activity

A series of 21 novel compounds containing a thiosemicarbazone moiety were designed and synthesised based on hit compound 1 from our in-house compound library screening. Most compounds showed potent antifungal activity in vitro against seven common pathogenic fungi. Notably, all compounds showed high potency against Candida glabrata 537 (MIC = ≤0.0156-2 µg/mL). Of note, compounds 5j and 5r displayed excellent antifungal activity against Candida krusei 4946 and Candida auris 922. Additionally, compounds 5j and 5r also showed high potency against 15 C. glabrata isolates with MIC values ranging from 0.0625 µg/mL to 4 µg/mL, with compound 5r being slightly superior to 5j. Moreover, compound 5r has certain effect against biofilm formation of C. glabrata. Furthermore, compound 5r has minimal cytotoxicity against HUVECs with an IC₅₀ value of 15.89 µg/mL and no haemolysis at 64 µg/mL. Taken together, these results suggest that promising lead compound 5r deserves further investigation.

Novel antifungal triazoles with alkynyl-methoxyl side chains: Design, synthesis, and biological activity evaluation

Previous work led to the rational design, synthesis and testing of novel antifungal triazole analogues bearing alkynyl-methoxyl side chains. Tests of in vitro antifungal activity showed Candida albicans SC5314 and Candida glabrata 537 gave MIC values of ≤0.125 μg/mL for most of the compounds. Among these, compounds 16, 18, and 29 displayed broad-spectrum antifungal activity against seven human pathogenic fungal species, two fluconazole-resistant C. albicans isolates and two multi-drug resistant Candida auris isolates. Moreover, 0.5 μg/mL of 16, 18, and 29 was more effective than 2 μg/mL of fluconazole at inhibiting fungal growth of the strains tested. The most active compound (16) completely inhibited the growth of C. albicans SC5314 at 16 μg/mL for 24 h, affected biofilm formation and destroyed the mature biofilm at 64 μg/mL. Several Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, overexpressing recombinant Cyp51s or drug efflux pumps, indicated 16, 18, and 29 targeted Cyp51 without being significantly affected by a common active site mutation, but were susceptible to target overexpression and efflux by both MFS and ABC transporters. GC-MS analysis demonstrated that 16, 18, and 29 interfered with the C. albicans ergosterol biosynthesis pathway by inhibition at Cyp51. Molecular docking studies elucidated the binding modes of 18 with Cyp51. The compounds showed low cytotoxicity, low hemolytic activity and favorable ADMT properties. Importantly, compound 16 showed potent in vivo antifungal efficacy in the G. mellonella infection model. Taken together, this study presents more effective, broad-spectrum, low toxicity triazole analogues that can contribute to the development of novel antifungal agents and help overcome antifungal resistance.

Discovery of Novel Tetrazoles Featuring a Pyrazole Moiety as Potent and Highly Selective Antifungal Agents

In pursuit of developing novel azole antifungals with potent activity and high selectivity, a series of (2R,3S)-3-(substituted-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl)butan-2-ol derivatives were designed and synthesized based on our previous work. All compounds exhibited excellent in vitro antifungal activities against Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans H99 with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from <0.008 to 4 μg/mL, with some even showing moderate activity against Aspergillus fumigatus 7544. The most active compounds (8, 11, 15, 24, and 25) displayed outstanding antifungal activity against six fluconazole-resistant C. auris clinical isolates and showed a potent inhibitory effect on biofilm formation of C. albicans SC5314 and C. neoformans H99. In addition, compounds 11 and 15 showed no inhibition of human CYP1A2 and low inhibitory activity against CYP3A4, indicating minimal risk of drug-drug interactions. Taken together, these promising tetrazoles with high in vitro potency and good safety profiles warrant further investigation.

Discovery of novel triazoles containing benzyloxy phenyl isoxazole side chain with potent and broad-spectrum antifungal activity

As a continuation study, 29 novel triazoles containing benzyloxy phenyl isoxazole side chain were designed and synthesized based on our previous work. The majority of the compounds exhibited high potency in vitro antifungal activities against eight pathogenic fungi. The most active compounds 13, 20 and 27 displayed outstanding antifungal activity with MIC values ranging from <0.008 µg/mL to 1 µg/mL, and showed potent activity against six drug-resistant Candida auris isolates. Growth curve assays further confirmed the high potency of these compounds. Moreover, compounds 13, 20 and 27 showed a potent inhibitory activity on biofilm formation of C. albicans SC5314 and C. neoformans H99. Notably, compound 13 showed no inhibition of human CYP1A2 and low inhibitory activity against CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, suggesting a low risk of drug-drug interactions. With high potency in vitro and in vivo and good safety profiles, compound 13 will be further investigated as a promising candidate.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel tetrazoles featuring isoxazole moiety as highly selective antifungal agents

In an effort to develop novel azole antifungals with potent activity and high selectivity, a series of (2R,3R)-3-((3-substitutied-phenyl-isoxazol-5-yl)methoxy)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl)butan-2-ol derivatives were designed and synthesized based on our previously work. All compounds exhibited moderate to excellent in vitro antifungal activities against Candida albicans SC5314 and Cryptococcus neoformans H99, but inactive against Aspergillus fumigatus 7544. Among them, the most active compound 10h displayed outstanding antifungal activity against fluconazole-resistant C. albicans 103, C. glabrata 537 and C. auris 922 with MIC values of ≤0.008 μg/mL. In addition, compound 10h was superior to FLC in inhibiting the filamentation of FLC-resistant C. albicans 103. Notably, compound 10h showed no inhibition of human CYP3A4 with IC₅₀ values of >100 μM, low cytotoxicity at 32 μg/mL and low hERG inhibition with IC₅₀ values of 6.22 μM, suggesting a low risk of drug-drug interactions and good safety profiles. Furthermore, compound 10h exhibited excellent PK profiles and showed remarkable in vivo efficacy in a mouse model of C. albicans and C. neoformans infection. Taken together, compound 10h will be further investigated as a promising lead antifungal agent.

Discovery of Novel Orally Bioavailable Triazoles with Potent and Broad-Spectrum Antifungal Activity In Vitro and In Vivo

In our continuing efforts to discover novel triazoles with improved antifungal activity in vitro and in vivo, a series of 41 novel compounds containing 1,2,3-triazole side chains were designed and synthesized via a click reaction based on our previous work. Most of the compounds showed moderate to excellent broad-spectrum antifungal activity in vitro. Among them, the most promising compound 9A₁₆ displayed excellent antifungal and anti-drug-resistant fungal ability (MIC₈₀ = 0.0156-8 μg/mL). In addition, compound 9A₁₆ showed powerful in vivo efficacy on mice systematically infected with Candida albicans SC5314, Cryptococcus neoformans H99, fluconazole-resistant C. albicans 100, and Aspergillus fumigatus 7544. Moreover, compared to fluconazole, compound 9A₁₆ showed better in vitro anti-biofilm activity and was more difficult to induce drug resistance in a 1 month induction of resistance assay in C. albicans. With favorable pharmacokinetics, an acceptable safety profile, and high potency in vitro and in vivo, compound 9A₁₆ is currently under preclinical investigation.

Discovery of Novel Thiosemicarbazides Containing 1,3,5-Triazines Derivatives as Potential Synergists against Fluconazole-Resistant Candida albicans

The clinical prevalence of antifungal drug resistance has been increasing over recent years, resulting in the failure of treatments. In an attempt to overcome this critical problem, we sought novel synergistic enhancers to restore the effectiveness of fluconazole against resistant Candida albicans. Based on the structural optimization of hit compound 8 from our in-house library, a series of novel 1,3,5-triazines derivatives was designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated for synergistic activity in combination with fluconazole. Among them, compounds 10a-o, which contain thiosemicarbazides side chains, exhibited excellent in vitro synergistic antifungal potency (MIC80 = 0.125-2.0 μg/mL, FICI range from 0.127 to 0.25). Interestingly, compound 10l exhibited moderate C. albicans activity as monotherapy with an MIC80 value of 4.0 μg/mL, and also on several Cryptococcus strains (MIC80 ranging from ≤ 0.125-0.5 μg/mL) and C. glabrata (MIC80 ≤ 0.125 μg/mL). These effects were fungal-selective, with much lower levels of cytotoxicity towards human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Here, we report a series of thiosemicarbazides containing 1,3,5-triazines derivatives as potent synergists with fluconazole, and have preliminarily validated compound 10l as a promising antifungal lead for further investigation.

Discovery of Novel 7-Hydroxy-5-oxo-4,5-dihydrothieno[3,2-b]pyridine-6-carboxamide Derivatives with Potent and Selective Antifungal Activity against Cryptococcus Species

Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii can cause fatal invasive infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. However, few antifungal drugs are available to help treat cryptococcosis. In this study, by compound library screening, we presented the first report of hit compound P163-0892, which had potent in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity against Cryptococcus spp. In vitro tests showed that P163-0892 was not cytotoxic and had highly selective and strong antifungal activities against Cryptococcus spp. with MIC values less than 1 μg/mL. Synergism of P163-0892 and fluconazole was also observed in vitro. The in vivo antifungal efficacy of P163-0892 was assessed in a wax moth larval fungal infection model, and treatment with 10 mg/kg P163-0892 caused a significant reduction in fungal burden and significant extension of the survival time. Taken together, our data indicate that the hit compound P163-0892 warrants further investigation as a novel anti-Cryptococcus agent.

Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro and In Vivo Antifungal Activity of Novel Triazoles Containing Phenylethynyl Pyrazole Side Chains

A series of triazole derivatives containing phenylethynyl pyrazole moiety as side chain were designed, synthesized, and most of them exhibited good in vitro antifungal activities. Especially, compounds 5k and 6c showed excellent in vitro activities against C. albicans (MIC = 0.125, 0.0625 μg/mL), C. neoformans (MIC = 0.125, 0.0625 μg/mL), and A. fumigatus (MIC = 8.0, 4.0 μg/mL). Compound 6c also exerted superior activity to compound 5k and fluconazole in inhibiting hyphae growth of C. albicans and inhibiting drug-resistant strains of C. albicans, and it could reduce fungal burdens in mice kidney at a dosage of 1.0 mg/kg. An in vivo efficacy evaluation indicated that 6c could effectively protect mice models from C. albicans infection at doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg. These results suggested that compound 6c deserves further investigation.

MiR-199a modulates autophagy and inflammation in rats with cerebral infarction via regulating mTOR expression

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-199a in rats with cerebral infarction by regulating mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 36 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups, including: sham group (n=12), model group (n=12) and miR-199a mimics group (n=12). In sham group internal and external carotid arteries were exposed. The ischemia-reperfusion model was successfully established using suture embolization in the other two groups. After modeling, rats in sham group and model group were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline. However, rats in miR-199a mimics group were injected with miR-199a mimics. Following intervention for 3 d, sampling was conducted. Neurological deficit was evaluated in rats based on the Zea-Longa scoring system. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe neuronal morphology. The expression of mTOR was detected using immunohistochemistry, and the relative expression level of tau protein was determined via Western blotting (WB). Besides, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of mTOR and tau were detected by quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). Finally, inflammatory factor content was measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Model group and miR-199a mimics group exhibited a substantially higher Zea-Longa score than sham group (p<0.05). Compared with model group, the Zea-Longa score rose prominently in miR-199a mimics group (p<0.05). According to the results of HE staining, the structure of neurons in sham group was clear and intact, while the structure of neurons in model group was disordered. Meanwhile, neuronal morphology in miR-199a mimics group was significantly worse than that in model group (p<0.05). Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that the positive expression level of mTOR was considerably upregulated in both model group and miR-199a mimics group in comparison with sham group (p<0.05). Moreover, its positive expression level in miR-199a mimics group was markedly higher that in model group (p<0.05). Based on the results of WB, model and miR-199a mimics groups exhibited a remarkably higher relative expression level of tau protein than sham group (p<0.05). However, the relative expression level of tau protein in miR-199a mimics group was prominently higher than that in model group (p<0.05). QPCR results manifested that the relative mRNA expression levels of mTOR and tau in model group and miR-199a mimics group were dramatically higher than those in sham group (p<0.05). Compared with those in model group, the relative mRNA expression levels of mTOR and tau increased significantly in miR-199a mimics group (p<0.05). ELISA results revealed that model group and miR-199a mimics group had prominently higher content of inflammatory factors than sham group (p<0.05). In addition, content of inflammatory factors in miR-199a mimics group was considerably higher than that in model group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-199a modulates mTOR expression to exert important regulatory effects on the autophagy and inflammation in rats with cerebral infarction.

Characterizing the air pollution of the cities in the closure of corona virus disease 2019 in China

With the rapid development of industrialization and urbanization in China, energy and vehicle consumption have continued to increase in recent years and air pollution has become serious. In early 2020, Corona Virus Disease 2019 broke out in Wuhan, China. From January 29, 2020, several sources of the air pollution almost all stopped working, including gasoline burning vehicles, dust producing building sites, coal-fired factories, etc. Five indicators of the atmospheric environmental quality were observed from December 19, 2019 to April 30, 2020 in nine cities and 1-h average concentrations, 24-h average concentrations and Air Quality Index were assessed. The 1-h average concentrations of the nitrogen dioxide, the ozone and the sulfur dioxide showed obvious difference though the closure did not change the sequence of the five pollutants' concentrations in the air at diverse sampling moments. The changing of the 24-h average concentrations of the five pollutants indicated the amount of pollutants in the air were greatly affected by human activities. The nitrogen dioxide, the sulfur dioxide and the particulate matters decreased obviously in the closure. The air in the metropolis and the south-east cities were relatively clean and the pollutants' concentrations decreased slightly during the closure period. The northern and the heavy industrial cities showed significant drop on air pollution indicators and the air quality of the two city groups could be greatly improved if some effective measures could be taken of environmental management and regional development.

11g, a Potent Antifungal Candidate, Enhances Candida albicans Immunogenicity by Unmasking β-Glucan in Fungal Cell Wall

In the course of optimizing GPI biosynthesis inhibitors, we designed and synthetized a 2-aminonicotinamide derivative named 11g. After evaluating the antifungal activity of compound 11g in vitro, we investigated the influences of 11g on fungi immunogenicity. In addition, we also took advantage of murine systemic candidiasis model to investigate the protective effects of 11g in vivo. Results show that 11g exhibited potent antifungal activity both in vitro and in vivo. Further study shows that 11g caused the unmasking of fungi β-glucan layer, leading to stronger immune responses in macrophages through Dectin-1. These results suggest that 11g is a very promising antifungal candidate, which assists in eliciting stronger immune responses to help host immune system disposing pathogens. The discovery of 11g might expand the toolbox of fungal infection treatment.

TNF-derived peptides inhibit tumour growth and metastasis through cytolytic effects on tumour lymphatics

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a multi-functional cytokine with profound and diverse effects on physiology and pathology. Identifying the molecular determinants underlying the functions and pathogenic effects of TNF is key to understanding its mechanisms of action and identifying new therapeutic opportunities based on this important molecule. Previously, we showed that some evolutionarily conserved peptides derived from TNF could induce cell death (e.g. apoptosis and/or necrosis), a feature of immune defence mechanisms shared by many vertebrates. In this study, we demonstrated that necrosis-inducing peptide P16 kills human glioblastoma cancer cells and primary human hepatoma or renal cancer cells isolated from patients who had not responded to standard treatments. Importantly, we show that the necrosis-inducing peptide P1516 significantly improves survival by inhibiting tumour metastasis in a 4T1 breast cancer syngeneic graft mouse model. Because the lymphatic system is an important metastatic route in many cancers, we also tested the effect of TNF-derived peptides on monolayers of primary human lymphatic endothelial cells (hDLEC) and found that they increased junctional permeability by inducing cytoskeletal reorganization, gap junction formation and cell death. Transmission electron microscopy imaging evidence, structural analysis and in-vitro liposome leakage experiments strongly suggest that this killing is due to the cytolytic nature of these peptides. P1516 provides another example of a pro-cytotoxic TNF peptide that probably functions as a cryptic necrotic factor released by TNF degradation. Its ability to inhibit tumour metastasis and improve survival may form the basis of a novel approach to cancer therapy.

Molecular docking, design, synthesis and antifungal activity study of novel triazole derivatives

The incidence of life-threatening fungal infections has dramatically increased for decades. In order to develop novel antifungal agents, two series of (2R,3R)-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(N-substitutied)-2-butanols (3a-o, 5a-f, 8a-u), which were analogues of voriconazole, were designed, synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and HRMS. The MIC₈₀ values showed that the target compounds 3a-o indicated better activities than fluconazole on three important fungal pathogens except for 3i. Significant activity of compounds 3d, 3k, 3n, 3m and 3o was observed on the Aspergillus fumigatus strain (MIC₈₀ range: 1-0.125 μg/ml). Especially, compound 3k had strong activity to inhibit the growth of ten fungal pathogens. But it didn't exhibit good activity in in vivo value. Molecular docking experiments demonstrated that 3k possessed superior affinity with target enzyme by strong hydrogen bond from morpholine ring.

Design, synthesis, and SAR study of 3-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-benzylpropanamide as novel potent synergists against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans

Based on our previous discovery and SAR study on the lead compounds 7d, 5 and berberine which can significantly enhance the susceptibility of fluconazole against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans, a series of 3-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(substituted benzyl)propanamides were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro synergistic activity in combination with fluconazole. The series 2a-f were designed by replacing the amide moiety of the lead compound 7d with retro-amide moiety, and compounds 2a and 2b showed more activity than the lead 7d. Furthermore, introducing biphenyl moiety into series 2d-f afforded series 3a-r, most of which exhibited significantly superior activity to the series 2d-f. Especially, compound 3e, at a concentration of 1.0µg/ml, can enhance the susceptibility of fluconazole against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans from 128.0µg/ml to 0.125-0.25µg/ml. A clear SAR of the compounds is discussed.

[Effects of transforming growth factor β1 receptor inhibitor SD-208 on human hypertrophic scar]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) receptor inhibitor SD-208 on human hypertrophic scar and its mechanisms.

METHODS

Scar fibroblasts were isolated from deprecated human hypertrophic scar tissue and then sub-cultured. Cells of the fifth passage were used in the following experiments. (1) Cells were divided into blank control group (BC) and 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 μmol/L SD-208 groups according to the random number table (the same grouping method below), with 6 wells in each group. Cells in group BC were added with 1 μL phosphate buffer solution, while cells in the latter four groups were added with 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 μmol/L SD-208, respectively. After being cultured for 12 hours, the proliferation activity of cells was detected by cell counting kit 8 and microplate reader (denoted as absorbance value). Suitable amount of substance concentration of SD-208 according to the results of proliferation activity of cells was chosen for the following experiments. (2) Another batch of cells were divided into group BC and 1, 3 μmol/L SD-208 groups and treated as in (1), with 8 wells in each group. The number of migration cells was detected by transwell method. (3) Another batch of cells were grouped and treated as in (2), and the microfilament morphology of cells was observed by rhodamine-phalloidin staining. (4) Another batch of cells were grouped and treated as in (2), and the protein expression of TGF-β1 was assessed with Western blotting. (5) Forty-eight BALB/c nude mice were divided into normal saline group (NS) and 1 μmol/L SD-208 group, and one longitudinal incision with length of 1 cm was made on their back. Then human hypertrophic scar tissue was embedded into the incision. On post injury day 7, multipoint injection of NS in a volume of 0.05 mL was performed in wounds of rats in group NS, while rats in 1 μmol/L SD-208 group were given 0.05 mL 1 μmol/L SD-208, once a day. On the day 0 (the same day), 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 post first time of injection, the weight of 8 nude mice was weighed by electronic scale, and scar area was measured by vernier caliper and the ratio of rest scar area was calculated. (6) In week 1, 2, and 3 post first time of injection, the protein expression of TGF-β1 of human hypertrophic scar tissue was assessed with Western blotting. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and two independent-sample t test.

RESULTS

(1) The proliferation activity of cells in group BC, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 μmol/L SD-208 groups was respectively 1.00±0.03, 0.90±0.08, 0.68±0.11, 0.54±0.04, and 0.42±0.09, and the proliferation activity of cells in 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 μmol/L SD-208 groups was significantly lower than that in group BC (with t values from 2.9 to 22.1, P<0.05 or P<0.01). (2) The number of migration cells in 1, 3 μmol/L SD-208 groups was significantly less than that in group BC (with t values respectively 6.5 and 6.4, P values below 0.01). (3) Compared with that in group BC, fluorescence intensity of microfilaments of cells in 1, 3 μmol/L SD-208 groups was attenuated, and the pseudopod extended less. (4) The protein expressions of TGF-β1 of cells in group BC and 1, 3 μmol/L SD-208 groups were respectively 1.00±0.08, 0.80±0.08, and 0.61±0.05, and the protein expressions of TGF-β1 of cells in 1, 3 μmol/L SD-208 groups were significantly lower than those in group BC (with t values respectively 4.0 and 9.2, P values below 0.01). (5) The weights of nude mice in group NS and 1 μmol/L SD-208 group were similar on each time day (with t values from 0.2 to 1.1, P values above 0.05). The ratios of rest scar area of nude mice in two groups were decreased along with the injection time, and the ratios of rest scar area of nude mice in 1 μmol/L SD-208 group were significantly less than those in group NS from the day 6 to 20 post first time of injection (with t values from 1.8 to 15.9, P<0.05 or P<0.01). In week 1, 2, and 3 post first time of injection, the protein expressions of TGF-β1 of human hypertrophic scar tissue in nude mice in two groups showed a tendency of decrease, and the protein expressions of TGF-β1 of human hypertrophic scar tissue in nude mice in 1 μmol/L SD-208 group were significantly lower than those in group NS (with t values from 6.2 to 19.1, P values below 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

SD-208 has significant inhibition effect on human hypertrophic scars, and the mechanism is correlated to the inhibition of protein expression of endogenous TGF-β1.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel 2-Aminonicotinamide Derivatives as Antifungal Agents

Based on the structures of the reported compounds G884 [N-(3-(pentan-2-yloxy)phenyl)nicotinamide], E1210 [3-(3-(4-((pyridin-2-yloxy)methyl)benzyl)isoxazol-5-yl)pyridin-2-amine], and 10 b [2-amino-N-((5-(3-fluorophenoxy)thiophen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinamide], which inhibit the biosynthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins in fungi, a series of novel 2-aminonicotinamide derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for in vitro antifungal activity. Most of these compounds were found to exhibit potent in vitro antifungal activity against Candida albicans, with MIC₈₀ values ranging from 0.0313 to 4.0 μg mL^-1 . In particular, compounds 11 g [2-amino-N-((5-(((2-fluorophenyl)amino)methyl)thiophen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinamide] and 11 h [2-amino-N-((5-(((3-fluorophenyl)amino)methyl)thiophen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinamide] displayed excellent activity against C. albicans, with MIC₈₀ values of 0.0313 μg mL^-1 , and exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity against fluconazole-resistant C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, and Cryptococcus neoformans, with a MIC₈₀ range of 0.0313-2.0 μg mL^-1 . Further studies by electron microscopy and laser confocal microscopy indicated that compound 11 g targets the cell wall and decreases GPI anchor content on the cell surface of C. albicans.

Hysteroscopy combined dilatation and curettage, serum CA125 and CA19-9 play an important role in preserving fertility or endocrine function for early-stage endometrial cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of hysteroscopy combined dilatation and curettage (D&C), serum CA125 and CA19-9 in endometrial cancer (EC) patients who desire to preserve fertility or endocrine function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included a total of 622 patients with EC between January 2006 and December 2014. The consistency of preoperative and postoperative histopathological findings were compared in patients who underwent D&C with or without hysteroscopy. The incidence of positive peritoneal cytology was also compared to assess the safety of hysteroscopy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the role of preoperative serum CA125 and CA19-9 in predicting extrauterine metastasis.

RESULTS

In 151 patients who underwent hysteroscopy combined D&C, the consistency of pre- and postoperative pathology was higher than the remaining 447 patients who underwent classical D&C alone (83.44% vs. 74.94%,p < 0.05) and there was no significant difference in the incidence of positive peritoneal cytology between the two groups (2.64% vs. 2.73%, p > 0.05). ROC curve analysis results showed the CA125 serum level of 31.75 U/ml and CA19-9 serum level of 35.40 U/ml were the best cutoff to predict extrauterine metastasis in endometrial cancer, with 66.7% sensitivity, 83% specificity, and 61.9% sensitivity and 84.9% of specificity, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Hysteroscopy combined D&C should be recommended for early-stage EC patients who desire to preserve fertility or endocrine function, and the preoperative serum levels of CA125 and CA19-9 were powerful in predicting tumor stage in these patients.

Detection of circulating tumour cells may add value in endometrial cancer management

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in patients with endometrial cancer (EC).

STUDY DESIGN

This study included 40 patients with a pre-operative diagnosis of high-risk EC between April 2015 and May 2016. Patients were further divided into high-risk (grade 3, non-endometrioid, myometrial invasion ≥1/2 and stage III-IV) and high-intermediate-risk (grade 2-3, endometrioid, myometrial invasion <1/2 and stage I-II) groups according to postoperative pathological results. CTCs were detected using the CellSearch system, and CTC results were correlated with standard clinicopathological characteristics and serum tumour marker CA125/HE4 status using Chi-squared test, continuity correction or Fisher's exact test. The pharmacodynamic effect was detected after the first cycle of adjuvant therapy. Patients were followed up for 13 months to assess outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifteen percent of patients had one or more CTCs. The presence of CTCs was found to be significantly associated with cervical involvement (83.33% vs 11.76%, p=0.00). No significant difference in CTC-positive rates was detected between the high-risk and high-intermediate-risk groups, and no significant correlation was found between CTCs and serum CA125/HE4, either by positive rates or exact serum levels of the conventional tumour markers. No more CTCs were detected after the first cycle of standard chemotherapy in this study, and no distant metastases or recurrence were found in the CTC-positive patients during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

The presence of CTCs was correlated with cervical involvement. Early-stage EC patients with CTCs may benefit from additional adjuvant therapies. Assessment of CTCs may be useful in the management of high-risk EC patients.

Identification of marker genes in diabetic wounds by DNA microarray study

This study aimed to identify marker genes in diabetic wounds using a dataset based on a DNA microarray of dermal lymphatic endothelial cells, and our results provide a basic understanding of diabetic wounds through further study of these differentially expressed genes (DEGs). From the Gene Expression Omnibus database, we downloaded a gene expression microarray (GSE38396) that includes 8 samples: 4 normal controls and 4 disease samples (type II diabetes). We then identified genes that were differentially expressed between normal and disease samples using packages in R language, constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and analyzed modules in the network. In addition, phylogenetic analysis was performed by MEGA to find the most conserved genes. Two hundred and thirteen genes were identified as being differentially expressed between normal and disease samples, and we constructed a PPI network that included 213 pairs of proteins. We then identified a module including 20 genes, the function of which was significantly enriched in wounding response. Lastly, the most conserved genes, CD44 and CCL5, were identified through phylogenetic analysis. In summary, we found differentially expressed marker genes, a wounding response-related module, and the most important genes CD44 and CCL5. Our findings suggest new approaches to therapies for diabetic wounds.

Structural optimization of berberine as a synergist to restore antifungal activity of fluconazole against drug-resistant Candida albicans

We have conducted systematic structural modification, deconstruction, and reconstruction of the berberine core with the aim of lowering its cytotoxicity, investigating its pharmacophore, and ultimately, seeking novel synergistic agents to restore the effectiveness of fluconazole against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans. A structure-activity relationship study of 95 analogues led us to identify the novel scaffold of N-(2-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)ethyl)-2-(substituted phenyl)acetamides 7 a-l, which exhibited remarkable levels of in vitro synergistic antifungal activity. Compound 7 d (N-(2-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)ethyl)-2-(2-fluorophenyl)acetamide) significantly decreased the MIC₈₀ values of fluconazole from 128.0 μg mL⁻¹ to 0.5 μg mL⁻¹ against fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and exhibited much lower levels of cytotoxicity than berberine toward human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Two-dimensional imaging of soot volume fraction by the use of laser-induced incandescence

A recently developed laser-induced incandescence technique is used to make novel planar measurements of soot volume fraction within turbulent diffusion flames and droplet flames. The two-dimensional imaging technique is developed and assessed by systematic experiments in a coannular laminar diffusion flame, in which the soot characteristics have been well established. With a single point calibration procedure, agreement to within 10% was found between the values of soot volume fraction measured by this technique and those determined by conventional laser scattering-extinction methods in the flame. As a demonstration of the wide range of applicability of the technique, soot volume fraction images are also obtained from both turbulent ethene diffusion flames and from a freely falling droplet flame that burns the mixture of 75% benzene and 25% methanol. For the turbulent diffusion flames, approximately an 80% reduction in soot volume fraction was found when the Reynolds number of the fuel jet increased from 4000 to 8000. In the droplet flame case, the distribution of soot field was found to be similar to that observed in coannular laminar diffusion flames.

Laser Raman spectrometry study on experimental galactose-induced cataract

PURPOSE

To observe the dynamic changes of hydration in galactose induced cataract.

METHODS

Two groups of Wistar rats were used in the experiment. There were 12 rats in the experimental group, which were fed diet of 50% D-Galactose standard feed; while the control group had 8 rats fed standard feed. Their other living conditions were the same. At desired time periods, two Wistar rats fed galactose and one normal control were selected and killed 20 minutes before the instrument examination respectively, then, their lenses were removed from the orbs by a posterior approach. The cleaned fresh lens was placed in a quartz cuvette with Tris buffered balanced salt solution containing 5.5 mmol/L glucose. The quartz cuvette was placed on the stage of the Spectrometer. The laser beam was focused at the lens nuclear from the bottom of the cuvette and the scattered light was collected at 90 degrees to the incident beam.

RESULTS

Raman spectroscopy showed that (1) during the formation of galactose cataract, the water signal (at 3390cm-1) increased obviously, and the ratio of I3390/I2935 increased from 0.31 (3 days) to 2.26 (17 days), which is correlated with the imbibition of water in the lens nuclear; (2) the hydration of lens nuclear could be divided into two phases. The ratio I3390/I2935 was increased slowly and steadily by 11 days after galactose feeding. Then, the ratio turned to increase quite fast till 17 days.

CONCLUSION

The hydration of nuclear is changed simultaneously with the formation of cataract. The hydration of nuclear is mainly due to the imbalance of Na+/K+.

Features of the adeno-associated virus origin involved in substrate recognition by the viral Rep protein

We previously demonstrated that the adeno-associated virus (AAV) Rep68 and Rep78 proteins are able to nick the AAV origin of DNA replication at the terminal resolution site (trs) in an ATP-dependent manner. Using four types of modified or mutant substrates, we now have investigated the substrate requirements of Rep68 in the trs endonuclease reaction. In the first kind of substrate, portions of the hairpinned AAV terminal repeat were deleted. Only deletions that retained virtually all of the small internal palindromes of the AAV terminal repeat were active in the endonuclease reaction. This result confirmed previous genetic and biochemical evidence that the secondary structure of the terminal repeat was an important feature for substrate recognition. In the second type of substrate, the trs was moved eight bases further away from the end of the genome. The mutant was nicked at a 50-fold-lower frequency relative to a wild-type origin, and the nick occurred at the correct trs sequence despite its new position. This finding indicated that the endonuclease reaction required a specific sequence at the trs in addition to the correct secondary structure. It also suggested that the minimum trs recognition sequence extended three bases from the cut site in the 3' direction. The third type of substrate harbored mismatched base pairs at the trs. The mismatch substrates contained a wild-type sequence on the strand normally cut but an incorrect sequence on the complementary strand. All of the mismatch mutants were capable of being nicked in the presence of ATP. However, there was substantial variation in the level of activity, suggesting that the sequence on the opposite strand may also be recognized during nicking. Analysis of the mismatch mutants also suggested that a single-stranded trs was a viable substrate for the enzyme. This interpretation was confirmed by analysis of the fourth type of substrate tested, which contained a single-stranded trs. This substrate was also cleaved efficiently by the enzyme provided that the correct strand was present in the substrate. In addition, the single-stranded substrate no longer required ATP as a cofactor for nicking. Finally, all of the substrates with mutant trss bound the Rep protein as efficiently as the wild-type did. This finding indicated that the sequence at the cut site was not involved in recognition of the terminal repeat for specific binding by the enzyme. We concluded that substrate recognition by the AAV Rep protein involves at least two and possibly as many as four features of the AAV terminal repeat.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)