Salinomycin disturbs Golgi function and specifically affects cells in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) gives rise to cells with properties similar to cancer stem cells (CSCs). Targeting the EMT program to selectively eliminate CSCs is a promising way to improve cancer therapy. Salinomycin (Sal), a K+/H+ ionophore, was identified as highly selective towards CSC-like cells, but its mechanism of action and selectivity remains elusive. Here, we show that Sal, similar to monensin and nigericin, disturbs the function of the Golgi. Sal alters the expression of Golgi-related genes and leads to marked changes in Golgi morphology, particularly in cells that have undergone EMT. Moreover, Golgi-disturbing agents severely affect post-translational modifications of proteins, including protein processing, glycosylation and secretion. We discover that the alterations induced by Golgi-disturbing agents specifically affect the viability of EMT cells. Collectively, our work reveals a novel vulnerability related to the EMT, suggesting an important role for the Golgi in the EMT and that targeting the Golgi could represent a novel therapeutic approach against CSCs.

Ajugol enhances TFEB-mediated lysosome biogenesis and lipophagy to alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Lipophagy is the autophagic degradation of lipid droplets. Dysregulated lipophagy has been implicated in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Ajugol is an active alkaloid isolated from the root of Rehmannia glutinosa which is commonly used to treat various inflammatory and metabolic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ajugol on alleviating hepatic steatosis and sought to determine whether its potential mechanism via the key lysosome-mediated process of lipophagy. Our findings showed that ajugol significantly improved high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis in mice and inhibited palmitate-induced lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Further analysis found that hepatic steatosis promoted the expression of LC3-II, an autophagosome marker, but led to autophagic flux blockade due to a lack of lysosomes. Ajugol also enhanced lysosomal biogenesis and promoted the fusion of autophagosome and lysosome to improve impaired autophagic flux and hepatosteatosis. Mechanistically, ajugol inactivated mammalian target of rapamycin and induced nuclear translocation of the transcription factor EB (TFEB), an essential regulator of lysosomal biogenesis. siRNA-mediated knockdown of TFEB significantly abrogated ajugol-induced lysosomal biogenesis as well as autophagosome-lysosome fusion and lipophagy. We conclude that lysosomal deficit is a critical mediator of hepatic steatosis, and ajugol may alleviate NAFLD via promoting the TFEB-mediated autophagy-lysosomal pathway and lipophagy.

Coelogin ameliorates metabolic dyshomeostasis by regulating adipogenesis and enhancing energy expenditure in adipose tissue

Obesity and associated metabolic disorders are heading up with an alarming rate in developing nations. One of highly sought solution for metabolic disorders is to identify natural molecule with an ability to reduce obesity and increase insulin sensitivity. Coelogin (CLN) is a phenanthrene derivative isolated from the ethanolic extract of Coelogyne cristata. In our constant efforts to identify novel anti-dyslipidemic and anti-adipogenic compounds using CFPMA (common feature pharmacophore model using known anti-adipogenic compounds) model, predicted possible anti-adipogenic activity of CLN. In vitro results showed significant inhibition of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 and C3H10T1/2 cell by CLN. It arrests the cell cycle in G1 phase of interphase and inhibits mitotic clonal expansion to regulate adipogenesis. CLN elicits insulin sensitizing effect in mature adipocytes. During extracellular flux assessment studies, it increases oxidative respiration and energy expenditure in adipocytes. In vivo, CLN reversed HFD-induced dyslipidemia as well as insulin resistance in C57BL/6 mice. It promoted the expression of genes involved in improved mitochondrial function and fatty acid oxidation in eWAT. CLN restored energy expenditure and increased the capacity of energy utilization in HFD fed mice. Taken together, the study indicated beneficial effects of CLN in combating obesity-associated metabolic complications.

Population pharmacokinetic analysis of ulotaront in subjects with schizophrenia

Ulotaront (SEP-363856) is a trace amine-associated receptor 1 agonist with 5-HT1A agonist activity in phase III development for the treatment of schizophrenia. The efficacy of ulotaront is not mediated by blockade of D2 or 5-HT2A receptors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the population pharmacokinetics (PopPKs) of ulotaront in adult subjects using pooled data from seven phase I studies, one phase II acute study, and one 6-month extension study. Single and multiple (up to 7 days) oral doses (5-150 mg/day) were studied in both healthy adult subjects (with intensive serial plasma sampling) and adult patients with schizophrenia (some with intensive and some with sparse plasma sampling). Ulotaront was well-absorbed and exhibited dose-proportionality in doses ranging from 10 to 100 mg, in mean maximum concentration, area under the concentration-time curve, and minimum concentration. Moderate interindividual variability was observed in concentration-time profiles. The estimated median time to maximal concentration was 2.8 h and the median effective half-life was 7 h, corresponding to an exposure accumulation ratio of 1.10 at steady-state with daily dosing. There was no indication of time-dependent changes in PKs after up to 12 weeks of daily dose administration. No clinically meaningful effects on ulotaront PK parameters were observed based on race, age, sex, formulation (capsule or tablet), or clinical status (healthy volunteer vs. patient with schizophrenia); body weight was the only meaningful covariate.

Identification of a Small-Molecule Glucose Transporter Inhibitor, Glutipyran, That Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth

Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to survive and grow. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting cancer are useful for studying its metabolic pathways and functions and for developing anticancer drugs. Here, we discovered that glutipyran and its derivatives inhibit glycolytic activity and cell growth in human pancreatic cancer cells. According to proteomic profiling of glutipyran-treated cells using our ChemProteoBase, glutipyran was clustered within the group of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducers that included glycolysis inhibitors. Glutipyran inhibited glucose uptake and suppressed the growth of various cancer cells, including A431 cells that express glucose transporter class I (GLUT1) and DLD-1 GLUT1 knockout cells. When cotreated with the mitochondrial respiration inhibitor metformin, glutipyran exhibited a synergistic antiproliferative effect. Metabolome analysis revealed that glutipyran markedly decreased most metabolites of the glycolytic pathway and the pentose phosphate pathway. Glutipyran significantly suppressed tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model of pancreatic cancer. These results suggest that glutipyran acts as a broad-spectrum GLUT inhibitor and reduces cancer cell growth.

Tubocapsenolide A targets C-terminal cysteine residues of HSP90 to exert the anti-tumor effect

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a chaperone protein that has been shown to regulate cancer progression. As a result, HSP90 has emerged as an attractive target for cancer therapy. Tubocapsenolide A (TA) is an anti-tumor component isolated from Tubocapsicum anomalum. Although the anti-tumor activity of TA was considered to be related to HSP90, the binding site and deep anti-tumor mechanisms still need to be elucidated. In this study, we found that TA is a covalent inhibitor of HSP90, which inhibits HSP90 ATPase activity without blocking ATP binding. Further studies indicated that TA targets the C-terminal Cys521 site, which led to HSP90 partial oligomerization and hindered its anti-aggregation and refolding activity. The damage of the chaperone activity disrupted the interaction between HSP90 and its cochaperone CDC37 as well as its client proteins, thereby inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, TA was found to have therapeutic effects on the xenograft tumor model by inducing the degradation of HSP90 client proteins. Together, our results identified HSP90 as the direct target of TA for mediating the anti-tumor activity. TA could serve as a lead compound for developing novel HSP90 C-terminal covalent inhibitors with binding site different from the ATP-binding domain.

Potential Uses of Olive Oil Secoiridoids for the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer: A Narrative Review of Preclinical Studies

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a combination of foods mainly rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients that have been shown to have many health-enhancing effects. Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is an important component of the MD. The importance of EVOO can be attributed to phenolic compounds, represented by phenolic alcohols, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol, and to secoiridoids, which include oleocanthal, oleacein, oleuropein, and ligstroside (along with the aglycone and glycosidic derivatives of the latter two). Each secoiridoid has been studied and characterized, and their effects on human health have been documented by several studies. Secoiridoids have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties and, therefore, exhibit anti-cancer activity. This review summarizes the most recent findings regarding the pharmacological properties, molecular targets, and action mechanisms of secoiridoids, focusing attention on their preventive and anti-cancer activities. It provides a critical analysis of preclinical, in vitro and in vivo, studies of these natural bioactive compounds used as agents against various human cancers. The prospects for their possible use in human cancer prevention and treatment is also discussed.

Salinomycin inhibits proliferative vitreoretinopathy formation in a mouse model

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a progressive disease that develops in a subset of patients who undergo surgery for retinal detachment repair, and results in significant vision loss. PVR is characterized by the migration of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells into the vitreous cavity, where they undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and form contractile membranes within the vitreous and along the retina, resulting in recurrent retinal detachments. Currently, surgical intervention is the only treatment for PVR and there are no pharmacological agents that effectively inhibit or prevent PVR formation. Here, we show that a single intravitreal injection of the polyether ionophore salinomycin (SNC) effectively inhibits the formation of PVR in a mouse model with no evidence of retinal toxicity. After 4 weeks, fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) demonstrated development of mean PVR grade of 3.5 (SD: 1.3) in mouse eyes injected with RPE cells/DMSO (vehicle), compared to mean PVR grade of 1.6 (SD: 1.3) in eyes injected with RPE cells/SNC (p = 0.001). Additionally, immunohistochemistry analysis showed RPE cells/SNC treatment reduced both fibrotic (αSMA, FN1, Vim) and inflammatory (GFAP, CD3, CD20) markers compared to control RPE cells/DMSO treatment. Finally, qPCR analysis confirmed that Tgfβ, Tnfα, Mcp1 (inflammatory/cytokine markers), and Fn1, Col1a1 and Acta2 (fibrotic markers) were significantly attenuated in the RPE cells/SNC group compared to RPE/DMSO control. These results suggest that SNC is a potential pharmacologic agent for the prevention of PVR in humans and warrants further investigation.

Novel 2'-alkoxymethyl substituted klavuzon derivatives as inhibitors of Topo I and CRM1

In this work, 2'-alkoxymethyl substituted klavuzon derivatives were prepared starting from 2-methyl-1-naphthoic acid in eight steps. Anticancer potencies of the synthesized compounds were evaluated by performing MTT cell viability test over cancerous and healthy pancreatic cell lines, along with CRM1 inhibitory properties in HeLa cells by immunostaining and Topo I inhibition properties by supercoiled DNA relaxation assay. Their cytotoxic activities were also presented in hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HuH-7) derived 3D spheroids. Among the tested klavuzon derivatives, isobutoxymethyl substituted klavuzon showed the highest selectivity of cytotoxic activity against pancreatic cancer cell line. They showed potent Topo I inhibition while their CRM1 inhibitory properties somehow diminished compared to 4'-alkylsubstituted klavuzons. The most cytotoxic 2'-methoxymethyl derivative inhibited the growth of the spheroids derived from HuH-7 cell lines and PI staining exhibited time and concentration dependent cell death in 3D spheroids.

The cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist LY2828360 synergizes with morphine to suppress neuropathic nociception and attenuates morphine reward and physical dependence

The opioid crisis has underscored the urgent need to identify safe and effective therapeutic strategies to overcome opioid-induced liabilities. We recently reported that LY2828360, a slowly signaling G protein-biased cannabinoid CB₂ receptor agonist, suppresses neuropathic nociception and attenuates the development of tolerance to the opioid analgesic morphine in paclitaxel-treated mice. Whether beneficial effects of LY2828360 are dependent upon the presence of a pathological pain state are unknown and its impact on unwanted opioid-induced side-effects have never been investigated. Here, we asked whether LY2828360 would produce synergistic anti-allodynic effects with morphine in a paclitaxel model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain and characterized its impact on opioid-induced reward and other unwanted side-effects associated with chronic opioid administration. Isobolographic analysis revealed that combinations of LY2828360 and morphine produced synergistic anti-allodynic effects in suppressing paclitaxel-induced mechanical allodynia. In wildtype (WT) mice, LY2828360 blocked morphine-induced reward in a conditioned place preference assay without producing reward or aversion when administered alone. The LY2828360-induced attenuation of morphine-induced reward was absent in CB₂ knockout (CB₂KO) mice. In the absence of a neuropathic pain state, LY2828360 partially attenuated naloxone-precipitated opioid withdrawal in morphine-dependent WT mice, and this withdrawal was itself markedly exacerbated in CB₂KO mice. Moreover, LY2828360 did not reliably alter morphine-induced slowing of colonic transit or attenuate tolerance to morphine antinociceptive efficacy in the hot plate test of acute nociception. Our results suggest that cannabinoid CB₂ receptor activation enhances the therapeutic properties of opioids while attenuating unwanted side-effects such as reward and dependence that occur with sustained opioid treatment.

Analgesic action of Rubimaillin in vitro and in vivo

Pain, a common symptom in clinics, is a serious impediment to quality of life. The analgesic drugs presently in use have poor efficacy, and are associated with undesirable side effects. Rubimaillin (Rub) is a naphthoquinone compound extracted from Chinese herbal medicine, and it has various biological activities. In this study, the analgesic effect of Rub, and its mechanism of action were investigated using glacial acetic acid-induced mice writhing model and a mice model of neurogenic and inflammatory bipolar pain. Analgesic effects were measured in different experimental groups. In vitro, RAW 264.7 cells were used to investigate the release of nitric oxide (NO), iNOS and COX-2 protein in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results revealed that Rub reduced the number of acetic acid-induced writhing in mice, inhibited formalin-induced biphasic pain response, and suppressed the production of NO in RAW 264.7 cells. The mechanisms involved in the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of rub may be related to the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), endogenous inflammatory mediators, and reduction in the content of pain-induced mediators.

Methoxytetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)methyl benzoate inhibits spinal cord injury in the rat model via PPAR-γ/PI3K/p-Akt activation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is the most commonly seen trauma leading to disability in people worldwide. The purpose of current study was to determine the protective effect of methoxytetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)methyl benzoate (HMPB) on SCI in rat model. TUNEL staining was used to examine apoptotic changes in spinal cord of SCI rats. The ELISA kits were employed to assess inflammatory processes and oxidative factors in the spinal cord tissues. Behavioral changes in SCI rats were assessed using Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring system. Western blotting was used for assessment of proteins. The HMPB treatment of SCI rats reduced apoptotic cell number based on the concentration of dose administered. Treatment of SCI rats with HMPB enhanced BBB score and decreased accumulation of water content in SCI rats significantly. On treatment with HMPB the TNF-α and interleukin-6/1β/18 levels were suppressed in SCI rats. Treatment with HMPB induced excessive release of SOD, CAT, and GSH molecules and decreased overproduction of MDA. The SCI induced upregulation of caspase-3/9 activity was completely alleviated by HMPB at 2 mg/kg dose. The HMPB treatment of SCI rats promoted peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) expression, reduced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 production and increased expression of p-Akt and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K). The study demonstrated that HMPB suppressed apoptosis, raised BBB score and inhibited inflammation in SCI rats. Moreover, activation of PI3K/Akt in the spinal cord tissues of SCI rats was promoted by HMPB. Therefore, HMPB has protective effect on SCI in the rat model.

Anxiolytic Effects of 8-O-Acetyl Shanzhiside Methylester on Acute and Chronic Anxiety via Inflammatory Response Inhibition and Excitatory/Inhibitory Transmission Imbalance

Anxiety leads to a global decline in quality of life and increase in social burden. However, treatments are limited, because the molecular mechanisms underlying complex emotional disorders are poorly understood. We explored the anxiolytic effects of 8-O-acetyl shanzhiside methylester (8-OaS), an active component in Lamiophlomis rotata (L. rotata; Benth.) or Kudo, a traditional herb that has been shown to be effective in the clinical treatment of chronic pain syndromes in China. Two mouse anxiety models were used: forced swimming stress (FSS)–induced anxiety and complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)–induced chronic inflammatory pain. All animal behaviors were analyzed on the elevated plus maze and in the open-field test. 8-OaS significantly ameliorated anxiety-like behaviors in both anxiety models and inhibited the translation enhancement of GluN2A, GluN2B, and PSD95. Moreover, a reduction in GABA receptors disrupted the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), indicated by increased excitatory and decreased inhibitory presynaptic release. 8-OaS also blocked microglia activation and reduced the phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), NF-κB p65, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the BLA of anxiety mice. 8-OaS exhibits obvious anxiolytic effects by regulating the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) synaptic transmission and attenuating inflammatory responses in the BLA.

Protective effect of Specnuezhenide on islet β cell of rats with gestational diabetes mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) refers to diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance first diagnosed during pregnancy without previous history of the disease. Usually, GDM has a high risk of inducing type 2 diabetes mellitus. The incidence of GDM is increasing year by year worldwide, and it seriously affects the quality of life of patients, and increases the risk to pregnancy. Specnuezhenide (SPZ) is a characteristic active component of Ligustrum lucidum, a plant which exerts a variety of pharmacological effects. In this study, the protective effect of SPZ on β cells in gestational diabetes mellitus rats was investigated in a rat model of gestational diabetes. Based on oral glucose tolerance test, ELISA, qRT-PCR and western blotting assays, It was found that SPZ effectively improved blood sugar control and glucose tolerance in gestational diabetic rats, inhibited inflammation in islet tissue, and reduced inflammation-mediated insulin resistance.

Healthspan Maintenance and Prevention of Parkinson's-like Phenotypes with Hydroxytyrosol and Oleuropein Aglycone in C. elegans

Numerous studies highlighted the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet (MD) in maintaining health, especially during ageing. Even neurodegeneration, which is part of the natural ageing process, as well as the foundation of ageing-related neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (PD), was successfully targeted by MD. In this regard, olive oil and its polyphenolic constituents have received increasing attention in the last years. Thus, this study focuses on two main olive oil polyphenols, hydroxytyrosol (HT) and oleuropein aglycone (OLE), and their effects on ageing symptoms with special attention to PD. In order to avoid long-lasting, expensive, and ethically controversial experiments, the established invertebrate model organism Caenorhabditis elegans was used to test HT and OLE treatments. Interestingly, both polyphenols were able to increase the survival after heat stress, but only HT could prolong the lifespan in unstressed conditions. Furthermore, in aged worms, HT and OLE caused improvements of locomotive behavior and the attenuation of autofluorescence as a marker for ageing. In addition, by using three different C. elegans PD models, HT and OLE were shown i) to enhance locomotion in worms suffering from α-synuclein-expression in muscles or rotenone exposure, ii) to reduce α-synuclein accumulation in muscles cells, and iii) to prevent neurodegeneration in α-synuclein-containing dopaminergic neurons. Hormesis, antioxidative capacities and an activity-boost of the proteasome & phase II detoxifying enzymes are discussed as potential underlying causes for these beneficial effects. Further biological and medical trials are indicated to assess the full potential of HT and OLE and to uncover their mode of action.

A 96-week, multinational, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, clinical trial evaluating the safety and effectiveness of bexagliflozin as a monotherapy for adults with type 2 diabetes

AIM

To explore the safety and effectiveness of extended exposure to bexagliflozin as a monotherapy for type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Adults with diabetes (n = 288) from the USA, Colombia and Mexico were randomized 1:1 to receive bexagliflozin (20 mg) or placebo for 96 weeks. The primary endpoint was the placebo-adjusted change in HbA1c at 24 weeks. Dosing was continued an additional 72 weeks to assess safety and the durability of the treatment effect. Secondary endpoints measured changes from baseline in body mass and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at week 24, and the change, over study duration, in HbA1c_. RESULTS: The placebo-adjusted change in HbA1c from baseline to week 24 was -0.79% (-8.6 mmol/mol) [95%CI -0.53, -1.06 (-5.8, -11.6), P < .0001]. The unadjusted change from baseline through week 96 was -0.55% (-6.0 mmol/mol) ± 1.184% (12.9) (SD) for the bexagliflozin arm compared with 0.53% (5.8 mmol/mol) ± 1.215% (13.3) for the placebo arm (P < .0001). Significant decreases in body mass, SBP and DBP could be attributed to bexagliflozin exposure. The incidence of serious adverse events was lower in the bexagliflozin-treated group (2.8%) than in the placebo group (8.5%). Urinary tract infections occurred less frequently in the active arm (14.5%) than in the placebo arm (20.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Bexagliflozin at 20 mg/d was well tolerated and provided a durable, clinically meaningful improvement in glycaemic control over 96 weeks to participants in this phase 2 trial. A substantial reduction in weight and blood pressure was produced by bexagliflozin, with no increase in significant adverse event rates.

A 24-week, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled clinical trial comparing bexagliflozin with sitagliptin as an adjunct to metformin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults

AIM

To compare the relative safety and effectiveness of bexagliflozin and sitagliptin as adjuncts to metformin for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Participants (n = 386) were randomized to receive bexagliflozin (20 mg) or sitagliptin (100 mg) in addition to their existing doses of metformin. The primary endpoint was the non-inferiority of bexagliflozin to sitagliptin for change in HbA1c from baseline to week 24. Changes from baseline to week 24 in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), body mass (in subjects with baseline body mass index ≥25 kg m^-2 ) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

The mean change from baseline to week 24 in HbA1c was -0.74 (95% CI -0.86%, -0.62%) in the bexagliflozin arm and -0.82% (95% CI -0.93%, -0.71%) in the sitagliptin arm, establishing non-inferiority. The changes from baseline FPG, body mass and SBP were -1.82 mmol L^-1 , -3.35 kg and -4.23 mmHg in the bexagliflozin arm and -1.45 mmol L^-1 , -0.81 kg and -1.90 mmHg in the sitagliptin arm, respectively. These differences were significant for the first two measures (one-sided P = 0.0123, P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0276, respectively.) Adverse events were experienced by 47.1% of subjects in the bexagliflozin arm and 56.0% of subjects taking sitagliptin. Serious adverse events affected 3.7% of subjects in the bexagliflozin arm and 2.1% of subjects in the sitagliptin arm.

CONCLUSIONS

Bexagliflozin was non-inferior to sitagliptin and provided benefits over sitagliptin in FPG and body mass. Adverse event incidences in the two arms were similar.

SF2523: Dual PI3K/BRD4 Inhibitor Blocks Tumor Immunosuppression and Promotes Adaptive Immune Responses in Cancer

Macrophages (MΘs) are key immune infiltrates in solid tumors and serve as major drivers behind tumor growth, immune suppression, and inhibition of adaptive immune responses in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein, BRD4, which binds to acetylated lysine on histone tails, has recently been reported to promote gene transcription of proinflammatory cytokines but has rarely been explored for its role in IL4-driven MΘ transcriptional programming and MΘ-mediated immunosuppression in the TME. Herein, we report that BET bromodomain inhibitor, JQ1, blocks association of BRD4 with promoters of arginase and other IL4-driven MΘ genes, which promote immunosuppression in TME. Pharmacologic inhibition of BRD4 using JQ1 and/or PI3K using dual PI3K/BRD4 inhibitor SF2523 (previously reported by our group as a potent inhibitor to block tumor growth and metastasis in various cancer models) suppresses tumor growth in syngeneic and spontaneous murine cancer models; reduces infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells; blocks polarization of immunosuppressive MΘs; restores CD8⁺ T-cell activity; and stimulates antitumor immune responses. Finally, our results suggest that BRD4 regulates the immunosuppressive myeloid TME, and BET inhibitors and dual PI3K/BRD4 inhibitors are therapeutic strategies for cancers driven by the MΘ-dependent immunosuppressive TME.

Salinomycin decreases feline sarcoma and carcinoma cell viability when combined with doxorubicin

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a significant health threat in cats. Chemoresistance is prevalent in solid tumors. The ionophore salinomycin has anti-cancer properties and may work synergistically with chemotherapeutics. The purpose of our study was to determine if salinomycin could decrease cancer cell viability when combined with doxorubicin in feline sarcoma and carcinoma cells.

RESULTS

We established two new feline injection-site sarcoma cell lines, B4 and C10, and confirmed their tumorigenic potential in athymic nude mice. B4 was more resistant to doxorubicin than C10. Dose-dependent effects were not observed until 92 μM in B4 cells (p = 0.0006) vs. 9.2 μM (p = 0.0004) in C10 cells. Dose-dependent effects of salinomycin were observed at 15 μM in B4 cells (p = 0.025) and at 10 μM in C10 cells (p = 0.020). Doxorubicin plus 5 μM salinomycin decreased viability of B4 cells compared to either agent alone, but only at supra-pharmacological doxorubicin concentrations. However, doxorubicin plus 5 μM salinomycin decreased viability of C10 cells compared to either agent alone at doxorubicin concentrations that can be achieved in vivo (1.84 and 4.6 μM, p < 0.004). In SCCF1 cells, dose-dependent effects of doxorubicin and salinomycin were observed at 9.2 (p = 0.036) and 2.5 (p = 0.0049) μM, respectively. When doxorubicin was combined with either 1, 2.5, or 5 μM of salinomycin in SCCF1 cells, dose-dependent effects of doxorubicin were observed at 9.2 (p = 0.0021), 4.6 (p = 0.0042), and 1.84 (p = 0.0021) μM, respectively. Combination index calculations for doxorubicin plus 2.5 and 5 μM salinomycin in SCCF1 cells were 0.4 and 0.6, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We have developed two new feline sarcoma cell lines that can be used to study chemoresistance. We observed that salinomycin may potentiate (C10 cells) or work synergistically (SCCF1 cells) with doxorubicin in certain feline cancer cells. Further research is indicated to understand the mechanism of action of salinomycin in feline cancer cells as well as potential tolerability and toxicity in normal feline tissues.

Therapeutic Approaches for NOP Receptor Antagonists in Neurobehavioral Disorders: Clinical Studies in Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder with BTRX-246040 (LY2940094)

Conventional antidepressants increase the efflux of biogenic amine neurotransmitters (the monoamine hypothesis of depression) in the central nervous system (CNS) and are the principle drugs used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the lack of efficacy in some patients, the slow onset of action, and the side effect profiles of existing antidepressants necessitate the exploration of additional treatment options. The discovery of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide NOP receptor (N/OFQ-NOP receptor) system and its characterization in preclinical biological and pharmacological stress-related conditions supports the potential antidepressant and anti-stress properties of a NOP receptor antagonist for the treatment of neurobehavioral disorders. BTRX-246040 (formerly LY2940094) was designed to test this hypothesis in the clinic. A small clinical proof of concept study demonstrated efficacy of BTRX-246040 in MDD patients. In this study, BTRX-246040 (40 mg, p.o.) significantly reduced negative bias as assessed by the facial recognition test within 1 week of treatment and decreased depression symptoms after 8 weeks. BTRX-246040 also reduced depression symptoms in a second trial with heavy alcohol drinkers. Given the comorbidity of MDD and alcohol use disorder, a compound with such effects in patients could be a valuable addition to the medications available. A proof of concept study showed efficacy of BTRX-246040 in reducing heavy drinking and increasing the probability of abstinence in individuals diagnosed with alcohol dependence. In addition, plasma levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase were decreased by BTRX-246040 compared to placebo control implying improvement in liver function. Collectively, the clinical data reviewed within this chapter suggest that BTRX-264040 functions to normalize dysfunction in reward circuits. The overall efficacy and safety of this compound with a novel mechanism of action are encouraging of further clinical development. BTRX-246040 is currently under development for MDD by BlackThorn Therapeutics.

Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Sericetin for Protection against Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

A concise synthesis of sericetin (1) was performed in four steps from readily available 3- O-benzylgalangin (4), featuring electrocyclization to produce the tricyclic core and a sequential aromatic Claisen/Cope rearrangement to incorporate the 8-prenyl group of 1. In addition, the therapeutic potential of sericetin (1), isosericetin (2), and three prenylated tetracyclic synthetic intermediates (11, 12, and 14) against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity using renal tubular cells were evaluated. Compound 14 showed therapeutic potential against cisplatin-induced kidney damage.

The role of ROS-induced autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a main cause of cancer-related mortality and its etiology is not fully understood. As prominent factors that regulate cellular homeostasis, both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and autophagy are considered to play an essential role in the liver carcinogenesis. However, the crosstalk between ROS and autophagy is not well characterized in the pathogenesis of HCC. This review summarizes the roles of autophagy in ROS-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis and discusses the role of ROS-induced autophagy in HCC cell fate decision following treatment with chemotherapeutic agents in preclinical settings, which may allow the identification of novel strategies for the treatment of HCC.

Early intervention of tau pathology prevents behavioral changes in the rTg4510 mouse model of tauopathy

Although tau pathology, behavioral deficits, and neuronal loss are observed in patients with tauopathies, the relationship between these endpoints has not been clearly established. Here we found that rTg4510 mice, which overexpress human mutant tau in the forebrain, develop progressive age-dependent increases in locomotor activity (LMA), which correlates with neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) pathology, hyperphosphorylated tau levels, and brain atrophy. To further clarify the relationship between these endpoints, we treated the rTg4510 mice with either doxycycline to reduce mutant tau expression or an O-GlcNAcase inhibitor Thiamet G, which has been shown to ameliorate tau pathology in animal models. We found that both doxycycline and Thiamet G treatments starting at 2 months of age prevented the progression of hyperactivity, slowed brain atrophy, and reduced brain hyperphosphorylated tau. In contrast, initiating doxycycline treatment at 4 months reduced neither brain hyperphosphorylated tau nor hyperactivity, further confirming the relationship between these measures. Collectively, our results demonstrate a unique behavioral phenotype in the rTg4510 mouse model of tauopathy that strongly correlates with disease progression, and that early interventions which reduce tau pathology ameliorate the progression of the locomotor dysfunction. These findings suggest that better understanding the relationship between locomotor deficits and tau pathology in the rTg4510 model may improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying behavioral disturbances in patients with tauopathies.

A randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of the once-weekly dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor omarigliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin monotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To examine the efficacy and safety of the once-weekly (q.w.) dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, omarigliptin, in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and inadequate glycemic control on metformin monotherapy.

METHODS

In a randomized, double-blind trial, patients with T2DM on a stable dose of metformin monotherapy (≥1500 mg/day) with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 7.0-10.5% were randomized to omarigliptin 25 mg q.w. or matching placebo (n = 201 in both) for 24 weeks (primary timepoint) followed by an additional 80-week treatment period.

RESULTS

At week 24, from a mean baseline HbA1c of 8.0-8.1%, the least squares (LS) mean (95% CI) change from baseline in HbA1c (primary end-point) was -0.54% (-0.69%, -0.40%) in the omarigliptin group and 0.00% (-0.14%, 0.15%) in the placebo group, for a between-group difference of -0.55% (-0.75%, -0.34%); p < .001. Between-group differences (LS mean 95% CI) for the secondary end-points of 2-h post-meal glucose and fasting plasma glucose (omarigliptin vs placebo) were -0.8 mmol/L (-1.4, -0.2) (p = .011) and -0.5 mmol/L (-0.9, -0.1) (p = .010), respectively. At week 24, the incidences of symptomatic hypoglycemia and subjects with one or more adverse event (AE), serious AEs, and discontinuations due to an AE were similar in the omarigliptin and placebo groups. Over 104 weeks, omarigliptin treatment provided a clinically meaningful reduction in HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with T2DM, adding omarigliptin 25 mg q.w. to metformin monotherapy improved glycemic control over 104 weeks and was generally welltolerated with a low risk of hypoglycemia.

A randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of omarigliptin, a once-weekly DPP-4 inhibitor, or glimepiride in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin monotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding the once-weekly DPP-4 inhibitor omarigliptin or the sulfonylurea glimepiride to the treatment regimen of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and inadequate glycemic control on metformin monotherapy.

METHODS

Patients with T2DM and HbA1c ≥6.5% to ≤9.0% while on a stable dose of metformin (≥1500 mg/day) were randomized to omarigliptin 25 mg once-weekly (n = 376) or glimepiride up to 6 mg once daily (n = 375) for 54 weeks. The primary hypothesis was that omarigliptin is non-inferior to glimepiride in reducing HbA1c at week 54.

RESULTS

The mean baseline HbA1c was 7.5% in the omarigliptin group and 7.4% in the glimepiride group. After 54 weeks, the least squares (LS) mean change from baseline in HbA1c was -0.30% in the omarigliptin group and -0.48% in the glimepiride group, with a between-group difference (95% CI) of 0.18% (0.06, 0.30), which met the pre-specified criterion for declaring non-inferiority. The incidence of symptomatic hypoglycemia was 5.3% in the omarigliptin group and 26.7% in the glimepiride group. With the exception of hypoglycemia, the incidences of adverse events and discontinuations were similar between treatment groups. Relative to baseline, omarigliptin was associated with a mean weight loss (-0.4 kg) and glimepiride a mean weight gain (+1.5 kg).

CONCLUSIONS

After 54 weeks, as add-on therapy to metformin, once-weekly omarigliptin was generally well tolerated and non-inferior to glimepiride in improving glycemic control, with a lower incidence of hypoglycemia and with weight loss vs weight gain.

Thiamet G mediates neuroprotection in experimental stroke by modulating microglia/macrophage polarization and inhibiting NF-κB p65 signaling

Inflammatory responses are accountable for secondary injury induced by acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Previous studies indicated that O-GlcNAc modification (O-GlcNAcylation) is involved in the pathology of AIS, and increase of O-GlcNAcylation by glucosamine attenuated the brain damage after ischemia/reperfusion. Inhibition of β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (OGA) with thiamet G (TMG) is an alternative option for accumulating O-GlcNAcylated proteins. In this study, we investigate the neuroprotective effect of TMG in a mouse model of experimental stroke. Our results indicate that TMG administration either before or after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery dramatically reduced infarct volume compared with that in untreated controls. TMG treatment ameliorated the neurological deficits and improved clinical outcomes in neurobehavioral tests by modulating the expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, TMG administration reduced the number of Iba1+ cells in MCAO mice, decreased expression of the M1 markers, and increased expression of the M2 markers in vivo. In vitro, M1 polarization of BV2 cells was inhibited by TMG treatment. Moreover, TMG decreased the expression of iNOS and COX2 mainly by suppressing NF-κB p65 signaling. These results suggest that TMG exerts a neuroprotective effect and could be useful as an anti-inflammatory agent for ischemic stroke therapy.

A randomised, double-blind, trial of the safety and efficacy of omarigliptin (a once-weekly DPP-4 inhibitor) in subjects with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment

AIMS

To assess the safety and efficacy of omarigliptin in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic renal impairment (RI).

METHODS

Patients with T2DM with moderate RI (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≥30 to <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) (N=114), severe RI (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) (N=55) or end-stage renal disease on dialysis (N=44), who were either not on an antihyperglycaemic agent therapy for at least 12 weeks at screening, washed-off of oral antihyperglycaemic agent monotherapy or low-dose dual combination therapy, or on insulin monotherapy, with baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) of 6.5%-10.0% were randomised to omarigliptin or to placebo for 24 weeks (primary end-point) followed by a 30-week period with subjects on placebo switched to blinded glipizide (if not on insulin).

RESULTS

After 24 weeks, from a mean baseline HbA1c of 8.4% in the omarigliptin group and 8.3% in the placebo group, the least squares mean (95% CI) change from baseline in HbA1c in the overall population (all renal strata combined) was -0.77% (-1.00 to -0.54) in the omarigliptin group and -0.44% (-0.67 to -0.21) in the placebo group; between-group difference of -0.33% (-0.63 to -0.02); P=0.035. After 24 weeks, the incidences of subjects with symptomatic hypoglycaemia, one or more adverse event (AE), drug-related AE, serious AE and discontinuation due to an AE were similar in the omarigliptin and placebo groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study in subjects with T2DM and RI, relative to placebo, omarigliptin provided clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c, had a similar incidence of symptomatic hypoglycaemia and was generally well tolerated.

Randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of treatment with the once-weekly dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor omarigliptin or the once-daily DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin monotherapy

AIM

To compare the efficacy and safety of the once-weekly oral dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor omarigliptin or once-daily DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and inadequate glycaemic control on metformin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with T2DM with a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration ≥6.5% to ≤9.0% while on a stable dose of metformin (≥1500 mg/d) were randomized in a double-blind manner to receive omarigliptin 25 mg once weekly (n = 322) or sitagliptin 100 mg once daily (n = 320). The primary analysis assessed whether omarigliptin was non-inferior to sitagliptin in reducing HbA1c at week 24, based on the criterion of having an upper bound of the 95% confidence interval (CI) about the difference less than the non-inferiority bound of 0.3%.

RESULTS

The mean baseline HbA1c was 7.5% in both groups. After 24 weeks, the least squares (LS) mean change in HbA1c from baseline was -0.47% in the omarigliptin group and -0.43% in the sitagliptin group, with a between-group difference of -0.03% (95% CI -0.15, 0.08). This result met the prespecified criterion for declaring non-inferiority. The LS mean change from baseline in fasting plasma glucose and the percentage of patients with HbA1c <7.0% or <6.5% at week 24 were similar in the two treatment groups. There were no notable differences in adverse events and the incidence of symptomatic hypoglycaemia was low and similar in the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with T2DM and inadequate glycaemic control on metformin, the addition of omarigliptin 25 mg once weekly or sitagliptin 100 mg once daily led to similar improvements in glycaemic control. Both agents were generally well tolerated with a low incidence of hypoglycaemia.

Induction of G1 Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Glioma Cells by Salinomycin Through Triggering ROS-Mediated DNA Damage In Vitro and In Vivo

Chemotherapy has always been one of the most effective ways in combating human glioma. However, the high metastatic potential and resistance toward standard chemotherapy severely hindered the chemotherapy outcomes. Hence, searching effective chemotherapy drugs and clarifying its mechanism are of great significance. Salinomycin an antibiotic shows novel anticancer potential against several human tumors, including human glioma, but its mechanism against human glioma cells has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we demonstrated that salinomycin treatment time- and dose-dependently inhibited U251 and U87 cells growth. Mechanically, salinomycin-induced cell growth inhibition against human glioma was mainly achieved by induction of G1-phase arrest via triggering reactive oxide species (ROS)-mediated DNA damage, as convinced by the activation of histone, p53, p21 and p27. Furthermore, inhibition of ROS accumulation effectively attenuated salinomycin-induced DNA damage and G1 cell cycle arrest, and eventually reversed salinomycin-induced cytotoxicity. Importantly, salinomycin treatment also significantly inhibited the U251 tumor xenograft growth in vivo through triggering DNA damage-mediated cell cycle arrest with involvement of inhibiting cell proliferation and angiogenesis. The results above validated the potential of salinomycin-based chemotherapy against human glioma.

Omarigliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Omarigliptin is a new once-weekly dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is indicated to have favorable effects on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c), fasting and postmeal plasma glucose. It potently but reversibly inhibits DPP-4 enzyme, which prolongs the circulating half-life of glucagon-like peptide-1 that increases insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. Benefiting from glucose-dependent insulin secretion, omarigliptin is associated with low risk of hypoglycemia. In contrast to the once-daily dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (e.g., alogliptin, linagliptin, sitagliptin), once-weekly omarigliptin can improve patients' adherence and thus achieve optimal therapeutic efficacy. Herein, I review the pharmacological and clinical profile of omarigliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes based on the available clinical data.

A new anti-fibrinolytic hemostatic compound 8-O-acetyl shanzhiside methylester extracted from Lamiophlomis rotata

BACKGROUND

Fibrinolysis prevents blood clots from growing and becoming problematic. Antifibrinolytics are used as inhibitors of fibrinolysis. Aprotinin was doubted after identification of major side effects, especially on kidney. Lysine analogues has their own defects and whether they are adequate substitutes for aprotinin is still under doubt. Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.) Kudo. was previous found to have hemostatic activity. But the active compound in L. rotata and its hemostatic mechanism were unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To find the major hemostatic compound in L. rotata and identify its haemostasis mechanism.

METHODS

Traumatic hemorrhage model and coagulant activity assays were monitored in mice and platelets in drug treatment group and control group. Hyperfibrinolysis model was established by intravenous administration of urokinase in mice. Capillary blood clotting time (CBCT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen and euglobulin clot lysis time (ECLT) were measured.

RESULTS

The anti-fibrinolytic activity come from 8-O-Acetyl shanzhiside methylester (ASM) one of the highest iridoid glycosides contents in TIG extracted from L. rotata. ASM significantly (P<0.05) shorten CBCT and reduced blood loss volume in vivo, but did not influence mice APTT, PT or TT. In particular, it significantly prolonged ECLT in hyperfibrinolysis mice. It indicated that ASM could inhibit fibrinolysis. ASM was also effective in CBCT, traumatic bleeding volume and ECLT in hyperfibrinolysis mice model.

CONCLUSIONS

ASM was the major hemostatic compound in L. rotata. The haemostasis mechanism of ASM was achieved by anti-fibrinolytic activity. ASM was a new fibrinolysis inhibitor as iridoid glycoside compound.

The Impact of a Successful Anti-Myxosporean Treatment on the Phagocyte Functions of Juvenile and Adult Sparus Aurata L

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of a successful anti-myxosporean medication on the innate immune system of fish intensively cultured in the Mediterranean basin. For this purpose, juvenile and adult gilthead seabream ( S. aurata L.) naturally infected with Polysporoplasma sparis in the kidney were used in a small-scale field trial. The infected fish were treated orally with the combination of salinomycin and amprolium, two drugs well known for their anti-coccidial effect in other animals. Drug efficacy and safety was evaluated in terms of changes observed in histopathology, mortality and P. sparis intensity and prevalence rate. Phagocytic functions of head-kidney leucocytes were also investigated at the end as well as one month post the medication. Salinomycin with amprolium exhibited a significant reduction in intensity and prevalence rate in both juvenile and adult fish, and no histopathological evidence for toxic side effects was observed. In addition, the successful treatment was closely correlated with a complete restoration of the diminished phagocytic ability and capacity as well as NO, and lysozyme secretion in a time dependent manner. This data suggests that salilomycin with amprolium can be an alternative treatment for myxosporean infections in warm-water fish, possibly exhibiting their action through the enhancement of host innate functions.

Cancer stem cell targets - a review

The varied therapeutic approaches like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, etc. primarily aimed to target cancer cells specifically. Despite these efforts, they are not completely successful in eliminating this deadly pathological state. These failures ultimately lead to cancer reoccurrence, which is again, another burning problem associated with cancer. The prime reason for the above observation has been found to be the development of resistance by cancer cells towards cancer drugs or cancer-initiating cells (cancer stem cells) remain unaffected by existing treatment procedures. Recent research has evolved two drugs, salinomycin and apoptin, that hold great potential for the future of cancer treatment not only for restricting malignancy, but also in preventing tumor recurrence. The present review article will put light on these new upcoming cancer stem cell targeting agents.

An iTEP-salinomycin nanoparticle that specifically and effectively inhibits metastases of 4T1 orthotopic breast tumors

Cancer stem cell (CSC) inhibitors are a new category of investigational drugs to treat metastasis. Salinomycin (Sali) is one of most studied CSC inhibitors and has reached clinical tests. Several drug carriers have been developed to improve efficacy of Sali. However, Sali has not been shown to inhibit metastasis from orthotopic tumors, the gold standard for metastasis. To fill this gap, we developed an immune-tolerant, elastin-like polypeptide (iTEP)-based nanoparticle (iTEP-Sali-ABA NP) that released 4-(aminomethyl)benzaldehyde-modified Sali (Sali-ABA) under acidic conditions. We found that the NP increased the area under the curve (AUC) of Sali-ABA by 30-fold and the tumor accumulation by 3.4-fold. Furthermore, no metastasis was detected in any of the mice given the NP. However, all the mice died of primary tumor burdens. To overcome primary tumor growth and improve the overall survival, we applied a combination therapy consisting of the iTEP-Sali-ABA NP and iTEP NP-delivered paclitaxel. This therapy effectively retarded primary tumor growth, and most importantly, improved the overall survival. In conclusion, delivery of Sali-ABA by the NP, alone or in combination with paclitaxel, was more effective than free Sali-ABA in decreasing metastasis and increasing survival. This iTEP-Sali-ABA NP represents a novel and clinically promising therapy to combat metastasis.

Melatonin, but not melatonin receptor agonists Neu-P11 and Neu-P67, attenuates TNBS-induced colitis in mice

Melatonin is known as a strong antioxidant and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, melatonin was shown to improve colitis in animal models of inflammatory bowel diseases. The aim of the present study was to characterize the role of melatonin receptors (MT) in the anti-inflammatory effect of melatonin and to assess the anti-inflammatory potential of two novel MT receptor agonists, Neu-P11 and Neu-P67, in the mouse model of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. Colitis was induced on day 1 by intracolonic (i.c.) administration of TNBS in 30 % ethanol in saline. Melatonin (4 mg/kg, per os (p.o.)), Neu-P11 (20 mg/kg, p.o.; 50 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.), 50 mg/kg, i.c.), and Neu-P67 (20 mg/kg, p.o.) were given twice daily for 3 days. Luzindole (5 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected 15 min prior to melatonin administration. On day 4, macroscopic and microscopic damage scores were assessed and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity quantified using O-dianisidine-based assay. Melatonin significantly attenuated colitis in mice, as indicated by the macroscopic score (1.90 ± 0.34 vs. 3.82 ± 0.62 for melatonin- and TNBS-treated mice, respectively), ulcer score (0.87 ± 0.18 vs. 1.31 ± 0.19, respectively), and MPO activity (4.68 ± 0.70 vs.6.26 ± 0.94, respectively). Luzindole, a MT receptor antagonist, did not inhibit the anti-inflammatory effect of melatonin (macroscopic score 1.12 ± 0.22, ulcer score 0.50 ± 0.16); however, luzindole increased MPO activity (7.57 ± 1.05). MT receptor agonists Neu-P11 and Neu-P67 did not improve inflammation induced by TNBS. Melatonin, but not MT receptor agonists, exerts potent anti-inflammatory action in acute TNBS-induced colitis. Our data suggests that melatonin attenuates colitis by additional, MT receptor-independent pathways.

Anti-osteoporotic activity of harpagide by regulation of bone formation in osteoblast cell culture and ovariectomy-induced bone loss mouse models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Harpagide, an iridoid glucoside, is a constituent of the root of Harpagophytum procumbens var. sublobatum (Engl.) Stapf, Devil's claw which has been used in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). In the present study, we investigated the anti-osteoporotic potential of harpagide and its underlying mechanism of action in in vitro cell culture and in vivo bone loss animal models.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Harpagide was obtained from the alkalic hydrolysis of harpagoside, a major constituent of H. procumbens var. sublobatum Analysis of biomarkers for bone formation in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and bone resorption in osteoclast cells derived from mouse bone marrow cells was performed to evaluate the mechanism of action. The protective activity of harpagide against bone loss was also evaluated in ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model.

RESULTS

Harpagide improved bone properties by stimulating the process of differentiation and maturation of osteoblast cells and suppressing the process of RANKL-induced differentiation of osteoclast cells. In OVX-induced bone loss mouse model, oral administration of harpagide significantly improved recovery of bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume, and trabecular number in the femur. Harpagide also prevented increase of trabecular separation and structure model index induced by OVX. Harpagide effectively inhibited the serum levels of biochemical markers of bone loss, including alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the present study demonstrates that harpagide has a potential for prevention of bone loss in OVX mice by regulating the stimulation of osteoblast differentiation and the suppression of osteoclast formation. Therefore, these findings suggest that harpagide might serve as a bioactive compound derived from H. procumbens var. sublobatum for improvement of age-dependent bone destruction disease.

Cancer stem cells targeting agents--a review

Major current cancer strategies like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are compromised due to major problem of recurrence, which usually lead to mortality. The widely accepted reason for this is resistance offered by cancer cells towards cancer drugs or inability of a therapeutic procedure to target real culprits viz. cancer-initiating cells (cancer stem cells). So, there is a current need of development of new agents targeting these cancer stem cells in order to overcome resistance to therapeutic procedures. The present review article is focused on new cancer cell targeting agents like salinomycin, apopotin etc and their mechanisms to target cancer stems cells will be discussed.

Co-treatment of Salinomycin Sensitizes AZD5363-treated Cancer Cells Through Increased Apoptosis

AZD5363, an inhibitor of protein kinase B (AKT), is currently in clinical trials assessing the potential of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. The purpose of the present study was to identify conditions that increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to AZD5363. Microscopic examination revealed that treatment of cancer cells with a low concentration of salinomycin reduced cellular growth of AZD5363-treated breast cancer cells. Furthermore, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis, Hoechst staining, and annexin V staining revealed that co-treatment with salinomycin sensitizes AZD5363-treated cancer cells via increased apoptosis with S-phase arrest. These results suggest that salinomycin can be applied to increase treatment efficacy for AZD5363-treated cancer cells. Our findings may contribute to improving the efficacy of the development of AZD5363-based sensitization therapies for patients with cancer.

Xyloketal B attenuates atherosclerotic plaque formation and endothelial dysfunction in apolipoprotein e deficient mice

Our previous studies demonstrated that xyloketal B, a novel marine compound with a unique chemical structure, has strong antioxidant actions and can protect against endothelial injury in different cell types cultured in vitro and model organisms in vivo. The oxidative endothelial dysfunction and decrease in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability are critical for the development of atherosclerotic lesion. We thus examined whether xyloketal B had an influence on the atherosclerotic plaque area in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet and investigated the underlying mechanisms. We found in our present study that the administration of xyloketal B dose-dependently decreased the atherosclerotic plaque area both in the aortic sinus and throughout the aorta in apoE-/- mice fed a high-fat diet. In addition, xyloketal B markedly reduced the levels of vascular oxidative stress, as well as improving the impaired endothelium integrity and NO-dependent aortic vasorelaxation in atherosclerotic mice. Moreover, xyloketal B significantly changed the phosphorylation levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and Akt without altering the expression of total eNOS and Akt in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Here, it increased eNOS phosphorylation at the positive regulatory site of Ser-1177, while inhibiting phosphorylation at the negative regulatory site of Thr-495. Taken together, these findings indicate that xyloketal B has dramatic anti-atherosclerotic effects in vivo, which is partly due to its antioxidant features and/or improvement of endothelial function.

The synergistic in vitro and in vivo antitumor effect of combination therapy with salinomycin and 5-fluorouracil against hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the few cancers in which a continuous increase in incidence has been observed over several years. Drug resistance is a major problem in the treatment of HCC. In the present study, we used salinomycin (Sal) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combination therapy on HCC cell lines Huh7, LM3 and SMMC-7721 and nude mice subcutaneously tumor model to study whether Sal could increase the sensitivity of hepatoma cells to the traditional chemotherapeutic agent such as 5-FU. The combination of Sal and 5-FU resulted in a synergistic antitumor effect against liver tumors both in vitro and in vivo. Sal reversed the 5-FU-induced increase in CD133(+) EPCAM(+) cells, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The combination of Sal and 5-FU may provide us with a new approach to reverse drug resistant for the treatment of patients with HCC.

Olea Europea-derived phenolic products attenuate antinociceptive morphine tolerance: an innovative strategic approach to treat cancer pain

Morphine and related opioid drugs are currently the major drugs for severe pain. Their clinical utility is limited in the management of severe cancer pain due to the rapid development of tolerance. Restoring opioid efficacy is therefore of great clinical importance. A great body of evidence suggests the key role of free radicals and posttranslational modulation in the development of tolerance to the analgesic activity of morphine. Epidemiological studies have shown a relationship between the Mediterranean diet and a reduced incidence of pathologies such as coronary heart disease and cancer. A central hallmark of this diet is the high consumption of virgin olive oil as the main source of fat which contains antioxidant components in the non-saponifiable fraction, including phenolic compounds absent in seed oils. Here, we show that in a rodent model of opiate tolerance, removal of the free radicals with phenolic compounds of olive oil such as hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein reinstates the analgesic action of morphine. Chronic injection of morphine in mice led to the development of tolerance and this was associated with increased nitrotyrosin and malondialdehyde (MDA) formation together with nitration and deactivation of MnSOD in the spinal cord. Removal of free radicals by hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein blocked morphine tolerance by inhibiting nitration and MDA formation and replacing the MnSOD activity. The phenolic fraction of virgin olive oil exerts antioxidant activities in vivo and free radicals generation occurring during chronic morphine administration play a crucial role in the development of opioid tolerance. Our data suggest novel therapeutic approach in the management of chronic cancer pain, in particular for those patients who require long-term opioid treatment for pain relief without development of tolerance.

Comparative study of the efficacy and tolerability of a unique topical scar product vs white petrolatum following shave biopsies

An excess of 70 million cutaneous surgical procedures are conducted annually in the United States that may result in scarring. Skin scars are a normal outcome of the tissue repair process. However, individuals with abnormal scarring may have aesthetic, psychological, and social consequences. As a result, there is a high patient demand for products that will reduce the scarring. The principles underlying scar formation are now better understood. Products are being developed to address those critical components of the wound-healing process, namely inflammation, hydration, and collagen maturation. A multicomponent scar product was previously shown effective in preventing exaggerated scarring in patients undergoing various surgical procedures. The present outpatient study was conducted in patients undergoing shave biopsies. Following reepithelialization, this investigator-blinded, randomized, 8-week trial compared twice-daily application of either the scar product or the standard of care, white petrolatum. Evaluation visits were conducted at baseline and at weeks, 1, 2, 4 and 8. Subjects were evaluated by the blinded investigator for clinical efficacy and tolerability using grading scales. Standardized digital photographs were taken at each visit, and subjects completed a self-assessment questionnaire regarding treatment effectiveness and satisfaction. Twenty-eight subjects completed the 8-week study. The scar product provided earlier improvements than the white petrolatum. At week 1, 70% of subjects receiving the scar product demonstrated at least 50% global improvement in scar appearance vs only 42% of the subjects receiving white petrolatum. The more rapid improvement was accompanied by greater reductions in stinging/burning and itching with the scar product at all visits. Importantly, there was also greater subject satisfaction with the scar product at all visits. This scar product may be useful in hastening the healing of cutaneous shave biopsies and reducing the stinging/burning and itching associated with the normal healing process.

The role of cancer stem cells in breast cancer initiation and progression: potential cancer stem cell-directed therapies

Recent studies have identified a small population of highly tumorigenic cells with stem cell properties in human breast and other solid tumors that are considered to be the source of tumor initiation and maintenance; these cells are referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Preclinical data suggest that current breast cancer treatment strategies lead to CSC enrichment, contributing to chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistance, although a strong correlation with clinical parameters and prognosis is yet to be established. Importantly, overcoming treatment failure by effective targeting of CSCs may be an appealing approach, potentially leading to improved clinical outcomes for patients with breast cancer. Several preclinical studies provide promising results that support this hypothesis. The purpose of this review is to summarize the role of CSCs in breast cancer recurrence and resistance and to discuss current attempts of CSC targeting.

Cancer stem cells and metastasis

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation of tumour cells endowed with self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation capacity but also with an innate resistance to cytotoxic agents, a feature likely to pose major clinical challenges towards the complete eradication of minimal residual disease in cancer patients. Operationally, CSCs are defined by their tumour-propagating ability when serially transplanted into immune-compromised mice and by their capacity to fully recapitulate the original heterogeneity of cell types observed in the primary lesions they are derived from. CSCs were first identified in haematopoietic malignancies and later in a broad spectrum of solid tumours including those of the breast, colon and brain. Notably, several CSC characteristics are relevant to metastasis, such as motility, invasiveness and, as mentioned above, resistance to DNA damage-induced apoptosis. Here, we have reviewed the current literature on the relation between CSCs and metastasis formation. Preliminary studies on cancer cell lines and patient-derived material suggest a rate-limiting role for stem-like cells in the processes of tumour cell dissemination and metastasis formation. However, additional studies are needed to deliver formal proof of their identity as the cell of origin of recurrences at distant organ sites. Nevertheless, several studies have already provided pre-clinical evidence of the efficacy of novel therapies directed against disseminated CSCs.

Oleuropein ameliorates acute colitis in mice

Oleuropein, the major secoiridoid in olive tree leaves, possesses a wide range of health promoting properties. It has recently been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. We have evaluated the effect of oleuropein on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis in mice in order to provide insight into its mechanisms of action. Oral administration of oleuropein notably attenuated the extent and severity of acute colitis while reducing neutrophil infiltration; production of NO, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α; expression of iNOS, COX-2, and MMP-9; and the translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit to the nucleus in colon tissue. In LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages, the oleuropein metabolite, hydroxytyrosol, was shown to inhibit NO production, iNOS expression, NF-κB p65 subunit translocation, mRNA expression, and the release of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. These results suggest that the effect of oleuropein on DSS-induced colitis is associated with a decrease in the production of interleukins and expression of proteins, principally through reduction of NF-κB activation.

Tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran, triazoles and related heterocyclic derivatives as HIV protease inhibitors

HIV/AIDS remains a formidable disease with millions of individuals inflicted worldwide. Although treatment regimens have improved considerably, drug resistance brought on by viral mutation continues to erode their effectiveness. Intense research efforts are currently underway in search of new and improved therapies. This review is concerned with the design of novel HIV-1 protease inhibitors that incorporate heterocyclic scaffolds and which have been reported within the recent literature (2005-2010). Various examples in this review showcase the essential role heterocycles play as scaffolds and bioisosteres in HIV-1 protease inhibitor drug development. This review will hopefully stimulate the widespread application of these heterocycles in the design of other therapeutic agents.

Protective roles of cornuside in acute myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats

Cornuside is a secoiridoid glucoside isolated from the fruit of Cornus officinalis SIEB. et ZUCC. In this study, we investigated the anti-myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury effects of cornuside in vivo and elucidated the potential mechanism. Rat models of myocardial I/R were induced by coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion or by Isoproterenol (ISO), treatment of rats with cornuside (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.v.) protected the animals from myocardial I/R injury as indicated by a decrease in infarct volume, improvement in hemodynamics and reduction of myocardial damage severity. Treatment with cornuside also attenuated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) infiltration, decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the heart, lowered serum levels of pro-inflammatory factors and reduced phosphorylated IκB-α and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) levels in the heart. Additionally, cornuside was shown to have remarkable antioxidant activity and inhibited ISO-induced myocardial cell necrosis. Thus, cornuside appeared to protect the rat from myocardial I/R injury by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. These findings suggested that cornuside may be used therapeutically in the setting of myocardial I/R where inflammation and oxidant injury are prominent.

Beneficial effects of chelidonic acid on a model of allergic rhinitis

Chelidonic acid (CA) is known as an inhibitor of the rat brain glutamate decarboxylase. However, the pharmacological effects of CA in allergic reactions have not yet been defined. Here, we show the effects and the mechanism of CA in the ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized allergic rhinitis (AR) model. CA significantly decreased the number of nasal/ear rubs and increment of IgE levels in the AR mice. The level of interferon-γ was enhanced while the level of IL-4 was reduced on the spleen tissue of the CA-administered AR mice. Expressions of IL-1β and cyclooxygenase-2 were inhibited by CA administration in the nasal mucosa tissues. Infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells was decreased in the CA-administered AR mice. Furthermore, CA decreased the caspase-1 activity in the same nasal mucosa tissue and human mast cell line, HMC-1. Our results indicate that CA may attenuate allergic reaction by inhibition of caspase-1 activity.