Daurisoline suppress glioma progression by inhibiting autophagy through PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and increases TMZ sensitivity

Glioma is one of the most common primary malignant tumors of the central nervous system. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the only effective chemotherapeutic agent, but it easily develops resistance and has unsatisfactory efficacy. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop safe and effective compounds for glioma treatment. The cytotoxicity of 30 candidate compounds to glioma cells was detected by the CCK-8 assay. Daurisoline (DAS) was selected for further investigation due to its potent anti-glioma effects. Our study revealed that DAS induced glioma cell apoptosis through increasing caspase-3/6/9 activity. DAS significantly inhibited the proliferation of glioma cells by inducing G1-phase cell cycle arrest. Meanwhile, DAS remarkably suppressed the migration and invasion of glioma cells by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Mechanistically, our results revealed that DAS impaired the autophagic flux of glioma cells at a late stage by mediating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. DAS could inhibit TMZ-induced autophagy and then significantly promote TMZ chemosensitivity. Nude mice xenograft model revealed that DAS could restrain glioma proliferation and promote TMZ chemosensitivity. Thus, DAS is a potential anti-glioma drug that can improve glioma sensitivity to TMZ and provide a new therapeutic strategy for glioma in chemoresistance.

Tetrandrine alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting alveolar epithelial cell senescence through PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal and insidious interstitial lung disease. So far, there are no effective drugs for preventing the disease process. Cellular senescence plays a critical role in the development of IPF, with the senescence and insufficient mitophagy of alveolar epithelial cells being implicated in its pathogenesis. Tetrandrine is a natural alkaloid which is now produced synthetically. It was known that the tetrandrine has anti-fibrotic effects, but the efficacy and mechanisms are still not well evaluated. Here, we reveal the roles of tetrandrine on AECs senescence and the antifibrotic effects by using a bleomycin challenged mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis and a bleomycin-stimulated mouse alveolar epithelial cell line (MLE-12). We performed the β-galactosidase staining, immunohistochemistry and fluorescence to assess senescence in MLE-12 cells. The mitophagy levels were detected by co-localization of LC3 and COVIX. Our findings indicate that tetrandrine suppressed bleomycin-induced fibroblast activation and ultimately blocked the increase of collagen deposition in mouse model lung tissue. It has significantly inhibited the bleomycin-induced senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in alveolar epithelial cells (AECs). Mechanistically, tetrandrine suppressed the decrease of mitochondrial autophagy-related protein expression to rescue the bleomycin-stimulated impaired mitophagy in MLE-12 cells. We revealed that knockdown the putative kinase 1 (PINK1) gene by a short interfering RNA (siRNA) could abolish the ability of tetrandrine and reverse the MLE-12 cells senescence, which indicated the mitophagy of MLE-12 cells is PINK1 dependent. Our data suggest the tetrandrine could be a novel and effective drug candidate for lung fibrosis and senescence-related fibrotic diseases.

Network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental study of CEP in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Stephania cephalantha Hayata is an important traditional medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine to treat cancer. Cepharanthine (CEP) was extracted from the roots of Stephania cephalantha Hayata. It has been found to exhibit anticancer activity in different types of cancer cells. Nevertheless, the activity of CEP against nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its underlying mechanism warrant further investigation.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

NPC is an invasive and highly metastatic malignancy that affects the head and neck region. This research aimed to investigate the pharmacological properties and underlying mechanism of CEP against NPC, aiming to offer novel perspectives on treating NPC using CEP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro, the pharmacological activity of CEP against NPC was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. To predict and elucidate the anticancer mechanism of CEP against NPC, we employed network pharmacology, conducted molecular docking analysis, and performed Western blot experiments. In vivo validation was performed through a nude mice xenograft model of human NPC, Western blot and immunohistochemical (IHC) assays to confirm pharmacological activity and the mechanism.

RESULTS

In a dose-dependent manner, the proliferation and clonogenic capacity of NPC cells were significantly inhibited by CEP. Additionally, NPC cell migration was suppressed by CEP. The results obtained from network pharmacology experiments revealed that anti-NPC effect of CEP was associated with 8 core targets, including EGFR, AKT1, PIK3CA, and mTOR. By performing molecular docking, the binding capacity of CEP to the candidate core proteins (EGFR, AKT1, PIK3CA, and mTOR) was predicted, resulting in docking energies of -10.0 kcal/mol for EGFR, -12.4 kcal/mol for PIK3CA, -10.8 kcal/mol for AKT1, and -8.6 kcal/mol for mTOR. The Western blot analysis showed that CEP effectively suppressed the expression of EGFR and the phosphorylation levels of downstream signaling proteins, including PI3K, AKT, mTOR, and ERK. After CEP intervention, a noteworthy decrease in tumor size, without inducing any toxicity, was observed in NPC xenograft nude mice undergoing in vivo treatment. Additionally, IHC analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in the expression levels of EGFR and Ki-67 following CEP treatment.

CONCLUSION

CEP exhibits significant pharmacological effects on NPC, and its mechanistic action involves restraining the activation of the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway. CEP represents a promising pharmaceutical agent for addressing and mitigating NPC.

New bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, isolation and structure elucidation from Cocculus pendulus

This paper describes phytochemical studies on aerial part of the Cocculus pendulus, which led to the identification of a new ingredient namely, 2 N-methylkohatine (1) along with four reported compounds Kohatine (2), 1,2-Dehydrokohatine (3) and 5'Hhydroxyapateline (4). Structures of the all Compounds were elucidated by using 1 D and 2 D NMR and mass spectroscopy furthermore the structure of new Compound 1 was also proved by synthesize from compound 2 (Kohatine).

miR-638 suppresses cervical cancer progression by inhibiting NCAPG2 under the treatment of Tetrandrine

BACKGROUND

The interaction of microRNA with Chinese herbal medicines is a promising therapeutic approach for prevention of cervical cancer.

METHODS

Western blotting or qRT-PCR were carried out to identify the expression of NCAPG2 and miR-638. A tetrandrine (TET) cell model was used to explore the effects of miR-638 and its target gene NCAPG2 using CCK-8, transwell, wound healing, and western blot assays. Furthermore, luciferase activity assay was conducted to measure the interaction among TET, NCAPG2 and miR-638.

RESULTS

Under TET treatment, Hela and SiHa cells exhibited repressed cell viability, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and these effects were further enhanced by high expression of miR-638. In contrast, NCAPG2 expression was low in TET-treated cells and had an opposite effect to that of miR-638.

CONCLUSION

We highlighted that miR-638 suppresses cervical cancer progression by inhibiting NCAPG2 under tetrandrine treatment.

The genome of Stephania japonica provides insights into the biosynthesis of cepharanthine

Stephania japonica is an early-diverging eudicotyledon plant with high levels of cepharanthine, proven to be effective in curing coronavirus infections. Here, we report a high-quality S. japonica genome. The genome size is 688.52 Mb, and 97.37% sequences anchor to 11 chromosomes. The genome comprises 67.46% repetitive sequences and 21,036 genes. It is closely related to two Ranunculaceae species, which diverged from their common ancestor 55.90-71.02 million years ago (Mya) with a whole-genome duplication 85.59-96.75 Mya. We further reconstruct ancestral karyotype of Ranunculales. Several cepharanthine biosynthesis genes are identified and verified by western blot. Two genes (Sja03G0243 and Sja03G0241) exhibit catalytic activity as shown by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Then, cepharanthine biosynthesis genes, transcription factors, and CYP450 family genes are used to construct a comprehensive network. Finally, we construct an early-diverging eudicotyledonous genome resources (EEGR) database. As the first genome of the Menispermaceae family to be released, this study provides rich resources for genomic studies.

Characterization of CYP82 genes involved in the biosynthesis of structurally diverse benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in Corydalis yanhusuo

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) represent a significant class of secondary metabolites with crucial roles in plant physiology and substantial potential for clinical applications. CYP82 genes are involved in the formation and modification of various BIA skeletons, contributing to the structural diversity of compounds. In this study, Corydalis yanhusuo, a traditional Chinese medicine rich in BIAs, was investigated to identify the catalytic function of CYP82s during BIA formation. Specifically, 20 CyCYP82-encoding genes were cloned, and their functions were identified in vitro. Ten of these CyCYP82s were observed to catalyze hydroxylation, leading to the formation of protopine and benzophenanthridine scaffolds. Furthermore, the correlation between BIA accumulation and the expression of CyCYP82s in different tissues of C. yanhusuo was assessed their. The identification and characterization of CyCYP82s provide novel genetic elements that can advance the synthetic biology of BIA compounds such as protopine and benzophenanthridine, and offer insights into the biosynthesis of BIAs with diverse structures in C. yanhusuo.

Dual regulatory effects of neferine on amyloid-β and tau aggregation studied by in silico, in vitro, and lab-on-a-chip technology

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of two critical pathogenic factors: amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau. Aβ and tau become neurotoxic aggregates via self-assembly, and these aggregates contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. Therefore, there has been growing interest in therapeutic strategies that simultaneously target Aβ and tau aggregates. Although neferine has attracted attention as a suitable candidate agent for alleviating AD pathology, there has been no study investigating whether neferine affects the modulation of Aβ or tau aggregation/dissociation. Herein, we investigated the dual regulatory effects of neferine on Aβ and tau aggregation/dissociation. We predicted the binding characteristics of neferine to Aβ and tau using molecular docking simulations. Next, thioflavin T and atomic force microscope analyses were used to evaluate the effects of neferine on the aggregation or dissociation of Aβ42 and tau K18. We verified the effect of neferine on Aβ fibril degradation using a microfluidic device. In addition, molecular dynamics simulation was used to predict a conformational change in the Aβ42-neferine complex. Moreover, we examined the neuroprotective effect of neferine against neurotoxicity induced by Aβ and tau and their fibrils in HT22 cells. Finally, we foresaw the pharmacokinetic properties of neferine. These results demonstrated that neferine, which has attracted attention as a potential treatment for AD, can directly affect Aβ and tau pathology.

O- and N-Methyltransferases in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid producing plants

BACKGROUND

Secondary metabolites such as benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIA) have attracted considerable attention because of their pharmacological properties and potential therapeutic applications. Methyltransferases (MTs) can add methyl groups to alkaloid molecules, altering their physicochemical properties and bioactivity, stability, solubility, and recognition by other cellular components. Five types of O-methyltransferases and two types of N-methyltransferases are involved in BIA biosynthesis.

OBJECTIVE

Since MTs may be the source for the discovery and development of novel biomedical, agricultural, and industrial compounds, we performed extensive molecular and phylogenetic analyses of O- and N-methyltransferases in BIA-producing plants.

METHODS

MTs involved in BIA biosynthesis were isolated from transcriptomes of Berberis koreana and Caulophyllum robustum. We also mined the methyltransferases of Coptis japonica, Papaver somniferum, and Nelumbo nucifera from the National Center for Biotechnology Information protein database. Then, we analyzed the functional motifs and phylogenetic analysis.

RESULT

We mined 42 O-methyltransferases and 8 N-methyltransferases from the five BIA-producing plants. Functional motifs for S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferases were retained in most methyltransferases, except for the three O-methyltransferases from N. nucifera. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the methyltransferases were grouped into four clades, I, II, III and IV. The clustering patterns in the phylogenetic analysis suggested a monophyletic origin of methyltransferases and gene duplication within species. The coexistence of different O-methyltransferases in the deep branch subclade might support some cases of substrate promiscuity.

CONCLUSIONS

Methyltransferases may be a source for the discovery and development of novel biomedical, agricultural, and industrial compounds. Our results contribute to further understanding of their structure and reaction mechanisms, which will require future functional studies.

Cepharanthine analogs mining and genomes of Stephania accelerate anti-coronavirus drug discovery

Cepharanthine is a secondary metabolite isolated from Stephania. It has been reported that it has anti-conronaviruses activities including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we assemble three Stephania genomes (S. japonica, S. yunnanensis, and S. cepharantha), propose the cepharanthine biosynthetic pathway, and assess the antiviral potential of compounds involved in the pathway. Among the three genomes, S. japonica has a near telomere-to-telomere assembly with one remaining gap, and S. cepharantha and S. yunnanensis have chromosome-level assemblies. Following by biosynthetic gene mining and metabolomics analysis, we identify seven cepharanthine analogs that have broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activities, including SARS-CoV-2, Guangxi pangolin-CoV (GX_P2V), swine acute diarrhoea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). We also show that two other genera, Nelumbo and Thalictrum, can produce cepharanthine analogs, and thus have the potential for antiviral compound discovery. Results generated from this study could accelerate broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus drug discovery.

Tetrandrine downregulates TRPV2 expression to ameliorate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats via regulation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis, calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial function

Our previous study has indicated that tetrandrine (TET) can target miR-202-5p to repress the activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 2 (TRPV2), eventually ameliorating the progression of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI). This study is aimed to further ascertain the detailed mechanisms between TET and TRPV2 in MI/RI pathogenesis. Here, a myocardial I/R injury rat model and a hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) model in rat myocardial cell line (H9C2 cells) were established. We reported that pronounced upregulation of TRPV2 was observed in I/R rats and H/R-induced H9C2 cells. Silencing of TRPV2 could improve cardiac function and myocardial injury, reduced infarction size, and promoted cardiomyocyte proliferation in I/R rats. In I/R rats or H/R-induced H9C2 cells, cardiomyocyte apoptosis was inhibited by knocking-down TRPV2. Meanwhile, the silenced TRPV2 or TET treatment ameliorated the damaged mitochondrial structure, mitigated ROS generation, restored the impaired ΔΨM, inhibited mPTP opening and alleviated Ca2+ overload in H/R-induced H9C2 cells. The results obtained from the overexpression of TRPV2 were contrary to those depicted above. Moreover, TET could downregulate TRPV2 expression, while the overexpression of TRPV2 could reverse the above protective effects of TET in H/R-induced H9C2 cells. The results indicated that TET may function as a TRPV2 blocking agent, thereby attenuating the progression of MI/RI through modulation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis, calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial function. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for potential clinical application of TET therapy in patients with MI/RI.

Metabolomic Approaches in Assessing the Insecticidal Activity of the Extracts from Argemone ochroleuca Sweet (Papaveraceae) Against Three Diverse Crop Pests of Economic Importance

For years, crop protection from pest attack, has been dominated by the use of synthetic insecticides. However, many of them can cause severe environmental problems and human health. In this context, the use of plant extracts constitutes an alternative to avoid this kind of contaminants. In this work, we investigated the chemical constituents and insecticidal activity of different extracts of leaves and stems of Argemone ochroleuca Sweet (Papaveraceae) against three economically important pests Sitophilos zeamais (Coleoptera:Curculionidae), Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae) and Xyleborus ferrugineus (Coleoptera:Scolytidae). A GC-MS analysis mostly revealed the presence benzylisoquinoline alkaloids such as allocryptopine, protopine, among others. For the insecticidal activity, after nine hours of contact, the methanolic leaves extract showed a 100 % of mortality, followed by the dichloromethane stems extract with up to 93 % of mortality. The results suggest that the benzylisoquinoline alkaloids are involved in the insecticidal activity through the octopaminergic system of the tested insects.

Cepharanthine synergizes with photodynamic therapy for boosting ROS-driven DNA damage and suppressing MTH1 as a potential anti-cancer strategy

OBJECTIVE

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) primarily treats skin diseases or cancer by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) to damage cellular DNA, yet drug resistance limits its application. To tackle this problem, the present study was carried out to improve the efficacy of chlorin e6 (Ce6)-PDT using Cepharanthine (CEP) as well as to reveal the potential molecular mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lewis lung cancer cell line (LLC) was utilized as the cancer cell model. chlorin e6 (Ce6) acted as the photosensitizer to induce PDT. The in vitro anti-cancer efficacy was measured by CCK-8, Annexin-V/PI staining, and migration assay. The Ce6 uptake was observed using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The ROS generation was detected by the DCFH-DA probe. The analysis of MutT Homolog 1 (MTH1) expression, correlation, and prognosis in databases was conducted by bioinformatic. The MTH1 expression was detected through western blots (WB). DNA damage was assayed by WB, immunofluorescent staining, and comet assay.

RESULTS

Ce6-PDT showed robust resistance in lung cancer cells under certain conditions, as evidenced by the unchanged cell viability and apoptosis. The subsequent findings confirmed that the uptake of Ce6 and MTH1 expression was enhanced, but ROS generation with laser irradiation was not increased in LLC, which indicated that the ROS scavenge may be the critical reason for resistance. Surprisingly, bioinformatic and in vitro experiments identified that MTH1, which could prevent the DNA from damage of ROS, was highly expressed in lung cancer and thereby led to the poor prognosis and could be further up-regulated by Ce6 PDT. CEP exhibited a dose-dependent suppressive effect on the lung cancer cells. Further investigations presented that CEP treatment boosted ROS production, thereby resulting in DNA double-strand breakage (DDSB) with activation of MTH1, indicating that CEP facilitated Ce6-PDT-mediated DNA damage. Finally, the combination of CEP and Ce6-PDT exhibited prominent ROS accumulation, MTH1 inhibition, and anti-lung cancer efficacy, which had synergistic pro-DNA damage properties.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, highly expressed MTH1 and the failure of ROS generation lead to PDT resistance in lung cancer cells. CEP facilitates ROS generation of PDT, thereby promoting vigorous DNA damage, inactivating MTH1, alleviating PDT resistance, and ameliorating the anti-cancer efficacy of Ce6-PDT, provides a novel approach for augmented PDT.

Inhibition of porcine deltacoronavirus entry and replication by Cepharanthine

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is an emerging swine enteropathogenic coronavirus (CoV) that mainly causes acute diarrhea/vomiting, dehydration, and mortality in piglets, possessing economic losses and public health concerns. However, there are currently no proven effective antiviral agents against PDCoV. Cepharanthine (CEP) is a naturally occurring alkaloid used as a traditional remedy for radiation-induced symptoms, but its underlying mechanism of CEP against PDCoV has remained elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-PDCoV effects and mechanisms of CEP in LLC-PK1 cells. The results showed that the antiviral activity of CEP was based on direct action on cells, preventing the virus from attaching to host cells and virus replication. Importantly, Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) results showed that CEP has a moderate affinity to PDCoV receptor, porcine aminopeptidase N (pAPN) protein. AutoDock predicted that CEP can form hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues (R740, N783, and R790) in the binding regions of PDCoV and pAPN. In addition, RT-PCR results showed that CEP treatment could significantly reduce the transcription of ZBP1, cytokine (IL-1β and IFN-α) and chemokine genes (CCL-2, CCL-4, CCL-5, CXCL-2, CXCL-8, and CXCL-10) induced by PDCoV. Western blot analysis revealed that CEP could inhibit viral replication by inducing autophagy. In conclusion, our results suggest that the anti-PDCoV activity of CEP is not only relies on competing the virus binding with pAPN, but also affects the proliferation of the virus in vitro by downregulating the excessive immune response caused by the virus and inducing autophagy. CEP emerges as a promising candidate for potential anti-PDCoV therapeutic development.

Borneol-modified docetaxel plus tetrandrine micelles for treatment of drug-resistant brain glioma

OBJECTIVE

Glioma is the most common and deadly primary malignant tumor in adults. Treatment outcomes are ungratified due to the presence of blood-brain barrier (BBB), glioma stem cells (GSCs) and multidrug resistance (MDR). Docetaxel (DTX) is considered as a potential drug for the treatment of brain tumor, but its effectiveness is limited by its low bioavailability and drug resistance. Tetrandrine (TET) reverses the resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapy drugs. Borneol (BO) modified in micelles has been shown to promote DTX plus TET to cross the BBB, allowing the drug to better act on tumors. Therefore, we constructed BO-modified DTX plus TET micelles to inhibit chemotherapeutic drug resistance.

SIGNIFICANCE

Provide a new treatment method for drug-resistant brain gliomas.

METHODS

In this study, BO-modified DTX plus TET micelles were prepared by thin film dispersion method, their physicochemical properties were characterized. Its targeting ability was investigated. The therapeutic effect on GSCs was investigated by in vivo and in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

The BO-modified DTX plus TET micelles were successfully constructed by thin film dispersion method, and the micelles showed good stability. The results showed that targeting micelles increased bEnd.3 uptake and helped drugs cross the BBB in vitro. And we also found that targeting micelles could inhibit cell proliferation, promote cell apoptosis and inhibit the expression of drug-resistant protein, thus provide a new treatment method for GSCs in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

BO-modified DTX plus TET micelles may provide a new treatment method for drug-resistant brain gliomas.

Novel sulfonyl-substituted tetrandrine derivatives for colon cancer treatment by inducing mitochondrial apoptosis and inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Tetrandrine (TET) possesses multiple pharmacological activities and could suppress tumor proliferation via PI3K pathway inhibition. However, inferior antitumor activity and potential toxicity limit its clinical application. In the present study, a series of 14-sulfonamide and sulfonate TET derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for biological activities. Through structural-activity relationship studies, compound 3c with α, β-unsaturated carbonyl group exhibited the most potent activity against all tested tumor cell lines (including Hela, HCT116, HepG2, MCF-7, and SHSY5Y), as well as negligible toxicity against normal cell lines LO2 and HEK293. Additionally, compound 3c effectively inhibited HCT116 and CT26 cell proliferation in vitro with increased cell proportion in the G2/M phase, activated the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, and induced colon cancer cell apoptosis by suppressing the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. The further molecular docking results confirmed that compound 3c is potentially bound to multiple residues in PI3K with a stronger binding affinity than TET. Ultimately, compound 3c dramatically suppressed tumor growth in the CT26 xenograft tumor model, without noticeable visceral toxicity detected in the high-dose group. In summary, compound 3c might present new insights for designing new PI3K inhibitors and be a potential candidate for colon cancer treatment.

Neferine inhibits the progression of diabetic nephropathy by modulating the miR-17-5p/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 axis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Neferine (Nef) on diabetic nephropathy (DN) and to explore the mechanism of Nef in DN based on miRNA regulation theory.

METHODS

A DN mouse model was constructed and treated with Nef. Serum creatinine (Crea), blood urea (UREA) and urinary albumin were measured in mice by kits, and renal histopathological changes and fibrosis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining. Renal tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blotting was used to detect the expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/ heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) signaling pathway-related proteins in kidney tissues. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of miR-17-5p in kidney tissues. Subsequently, a DN in vitro model was constructed by high glucose culture of human mesangial cells (HMCs), cells were transfected with miR-17-5p mimic and/or treated with Nef, and we used qRT-PCR to detect cellular miR-17 expression, flow cytometry to detect apoptosis, ELISAs to detect cellular SOD, MDA, and GSH-Px activities, Western blots to detect Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway-related protein expression, and dual luciferase reporter gene assays to verify the targeting relationship between Nrf2 and miR-17-5p.

RESULTS

Administration of Nef significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose, Crea, and UREA and the expression of miR-17-5p, improved renal histopathology and fibrosis, significantly reduced MDA levels, elevated SOD and GSH-Px activities, and activated Nrf2 expression in kidney tissues from mice with DN. Nrf2 is a post-transcriptional target of miR-17-5p. In HMCs transfected with miR-17-5p mimics, the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2 were significantly suppressed. Furthermore, miR-17-5p overexpression and Nef intervention resulted in a significant increase in high glucose-induced apoptosis and MDA levels in HMCs and a significant decrease in the protein expression of HO-1 and Nrf2.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these results indicate that Nef has an ameliorative effect on DN, and the mechanism may be through the miR-17-5p/Nrf2 pathway.

Tetrandrine promotes the survival of the random skin flap via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Flaps are mainly used for wound repair. However, postoperative ischemic necrosis of the distal flap is a major problem, which needs to be addressed urgently. We evaluated whether tetrandrine, a compound found in traditional Chinese medicine, can prolong the survival rate of random skin flaps. Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into control, low-dose tetrandrine (25 mg/kg/day), and high-dose tetrandrine (60 mg/kg/day) groups. On postoperative Day 7, the flap survival and average survival area were determined. After the rats were sacrificed, the levels of angiogenesis, apoptosis, and inflammation in the flap tissue were detected with immunology and molecular biology analyses. Tetrandrine increased vascular endothelial growth factor and Bcl-2 expression, in turn promoting angiogenesis and anti-apoptotic processes, respectively. Additionally, tetrandrine decreased the expression of Bax, which is associated with the induction of apoptosis, and also decreased inflammation in the flap tissue. Tetrandrine improved the survival rate of random flaps by promoting angiogenesis, inhibiting apoptosis, and reducing inflammation in the flap tissue through the modulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Sequentially Released Liposomes Enhance Anti-Liver Cancer Efficacy of Tetrandrine and Celastrol-Loaded Coix Seed Oil

Background

A sequential release co-delivery system is an effective strategy to improve anti-cancer efficacy. Herein, multicomponent-based liposomes (TET-CTM/L) loaded with tetrandrine (TET) and celastrol (CEL)-loaded coix seed oil microemulsion (CTM) were fabricated, which showed synergistic anti-liver cancer activities. By virtue of Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect, TET-CTM/L can achieve efficient accumulation at the tumor site. TET was released initially to repair abnormal vessels and decrease the fibroblasts, and CTM was released subsequently for eradication of tumor tissue.

Methods

TEM (transmission electron microscopy) and DLS (dynamic light scattering) were adopted to characterize the TET-CTM/L. Flow cytometry was adopted to examine the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of HepG2 cells. The HepG2 xenograft nude mice were adopted to evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy and systemic safety of TET-CTM/L.

Results

TEM images of TET-CTM/L showed the structure of small particle size of CTM within large-size liposomes, indicating that CTM can be encapsulated in liposomes by film dispersion method. In in vitro studies, TET-CTM/L induced massive apoptosis toward HepG2 cells, indicating synergistic cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells. In in vivo studies, TET-CTM/L displayed diminished systemic toxicity compared to celastrol or TET used alone. TET-CTM/L showed the excellent potential for tumor-targeting ability in a biodistribution study.

Conclusion

Our study provides a new strategy for combining anti-cancer therapy that has good potential not only in the treatment of liver cancer but also can be applied to the treatment of other solid tumors.

Pulmonary administration of tetrandrine loaded Zinc-Alginate nanogels attenuates pulmonary fibrosis in rats

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive disease, current systemic administration is not fully effective with many side effects, such as gastrointestinal and liver injury. The pulmonary delivery system for pulmonary fibrosis may contribute to maximize therapeutic benefit. Natural compounds might have prominence as potential drug candidates, but the low bioavailabilities affect their clinical use. Tetrandrine is a natural alkaloid with good anti-inflammatory, antifibrogenetic and antioxidant effects, and it is used as a clinical therapeutic drug for the treatment of silicosis in China. In the present study, we explore a new strategy of pulmonary delivery system to improve low solubility and pesticide effect of tetrandrine. Tetrandrine was loaded into alginate nanogels by reverse microemulsion method. The release behavior of tetrandrine reached zero-order kinetics release and the maximum free radical clearance rates reached up to 90%. The pulmonary fibrosis rats were treated with tetrandrine nanogels by using ultrasonic atomizing inhalation. Tetrandrine nanogels decreased the development and progression of fibrosis by reducing inflammation response and bating the deposition of extra cellular matrix. In conclusion, ultrasonic atomizing inhalation of tetrandrine nanogels provided a new therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.

The CYP80A and CYP80G Are Involved in the Biosynthesis of Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloids in the Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)

Bisbenzylisoquinoline and aporphine alkaloids are the two main pharmacological compounds in the ancient sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). The biosynthesis of bisbenzylisoquinoline and aporphine alkaloids has attracted extensive attention because bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids have been reported as potential therapeutic agents for COVID-19. Our study showed that NnCYP80A can catalyze C-O coupling in both (R)-N-methylcoclaurine and (S)-N-methylcoclaurine to produce bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids with three different linkages. In addition, NnCYP80G catalyzed C-C coupling in aporphine alkaloids with extensive substrate selectivity, specifically using (R)-N-methylcoclaurine, (S)-N-methylcoclaurine, coclaurine and reticuline as substrates, but the synthesis of C-ring alkaloids without hydroxyl groups in the lotus remains to be elucidated. The key residues of NnCYP80G were also studied using the 3D structure of the protein predicted using Alphafold 2, and six key amino acids (G39, G69, A211, P288, R425 and C427) were identified. The R425A mutation significantly decreased the catalysis of (R)-N-methylcoclaurine and coclaurine inactivation, which might play important role in the biosynthesis of alkaloids with new configurations.

New perspectives on the potential of tetrandrine in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer: bioinformatics, Mendelian randomization study and experimental investigation

BACKGROUND

Although there are numerous treatment methods for NSCLC, long-term survival remains a challenge for patients. The objective of this study is to investigate the role and causal relationship between the target of tetrandrine and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through transcriptome and single-cell sequencing data, summary-data-based Mendelian Randomization (SMR) and basic experiments. The aim is to provide a new perspective for the treatment of NSCLC.

METHODS

We obtained the drug target gene of tetrandrine through the drug database, and then used the GSE19188 data set to obtain the NSCLC pathogenic gene, established a drug-disease gene interaction network, screened out the hub drug-disease gene, and performed bioinformatics and tumor cell immune infiltration analysis. Single-cell sequencing data (GSE148071) to determine gene location, SMR to clarify causality and drug experiment verification.

RESULTS

10 drug-disease genes were obtained from 213 drug targets and 529 disease genes. DO/GO/KEGG analysis showed that the above genes were all related to the progression and invasion of NSCLC. Four drug-disease genes were identified from a drug-disease PPI network. These four genes were highly expressed in tumors and positively correlated with plasma cells, T cells, and macrophages. Subsequent single-cell sequencing data confirmed that these four genes were distributed in epithelial cells, and SMR analysis revealed the causal relationship between CCNA2 and CCNB1 and the development of NSCLC. The final molecular docking and drug experiments showed that CCNA2 and CCNB1 are key targets for tetrandrine in the treatment of NSCLC.

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids with their antitumor activity from the aerial parts of Corydalis impatiens (pall.) Fisch

Phytochemical investigation on the aerial parts of Corydalis impatiens (pall.) Fisch (Papaveraceae) resulted in the identification of four previous undescribed benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, impatienines A-D (1-4), together with 14 known analogues (5-18). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis (IR, HR-ESIMS, 1D- and 2D-NMR) as well as ECD calculations. All the compounds obtained were investigated for their inhibitory effect on the growth of A549, H1299 and HepG2 cancer cells. Compounds 7 and 15 exhibited pronounced inhibition against the A549 cancer cells with IC50 values of 6.81 μM and 3.17 μM, while the positive control cisplatin was 1.83 μM. Compounds 1-3 showed moderate inhibitory on the H1299 cancer cells. Compounds 4, 10-12, and 16 showed signiffcant activity against HepG2 cancer cells with IC50 values range of 4.41-8.75 μM.

Cepharanthine suppresses proliferation and metastasis and enhances apoptosis by regulating JAK2/Stat3 pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a familiar malignant tumor, and cepharanthine (CEP) was proven to prevent the malignant activity of multiple cancer cells, including HCC. However, there are few reports on the regulatory role of CEP in HCC. After treatment with CEP or/and JAK2/Stat3 inhibitor (AG490), the associative functions were assessed by MTT, wound healing, Trans well, and Hochest33342-PI double staining in HCC cells. Then the levels of CDK4, MMP-9, Bcl-2, p-JAK2/JAK2, and p-Stat3/Stat3 were monitored via western blot. Besides, the HCC xenograft model was constructed to verify the effects of CEP on tumor growth and the JAK/Stat3 pathway. CEP could restrain proliferation and metastasis and facilitate apoptosis in HCC cells. CEP also reduced Bcl-2 (anti-apoptosis), CDK4 (proliferation), and MMP-9 (invasion) expressions, and inhibited JAK2 and Stat3 phosphorylation. Besides, CEP suppressed HCC progression by JAK2/Stat3 pathway. Moreover, CEP inhibited the growth of subcutaneous HCC xenografts and reduced p-JAK2 and p-Stat3 in tumor tissues. CEP could suppress HCC progression by attenuating the JAK2/Stat3 pathway, indicating that CEP might be a therapeutic drug for HCC patients.

Bioactive Isoquinoline Alkaloids with Diverse Skeletons from Fissistigma polyanthum

Six new isoquinoline alkaloids, including aporphine alkaloids (2, 3, 9, and 10), a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid (13), and a protoberberine alkaloid (17), were isolated from the roots of Fissistigma polyanthum, along with a new furanone (20) and 13 known isoquinoline alkaloids (1, 4-8, 11, 12, 14-16, 18, and 19). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by the analysis of spectroscopic data. Compounds 1 and 2 are rare oxalyl-fused dehydroaporphine alkaloids. Compound 12 presented the most potent dual-target activities on AChE inhibition and Aβ aggregation inhibition, while compounds 13 and 19 simultaneously exhibited discernible AChE and BChE inhibitions with antioxidant activities. The activity results indicate that F. polyanthum alkaloids have a potential of inhibition and prevention of Alzheimer's disease mainly through both ChEs and β-amyloid pathways in addition to antioxidant activity.

Genome-wide analysis of bHLH gene family in Coptis chinensis provides insights into the regulatory role in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis

Coptis chinensis Franch is a perennial species with high medical value. The rhizome of C. chinensis is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used for more than 2000 years in China. Its principal active ingredients are benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs). The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors play an important regulatory role in the biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites. However, the bHLH genes in C. chinensis have not been described, and little is known about their roles in alkaloid biosynthesis. In this study, a total of 143 CcbHLH genes (CcbHLHs) were identified and unevenly distributed on nine chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis divided the 143 CcbHLH proteins into 26 subfamilies by comparison with Arabidopsis thaliana bHLH proteins. The majority CcbHLHs in each subgroup had similar gene structures and conserved motifs. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties, conserved motif, intron/exon composition, and cis-acting elements of CcbHLHs were analyzed. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 30 CcbHLHs were significantly expressed in the rhizomes of C. chinensis. Co-expression analysis revealed that 11 CcbHLHs were highly positively correlated with contents of various alkaloids of C. chinensis. Moreover, yeast one-hybrid experiments verified that CcbHLH001 and CcbHLH0002 could interact with the promoters of berberine biosynthesis pathway genes CcBBE and CcCAS, suggesting their regulatory roles in BIA biosynthesis. This study provides comprehensive insights into the bHLH gene family in C. chinensis and will support in-depth functional characterization of CcbHLHs involved in the regulation of protoberberine-type alkaloid biosynthesis.

(±)-Yanhusuomide A, a pair of ornithine-fused benzylisoquinoline enantiomers from Corydalis yanhusuo

(±)-Yanhusuomide A (1), a novel enantiomeric pair of ornithine-fused benzylisoquinoline, were characterized from the dried tubers of Corydalis yanhusuo, along with a biogenetically related intermediate oblongine (2). Yanhusuomide A features an unprecedented skeleton based on a benzylisoquinoline coupled with an ornithine derivative to form a rare 5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrido[3,4,5-de]quinazoline motif. Plausible biosynthetic pathway of 1 was proposed, and (±)-yanhusuomide A (1) presented potential inhibitory bioactivity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with IC₅₀ = 14.07 ± 2.38 μM. The simulation of molecular docking displayed that 1 generated strong interaction with Asp-74 and Trp-86 residues of AChE through attractive charge of the quaternary nitrogen.

Papaverine: A Miraculous Alkaloid from Opium and Its Multimedicinal Application

The pharmacological actions of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids are quite substantial, and have recently attracted much attention. One of the principle benzylisoquinoline alkaloids has been found in the unripe seed capsules of Papaver somniferum L. Although it lacks analgesic effects and is unrelated to the compounds in the morphine class, it is a peripheral vasodilator and has a direct effect on vessels. It is reported to inhibit the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) phosphodiesterase in smooth muscles, and it has been observed to increase intracellular levels of cAMP and cGMP. It induces coronary, cerebral, and pulmonary artery dilatation and helps to lower cerebral vascular resistance and enhance cerebral blood flow. Current pharmacological research has revealed that papaverine demonstrates a variety of biological activities, including activity against erectile dysfunction, postoperative vasospasms, and pulmonary vasoconstriction, as well as antiviral, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, and gestational actions. It was recently demonstrated that papaverine has the potential to control SARS-CoV-2 by preventing its cytopathic effect. These experiments were carried out both in vitro and in vivo and require an extensive understanding of the mechanisms of action. With its multiple mechanisms, papaverine can be considered as a natural compound that is used to develop therapeutic drugs. To validate its applications, additional research is required into its precise therapeutic mechanisms as well as its acute and chronic toxicities. Therefore, the goal of this review is to discuss the major studies and reported clinical studies looking into the pharmacological effects of papaverine and the mechanisms of action underneath these effects. Additionally, it is recommended to conduct further research via significant pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies.

The chloroplast GATA-motif of Mahonia bealei participates in alkaloid-mediated photosystem inhibition during dark to light transition

Mahonia bealei and Mahonia fortunei are important plant resources in Traditional Chinese Medicine that are valued for their high levels of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs). Although the phytotoxic activity of BIAs has been recognized, information is limited on the mechanism of action by which these compounds regulate photosynthetic activity. Here, we performed comparative chloroplast genome analysis to examine insertions and deletions in the two species. We found a GATA-motif located in the promoter region of the ndhF gene of only M. bealei. K-mer frequency-based diversity analysis illustrated the close correlation between the GATA-motif and leaf phenotype. We found that the GATA-motif significantly inhibits GUS gene expression in tobacco during the dark-light transition (DLT). The expression of ndhF was downregulated in M. bealei and upregulated in M. fortunei during the DLT. NDH-F activity was remarkably decreased and exhibited a significant negative correlation with BIA levels in M. bealei during the DLT. Furthermore, the NADPH produced through photosynthetic metabolism was found to decrease in M. bealei during the DLT. Taken together, our results indicate that this GATA-motif might act as the functional site by which BIAs inhibit photosynthetic metabolism through downregulating ndhF expression during the DLT.

Berbamine Reduces Chloroquine-Induced Itch in Mice through Inhibition of MrgprX1

Chloroquine (CQ) is an antimalaria drug that has been widely used for decades. However, CQ-induced pruritus remains one of the major obstacles in CQ treatment for uncomplicated malaria. Recent studies have revealed that MrgprX1 plays an essential role in CQ-induced itch. To date, a few MrgprX1 antagonists have been discovered, but they are clinically unavailable or lack selectivity. Here, a cell-based high-throughput screening was performed to identify novel antagonists of MrgprX1, and the screening of 2543 compounds revealed two novel MrgprX1 inhibitors, berbamine and closantel. Notably, berbamine potently inhibited CQ-mediated MrgprX1 activation (IC₅₀ = 1.6 μM) but did not alter the activity of other pruritogenic GPCRs. In addition, berbamine suppressed the CQ-mediated phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Interestingly, CQ-induced pruritus was significantly reduced by berbamine in a dose-dependent manner, but berbamine had no effect on histamine-induced, protease-activated receptors 2-activating peptide-induced, and deoxycholic acid-induced itch in mice. These results suggest that berbamine is a novel, potent, and selective antagonist of MrgprX1 and may be a potential drug candidate for the development of therapeutic agents to treat CQ-induced pruritus.

Hernandezine, a natural herbal alkaloid, ameliorates type 2 diabetes by activating AMPK in two mouse models

BACKGROUND

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an effective target for treating diabetes. However, successful drug development is delayed due to issues including toxicity. Plant-derived natural product AMPK activators have emerged as a new way to treat diabetes due to its potential low safety risks. Here, we studied the effect of hernandezine (HER), a natural product derived from Thalictrum, in activating AMPK and treating T2D in mouse models.

METHOD

We tested HER in various cells and tissues, including primary hepatocytes, skeletal myotubes cell lines, as well as major metabolic tissues from diabetic (db/db) and diet-induced obesity (DIO) model mice. The effect of HER on glucose uptake via AMPK in vitro and in vivo was confirmed utilizing cell transfection and adenovirus interference analysis. Tissue staining assessed the effect of HER on adipogenesis. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) was applied to verify the effect of HER on transcription factors. Western blot analysis was used to determine the activation of phosphorylated AMPK and ACC pathways.

RESULTS

Biochemically, we found that HER prevented pAMPK from dephosphorylation to prolong its activity, disproving previous direct activation model and providing a new model to explain HER-mediated AMPK activation. HER could be orally delivered to animals and has a 3-fold long half-life in vivo as compared to metformin. Importantly, long-term oral HER treatment potently reduced body weight and blood glucose in both type 2 diabetes mullitus (T2DM) mouse models by increasing glucose disposal and reducing lipogenesis, and appeared not to induce cardiac hypertrophy.

CONCLUSION

Natural product HER indirectly activates AMPK by suppressing its dephosphorylation. Oral HER effectively alleviated hyperglycemia and reduced body weight in T2D mouse models, appeared to have a low risk of causing cardiac hypertrophy, and might be a potential therapeutic option for T2DM.

Enzymatic synthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids using a parallel cascade strategy and tyrosinase variants

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloid derived pharmaceuticals are widely applied in modern medicines. Recent studies on the microbial production of benzylisoquinolines have highlighted key biological syntheses towards these natural products. Routes to non-natural benzylisoquinolines have been less explored, particularly halogenated compounds which are more challenging. Here, we show the use of a tyrosinase, tyrosine decarboxylase, transaminase, and norcoclaurine synthase which are combined in a parallel cascade design, in order to generate halogenated benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in high enantiomeric excess. Notably, mutagenesis studies are applied to generate tyrosinase mutants, which enhance the acceptance of halogenated tyrosines for use in the biocatalytic cascades developed.

Comparison of 3 Rates for the Continuous Infusion of Mivacurium During Ambulatory Vitreoretinal Surgery Under General Anesthesia: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

Purpose

Mivacurium, the shortest-acting benzylisoquinoline nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocker used in clinical practice, is suitable for short-term ambulatory operations under general anesthesia. We investigated the neuromuscular blockade effect of different maintenance doses of mivacurium during ambulatory vitreoretinal surgery under general anesthesia and tried to determine the appropriate maintenance dose.

Patients and Methods

Ninety-nine patients undergoing general anesthesia for elective ambulatory vitreoretinal surgery were randomly divided into three groups using the random number table method. Patients received three maintenance doses of mivacurium during surgery as follows: 3 μg/(kg·min) in group M1 (n = 33), 6 μg/(kg·min) in group M2 (n = 33), and 9 μg/(kg·min) in group M3 (n = 33). The primary outcome was the time from mivacurium withdrawal to a train-of-four stimulation ratio (TOFr) ≥ 0.9, and the secondary outcomes were the time from mivacurium withdrawal to TOFr ≥ 0.7, extubation time, incidence of TOFr < 0.9 after surgery and neuromuscular block effect.

Results

The time from mivacurium withdrawal to TOFr ≥ 0.9 and to TOFr ≥ 0.7 was significantly longer in group M3 than in groups M1 and M2 (25.6±7.2 min vs 16.4±5.9 min and 18.6±5.3 min, P < 0.001; 22.1±6.3 min vs 13.6 ± 5.8 min and 15.5 ± 4.8 min; P < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant difference in the extubation time, the incidence of TOFr < 0.9 during extubation and upon leaving the operating room between group M3 and group M1 (all P < 0.05), but there was no such significant difference between group M2 and group M1 (all P > 0.05). The intraoperative depth of neuromuscular blockade in the three groups was significantly different, with 69.7% shallow block in group M1, 75.8% moderate block in group M2 and 63.6% deep block in group M3 (P < 0.001). One patient in group M1 experienced slight body movement during the operation.

Conclusion

An intraoperative continuous infusion of 6 μg/(kg·min) mivacurium can not only achieve good postoperative recovery but also provide a satisfactory neuromuscular blockade effect during surgery, and this maintenance dose is suitable for neuromuscular blockade during ambulatory vitreoretinal surgery.

Tetrandrine Treatment May Improve Clinical Outcome in Patients with COVID-19

Background and objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic continues worldwide, and there is no effective treatment to treat it. Chinese medicine is considered the recommended treatment for COVID-19 in China. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of tetrandrine in treating COVID-19, which is originally derived from Chinese medicine. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients, categorized into three types (mild, moderate, severe), from Daye Hospital of Chinese Medicine with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in this study. Demographics, medical history, treatment, and results were collected. We defined two main groups according to the clinical outcome between improvement and recovery. All underlying factors including clinical outcomes were assessed in the total number of COVID-19 patients and moderate-type patients. Results: In a total of 60 patients, there were significant differences in the clinical outcome underlying treatment with antibiotics, tetrandrine, and arbidol (p < 0.05). When the comparison was limited to the moderate type, treatment with tetrandrine further increased recovery rate (p = 0.007). However, the difference disappeared, and no association was indicated between the clinical outcome and the treatment with and without antibiotic (p = 0.224) and arbidol (p = 0.318) in the moderate-type patients. In all-type and moderate-type patients, tetrandrine improved the rate of improvement in cough and fatigue on day 7 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Tetrandrine may improve clinical outcome in COVID-19 patientsand could be a promising potential natural antiviral agent for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Antagonistic Effect and In Vitro Activity of Dauricine on Glucagon Receptor

Abnormal increases in glucagon (GCG) are the primary cause of type II diabetes mellitus. When GCG interacts with a glucagon receptor (GCGR), GCG can increase the blood glucose level. In this paper, a compound that could interfere with the binding of GCG and GCGR to inhibit the increase of blood glucose was investigated. First, molecular docking was used to conduct preliminary screening of compounds whose active components could combine with GCGR by AutoDock Vina. The binding of the receptor-ligand complex was analyzed by PyMOL. Results showed that dauricine could tightly bind to the receptor pocket. Second, the plasmid pcDNA3.1(+)-GCGR containing the target gene was transfected into HEK293 cells for expression, which was the cell model established to screen GCGR antagonist. Dauricine, the lead compound of glucagon receptor antagonist (GRA), was screened using the GRA screening model in vitro. Finally, using [Des-His1, Glu9]-Glucagon amide as the positive control, flow cytometry was used to express the antagonistic effect of the compound. Consequently, dauricine can antagonize the GCGR.

Neferine Suppresses Experimental Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer by Inhibition of NF-[Formula: see text]B p65 and STAT3

Colitis is an important risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). The inhibitory effect and the underlying mechanism of neferine on colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CA-CRC) were investigated using an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) triggered mice model. Compared with the CA-CRC model, oral treatment of neferine (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the DAI scores, decreased the tumor number, and reduced the tumor size. Neferine decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and epithelial hyperplasia in colon tissues. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] (TNF-[Formula: see text], interleukin-1beta (IL-1[Formula: see text], and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in colon tissues were decreased by neferine. Furthermore, neferine significantly decreased protein expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), p-p65, and p-STAT3 in both tumor and non-tumor tissues. In addition, neferine inhibited LPS and IL-6-induced phosphorylation of both NF-[Formula: see text]B p65 and STAT3. Molecular docking demonstrated the interactions of neferine with both NF-[Formula: see text]B p65 and STAT3. In conclusion, these results suggested that neferine inhibited CA-CRC carcinogenesis possibly by regulating NF-[Formula: see text]B and STAT3. Neferine might be a lead compound for the chemoprevention of CA-CRC.

Nano-Liposomes Double Loaded with Curcumin and Tetrandrine: Preparation, Characterization, Hepatotoxicity and Anti-Tumor Effects

(1) Background: Curcumin (CUR) and tetrandrine (TET) are natural compounds with various bioactivities, but have problems with low solubility, stability, and absorption rate, resulting in low bioavailability, and limited applications in food, medicine, and other fields. It is very important to improve the solubility while maintaining the high activity of drugs. Liposomes are micro–vesicles synthesized from cholesterol and lecithin. With high biocompatibility and biodegradability, liposomes can significantly improve drug solubility, efficacy, and bioavailability. (2) Methods: In this work, CUR and TET were encapsulated with nano–liposomes and g DSPE–MPEG 2000 (DP)was added as a stabilizer to achieve better physicochemical properties, biosafety, and anti–tumor effects. (3) Results: The nano–liposome (CT–DP–Lip) showed stable particle size (under 100 nm) under different conditions, high solubility, drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC), release rate in vitro, and stability. In addition, in vivo studies demonstrated CT–DP–Lip had no significant toxicity on zebrafish. Tumor cytotoxicity test showed that CT–DP–Lip had a strong inhibitory effect on a variety of cancer cells. (4) Conclusions: This work showed that nano–liposomes can significantly improve the physical and chemical properties of CUR and TET and make them safer and more efficient.

Effects of Two Natural Bisbenzylisoquinolines, Curine and Guattegaumerine, Extracted from Isolona hexaloba on Rhodamine Efflux by Abcb1b from Rat Glycocholic-Acid-Resistant Hepatocarcinoma Cells

To develop new therapeutic molecules, it is essential to understand the biological effects and targets of clinically relevant compounds. In this article, we describe the extraction and characterization of two alkaloids from the roots of Isolona hexaloba—curine and guattegaumerine. The effect of these alkaloids on the multidrug efflux pump ABCB1 (MDR1/P-Glycoprotein) and their antiproliferative properties were studied. Compared to verapamil, a widely used inhibitor of P-gp, curine and guattegaumerine were found to be weak inhibitors of MDR1/P-Glycoprotein. The highest inhibition of efflux produced by verapamil disappeared in the presence of curine or guattegaumerine as competitors, and the most pronounced effect was achieved with curine. Altogether, this work has provided new insights into the biological effects of these alkaloids on the rat Mdr1b P-gp efflux mechanism and would be beneficial in the design of potent P-gp inhibitors.

Plant Alkaloid Tetrandrine Is a Nuclear Receptor 4A1 Antagonist and Inhibits Panc-1 Cell Growth In Vitro and In Vivo

The orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) is highly expressed in human pancreatic cancer cells and exerts pro-oncogenic activity. In a previous study, we demonstrated that fangchinoline (FCN), a natural inhibitor of nuclear NR4A1, induces NR4A1-dependent apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cells. In this study, we evaluated FCN and its structural analogs (berbamine, isotetrandrine, tetrandrine, and tubocurarine) for their inhibitory effects on NR4A1 transactivity, and confirmed that tetrandrine (TTD) showed the highest inhibitory effect in pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, in a tryptophan fluorescence quenching assay, TTD directly bound to the ligand binding domain (LBD) of NR4A1 with a KD value of 10.60 μM. Treatment with TTD decreased proliferation and induced apoptosis in Panc-1 human pancreatic cancer cells in part through the reduced expression of the Sp1-dependent anti-apoptotic gene survivin and induction of ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress, which are the well-known NR4A1-dependent proapoptotic pathways. Furthermore, at a dose of 25 mg/kg/day, TTD reduced tumor growth in an athymic nude mouse xenograft model bearing Panc-1 cells. These data show that TTD is an NR4A1 antagonist and that modulation of the NR4A1-mediated pro-survival pathways is involved in the antitumor effects of TTD.

Effects of berbamine against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury: Activation of the 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor pathway and changes in the mitochondrial state

This study was designed to investigate whether berbamine (BA)-induced cardioprotective effects were related to 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) signaling and changes in the mitochondria in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. C57/BL6 mice were exposed to BA (10 mg/kg/d), with or without administration of the AMPK specific inhibitor compound C (5 mg/kg/d) or the Nrf2 specific inhibitor ML-385 (30 mg/kg/d), and then subjected to a myocardial I/R operation. As expected, BA significantly improved post-ischemic cardiac function, reduced infarct size and apoptotic cell death, decreased oxidative stress, and improved the mitochondrial state. Furthermore, BA markedly increased AMPK activation, Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and the levels of NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase and heme oxygenase-1. Nevertheless, these BA-induced changes were abrogated by compound C. In addition, ML-385 also canceled the cardioprotective effects of BA but had little effect on AMPK activation. Our results demonstrate that BA alleviates myocardial I/R injury and the mitochondrial state by inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress via the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Bioavailability Enhancement of Cepharanthine via Pulmonary Administration in Rats and Its Therapeutic Potential for Pulmonary Fibrosis Associated with COVID-19 Infection

Cepharanthine (CEP) has excellent anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties, indicating its favorable potential for COVID-19 treatment. However, its application is challenged by its poor dissolubility and oral bioavailability. The present study aimed to improve the bioavailability of CEP by optimizing its solubility and through a pulmonary delivery method, which improved its bioavailability by five times when compared to that through the oral delivery method (68.07% vs. 13.15%). An ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for quantification of CEP in rat plasma was developed and validated to support the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic studies. In addition, pulmonary fibrosis was recognized as a sequela of COVID-19 infection, warranting further evaluation of the therapeutic potential of CEP on a rat lung fibrosis model. The antifibrotic effect was assessed by analysis of lung index and histopathological examination, detection of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, interleukin-6 (IL-6), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and hydroxyproline level in serum or lung tissues. Our data demonstrated that CEP could significantly alleviate bleomycin (BLM)-induced collagen accumulation and inflammation, thereby exerting protective effects against pulmonary fibrosis. Our results provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that pulmonary delivery CEP may be a promising therapy for pulmonary fibrosis associated with COVID-19 infection.

Hypeisoxazole A, a Racemic Pair of Tetrahydroisoxazole-Fused Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloids from Hypecoum erectum and Structural Revision of Hypecoleptopine

(±)-Hypeisoxazole A (1), a racemic pair of rearranged benzylisoquinoline alkaloids possessing an unprecedented diindeno[2,1-c:2',1'-d] isoxazole scaffold, was isolated from the medicinal herb Hypecoum erectum, along with hypecoleptopine (2), whose structure is now revised as a novel spiro-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid with a 6/6/5/6/6 skeleton. Their structures were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses, X-ray diffraction, and computational studies. Racemic mixture of 2 and its pure enantiomers modulated neuronal excitability activity.

Anti-Tumor and Anti-Metastasis Effects of Berbamine-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles on Pancreatic Cancer

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of Berbamine-loaded lipid nanoparticles (BBM-NPs) in pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Dopamine polymerization-polylactide-TPGS nanoparticles were synthesized to prepare BBM-NPs, and the change in particle size of BBM-NPs was measured. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay, plate cloning experiment, and apoptosis analysis were performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of BBM-NPs against the pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1 and AsPC-1). Migration and invasion abilities of the tumor cells were determined by Transwell and wound healing assays. The intracellular level of ROS and expression of tumor progression-related proteins were measured using ROS-kit and western blot assay. Besides, an in vivo study was performed in the Balb/c nude mice to analyze the function of BBM-NPs in tumor growth.

RESULTS

The in vitro studies showed that BBM-NPs with stable particle size and sustained drug release effectively inhibited the viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, while promoting cell apoptosis. Moreover, the in vivo experiments revealed that compared to Free BBM, BBM-NPs exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect on the growth of xenograft tumors derived from PANC-1 cells in mice. In addition, increased expressions of ROS, Bax, Cleaved Caspase-3, and γ-H2AX, as well as decreased expressions of MMP2, MMP9 and Bcl-2 were identified in both Free BBM and BBM-NPs groups, while BBM-NPs exhibited a stronger effect on protein expression than Free BBM.

CONCLUSION

In summary, BBM-loaded lipid nanoparticles enhanced the therapeutic effects of BBM on pancreatic cancer, providing a promising strategy for targeted cancer therapy.

[Effects of tetrandrine on proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioblastoma cells]

Glioblastoma is the most common intracranial primary malignant tumor, which leads to the poor quality of life of patients and has a high recurrence rate. Chemotherapy is a vital part in the treatment of this disease. Tetrandrine(Tet) is an active ingredient extracted from the root of the Chinese medicinal plant Stephania tetrandra, which has been proved with a wide range of pharmacological effects including anti-tumor. However, there are few studies regarding the effect of Tet on glioma. In this study, MTT and BrdU assays were employed to detect the effect of Tet on the proliferation of LN229 glioblastoma cells; flow cytometry was used to analyze the cycle distribution and apoptosis; plate cloning assay and soft agar colony formation assay were performed to study the colony formation ability of LN229 cells exposed to Tet; scratch assay and Transwell assay were conducted to detect the ability of migration and invasion; Western blot was adopted to the exploration of the molecular mechanism. The MTT and BrdU assays showed that Tet inhibited the proliferation of LN229 cells in a time-and dose-dependent manner. The plate cloning assay and soft agar colony formation assay showed that Tet weakened the colony formation of LN229 cells in vitro; cytometry assay showed that Tet blocked cells in the G_1 phase and promoted cell apoptosis; scratch and Transwell assays proved that Tet inhibited the migration and invasion of LN229 cells; Western blot results showed that Tet down-regulated the expression levels of CDK2, CDK6, cyclin D1, cyclin E1, snail, slug, vimentin, and N-cadherin, while up-regulated the level of E-cadherin. The results indicate that Tet has a certain inhibitory effect on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LN229 glioblastoma cells, and such effect may be related to the participation of Tet in the regulation of c-Myc/p27 axis and snail signaling pathway.

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of alkaloids from Glaucium spp

Glaucium Mill. comprising 28 species with 78 synonyms, 3 subspecies, and 3 varieties worldwide belongs to the Papaveraceae family. The plants are well known for their different types of alkaloids. In the present study, we attempted to review the chemistry and pharmacology of the alkaloids from the genus Glaucium. For this purpose, the relevant data were collected from different scientific databases including, "Google Scholar", "ISI Web of Knowledge", "PubMed", "Scopus", and available books and e-books. Our results showed that aporphine alkaloids are dominated in the species; however, other types of alkaloids including protopines, benzophenanthridines, benzylisoquinolines, protoberberines, and morphinanes have also been reported from the genus. The pharmacological studies have shown that the alkaloids from Glaucium species have several biological activities of which anti-cancer and anti-cholinesterase effects have been highly reported. Besides, the data indicated that most of the species have been investigated neither phytochemically nor pharmacologically. Glaucium flavum, known as yellow horn poppy, is the most studied species. According to the reports, the plants from this genus have anti-cancer and anti-cholinesterase potentials and can be used as a source for aporphine alkaloids.

Functional characterization of (S)-N-methylcoclaurine 3'-hydroxylase (NMCH) involved in the biosynthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in Corydalis yanhusuo

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are compounds naturally found in plants and can have significant value in clinical settings. Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology are both promising approaches for the heterologous acquisition of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. (S)-N-methylcoclaurine 3'-hydroxylase (NMCH), a member of the CYP80 family of CYP450, is the penultimate catalytic enzyme that forms the central branch-point intermediate (S)-reticuline and plays a key role in the biosynthesis of BIAs. In this study, an NMCH gene was cloned from Corydalis yanhusuo, while in vitro reactions demonstrated that CyNMCH can catalyze (S)-N-methylcoclaurine to produce (S)-3'-hydroxy-N-methylcoclaurine. The Km and Kcat of CyNMCH were estimated and compared with those identified in Eschscholzia californica and Coptis japonica. This newly discovered CyNMCH will provide alternative genetic resources for the synthetic biological production of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids and provides a foundation to help analyze the biosynthetic pathway of BIAs biosynthesis in C. yanhusuo.

The role of daurisoline treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma: Inhibiting vasculogenic mimicry formation and enhancing sensitivity to sorafenib

BACKGROUND

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a newly described tumor vascular phenomenon that is independent of traditional angiogenesis and provides an adequate blood supply for tumor growth. VM has been consistently observed in different cancer types. Hence, inhibition of VM may be considered a new anticancer therapeutic strategy.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to elucidate the potential anticancer effect of daurisoline (DS) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the potential molecular mechanism by which DS inhibits VM. We also verified whether combination treatment with sorafenib and DS constitutes a novel therapeutic approach to prevent HCC progression.

METHODS

The effects of DS on proliferation were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assays. 4',6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and flow cytometric analysis were employed to investigate its effects on apoptosis. Western blot analysis, Matrigel tube formation assays, pulldown assays and immunofluorescence staining were applied to validate the potential mechanism by which DS inhibits VM. Mouse xenograft models were used to evaluate anticancer activities.

RESULTS

DS inhibited HCC cell proliferation, induced HCC cell apoptosis and repressed VM formation by inactivating RhoA/ROCK2-mediated AKT and ERK-p38 MAPK signaling. Additionally, DS dramatically sensitized HCC cell lines to sorafenib, a curative anticancer drug for patients with advanced HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying DS-induced inhibition of VM, which may facilitate the development of a novel clinical anti-HCC drug. Moreover, our findings suggest that the combination of DS and sorafenib constitutes a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.

Dauricine inhibits human pancreatic carcinoma cell proliferation through regulating miRNAs

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant digestive tract tumors with the worst prognosis. Dauricine (Dau) can inhibit the proliferation of the pancreatic cancer cell line, and has the potential to be used as an adjuvant drug against pancreatic cancer; however, the working mechanism of Dau has not been elucidated. To unravel the effects and mechanisms of Dau on proteins and metabolic pathways, we evaluated the mRNA and microRNA expression in BxPC3 cells treated with Dau. The differences in the gene expression were compared using principal component analysis using mRNA and miRNA data to detect and analyze the sample discrimination. 187 miRNA and 907 mRNA that were significantly differentially expressed were identified using Python programming. On comparing genes and miRNAs in the DISEASES database, 79 known miRNA and 47 mRNA were found to be affected by Dau. The up-regulated and down-regulated genes were annotated with GO biological processes to determine the functional effect. Interactions between mRNA and mRNA were analyzed using the STRING database and the miRBase database was queried to obtain experimentally verified interactions between miRNA and mRNA as edges of miRNA and mRNA in the network. Finally, 413 sites and 2125 sides of the network were obtained, including 1 up-regulated and 18 down-regulated miRNAs. The expression of 19 miRNAs was identified by qPCR. The analysis of the protein-protein interaction network, using the Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) plug-in of cytoscape, helped in identifying 12 important sub-networks. Most subnets are indirectly or directly related to specific miRNAs. This study provides evidence for the anticancer effect of Dau as a potential anticancer compound.

Tetrandrine, a Potent Antifungal Agent, Inhibits Mycelial Growth and Virulence of Botrytis cinerea

Tetrandrine (TET) is a potent calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and inflammation. Currently, TET is predominantly used to treat a variety of human diseases, and there is little information regarding the use of TET against plant pathogens. In this study, we explored the antifungal activity of TET on a plant pathogen, Botrytis cinerea. We show that administration of low concentrations of TET effectively inhibited hyphal growth of fungus grown on potato dextrose agarose and decreased the virulence of B. cinerea in tomato plants. Real-time PCR revealed that the expression of drug efflux pump-related genes (alcohol dehydrogenase 1, multidrug/pheromone exporter, pleiotropic drug resistance protein 1, and synaptic vesicle transporter) were downregulated in the presence of TET. Finally, we show that TET acts synergistically with iprodione, resulting in increased inhibition of B. cinerea both in vitro and in vivo. These results indicate that TET might act as an effective antifungal agent in reducing gray mold disease.

Synthesis and antitumor activity in vitro of novel berbamine derivatives

A series of new berbamine derivatives were synthesized, and their cytotoxic activity was evaluated against Human T-cell lymphoma cell line H9 and multiple myeloma cell line RPMI8226 in vitro. Compared with berbamine, the cytotoxicity of the modified derivatives was enhanced, especially simultaneously substituted at OH and 5-position. Compounds 2a and 4b exhibited high antitumor activity. The IC₅₀ value of compound 2a was 0.30 μM for RPMI8226 cells, and the IC₅₀ value of compound 4b was 0.36 μM for H9 cells, whereas berbamine IC₅₀ values were 4.0 μM for H9 cells and 6.19 μM for RPMI8226 cells, respectively.[Formula: see text].