Iguratimod prevents renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction model mice by suppressing M2 macrophage infiltration and macrophage-myofibroblast transition

Iguratimod is a novel synthetic, small-molecule immunosuppressive agent used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Through ongoing exploration of its role and mechanisms of action, iguratimod has been observed to have antifibrotic effects in the lung and skin; however, its effect on renal fibrosis remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether iguratimod could affect renal fibrosis progression. Three different concentrations of iguratimod (30 mg/kg/day, 10 mg/kg/day, and 3 mg/kg/day) were used to intervene in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model mice. Iguratimod at 10 mg/kg/day was observed to be effective in slowing UUO-mediated renal fibrosis. In addition, stimulating bone marrow-derived macrophages with IL-4 and/or iguratimod, or with TGF-β and iguratimod or SRC inhibitors in vitro, suggested that iguratimod mitigates the progression of renal fibrosis in UUO mice, at least in part, by inhibiting the IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway to attenuate renal M2 macrophage infiltration, as well as by impeding SRC activation to reduce macrophage-myofibroblast transition. These findings reveal the potential of iguratimod as a treatment for renal disease.

Antimycobacterial and healing effects of Pranlukast against MTB infection and pathogenesis in a preclinical mouse model of tuberculosis

It is essential to understand the interactions and relationships between Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and macrophages during the infection in order to design host-directed, immunomodulation-dependent therapeutics to control Mtb. We had reported previously that ornithine acetyltransferase (MtArgJ), a crucial enzyme of the arginine biosynthesis pathway of Mtb, is allosterically inhibited by pranlukast (PRK), which significantly reduces bacterial growth. The present investigation is centered on the immunomodulation in the host by PRK particularly the activation of the host's immune response to counteract bacterial survival and pathogenicity. Here, we show that PRK decreased the bacterial burden in the lungs by upregulating the population of pro-inflammatory interstitial macrophages (IMs) and reducing the population of Mtb susceptible alveolar macrophages (AMs), dendritic cells (DCs), and monocytes (MO). Additionally, we deduce that PRK causes the host macrophages to change their metabolic pathway from fatty acid metabolism to glycolytic metabolism around the log phage of bacterial multiplication. Further, we report that PRK reduced tissue injury by downregulating the Ly6C-positive population of monocytes. Interestingly, PRK treatment improved tissue repair and inflammation resolution by increasing the populations of arginase 1 (Arg-1) and Ym1+Ym2 (chitinase 3-like 3) positive macrophages. In summary, our study found that PRK is useful not only for reducing the tubercular burden but also for promoting the healing of the diseased tissue.

Naturally Occurring Chromone Glycosides: Sources, Bioactivities, and Spectroscopic Features

Chromone glycosides comprise an important group of secondary metabolites. They are widely distributed in plants and, to a lesser extent, in fungi and bacteria. Significant biological activities, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, etc., have been discovered for chromone glycosides, suggesting their potential as drug leads. This review compiles 192 naturally occurring chromone glycosides along with their sources, classification, biological activities, and spectroscopic features. Detailed biosynthetic pathways and chemotaxonomic studies are also described. Extensive spectroscopic features for this class of compounds have been thoroughly discussed, and detailed 13C-NMR data of compounds 1-192, have been added, except for those that have no reported 13C-NMR data.

PIM1 Inhibition Affects Glioblastoma Stem Cell Behavior and Kills Glioblastoma Stem-like Cells

Despite comprehensive therapy and extensive research, glioblastoma (GBM) still represents the most aggressive brain tumor in adults. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are thought to play a major role in tumor progression and resistance of GBM cells to radiochemotherapy. The PIM1 kinase has become a focus in cancer research. We have previously demonstrated that PIM1 is involved in survival of GBM cells and in GBM growth in a mouse model. However, little is known about the importance of PIM1 in cancer stem cells. Here, we report on the role of PIM1 in GBM stem cell behavior and killing. PIM1 inhibition negatively regulates the protein expression of the stem cell markers CD133 and Nestin in GBM cells (LN-18, U-87 MG). In contrast, CD44 and the astrocytic differentiation marker GFAP were up-regulated. Furthermore, PIM1 expression was increased in neurospheres as a model of GBM stem-like cells. Treatment of neurospheres with PIM1 inhibitors (TCS PIM1-1, Quercetagetin, and LY294002) diminished the cell viability associated with reduced DNA synthesis rate, increased caspase 3 activity, decreased PCNA protein expression, and reduced neurosphere formation. Our results indicate that PIM1 affects the glioblastoma stem cell behavior, and its inhibition kills glioblastoma stem-like cells, pointing to PIM1 targeting as a potential anti-glioblastoma therapy.

Effects of iguratimod on glucocorticoid-induced disorder of bone metabolism in vitro

INTRODUCTION

Glucocorticoids are widely used to treat various diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, one of the most frequent and severe adverse effects is glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). Iguratimod (IGU) is a novel conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug developed in Japan. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of IGU on glucocorticoid-induced disorder of bone metabolism in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In osteoclastogenesis of mouse bone marrow-derived cells, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, resorption pit assay, western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and mRNA sequencing were performed. In osteoblastogenesis of MC3T3-E1 cells, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity, alizarin red staining, and mRNA sequencing were performed, and real-time PCR and western blotting were conducted in MC3T3-E1 cells and murine osteocyte-like cell line MLO-Y4 cells.

RESULTS

IGU significantly suppressed a dexamethasone-induced increase in osteoclasts, differentiation, and bone resorption activity by inhibition of the receptor activator of the nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK)/tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB)-p52 pathway. In MC3T3-E1 cells, IGU significantly upregulated dexamethasone-induced downregulation of ALP activity, bone mineralization, and osteoblast-related gene and protein expression. In MLO-Y4 cells, IGU significantly upregulated dexamethasone-induced downregulation of the gene expression of ALP and osteocalcin, and also downregulated receptor activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin gene expression ratio without dexamethasone.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that IGU may improve glucocorticoid-induced disorder of bone metabolism and may exhibit positive effects against GIOP associated with RA.

Iguratimod combination therapy compared with methotrexate monotherapy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We estimated the relative efficacy and safety of iguratimod combination therapy compared with methotrexate monotherapy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

METHOD

We identified parallel randomized controlled trials from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, and other databases and trial registries for January April 2020. Independent assessment of the risk of bias and grading of the certainty of evidence was performed for the selected trials. We operated RevMan 5 software to compute the meta-analysis. We applied the random-effects model. The statistical methods applied were the Mantel-Haenszel method and the inverse-variance method for dichotomous and continuous outcomes, respectively.

RESULTS

We included 12 trials involving 1095 participants. Based on our result, patients on iguratimod combination are likely to have 3.53 (95% CI 2.22 to 5.60, moderate-certainty), 3.24, and 2.73 times higher odds for attaining American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR) 20, 50, and 70, respectively, than methotrexate monotherapy. Disease state measured using DAS28 score (MD -0.71 score, 95% CI -1.03 to -0.39, very low certainty) and functional ability indicated by HAQ (Health Assessment Questionnaire) (MD -0.23, 95% CI -0.34 to -0.11, very low certainty) may also be better. The combination therapy also produced better results for C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, pain intensity, and patient's and physician's global assessment of disease state. Incidence of adverse events were similar between the groups (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.83, moderate-certainty).

CONCLUSION

Iguratimod combined with methotrexate may be considered a promising alternative for treating RA. Key Points • Iguratimod combination therapy produced better results in all the efficacy outcomes than methotrexate monotherapy. • Iguratimod combination therapy may be as safe as methotrexate monotherapy. • We recommend future clinical trials of iguratimod combination therapy in RA with iguratimod combined with DMARDs other than methotrexate and conducted in diverse population.

PI3K/AKT/mTOR and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Inhibitors Attenuate Pathological Mechanisms of Allergic Asthma

Asthma is an inflammatory airway disease wherein bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and airway obstruction during asthma attacks are the main problems. It is recognized that imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg is a critical factor in asthma pathogenesis. Manipulation of these with signaling molecules such as mTOR, PI3K, Akt, and MyD88 can control asthma. Mouse model of allergic asthma was produced and treated with ketamine, metformin, metformin and ketamine, triciribine, LY294002, and torin2. MCh challenge test, BALf's Eos Count, the IL-4, 5, INF-γ, eicosanoid, total IgE levels were determined. The MUC5a, Foxp3, RORγt, PI3K, mTOR, Akt, PU.1, and MyD88 gene expressions and histopathology study were done. Asthma groups that were treated with all six components had reduced Penh value, total IgE, IL-4 and IL-5 levels, MUC5a, RORγt, MyD88 and mTOR expression, goblet cell hyperplasia, and mucus hyper-secretion. The eosinophil percentage and Cys-LT level were decreased by metformin and ketamine, triciribine, LY294002, and torin2. The level of IFN-γ was increased in triciribine, LY294002, and torin2. Metformin, metformin and ketamine, triciribine, LY294002, and torin2 reduced Akt and PI3K expression, peribronchial and perivascular inflammation, and increased expression of Foxp3. Torin2 had an effect on PU.1 expression. Inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling with targeted molecules can attenuate asthma pathology and play an important role in airways protection.

Effect of Oxaliplatin, Olaparib and LY294002 in Combination on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis as the therapy has several limitations, most importantly, treatment resistance. In this study we examined the different responses of triple-negative breast cancer line MDA-MB-231 and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer line MCF7 to a combined treatment including olaparib, a poly-(ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, oxaliplatin, a third-generation platinum compound and LY294002, an Akt pathway inhibitor. We applied the drugs in a single, therapeutically relevant concentration individually and in all possible combinations, and we assessed the viability, type of cell death, reactive oxygen species production, cell-cycle phases, colony formation and invasive growth. In agreement with the literature, the MDA-MB-231 cells were more treatment resistant than the MCF7 cells. However, and in contrast with the findings of others, we detected no synergistic effect between olaparib and oxaliplatin, and we found that the Akt pathway inhibitor augmented the cytostatic properties of the platinum compound and/or prevented the cytoprotective effects of PARP inhibition. Our results suggest that, at therapeutically relevant concentrations, the cytotoxicity of the platinum compound dominated over that of the PARP inhibitor and the PI3K inhibitor, even though a regression-based model could have indicated an overall synergy at lower and/or higher concentrations.

<p>In vivo Screening of Natural Products Against Angiogenesis and Mechanisms of Anti-Angiogenic Activity of Deoxysappanone B 7,4ʹ-Dimethyl Ether</p>

Introduction

The aim of this study was to screen the leading compounds of natural origin with anti-angiogenic potential and to investigate their anti-angiogenic mechanism preliminarily.

Materials and Methods

An initial screening of 240 compounds from the Natural Products Collection of MicroSource was performed using the transgenic zebrafish strain Tg [fli1a: enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)]^y1. The zebrafish embryos at 24 h post-fertilization were exposed to the natural compounds for an additional 24 h; then, morphological changes in the intersegmental vessels (ISVs) were observed and quantified under a fluorescence microscope. The expression profiles of angiogenesis-related genes in the zebrafish embryos were detected using quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

Five compounds were identified with potential anti-angiogenic activity on the zebrafish embryogenesis. Among them, deoxysappanone B 7.4ʹ-dimethyl ether (Deox B 7,4) showed anti-angiogenic activity on the formation of ISVs in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of ISV formation reached up to 99.64% at 5 μM Deox B 7,4. The expression of delta-like ligand 4 (dll4), hes-related family basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor with YRPW motif 2, ephrin B2, fibroblast growth factor receptor (fgfr) 3, cyclooxygenase-2, protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type B (ptp-rb), phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 2, slit guidance ligand (slit) 2, slit3, roundabout guidance receptor (robo) 1, robo2, and robo4 were down-regulated, while vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, fgfr 1, and matrix metallopeptidase 9 were up-regulated in the zebrafish embryos treated with Deox B 7,4.

Conclusion

Deox B 7,4 has a therapeutic potential for the treatment of angiogenesis-dependent diseases and may exert anti-angiogenic activities by suppressing the slit2/robo1/2, slit3/robo4, cox2/ptp-rb/pik3r2, and dll4/hey2/efnb2a signaling pathways as well as activation of vegfr-2/fgfr1/mmp9.

Evaluation of rohitukine-enriched fraction of Dysoxylum binectariferum Hook.f. (leaves) as anti-arthritic phytopharmaceutical candidate: Chemical standardization, in-vivo validation, formulation development and oral pharmacokinetics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of joints. Dysoxylum binectariferum Hook.f (Family: Meliaceae) is a Indian medicinal plant which is traditionally being used to heal inflammation of joints.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This work was aimed to carry out chemical standardization, in-vitro/in-vivo validation, oral pharmacokinetics and formulation development of anti-arthritic botanical lead, the rohitukine-enriched fraction of D. binectariferum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rohitukine-enriched fraction of D. binectariferum was standardized using four chemical markers and was checked for microbial load, heavy metal content, aflatoxins and pesticides. Its in-vitro inhibitory effect on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 was studied in THP-1 cells. The in-vivo anti-arthritic activity was investigated in collagen-induced arthritis model in DBA/1J mice. The sustained release capsule formulation was developed and characterized for physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties.

RESULTS

Rohitukine and schumaniofioside A were found to be major chemical constituents of the botanical lead. The rohitukine-enriched fraction of D. binectariferum significantly reduced the production of both pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 (>50% inhibition at 3.12 μg/mL) in THP-1 cells. In LPS-treated wild-type mice model, the rohitukine-enriched fraction at 200 mg/kg (PO, QD) completely reduced serum TNF-α levels. In transgenic mice model (collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice), rohitukine-enriched fraction at 100 mg/kg (PO, QD) dose has resulted in >75% reduction of TNF-α/IL-6 serum levels, 68% reduction in anti-mouse type II collagen IgG1 antibody levels, decreased joint proteoglycan loss and reduced paw edema in DBA/1J mice. The sustained release capsule formulation of rohitukine-enriched fraction showed sustained-release of rohitukine over the period of 24 h, and resulted in an improved plasma-exposure of rohitukine in SD rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The data presented herein demonstrated anti-arthritic potential of rohitukine-enriched fraction of D. binectariferum and this study will serve as the benchmark for further research on this botanical lead and developed sustained release capsule formulation.

Relative efficacy and safety of iguratimod monotherapy for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to compare the efficacy and the safety of the iguratimod with placebo and other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in adults with rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

Two authors independently searched and selected randomized controlled trials from Cochrane library, Medline (through Pubmed), and Chinese databases, and then assessed the risk of bias (using ROB 2 tool), and graded the certainty of evidence (using the GRADEpro GDT software). We applied the RevMan 5 software for performing meta-analyses of the final consensus data.

RESULTS

We identified 12 trials involving 1938 participants. Ten trials had an overall high risk of bias. Although iguratimod had superior efficacy than placebo, the incidence of adverse events was also higher. Inferring to non-inferiority analysis with other DMARD therapy (primarily comprising methotrexate), iguratimod is likely to result in similar treatment response (20% (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.36), 50% and 70% improvement in American College of Rheumatology criteria) and functional ability at 24 weeks. Although the disease state was slightly better with iguratimod (MD - 0.55, 95% CI - 0.85 to - 0.25), a clinically important improvement was not achieved. Iguratimod may have lower C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values. Swollen joint count, tender joint count, pain intensity, and patient's and physician's global assessment of disease state may be comparable between the therapies. Both the therapies are likely to have similar odds (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.26) of adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Our evidence suggests that iguratimod may be considered a potential alternative to methotrexate to treat rheumatoid arthritis.Key Points• The Asia Pacific League of Association for Rheumatology (APLAR) has recommended that iguratimod may be used a first-line drug for rheumatoid arthritis in specific cases.• Patients on iguratimod may have similar treatment response, functional ability, disease state, and adverse event profile at 24 weeks compared with those on methotrexate.• Iguratimod may be considered a better alternative to methotrexate in RA patients having high CRP and ESR values.• Future clinical trials in diverse population comparing the efficacy and safety of iguratimod in monotherapy or combination therapy with DMARDs (other than methotrexate) are warranted.

Is There a Role for Dual PI3K/mTOR Inhibitors for Patients Affected with Lymphoma?

The activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is a main driver of cell growth, proliferation, survival, and chemoresistance of cancer cells, and, for this reason, represents an attractive target for developing targeted anti-cancer drugs. There are plenty of preclinical data sustaining the anti-tumor activity of dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors as single agents and in combination in lymphomas. Clinical responses, including complete remissions (especially in follicular lymphoma patients), are also observed in the very few clinical studies performed in patients that are affected by relapsed/refractory lymphomas or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In this review, we summarize the literature on dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors focusing on the lymphoma setting, presenting both the three compounds still in clinical development and those with a clinical program stopped or put on hold.

Pectolinarigenin flavonoid exhibits selective anti-proliferative activity in cisplatin-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma, autophagy activation, inhibiting cell migration and invasion, G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and targeting ERK1/2 MAP kinases

PURPOSE

The main purpose of the present research article was to investigate the anticancer properties of pectolinarigenin flavonoid in cisplatin-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells (SK-HEP-1) and normal liver cells (AML-12), along with examining its effects on autophagy, cell migration and invasion, cell cycle arrest and ERK1/2 MAP signalling pathways.

METHODS

Antiproliferative effects in cancer and normal cells were assessed by MTT cell viability assay. Cell autophagy effects were studied by electron microscopy as well as western blot. Effects on cell cycle were evaluated by flow cytometry using Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining. Transwell migration assay and in vitro wound healing assay were performed to study the effects on cell migration and invasion, respectively.

RESULTS

The results indicated that pectolinarigenin inhibited significantly the growth of the SK-HEP-1 liver cancer cells and exhibited an IC50 of 10 µM, while against normal cells the cytotoxic effects were much less pronounced. Further, it was observed that the anticancer effects of pectolinarigenin were due to induction of autophagy which was also associated with upregulation of the expression of Beclin-1, LC3-I and LC3-II. Transmission electron microscopy showed the formation of autophagosomes and vesicles. Pectolinarigenin also caused arrest of the SK-HEP-1 cells at the G2/M-phase of the cell cycle. Wound healing and transwell assays showed pectolinarigenin suppressed the migration and invasive potential of the SK-HEP-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study revealed that pectolinarigenin exhibits antitumor activity in SK-HEP-1 liver cancer cells via multiple mechanisms and may prove promising in the development of systemic therapy for liver cancer.

Efficacy and safety of iguratimod on patients with relapsed or refractory IgG4-related disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of iguratimod on patients with relapsed or refractory IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective single-center study in 17 IgG4-RD patients admitted to Peking University People's Hospital. Patients were given iguratimod, 25 mg, twice daily and clinical data were collected at 0, 12, and 24 weeks. The baseline treatments include prednisone, cyclophosphamide, leflunomide, mycophenolate mofetil, and methotrexate. Clinical manifestation, IgG4-RD responder index (IgG-RD RI), serological indexes, gland ultrasound findings, and adverse drug effect were recorded. IgG4-RD RI scores < 3 and declining ≥ 2 were recognized as complete response (CR); IgG4-RD RI scores declining ≥ 2 but remaining ≥ 3 were recognized as partial response (PR). If a patient's IgG4-RD RI score was 3 at the beginning, PR was considered as a 1-point decrease after the therapy.

RESULTS

Serum IgG4 decreased significantly from 708 (321-902) mg/dl at baseline to 446 (138-396) mg/dl at 24 weeks (P = 0.0016). IgG4-RD RI decreased significantly from 9.79 ± 3.07 at baseline to 3.57 ± 1.09 at 24 weeks (P < 0.0001). Overall, 2 (14.3%) patients achieved CR, 11 (78.6%) patients achieved PR, and 1 (7.14%) patient had no response to treatment at week 24. Serum IgG level and salivary glands major diameter also decreased significantly at week 12 and 24 after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Iguratimod can be a therapeutic strategy to achieve remission in relapsed or refractory IgG4-RD patients inadequately responding to corticosteroid treatment with or without other immunosuppressant treatment. Key messages • Iguratimod was effective for relapsed or refractory IgG4-RD patients. • Iguratimod can improve the clinical symptoms of patients, reduce the serum IgG and IgG4 levels, and can also reduce the volume of involved glands.

LY303511 displays antiproliferation potential against oral cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

LY303511 was developed as a negative control of LY294002 without pan-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition. We hypothesize LY303511 generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce apoptosis for killing oral cancer cells. In MTS assay, LY303511 dose-responsively decreases survival in three kinds of oral cancer cells but little damage to normal oral cells (HGF-1). Two oral cancer cells (CAL 27 and SCC-9) with highly sensitivity to LY303511 were used. In 7-aminoactinomycin D (7AAD) assay, LY303511 slightly increases subG1 population in oral cancer cells. In annexin V/7AAD and/or pancaspase assays, LY303511 induces apoptosis in oral cancer cells but HGF-1 cells remains in basal level. In oxidative stress, LY303511 induces ROS and mitochondrial superoxide in oral cancer cells. In 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine assay, LY303511 induces oxidative DNA damage in oral cancer cells. In zebrafish model, LY303511 inhibits CAL 27-xenografted tumor growth. Therefore, LY303511 displays antiproliferation potential against oral cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Expression of the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit is associated with the radiosensitivity of human thyroid cancer cell lines

The prognosis and treatment of thyroid cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease. Radiosensitivity differs among cancer cells owing to their varying capacity for repair after irradiation. Radioactive iodine can be used to destroy thyroid cancer cells. However, patient prognosis and improvement after irradiation varies. Therefore, predictive measures are important for avoiding unnecessary exposure to radiation. We describe a new method for predicting the effects of radiation in individual cases of thyroid cancer based on the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) activity level in cancer cells. The radiation sensitivity, DNA-PK activity, and cellular levels of DNA-PK complex subunits in five human thyroid cancer cell lines were analyzed in vitro. A positive correlation was observed between the D10 value (radiation dose that led to 10% survival) of cells and DNA-PK activity. This correlation was not observed after treatment with NU7441, a DNA-PK-specific inhibitor. A significant correlation was also observed between DNA-PK activity and expression levels of the DNA-PK catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs). Cells expressing low DNA-PKcs levels were radiation-sensitive, and cells expressing high DNA-PKcs levels were radiation-resistant. Our results indicate that radiosensitivity depends on the expression level of DNA-PKcs in thyroid cancer cell lines. Thus, the DNA-PKcs expression level is a potential predictive marker of the success of radiation therapy for thyroid tumors.

Farrerol attenuates MPP+ -induced inflammatory response by TLR4 signaling in a microglia cell line

Farrerol was found to possess neuroprotective effect; however, the mechanism remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of farrerol on MPP⁺ -induced inflammation in mouse microglial BV-2 cells and to elaborate the underlying mechanism. MTT assay was performed to measure the cell viability. The pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); inducible nitric oxide synthase; and cyclooxygenase 2 were measured. The expression of p-p65, p-IκBα, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 were analyzed by western blot. We found that farrerol treatment improved cell viability in MPP⁺ -induced BV-2 cells. MPP⁺ -induced upregulation of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α was inhibited by farrerol treatment. Farrerol treatment also attenuated MPP⁺ -induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 as well as the activation of NF-κB in BV-2 cells. MPP⁺ -induced TLR4 signaling was markedly diminished by farrerol treatment. Knockdown of TLR4 attenuated MPP⁺ -induced inflammatory response in BV-2 cells. In conclusion, farrerol treatment attenuated MPP⁺ -induced inflammatory response by inhibiting the TLR4 signaling pathway in BV-2 cells. The results indicated that farrerol could be used as a therapeutic agent for preventing or alleviating the neuroinflammation-related diseases, such as Parkinson's disease.

Methotrexate-associated Intravascular Large B-cell Lymphoma in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Very Rare Case

We herein report a rare case of methotrexate (MTX)-associated intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) in a man with rheumatoid arthritis. Two episodes of a fever of unknown origin accompanied by elevated levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase and the soluble interleukin-2 receptor occurred within a year, so the patient was suspected of having an MTX-associated lymphoproliferative disorder. His clinical symptoms resolved after the cessation of MTX. However, after treatment with iguratimod, another disease-modified anti-rheumatic drug, markedly similar symptoms recurred, and random skin biopsies resulted in a diagnosis of IVLBCL. The patient received a rituximab-containing chemotherapy and achieved complete remission.

Farrerol Relieve Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Mastitis by Inhibiting AKT/NF-κB p65, ERK1/2 and P38 Signaling Pathway

Farrerol has been proved to have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, the effects of farrerol on mastitis have not been investigated. This study was aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of farrerol in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse mastitis and LPS-induced inflammatory response of mouse mammary epithelial cells (mMECs). In vivo, LPS were injected to the tetrad pair of nipples for establishing mouse mastitis, and then tested the effect of farrerol on histopathological changes, inflammatory response and activation degree of protein kinase B (AKT), nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), p38, extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2). In vitro, the mMECs were incubated by farrerol for 1 h following by stimulating with LPS, and then the inflammatory response and the related signaling pathways were detected. The in vivo results found that farrerol could improve pathological injury of mammary gland, attenuate the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and the phosphorylation of AKT, NF-κB p65, p38 and ERK1/2. The in vitro results also found farrerol inhibited inflammatory response and the related signaling pathways. Collectively, this study revealed that farrerol inhibits the further development of LPS-induced mastitis by inhibiting inflammatory response via down regulating phosphorylation of AKT, NF-κB p65, p38, and ERK1/2. These findings suggest that farrerol may be used as an anti-inflammatory drug for mastitis.

Interventions for autumn exacerbations of asthma in children

BACKGROUND

Asthma exacerbations in school-aged children peak in autumn, shortly after children return to school following the summer holiday. This might reflect a combination of risk factors, including poor treatment adherence, increased allergen and viral exposure, and altered immune tolerance. Since this peak is predictable, interventions targeting modifiable risk factors might reduce exacerbation-associated morbidity and strain upon health resources. The peak occurs in September in the Northern Hemisphere and in February in the Southern Hemisphere.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of pharmacotherapy and behavioural interventions enacted in anticipation of school return during autumn that are designed to reduce asthma exacerbations in children during this period.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, reference lists of primary studies and existing reviews, and manufacturers' trial registries (Merck, Novartis and Ono Parmaceuticals). We searched databases from their inception to 1 December 2017, and imposed no restriction on language of publication.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised controlled trials comparing interventions aimed specifically at reducing autumn exacerbations with usual care, (no systematic change in management in preparation for school return). We included studies providing data on children aged 18 years or younger.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Two review authors independently screened records identified by the search and then extracted data and assessed bias for trials meeting the inclusion criteria. A third review author checked for accuracy and mediated consensus on disagreements. The primary outcome was proportion of children experiencing one or more asthma exacerbations requiring hospitalisation or oral corticosteroids during the autumn period.

MAIN RESULTS

Our searches returned 546 trials, of which five met our inclusion criteria. These studies randomised 14,252 children to receive either an intervention or usual care. All studies were conducted in the Northern Hemisphere. Three interventions used a leukotriene receptor antagonist, one used omalizumab or a boost of inhaled corticosteroids, and the largest study, (12,179 children), used a medication reminder letter. Whilst the risk of bias within individual studies was generally low, we downgraded the evidence quality due to imprecision associated with low participant numbers, poor consistency between studies, and indirect outcome ascertainment.A US study of 513 children with mild/severe asthma and allergic sensitisation was the only study to provide data for our primary outcome. In this study, the proportion of participants experiencing an exacerbation requiring oral corticosteroids or hospital admission in the 90 days after school return was significantly reduced to 11.3% in those receiving omalizumab compared to 21.0% in those receiving placebo (odds ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.25 to 0.92, moderate-quality evidence). The remaining studies used alternative exacerbation definitions. When data from two leukotriene receptor antagonist studies with comparable outcomes were combined in a random-effects model, there was no evidence of an effect upon exacerbations. There was no evidence that a seasonal medication reminder letter decreased unscheduled contacts for a respiratory diagnosis between September and December.Four studies recorded adverse events. There was no evidence that the proportion of participants experiencing at least one adverse event differed between intervention and usual care groups. Lack of data prevented planned subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Seasonal omalizumab treatment from four to six weeks before school return might reduce autumn asthma exacerbations. We found no evidence that this strategy is associated with increased adverse effects other than injection site pain, but it is costly. There were no data upon which to judge the effect of this or other seasonal interventions on asthma control, quality of life, or asthma-related death. In future studies definitions of exacerbations should be provided, and standardised where possible. To investigate possible differential effects according to subgroup, participants in future trials should be well characterised with respect to baseline asthma severity and exacerbation history in addition to age and gender.

LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, attenuates Tourette syndrome in rats

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of LY294002 on Tourette syndrome (TS) in rats. TS model was induced in rats by DOI (the selective 5-HT2A/2C agonist 1- (2, 5- dimethoxy -4 - iodophenyl) -2- aminopropane). Behavior was assessed by stereotypic score and autonomic activity. Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum and striatum were detected. The protein levels of PI3K/Akt/NF-B in striatum were detected by Western Blot. LY294002 treatment significantly reduced IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in serum and striatum of TS rats, Also, highly expressed P-PI3K, P-Akt, P-NF-κBp65, P-IκBα in TS rats were restored respectively by LY294002 treatment as indicted in western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry analysis. Thus, it was supposed that the protective effect of LY294002 against TS in rat might be associated with the regulation of PI3K/Akt/NF-B pathway.

Impact of a novel phosphoinositol-3 kinase inhibitor in preventing mitochondrial DNA damage and damage-associated molecular pattern accumulation: Results from the Biochronicity Project

BACKGROUND

Despite improvements in the management of severely injured patients, development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) remains a morbid complication of traumatic shock. One of the key attributes of MODS is a profound bioenergetics crisis, for which the mediators and mechanisms are poorly understood. We hypothesized that metabolic uncoupling using an experimental phosphoinositol-3 kinase (PI3-K) inhibitor, LY294002 (LY), may prevent mitochondrial abnormalities that lead to the generation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage and the release of mtDNA damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).

METHODS

Sixteen swine were studied using LY, a nonselective PI3-K inhibitor. Animals were assigned to trauma only (TO, n = 3), LY drug only (LYO, n = 3), and experimental (n = 10), trauma + drug (LY + T) groups. Both trauma groups underwent laparotomy, 35% hemorrhage, severe ischemia-reperfusion injury, and protocolized resuscitation. A battery of hemodynamic, laboratory, histological, and bioenergetics parameters were monitored. Mitochondrial DNA damage was determined in lung, liver, and kidney using Southern blot analyses, whereas plasma mtDNA DAMP analysis used polymerase chain reaction amplification of a 200-bp sequence of the mtDNA D-loop region.

RESULTS

Relative to control animals, H + I/R (hemorrhage and ischemia/reperfusion) produced severe, time-dependent decrements in hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary function accompanied by severe acidosis and lactate accumulation indicative of bioenergetics insufficiency. The H-I/R animals displayed prominent oxidative mtDNA damage in all organs studied, with the most prominent damage in the liver. Mitochondrial DNA damage was accompanied by accumulation of mtDNA DAMPs in plasma. Pretreatment of H + I/R animals with LY resulted in profound metabolic suppression, with approximately 50% decreases in O2 consumption and CO2 production. In addition, it prevented organ and bioenergetics dysfunction and was associated with a significant decrease in plasma mtDNA DAMPs to the levels of control animals.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that H + I/R injury in anesthetized swine is accompanied by MODS and by significant mitochondrial bioenergetics dysfunction, including oxidative mtDNA damage and accumulation in plasma of mtDNA DAMPs. Suppression of these changes with the PI3-K inhibitor LY indicates that pharmacologically induced metabolic uncoupling may comprise a new pharmacologic strategy to prevent mtDNA damage and DAMP release and prevent or treat trauma-related MODS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, level III.

[PI3K/p110β-specific inhibitors in castration-resistant prostate cancer]

Advanced prostate cancer, especially at the castration-resistant stage, remains incurable clinically and, therefore, urgently requires new therapeutics for the patients. PI3K is a family of critical cell signal transduction molecules and their over-activation is an important factor in cancer development and progression. It has been demonstrated that class IA PI3K p110 is drastically overexpressed in prostate cancer and involved in androgen receptor-mediated gene expression and castration-resistant progression and regarded as a potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer. Several p110-specific inhibitors have been reported recently and two of them, GSK2636771 and AZD8186, are being tested in clinical trials.

DNA-PKcs: A promising therapeutic target in human hepatocellular carcinoma?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent and deadly disease worldwide. The absence of effective therapies when the tumor is surgically unresectable leads to an extremely poor outcome of HCC patients. Thus, it is mandatory to elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of HCC in order to develop novel therapeutic strategies against this pernicious tumor. Mounting evidence indicates that suppression of the DNA damage response machinery might be deleterious for the survival and growth of the tumor cells. In particular, DNA dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), a major player in the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair process, seems to represent a valuable target for innovative anti-neoplastic therapies in cancer. DNA-PKcs levels are strongly upregulated and associated with a poor clinical outcome in various tumor types, including HCC. Importantly, DNA-PKcs not only protects tumor cells from harmful DNA insults coming either from the microenvironment or chemotherapeutic drug treatments, but also possesses additional properties, independent from its DNA repair activity, that provide growth advantages to cancer cells. These properties (metabolic and gene reprogramming, invasiveness and metastasis, resistance to apoptosis, etc.) have started to be elucidated. In the present review, we summarize the physiologic and oncogenic roles of DNA-PKcs, with a special emphasis on liver cancer. In particular, this work focuses on the molecular mechanism whereby DNA-PKcs exerts its pro-tumorigenic activity in cancer cells. In addition, the upstream regulator of DNA-PKcs activation as well as its downstream effectors thus far identified are illustrated. Furthermore, the potential therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibiting DNA-PKcs activity in HCC are discussed.

[DMARDs (Focusing on iguratimod)]

Conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) other than methotrexate (MTX: anchor csDMARDs) are effective for single use, reinforcement of MTX, biologics and induction and maintenance of biologics-free condition. Newly developed iguratimod (IGU) does not suppress immunological reaction, therefore, it is useful for single use or combination with other csDMARDs in patients with complications. IGU can be used as a first csDMARDs before MTX use during the screening for MTX. IGU might be effective for reinforcement of MTX, biologics and induction and maintenance of biologics-free condition just like other csDMARDs. IGU can be used in wide variety of situation of the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and it is desired that after the all-case surveillance condition for approval, IGU become a standard csDMARDs all over the world which was made in Japan.

[Therapy of allergic rhinitis]

If the avoidance of the provoking allergen is insufficient or not possible, medical treatment can be tried. Therapeutics of the first choice for the treatment of the seasonal and persistent allergic rhinitis are antihistamines and topical glucocorticoids. Chromones are less effective so they should only be used for adults with a special indication, for example during pregnancy. Beside the avoidance of the allergen the immunotherapy is the only causal treatment of allergic diseases.

Dual-Blocking of PI3K and mTOR Improves Chemotherapeutic Effects on SW620 Human Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells by Inducing Differentiation

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have tumor initiation, self-renewal, metastasis and chemo-resistance properties in various tumors including colorectal cancer. Targeting of CSCs may be essential to prevent relapse of tumors after chemotherapy. Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signals are central regulators of cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. These pathways are related to colorectal tumorigenesis. This study focused on PI3K and mTOR pathways by inhibition which initiate differentiation of SW620 derived CSCs and investigated its effect on tumor progression. By using rapamycin, LY294002, and NVP-BEZ235, respectively, PI3K and mTOR signals were blocked independently or dually in colorectal CSCs. Colorectal CSCs gained their differentiation property and lost their stemness properties most significantly in dual-blocked CSCs. After treated with anti-cancer drug (paclitaxel) on the differentiated CSCs cell viability, self-renewal ability and differentiation status were analyzed. As a result dual-blocking group has most enhanced sensitivity for anti-cancer drug. Xenograft tumorigenesis assay by using immunodeficiency mice also shows that dual-inhibited group more effectively increased drug sensitivity and suppressed tumor growth compared to single-inhibited groups. Therefore it could have potent anti-cancer effects that dual-blocking of PI3K and mTOR induces differentiation and improves chemotherapeutic effects on SW620 human colorectal CSCs.

CTGF/CCN2 Postconditioning Increases Tolerance of Murine Hearts towards Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Background and Purpose

Previous studies of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in hearts from mice with cardiac-restricted overexpression of CCN2 have shown that CCN2 increases tolerance towards IRI. The objectives of this study were to investigate to what extent post-ischemic administration of recombinant human CCN2 (rhCCN2) would limit infarct size and improve functional recovery and what signaling pathways are involved.

Experimental Approach

Isolated mice hearts were perfused ad modum Langendorff, subjected to no-flow, global ischemia, and subsequently, exposed to mammalian cell derived, full-length (38-40kDa) rhCCN2 (250 nM) or vehicle during the first 15 min of a 60 min reperfusion period.

Key Results

Post-ischemic administration of rhCCN2 resulted in attenuation of infarct size from 58 ± 4% to 34 ± 2% (p < 0.001) which was abrogated by concomitant administration of the PI3 kinase inhibitor LY294002 (45 ± 3% vs. 50 ± 3%, ns). In congruence with reduction of infarct size rhCCN2 also improved recovery of left ventricular developed pressure (p < 0.05). Western blot analyses of extracts of ex vivo-perfused murine hearts also revealed that rhCCN2 evoked concentration-dependent increase of cardiac phospho-GSK3β (serine-9) contents.

Conclusions and Implications

We demonstrate that post-ischemic administration of rhCCN2 increases the tolerance of ex vivo-perfused murine hearts to IRI. Mechanistically, this postconditioning effect of rhCCN2 appeared to be mediated by activation of the reperfusion injury salvage kinase pathway as demonstrated by sensitivity to PI3 kinase inhibition and increased CCN2-induced phosphorylation of GSK3β (Ser-9). Thus, the rationale for testing rhCCN2-mediated post-ischemic conditioning of the heart in more complex models is established.

Novel Neuroprotective Multicomponent Therapy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Designed by Networked Systems

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of motor neuron function for which there is no effective treatment. One of the main difficulties in developing new therapies lies on the multiple events that contribute to motor neuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Several pathological mechanisms have been identified as underlying events of the disease process, including excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, altered axonal transport, proteasome dysfunction, synaptic deficits, glial cell contribution, and disrupted clearance of misfolded proteins. Our approach in this study was based on a holistic vision of these mechanisms and the use of computational tools to identify polypharmacology for targeting multiple etiopathogenic pathways. By using a repositioning analysis based on systems biology approach (TPMS technology), we identified and validated the neuroprotective potential of two new drug combinations: Aliretinoin and Pranlukast, and Aliretinoin and Mefloquine. In addition, we estimated their molecular mechanisms of action in silico and validated some of these results in a well-established in vitro model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis based on cultured spinal cord slices. The results verified that Aliretinoin and Pranlukast, and Aliretinoin and Mefloquine promote neuroprotection of motor neurons and reduce microgliosis.

Flavanones and Chromones from Salicornia herbacea Mitigate Septic Lethality via Restoration of Vascular Barrier Integrity

Salicornia herbacea is an annual halophytic glasswort that has been employed as a culinary vegetable, salad, and traditional medicinal resource. Chemical investigation of the aerial parts of S. herbacea led to the isolation of two new (1, 2) and known (3) flavanones as well as a new nature-derived (4) and two known chromone derivatives (5, 6). These purified compounds were evaluated for their suppressive potentials against the release of high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), which has captured attention as a viable target for alleviating serious septic manifestations or septicemia. The phenolic compounds improved the survival rates of cecal ligation and puncture operation (CLP) in murine models, simulating severe septic shock and its related complications, to 40-60%. These results collectively validate that flavanone- and chromone-based secondary metabolites may serve as prospective prodrugs or food additives that may be commercialized for the control of septic complications and lethality.

Oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases: looking for a therapeutic solution inspired on benzopyran chemistry

Reactive species are continuously produced in vivo by all body tissues. However, when an imbalance between the reactive species production and the endogenous pool of antioxidants occurs, the resulting oxidative stress can somehow intensify the pathophysiological mechanisms of several diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases. Although the aetiology of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases is not yet completely understood, it is accepted by the scientific community that the oxidative stress can act as a trigger or can be involved in the course of both diseases. Therefore, the development of an antioxidant-based therapy could be a helpful approach to ameliorate the deleterious effects of oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases. Coumarins and chromones are natural or synthetic chemical entities described as privileged structures with diverse biological activities that have been used to design new drugs with potential anti-Alzheimer and anti-Parkinson profiles. Since some of these compounds also displayed potent antioxidant activity, the rationale approach to developing new drugs based on the benzopyran scaffold, as therapeutic alternatives for neurodegenerative diseases, is a valid and compelling topic. This review provides a medicinal chemistry overview on the discovery and development of benzopyran-based compounds endowed with antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-Alzheimer or anti-Parkinson activities.

Bioactive metabolites from an endophytic Cryptosporiopsis sp. inhabiting Clidemia hirta

An endophytic Cryptosporiopsis sp. was isolated from Clidemia hirta and analyzed for its secondary metabolites that lead to the isolation of three bioactive molecules. The compounds were purified from the culture broth of the fungus and their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods as (R)-5-hydroxy-2-methylchroman-4-one (1), 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)pentan-1-one (2) and (Z)-1-(2-(2-butyryl-3-hydroxyphenoxy)-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxybut-2-en-1-one (3). Compound 1 exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against the human leukemia cell line, HL-60 with an IC50 of 4 μg/ml. This compound induced G2 arrest of the HL-60 cell cycle significantly. In addition, out of these compounds, 2 and 3 were active against several bacterial pathogens. Compound 2 was active against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with IC50 values varying from 18 to 30 μg/ml, and compound 3 displayed activity against Pseudomonas fluorescens with an IC50 value of 6 μg/ml. Compounds 2 and 3 are novel whereas compound 1 was reported earlier but the stereochemistry of its C-2 methyl is established for the first time.

Cytotoxic dihydrothiophene-condensed chromones from the marine-derived fungus Penicillium oxalicum

Two new dihydrothiophene-condensed chromones and a new natural chromone, namely oxalicumones A-C (1-3), respectively, were isolated from a culture broth of a marine-derived fungus, Penicillium oxalicum. The structures of 1-3 and acetylated derivatives of 1 (4-7) were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods and chemical reactions. The absolute configuration of 1 and 2 were established by using the modified Mosher ester method and circular dichroism data of an in situ formed [Rh2(OCOCF3)4] and [Mo2(OAc)4] complex. (R)-MTPA ester of 1 showed cytotoxicity against A375, SW-620, and HeLa carcinoma cell lines with IC50 values of 8.9, 7.8, and 18.4 µM, respectively. Compound 1 displayed cytotoxicity against A375 and SW-620 cell lines with IC50 values of 11.7 and 22.6 µM, respectively. The structure-biological activity relationship of 1 was discussed.

The suppressive effects of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Fangfeng) chromone extract on rheumatoid arthritis via inhibition of nuclear factor-κB and mitogen activated proteinkinases activation on collagen-induced arthritis model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Saposhnikovia divaricata (SD), called "Fangfeng" in China, is commonly used in clinical compound prescription for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but its actions on RA have not been clarified. The present study aims to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of SD chromone extract (SCE), the major bioactive component of SD, on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats, and elucidate its underlying mechanisms with regards to its molecular basis of action on human fibroblast-like synoviocytes derived from RA patients (HFLS-RA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CIA model on rats was constructed by injection of bovine type II collagen. Rats were pre-treated with different dosages of SCE from 3 days before till 35 days after model building. The progression of CIA was evaluated by macroscopic scoring, X-ray observation and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of paws. HFLS-RA were pre-treated with different concentrations of SCE prior to stimulation with 10 ng/ml of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α. By radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, TNFα and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were quantified respectively. Nuclear factor (NF-κB) p65 expression and DNA-binding activity were tested by immunohistochemisty and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) respectively. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPKs were examined by immunohistochemisty staining and western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Histological examination and radiological observation demonstrated that SCE significantly reduced the inflammatory responses in the joints of CIA rats. SCE inhibited the production of TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the joint tissues and sera. The level of PGE2 in sera was also decreased by SCE. Moreover, SCE treatment in vivo was able to reduce protein level of NF-κB, the transcriptional factor closely related to the inflammatory process, in articular synovium and cartilage of CIA rats. In addition, SCE inhibited p-ERK, p-JNK and p-p38 expression, which were considered to be involved in the phosphorylation of transcription factor NF-κB and the transcription of pro-inflammatory factors. Further, SCE inhibited NF-κB DNA binding activity and attenuated the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38 MAPKs, in a concentration-dependent manner in cultured HFLS-RA.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the anti-arthritic potential of SCE, and provide further evidence of the involvement of the NF-κB and MARKs inhibition in the effects of SCE.

Molecular mechanism of capillarisin-mediated inhibition of MyD88/TIRAP inflammatory signaling in in vitro and in vivo experimental models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Artemisia capillaris Thunberg (Compositae) have been used as traditional medicine as a diuretic, liver protective agent, and for amelioration of inflammatory and analgesic disorders. The present study was carried out to establish the scientific rationale for treating inflammation and to find active principles from A. capillaris. The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of the major component (capillarisin) isolated from A. capillaris via inhibition of MyD88/TIRAP inflammatory signaling both in vitro and in vivo models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The nitrite, PGE(2), and TNF-α productions were evaluated by Griess reagent and ELISA kits. The protein and mRNA expression levels were investigated by Western blot and RT-PCR. The NF-κB and AP-1 DNA-binding was performed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The CFA- and carrageenan-induced paw edema was performed in ICR mice in which 20 and 80 mg/kg body weight of capillarisin was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.).

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that pretreatment with capillarisin effectively inhibited the LPS-induced activation of NF-κB, Akt, and MAP kinase-activated inflammatory genes, which is mediated by MyD88 and TIRAP. Treatment with capillarisin reduced the mRNA and protein levels of iNOS and COX-2 in RAW 264.7 cells as assessed by RT-PCR and Western blot. Capillarisin suppressed LPS-induced inhibitory kappa kinase (IKK) phosphorylation and the degradation of inhibitory kappa B (IκBα) and prevented the nuclear translocation of p65 and p50. Capillarisin also exhibited a promising inhibitory effect on the LPS-induced NF-κB and AP-1 DNA binding activity based on an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The LPS-induced activation of p-JNK, p-p38, p-ERK, and p-Akt was significantly inhibited. In addition, the TNF-α level in the media was effectively reduced by capillarisin. In vivo experimental analysis revealed that capillarisin (20 and 80 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-and carrageenan-induced paw edema, nitrite production in plasma, and TNF-α, a pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

CONCLUSION

The results presented here demonstrate that capillarisin has consistent anti-inflammatory properties and acts by inhibiting inflammatory mediators in in vitro and in vivo experimental models, and suggest its potential utility in the control of inflammatory disorders.

[Connection of intracellular protein YB-1 localization in cell cultures of human tumors with multidrug resistance]

In this study, we investigated how the protein YB-1 influenced on the expression of genes coding ABC transporters and on drug resistance in several cell lines, in which originally gene MDR1, coding P-glycoprotein, was not expressed. These populations were significantly different in the presence of mRNA YB-1 and the nature of the intracellular localization of the protein YB-1. However incubation of cells in all studied populations in the culture medium with serum after starvation led to translocation of YB-1 in the cell nucleus. The increase of the number of cells with nuclear localization of YB-1 correlated with increased amount of mRNA YB-1. Processing of cells with drug LY-294,002 by PI3K/Akt inhibitor prevented the translocation of the protein YB-1 into the nuclei of cells, and the cells became more sensitive to the toxic action. Thus, we observed that the signaling pathways involved in control of cell proliferation, in particular a signaling cascade PI3K/Akt were involved in the control of the intracellular localization of YB-1 in cell populations of ovarian cancer, melanoma and human prostate cancer. In these cells the nuclear localization of YB-1 correlated with an expression of MDR and MRP1 DCRP genes and with a sensitivity of cells to a number of drugs.

Antidyslipidemic and antioxidant activity of the constituents isolated from the leaves of Calophyllum inophyllum

In continuation of our drug discovery program on Indian medicinal plants, we isolated bioactive compounds (1-5) from the leaves of Calophyllum inophyllum and evaluated their antidyslipidemic activity in triton induced hyperlipidemia model. The calophyllic acid (1A) and isocalophyllic acid (1B) mixture, canophyllic acid (4) and amentoflavone (5) showed dose dependent lipid lowering activity in in vivo experiments. The compounds 1A+1B mixture and 3 also showed good in vitro antioxidant activity.

Different effects of farrerol on an OVA-induced allergic asthma and LPS-induced acute lung injury

Background

Farrerol, isolated from rhododendron, has been shown to have the anti-bacterial activity, but no details on the anti-inflammatory activity. We further evaluated the effects of this compound in two experimental models of lung diseases.

Methodology/Principal Findings

For the asthma model, female BALB/c mice were challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), and then treated daily with farrerol (20 and 40 mg/kg, ip) as a therapeutic treatment from day 22 to day 26 post immunization. To induce acute lung injury, female BALB/c mice were injected intranasally with LPS and treated with farrerol (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.p.) 1 h prior to LPS stimulation. Inflammation in the two different models was determined using ELISA, histology, real-time PCR and western blot. Farrerol significantly regulated the phenotype challenged by OVA, like cell number, Th1 and Th2 cytokines levels in the BALF, the OVA-specific IgE level in the serum, goblet cell hyperplasia in the airway, airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled methacholine and mRNA expression of chemokines and their receptors. Furthermore, farrerol markedly attenuated the activation of phosphorylation of Akt and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunit p65 both in vivo and in vitro. However, farrerol has no effect on the acute lung injury model.

Conclusion/Significance

Our finding demonstrates that the distinct anti-inflammatory effect of farrerol in the treatment of asthma acts by inhibiting the PI3K and NF-κB pathway.

Delay of onset of symptoms of Japanese cedar pollinosis by treatment with a leukotriene receptor antagonist

BACKGROUND

Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) are effective for prophylactic treatment of pollinosis based on studies showing that administration of LTRAs prior to or at the start of the pollen season reduces symptoms and QOL disturbance at the peak of pollen dispersal. Two goals of prophylactic treatment of pollinosis are use of fewer types of drugs and delay of onset of symptoms and impairement of QOL. Therefore, this study was performed to determine if pranlukast, a LTRA, met these goals in treatment of pollinosis.

METHODS

Pranlukast or placebo was administered to patients who visited our hospital immediately before the start of Japanese cedar pollen dispersal. The study was performed for 4 weeks as a double blind randomized trial. Subsequently, all patients were given pranlukast for a further 4 weeks from the peak until the end of pollen dispersal. The incidence of symptoms and use of concomitant drugs were investigated from daily nasal allergy records kept by patients. QOL was evaluated using the JRQLQ questionnaire.

RESULTS

In the double blind period of the study, the percentage of patients who used concomitant drugs for nasal symptoms was significantly lower in the pranlukast group compared to the placebo group. Development of nasal symptoms (sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion) and disturbance of daily activities were significantly delayed in the pranlukast group. No serious adverse reactions occurred in the pranlukast group and no patient withdrew from treatment with pranlukast.

CONCLUSIONS

Pranlukast is effective for prophylactic treatment of pollinosis.

Phenylpropanoids in radioregulation: double edged sword

Radiotherapy, frequently used for treatment of solid tumors, carries two main obstacles including acquired radioresistance in cancer cells during radiotherapy and normal tissue injury. Phenylpropanoids, which are naturally occurring phytochemicals found in plants, have been identified as potential radiotherapeutic agents due to their anti-cancer activity and relatively safe levels of cytotoxicity. Various studies have proposed that these compounds could not only sensitize cancer cells to radiation resulting in inhibition of growth and cell death but also protect normal cells against radiation-induced damage. This review is intended to provide an overview of recent investigations on the usage of phenylpropanoids in combination with radiotherapy in cancer treatment.

Dietary aloin, aloesin, or aloe-gel exerts anti-inflammatory activity in a rat colitis model

AIMS

Aloe has been a very popular folk remedy for inflammation-related pathological conditions despite the lack of studies reporting its efficacy in vivo. The present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of aloe components (aloin, aloesin and aloe-gel) known to be biologically active in the rat model of colitis.

MAIN METHODS

Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed experimental diets for 2 weeks before and during the induction of colitis. Drinking water containing 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was provided for 1 week to induce colitis. At the end of the experimental period, clinical and biochemical markers were compared.

KEY FINDINGS

Plasma leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations were significantly decreased in all groups supplemented with aloe components compared to the colitis control group (p<0.05). Animals fed both a 0.1% and 0.5% aloesin supplemented diet showed colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities which were decreased by 32.2% and 40.1%, respectively (p<0.05). Colonic mucosa TNF-α and interleukin-1ß (IL-1β) mRNA expressions were significantly reduced in all animals fed aloin, aloesin, or aloe-gel (p<0.05).

SIGNIFICANCE

Dietary supplementation of aloe components ameliorates intestinal inflammatory responses in a DSS-induced ulcerative colitis rat model. In particular, aloesin was the most potent inhibitor. Further studies are required for a more complete understanding of the specific mechanism of the action of these supplements.

Blocking of PI3K/AKT induces apoptosis by its effect on NF-κB activity in gastric carcinoma cell line SGC7901

NF-κB plays an important role in many aspects of tumorigenesis and tumor progression by its antiapoptosis effect. Hence, NF-κB has been regarded as a therapeutic target in cancer, because inhibition of NF-κB not only induces enhancing apoptosis but also causes increasing sensitivity to radiation or chemotherapy in several tumor cells. The activation of NF-κB is presumed to be associated with PI3K/Akt signal pathway in gastric carcinoma, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Our work demonstrates that blocking PI3K/Akt by LY294002 inhibits the NF-κB activity with significantly increased apoptosis in gastric cancer cell. Furthermore, when the cells were pretreated with IKK siRNA and/or IκB siRNA then exposed to LY294002, the results suggest that the regulatory significantly increased apoptosis in gastric cancer cell. Furthermore, when the cells were pretreated, effect of PI3K/AKT on NF-κB activity is associated with the influence of PI3K/AKT on IKK/IκB. The apoptosis induced by blocking PI3K/AKT might be ascribed to inhibition of NF-κB activity through IKK/IκB at least in part.

Anti-AIDS agents 79. Design, synthesis, molecular modeling and structure-activity relationships of novel dicamphanoyl-2',2'-dimethyldihydropyranochromone (DCP) analogs as potent anti-HIV agents

In a continued study, 23 3'R,4'R-di-O-(-)-camphanoyl-2',2'-dimethyldihydropyrano[2,3-f]chromone (DCP) derivatives (5-27) were synthesized, and screened for anti-HIV activity against both a non-drug-resistant NL4-3 strain and multiple reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitor-resistant (RTMDR-1) strain, using 2-EDCP (4) and 2-MDCP (35) as controls. New DCP analogs 5, 9, 14, and 22 exhibited potent anti-HIV activity against HIVNL4-3 with EC50 and therapeutic index (TI) values ranging from 0.036 microM to 0.14 microM and from 110 to 420, respectively. Compounds 5 and 9 also exhibited good activity against RTMDR-1 (EC50 0.049 and 0.054 microM; TI 310 and 200, respectively), and were twofold more potent than the leads 4 and 35 (EC50 0.11 and 0.19 microM; TI 60 and 58, respectively). Evaluation of water solubility showed that 5 and 22 were 5-10 times more water soluble than 4. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling results were first performed on this compound type, and the models should aid in design of future anti-HIV DCP analogs and potential clinical drug candidates.

Active ingredients of traditional Japanese (kampo) medicine, inchinkoto, in murine concanavalin A-induced hepatitis

AIM OF THE STUDY

The traditional Japanese (kampo) medicine inchinkoto (ICKT) is used in Eastern Asia as a choleretic and hepatoprotective agent. Previously, we reported that ICKT ameliorates murine concanavalin A (con A)-induced hepatitis via suppression of interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-12 production. In the present study, we investigated the active ingredients of ICKT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ICKT and extracts of its component herbs were fractionated, and their effects on liver injury and cytokine production in vivo (biochemical markers of liver injury and cytokine levels in serum) and in vitro (cytokine and nitrite production in the cultures of splenocytes and peritoneal macrophages).

RESULTS

Decoctions of component herbs, Artemisiae Capillari Spica (Artemisia capillaris Thunberg: 'Inchinko' in Japanese), Gardeniae Fructus (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis: 'Sanshishi') and Rhei Rhizoma (Rheum palmatum Linné: 'Daio') were administered orally. Inchinko and Sanshishi decreased serum transaminases and IFN-gamma concentrations. Examination of fractions of component herbs suggested that capillarisin, a component of Inchinko, has potent hepatoprotective activity in vivo. In in vitro studies, capillarisin and genipin, an intestinal metabolite of geniposide that is contained in Sanshishi, were examined. IFN-gamma production was significantly suppressed by capillarisin and genipin in con A-stimulated splenocyte culture. Genipin also suppressed IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-12p70 synthesis. Capillarisin and genipin decreased nitrite release from IFN-gamma-stimulated macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that both Inchinko and Sanshishi may contribute to the protective effects of ICKT against con A hepatitis. Capillarisin was found to be potently hepatoprotective, and genipin may also contribute, especially via modulation of cytokine production.

Noninvasive detection of target modulation following phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibition using hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Numerous mechanism-based anticancer drugs that target the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway are in clinical trials. However, it remains challenging to assess responses by traditional imaging methods. Here, we show for the first time the efficacy of hyperpolarized (13)C magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in detecting the effect of PI3K inhibition by monitoring hyperpolarized [1-(13)C]lactate levels produced from hyperpolarized [1-(13)C]pyruvate through lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. In GS-2 glioblastoma cells, PI3K inhibition by LY294002 or everolimus caused hyperpolarized lactate to drop to 42 +/- 12% and to 76 +/- 5%, respectively. In MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, hyperpolarized lactate dropped to 71 +/- 15% after treatment with LY294002. These reductions were correlated with reductions in LDH activity to 48 +/- 4%, 63 +/- 4%, and 69 +/- 12%, respectively, and were associated with a drop in levels of LDHA mRNA and LDHA and hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha proteins. Supporting these findings, tumor growth inhibition achieved by everolimus in murine GS-2 xenografts was associated with a drop in the hyperpolarized lactate-to-pyruvate ratio detected by in vivo MRS imaging, whereas an increase in this ratio occurred with tumor growth in control animals. Taken together, our findings illustrate the application of hyperpolarized (13)C MRS of pyruvate to monitor alterations in LDHA activity and expression caused by PI3K pathway inhibition, showing the potential of this method for noninvasive imaging of drug target modulation.

Effects of pranlukast hydrate on airway hyperresponsiveness in non-asthmatic patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have suggested that allergic rhinitis is closely related to bronchial asthma, reflecting the "one airway-one disease" hypothesis. It is unclear if the effects of pranlukast, a leukotriene-receptor antagonist, are consistent with this hypothesis.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the study was to determine if pranlukast has effects on the upper and lower airways through a comparison of the effects of fexofenadine and pranlukast on airway hyperresponsiveness in non-asthmatic patients with cedar pollinosis before the Japanese cedar pollen season and during the peak pollen season.

METHODS

Patients received fexofenadine hydrochloride plus oral mequitazine (fexofenadine group) or pranlukast hydrate plus oral mequitazine (pranlukast group) as an initial treatment. Subsequent changes in airway responsiveness to acetylcholine were measured.

RESULTS

Among patients in whom coughing developed during the peak pollen season, airway responsiveness significantly increased in the fexofenadine group. In the pranlukast group, airway responsiveness did not increase significantly, regardless of the presence or absence of coughing.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that pranlukast hydrate inhibits airway hyperresponsiveness in non-asthmatic patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis. In turn, this suggests that cysteinyl leukotrienes have a role in increased airway responsiveness.

[Effect of erythropoietin on reperfusion arrhythmias in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on reperfusion arrhythmias in rats and identify the possible mechanism involved.

METHODS

Forty-five SD rats were randomized into a sham-operated group and 4 cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury groups, which were further divided into IR group, LY294002 group, EPO group, and EPO+LY294002 group. Cardiac IR injury was induced in the 4 IR injury groups by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery (LAD) for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 3 h, with subsequent treatments accordingly. The occurrence of arrhythmias was monitored and scored during experiment, and the levels of serum CK-MB and cTnI were detected. The content of MDA in the myocardium was determined by thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method, and the content of SOD by xanthine oxidase method.

RESULTS

The arrhythmia score in EPO group was significantly lower than those in IR, LY294002 and EPO+ LY294002 groups (P<0.05). The levels of serum CK-MB and cTnI were significantly lower in EPO group than in the other 3 IR groups (P<0.001). The EPO group showed also significantly lower MDA content (P<0.001) and higher SOD content than the other 3 IR groups (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

EPO at the dose of 1000 mg/kg decreases the incidence of reperfusion arrhythmias in rats, and this effect can be attenuated by LY294002 pretreatment, suggesting that the cardioprotective effect of EPO involves antioxidation mediated by the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway.

Beneficial effects of leukotriene receptor antagonists in the prevention of cedar pollinosis in a community setting

BACKGROUND

In recent years, many countries have experienced an increase in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. No effective approach is currently available to prevent the onset of symptoms in allergic individuals. Pranlukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist with a good safety and efficacy record for the management of allergic inflammation, may be appropriate for early intervention in the management of pollinosis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of pranlukast as an early intervention in the control of cedar pollinosis.

METHODS

In a double-blind comparative study, pranlukast (n = 102) or placebo (n = 91) was administered to cedar pollinosis patients immediately before the start of the dispersion season and continued for 4 weeks. Subsequently, pranlukast was administered to all patients for 2 weeks until the end of the cedar pollen dispersion season (mid-March). All patients were carefully monitored for severity of nasal symptoms, symptom scores, medication scores, symptom-medication scores, and quality of life (QOL).

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, therapy with pranlukast before and during the dispersion of cedar pollen in these patients significantly improved nasal symptoms (paroxysmal sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion), symptom scores, and symptom-medication scores. The drug also significantly reduced deterioration of QOL, and improved nasal symptoms and QOL throughout the dispersion period.

CONCLUSION

Administering pranlukast immediately before the beginning of cedar pollen dispersion is effective in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis throughout the dispersion period.

Phosphoinositide-3-kinase inhibition induces sodium/iodide symporter expression in rat thyroid cells and human papillary thyroid cancer cells

TSH stimulation of sodium iodide symporter (NIS) expression in thyroid cancer promotes radioiodine uptake and is required to deliver an effective treatment dose. Activation of the insulin/phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway in TSH-stimulated thyroid cells reduces NIS expression at the transcriptional level. We, therefore, investigated the effects of PI3K pathway inhibition on iodide uptake and NIS expression in rat thyroid cell lines and human papillary thyroid cancer cells. A PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, significantly enhanced iodide uptake in two rat thyroid cell lines, FRTL-5 and PCCL3. The induction of Nis mRNA by LY294002 occurred 6 h after treatment, and was abolished by a translation inhibitor, cycloheximide. Expression of the transcription factor, Pax8, which stimulates NIS expression, was significantly increased in PCCL3 cells after LY294002 treatment. Removal of insulin abrogated the stimulatory effects of LY294002 on NIS mRNA and protein expression, but not on iodide uptake. These findings suggest that PI3K pathway inhibition results in post-translational stimulation of NIS. Inhibition of the PI3K pathway also significantly increased iodide uptake ( approximately 3.5-fold) in BHP 2-7 papillary thyroid cancer cells (Ret/PTC1 positive), engineered to constitutively express NIS. Pharmacological inhibition of Akt, a factor stimulated by the PI3K pathway, increased exogenous NIS expression in BHP 2-7 as was seen with LY294002, but not increase the endogenous NIS expression in FRTL-5 cells. PI3K pathway inhibition increases functional NIS expression in rat thyroid cells and some papillary thyroid cancer cells by several mechanisms. PI3K inhibitors have the potential to increase radioiodide accumulation in some differentiated thyroid cancer.