Anti-diarrheal effect of piperine possibly through the interaction with inflammation inducing enzymes: In vivo and in silico studies

Piperine is a natural alkaloid that possesses a variety of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticarcinogenic activities. The present study aims to assess the medicinal benefits of piperine as an anti-diarrheal agent in a chick model by utilizing in vivo and in silico techniques. For this, castor oil was administered orally to 2-day-old chicks to cause diarrhea. Bismuth subsalicylate (10 mg/kg), loperamide (3 mg/kg), and nifedipine (2.5 mg/kg) were used as positive controls, while the vehicle was utilized as a negative control. Two different doses (25 and 50 mg/kg b.w.) of the test sample (piperine) were administered orally, and the highest dose was tested with standards to investigate the synergistic activity of the test sample. In our findings, piperine prolonged the latent period while reducing the number of diarrheal feces in the experimental chicks during the monitoring period (4 h). At higher doses, piperine appears to reduce diarrheal secretion while increasing latency in chicks. Throughout the combined pharmacotherapy, piperine outperformed bismuth subsalicylate and nifedipine in terms of anti-diarrheal effects with loperamide. In molecular docking, piperine exhibited higher binding affinities towards different inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase 1 (-7.9 kcal/mol), cyclooxygenase 2 (-8.4 kcal/mol), nitric oxide synthases (-8.9 kcal/mol), and L-type calcium channel (-8.8 kcal/mol), indicating better interaction of PP with these proteins. In conclusion, piperine showed a potent anti-diarrheal effect in castor oil-induced diarrheal chicks by suppressing the inflammation and calcium ion influx induced by castor oil.

Ameliorative effect of scopolamine-induced cognitive dysfunction by Fufangmuniziqi formula: The roles of alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fufangmuniziqi formula (FFMN), a traditional Uyghur medicine used in China, is derived from an ancient Uyghur medical book and consists of 13 herbs. The herbs of FFMN, such as Peganum harmala L., Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., and Nigella glandulifera, have been demonstrated to have acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory, anti-neuroinflammatory, or antioxidant effects. Therefore, FFMN may have a good anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) effect, but its specific action and mechanism need to be further proven.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate the anti-AD effects of FFMN and the role played by alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins in anti-AD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins fractions of FFMN were prepared by macroporous resin chromatography. The absorbed ingredients in the drug-containing serum were identified by UPLC⁃Q⁃TOF⁃MS. An AD mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine (SCO). The role of different fractions of FFMN in the anti-AD process was examined by Morris water maze (MWM), in-vitro cell, and AChE inhibition assay.

RESULTS

A total of 20 ingredients were identified in the serum samples collected after oral administration of FFMN, and seven compounds were selected as candidate active compounds. MWM experiments showed that different fractions of FFMN could significantly improve SCO-induced learning memory impairment in mice. The alkaloids fraction (ALK) regulated cholinergic function by inhibiting AChE activity, activating choline acetyltransferase activity, and protein expression. Flavonoids and saponins were more potent than the ALK in downregulating pro-inflammatory factors or inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α, MPO, and nitric oxide. Western blot results further confirmed that flavonoids and saponins attenuated neuroinflammation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IκB and NF-κB p65. This result was also verified by in-vitro cellular assays. FFMN enhanced antioxidant defense by increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase and reducing the production of MDA. Combined with cellular experiments, flavonoids and saponins were proven more protective against oxidative damage.

CONCLUSION

FFMN improved cognitive and memory impairment in the SCO-induced AD mouse model. ALK mainly enhanced the function of the cholinergic system. Flavonoid and saponin fractions mainly attenuated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress by modulating the NF-κB pathway. All these findings strongly suggested that the combination of alkaloid, flavonoid, and saponin fractions derived from FFMN is a promising anti-AD agent that deserves further development.

An alkaloid-rich phytopharmaceutical prepared from Qing Dai against IL-17A-induced psoriasis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease due to immune dysregulation that cannot be cured. The skin conditions of psoriasis negatively impact patients' quality of life worldwide. Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) processed from Strobilanthes cusia is a clinical medicine used for psoriasis patient in Taiwan and the gene overexpression of interleukin (IL)-17A could be notably reduced in skin lesions after using Qing Dai ointment and its alkaloid ingredients.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To develop a potential anti-psoriatic phytopharmaceutical, an alkaloid-rich fraction named INM-A was prepared from Qing Dai. The chemical profile and anti-psoriatic activity of INM-A were analyzed and evaluated to define its in vitro mechanism and in vivo efficacy for psoriasis therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dowex® 50WX4 hydrogen form resin was used for column chromatography to prepare INM-A. To track alkaloids, INM-A was conducted with Dragendorff's, Mayer's, and Wagner's reagents. HPLC and UV-Vis spectrophotometer were applied to analyze the chemical profile and relative total alkaloid content in INM-A. A psoriatic mouse model induced by imiquimod (IMQ) was performed to verify in vivo efficacy of INM-A. IL-17A-dominated cellular oxygen consumption rate, oxidative stress, and cytokines in keratinocytes were measured to clarify in vitro mechanism of INM-A.

RESULTS

An alkaloid-rich fraction, INM-A, consisted of seven active alkaloid compounds 1-7 was obtained from Qing Dai. INM-A improved the skin condition severities in IMQ-induced psoriatic mice and decreased IL-17A in not only psoriatic mice but also polarized Th17 cells. In addition, INM-A targeted IL-17A to inhibit inflammation and OXPHOS-driven oxidative stress in human keratinocytes.

CONCLUSION

Accordingly, INM-A manufactured from Qing Dai may be a promising lead phytopharmaceutical for further IL-17A-related inflammatory disease studies such as psoriasis.

Neurotoxicity of Synthetic Cathinones

Synthetic cathinones are the group of the most frequently identified so-called new psychoactive substances with a strong stimulating effect and high addictive potential. It is now believed that the use of these compounds increases the risk of sporadic forms of neurodegenerative diseases. The article presents current views on the mechanisms of neurotoxicity of synthetic cathinones, including: blood-brain barrier damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and hyperthermia. Further understanding of the cellular and molecular processes underlying neurotoxicity and associated clinical manifestations is essential in the development of therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders resulting from the intake of synthetic cathinones.

Synthetic cathinones and cardiotoxicity risks

Recently, there has been a worldwide rise in the popularity and abuse of synthetic cathinones. The spectrum of side effects caused by the intake of these drugs of abuse is very wide since they act on different systems with various mechanisms of action, they appear to be involved in different cardiac events, including myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death due to fatal arrhythmias. Overall, khat users have a higher risk of death, recurrent myocardial ischemia, cardiogenic shock, ventricular arrhythmia, and stroke compared with non-khat user.

New steroidal alkaloids with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects from Veratrum grandiflorum

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

"Li-Lu", the roots and rhizomes of Veratrum grandiflorum (Melianthiaceae), has been historically used as a traditional folk medicine for the treatment of wrist pain, fractures, sores, and inflammation in Yunnan Province, China. However, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic studies of this plant have seldom reported.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties related to the traditional usage of V. grandiflorum both in vitro and in vivo, and further explore the accurate bioactive compounds from the medicinal plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phytochemical investigation was carried out by chromatographic methods and their structures were established based on extensive spectra and comparison with corresponding data in the reported literatures. Anti-inflammatory activities were assessed by the suppression of lipopolysaccharide-activated inflammatory mediators in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells in vitro. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were evaluated based on carrageenan-induced paw edema and acetic acid-stimulated writhing in mice.

RESULTS

The methanol extract (ME) of V. grandiflorum significantly alleviated the paw edema caused by carrageenan and the writhing numbers induced by acetic acid. Subsequent phytochemical investigation led to isolated of 21 steroidal alkaloids, including seven new compounds, veragranines C-I (1-7). Anti-inflammatory test indicated that steroidal alkaloids could decrease the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells at a concentration of 5.0 μg/ml in vitro, comparable to DXM. Moreover, five new steroidal alkaloids (2, 4, 5, 6, and 7) and two major steroidal alkaloids (9 and 13) significantly decreased the numbers of writhing in mice at the doses of 0.5 and/or 1.0 mg/kg (p < 0.01/0.05), roughly comparable to Dolantin™ at 10.0 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS

The investigation supported the traditional use of V. grandiflorum and provided new steroidal alkaloids as potent analgesic agents.

The safety and tolerability of alkaloids from Alstonia scholaris leaves in healthy Chinese volunteers: a single-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial

CONTEXT

Capsule of alkaloids from the leaf of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br. (Apocynaceae) (CALAS) is a new investigational botanical drug (No. 2011L01436) for bronchitis, post-infectious cough and asthma.

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical safety and tolerability of CALAS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects were assigned to eight cohorts, and each received randomly CALAS or placebo in one of single ascending dose (SAD) of 8, 40, 120, 240, 360, 480, or in one of multiple ascending dose (MAD) of 40 or 120 mg, three times daily for 7 days. Each cohort contained two placebo subjects.

RESULTS

Sixty-two enrolled volunteers completed the study and no serious adverse events and clinically significant changes in vital signs, electrocardiography, and upper abdominal Doppler ultrasonography were observed. The ratios of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 11/46 (23.91%) of CALAS groups and 3/16 (18.75%) of the placebo group (p > 0.05), respectively, based on the results of SAD and MAD. All TEAEs were mild, transient, and disappeared without any intervention. The TEAEs possibly related to CALAS treatment were as followings: hiccups (4/46: 8%), dry mouth and nausea (3/46: 6%), increased sleep (2/46: 4%), abdominal distension (1/46: 2%), bilirubin elevated (1/46: 2%).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

CALAS is safe and well-tolerated with no unexpected or clinically relevant safety concerns up to a single dose of 360 mg and three times daily for 7 days up to 120 mg in healthy Chinese volunteers, supporting further Phase II studies.

Effect of Cytisine vs Varenicline on Smoking Cessation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Cytisine is more effective than placebo and nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation. However, cytisine has not been tested against the most effective smoking cessation medication, varenicline, which is associated with adverse events known to lead to discontinuation of therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether standard cytisine treatment (25 days) was at least as effective as standard varenicline treatment (84 days) for smoking cessation.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This noninferiority, open-label randomized clinical trial with allocation concealment and blinded outcome assessment was undertaken in Australia from November 2017 through May 2019; follow-up was completed in January 2020. A total of 1452 Australian adult daily smokers willing to make a quit attempt were included. Data collection was conducted primarily by computer-assisted telephone interview, but there was an in-person visit to validate the primary outcome.

INTERVENTIONS

Treatments were provided in accordance with the manufacturers' recommended dosage: cytisine (n = 725), 1.5-mg capsules taken 6 times daily initially then gradually reduced over the 25-day course; varenicline (n = 727), 0.5-mg tablets titrated to 1 mg twice daily for 84 days (12 weeks). All participants were offered referral to standard telephone behavioral support.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was 6-month continuous abstinence verified using a carbon monoxide breath test at 7-month follow-up. The noninferiority margin was set at 5% and the 1-sided significance threshold was set at .025.

RESULTS

Among 1452 participants who were randomized (mean [SD] age, 42.9 [12.7] years; 742 [51.1%] women), 1108 (76.3%) completed the trial. Verified 6-month continuous abstinence rates were 11.7% for the cytisine group and 13.3% for the varenicline group (risk difference, -1.62% [1-sided 97.5% CI, -5.02% to ∞]; P = .03 for noninferiority). Self-reported adverse events occurred less frequently in the cytisine group (997 events among 482 participants) compared with the varenicline group (1206 events among 510 participants) and the incident rate ratio was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.81 to 0.95; P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among daily smokers willing to quit, cytisine treatment for 25 days, compared with varenicline treatment for 84 days, failed to demonstrate noninferiority regarding smoking cessation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12616001654448.

An updated review on synthetic cathinones

Cathinone, the main psychoactive compound found in the plant Catha edulis Forsk. (khat), is a β-keto analogue of amphetamine, sharing not only the phenethylamine structure, but also the amphetamine-like stimulant effects. Synthetic cathinones are derivatives of the naturally occurring cathinone that largely entered the recreational drug market at the end of 2000s. The former "legal status", impressive marketing strategies and their commercial availability, either in the so-called "smartshops" or via the Internet, prompted their large spread, contributing to their increasing popularity in the following years. As their popularity increased, the risks posed for public health became clear, with several reports of intoxications and deaths involving these substances appearing both in the social media and scientific literature. The regulatory measures introduced thereafter to halt these trending drugs of abuse have proved to be of low impact, as a continuous emergence of new non-controlled derivatives keep appearing to replace those prohibited. Users resort to synthetic cathinones due to their psychostimulant properties but are often unaware of the dangers they may incur when using these substances. Therefore, studies aimed at unveiling the pharmacological and toxicological properties of these substances are imperative, as they will provide increased expertise to the clinicians that face this problem on a daily basis. The present work provides a comprehensive review on history and legal status, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse effects and lethality in humans, as well as on the current knowledge of the neurotoxic mechanisms of synthetic cathinones.

Two cases of a prolonged excited delirium syndrome after chloromethcathinone ingestion

Synthetic cathinones have become popular drugs of abuse. We describe our recent experience with two highly agitated patients following ingestion of the cathinone derivative chloromethcathinone, and cannabis. Both patients suffered from excited delirium syndromes that lasted for over 24 hours. Clinicians should be aware of this phenomenon, especially since routine toxicology screenings do not detect the presence of these agents.

Pharmacological Approach to Smoking Cessation: An Updated Review for Daily Clinical Practice

Tobacco use is one of the major public health concerns and it is the most preventable cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Smoking cessation reduces subsequent cardiovascular events and mortality. Smoking is a real chronic disorder characterized by the development of an addiction status mainly due to nicotine. This condition makes the smokers generally unable to quit smoking without help. Different strategies are available to treat smoking dependence that include both non-pharmacological (behavioral counselling) and pharmacological therapies. Currently, it is well accepted that smoking cessation drugs are effective and safe in real-world settings. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), varenicline, bupropion and cytisine are the main pharmacological strategies available for smoking cessation. Their efficacy and safety have been proved even in patients with chronic cardiovascular disease. Each of these drugs has peculiar characteristics and the clinician should customize the smoking cessation strategy based on currently available scientific evidence and patient's preference, paying particular attention to those patients having specific cardiovascular and psychiatric comorbidities. The present document aims to summarize the current viable pharmacological strategies for smoking cessation, also discussing the controversial issue regarding the use of alternative tobacco products, in order to provide useful practical indications to all physicians, mainly to those involved in cardiovascular prevention.

Mechanistic and therapeutic study of novel anti-tumor function of natural compound imperialine for treating non-small cell lung cancer

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bulbus Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don (BFC) is a Chinese traditional herbal medicine that has long been used as an indispensable component in herbal prescriptions for bronchopulmonary diseases due to its well-established strong anti-inflammation and pulmonary harmonizing effects. Interestingly, there are few case reports in traditional Chinese medicine available where they found it to contribute in anti-tumor therapies. Imperialine is one of the most favored active substances extracted from BFC and has been widely recognized as an anti-inflammatory agent.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the current work is to provide first-hand evidences both in vitro and in vivo showing that imperialine exerts anti-cancer effects against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to explore the molecular mechanism of this anti-tumor activity. It is also necessary to examine its systemic toxicity, and to investigate how to develop strategies for feasible clinical translation of imperialine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To investigate anti-NSCLC efficacy of imperialine using both in vitro and in vivo methods where A549 cell line were chosen as in vitro model NSCLC cells and A549 tumor-bearing mouse model was constructed for in vivo study. The detailed underlying anti-cancer mechanism has been systematically explored for the first time through a comprehensive set of molecular biology methods mainly including immunohistochemistry, western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The toxicity profile of imperialine treatments were evaluated using healthy nude mice by examining hemogram and histopathology. An imperialine-loaded liposomal drug delivery system was developed using thin film hydration method to evaluate target specific delivery.

RESULTS

The results showed that imperialine could suppress both NSCLC tumor and associated inflammation through an inflammation-cancer feedback loop in which NF-κB activity was dramatically inhibited by imperialine. The NSCLC-targeting liposomal system was successfully developed for targeted drug delivery. The developed platform could favorably enhance imperialine cellular uptake and in vivo accumulation at tumor sites, thus improving overall anti-tumor effect. The toxicity assays revealed imperialine treatments did not significantly disturb blood cell counts in mice or exert any significant damage to the main organs.

CONCLUSIONS

Imperialine exerts anti-cancer effects against NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo, and this previously unknown function is related to NF-κB centered inflammation-cancer feedback loop. Imperialine mediated anti-cancer activity is not through cytotoxicity and exhibit robust systemic safety. Furthermore, the liposome-based system we commenced would dramatically enhance therapeutic effects of imperialine while exhibiting extremely low side effects both on cellular and in NSCLC model. This work has identified imperialine as a promising novel anti-cancer compound and offered an efficient target-delivery solution that greatly facilitate practical use of imperialine.

Pharmacokinetic Studies of Three Alkaloids in Rats After Intragastrical Administration of Lycopodii Herba Extract by LC-MS/MS

Lycopodii Herba is a widely used traditional medicinal herb, and contains diverse fascinating alkaloids. In this study, a fast and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of lycodoline, α-obscurine, and N-demethyl-α-obscurine from Lycopodii Herba in rat plasma and brain tissue was developed and validated. Biological samples were extracted via a protein precipitation procedure using methanol as the extraction solvent and Huperzine B as the internal standard. Chromatographic separation was carried out using a Thermo Syncronis-C18 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm, 5 μm) and a gradient mobile phase containing methanol and water with 0.05% formic acid. The three alkaloids were detected by positive electrospray ionization in selective reaction monitoring mode. The selectivity, crosstalk, carryover effect, linearity, accuracy, precision, extraction recovery, matrix effect, and stability of the current method were validated. Then, using the validated method, the plasma pharmacokinetics and brain tissue distribution of the alkaloids in rats were investigated after intragastrical administration of Lycopodii Herba extract. The three alkaloids were shown to be rapidly absorbed into the blood (T_max, 0.79-1.58 h), and then also eliminated rapidly (t_1/2, 1.27-2.24 h). All of them could pass through the blood-brain barrier. The method provides a new research approach to expand preclinical studies of Lycopodii Herba.

Stimulant Use in Pregnancy: An Under-recognized Epidemic Among Pregnant Women

Stimulant use, including cocaine, methamphetamines, ecstasy, and prescription stimulants, in pregnancy is increasingly common. In the United States, stimulants are the second most widely used and abused substances during pregnancy and pregnant women using stimulants in pregnancy are at increased risk of adverse perinatal, neonatal, and childhood outcomes. In this review, we describe the pharmacology, pathophysiology, and epidemiology of stimulants, summarize the maternal and neonatal effects of perinatal stimulant use, and outline treatment options for stimulant use disorders among pregnant women. Development of effective treatment strategies for stimulant use disorders identified among pregnant women are urgently needed.

Synthetic cathinone adulteration of illegal drugs

RATIONALE

Current prevalence estimates of synthetic cathinone ("bath salt") use may be underestimates given that traditional metrics (e.g., surveys, urinalysis) often fail to capture the emergent issue of synthetic cathinone adulteration of more common illegal drugs, such as ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine).

OBJECTIVES

This review examines the evolution of synthetic cathinones and prevalence of use over the past decade in the United States. We also review methods of self-report and biological testing of these compounds as well as adverse outcomes associated with adulterated drug use.

RESULTS

Synthetic cathinone use emerged in the United States by 2009 with use associated with tens of thousands of poisonings. Reported poisonings and self-reported use have substantially decreased over the past five years. However, our review suggests that current estimates of use are underestimates due to underreporting stemming primarily from unknown or unintentional use of adulterated formulations of relatively popular illegal drugs, such as ecstasy.

CONCLUSIONS

While intentional synthetic cathinone use has decreased in recent years, evidence suggests that prevalence of use is underestimated. Testing of drugs and/or biological specimens can improve the accuracy of synthetic cathinone use estimates. Furthermore, we advocate that researchers and clinicians should become better aware that exposure to these potent compounds (e.g., as adulterants) often occurs unknowingly or unintentionally. To improve our understanding of synthetic cathinone adulteration, research utilizing a combinatorial approach (survey and biological testing) will help more accurately estimate the prevalence and impact of this public health issue.

An integrated characterization of contractile, electrophysiological, and structural cardiotoxicity of Sophora tonkinensis Gapnep. in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes

BACKGROUND

Cardiotoxicity remains an important concern in drug discovery and clinical medication. Meanwhile, Sophora tonkinensis Gapnep. (S. tonkinensis) held great value in the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine, but cardiotoxic effects were reported, with matrine, oxymatrine, cytisine, and sophocarpine being the primary toxic components.

METHODS

In this study, impedance and extracellular field potential (EFP) of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) were recorded using the cardio non-labeled cell function analysis and culture system (Cardio-NLCS). The effects of matrine, oxymatrine, cytisine, and sophocarpine (2, 10, 50 μM) on cell viability; level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin I (CTn-I); antioxidant activities; production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA); and disruption of intracellular calcium homeostasis were also added into the integrated assessment.

RESULTS

The results showed that matrine and sophocarpine dose-dependently affected both impedance and EFP, while oxymatrine and cytisine altered impedance significantly. Our study also indicated that cardiotoxicity of matrine, oxymatrine, cytisine, and sophocarpine was related to the disruption of calcium homeostasis and oxidative stress. Four alkaloids of S. tonkinensis showed significant cardiotoxicity with dose dependence and structural cardiotoxicity synchronized with functional changes of cardiomyocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

This finding may provide guidance for clinical meditation management. Furthermore, this study introduced an efficient and reliable approach, which offers alternative options for evaluating the cardiotoxicity of the listed drugs and novel drug candidates.

Derazantinib (ARQ 087) in advanced or inoperable FGFR2 gene fusion-positive intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Next-generation sequencing has identified actionable genetic aberrations in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (iCCA), including the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusions. Derazantinib (ARQ 087), an orally bioavailable, multi-kinase inhibitor with potent pan-FGFR activity, has shown preliminary therapeutic activity against FGFR2 fusion-positive iCCA.

METHODS

This multicentre, phase 1/2, open-label study enrolled adult patients with unresectable iCCA with FGFR2 fusion, who progressed, were intolerant or not eligible to first-line chemotherapy (NCT01752920). Subjects received derazantinib in continuous daily doses. Tumour response was assessed according to RECIST 1.1 every 8 weeks.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (18 women/11 men; median age, 58.7 years), 2 treatment-naive and 27 who progressed after at least one prior systemic therapy, were enrolled. Overall response rate was 20.7%, disease control rate was 82.8%. Estimated median progression-free survival was 5.7 months (95% CI: 4.04-9.2 months). Treatment-related adverse events (AE) were observed in 27 patients (93.1%, all grades), including asthenia/fatigue (69.0%), eye toxicity (41.4%), and hyperphosphatemia (75.9%). Grade ≥ 3 AEs occurred in 8 patients (27.6%).

CONCLUSION

Derazantinib demonstrated encouraging anti-tumour activity and a manageable safety profile in patients with advanced, unresectable iCCA with FGFR2 fusion who progressed after chemotherapy. A pivotal trial of derazantinib in iCCA is ongoing (NCT03230318).

Oral oxymatrine for hepatitis B cirrhosis: A systematic review protocol

BACKGROUND

Characterized by diffuse hepatic fibrosis and nodule formation, hepatitis B cirrhosis (HBC), an important result of chronic hepatitis B development, mainly contains compensated and decompensated stage. Compensated cirrhosis can further develop into decompensated stage and hepatocellular carcinoma with serious complications and high mortality. Antiviral therapy using interferon (IFN) or nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs) is essential for improving the prognosis of the disease but IFN has large side effects while NUCs often develop drug resistance. Antifibrosis is also an important strategy, but currently there is no effective antifibrosis drug. Pharmacologic studies have demonstrated that oxymatrine (OM) exhibits anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) and antifibrosis effects. An increasing number of clinical controlled studies also have found that OM combined with conventional therapy could improve the curative effect and reduce adverse events incidence in treating HBC but there is no systematic review of it. Based on the extensive collection of literature, we will use meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of OM for HBC.

METHODS

PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang data, Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), and China biomedical literature database will be searched to obtain the eligible studies published up to July 15, 2018. The primary outcome will be liver function indexes, liver fibrosis indexes, and Child-Pugh score. The secondary outcome will be hepatitis B virus DNA quantification, HBV DNA seroconversion rate, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion rate, and adverse events incidence. Data analysis will be conducted using RevMan 5.3 and Stata V.9.0 software. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) will be performed to assess the risk of random error and the validity of conclusion using TSA program version 0.9 beta.

RESULTS

This systematic review will provide a high quality synthesis of OM for HBC from various evaluation aspects including liver function indexes, liver fibrosis indexes and Child-Pugh score, HBV DNA quantification, HBV DNA seroconversion rate, HBeAg seroconversion rate and adverse events incidence.

CONCLUSION

The systematic review will provide evidence to assess the efficacy and safety of OM in the treatment of HBC.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42018095275.

Stimulant and Designer Drug Use: Primary Care Management

Approximately 10% of the U.S. population 12 years and older reported using illicit substances in 2015. This article reviews the clinical effects and treatment of persons who use cocaine, methamphetamines, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), synthetic cannabinoids, and synthetic cathinones ("bath salts"). Cocaine blocks the reuptake of the monoamine transporters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Immediate clinical effects include increased energy and euphoria, as well as hypertension and arrhythmias. Acute myocardial infarction, seizures, hallucinations, hyperthermia, and movement disorders are among the possible adverse effects. Like cocaine, methamphetamine blocks reuptake of monoamine transporters, but also stimulates dopamine release and has a longer duration of action. Methamphetamine misuse is associated with severe dental problems. MDMA is a stimulant and psychedelic with a chemical structure similar to serotonin. Adverse effects include serotonin syndrome, hyponatremia, long-term memory impairment, and mood disorders. Synthetic cannabinoids can have a more intense and long-lasting effect than natural cannabis. Acute intoxication may cause severe cardiac and respiratory complications and seizures. Synthetic cathinones are marketed as cheap substitutes for other stimulants. Their effects are similar to those of other stimulants, and they are addictive. Psychosocial intervention is the main form of treatment for addiction to these substances. Promising therapies include disulfiram and substitution therapy for cocaine misuse disorders, and mirtazapine for methamphetamine use disorder.

Comprehensive review of cardiovascular toxicity of drugs and related agents

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in most developed countries of the world. Pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, and toxins can significantly contribute to the overall cardiovascular burden and thus deserve attention. The present article is a systematic overview of drugs that may induce distinct cardiovascular toxicity. The compounds are classified into agents that have significant effects on the heart, blood vessels, or both. The mechanism(s) of toxic action are discussed and treatment modalities are briefly mentioned in relevant cases. Due to the large number of clinically relevant compounds discussed, this article could be of interest to a broad audience including pharmacologists and toxicologists, pharmacists, physicians, and medicinal chemists. Particular emphasis is given to clinically relevant topics including the cardiovascular toxicity of illicit sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines, cathinones), drugs that prolong the QT interval, antidysrhythmic drugs, digoxin and other cardioactive steroids, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, female hormones, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, and anticancer compounds encompassing anthracyclines and novel targeted therapy interfering with the HER2 or the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway.

Aconitum alkaloids, the major components of Aconitum species, affect expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 and breast cancer resistance protein by activating the Nrf2-mediated signalling pathway

BACKGROUND

Aconitum alkaloids from Aconitum species are often used to treat arthritis and rheumatic diseases but have the drawback of high toxicity. Identifying their pharmacokinetic behaviour is important for the safe clinical application of Aconitum species. Efflux transporters (ETs), including P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2), and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), have important functions in regulating the pharmacokinetic behaviours of drugs and in herb-herb or herb-drug interactions (HDIs). The Aconitum alkaloids regulate P-gp expression and function, but their effects on MRP2 and BCRP expression remain unknown.

PURPOSE

To determine the effects of three Aconitum alkaloids, aconitine (AC), benzoylaconine (BAC), and aconine, on MRP2 and BCRP.

METHODS

The levels of the protein and mRNA expression of MRP2 and BCRP in vivo and in vitro were measured via Western blotting and real-time PCR, respectively. Fluorescence signals of MRP2 and BCRP were detected via confocal fluorescence microscopy. A reporter assay using HepG2-C8 cells, which were generated by transfecting plasmids containing the antioxidant response element (ARE)-luciferin gene into HepG2 cells, was used to examine the ARE-luciferin activity. The transport activities of MRP2 and BCRP were tested via flow cytometry using substrate probes.

RESULTS

The Aconitum alkaloids significantly up-regulated MRP2 and BCRP expression, accompanied by a marked increase in nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) expression in the jejunum, ileum, and colon of FVB mice, in the order AC < BAC < aconine. In the in vitro model, the Aconitum alkaloids increased MRP2 and BCRP expression in Caco-2 and LS174T cells, in the order AC < BAC < aconine. Additionally, these alkaloids promoted the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and significantly increased ARE-luciferin activity in HepG2-C8 cells. Luteolin, a potent inhibitor of Nrf2, markedly prevented MRP2 and BCRP expression from being induced by the three Aconitum alkaloids. The efflux activity of MRP2 was also significantly increased in cells receiving the same treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The tested Aconitum alkaloids significantly increased the expression of MRP2 and BCRP by activating the Nrf2-mediated signalling pathway and enhanced the efflux activity of MRP2. The potential for herb-herb interactions or HDIs exists when Aconitum species are co-administered with substrate drugs that are transported via MRP2 and BCRP. Therefore, the Aconitum alkaloids may be used as quality indicators for the herbs of Aconitum species.

'Khatatonia' - cathinone-induced hypertensive encephalopathy

Khat consumption is an under-recognised cause of hypertensive encephalopathy and intraparenchymal brain haemorrhage. We report the radiological findings of extensive periventricular, subcortical and brain stem white matter pathology of a patient who had consumed excessive amounts of Khat. The Khat plant contains cathinone, an amphetamine-like alkaloid which has been associated with chronic hypertensive end-organ damage, but is seldom considered a cause of cerebrovascular events in northern Europe.

Review - Ricinus cmmunis - Ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities

Ricinus cmmunis L. (Castor oil plant) is an important medicinal plant belonging to family Euphorbiaceae. Its phytochemistry, biological and pharmacological activities, and ethnomedicinal uses have been reviewed in the present study. The reported chemical constituents showed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, amino acids, terpenoids, phytosterol etc. The compounds have been reported to exhibit anticonceptive, antidiabetic, antifertility, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, insecticidal and wound-healing activities. They also showed free radical scavenging and Hg scavenging activities, and repellent properties. Various parts of R. communis have been widely used in traditional medicine such as abdominal disorders, arthritis, backache, muscle aches, bilharziasis, chronic backache and sciatica, chronic headache, constipation, expulsion of placenta, gallbladder pain, period pain, menstrual cramps, rheumatism, sleeplessness, and insomnia. Castor oil plant has also revealed toxic effects due to the presence of ricin (protein) and ricinine (alkaloid). Comparatively, ricin is more toxic. But still there is need of more research to be conducted with reference to its medicinal importance (particularly exploring of medicinal recipes) and active compounds responsible for various activities.

Neurotoxicology of Synthetic Cathinone Analogs

The present review briefly explores the neurotoxic properties of methcathinone, mephedrone, methylone, and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), four synthetic cathinones most commonly found in "bath salts." Cathinones are β-keto analogs of the commonly abused amphetamines and display pharmacological effects resembling cocaine and amphetamines, but despite their commonalities in chemical structures, synthetic cathinones possess distinct neuropharmacological profiles and produce unique effects. Among the similarities of synthetic cathinones with their non-keto analogs are their targeting of monoamine systems, the release of neurotransmitters, and their stimulant properties. Most of the literature on synthetic cathinones has focused on describing their properties as psychostimulants, their behavioral effects on locomotion, memory, and potential for abuse, whereas descriptions of their neurotoxic properties are not abundant. The biochemical gauges of neurotoxicity induced by non-keto analogs are well studied in humans and experimental animals and include their ability to induce neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, temperature alterations as well as dysregulation of neurotransmitter systems and induce changes in monoamine transporters and receptors. These neurotoxicity gauges will serve as parameters to discuss the effects of the four previously mentioned synthetic cathinones alone or in combination with either another cathinone or with some of their non-keto analogs. Bath salts are not a defined combination of drugs and may consist of one synthetic cathinone compound or combinations of more cathinones. Furthermore, this review also presents some of the mechanisms that are thought to underlie this toxicity. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the synthetic cathinones-induced neurotoxicity should contribute to generate modern therapeutic approaches to prevent or attenuate the adverse consequences of use of these drugs in humans.

The Growing Problem of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)

The term "new psychoactive substances" (NPS) can be defined as individual drugs in pure form or in complex preparations that are not scheduled under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) or the Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971). NPS may be categorized by chemical structure, by psychoactive properties, by biological targets, or by source (plant, synthetic, or combined). The emergence of hundreds of NPS in the past decade is challenging for public health and drug policies globally. The novelty of NPS, their ambiguous legal status, ability to evade toxicological tests, swift adaptation to legal restrictions, global Internet marketing, and scant public knowledge of their adverse effects are among the key drivers of this twenty-first century phenomenon. Multi-disciplinary research in areas of biology, epidemiology, prevention, and web analytics are needed to develop effective responses in a domain capable of overwhelming current international conventions and national drug control policies. Ultimately, research-guided prevention education will fortify societies against this tidal wave.