Pharmacokinetics and Safety of DW1029M, a Botanical Drug for the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy, Following Single Doses in Healthy Subjects

Synthesis and activity of arylcoumarin derivatives with therapeutic effects on diabetic nephropathy

In the literature, daidzein has been reported to exhibit cardiovascular protective effects and hypoglycemic activity in mice. We sought to design and synthesize a novel compound, SJ-6, an analog of daidzein, with improved hypoglycemic properties. Although SJ-6 demonstrated favorable hypoglycemic effects, its pharmacokinetic limitations prompted us to design and synthesize prodrugs of SJ-6. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the prodrugs, including in vitro and in vivo studies, such as cytotoxicity, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) simulation analysis, in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability evaluation, compound effect on insulin resistance, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), in vivo plasma concentration testing, acute toxicity test in rats, and long-term gavage administration experiment. Furthermore, we examined the antidiabetic nephropathy activity of our lead compound, compound 10, which demonstrated superior efficacy compared with the positive control drug, metformin hydrochloride. Our findings suggest that compound 10 represents a promising lead compound for the prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Novel silkworm (Bombyx mori) sulfotransferase swSULT ST3 is involved in metabolism of polyphenols from mulberry leaves

Polyphenols in plants are important for defense responses against microorganisms, insect herbivory, and control of feeding. Owing to their antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory activities, their importance in human nutrition has been acknowledged. However, metabolism of polyphenols derived from mulberry leaves in silkworms (Bombyx mori) remains unclear. Sulfotransferases (SULT) are involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics and endogenous compounds. The purpose of this study is to investigate the metabolic mechanism of polyphenols mediated by B. mori SULT. Here, we identified a novel SULT in silkworms (herein, swSULT ST3). Recombinant swSULT ST3 overexpressed in Escherichia coli effectively sulfated polyphenols present in mulberry leaves. swSULT ST3 showed high specific activity toward genistein among the polyphenols. Genistein-7-sulfate was produced by the activity of swSULT ST3. Higher expression of swSULT ST3 mRNA was observed in the midgut and fat body than in the hemocytes, testis, ovary, and silk gland. Polyphenols inhibited the aldo-keto reductase detoxification of reactive aldehydes from mulberry leaves, and the most noticeable inhibition was observed with genistein. Our results suggest that swSULT ST3 plays a role in the detoxification of polyphenols, including genistein, and contributes to the effects of aldo-keto reductase in the midgut of silkworms. This study provides new insight into the functions of SULTs and the molecular mechanism responsible for host plant selection in lepidopteran insects.

Sub-chronic oral toxicity of the aqueous extract of lithospermi radix in Fischer 344 rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lithospermi radix has been prescribed in traditional folk medicine to treat diverse diseases like cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study assessed the sub-chronic oral toxicity of an aqueous extract of lithospermi radix (WLR) in Fischer 344 rats over a period of 13 weeks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical compositions of WLR were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). WLR was daily administered to Fischer 344 rats at 0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg body weights (bw) for 13 weeks via oral gavage. Changes in mortalities, body weights, and intakes of food and water were monitored during the WLR treatment period. Urine was collected and analyzed 12 h before necropsy. Organ weights, hematological parameters, and plasma biochemical parameters were determined along with histopathological examination.

RESULTS

When compared with the normal control group, no remarkable toxic signs or parameter variations related with WLR treatment were observed in mortality, body weights, organ weights, food and water consumptions, urinalysis, hematological and plasma biochemical analyses, and histopathological examination. Mortalities observed in one male at 2000 mg/kg bw and three females at 1000 mg/kg bw were not related with WLR treatment because no gross findings of toxicity were observed in both morphological and histological examination. Some significant changes in clinical parameters or histological lesions observed in WLR-treated animals were not related with WLR treatment because the differences were marginal and did not show dose-dependent or directional changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these findings, the calculated no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) in rats was higher than 2000 mg/kg bw.