Colchicine-an old dog with new tricks

Overview of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) in metabolic diseases

GDF15 is a stress response cytokine and a distant member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily, its levels increase in response to cell stress and certain diseases in the serum. To exert its effects, GDF15 binds to glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) receptor alpha-like (GFRAL), which was firstly identified in 2017 and highly expressed in the brain stem. Many studies have demonstrated that elevated serum GDF15 is associated with anorexia and weight loss. Herein, we focus on the biology of GDF15, specifically how this circulating protein regulates appetite and metabolism in influencing energy homeostasis through its actions on hindbrain neurons to shed light on its impact on diseases such as obesity and anorexia/cachexia syndromes. It works as an endocrine factor and transmits metabolic signals leading to weight reduction effects by directly reducing appetite and indirectly affecting food intake through complex mechanisms, which could be a promising target for the treatment of energy-intake disorders.

Network Pharmacology Analysis of the Therapeutic Potential of Colchicine in Acute Lung Injury

Background

This study employed integrated network pharmacology approach to explore the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of colchicine against acute lung injury (ALI).

Methods

We analyzed the expression profiles from 13 patients with sepsis-related ALI and 21 controls to identify differentially expressed genes and key modules. ALI-related genes were curated using databases such as DisGeNET, Therapeutic Target, and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database to curate ALI-related genes. Drug target fishing for colchicine was conducted using the DrugBank, BATMAN-TCM, STITCH, and SwissTargetPrediction. Potential drug-disease interactions were determined by intersecting ALI-associated genes with colchicine target genes. We performed comprehensive pathway and process enrichment analyses on these genes. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed, and topological analysis was executed. Additionally, an ALI mouse model was established to evaluate the effect of colchicine on CXCL12 and CXCR4 levels through western blot analysis.

Results

Analysis revealed 23 potential colchicine-ALI interaction genes from the intersection of 253 ALI-associated genes and 389 colchicine targets. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted several inflammation-related pathways, such as cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, CXCR chemokine receptor binding, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathway. The protein-protein interaction network demonstrated complex interactions for CXCL12 and CXCR4 among other candidate genes, with significant topological interaction degrees. In vivo studies showed that colchicine significantly reduced elevated CXCL12 and CXCR4 levels in ALI mice.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that colchicine's therapeutic effect on ALI might derive from its anti-inflammatory properties. Further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms of colchicine's interaction with sepsis-induced ALI.

Direct Two Carbon Ring Expansion of 1-Indanones with Ynones: An Eco-Friendly, One-Flask Approach to Functionally Enriched 5H-Benzo[7]annulenes

Direct 2C-ring expansion of 1-indanones with ynones to 5H-benzo[7]annulenes has been observed, and its generality has been gauged (19 examples). Overall, this simple and convenient cascade process to 5H-benzo[7]annulenes involves engagement of 1-indanone with two ynone moieties with formation of three new C-C σ-bonds, cleavage of C-C σ-bond, and concurrent functionality amplification. The resulting seven-membered ring, laced with an opportunistic disposition of four proximal functional groups, offers avenues for their further productive interplay. Our new approach embraces many green and eco-friendly features.

Isolation of a new cytotoxic colchinoid from Gloriosa superba roots

A new colchinoid compound, identified as N-deacetyl-N-formylcornigerine (1), named glorigerine was isolated from the roots of Gloriosa superba, along with two known compounds. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated by 1 D and 2 D NMR and HRMS experiments. Glorigerine (1) differed from cornigerine (6) by the presence of an N-formyl group instead of the N-acetyl group. Glorigerine (1) was found to have moderate cytotoxicity when tested against four human cancer cell lines.

Therapeutic Role of Alkaloids and Alkaloid Derivatives in Cancer Management

Cancer is a neoplastic disease that remains a global challenge with a reported prevalence that is increasing annually. Though existing drugs can be applied as single or combined therapies for managing this pathology, their concomitant adverse effects in human applications have led to the need to continually screen natural products for effective and alternative anticancer bioactive principles. Alkaloids are chemical molecules that, due to their structural diversity, constitute a reserve for the discovery of lead compounds with interesting pharmacological activities. Several in vitro studies and a few in vivo findings have documented various cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties of alkaloids. This review describes chaetocochin J, neopapillarine, coclaurine, reflexin A, 3,10-dibromofascaplysin and neferine, which belong to different alkaloid classes with antineoplastic properties and have been identified recently from plants. Despite their low solubility and bioavailability, plant-derived alkaloids have viable prospects as sources of viable lead antitumor agents. This potential can be achieved if more research on these chemical compounds is directed toward investigating ways of improving their delivery in an active form close to target cells, preferably with no effect on neighboring normal tissues.

GDF15: a potential therapeutic target for type 1 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Current treatment for type 1 diabetes (T1D) is centered around insulin supplementation to manage the effects of pancreatic β cell loss. GDF15 is a potential preventative therapy against T1D progression that could work to curb increasing disease incidence.

AREAS COVERED

This paper discusses the known actions of GDF15, a pleiotropic protein with metabolic, feeding, and immunomodulatory effects, connecting them to highlight the open opportunities for future research. The role of GDF15 in the prevention of insulitis and protection of pancreatic β cells against pro-inflammatory cytokine-mediated cellular stress are examined and the pharmacological promise of GDF15 and critical areas of future research are discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

GDF15 shows promise as a potential intervention but requires further development. Preclinical studies have shown poor efficacy, but this result may be confounded by the measurement of gross GDF15 instead of the active form. Additionally, the effect of GDF15 in the induction of anorexia and nausea-like behavior and short-half-life present significant challenges to its deployment, but a systems pharmacology approach paired with chronotherapy may provide a possible solution to therapy for this currently unpreventable disease.