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Ma L, Li M, Lv J, Yuan Q, Yin X, Lu W, Lin W, Wang P, Cui J, Lv Q, Liu J, Hu L. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel sesquiterpene lactone derivatives as PKM2 activators with potent anti-ulcerative colitis activities. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116426. [PMID: 38718622 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
Pyruvate kinase isoform 2 (PKM2) is closely related to the regulation of Th17/Treg balance, which is considered to be an effective strategy for UC therapy. Parthenolide (PTL), a natural product, only possesses moderate PKM2-activating activity. Thus, five series of PTL derivatives are designed and synthesized to improve PKM2-activated activities and anti-UC abilities. Through detailed structure optimization, B4 demonstrates potent T-cell anti-proliferation activity (IC50 = 0.43 μM) and excellent PKM2-activated ability (AC50 = 0.144 μM). Subsequently, through mass spectrometry analysis, B4 is identified to interact with Cys423 of PKM2 via covalent-bond. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation results reveal that the trifluoromethoxy of B4 forms a stronger hydrophobic interaction with Ala401, Pro402, and Ile403. In addition, B4 has a significant effect only on Th17 cell differentiation, thereby regulating the Th17/Treg balance. The effect of B4 on Th17/Treg imbalance can be attributed to inhibition of PKM2 dimer translocation and suppression of glucose metabolism. Finally, B4 can notably ameliorate the symptoms of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mouse model in vivo. Thus, B4 is confirmed as a potent PKM2 activator, and has the potential to develop as a novel anti-UC agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mengting Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jiahao Lv
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qingxin Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xunkai Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wenyu Lu
- School of Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Weijiang Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jian Cui
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qi Lv
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Jian Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; School of Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Lihong Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Liu X, Liu X, Wang H, Chen M, Zhang G, Ren D, Zhang N, Wei W. Quantitative proteomic analysis of circulating exosomes reveals the mechanism by which Triptolide protects against collagen-induced arthritis. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1322. [PMID: 38888462 PMCID: PMC11184934 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triptolide (TP), a natural product derived from the herbal medicine Tripterygium wilfordii, exhibits potent immunosuppressive activity. However, the mechanisms underlying its effects in rheumatoid arthritis remain incompletely understood. METHODS Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by immunization with bovine type II collagen, and TP was administrated as treatment. The therapeutic effect of TP was evaluated based on paw swelling, histopathology, and serum levels of inflammatory factors. Exosomes isolated from rat serum were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and western blot analysis. Proteomic profiling of exosomes was analyzed by direct DIA quantitative proteomics analysis. Gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases were employed for enrichment analysis related to molecular function, biological processes, and signaling pathways. Western blot analysis was used to analyze differentially expressed proteins. RESULTS TP treatment ameliorated arthritic phenotypes in CIA rats as evidenced by reduced arthritis score, paw swelling, pathological injury severity scores, and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines. The proteomic analysis revealed that TP treatment significantly inhibited complement and coagulation cascades, interleukin-17 signaling pathway, and cholesterol metabolism, which were reactivated in CIA rats. Importantly, lipocalin 2 (LCN2) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were markedly upregulated in the CIA group but suppressed upon TP administration. Furthermore, in synovial tissues, LCN2 and MPO expression levels were also elevated in the CIA group but decreased following TP treatment. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that TP alleviates CIA, possibly through modulation of exosomal LCN2 and MPO proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuchan Liu
- Department of Infectious DiseasesTianjin HospitalTianjinChina
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Infectious DiseasesTianjin Medical University General Hospital, Binhai HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Geng Zhang
- Department of Infectious DiseasesTianjin Medical University Baodi Clinical CollegeTianjinChina
| | - Dongyun Ren
- Department of Infectious DiseasesTianjin HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
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Li Q, Chen Y, Liu H, Tian Y, Yin G, Xie Q. Targeting glycolytic pathway in fibroblast-like synoviocytes for rheumatoid arthritis therapy: challenges and opportunities. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:2155-2167. [PMID: 37940690 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01807-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by hyperplastic synovium, pannus formation, immune cell infiltration, and potential articular cartilage damage. Notably, fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), especially rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RAFLS), exhibit specific overexpression of glycolytic enzymes, resulting in heightened glycolysis. This elevated glycolysis serves to generate ATP and plays a pivotal role in immune regulation, angiogenesis, and adaptation to hypoxia. Key glycolytic enzymes, such as hexokinase 2 (HK2), phosphofructose-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), significantly contribute to the pathogenic behavior of RAFLS. This increased glycolysis activity is regulated by various signaling pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted to retrieve relevant studies published from January 1, 2010, to the present, focusing on RAFLS glycolysis, RA pathogenesis, glycolytic regulation pathways, and small-molecule drugs targeting glycolysis. CONCLUSION This review provides a thorough exploration of the pathological and physiological characteristics of three crucial glycolytic enzymes in RA. It delves into their putative regulatory mechanisms, shedding light on their significance in RAFLS. Furthermore, the review offers an up-to-date overview of emerging small-molecule candidate drugs designed to target these glycolytic enzymes and the upstream signaling pathways that regulate them. By enhancing our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of RA and highlighting the pivotal role of glycolytic enzymes, this study contributes to the development of innovative anti-rheumatic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwei Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuehong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunru Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Geng Yin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Department of General Practice, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Qibing Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Dou X, Chen R, Yang J, Dai M, Long J, Sun S, Lin Y. The potential role of T-cell metabolism-related molecules in chronic neuropathic pain after nerve injury: a narrative review. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1107298. [PMID: 37266437 PMCID: PMC10229812 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1107298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a common type of chronic pain, primarily caused by peripheral nerve injury. Different T-cell subtypes play various roles in neuropathic pain caused by peripheral nerve damage. Peripheral nerve damage can lead to co-infiltration of neurons and other inflammatory cells, thereby altering the cellular microenvironment and affecting cellular metabolism. By elaborating on the above, we first relate chronic pain to T-cell energy metabolism. Then we summarize the molecules that have affected T-cell energy metabolism in the past five years and divide them into two categories. The first category could play a role in neuropathic pain, and we explain their roles in T-cell function and chronic pain, respectively. The second category has not yet been involved in neuropathic pain, and we focus on how they affect T-cell function by influencing T-cell metabolism. By discussing the above content, this review provides a reference for studying the direct relationship between chronic pain and T-cell metabolism and searching for potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of chronic pain on the level of T-cell energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoke Dou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juexi Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Maosha Dai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junhao Long
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shujun Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Pain, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Lu Q, Xu J, Jiang H, Wei Q, Huang R, Huang G. The bone-protective mechanisms of active components from TCM drugs in rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1000865. [PMID: 36386147 PMCID: PMC9641143 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1000865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease whose hallmarks are synovial inflammation and irreversible bone destruction. Bone resorption resulting from osteoclasts involves the whole immune and bone systems. Breakdown of bone remodeling is attributed to overactive immune cells that produce large quantities of cytokines, upregulated differentiation of osteoclasts with enhanced resorptive activities, suppressed differentiation of osteoblasts, invading fibroblasts and microbiota dysbiosis. Despite the mitigation of inflammation, the existing treatment in Western medicine fails to prevent bone loss during disease progression. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years in RA treatment, showing great efficacy in bone preservation. The complex components from the decoctions and prescriptions exhibit various pharmacological activities. This review summarizes the research progress that has been made in terms of the bone-protective effect of some representative compounds from TCM drugs and proposes the substantial mechanisms involved in bone metabolism to provide some clues for future studies. These active components systemically suppress bone destruction via inhibiting joint inflammation, osteoclast differentiation, and fibroblast proliferation. Neutrophil, gut microenvironment and microRNA has been proposed as future focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyi Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Haixu Jiang
- School of Chinese Materia, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuzhu Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Runyue Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guangrui Huang, ; Runyue Huang,
| | - Guangrui Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Guangrui Huang, ; Runyue Huang,
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