Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment confers resistance to neonatal ischemia and hypoxia: effects on neurobehavioral phenotypes

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202412000-00031/figure1/v/2024-04-08T165401Z/r/image-tiff Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury is the main cause of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and cerebral palsy. Currently, there are few effective clinical treatments for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective and molecular mechanisms of exogenous nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which can protect against hypoxic injury in adulthood, in a mouse model of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. In this study, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (5 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered 30 minutes before surgery and every 24 hours thereafter. The results showed that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment improved body weight, brain structure, adenosine triphosphate levels, oxidative damage, neurobehavioral test outcomes, and seizure threshold in experimental mice. Tandem mass tag proteomics revealed that numerous proteins were altered after nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury mice. Parallel reaction monitoring and western blotting confirmed changes in the expression levels of proteins including serine (or cysteine) peptidase inhibitor, clade A, member 3N, fibronectin 1, 5'-nucleotidase, cytosolic IA, microtubule associated protein 2, and complexin 2. Proteomics analyses showed that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ameliorated hypoxic-ischemic injury through inflammation-related signaling pathways (e.g., nuclear factor-kappa B, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B). These findings suggest that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment can improve neurobehavioral phenotypes in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury mice through inflammation-related pathways.

Gadolinium-based contrast agents aggravate mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in a nitroglycerine-induced migraine model in male mice

In the diagnosis of migraine, which is a neurovascular disease, gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are used to rule out more serious conditions. On the other hand, it remains unclear as a scientific gap whether GBCAs may trigger migraine-related pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of GBCAs on mechanical and thermal pain behaviour in a nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced migraine model in mice. NTG (10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to adult (6-8weeks old) BALB/c mice 2 h before behavioral tests 5 times every other day on days 1st, 3rd, 5th and 9th to induce migraine model (N = 50). As GBCAs, gadobenate dimeglumine (linear-ionic), Gadodiamide (linear-nonionic), and gadobutrol (macrocyclic-nonionic) were delivered intravenously through the tail vein of mice for 5 days on test days. Mechanical pain threshold (plantar and facial withdrawal threshold) was evaluated by plantar von Frey and periorbital von Frey tests on days 1st, 5th, and 9th, and thermal pain threshold (latency) was evaluated by hot plate and cold plate tests on days 3rd and 7th. There was a statistically significant increase in mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in NTG administered groups compared to the control group. Gadodiamide, gadobutrol and gadobenate dimeglumine administration significantly decreased latency, paw and facial withdrawal threshold (0.18 ± 0.05, 0.17 ± 0.07, 0.16 ± 0.09; 9th day values respectively) compared to NTG group (0.27 ± 0.05). The results of this in vivo study show that GBCAs produce effects that may trigger migraine attacks in migraine. It is recommended that these effects be further investigated and supported by further clinical studies.

Assessment of body mass-related covariates for rifampicin pharmacokinetics in healthy Caucasian volunteers

PURPOSE

Currently, body weight-based dosing of rifampicin is recommended. But lately, fat-free mass (FFM) was reported to be superior to body weight (BW). The present evaluation aimed to assess the influence of body mass-related covariates on rifampicin's pharmacokinetics (PK) parameters in more detail using non-linear mixed effects modeling (NLMEM).

METHODS

Twenty-four healthy Caucasian volunteers were enrolled in a bioequivalence study, each receiving a test and a reference tablet of 600 mg of rifampicin separated by a wash-out period of at least 9 days. Monolix version 2023R1 was used for NLMEM. Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) were performed to visualize the relationship of body size descriptors to the exposure to rifampicin.

RESULTS

A one-compartment model with nonlinear (Michaelis-Menten) elimination and zero-order absorption kinetics with a lag time best described the data. The covariate model including fat-free mass (FFM) on volume of distribution (V/F) and on maximum elimination rate (Vmax/F) lowered the objective function value (OFV) by 56.4. The second-best covariate model of sex on V/F and Vmax/F and BW on V/F reduced the OFV by 51.2. The decrease in unexplained inter-individual variability on Vmax/F in both covariate models was similar. For a given dose, MCS showed lower exposure to rifampicin with higher FFM and accordingly in males compared to females with the same BW and body height.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that beyond BW, body composition as reflected by FFM could also be relevant for optimized dosing of rifampicin. This assumption needs to be studied further in patients treated with rifampicin.

Safety and Pharmacokinetics of a Combined Antioxidant Therapy against Myocardial Reperfusion Injury: A Phase I Randomized Clinical Trial in Healthy Humans

Myocardial reperfusion injury (MRI) accounts for up to 50% of the final size in acute myocardial infarction and other conditions associated with ischemia-reperfusion. Currently, there is still no therapy to prevent MRI, but it is well known that oxidative stress has a key role in its mechanism. We previously reduced MRI in rats through a combined antioxidant therapy (CAT) of ascorbic acid, N-acetylcysteine, and deferoxamine. This study determines the safety and pharmacokinetics of CAT in a Phase I clinical trial. Healthy subjects (n = 18) were randomized 2:1 to CAT or placebo (NaCl 0.9% i.v.). Two different doses/infusion rates of CATs were tested in a single 90-minute intravenous infusion. Blood samples were collected at specific times for 180 minutes to measure plasma drug concentrations (ascorbic acid, N-acetylcysteine, and deferoxamine) and oxidative stress biomarkers. Adverse events were registered during infusion and followed for 30 days. Both CAT1 and CAT2 significantly increased the CAT drug concentrations compared to placebo (P < .05). Most of the pharmacokinetic parameters were similar between CAT1 and CAT2. In total, 6 adverse events were reported, all nonserious and observed in CAT1. The ferric-reducing ability of plasma (an antioxidant biomarker) increased in both CAT groups compared to placebo (P < .001). The CAT is safe in humans and a potential treatment for patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing reperfusion therapy.

Calcineurin inhibition rescues alloantigen-specific central memory T cell subsets that promote chronic GVHD

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) constitute the backbone of modern acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) prophylaxis regimens but have limited efficacy in the prevention and treatment of chronic GVHD (cGVHD). We investigated the effect of CNIs on immune tolerance after stem cell transplantation with discovery-based single-cell gene expression and T cell receptor (TCR) assays of clonal immunity in tandem with traditional protein-based approaches and preclinical modeling. While cyclosporin and tacrolimus suppressed the clonal expansion of CD8+ T cells during GVHD, alloreactive CD4+ T cell clusters were preferentially expanded. Moreover, CNIs mediated reversible dose-dependent suppression of T cell activation and all stages of donor T cell exhaustion. Critically, CNIs promoted the expansion of both polyclonal and TCR-specific alloreactive central memory CD4+ T cells (TCM) with high self-renewal capacity that mediated cGVHD following drug withdrawal. In contrast to posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy), CSA was ineffective in eliminating IL-17A-secreting alloreactive T cell clones that play an important role in the pathogenesis of cGVHD. Collectively, we have shown that, although CNIs attenuate aGVHD, they paradoxically rescue alloantigen-specific TCM, especially within the CD4+ compartment in lymphoid and GVHD target tissues, thus predisposing patients to cGVHD. These data provide further evidence to caution against CNI-based immune suppression without concurrent approaches that eliminate alloreactive T cell clones.

Network pharmacology and in vivo experiment-based strategy for investigating the mechanism of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome in QianLieJinDan tablets

Background

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common urinary system disease that is prone to recurrence. It typically leads to varying degrees of pelvic pain and discomfort, as well as symptoms related to the urinary system in affected patients. QianLieJinDan tablets (QLJD), a traditional Chinese medicine, have shown promising therapeutic effects on CP/CPPS in clinical practice, but the underlying mechanisms of QLJD in treating CP/CPPS have not been determined.

Objective

To reveal the phytochemical characterization and multitarget mechanism of QLJD on CP/CPPS.

Methods

The concentrations of the components of QLJD were determined using UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap-MS. Utilizing network pharmacology approaches, the potential components, targets, and pathways involved in the treatment of CP/CPPS caused by QLJD were screened. Molecular docking calculations were employed to assess the affinity between the components of the QLJD and potential targets, revealing the optimal molecular conformation and binding site. Finally, the therapeutic efficacy and potential underlying mechanisms of QLJD were investigated through pharmacological experiments.

Results

In this study, a total of 35 components targeting 29 CP-related genes were identified, among which quercetin, baicalin, icariin, luteolin, and gallic acid were the major constituents. Enrichment analysis revealed that the potential targets were involved mainly in the regulation of cytokines, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and the oxidative stress response and were primarily associated with the cytokine‒cytokine receptor interaction pathway, the IL-17 signaling pathway, the Th17 cell differentiation pathway, and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. In vivo experiments demonstrated that QLJD effectively attenuated the infiltration of CD3+ T cells and the expression of ROS in a CP/CPPS model rat prostate tissue. Furthermore, through the inhibition of IL-6 and STAT3 expression, QLJD reduced the differentiation of Th17 cells, thereby ameliorating pathological injury and prostatic index in prostate tissue.

Conclusion

The potential of QLJD as an anti-CP/CPPS agent lies in its ability to interfere with the expression of IL-6 and STAT3, inhibit Th17 cell differentiation, reduce inflammatory cell infiltration in rat prostate tissue, and alleviate oxidative stress damage through its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway effects.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell therapy for renal dysfunction in Alport syndrome: protocol for an open-label, single-arm trial in China

INTRODUCTION

Alport syndrome (AS) is one of the most common fatal hereditary renal diseases in human, with a high risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease without effective treatments. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for chronic kidney disease. However, the safety and therapeutic potential of MSC transfusion for patients with AS are still need to be confirmed. Therefore, we have designed a clinical trial to evaluate the hypothesis that intravenous infusion of human umbilical cord-derived MSC (hUC-MSC) is safe, feasible, and well-tolerated in children with AS.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We report the protocol of the first prospective, open-label, single-arm clinical trial to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of hUC-MSC transfusion in children with early-stage AS. Paediatric patients diagnosed with AS who have persistent albuminuria will be candidates for screening. Twelve eligible patients are planned to recruit and will receive hUC-MSC infusions under close safety monitoring, and complete the efficacy assessments at scheduled follow-up visits. The primary endpoints include the occurrence of adverse events to assess safety and the albuminuria level for efficacy evaluation. Secondary endpoint assessments are based on haematuria and glomerular filtration measurements. Each patient's efficacy endpoints will be evaluated against their baseline levels. Additionally, the underlying mechanism of hUC-MSC therapy will be explored through transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of blood and urine samples.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol (V.1.0, date 17 January 2015) was approved by the institutional review board of the Affiliated Taihe Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine (ethical approval 03 March 2015). Written informed consent will be obtained from the patient and/or guardians before study specific process. In addition to publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, a lay summary of study will be available for participants and the public on the Chinese Organization for Rare Disorders website (http://www.cord.org.cn/).

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN62094626.

Water extract of earthworms mitigates mouse liver fibrosis by potentiating hepatic LKB1/Nrf2 axis to inhibit HSC activation and hepatocyte death

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

When left untreated, liver fibrosis (LF) causes various chronic liver diseases. Earthworms (Pheretima aspergillum) are widely used in traditional medicine because of their capacity to relieve hepatic diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to explore the anti-LF effects of water extract of earthworms (WEE) and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A CCl4-induced mouse model of LF was used to study the impact of WEE on LF in vivo. The anti-LF activity of WEE in mice was compared with that of silybin, which can be clinically applied in LF intervention and was used as a positive control. Activation of LX-2 hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and apoptosis and ferroptosis of AML-12 hepatocytes induced by TGFβ1 were used as in vitro models.

RESULTS

WEE drastically improved LF in mice. WEE reduced markers of activated HSCs in mice and inhibited TGFβ1-induced activation of LX-2 HSCs in vitro. Additionally, WEE suppressed CCl4-induced apoptosis and ferroptosis in mouse hepatocytes. Mechanistically, WEE induced Nrf2 to enter the nuclei of the mouse liver cells, and the hepatic levels of Nrf2-downstream antioxidative factors increased. LKB1/AMPK/GSK3β is an upstream regulatory cascade of Nrf2. In the LF mouse model, WEE increased hepatic phosphorylated LKB1, AMPK, and GSK3β levels. Similar results were obtained for the LX-2 cells. In AML-12 hepatocytes and LX-2 HSCs, WEE elevated intracellular Nrf2 levels, promoted its nuclear translocation, and inhibited TGFβ1-induced ROS accumulation. Knocking down LKB1 abolished the impact of WEE on the AMPK/GSK3β/Nrf2 cascade and eliminated its protective effects against TGFβ1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal that WEE improves mouse LF triggered by CCl4 and supports its application as a promising hepatoprotective agent against LF. The potentiation of the hepatic antioxidative AMPK/GSK3β/Nrf2 cascade by activating LKB1 and the subsequent suppression of HSC activation and hepatocyte apoptosis and ferroptosis are implicated in WEE-mediated alleviation of LF.

Astaxanthin exerts an adjunctive anti-cancer effect through the modulation of gut microbiota and mucosal immunity

This study aimed to investigate the function of gut microbiota in astaxanthin's adjuvant anticancer effects. Our prior research demonstrated that astaxanthin enhanced the antitumor effects of sorafenib by enhancing the body's antitumor immune response; astaxanthin also regulated the intestinal flora composition of tumor-bearing mice. However, it is presently unknown whether this beneficial effect is dependent on the gut microbiota. We first used broad-spectrum antibiotics to eradicate gut microbiota of tumor-bearing mice, followed by the transplantation of fecal microbiota. The results of this study indicate that the beneficial effects of astaxanthin when combined with molecular targeting are dependent on the presence of intestinal microbiota. Astaxanthin facilitates the infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes into the tumor microenvironment and increases Granzyme B production by modulating the intestinal flora. Therefore, it strengthens the body's anti-tumor immune response and synergistically boosts the therapeutic efficacy of drugs. Astaxanthin stimulates the production of cuprocytes and mucus in the intestines by promoting the proliferation of Akkermansia. In addition, astaxanthin enhances the intestinal mucosal immunological function. Our research supports the unique ability of astaxanthin to sustain intestinal flora homeostasis and its function as a dietary immune booster for individuals with tumors.

Sinomenine regulates the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway to inhibit TLR4/NF-κB pathway and protect the homeostasis in brain and gut in scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's disease mice

Sinomenine (SIN), an alkaloid extracted from the Chinese herbal medicine Sinomenium acutum, has great potential in anti-inflammatory, immune regulation, analgesic and sedative, and is already a clinical drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in China. Our previous studies show SIN inhibits inflammation by regulating ɑ7nAChR, a key receptor of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP), which plays an important role in regulating peripheral and central nervous system inflammation. Growing evidence supports the cholinergic dysregulation and inflammatory responses play the key role in the pathogenesis of AD. The intervention effects of SIN on AD by regulating CAP and homeostasis in brain and gut were analyzed for the first time in the present study using scopolamine-induced AD model mice. Behavioral tests were used to assess the cognitive performance. The neurons loss, cholinergic function, inflammation responses, biological barrier function in the mouse brain and intestinal tissues were evaluated through a variety of techniques, and the gut microbiota was detected using 16SrRNA sequencing. The results showed that SIN significantly inhibited the cognitive decline, dysregulation of cholinergic system, peripheral and central inflammation, biological barrier damage as well as intestinal flora disturbance caused by SCOP in mice. More importantly, SIN effectively regulated CAP to suppress the activation of TLR4/NF-κB and protect the homeostasis in brain and gut to alleviate cognitive impairment.

Astaxanthin Augmented the Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Efficacy of Sorafenib Through the Inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway and Mitigation of Hypoxia within the Tumor Microenvironment

SCOPE

The optimization of anti-cancer drug effectiveness through dietary modifications has garnered significant attention among researchers in recent times. Astaxanthin (AST) has been identified as a safe and biologically active dietary supplement.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The tumor-bearing mice are treated with sorafenib, along with supplementation of 60 mg kg-1 AST during the treatment. The coadministration of AST and a subclinical dosage of 10 mg kg-1 sorafenib demonstrates a tumor inhibition rate of 76.5%, which is notably superior to the 45% inhibition rate observed with the clinical dosage of 30 mg kg-1 sorafenib (p < 0.05). The administration of AST leads to a tumor inhibition increase of around 25% when combined with the clinical dose of 30 mg kg-1 sorafenib (p <0.05). AST enhances the inhibitory effect of sorafenib on tumor angiogenesis through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, AST exhibits a reduction in hypoxia within the tumor microenvironment.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that AST supplement enhances the inhibitory effects of sorafenib on hepatocellular carcinoma. This study presents a new dietary management program for oncology patients.

Diclofenac and metformin synergistic dose dependent inhibition of hamster fibrosarcoma, rescued with mebendazole

We examined whether combinig diclofenac and metformin in doses equivalent to human doses would synergize their anticancer activity on fibrosarcoma inoculated to hamsters and in vitro. Rescue experiment was performed to examine whether the prosurvival NF-κB stimulation by mebendazole can reverse anticancer effects of the treatment. BHK-21/C13 cell culture was subcutaneously inoculated to Syrian golden hamsters randomly divided into groups (6 animals per group): 1) untreated control; treated daily with 2) diclofenac; 3) metformin; 4) combinations of diclofenac and metformin at various doses; 5) combination of diclofenac, metformin and mebendazole; 6) mebendazole. Dose response curves were made for diclofenac and metformin combination. Tumor growth kinetics, biophysical, pathological, histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of excised tumors and hamster organs as well as biochemical and hematological blood tests were compared among the groups. Single treatments had no anticancer effects. Diclofenac (60 mg/kg/day) exhibited significant (P < 0.05) synergistic inhibitory effect with metformin (500 mg/kg/day) on all tumor growth parameters, without toxicity and influence on biochemical and hematological blood tests. The same results were obtained with double doses of diclofenac and metformin combination. The addition of mebendazole to the diclofenac and metformin combination rescued tumor expansion. Furthermore, diclofenac with metformin demonstrated antiproliferative effects in hamster fibrosarcoma BHK-21/C13, human lung carcinoma A549 (CCL-185), colon carcinoma HT-29 (HTB-38) and cervical carcinoma HeLa (CCL-2) cell cultures, with markedly lower cytotoxicity in the normal fetal lung MRC-5 cells. In conclusion, diclofenac and metformin combination may be recommended for potential use in oncology, due to synergistic anticancer effect in doses achievable in humans.

Mediation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and NF-κB signaling pathway in DINP-exacerbated allergic asthma: A toxicological study with Balb/c mice

Epidemiological evidence indicates a significant relationship between exposure to diisononyl phthalate and allergic asthma. Despite this, the mechanism underlying this association remains unclear. Previous toxicological researches have suggested that the development of allergic asthma may involve the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and the nuclear factor κ-B (NF-κB) pathways. Nevertheless, it is currently unknown whether these specific signaling pathways are implicated in diisononyl phthalate (DINP)-induced allergic asthma. The objective of this research was to understand how DINP exacerbates allergic asthma in Balb/c mice through ERS and NF-κB pathways. To systematically examine the aggravated effects of DINP in Balb/c mice, we measured airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), lung tissue pathology, cytokines, and ERS and NF-κB pathway biomarkers. Additionally, we applied the ERS antagonist phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) or the NF-κB antagonist pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) to verify the mediating effects of ERS and NF-κB on DINP-exacerbated allergic asthma. The results of our experiment show that oral DINP exposure may exacerbate airway hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling. This deterioration is accompanied by an imbalance in immunoglobulin levels, Th17/Treg cells, ERS, and NF-κB biomarkers, leading to the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, our study found that the blocking effect of 4-PBA or PDTC can inhibit the Th17/Treg imbalance and effectively alleviate symptoms resembling allergic asthma. In conclusion, ERS and NF-κB signaling pathways play an important role in regulating DINP-induced allergic asthma exacerbations.

Rational Design and Efficacy of Glucose-Responsive Insulin Therapeutics and Insulin Delivery Systems by Computation Using Connected Human and Rodent Models

Glucose-responsive insulins (GRIs) use plasma glucose levels in a diabetic patient to activate a specifically designed insulin analogue to a more potent state in real time. Alternatively, some GRI concepts use glucose-mediated release or injection of insulin into the bloodstream. GRIs hold promise to exhibit much improved pharmacological control of the plasma glucose concentration, particularly for the problem of therapeutically induced hypoglycemia. Several innovative GRI schemes are introduced into the literature, but there remains a dearth of quantitative analysis to aid the development and optimization of these constructs into effective therapeutics. This work evaluates several classes of GRIs that are proposed using a pharmacokinetic model as previously described, PAMERAH, simulating the glucoregulatory system of humans and rodents. GRI concepts are grouped into three mechanistic classes: 1) intrinsic GRIs, 2) glucose-responsive particles, and 3) glucose-responsive devices. Each class is analyzed for optimal designs that maintain glucose levels within the euglycemic range. These derived GRI parameter spaces are then compared between rodents and humans, providing the differences in clinical translation success for each candidate. This work demonstrates a computational framework to evaluate the potential clinical translatability of existing glucose-responsive systems, providing a useful approach for future GRI development.

Exposure to nonylphenol in early life causes behavioural deficits related with autism spectrum disorders in rats

Early-life exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs) is a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Exposure to nonylphenol (NP), a typical EDC, is known to cause some long-term behavioural abnormalities. Moreover, these abnormal behaviours are the most frequent psychiatric co-morbidities in ASD. However, the direct evidence for the link between NP exposure in early life and ASD-like behavioural phenotypes is still missing. In the present study, typical ASD-like behaviours induced by valproic acid treatment were considered as a positive behavioural control. We investigated impacts on social behaviours following early-life exposure to NP, and explored effects of this exposure on neuronal dendritic spines, mitochondria function, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Furthermore, primary cultured rat neurons were employed as in vitro model to evaluate changes in dendritic spine caused by exposure to NP, and oxidative stress and ER stress were specifically modulated to further explore their roles in these changes. Our results indicated rats exposed to NP in early life showed mild ASD-like behaviours. Moreover, we also found the activation of ER stress triggered by oxidative stress may contribute to dendritic spine decrease and synaptic dysfunction, which may underlie neurobehavioural abnormalities induced by early-life exposure to NP.

Mechanisms Underlying the Effects of the Green Tea Polyphenol EGCG in Sarcopenia Prevention and Management

Sarcopenia is prevalent among the older population and severely affects human health. Tea catechins may benefit for skeletal muscle performance and protect against secondary sarcopenia. However, the mechanisms underlying their antisarcopenic effect are still not fully understood. Despite initial successes in animal and early clinical trials regarding the safety and efficacy of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major catechin of green tea, many challenges, problems, and unanswered questions remain. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the potential role and underlying mechanisms of EGCG in sarcopenia prevention and management. We thoroughly review the general biological activities and general effects of EGCG on skeletal muscle performance, EGCG's antisarcopenic mechanisms, and recent clinical evidence of the aforesaid effects and mechanisms. We also address safety issues and provide directions for future studies. The possible concerted actions of EGCG indicate the need for further studies on sarcopenia prevention and management in humans.

Uncovering the active constituents and mechanisms of Rujin Jiedu powder for ameliorating LPS-induced acute lung injury using network pharmacology and experimental investigations

Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common clinical disease with high mortality. Rujin Jiedu powder (RJJD) has been clinically utilized for the treatment of ALI in China, but the active constituents in RJJD and its protective mechanisms against ALI are still unclear. Methodology: ALI mice were established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS to test the effectiveness of RJJD in treating ALI. Histopathologic analysis was used to assess the extent of lung injury. An MPO (myeloperoxidase) activity assay was used to evaluate neutrophil infiltration. Network pharmacology was used to explore the potential targets of RJJD against ALI. Immunohistochemistry and TUNEL staining were performed to detect apoptotic cells in lung tissues. RAW264.7 and BEAS-2B cells were used to explore the protective mechanisms of RJJD and its components on ALI in vitro. The inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-18) in serum, BALF and cell supernatant were assayed using ELISA. Western blotting was performed to detect apoptosis-related markers in lung tissues and BEAS-2B cells. Results: RJJD ameliorated pathological injury and neutrophil infiltration in the lungs of ALI mice and decreased the levels of inflammatory factors in serum and BALF. Network pharmacology investigations suggested that RJJD treated ALI via regulating apoptotic signaling pathways, with AKT1 and CASP3 as crucial targets and PI3K-AKT signaling as the main pathway. Meanwhile, baicalein, daidzein, quercetin and luteolin were identified as key constituents in RJJD targeting on the above crucial targets. Experimental investigations showed that RJJD significantly upregulated the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt and Bcl-2, downregulated the expression of Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9 in ALI mice, and attenuated lung tissue apoptosis. Four active constituents in RJJD (baicalein, daidzein, quercetin and luteolin) inhibited the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Among these components, daidzein and luteolin activated the PI3K-AKT pathway and downregulated the expression of apoptosis-related markers induced by LPS in BEAS-2B cells. Conclusion: RJJD alleviates the inflammatory storm and prevents apoptosis in the lungs of ALI mice. The mechanism of RJJD in treating ALI is related to the activation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. This study provides a scientific basis for the clinical application of RJJD.

MORPHOLOGICAL PECULIARITIES OF THE PANCREAS OF MALE RATS AFTER PROLONGED ADMINISTRATION OF MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE DURING THE RECOVERY PERIOD

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To study changes in the exocrine and endocrine parts of the pancreas of rats after abolition of monosodium glutamate (MSG) administered in the diet.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: White male laboratory rats with a baseline weight of 120 ± 5 g were randomized into 3 groups: 1 - control, 2 - animals with daily feeding of 70 mg/ kg MSG for 8 weeks, 3 - abolition of MSG with transfer of animals to a standard diet and pancreatic examination after 8 weeks. We used histological studies with morphometric analysis and statistical processing of acini and acinar cell areas, Langerhans islets, connective tissue (according to Stolte M.) and adipose tissue. Preparations of pancreas were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and azan.

RESULTS

Results: The animals of groups 2 and 3 showed atrophic, degenerative and inflammatory disturbances in the exocrine and endocrine parts of the pancreas, which worsened after 8 weeks of MSG withdrawal (3 rd group). In the preparations, the Langerhans islets were of different shapes and sizes. Small islets predominated, as well as islets with low density of α- and β-cells, different capillary filling with blood and overgrowth of connective tissue in the capillary areas. The acinar cells and acini were reduced, and degenerative abnormalities were detected in the structures.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: After daily administration of 70 mg/kg MSG for 8 weeks, atrophic and degenerative changes in the exocrine and endocrine parts of the pancreas were revealed. No recovery of pancreatic structures was observed 8 weeks after MSG withdrawal.

Paternal Nicotine/Ethanol/Caffeine Mixed Exposure Induces Offspring Rat Dysplasia and Its Potential "GC-IGF1" Programming Mechanism

Clinical and animal studies suggest that paternal exposure to adverse environments (bad living habits and chronic stress, etc.) has profound impacts on offspring development; however, the mechanism of paternal disease has not been clarified. In this study, a meta-analysis was first performed to suggest that paternal exposure to nicotine, ethanol, or caffeine is a high-risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Next, we created a rat model of paternal nicotine/ethanol/caffeine mixed exposure (PME), whereby male Wistar rats were exposed to nicotine (0.1 mg/kg/d), ethanol (0.5 g/kg/d), and caffeine (7.5 mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks continuously, then mated with normal female rats to obtain a fetus (n = 12 for control group, n = 10 for PME group). Then, we analyzed the changes in paternal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, testicular function, pregnancy outcomes, fetal serum metabolic indicators, and multiple organ functions to explore the mechanism from the perspective of chronic stress. Our results demonstrated that PME led to enhanced paternal HPA axis activity, decreased sperm quality, and adverse pregnancy outcomes (stillbirth and absorption, decreased fetal weight and body length, and intrauterine growth retardation), abnormal fetal serum metabolic indicators (corticosterone, glucolipid metabolism, and sex hormones), and fetal multi-organ dysfunction (including hippocampus, adrenal, liver, ossification, and gonads). Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that the increased paternal corticosterone level was closely related to decreased sperm quality, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and abnormal offspring multi-organ function development. Among them, the decreased activity of the glucocorticoid-insulin-like growth factor 1 (GC-IGF1) axis may be the main mechanism of offspring development and multi-organ dysfunction caused by PME. This study explored the impact of common paternal lifestyle in daily life on offspring development, and proposed the GC-IGF1 programming mechanisms of paternal chronic stress-induced offspring dysplasia, which provides a novel insight for exploring the important role of paternal chronic stress in offspring development and guiding a healthy lifestyle for men.

Resveratrol inhibits development of colorectal adenoma via suppression of LEF1; comprehensive analysis with connectivity map

Although many chemopreventive studies on colorectal tumors have been reported, no effective and safe preventive agent is currently available. We searched for candidate preventive compounds against colorectal tumor comprehensively from United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved compounds by using connectivity map (CMAP) analysis coupled with in vitro screening with colorectal adenoma (CRA) patient-derived organoids (PDOs). We generated CRA-specific gene signatures based on the DNA microarray analysis of CRA and normal epithelial specimens, applied them to CMAP analysis with 1309 FDA-approved compounds, and identified 121 candidate compounds that should cancel the gene signatures. We narrowed them down to 15 compounds, and evaluated their inhibitory effects on the growth of CRA-PDOs in vitro. We finally identified resveratrol, one of the polyphenolic phytochemicals, as a compound showing the strongest inhibitory effect on the growth of CRA-PDOs compared with normal epithelial PDOs. When resveratrol was administered to Apc^Min/+ mice at 15 or 30 mg/kg, the number of polyps (adenomas) was significantly reduced in both groups compared with control mice. Similarly, the number of polyps (adenomas) was significantly reduced in azoxymethane-injected rats treated with 10 or 100 mg/resveratrol compared with control rats. Microarray analysis of adenomas from resveratrol-treated rats revealed the highest change (downregulation) in expression of LEF1, a key molecule in the Wnt signaling pathway. Treatment with resveratrol significantly downregulated the Wnt-target gene (MYC) in CRA-PDOs. Our data demonstrated that resveratrol can be the most effective compound for chemoprevention of colorectal tumors, the efficacy of which is mediated through suppression of LEF1 expression in the Wnt signaling pathway.

Perspectives of ozone induced neuropathology and memory decline in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review of preclinical evidences

This systematic review aims to discover the plausible mechanism of Ozone in A.D., to boost translational research. The main focus of our review lies in understanding the effects of ozone pollution on the human brain and causing degenerative disease. Owing to the number of works carried out as preclinical evidence in association with oxidative stress and Alzheimer's disease and the lack of systematic review or meta-analysis prompted us to initiate a study on Alzheimer's risk due to ground-level ozone. We found relevant studies from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Proquest, DOAJ, and Scopus, narrowing to animal studies and the English language without any time limit. The searches will be re-run before the final analysis. This work was registered in Prospero with Reg ID CRD42022319360, followed the PRISMA-P framework, and followed the PICO approach involving Population, Intervention/Exposure, Comparison, and Outcomes data. Bibliographic details of 16 included studies were studied for Exposure dose of ozone, duration, exposure, and frequency with control and exposure groups. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed based on pathology significance, and results were significant in inducing Alzheimer-like pathology by ozone. In conclusion, ozone altered oxidative stress, metabolic pathway, and amyloid plaque accumulation besides endothelial stress response involving mitochondria as the critical factor in ATP degeneration, caspase pathway, and neuronal damage. Thus, ozone is a criteria pollutant to be focused on in mitigating Alzheimer's Disease pathology.

Effects of Sophora flavescens aiton and the absorbed bioactive metabolite matrine individually and in combination with 5-fluorouracil on proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells in nude mice

Background: Sophora flavescens aiton (SFA) and its main bioactive metabolite matrine are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations and have achieved good curative effects for the treatment of various tumors. However, the mechanisms underlying SFA and matrine individually and in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs for treatment of gastric cancer (GC) remain unclear. Aim of the study: To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the ability of SFA and matrine individually and in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs to inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of human GC cells. Materials and methods: Forty-eight nude mice were randomly divided into six groups that were treated with normal saline (model group), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), SFA decoction (SFAD), matrine, SFAD+5-FU, or matrine+5-FU. A subcutaneous heterotopic tumor model was established in nude mice by implantation of human GC BGC-823 cells. All mice were treated for 28 days. Bioactive metabolites in SFA were determined by HPLC-MS/MS. The tumor volume, tumor weight, and tumor inhibition rate of mice were documented. Histopathology and ultramicroscopic pathology of tumor tissues were observed. The tumor cell cycle and apoptosis in vivo were detected. Serum levels of PCNA, BAX, Bcl-2, Caspase-9, Caspase-3 and cleaved Caspase-3 were measured. Protein levels of MS4A10, MS4A8, MS4A7, PCNA, BAX, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and cleaved Caspase-3 were measured in tumor tissues. Results: Both SFAD and matrine inhibited the growth of transplanted GC cells, which was more effective when combined with 5-FU. The tumor inhibition rates of the 5-FU, SFAD, matrine, SFAD+5-FU, and matrine+5-FU groups were 53.85%, 33.96%, 30.44%, 59.74%, and 56.55%, respectively. The body weight of tumor-bearing nude mice was greater in the SFAD group than the normal saline and matrine groups. SFAD+5-FU and matrine+5-FU blocked BGC-823 cells in the G0-G1/S transition, promoted apoptosis, and significantly decreased the content of serum apoptosis-inhibitory proteins (PCNA and Bcl-2) as well as protein expression of MS4A8, MS4A10, Bcl-2, and PCNA in tumor tissues, while increasing serum levels of pro-apoptotic proteins (Caspase-9, Caspase-3 and cleaved-Caspase-3) and protein expression of BAX and cleaved-Caspase-3 in tumor tissues. Conclusion: SFAD and matrine both individually and in combination with 5-FU ameliorated malignancy of transplanted tumors by reducing proliferation and promoting apoptosis of BGC-823 cells. These findings confirm the anti-tumor synergistic effect of TCM and chemotherapeutic drugs.

Quantitative Measurements of Pharmacological and Toxicological Activity of Molecules

Toxicity and pharmacological activity scales of molecules, in particular toxicants, xenobiotics, drugs, nutraceuticals, etc., are described by multiples indicators, and the most popular is the median lethal dose (LD50). At the molecular level, reversible inhibition or binding constants provide unique information on the potential activity of molecules. The important problem concerning the meaningfulness of IC50 for irreversible ligands/inhibitors is emphasized. Definitions and principles for determination of these quantitative parameters are briefly introduced in this article. Special attention is devoted to the relationships between these indicators. Finally, different approaches making it possible to link pharmacological and toxicological properties of molecules in terms of molecular interactions (or chemical reactions) with their biological targets are briefly examined. Experimental trends for future high-throughput screening of active molecules are pointed out.

Mailuoshutong pill for varicocele-associated male infertility—Phytochemical characterisation and multitarget mechanism

Background: Varicocele (VC) is a relatively common and treatable cause of male infertility. Mailuoshutong pill (MLST), a traditional Chinese patent medicine, is widely used for treating varicose vein disease, but the underlying mechanism of MLST on varicocele-associated male infertility is unclear.

Objective: To reveal the phytochemical characterisation and multitarget mechanism of MLST on varicocele-associated male infertility.

Methods: The components in MLST were determined using UHPLC-MS/MS. Through network analysis, we constructed the “Drug-Components-Targets-Disease” network and predicted the potential biological functions and signaling pathways of MLST. Finally, the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of MLST were discovered by pharmacological experiments.

Results: By network analysis, the “Drug-Components-Targets-Disease” network was constructed, 62 components such as apigenin, limonin, kaempferol, and obacunoic acid may be the main active components of MLST for varicocele-associated male infertility, 28 targets such as VEGFA, PIK3CA, AKT1, and MTOR are considered as hub targets, signaling pathways such as HIF-1, Estrogen, PI3K/Akt, and mTOR may be key pathways for MLST against varicocele-associated male infertility. Through pharmacological experiments, we found that MLST ameliorated VC-induced testicular atrophy. Further histomorphology showed that MLST reduced VC-induced damage to testicular spermatogonia and seminiferous tubule, while MLST reduced ROS and MDA levels and increased antioxidant enzymes (GSH, GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT) levels. TUNEL staining and immunofluorescence showed that MLST reduced VC-induced apoptosis in testicular tissue, decreased BAX, and increased BCL2. Western blot results showed that MLST decreased the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR proteins, and decreased the expression of HIF1α.

Conclusion: The phytochemical characterisation and multitarget mechanism of MLST on varicocele-associated male infertility were discovered using network analysis and pharmacological experiments. We verified that MLST can inhibit the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, reduce the expression of HIF1α, and further attenuate VC-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in the testis. These findings provide evidence for the therapeutic role of MLST in varicocele-associated male infertility.

Gentianella acuta improves TAC-induced cardiac remodelling by regulating the Notch and PI3K/Akt/FOXO1/3 pathways

Cardiac remodelling mainly manifests as excessive myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, which are associated with heart failure. Gentianella acuta (G. acuta) is reportedly effective in cardiac protection; however, the mechanism by which it protects against cardiac remodelling is not fully understood. Here, we discuss the effects and mechanisms of G. acuta in transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced cardiac remodelling in rats. Cardiac function was analysed using echocardiography and electrocardiography. Haematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and wheat germ agglutinin staining were used to observe pathophysiological changes. Additionally, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to measure protein levels and mRNA levels of genes related to myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. Immunofluorescence double staining was used to investigate the co-expression of endothelial and interstitial markers. Western blotting was used to estimate the expression and phosphorylation levels of the regulatory proteins involved in autophagy and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). The results showed that G. acuta alleviated cardiac dysfunction and remodelling. The elevated levels of myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis markers, induced by TAC, decreased significantly after G. acuta intervention. G. acuta decreased the expression of LC3 II and Beclin1, and increased p62 expression. G. acuta upregulated the expression of CD31 and vascular endothelial-cadherin, and prevented the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin. Furthermore, G. acuta inhibited the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1/3a pathway and activated the Notch signalling. These findings demonstrated that G. acuta has cardioprotective effects, such as alleviating myocardial fibrosis, inhibiting hypertrophy, reducing autophagy, and blocking EndMT by regulating the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1/3a and Notch signalling pathways.

Investigating the multi-target therapeutic mechanism of Guihuang formula on Chronic Prostatitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chronic prostatitis (CP) is a complex, intractable and prevalent urological disorder in men with no effective treatment. Guihuang formula (GHF) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound that is advantageous as a CP treatment, but its aetiology is poorly understood. Research and exploration of the mechanism of GHF will help the development of a potentially valuable drug for CP and provide deeper insight into CP.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To examine and further clarify the multi-target therapeutic mechanism of GHF on CP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical components in GHF were identified using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. The active components and potential targets of GHF for the treatment of CP were screened and analyzed using network pharmacology and molecular docking. We constructed a CP rat model to investigate the therapeutic effect of GHF on CP and verify the influence of key targets and core pathways based on the results of network pharmacology.

RESULTS

A total of 143 ingredients were identified in GHF using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, and 111 potential targets for GHF of CP were predicted. The "drug-ingredient-target-pathway" network was constructed and in compliance with the "Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi" principle. GHF significantly reduced the prostate index, alleviated histological damage in the prostate, decreased CD3⁺ T cells and CD45⁺ leukocyte infiltration in the prostate, downregulated the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, COX-2, MCP-1 and TNF-α, decreased ROS levels and alleviated the production of MDA accompanied by an increase of SOD and GSH-PX levels. Meanwhile, GHF suppressed apoptosis in macrophages, downregulated the mRNA levels of PI3K, AKT and P65 NF-κB and inhibited the phosphorylation of the PI3K, AKT and P65 NF-κB.

CONCLUSION

A network pharmacology and experimental validation-based strategy was used to elucidate the underlying "multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway" mode of action of GHF against CP. We verified that GHF inhibited oxidative stress and inflammatory response, suppressed apoptosis in macrophages, inhibited the activation of the inflammation-related PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway in CP rat. These findings extend the conventional views of "one drug hits one target", and offer novel insights and indication paradigm for the future discovery on the multi-target therapeutic mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine compound.

Practical considerations for navigating the regulatory landscape of non-clinical studies for clinical translation of radiopharmaceuticals

Background

The development of radiopharmaceuticals requires extensive evaluation before they can be applied in a diagnostic or therapeutic setting in Nuclear Medicine. Chemical, radiochemical, and pharmaceutical parameters must be established and verified to ensure the quality of these novel products.

Main body

To provide supportive evidence for the expected human in vivo behaviour, particularly related to safety and efficacy, additional tests, often referred to as “non-clinical” or “preclinical” are mandatory. This document is an outcome of a Technical Meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency. It summarises the considerations necessary for non-clinical studies to accommodate the regulatory requirements for clinical translation of radiopharmaceuticals. These considerations include non-clinical pharmacology, radiation exposure and effects, toxicological studies, pharmacokinetic modelling, and imaging studies. Additionally, standardisation of different specific clinical applications is discussed.

Conclusion

This document is intended as a guide for radiopharmaceutical scientists, Nuclear Medicine specialists, and regulatory professionals to bring innovative diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals into the clinical evaluation process in a safe and effective way.

Primaquine-chitosan Nanoparticle Improves Drug Delivery to Liver Tissue in Rats

Introduction: Primaquine is one of the essential medicines used to treat malaria due to Plasmodium vivax. Primaquine acts by eradicating hypnozoites in the liver, and its effect is dependent on the drug concentrations in the target tissue. The present study aimed to prepare primaquine in nanoparticle formulation using chitosan as carriers and improve on-target primaquine delivery to the liver. Methods: Primaquine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared using the ionic gelation method variations. Then, the resulting primaquine-chitosan nanoparticles were administered to the rats and compared with conventional primaquine. Afterward, plasma and liver concentrations of primaquine were quantified. Results: The primaquine-chitosan nanoparticles obtained were at 47.9 nm. The area under the curve for primaquine-chitosan nanoparticles resulted lower in the area under the curve (AUC) and Cmax, 0.46 and 0.42 times of conventional primaquine, respectively. However, no differences were found in time to reach Cmax (Tmax). Primaquine liver concentrations obtained with primaquine-chitosan nanoprimaquine resulted in 3 times higher than primaquine concentration. Conclusion: Enhanced drug delivery to rat liver tissue by primaquine-chitosan nanoparticles may improve on-target drug delivery to the liver, enhance primaquine ant hypnozoites effects, and reduce unwanted side effects in the circulation.

Dietary supplements do not improve bone morphology or mechanical properties in young female C57BL/6 mice

Bone is a hierarchical material formed by an organic extracellular matrix and mineral where each component and their physical relationship with each other contribute to fracture resistance. Bone quality can be affected by nutrition, and dietary supplements that are marketed to improve overall health may improve the fracture resistance of bone. To test this, 11 week old female C57BL/6 mice were fed either collagen, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, or fish oil 5 times a week for 8 weeks. Femurs, tibiae, and vertebrae were scanned with micro-computed tomography and then mechanically tested. Glucosamine and fish oil lowered elastic modulus, but did not alter the overall strength of the femur. There were no differences in bone mechanics of the tibiae or vertebrae. Overall, the data suggest that dietary supplements did little to improve bone quality in young, healthy mice. These supplements may be more effective in diseased or aged mice.

Predicting Approximate Clinically Effective Doses in Oncology Using Preclinical Efficacy and Body Surface Area Conversion: A Retrospective Analysis

The correlation between efficacious doses in human tumor-xenograft mouse models and the human clinical doses of approved oncology agents was assessed using published preclinical data and recommended clinical doses. For 90 approved small molecule anti-cancer drugs, body surface area (BSA) corrected mouse efficacious doses were strongly predictive of human clinical dose ranges with 85.6% of the predictions falling within three-fold (3×) of the recommended clinical doses and 63.3% within 2×. These results suggest that BSA conversion is a useful tool for estimating human doses of small molecule oncology agents from mouse xenograft models from the early discovery stage. However, the BSA based dose conversion poorly predicts for the intravenous antibody and antibody drug conjugate anti-cancer drugs. For antibody-based drugs, five out of 30 (16.7%) predicted doses were within 3× of the recommended clinical dose. The body weight-based dose projection was modestly predictive with 66.7% of drugs predicted within 3× of the recommended clinical dose. The correlation was slightly better in ADCs (77.7% in 3×). The application and limitations of such simple dose estimation methods in the early discovery stage and in the design of clinical trials are also discussed in this retrospective analysis.

Effects of fentanyl overdose-induced muscle rigidity and dexmedetomidine on respiratory mechanics and pulmonary gas exchange in sedated rats

The objective of our study was to establish in sedated rats the consequences of high-dose fentanyl-induced acute muscle rigidity on the mechanical properties of the respiratory system and on the metabolic rate. Doses of fentanyl that we have previously shown to produce persistent rigidity of the muscles of the limbs and trunk in the rat (150 -300 microg/kg iv), were administered in 23 volume-controlled mechanically ventilated and sedated rats. The effects of a low dose of the FDA approved central alpha-2 agonist, dexmedetomidine (3 microg/kg iv), which has been suggested to oppose fentanyl-induced muscle rigidity, were determined after fentanyl administration. Fentanyl produced a significant decrease in Crs in the 23 rats that were studied. In 13 rats, an abrupt response occurred within 90 seconds, consisting in rapid rhythmic contractions of most skeletal muscles, that were replaced by persistent tonic/tetanic contractions leading a significant decrease of Crs (from 0.51 ± 0.11 ml/cmH₂O to 0.36 ± 0.08 ml/cmH₂O, 3 minutes after fentanyl injection). In the other 10 animals, a Crs progressively decreased to 0.26 ± 0.06 ml/cmH₂O at 30 minutes. There was a significant rise in V̇O₂ during muscle tonic contractions (from 8.48 ± 4.31 to 11.29 ± 2.57 ml/min), which contributed to a significant hypoxemia, despite ventilation being held constant. Dexmedetomidine provoked a significant and rapid increase in Crs towards baseline levels, while decreasing the metabolic rate and restoring normoxemia. We propose that the changes in respiratory mechanics and metabolism produced by opioid-induced muscle rigidity contribute to fentanyl lethality.

Colistin-induced pulmonary toxicity involves the activation of NOX4/TGF-β/mtROS pathway and the inhibition of Akt/mTOR pathway

Colistin therapy can cause pulmonary toxicity, however, our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanism remains incomplete. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of colistin-induced pulmonary toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that intraperitoneal colistin treatment significantly increased the expression of TGF-β and NOX4 protein and mRNA, then triggers oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis in the lung tissue of mice and A549 cells. Moreover, colistin treatment significantly increased levels of mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) and autophagy flux in A549 cells. Inhibition of NOX4 protected A549 cells against colistin-induced mtROS and apoptosis. Colistin treatment also down-regulated the expression of p-Akt and p-mTOR proteins (all P < 0.05 or 0.01) in lung tissues of mice or A549 cells. Inhibition of autophagy or Akt pathways by chloroquine (CQ), 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) or LY294002 promoted colistin-induced mitochondrial damage, and caspase-dependent cellular apoptosis. Whereas, activation of autophagy by rapamycin pretreatment of A549 cells partly abolished colistin-induced cytotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. This is first study to show that colistin-induced pulmonary toxicity involves the activation of TGF-β/NOX4/mtROS pathway and the inhibition of Akt/mTOR pathway in lung tissues of mice and highlights the key protective role of autophagy activation.

DoseCal: a virtual calculator for dosage conversion between human and different animal species

CONTEXT

The scientists as well as pharmacologists frequently convert the dose of drugs or extracts between human and different animal species. According to the literature, the extrapolation of the dose by simple conversion based only on body weight is not an accurate method. The miscalculation of dosage conversion may result in adverse effects due to overdose or reduced potency due to underdose.

AIM

To develop a conversion calculator with factual factor like K_m factor.

METHOD

The virtual calculator was developed as a web-based application using hypertext pre-processor programming language. My SQL software was used to store the data related to DoseCal.

RESULTS

Based on the K_m factor, dose conversion calculator called DoseCal was developed. The DoseCal would provide the dosage for both per kg and actual weight of the animal taken for the experiment.

CONCLUSION

The DoseCal would assist scientists in the dosage conversion easily and accurately between species.

Hepatoprotective Effect of the Penthorum Chinense Pursh Extract against the CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury via NF-κB and p38-MAPK PATHWAYS in Dogs

Acute liver injury (ALI), manifested by acute hepatocellular damages and necrosis, is a life-threatening clinical syndrome and Penthorum Chinense Pursh (PCP) is a well-known folk medicine practiced for liver-related diseases. This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of PCP extract (PCPE) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced ALI in dogs via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Healthy dogs were induced by CCl4 and treated with different dosage regimes of PCPE for 7 days. CCl4 produced acute liver injury and induced both oxidative stress and an inflammatory response in dogs. The PCPE significantly ameliorated and improved vacuolar inflammatory lesions in liver tissues during ALI, enhanced activity of superoxide dismutase, and restored glutathione peroxidase, further significantly reducing the indices of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in serum. Inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were declined and anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10) were increased by the application of PCPE. PCPE treatment, down-regulated the MEKK4, MKK3, p38MAPK, MSK1, and NF-κB, and upregulated the IkB mRNA levels (p < 0.01) in ALI affected dogs. In conclusion, PCPE repaired acute liver injury by improving antioxidant enzymes and by reducing oxidation products. Furthermore, the PCPE inhibited the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, which resulted in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on ALI-induced dogs. In the future, PCPE could be a useful ethnomedicine in veterinary clinical practices for the treatment of liver injuries or failures.

Cevimeline co-treatment attenuates olanzapine-induced metabolic disorders via modulating hepatic M3 muscarinic receptor: AMPKα signalling pathway in female rats

BACKGROUND

Olanzapine is one of the most commonly used antipsychotic drugs; however, its metabolic disorders are the main obstacle in the clinic. Olanzapine is a potent antagonist of the M3 acetylcholine muscarinic receptor (M3R), while the downregulated hepatic M3R-AMPKα signalling pathway is involved in metabolic disorders.

AIM

This study investigated the effects of chronic co-treatment with cevimeline (an agonist of M3Rs) in attenuating olanzapine-induced metabolic disorders and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Forty-eight adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated orally with olanzapine (2 mg/kg, 3 times/day (t.i.d.)) and/or cevimeline (9 mg/kg, t.i.d.), or control (vehicle) for 9 weeks.

RESULTS

Cevimeline co-treatment significantly attenuated olanzapine-induced body weight gain and glucolipid metabolic disorders. Importantly, cevimeline co-treatment attenuated olanzapine-induced upregulation of M3Rs, while the co-treatment improved olanzapine-induced downregulation of AMPKα in the liver. Cevimeline co-treatment attenuated olanzapine-induced dyslipidaemia by modulating the hepatic M3R-AMPKα downstream pathways. Cevimeline co-treatment also improved lower activated AKT-GSK3β signalling to reverse impairment of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance caused by chronic olanzapine treatment.

CONCLUSION

These results not only support the important role of M3R antagonism and its related AMPKα and downstream pathways in antipsychotic-induced metabolic disorders but also indicate that these pathways might be promising targets for pharmacological intervention to control these side effects caused by antipsychotic therapy.

Genistein interferes with antitumor effects of cisplatin in an ovariectomized breast cancer xenograft tumor model

Genistein (GEN) has been demonstrated to interfere with antitumor effects of cisplatin (CIS) in vitro. To analyze whether these findings are also relevant in vivo, we examined the effects of combined GEN and CIS treatment in an ovariectomized nude mouse breast cancer xenograft model. Tumor growth and markers for antitumor activity were determined after three weeks of treatment. Furthermore, the concentrations of GEN metabolites were measured in serum, liver, and xenograft tumor tissues using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Three weeks' oral exposure to GEN at a dose of 5 mg kg^-1·d^-1 resulted in an average concentration of total GEN metabolite equivalent as high as 0.2729 nmol g^-1 wet weight in xenograft tumor tissues. At this dosage, GEN significantly antagonized the antitumor effects of CIS. Mechanistically, GEN blocked both the inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis triggered by CIS. Moreover, GEN concentrations in xenograft tumor tissues were found to be significantly higher than in serum and liver. In conclusion, our findings suggested that oral GEN exposure at a level comparable to dietary exposure in humans could interfere with CIS chemotherapy.

The novel dual-mechanism Kv7 potassium channel/TSPO receptor activator GRT-X is more effective than the Kv7 channel opener retigabine in the 6-Hz refractory seizure mouse model

Epilepsy, one of the most common and most disabling neurological disorders, is characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures, often associated with structural brain alterations and cognitive and psychiatric comorbidities. In about 30% of patients, the seizures are resistant to current treatments; so more effective treatments are urgently needed. Among the ∼30 clinically approved antiseizure drugs, retigabine (ezogabine) is the only drug that acts as a positive allosteric modulator (or opener) of voltage-gated Kv7 potassium channels, which is particularly interesting for some genetic forms of epilepsy. Here we describe a novel dual-mode-of-action compound, GRT-X (N-[(3-fluorophenyl)-methyl]-1-(2-methoxyethyl)-4-methyl-2-oxo-(7-trifluoromethyl)-1H-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid amide) that activates both Kv7 potassium channels and the mitochondrial translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), leading to increased synthesis of brain neurosteroids. TSPO activators are known to exert anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, and antidepressive effects, which, together with an antiseizure effect (mediated by Kv7 channels), would be highly relevant for the treatment of epilepsy. This prompted us to compare the antiseizure efficacy of retigabine and GRT-X in six mouse and rat models of epileptic seizures, including the 6-Hz model of difficult-to-treat focal seizures. Furthermore, the tolerability of the two compounds was compared in mice and rats. Potency comparisons were based on both doses and peak plasma concentrations. Overall, GRT-X was more effective than retigabine in three of the six seizure models used here, the most important difference being the high efficacy in the 6-Hz (32 mA) seizure model in mice. Based on drug plasma levels, GRT-X was at least 30 times more potent than retigabine in the latter model. These data indicate that GRT-X is a highly interesting novel anti-seizure drug with a unique (first-in-class) dual-mode mechanism of action.

Qingwenzhike Prescription Alleviates Acute Lung Injury Induced by LPS via Inhibiting TLR4/NF-kB Pathway and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation

Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by dysfunction of the alveolar epithelial membrane caused by acute inflammation and tissue injury. Qingwenzhike (QWZK) prescription has been demonstrated to be effective against respiratory viral infections in clinical practices, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. So far, the chemical compositions, protective effects on ALI, and possible anti-inflammatory mechanisms remain unknown.

Methods: In this study, the compositions of QWZK were determined via the linear ion trap/electrostatic field orbital trap tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS). To test the protective effects of QWZK on ALI, an ALI model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats was used. The effects of QWZK on the LPS-induced ALI were evaluated by pathological changes and the number and classification of white blood cell (WBC) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). To investigate the possible underlying mechanisms, the contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and immunoregulatory-related factors interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were detected by ELISA. Furthermore, the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), p-IKKα/β, IKKα, IKKβ, p-IκBα, IκBα, p-NF-κB, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), cleaved caspase-1, pro-caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), and β-actin were tested by Western blot.

Results: A total of 99 compounds were identified in QWZK, including 33 flavonoids, 23 phenolic acids, 3 alkaloids, 3 coumarins, 20 triterpenoids, 5 anthraquinones, and 12 others. ALI rats induced by LPS exhibited significant increase in neutrophile, significant decrease in lymphocyte, and evidently thicker alveolar wall than control animals. QWZK reversed the changes in WBC count and alveolar wall to normal level on the model of ALI induced by LPS. ELISA results revealed that QWZK significantly reduced the overexpression of proinflammatory factors IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and IFN-γ induced by LPS. Western blot results demonstrated that QWZK significantly downregulated the overexpression of TLR4, p-IKKα/β, p-IκBα, p-NF-κB, NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, and ASC induced by LPS, which suggested that QWZK inhibited TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasomes.

Conclusions: The chemical compositions of QWZK were first identified. It was demonstrated that QWZK showed protective effects on ALI induced by LPS. The possible underlying mechanisms of QWZK on ALI induced by LPS was via inhibiting TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This work suggested that QWZK is a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatments of ALI and pulmonary inflammation.

Effect of Rhizoma Drynariae on differential gene expression in ovariectomized rats with osteoporosis based on transcriptome sequencing

Osteoporosis is increasingly becoming a serious problem affecting the quality of life of the older population. Several experimental studies have shown that Chinese medicine has a definite effect on improving osteoporosis. Based on transcriptome sequencing, we analyzed the differential gene expression and mechanism of the related signaling pathways. Fifteen rats were randomly divided into an experimental group, a model group, and a sham surgery group. The rat model for menopausal osteoporosis was established using an ovariectomy method. One week after modeling, the experimental group was administered(intragastric administration)8.1 g/kg of Rhizoma drynariae, whereas the model and sham groups received 0.9% saline solution twice daily for 12 weeks. Subsequently, the rats were sacrificed, and the left femur of each group was removed for computerized tomography testing, while right femurs were used for hematoxylin and eosin staining. High-throughput RNA sequencing and functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Comparing the gene expression between the experimental and model groups, 149 differential genes were identified, of which 44 were downregulated and 105 were upregulated. The criteria for statistical significance were |log2 Fold Change| > 1 and P < 0.05. Gene ontology analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were enriched in cell component terms such as cell part and outer cell membrane part, and the genes were associated with cell process, biological regulation, metabolic processes, DNA transcription, and catalytic activity. Enrichment analysis of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways showed significantly enriched pathways associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, herpes simplex infection, circadian rhythm, vascular smooth muscle contraction, the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, and the TNF, Apelin, and Ras signaling pathways. Our results revealed that the Npas2, Dbp, Rt1, Arntl, Grem2, H2bc9, LOC501233, Pla2g2c, Hpgd, Pde6c, and Dner genes, and the circadian rhythm, lipid metabolism, inflammatory signaling pathway, and immune pathways may be the key targets and pathways for traditional Chinese medicine therapy of Rhizoma Drynariae in osteoporosis.

Zuo-Gui-Wan Aqueous Extract Ameliorates Glucocorticoid-Induced Spinal Osteoporosis of Rats by Regulating let-7f and Autophagy

OBJECTIVE

This study proposes to explore the protective effect of Zuo-Gui-Wan (ZGW) aqueous extract on spinal glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) in vivo and in vitro, and the underlying mechanisms of ZGW in GIOP and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were conducted.

METHODS

In vivo, SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group (CON), dexamethasone (DEXM) group, and ZGW group, which were given vehicle, DEXM injection, and ZGW intragastric administration at the same time. Vertebral bone microarchitecture, biomechanics, histomorphology, serum AKP activity, and the autophagosome of osteoblasts were examined. The mRNA expressions of let-7f, autophagy-associated genes (mTORC1, Beclin-1, ATG12, ATG5, and LC3), Runx2, and CTSK were examined. In vitro, the let-7f overexpression/silencing vector was constructed and transfected to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of autophagy-associated proteins (ULK2, ATG5, ATG12, Beclin-1, LC3).

RESULTS

In vivo, ZGW promoted the bone quantity, quality, and strength; alleviated histological damage; increased the serum AKP activity; and reduced the autophagosome number in osteoblasts. Moreover, ZGW increased the let-7f, mTORC1, and Runx2 mRNA expressions and reduced the Beclin-1, ATG12, ATG5, LC3, and CTSK mRNA expressions. In vitro, bioinformatics prediction and dual luciferase reporter gene assay verified that let-7f targeted the binding to ULK2 and negatively regulated the ULK2 expression. Furthermore, by let-7f overexpression/silencing, ZGW may promote osteoblast differentiation of BMSCs by regulating let-7f and autophagy as evidenced by Western blot (ULK2, ATG5, ATG12, Beclin-1, LC3).

CONCLUSIONS

ZGW may ameliorate GC-induced spinal osteoporosis by promoting osteoblast differentiation of BMSCs by activation of let-7f and suppression of autophagy.

NAD+ Therapeutics and Skeletal Muscle Adaptation to Exercise in Humans

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is a vital energy intermediate in skeletal muscle. The discovery of dietary-derived NAD⁺ precursors has led to the rapid development of NAD⁺ therapeutics designed to manipulate NAD⁺ content in target tissues. Of those developed, nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide have been reported to display health benefit in humans under clinical scenarios of NAD⁺ deficiency. In contrast, relatively little is known regarding the potential benefit of nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation in healthy individuals, with questions remaining as to whether NAD⁺ therapeutics can be used to support training adaptation or improve performance in athletic populations. Examining animal and human nicotinamide riboside supplementation studies, this review discusses current evidence suggesting that NAD⁺ therapeutics do not alter skeletal muscle metabolism or improve athletic performance in healthy humans. Further, we will highlight potential reasons why nicotinamide riboside supplementation studies do not translate to healthy populations and discuss the futility of testing NAD⁺ therapeutics outside of the clinical populations where NAD⁺ deficiency is present.

Baicalin Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of Sorafenib in Rats by Inducing Intestine Absorption

Background: Sorafenib (SOR) is an oral, potent, selective, irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) used as the first-line therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Baicalin (BG) is used as adjuvant therapy for hepatitis, which accounts for the leading cause of the development of HCC, and is commonly coadministered with SOR in clinic. The purpose of the current study was to characterize the pharmacokinetic changes of SOR and the potential mechanism when SOR is administered concomitantly with BG in rats for single and multiple doses.

Methods: Parallel randomized pharmacokinetic studies were performed in rats which received SOR (50 mg/kg, i.g.) alone or coadministered with BG (160 mg/kg, i.g.) for single and multiple doses (7 days). Plasma SOR levels were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Rat liver microsomes (RLMs) which isolated from their livers were analyzed for CYP3A and SOR metabolism activities. The inhibitory effect of BG on the metabolism of SOR was also assessed in pooled human liver microsomes (HLMs). The effects of BG on the intestine absorption behaviors of SOR were assessed in the in situ single-pass rat intestinal perfusion model.

Results: Coadministration with BG (160 mg/kg, i.g.) for single or multiple doses significantly increased the C_max, AUC_0–t, and AUC_0–∞ of orally administered SOR by 1.68-, 1.73-, 1.70-fold and 2.02-, 1.65-, 1.66- fold in male rats and by 1.85-, 1.68-, 1.68-fold and 1.57-, 1.25-, 1.24- fold in female rats, respectively (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). In vitro incubation assays demonstrated that there were no significant differences of K_m, V_max, and CL_int of 1-OH MDZ and SOR N-oxide in RLMs between control and multiple doses of BG-treated groups. BG has no obvious inhibitory effects on the metabolism of SOR in HLMs. In comparison with SOR alone, combining with BG significantly increased the permeability coefficient (P_eff) and absorption rate constant (K_a) of the SOR in situ single-pass rat intestinal perfusion model.

Conclusion: Notably enhanced oral bioavailability of SOR by combination with BG in rats may mainly account for BG-induced SOR absorption. A greater understanding of potential DDIs between BG and SOR in rats makes major contributions to clinical rational multidrug therapy in HCC patients. Clinical trials in humans and HCC patients need to be further confirmed in the subsequent study.

Cisplatin Mouse Models: Treatment, Toxicity and Translatability

Cisplatin is one of the most widely used chemotherapeutic drugs in the treatment of a wide range of pediatric and adult malignances. However, it has various side effects which limit its use. Cisplatin mouse models are widely used in studies investigating cisplatin therapeutic and toxic effects. However, despite numerous promising results, no significant improvement in treatment outcome has been achieved in humans. There are many drawbacks in the currently used cisplatin protocols in mice. In the paper, the most characterized cisplatin protocols are summarized together with weaknesses that need to be improved in future studies, including hydration and supportive care. As demonstrated, mice respond to cisplatin treatment in similar ways to humans. The paper thus aims to illustrate the complexity of cisplatin side effects (nephrotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, neurotoxicity, ototoxicity and myelotoxicity) and the interconnectedness and interdependence of pathomechanisms among tissues and organs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The paper offers knowledge that can help design future studies more efficiently and interpret study outcomes more critically. If we want to understand molecular mechanisms and find therapeutic agents that would have a potential benefit in clinics, we need to change our approach and start to treat animals as patients and not as tools.

Disulfiram and metformin combination anticancer effect reversible partly by antioxidant nitroglycerin and completely by NF-κB activator mebendazole in hamster fibrosarcoma

We investigated the anticancer effect of disulfiram and metformin combination on fibrosarcoma in hamsters. Hamsters of both sexes (~ 70 g) were randomly allocated to control and experimental groups (8 animals per group). In all 10 groups, 2 × 10⁶ BHK-21/C13 cells in 1 ml were injected subcutaneously into the animals' backs. Peroral treatments were carried out with disulfiram 50 mg/kg daily, or with metformin 500 mg/kg daily, or with their combination. Validation and rescue grups were treated by double doses of the single therapy and by the combination with addition of rescue daily doses of ROS inhibitor nitroglycerin 25 mg/kg or NF-κB stimulator mebendazole 460 mg/kg, via a gastric probe after tumor inoculation. After 19 days all animals were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analyses, the tumors were excised and weighed, and their diameters and volumes were measured. The tumor samples were pathohistologically and immunohistochemically assessed (Ki-67, PCNA, CD34, CD31, COX4, Cytochrome C, GLUT1, iNOS), and the main organs were toxicologically tested. The combination of disulfiram and metformin significantly inhibited fibrosarcoma growth in hamsters without toxicity, compared to monotherapy or control. The single treatments did not show significant antisarcoma effect. Co-treatment with nitroglycerin partly rescued tumor progression, probably by ROS inhibition, while mebendazole completely blocked anticancer activity of the disulfiram and metformin combination, most likely by NF-κB stimulation. Combination of disulfiram with metformin may be used as an effective and safe candidate for novel nontoxic adjuvant and relapse prevention anticancer therapy.

Grape seed flour (GSF) extends longevity by improving multi-organ dysfunction and age-associated oxidative stress and inflammation in healthy rat

According to the free radical theory of aging, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within mitochondria throughout lifespan leads to impairment of the main biological macromolecules as DNA, lipids and proteins, which might be at the basis of premature aging. One way to test experimentally such a hypothesis consists in intervention studies using antioxidant nutrients aimed at limiting or inhibiting ROS production that should be able to reduce the aging rate and disease pathogenesis. Grape seed flour (GSF) contains high level of phytochemicals among which bioactive polyphenols exhibit numerous biological properties and beneficial health effects as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, multi-organ (heart, liver, kidney, and brain among others) protective. The present study aimed at testing the ability of high dosing GSF (4 g/kg bw) used as a nutritional supplement to slow down aging and prolong lifespan of Wistar rats when administered from early life (one month-old animals) till their natural death. Data clearly show that high dose GSF extends organism longevity and healthspan by improving multi-organ damages, systemic fuelling metabolism declines, and alleviated oxidative stress and inflammation in aging rats. Our data support the extending longevity effect of grape polyphenols especially when used as high dosing nutritional supplement or as natural medicine whose appropriate galenic form as solid lipid nanoformulation, is currently under investigation.

Effects of manganese on microglia M1/M2 polarization and SIRT1-mediated transcription of STAT3-dependent genes in mouse

Overexposure to manganese (Mn) can lead to neurological diseases, characterized by behavioral and motor impairments. Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Microglial M1 and M2 phenotypes play pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory roles, respectively, in response to microenvironmental disturbances. Silent information regulator (SIRT1) has been demonstrated to play an important role in the neuroinflammatory response by deacetylating various transcription factors, such as proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). In addition, PGC-1α and STAT3 have been implicated in microglial polarization and inflammatory response. In this study, Mn exposure (50, 100, 200 μmol/kg) induced neuroinflammatory injury and interfered with microglial M1/M2 polarization in mice, as indicated by the upregulated expression of M1 polarization marker mRNA (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS), whereas changes in M2 polarization markers (IL-4, TGF-β, and Arg1) varied, with some increasing and some decreasing, in response to increasing Mn doses, which was consistent with the flow cytometry results used to detect the percentages of each microglial type. We found that Mn could downregulate SIRT1 expression and activate NF-κB signaling. Following mice in the 200 μmol/kg Mn treatment, STAT3 and PGC-1α levels in the nuclear fraction both significantly decreased, and the interaction between the proteins decreased, affecting the transcription of STAT3-mediated genes. These findings provide new insights regarding the role played by Mn neurotoxicity in the suppression of neuroinflammation through the regulation of microglial polarization.

Network Pharmacology-Based Analysis and Experimental Exploration of Antidiabetic Mechanisms of Gegen Qinlian Decoction

Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and therapy options have been studied increasingly due to their rising incidence and prevalence. The trend of applying traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat T2DM is increasing as a crucial medical care for metabolic dysfunctions. Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQL), a well-known classical TCM formula used in China, has been clinically applied to treat various types of chronic metabolic diseases. However, antidiabetic effects of GQL administration during T2DM have never been studied systematically. We assessed physiological and molecular targets associated with therapeutic effects of GQL by evaluating network topological characteristics. The GQL-related biological pathways are closely associated with antidiabetic effects, including the TNF and PI3K–AKT signaling pathways. Associated primary biological processes such as RNA polymerase II promoter transcription participate in the inflammatory response, oxidative stress reduction, and glucose metabolic process, thereby exerting multiple biological effects on the antidiabetic mechanism. Furthermore, our results showed that GQL can affect blood glycemic levels and ameliorate inflammatory symptoms, and liver and pancreas tissue injury in high-fat diet plus streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. In vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that antidiabetic effects of GQL were associated with a modulation of the TNF and PI3K–AKT–MTOR pathways.

Morphine pretreatment protects against cerebral ischemic injury via a cPKCγ-mediated anti-apoptosis pathway

It has been reported that morphine pretreatment (MP) can exert neuroprotective effects, and that protein kinase C (PKC) participates in the initiation and development of ischemic/hypoxic preconditioning in the brain. However, it remains unknown whether PKC is involved in MP-induced neuroprotection. The aim of the present study, which included in vivo and in vitro experiments, was to determine whether the conventional γ isoform of PKC (cPKCγ) was involved in the protective effects of MP against cerebral ischemic injury. The present study included an in vivo experiment using a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion and an in vitro experiment using neuroblastoma N2a cells with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Furthermore, a cPKCγ antagonist, Go6983, was used to determine the involvement of cPKCγ in the protective effects of MP against cerebral ischemic injury. In the in vivo experiment, neurological deficits, ischemic infarct volume, neural cell damage, apoptosis and caspase-3 activation were evaluated. In the in vitro experiment, flow cytometry was used to determine the activation of caspase-3 in N2a cells with OGD. It was found that MP protected against cerebral ischemic injury. However, intracerebroventricular injection of the cPKCγ antagonist before MP attenuated the neuroprotective effect of MP and increased the activation of cleaved caspase-3. These findings suggested that MP may provide protection against cerebral ischemic injury via a cPKCγ-mediated anti-apoptosis pathway.