Some important inhibitors and mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis

Brucine alleviates fibroblast-like synoviocytes dysfunction and inflammation by regulating YY1 during rheumatoid arthritis

Brucine is a weak alkaline indole alkaloid with wide pharmacological activities and has been identified to protect against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) process. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are also reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of RA. Here, we aimed to probe the role and mechanism of Brucine and circ_0139658 in RA progression. The fibroblast-like synoviocytes of RA (RA-FLSs) were isolated for functional analysis. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, as well as inflammatory response were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay, and ELISA analysis, respectively. qRT-PCR and western blotting analyses were utilized to measure the levels of genes and proteins. The binding between miR-653-5p and circ_0139658 or Yin Yang 1 (YY1), was verified using dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. Brucine suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of RA-FLSs, and alleviated inflammation by reducing the release of pro-inflammatory factors and macrophage M1 polarization. RA-FLSs showed increased circ_0139658 and YY1 levels and decreased miR-653-5p levels. Circ_0139658 is directly bound to miR-653-5p to regulate YY1 expression. Brucine treatment suppressed circ_0139658 and YY1 expression but increased YY1 expression in RA-FLSs. Functionally, circ_0139658 overexpression reversed the suppressing effects of Brucine on RA-FLS dysfunction and inflammation. Moreover, circ_0139658 silencing alleviated the dysfunction and inflammation in RA-FLSs, which were reverted by YY1 overexpression. Brucine suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and inflammation in RA-FLSs by decreasing YY1 via circ_0139658/miR-653-5p axis.

Exploring the mechanism of Celastrol in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis based on systems pharmacology and multi-omics

To explore the molecular network mechanism of Celastrol in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on a novel strategy (integrated systems pharmacology, proteomics, transcriptomics and single-cell transcriptomics). Firstly, the potential targets of Celastrol and RA genes were predicted through the database, and the Celastrol-RA targets were obtained by taking the intersection. Then, transcriptomic data and proteomic data of Celastrol treatment of RA were collected. Subsequently, Celastrol-RA targets, differentially expressed genes, and differentially expressed proteins were imported into Metascape for enrichment analysis, and related networks were constructed. Finally, the core targets of Celastrol-RA targets, differentially expressed genes, and differentially expressed proteins were mapped to synoviocytes of RA mice to find potential cell populations for Celastrol therapy. A total of 195 Celastrol-RA targets, 2068 differential genes, 294 differential proteins were obtained. The results of enrichment analysis showed that these targets, genes and proteins were mainly related to extracellular matrix organization, TGF-β signaling pathway, etc. The results of single cell sequencing showed that the main clusters of these targets, genes, and proteins could be mapped to RA synovial cells. For example, Mmp9 was mainly distributed in Hematopoietic cells, especially in Ptprn+fibroblast. The results of molecular docking also suggested that Celastrol could stably combine with molecules predicted by network pharmacology. In conclusion, this study used systems pharmacology, transcriptomics, proteomics, single-cell transcriptomics to reveal that Celastrol may regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by regulating key targets such as TNF and IL6, and then play an immune regulatory role.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Interplay in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Rat Model

There has not been much researchs on the biological relationship between myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The goal of the current work is to examine how these cells cooperate with one another in a rat model of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). Three groups of equal numbers of rats were created; the first group served as the control. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) was injected into the second group to induce AIA. The third group underwent MSCstreatment. Three weeks later, ANA, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, M-CSF, iNOS and Arg-1 were determined using ELISA. Flowcytometric studies for MDSCs using CD11bc + and His48 + antibodies were performed. Current results showed significantly higher levels of WBCs, ANA, IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, M-CSF, iNOS and Arg-1 along with a significant rise in MDSCs % in the AIA group compared to the control group. As opposed to AIA animals, MSCs administration resulted in a considerable improvement in cytokine levels, supporting the immunomodulation function of MSCs. Histological examination of the joints in the AIA group revealed articular cartilage degradation as well as infiltration of inflammatory cells and fibroplasia. These several evidences suggested that MDSCs may perform various roles in autoimmunity. Understanding how MDSCs and MSCs contribute to arthritis may help their prospective application in immunotherapy. Therefore, the reciprocal collaboration of MSCs and MDSCs must therefore be the subject of new investigations, which can offer new platforms for the development of more effective and individualized therapies for the treatment of immunological illnesses.

Latest models for the discovery and development of rheumatoid arthritis drugs

INTRODUCTION

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that reduces the quality of life. The current speed of development of therapeutic agents against RA is not satisfactory. Models on which initial experiments are conducted do not fully reflect human pathogenesis. Overcoming this oversimplification might be a crucial step to accelerate studies on RA treatment.

AREAS COVERED

The current approaches to produce novel models or to improve currently available models for the development of RA drugs have been discussed. Advantages and drawbacks of two- and three-dimensional cell cultures and animal models have been described based on recently published results of the studies. Moreover, approaches such as tissue engineering or organ-on-a-chip have been reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

The cell cultures and animal models used to date appear to be of limited value due to the complexity of the processes involved in RA. Current models in RA research should take into account the heterogeneity of patients in terms of disease subtypes, course, and activity. Several advanced models and tools using human cells and tissues have been developed, including three-dimensional tissues, liquid bioreactors, and more complex joint-on-a-chip devices. This may increase knowledge of the molecular mechanisms leading to disease development, to help identify new biomarkers for early detection, and to develop preventive strategies and more effective treatments.

Study on the Mechanism of Improving HIV/AIDS Immune Function with Jian Aikang Concentrated Pill Based on Network Pharmacology Combined with Experimental Validation

Purpose

This study was the first to screen the active compounds of Jian Aikang Concentrated Pill (JAKCP) with network pharmacology, predict its potential targets, screen the signaling pathways, and combine with cellular experimental validation to explore the potential mechanism of JAKCP for the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Methods

The main compounds and targets of Chinese herbs in JAKCP were identified by TCMSP; the targets of AIDS were collected from Genecards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Disgenet, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD) and Drugbank; the network of “Chinese herbs-active compounds-targets” for JAKCP was constructed by Cytoscape, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING to generate the intersection targets, Metascape was conducted to analyze the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and the network of “main active compounds-core targets-pathways” was constructed by Cytoscape. Finally, the effect of JAKCP on the survival rate of HIV pseudovirus-infected MT-4 cells was investigated by CCK-8 assay, and the predicted targets were verified by ELISA, qPCR and Western blot.

Results

A total of 147 active compounds of JAKCP were screened covering 351 targets and 416 AIDS disease targets were obtained, besides 140 intersection targets and 321 KEGG pathways were collected. Ultimately, quercetin, kaempferol, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, epigallocatechin gallate were identified as the important compounds, the core targets are HSP90AA1, IL-10, IL-6, TNF, IL-1β, TP53, and IL-1ɑ, and the biological pathways and processes mainly include T cell activation, regulation of DNA-binding transcription factor activity and apoptotic signaling pathway. Experiments on the targets of “T cell activation” demonstrated that JAKCP promotes the survival of HIV pseudovirus-infected MT-4 cells. Also, JAKCP down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of IL-1ɑ, IL-1β, and IL-6 while up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of IL-2, IL-6ST, and IL-10 in vitro.

Conclusion

JAKCP exerted regulatory immune functions through multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway, thereby providing novel ideas and clues for the treatment of AIDS.

Synthesis and anti-tumor activity of Fissitungfine B compounds

In order to explore the potential anti-tumor activity functional molecules, a series of Fissitungfine B derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their anti-tumor activity effects on Hela, MCF-7 and A-549 cell lines were evaluated in vitro. The results showed that some of these Fissitungfine B derivatives exhibited moderate to good anti-tumor activities. Especially, compound 4 g with the highest inhibitory activities against all tested cell lines with the Hela was IC₅₀  = 3.82 ± 0.56 μM, MCF-7 was IC₅₀  = 5.53 ± 0.68 μM, and A-549 was IC₅₀  = 4.55 ± 0.53 μM. Furthermore, the compounds 4 g have higher inhibitory effects on TDP2 in vitro. In vivo, the biological activities assay results showed that the target compound 4 g had a good inhibitory effect on tumor growth. The target compound 4 g could inhibit tumor growth well, which might be use as a candidate drug or lead compound for further research and development anti-tumor agents.

Lessons learned from the preclinical discovery and development of sarilumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis is driven by a complex network of proinflammatory cytokines, among which interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a key role in inducing and perpetuating chronic inflammation. Targeting the IL-6 pathway has shown to be an invaluable treatment strategy, as demonstrated by the results accrued in the last decade with the first IL-6 inhibitor, tocilizumab. More recently, a second monoclonal antibody blocking IL-6, sarilumab, has enriched our armamentarium by proving outstanding efficacy in RA treatment.

AREAS COVERED

After exploring the IL-6 pathway under physiological conditions and in the RA pathogenesis, in this review we discuss the pharmacologic properties of sarilumab and the clinical trials that constitute the sarilumab development program and have enabled its licensed application.

EXPERT OPINION

Results from clinical trials confirmed the efficacy and safety of sarilumab for the treatment of RA, similar to its precursor tocilizumab. Blocking IL-6 pathway results in comprehensive control of the disease, from both physician's and patient's perspective, and of RA comorbidities and extra-articular manifestations which are largely IL-6 driven. Finally, the proven efficacy of sarilumab as monotherapy arises the drug as a required therapeutic alternative considering the large proportion of patients intolerant or inadequate to receive conventional synthetic disease-modifying drugs (csDMARDs).