Matrine in association with FD‑2 stimulates F508del‑cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator activity in the presence of corrector VX809

Lumacaftor and Matrine: Possible Therapeutic Combination to Counteract the Inflammatory Process in Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a monogenic, autosomal, recessive disease characterized by an alteration of chloride transport caused by mutations in the CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator) gene. The loss of Phe residue in position 508 (ΔF508-CFTR) causes an incorrect folding of the protein causing its degradation and electrolyte imbalance. CF patients are extremely predisposed to the development of a chronic inflammatory process of the bronchopulmonary system. When the cells of a tissue are damaged, the immune cells are activated and trigger the production of free radicals, provoking an inflammatory process. In addition to routine therapies, today drugs called correctors are available for mutations such as ΔF508-CFTR as well as for others less frequent ones. These active molecules are supposed to facilitate the maturation of the mutant CFTR protein, allowing it to reach the apical membrane of the epithelial cell. Matrine induces ΔF508-CFTR release from the endoplasmic reticulum to cell cytosol and its localization on the cell membrane. We now have evidence that Matrine and Lumacaftor not only restore the transport of mutant CFTR protein, but probably also counteract the inflammatory process by improving the course of the disease.

Semisynthesis of Matrinic Acid/Alcohol/Ester Derivatives, Their Pesticidal Activities, and Investigation of Mechanisms of Action against Tetranychus cinnabarinus

To discover new natural-product-based potential pesticides, 85 matrinic acid/alcohol/ester derivatives were synthesized by structural modifications of a quinolizidine alkaloid matrine. N-(4-Methyl)benzylmatrinyl n-decylate (76) and N-(2-chloro)benzylmatrinyl n-undecylate (86) exhibited greater than seven-fold more pronounced acaricidal activity than matrine against Tetranychus cinnabarinus; N-(2-chloro)benzylmatrinyl benzoate (80) showed the most promising insecticidal activity against Mythimna separata. The carboxyl group of matrinic acids and introduction of n-decyl/ n-undecylcarbonyl into matrinic alcohols were important for the acaricidal activity; introduction of alkyloxy into the carboxyl of matrinic acids and introduction of the electron-withdrawing groups on the N-benzyl of matrinic esters were necessary for the insecticidal activity. Through RT-PCR and qRT-PCR analysis, it was shown that the lactam ring of matrine was vital for action on VGSC; opening the lactam ring of matrine and the alkylcarbonyl of side-chain were two important factors for acting with α1, α2, and α4 nAChR subunits; α1, α2, α4, and β3 subunits may be the target of action of compound 86 against T. cinnabarinus.