Methyl jasmonate ameliorates pain-induced learning and memory impairments through regulating the expression of genes involved in neuroinflammation

OBJECTIVE

Orofacial pain with high prevalence is one of the substantial human health issues. The importance of this matter became more apparent when it was revealed that orofacial pain, directly and indirectly, affects cognition performances. Currently, researchers have focused on investigating pharmaceutics to alleviate pain and ameliorate its subsequent cognitive impairments.

DESIGN

In this study, the rats were first treated with the central administration of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), which is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bio-compound. After 20 min, orofacial pain was induced in the rats by the injection of capsaicin in their dental pulp. Subsequently, the animals' pain behaviors were analyzed, and the effects of pain and MeJA treatments on rats learning and memory were evaluated/compared using the Morris water maze (MWM) test. In addition, the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β, BDNF, and COX-2 genes in the rats' hippocampus was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Experiencing orofacial pain resulted in a significant decline in the rats learning and memory. However, the central administration of 20 μg/rat of MeJA effectively mitigated these impairments. In the MWM, the performance of the MeJA-treated rats showed a two- to threefold improvement compared to the nontreated ones. Moreover, in the hippocampus of pain-induced rats, the expression of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2 significantly increased, whereas the BDNF expression decreased. In contrast, MeJA downregulated the pro-inflammatory factors and upregulated the BDNF by more than 50%.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the notable antinociceptive potential of MeJA and its ability to inhibit pain-induced learning and memory dysfunction through its anti-inflammatory effect.

Asymbiotic mass production of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus clarus

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is a mutually beneficial interaction between fungi and land plants and promotes global phosphate cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. AM fungi are recognised as obligate symbionts that require root colonisation to complete a life cycle involving the production of propagules, asexual spores. Recently, it has been shown that Rhizophagus irregularis can produce infection-competent secondary spores asymbiotically by adding a fatty acid, palmitoleic acid. Furthermore, asymbiotic growth can be supported using myristate as a carbon and energy source for their asymbiotic growth to increase fungal biomass. However, the spore production and the ability of these spores to colonise host roots were still limited compared to the co-culture of the fungus with plant roots. Here we show that a combination of two plant hormones, strigolactone and jasmonate, induces the production of a large number of infection-competent spores in asymbiotic cultures of Rhizophagus clarus HR1 in the presence of myristate and organic nitrogen. Inoculation of asymbiotically-generated spores promoted the growth of host plants, as observed for spores produced by symbiotic culture system. Our findings provide a foundation for the elucidation of hormonal control of the fungal life cycle and the development of inoculum production schemes.

Methyl lucidone induces apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest via the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway in ovarian cancer cells

Context: Methyl lucidone (ML) from the dried fruit of Lindera erythrocarpa Makino (Lauraceae) exhibits cytotoxic effects in various cancer cell lines. However, its effects on ovarian cancer cells remain unknown.Objective: This study evaluates the mechanism of ML-induced apoptosis, cell cycle distribution in ovarian cells.Materials and methods: The cytotoxic effect of ML (2.5-80 µM) on OVCAR-8 and SKOV-3 cells was evaluated by MTS assay for 24 and 48 h. Apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were analysed by flow cytometry. PCR, western blot analyses were performed to examine the related signalling pathways.Results: ML induced significant cellular morphological changes and apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells, leading to an antiproliferative effect (IC₅₀ = 33.3-54.7 µM for OVCAR-8 and 48.8-60.7 µM for SKOV-3 cells). Treatment with ML induced cleavage of caspase-3/9 and PARP and release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. Moreover, ML downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL and induced cell cycle arrest in the G₂/M phase. Additionally, ML suppressed the expression of cyclin-A/B and promoted that of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27. The expression of death receptors was not altered. Interestingly, ML also inhibited the activity of PI3K/Akt and NF-κB.Discussion and conclusions: ML caused G₂/M phase arrest and apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells by activating intrinsic apoptotic pathways and suppressing the PI3K/Akt survival pathway. ML may be a potential anticancer agent to suppress ovarian cancer proliferation; thus, to improve the survival rate of cancer patients.

Role of purinergic signaling pathways in the adaptogenic-like activity of methyl jasmonate in rats exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress

Objectives Purinergic signaling pathway has been implicated in maladaptation of animals subjected to chronic stress. Previous studies have shown that methyl jasmonate (MJ) exhibited adaptogenic properties in mice exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) via antioxidant and neuroprotective-related mechanisms. Methods This study evaluated the role of purinergic system in adaptogenic-like activity of MJ. Male Wistar rats were treated intraperitoneally with vehicle (10 mL/kg) or MJ (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg) 30 min prior exposure to UCMS. Thereafter, rats were assessed for swimming endurance in forced swim test (FST) and post-swimming motor coordination on beam walk test (BWT) apparatus. The rats' brains were processed for adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine deaminase, and arginase quantification. Hematological parameters, cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinine, and urea nitrogen were also determined. Results MJ prolonged swimming endurance time and reversed stress-induced post-swimming motor dysfunction. The altered hematological parameters induced by UCMS in rats were significantly (p<0.05) attenuated by MJ. MJ also reversed UCMS-induced alterations of total cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels. MJ averted UCMS-induced alterations in purinergic system by decreasing ATP and ADP hydrolysis, adenosine deaminase, and arginase activities in rats' brains. Conclusions Overall, these findings further suggest that MJ has adaptogenic-like activity in rats exposed to UCMS, which may be related to modulation of the purinergic signaling pathway.

Enhanced bioactive compound production in broccoli cells due to coronatine and methyl jasmonate is linked to antioxidative metabolism

Elicited broccoli suspension-cultured cells (SCC) provide a useful system for obtaining bioactive compounds, including glucosinolates (GS) and phenolic compounds (PCs). In this work, coronatine (Cor) and methyl jasmonate (MJ) were used to increase the bioactive compound production in broccoli SCC. Although the use of Cor and MJ in secondary metabolite production has already been described, information concerning how elicitors affect cell metabolism is scarce. It has been suggested that Cor and MJ trigger defence reactions affecting the antioxidative metabolism. In the current study, the concentration of 0.5 μM Cor was the most effective treatment for increasing both the total antioxidant capacity (measured as ferulic acid equivalents) and glucosinolate content in broccoli SCC. The elicited broccoli SCC also showed higher polyphenol oxidase activity than the control cells. Elicitation altered the antioxidative metabolism of broccoli SCC, which displayed biochemical changes in antioxidant enzymes, a decrease in the glutathione redox state and an increase in lipid peroxidation levels. Furthermore, we studied the effect of elicitation on the protein profile and observed an induction of defence-related proteins. All of these findings suggest that elicitation not only increases bioactive compound production, but it also leads to mild oxidative stress in broccoli SCC that could be an important factor triggering the production of these compounds.

Methyl jasmonate-induced compositional changes of volatile organic compounds in Polygonum minus leaves

Polygonum minus Huds. is a medicinal aromatic plant rich in terpenes, aldehydes, and phenolic compounds. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a plant signaling molecule commonly applied to elicit stress responses to produce plant secondary metabolites. In this study, the effects of exogenous MeJA treatment on the composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in P. minus leaves were investigated by using a metabolomic approach. Time-course changes in the leaf composition of VOCs on days 1, 3, and 5 after MeJA treatment were analyzed through solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The VOCs found in MeJA-elicited leaves were similar to those found in mock-treated leaves but varied in quantity at different time points. We focused our analysis on the content and composition of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and green leaf volatiles (GLVs) within the leaf samples. Our results suggest that MeJA enhances the activity of biosynthetic pathways for aldehydes and terpenes in P. minus. Hence, the production of aromatic compounds in this medicinal herb can be increased by MeJA elicitation. Furthermore, the relationship between MeJA elicitation and terpene biosynthesis in P. minus was shown through SPME-GC-MS analysis of VOCs combined with transcriptomic analysis of MeJA-elicited P. minus leaves from our previous study.

Pre-harvest methyl jasmonate treatments increase antioxidant systems in lemon fruit without affecting yield or other fruit quality parameters

BACKGROUND

Jasmonic acid (JA) and its volatile derivative methyl jasmonate (MeJA) are hormones involved in the regulation of many processes in plants and act (when applied as a post- or pre-harvest treatment) to increase fruit bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential. However, there is no literature available regarding the effect of pre-harvest MeJA treatment on lemon fruit antioxidant systems, which was the aim of the present study.

RESULTS

MeJA treatment (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mmol L^-1 ) increased antioxidant compounds, such as phenolics, in the juice and flavedo of 'Fino' and 'Verna' lemons at harvest, with the most effective concentration being 0.1 mmol L^-1 in both cultivars. In addition, catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities were also increased by MeJA treatment, with the highest increases being also found with 0.1 mmol L^-1 . The increases in APX and CAT were maintained from one treatment to another during fruit development on the tree, whereas the increase on POD disappeared after 8-10 days of each treatment. For both antioxidant systems, the highest increases were found in lemon harvested at the commercial ripening stage. By contrast, crop yield, fruit ripening process and quality parameters were generally not affected by MeJA treatment.

CONCLUSION

Preharvest MeJA treatment could be a useful tool for increasing antioxidant potential and the health beneficial effects of lemon fruit consumption, given the relationship between these properties and phenolic content. Moreover, the increased concentration of phenolics and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the flavedo of MeJA treated fruit could increase lemon tolerance to chilling injury and decay during postharvest storage. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative effect of elicitors on the physiology and secondary metabolites in broccoli plants

Elicitation is an economic and sustainable technique for increasing the content of secondary metabolites, mainly bioactive compounds, in plants grown for better human nutrition. The aim of this study was to compare the physiological responses (water relations and mineral nutrition) and the enrichment in glucosinolates (GLSs) and phenolic compounds of broccoli plants (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) receiving different elicitation treatments. The treatments involved the priming of seeds with KCl and the exposure of plants to elicitors, including K₂SO₄ and NaCl solutions and foliar sprays of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA), and methionine (Met). The physiological response of the plants in terms of root hydraulic conductance was improved by priming with KCl and elicitation with MeJA or Met. Foliar application of Met significantly increased the plant biomass and enhanced mineral nutrition. In general, all treatments increased the accumulation of indole GLSs, but K₂SO₄ and MeJA gave the best response and MeJA also favored the formation of a newly described compound, cinnamic-GLS, in the plants. Also, the use of Met and SA as elicitors and the supply of K₂SO₄ increased the abundance of phenolic compounds; K₂SO₄ also enhanced growth but did not alter the water relations or the accumulation of mineral nutrients. Therefore, although the response to elicitation was positive, with an increased content of bioactive compounds, regulation of the water relations and of the mineral status of the broccoli plants was critical to maintain the yield.

Peramivir: A Review in Uncomplicated Influenza

Intravenous peramivir (Alpivab™; Rapivab^®; Rapiacta^®; PeramiFlu^®), the most recent globally approved inhibitor of influenza neuraminidase, is indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza in adults and children from the age of 2 years. This article, written from an EU perspective, reviews the clinical use of peramivir in this indication and summarizes its pharmacological properties. In large, randomized, double-blind, multicentre trials in previously healthy adults with uncomplicated influenza, a single infusion of peramivir 600 mg significantly shortened the median time to resolution of influenza symptoms compared with placebo and was noninferior to the recommended oseltamivir regimen in terms of this primary outcome. Albeit data are limited, results from a noncomparative phase 3 trial in paediatric patients (≈ 95% of whom were aged ≥ 2 years) with acute uncomplicated influenza receiving the recommended dose of peramivir were generally consistent with those in adults. Peramivir was generally well tolerated in children and adults participating in these clinical trials, with most adverse events of mild to moderate intensity. Given its simple single-dose regimen and with intravenous administration offering a potential advantage over oral administration in individuals with nausea, vomiting or having difficulty in swallowing, peramivir provides an additional option for treating uncomplicated influenza infection in adults and children from the age of 2 years.

Comparative analysis of B-BOX genes and their expression pattern analysis under various treatments in Dendrobium officinale

BACKGROUND

Studies have demonstrated that BBX (B-BOX) genes play crucial roles in regulatory networks controlling plant growth, developmental processes and stress response. Nevertheless, comprehensive study of BBX genes in orchids (Orchidaceae) is not well studied. The newly released genome sequences of Dendrobium officinale and Phalaenopsis equestris have allowed a systematic analysis of these important BBX genes in orchids.

RESULTS

Here we identified 19 (DoBBX01-19) and 16 (PeBBX01-16) BBX genes from D. officinale and P. equestris, respectively, and clustered into five clades (I-V) according to phylogenetic analysis. Thirteen orthologous, two DoBBXs paralogous and two PeBBXs paralogous gene pairs were validated. This gene family mainly underwent purifying selection, but five domains experienced positive selection during evolution. Noteworthy, the expression patterns of root, root_tips, stem, leaf, speal, column, lip, and flower_buds revealed that they might contribution to the formation of these tissues. According to the cis-regulatory elements analysis of BBX genes, qRT-PCR experiments were carried out using D. officinale PLBs (protocorm-like bodies) and displayed that these BBX genes were differentially regulated under AgNO₃, MeJA (Methyl Jasmonate), ABA (abscisic acid) and SA (salicylic acid) treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis exposed that DoBBX genes play significant roles in plant growth and development, and response to different environmental stress conditions of D. officinale, which provide aid in the selection of appropriate candidate genes for further functional characterization of BBX genes in plants.

Effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-induced defenses in rice against the rice leaffolder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenèe) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

BACKGROUND

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) activates host defense mechanisms against insect pests of agricultural importance, and regulates defense responses against living and non-living stresses in various plant species. Rice leaf-folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenèe, Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) feeding activity and mortality were evaluated after MeJA treatment of rice plants ASD-16.

RESULTS

Rice plant resistance was activated through the topical application of MeJA to rice leaves. Feeding deterrence occurred with application of 2.5 and 5 mm MeJA solution. Feeding activity and consumption rates were significantly different, being reduced compared with controls post MeJA treatment. Significantly greater mortality was seen in second instars post treatment with 2.5 and 5 mm MeJA. Survival was significantly reduced for larvae and adults post treatment.

CONCLUSION

Application of MeJA as a topical spray onto rice plants significantly altered the biology and survival of the leaf-folder, having an effect on all life stages. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Clinical effectiveness of four neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir, zanamivir, laninamivir, and peramivir) for children with influenza A and B in the 2014-2015 to 2016-2017 influenza seasons in Japan

The clinical effectiveness of four neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) (oseltamivir, zanamivir, laninamivir, and peramivir) for children aged 0 months to 18 years with influenza A and B were investigated in the 2014-2015 to 2016-2017 influenza seasons in Japan. A total of 1207 patients (747 with influenza A and 460 with influenza B) were enrolled. The Cox proportional-hazards model using all of the patients showed that the duration of fever after administration of the first dose of the NAI was shorter in older patients (hazard ratio = 1.06 per 1 year of age, p < 0.001) and that the duration of fever after administration of the first dose of the NAI was shorter in patients with influenza A infection than in patients with influenza B infection (hazard ratio = 2.21, p < 0.001). A logistic regression model showed that the number of biphasic fever episodes was 2.99-times greater for influenza B-infected patients than for influenza A-infected patients (p < 0.001). The number of biphasic fever episodes in influenza A- or B-infected patients aged 0-4 years was 2.89-times greater than that in patients aged 10-18 years (p = 0.010), and the number of episodes in influenza A- or B-infected patients aged 5-9 years was 2.13-times greater than that in patients aged 10-18 years (p = 0.012).

Methyl jasmonate attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced depressive-like behaviour in mice

Depression is a recurrent neuropsychiatric disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide and impact negatively on the patients' social functions and quality of life. Studies have shown that i.p injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces depressive-like behavior in rodents via induction of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Methyl jasmonate (MJ), an isolated compound from jasmine plant has gained reputation in aromatherapy for treatment of depression, nervousness and memory deficits. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of MJ on LPS-induced depressive-like behavior in mice. Mice were given MJ (5-20 mg/kg), imipramine (10 mg/kg) or vehicle (10 mL/kg) intraperitoneally for 7 consecutive days. On day 7, treatment was carried out 30 min prior to i.p injection of LPS (830 μg/kg). Twenty four hours after LPS administration, tail suspension, forced swim and sucrose preference tests were carried out. Thereafter, serum corticosterone levels were determined using ELISA. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were determined in brain tissue homogenates. LPS significantly increased immobility time in the tail suspension and forced swim tests when compared with vehicle (p < 0.05), which indicates depressive-like syndromes. However, the increased immobility time was significantly reduced by MJ (5-20 mg/kg) when compared with LPS-treated group. LPS administration also altered the levels of MDA, GSH, corticosterone and TNF alpha in mice, which was significantly reversed by MJ. These findings suggest that attenuation of LPS-induced depressive-like behavior by MJ may be related to suppression of oxidative stress and release of TNF alpha.

Effects of changes in leaf properties mediated by methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on foliar absorption of Zn, Mn and Fe

Background and Aims

Foliar fertilization to overcome nutritional deficiencies is becoming increasingly widespread. However, the processes of foliar nutrient absorption and translocation are poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate how cuticular leaf properties affect the absorption of foliar-applied nutrients in leaf tissues.

Methods

Given that methyl jasmonate (MeJA) can cause alterations in leaf properties, we applied 1 mm MeJA to sunflower (Helianthus annuus), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and soybean (Glycine max) to assess changes in leaf properties. Using traditionally analytical approaches and synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy, the effects of these changes on the absorption and translocation of foliar-applied Zn, Mn and Fe were examined.

Key Results

The changes in leaf properties caused by the application of MeJA increased foliar absorption of Zn, Mn and Fe up to 3- to 5-fold in sunflower but decreased it by 0·5- to 0·9-fold in tomato, with no effect in soybean. These changes in the foliar absorption of nutrients could not be explained by changes in overall trichome density, which increased in both sunflower (86%) and tomato (76%) (with no change in soybean). Similarly, the changes could be not attributed to changes in stomatal density or cuticle composition, given that these properties remained constant. Rather, the changes in the foliar absorption of Zn, Mn and Fe were related to the thickness of the cuticle and epidermal cell wall. Finally, the subsequent translocation of the absorbed nutrients within the leaf tissues was limited (<1·3mm) irrespective of treatment.

Conclusions

The present study highlights the potential importance of the combined thickness of the cuticle and epidermal cell wall in the absorption of foliar-applied nutrients. This information will assist in increasing the efficacy of foliar fertilization.

Methyl jasmonate-induced emission of biogenic volatiles is biphasic in cucumber: a high-resolution analysis of dose dependence

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a key airborne elicitor activating jasmonate-dependent signaling pathways, including induction of stress-related volatile emissions, but how the magnitude and timing of these emissions scale with MeJA dose is not known. Treatments with exogenous MeJA concentrations ranging from mild (0.2 mM) to lethal (50 mM) were used to investigate quantitative relationships among MeJA dose and the kinetics and magnitude of volatile release in Cucumis sativus by combining high-resolution measurements with a proton-transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS) and GC-MS. The results highlighted biphasic kinetics of elicitation of volatiles. The early phase, peaking in 0.1-1 h after the MeJA treatment, was characterized by emissions of lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway volatiles and methanol. In the subsequent phase, starting in 6-12 h and reaching a maximum in 15-25 h after the treatment, secondary emissions of LOX compounds as well as emissions of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were elicited. For both phases, the maximum emission rates and total integrated emissions increased with applied MeJA concentration. Furthermore, the rates of induction and decay, and the duration of emission bursts were positively, and the timing of emission maxima were negatively associated with MeJA dose for LOX compounds and terpenoids, except for the duration of the first LOX burst. These results demonstrate major effects of MeJA dose on the kinetics and magnitude of volatile response, underscoring the importance of biotic stress severity in deciphering the downstream events of biological impacts.

Comparison of Efficacy of Intravenous Peramivir and Oral Oseltamivir for the Treatment of Influenza: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Peramivir is the first intravenously administered neuramidase inhibitor for immediate delivery of an effective single-dose treatment in patients with influenza. However, limited data are available on intravenous (IV) peramivir treatment compared to oral oseltamivir for these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

With a systematic review and meta-analysis, we compared the efficacy of IV peramivir with oral oseltamivir for treatment of patients with seasonal influenza. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register were searched for relevant clinical trials.

RESULTS

A total of seven trials [two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and five non-randomized observational trials] involving 1676 patients were finally analyzed. The total number of peramivir- and oseltamivir-treated patients was 956 and 720, respectively. Overall, the time to alleviation of fever was lower in the peramivir-treated group compared with the oseltamivir-treated group [mean difference (MD), -7.17 hours; 95% confidence interval (CI) -11.00 to -3.34]. Especially, pooled analysis of observational studies (n=4) and studies of outpatients (n=4) demonstrated the superiority of the peramivir-treated group (MD, -7.83 hours; 95% CI -11.81 to -3.84 and MD, -7.71 hours; 95% CI -11.61 to -3.80, respectively). Mortality, length of hospital stay, change in virus titer 48 hours after admission, and the incidence of adverse events in these patients were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

IV peramivir therapy might reduce the time to alleviation of fever in comparison with oral oseltamivir therapy in patients with influenza; however, we could not draw clear conclusions from a meta-analysis because of the few RCTs available and methodological limitations.

Inhibition of Neddylation Modification Sensitizes Pancreatic Cancer Cells to Gemcitabine

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the USA with a 5-year survival rate less than 3% to 5%. Gemcitabine remains as a standard care for PDAC patients. Although protein neddylation is abnormally activated in many human cancers, whether neddylation dysregulation is involved in PDAC and whether targeting neddylation would sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine remain elusive. Here we report that high expression of neddylation components, NEDD8 and NAE1, are associated with poor survival of PDAC patients. Blockage of neddylation by MLN4924, a small molecule inhibitor targeting this modification, significantly sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine, as evidenced by reduced growth both in monolayer culture and soft agar, reduced clonogenic survival, decreased invasion capacity, increased apoptosis, G2/M arrest, and senescence. Importantly, combinational treatment of MLN4924-gemcitabine near completely suppressed in vivo growth of pancreatic cancer cells. Mechanistically, accumulation of NOXA, a pro-apoptotic protein and ERBIN, a RAS signal inhibitor, appears to play, at least in part, a causal role in MLN4924 chemo-sensitization. Our study demonstrates that neddylation modification is a valid target for PDAC, and provides the proof-of-concept evidence for future clinical trial of MLN4924-gemcitabine combination for the treatment of pancreatic cancer patients.

Jasmonates and Tetrahydrojasmonic Acid: A Novel Class of Anti-Aging Molecules

Jasmonates are plant-derived hormones from linoleic acid that were originally isolated from jasmine, and which are involved in plant stress regulation, wound repair and defense. They have been demonstrated through in vitro and in vivo studies to possess anti-neoplastic properties. Most recently, a novel jasmonate analog was developed, tetrahydrojasmonic acid (LR2412), which possesses favorable characteristics for cutaneous application and which induces improvements in epidermal hyaluronic acid and thickness. Clinical application of LR2412 to facial skin has been demonstrated to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and photoaging. In this issue, a clinical trial is published demonstrating the results of topical application of this agent for th cosmetic treatment of wrinkle appearance, poor texture and large pores.

Clinical Assessment of a Novel Jasmonate Cosmeceutical, LR2412-Cx, for the Treatment of Skin Aging

BACKGROUND

The jasmonates are a novel class of plant-derived anti-aging compounds. Among these, LR2412-Cx (tetrahydrojasmonic acid, Visionnaire) has been demonstrated to reduce photoaging and the appearance of wrinkles, as well as to upregulate collagens, hyaluronic acid and fibrillin.

OBJECTIVE

To clinically study the cosmetic effects of a novel jasmonate complex LR2412-Cx in the treatment of visible skin aging.

METHODS

LR2412-Cx was evaluated in a 15-subject open-label prospective clinical trial for the treatment of fine wrinkle appearance, texture, and pores. Subjects were evaluated by an investigator at baseline, day 1, day 3, and week 6 with the Alexiades comprehensive grading scale of skin aging, and introducing a novel pore-grading scale and subject quality of life assessments.

RESULTS

The mean (SEM) at baseline and at week 6 following twice-daily application were: for the appearance of wrinkles 2.91 (0.12) and 2.70 (0.10); for texture 2.91 (0.10) and 2.55 (0.10); and for pores 3.29 (0.08) and 2.46 (0.09), respectively. The differences in all 3 categories at all follow-up intervals were statistically significant (P<.005). The percentage improvement in investigator-assessed grades relative to baseline at day 1, day 3, and week 6 were: 2.3%, 4.9%, and 7.4% for the appearance of wrinkles, 5.7%, 9.4%, and 12.4% for texture, and 14.2%, 21.6% and 25.2% for pores, respectively. No significant untoward effects were reported.

CONCLUSION

Visionnaire LR2412-Cx is a novel jasmonate-containing compound that is safe and effective for the cosmetic treatment of fine wrinkle appearance, texture, and pores of the facial skin.

Foliar application of methyl jasmonate induced physio-hormonal changes in Pisum sativum under diverse temperature regimes

Global climate change brings with it unwarranted shifts in both abiotic (heat stress, cold stress, wind, precipitation) and biotic (pathogens, pests) environmental factors, thus posing a threat to agricultural productivity across the world. In plants, lodging due to storms or herbivory causes wounding stress and consequently enhances endogenous jasmonates. In response, the plant growth is arrested as plant defense is prioritized. We pre-treated pea plants with elevated methyl jasmonate (MeJA) levels i.e. 50 μM, 100 μM and 200 μM under controlled growth chamber conditions. The pre-treated plants were then kept at 40 °C (heat stress--HS), 4 °C (cold stress--CS) and 20 °C (optimum/control temperature--OT) for 72 h. The effect of such treatments on plant growth attributes, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, cell death rate, and regulation of endogenous hormones were observed. Elevated MeJA application hindered plant growth attributes under HS, CS and OT conditions. Moreover, elevated MeJA levels lowered the rate of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, induced stomatal closure, caused higher cells mortality in leaves under HS, CS, and OT conditions. Endogenous ABA contents significantly declined in all MeJA treatments under HS and OT, but increased under CS conditions. Exogenous MeJA enhanced endogenous jasmonic acid contents of pea plants, but altered endogenous salicylic acid contents under varying temperatures. Current study shows that higher concentrations of exogenous MeJA strengthen plant defense mechanism by hindering plant growth under stress conditions.

Leaf and root glucosinolate profiles of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) as a systemic response to methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid elicitation

Glucosinolates (GSs) are an important group of defensive phytochemicals mainly found in Brassicaceae. Plant hormones jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) are major regulators of plant response to pathogen attack. However, there is little information about the interactive effect of both elicitors on inducing GS biosynthesis in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis). In this study, we applied different concentrations of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and/or SA onto the leaf and root of Chinese cabbage to investigate the time-course interactive profiles of GSs. Regardless of the site of the elicitation and the concentrations of the elicitors, the roots accumulated much more GSs and were more sensitive and more rapidly responsive to the elicitors than leaves. Irrespective of the elicitation site, MeJA had a greater inducing and longer lasting effect on GS accumulation than SA. All three components of indole GS (IGS) were detected along with aliphatic and aromatic GSs. However, IGS was a major component of total GSs that accumulated rapidly in both root and leaf tissues in response to MeJA and SA elicitation. Neoglucobrassicin (neoGBC) did not respond to SA but to MeJA in leaf tissue, while it responded to both SA and MeJA in root tissue. Conversion of glucobrassicin (GBC) to neoGBC occurred at a steady rate over 3 d of elicitation. Increased accumulation of 4-methoxy glucobrassicin (4-MGBC) occurred only in the root irrespective of the type of elicitors and the site of elicitation. Thus, accumulation of IGS is a major metabolic hallmark of SA- and MeJA-mediated systemic response systems. SA exerted an antagonistic effect on the MeJA-induced root GSs irrespective of the site of elicitation. However, SA showed synergistic and antagonistic effects on the MeJA-induced leaf GSs when roots and leaves are elicitated for 3 d, respectively.

Novel reversible selective inhibitor of CRM1 for targeted therapy in ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer represents the most fatal type of gynecological malignancies. Unfortunately, there are still no effective targeted treatment strategies for ovarian cancer. Overexpression of CRM1 has been correlated with poor prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer.

AIM

In this study, we investigated the antitumor effects of a novel reversible inhibitor of CRM1 in ovarian cancer cells.

METHODS

The effects of S109 on proliferation was detected by CCK-8, EdU, clonogenic assay. The protein expression were determined by Western blot. The subcellular localization of RanBP1 was analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy assay.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that S109 could induce nuclear accumulation of RanBP1, a canonical biomarker for CRM1 inhibition. This effect was clearly reversible in the majority of the cells, whereas the inhibitory effect of LMB could not be reversed. Our data reveal that treatment with S109 results in decrease in proliferation and colonogenic capacity of ovarian cancer cells by arresting cell cycle. Mechanistically, S109 treatment increase the expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, while it reduced the expression of cell cycle promoting proteins, Cyclin D1 and Cyclin B. CRM1 level itself was also down-regulated following S109 treatment. Furthermore, the nuclei of cells incubated with S109 accumulated tumor suppressor proteins (Foxo1, p27 and IκB-α). More importantly, Cys528 mutation of CRM1 abolished the ability of S109 to block proliferation of ovarian cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our study identifies CRM1 as a valid target in ovarian cancer and provides a basis for the development of S109 in ovarian cancer.

Intravenous peramivir inhibits viral replication, and leads to bacterial clearance and prevention of mortality during murine bacterial co-infection caused by influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae

INTRODUCTION

Influenza virus infection increases susceptibility to bacterial infection and mortality in humans. Although the efficacy of approved intravenous peramivir, a neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor, against influenza virus infection has been reported, its efficacy against bacterial co-infection, which occurs during the period of viral shedding, was not fully investigated. To further understand the significance of treatment with peramivir, we assessed the efficacy of peramivir against a bacterial co-infection model in mice caused by clinically isolated influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

METHODS

Mice were infected with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. Peramivir was intravenously administered after the viral infection. At 2days post viral infection, the mice were infected with S. pneumoniae. Peramivir efficacy was measured by the survival rates and viral titers, bacterial titers, or proinflammatory cytokine concentrations in lung homogenates.

RESULTS

Peramivir treatment reduced the mortality of mice infected with influenza virus and S. pneumoniae. The survival rate in the peramivir-treated group was significantly higher than that in the oseltamivir-treated group. Viral titers and proinflammatory cytokine responses in the peramivir-treated group were significantly lower than those in the oseltamivir-treated group until at 2days post viral infection. Bacterial titer was significantly lower in the peramivir-treated group than in the oseltamivir-treated group at 4days post viral infection.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated that peramivir inhibits viral replication, consequently leading to bacterial clearance and prevention of mortality during severe murine bacterial co-infection, which occurs during the period of viral shedding, with the efficacy of peramivir being superior to that of oseltamivir.

Impacts of biotic and abiotic stress on major quality attributing metabolites of coffee beans

Biotic stress factors such as Rhizopus oligosporus and Aspergillus niger mycelial extracts and abiotic elements methyljasmonate (MJ) and salicylic acid (SA), when administered through floral spray to Coffea canephora, showed significant influence on major bioactive metabolites of beans. Up to 42% caffeine, 39% theobromine and 46% trigonelline, along with 32% cafestol and kahweol content elevation was evident under respective elicitor treatments. Over all, the surge in respective metabolites depends on elicitor stress type and concentration. Abiotic factors MJ and SA were found to be efficient at 1 to 5 microM concentration in augmenting all the metabolites, compared to R. oligosporus and A. niger spray at 0.5-2.0% wherein the response was moderate as compared to abiotic stress, however significant compared to control. Though this elevation in caffeine, theobromine, cafestol and kahweol is not warranted from quality point of view, increase in trigonelline improves coffee quality. Besides increase in metabolites, stress mediated augmentation of bioactive compounds in coffee has a wide scope for studying gene expression pattern.

MLN4924, a novel protein neddylation inhibitor, suppresses proliferation and migration of human urothelial carcinoma: In vitro and in vivo studies

MLN4924, a small molecule inhibitor of NEDD8 activating enzyme (NAE), has been reported to elicit an anti-tumor effect on various malignancies. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of MLN4924 in human urothelial carcinoma (UC) in vitro and in vivo by using three human UC cell lines of various grading (T24, NTUB1 and RT4). The impact of MLN4924 on UC cells was determined by measuring viability (MTT), proliferation (BrdU incorporation), cell cycle progression (flow cytometry with propidium iodide staining) and apoptosis (flow cytometry with annexin V-FITC labeling). The cell cycle regulatory molecules, apoptosis-related molecules, and cell stress-related proteins were examined by Western blotting. The influence of tumor cell migration and invasion was analyzed by Transwell and wound healing assays. We also evaluated the effects of MLN4924 on tumor growth by a SCID xenograft mouse model. The data show that MLN4924 induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity, anti-proliferation, anti-migration, anti-invasion and apoptosis in human UC cells, accompanied by activations of Bad, phospho-histone H2A.X, caspase-3, 7 and PARP, decreased level of phospho-Bcl2, and caused cell cycle retardation at the G2M phase. Moreover, MLN4924 activated endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecules (caspase-4, phospho-eIF2α, ATF-4 and CHOP) and other stress responses (JNK and c-Jun activations). Finally, we confirmed MLN4924 inhibited tumor growth in a UC xenograft mouse model with minimal general toxicity. We concluded that MLN4924 induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, as well as activation of cell stress responses in human UC. These findings imply MLN4924 provides a novel strategy for the treatment of UC.

The relationship between in vivo antiviral activity and pharmacokinetic parameters of peramivir in influenza virus infection model in mice

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of intravenous (IV) peramivir and in vivo antiviral activity pharmacodynamic (PD) outcomes in a mouse model of influenza virus infection. Peramivir was administrated to mice in three dosing schedules; once, twice and four times after infection of A/WS/33 (H1N1). The survival rate at day 14 after virus infection was employed as the antiviral activity outcome for analysis. The relationship between day 14 survival and PK parameters, including area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), maximum concentration (Cmax) and time that drug concentration exceeds IC95 (T(>IC95)), was estimated using a logistic regression model, and model fitness was evaluated by calculation of the Akaike information criterion (AIC) index. The AIC indices of AUC, Cmax and T(>IC95) were about 114, 151 and 124, respectively. The AIC of AUC and T(>IC95) were smaller than that of Cmax. Therefore, both AUC and T(>IC95) were the PK parameters that correlated best with the antiviral activity of peramivir IV against influenza virus infection in mice.

The influence of L-phenylalanine, methyl jasmonate and sucrose concentration on the accumulation of phenolic acids in Exacum affine Balf. f. ex Regel shoot culture

Phenolic acids are an important group of plant secondary metabolites with various, valuable therapeutic properties. Apart from plants growing in the open air, tissue cultures can be an alternative source of the secondary metabolites. The yield of their accumulation in in vitro cultures can be increased by different methods, including culture medium supplementation with precursors, elicitors and changing the standard amounts of the medium components. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the precursor (L-phenylalanine), the elicitor (methyl jasmonate) and a higher sucrose concentration on the phenolic acids accumulation in the agitated shoot cultures of Exacum affine Balf. f. ex Regel (Gentianaceae). Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the phenolic acids in methanolic extracts from the biomass were conducted by applying the HPLC method. Fourteen phenolic acids and cinnamic acid were found in all samples. The total content of free phenolic acids increased from approximately 0.242% to 0.635% (2.6-fold) and the total content of the whole phenolic acids (free and bound) - from 0.712% to 1.160% (1.6-fold). The studies show that the best variant for the accumulation of most of the identified phenolic acids contained 6% of sucrose (double the standard amount), L-phenylalanine 1.6 gL(-1) of medium and methyl jasmonate 100 μM. The analysis of the results in the experiment presented here showed that it is possible to increase the accumulation of the phenolic acids in Exacum affine shoot cultures - by adding the precursor (L-phenylalanine), the elicitor (methyl jasmonate) and by increasing the sucrose concentration.

Production of flavonoids and isoflavonoids in jasmonic acid-induced red clover suspension cultures

Effect of exogenously applied jasmonic acid (JA) in combination with calcium and verapamil (a calcium channels blocker) on the production of flavonoids and isoflavonoids in suspension cultures of Trifolium pratense L. was investigated. The culture was cultivated in Gamborg medium with an addition of 2 mg.l(-1) of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2 mg.l(-1) of 6-benzylaminopurine, at the temperature of 25 °C, 16-hr light/8-hr dark period. The best effect of jasmonic acid on the production of flavonoids and isoflavonoids was manifested after a 24-hour application of the 50 μmol.l(-1) concentration. The maximum production of JA-induced suspension culture was observed when cells were treated with a high level of calcium (10 mmol.l(-1)). The addition of all concentrations of verapamil to JA-induced suspension culture decreased production of flavonoids and isoflavonoids.

Overcoming platinum resistance in preclinical models of ovarian cancer using the neddylation inhibitor MLN4924

The nearly ubiquitous development of chemoresistant disease remains a major obstacle against improving outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer. In this investigation, we evaluated the preclinical activity of MLN4924, an investigational inhibitor of the NEDD8-activating enzyme, in ovarian cancer cells. Efficacy of MLN4924 both alone and in combination with platinum was assessed. Overall, single-agent MLN4924 exhibited moderate activity in ovarian cancer cell lines. However, the combination of MLN4924 with cisplatin or carboplatin produced synergistic effects in SKOV3 and ES2 cells, as well as in primary ovarian cancer cell lines established from high-grade serous, clear cell, and serous borderline ovarian tumors. The efficacy of cisplatin plus MLN4924 was also evident in several in vitro models of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Mechanistically, the combination of cisplatin and MLN4924 was not associated with DNA re-replication, altered platinum-DNA adduct formation, abrogation of FANCD2 monoubiquitination, or CHK1 phosphorylation. An siRNA screen was used to investigate the contribution of each member of the cullin RING ligase (CRL) family of E3 ubiquitin ligases, the best-characterized downstream mediators of MLN4924's biologic effects. Cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity was augmented by depletion of CUL3, and antagonized by siCUL1 in both ES2 and SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. This investigation identifies inhibition of neddylation as a novel mechanism for overcoming platinum resistance in vitro, and provides a strong rationale for clinical investigations of platinum and MLN4924 combinations in ovarian cancer.

Increasing the phenolic compound content of grapes by preharvest application of abcisic acid and a combination of methyl jasmonate and benzothiadiazole

Benzothiadiazole (BTH) and methyl jasmonate (MeJ) have been described as exogenous elicitors of some plant defense compounds, polyphenols among them. Given that they activate different arrays of biochemical reactions to induce resistance, the objective of this study was to determine whether the joint application of BTH and MeJ to grape clusters affects the level of the main flavonoid compounds in grapes and in the resulting wines. The results are compared with those obtained when abscisic acid (ABA), a plant growth regulator involved in several physiological processes, was sprayed in the same vineyard. The results obtained indicated that, although the application of ABA increased the content of skin anthocyanins and tannins, these positive effects were not reflected in the wines made from these grapes. BTH+MeJ-treated grapes also presented higher anthocyanin and flavonol contents, and in this case, their wines presented better chromatic characteristics that the wine made from control grapes.

Time of methyl jasmonate application influences the development of 'Cripps Pink' apple fruit colour

BACKGROUND

The effects of time and numbers of pre-harvest sprays of methyl jasmonate (MJ) on the development of red blush, export-grade fruit, accumulation of flavonoids in fruit skin and quality of 'Cripps Pink' apple were investigated in 2005 and 2006. In the first experiment during 2005, whole trees were sprayed once with 10 mmol L(-1) MJ at weekly intervals from 155 to 183 days after full bloom (DAFB). In second experiment during 2006, different numbers of sprays (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6) of 5 mmol L(-1) MJ were applied from 151 to 179 DAFB.

RESULTS

A single spray of MJ (10 mmol L(-1)) at 169 DAFB resulted in the highest increase in the red blush, export-grade fruit, accumulation of anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-galactosides, chlorogenic acid, phloridzin, flavanols and flavonols in fruit skin as compared to all other treatments without affecting fruit quality. A single spray of 5 mmol L(-1) MJ at 186 DAFB was more effective in improving red blush, export-grade fruit and accumulation of anthocyanins in fruit skin as compared to its multiple applications. The exposed sides of fruit developed better colour than the shaded sides, regardless of time and numbers of MJ sprays. Time of a single spray of MJ is more effective than its multiple applications.

CONCLUSIONS

A single pre-harvest spray of MJ (10 mmol L(-1)) at 169 DAFB or MJ (5 mmol L(-1)) at 186 DAFB was effective in improving the red blush and export grade fruit through accumulation of flavonoids in fruit skin without adversely affecting quality at harvest.

The protective effects of methyl jasmonate against adriamycin--induced hepatic and renal toxicities

The aim of the study was to investigate the protective effect of methyl jasmonate (MJ) in adriamycin (ADR) induced hepatic and renal toxicities. 36 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control, ADR (20 mg/kg), MJ (50 mg/kg) only, MJ (100 mg/kg) only, MJ (50 mg/ kg) + ADR, MJ (100 mg/kg) + ADR groups (n = 6). The 2 doses of MJ was administered for 7 days in MJ only groups, ADR was administered intraperitoneally on the 8th day after pretreatment with the 2 different doses of MJ while ADR was administered on the 8th day only for the ADR only group. The malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), H2O2 generation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea and creatinine in the liver, kidneys and serum samples as applicable were estimated. Tissue MDA, H2O2 generation, and GST activity were markedly elevated while GSH content, CAT and SOD activities were significantly reduced in the tissues when compared to the control (p < 0.05). Pretreatment with MJ ameliorated ADR toxicities, with a significant reduction in serum urea concentration, ALT activity, MDA level, H2O2 generation, GST activity and a significant elevation in GSH content, CAT and SOD activities in the organ tissues. MJ induced significant reduction in MDA level and increase of GSH content in liver and kidney tissues. This study suggests that MJ may play an overall protective effect on ADR-induced toxicities in liver and kidneys and the inhibition of tissue peroxidative damage might contribute to this beneficial effect.

Enhancement of viniferin production in Vitis vinifera L. cv. Alphonse Lavallée Cell suspensions by low-energy ultrasound alone and in combination with methyl jasmonate

This study examined for the first time the effect of low-energy ultrasound (US), used alone or in combination with methyl jasmonate (MeJA), on viniferin production in cell cultures of Vitis vinifera L. cv Alphonse Lavallée. Cell suspensions were exposed for 2 min to US (power 30, 60, and 90 mW cm(-3)). The highest viniferin production was obtained at 30 mW cm(-3). When sonication was performed twice, the effect on viniferin production was negligible, whereas triple sonication slightly increased production. US treatment at 30 mW cm(-3) for 5 min decreased viniferin production and induced cellular death. The combined use of MeJA and US (2 min) increased the production of δ-viniferin, the dominant stilbene, more than each elicitor used alone. These results suggest that low-energy US, alone and in combination with MeJA, can act as a physical elicitor to stimulate viniferin production in V. vinifera cell cultures.

Use of intravenous peramivir for treatment of severe influenza A(H1N1)pdm09

Oral antiviral agents to treat influenza are challenging to administer in the intensive care unit (ICU). We describe 57 critically ill patients treated with the investigational intravenous neuraminidase inhibitor drug peramivir for influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 [pH1N1]. Most received late peramivir treatment following clinical deterioration in the ICU on enterically-administered oseltamivir therapy. The median age was 40 years (range 5 months-81 years). Common clinical complications included pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring mechanical ventilation (54; 95%), sepsis requiring vasopressor support (34/53; 64%), acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis (19/53; 36%) and secondary bacterial infection (14; 25%). Over half (29; 51%) died. When comparing the 57 peramivir-treated cases with 1627 critically ill cases who did not receive peramivir, peramivir recipients were more likely to be diagnosed with pneumonia/acute respiratory distress syndrome (p = 0.0002) or sepsis (p = <0.0001), require mechanical ventilation (p = <0.0001) or die (p = <0.0001). The high mortality could be due to the pre-existing clinical severity of cases prior to request for peramivir, but also raises questions about peramivir safety and effectiveness in hospitalized and critically ill patients. The use of peramivir merits further study in randomized controlled trials, or by use of methods such as propensity scoring and matching, to assess clinical effectiveness and safety.

Combinations of favipiravir and peramivir for the treatment of pandemic influenza A/California/04/2009 (H1N1) virus infections in mice

Favipiravir, an influenza virus RNA polymerase inhibitor, and peramivir, an influenza virus neuraminidase inhibitor, were evaluated alone and in combination against pandemic influenza A/California/04/2009 (H1N1) virus infections in mice. Infected mice were treated twice daily for 5 d starting 4 h after virus challenge. Favipiravir was 40%, 70%, and 100% protective at 20, 40, and 100 mg/kg/d. Peramivir was 30% protective at 0.5 mg/kg/d, but ineffective at lower doses when used as monotherapy. Combinations of favipiravir and peramivir increased the numbers of survivors by 10-50% when the 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 mg/kg/d doses of peramivir were combined with 20 mg/kg/d favipiravir and when all doses of peramivir were combined with 40 mg/kg/d favipiravir. Three-dimensional analysis of drug interactions using the MacSynergy method indicates strong synergy for these drug combinations. In addition, an increase in lifespan for groups of mice treated with drug combinations, compared to the most effective monotherapy group, was observed for the 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 mg/kg/d doses of peramivir combined with favipiravir at the 20 mg dose level. Therefore, the 20 mg/kg/d dose of favipiravir was selected for further combination studies. Increased survival was exhibited when this dose was combined with peramivir doses of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg/d (1 mg/kg/d of peramivir alone was 100% protective in this experiment). Improved body weight relative to either compound alone was evident using 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg/d of peramivir. Significant reductions in lung hemorrhage score and lung weight were evident on day 6 post-infection. In addition, virus titers were reduced significantly on day 4 post-infection by combination therapy containing favipiravir combined with peramivir at 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg/d. These data demonstrate that combinations of favipiravir and peramivir perform better than suboptimal doses of each compound alone for the treatment of influenza virus infections in mice.

Ginkgo biloba extract attenuates warfarin-mediated anticoagulation through induction of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes by bilobalide in mice

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is a popular herbal ingredient used worldwide, but it is reported to induce bleeding as a serious adverse event. In this study we examined whether GBE induced spontaneous bleeding or accelerated warfarin anticoagulation via herb-drug interaction. Mice were given GBE or various active components of GBE orally for 5 days and blood coagulation parameters and hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) were measured. Mice also received warfarin (racemate, (S)- or (R)-enantiomer) for the last 3 days of the 5-day regimen to examine GBE-warfarin interactions. Neither GBE (up to 1000 mg/kg) nor ginkgolide B (up to 140 mg/kg), a platelet-activating factor antagonist, influenced blood coagulation parameters. In contrast, GBE attenuated the anticoagulant action of warfarin. Bilobalide, a component of GBE that markedly induced hepatic CYPs including (S)-warfarin hydroxylase, showed similar effects. For (S)-warfarin, the anticoagulation action and the interaction with GBE was clear, while the influence on metabolism was greater for (R)-warfarin than for (S)-warfarin, which corresponded to the CYP types induced by GBE. These results suggest that GBE and ginkgolide B have no influence on blood coagulation in vivo, and that GBE attenuates the anticoagulation action of warfarin via induction of hepatic CYPs by bilobalide.

Antihyperalgesic and analgesic properties of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist neramexane in a human surrogate model of neurogenic hyperalgesia

NMDA-receptors are a major target in the prevention and treatment of hyperalgesic pain states in neuropathic pain. However, previous studies revealed equivocal results depending on study design and efficacy parameters. We tested the analgesic (generalized reduction of generation and processing of nociceptive signalling) and anti-hyperalgesic (prevention of central sensitization) properties of the NMDA-receptor antagonist neramexane and the potassium channel opener flupirtine in the intradermal capsaicin injection model. Furthermore, we tested the effect on pain summation (wind up). Eighteen healthy subjects received either a single dose of neramexane (40 mg p.o.), flupirtine (100 mg) or placebo in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over study. Pain evoked by intradermal capsaicin injection as well as pain evoked by pinpricks was significantly reduced by neramexane (-22% to -30% vs. placebo) in the non-sensitized skin indicating a marked analgesic effect. Moreover, dynamic mechanical allodynia (pain to light touch) was also significantly attenuated by neramexane (-28% vs. placebo). However, static secondary hyperalgesia to pinprick stimuli after capsaicin injection was not significantly reduced (-9% vs. placebo). Flupirtine showed no analgesic or anti-hyperalgesic effect. Mechanically-evoked wind up of pain sensation was not affected by any treatment. The results suggests that in a human surrogate model of neurogenic hyperalgesia a single low-dose of neramexane had a marked analgesic effect in the sensitized and in the non-sensitized state and thus may be a useful drug to treat the enhanced pain sensitivity in neuropathic pain patients. Its efficacy may be based on analgesia rather than anti-hyperalgesia or anti-windup. In contrast, flupirtine showed neither an analgesic nor an anti-hyperalgesic effect at a dose used for the treatment of postoperative pain.

[Clinical efficiency in children treated with intravenous drip infusion of peramivir]

The clinical effect of peramivir was examined retrospectively in 30 children aged 23 days to 8 years; they had been treated with peramivir at our hospital within 48 hours after the onset of influenza from November 2010 to April 2011. Intravenous dripping of peramivir at a dose of 10 mg/kg was performed only once for 15 to 30 minutes. To examine the clinical effect of peramivir, the time from dosing to defervescence (body temperature <37.5 degrees C) was evaluated. To compare the clinical effects of peramivir and oseltamivir, the time required for the defervescence was evaluated in a similar manner in 30 children aged 7 months to 8 years who had been treated for influenza with oseltamivir at a dose of 4 mg/kg/day. The influenza type was type A (n=25) and type B (n=5) in the peramivir group and type A (n=26) and type B (n=4) in the oseltamivir group. In the peramivir group, 5 (16.7%), 16 (53.3%), and 24 (80.0%) patients achieved defervescence within 6, 12, and 24 hours, respectively. In the oseltamivir group, 3 (10.0%) and 6 (20.0%) patients had defervescence within 12 and 24 hours, respectively. The difference between these groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). An increase in the levels of AST and ALT was observed as an adverse reaction in 1 patient. Thus, peramivir was determined to be effective to influenza in children.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba constituents on fruit-infesting behavior of codling moth (Cydia pomonella) in apples

Codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), is a cosmopolitan pest of apple, potentially causing severe damage to the fruit. Currently used methods of combating this insect do not warrant full success or are harmful to the environment. The use of plant-derived semiochemicals for manipulation with fruit-infesting behavior is one of the new avenues for controlling this pest. Here, we explore the potential of Ginkgo biloba and its synthetic metabolites for preventing apple feeding and infestation by neonate larvae of C. pomonella. Experiments with crude extracts indicated that deterrent constituents of ginkgo are present among alkylphenols, terpene trilactones, and flavonol glycosides. Further experiments with ginkgo synthetic metabolites of medical importance, ginkgolic acids, kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, ginkgolides, and bilobalide, indicated that three out of these chemicals have feeding deterrent properties. Ginkgolic acid 15:0 prevented fruit infestation at concentrations as low as 1 mg/mL, bilobalide had deterrent effects at 0.1 mg/mL and higher concentrations, and ginkgolide B at 10 mg/mL. On the other hand, kaempferol and quercetin promoted fruit infestation by codling moth neonates. Ginkgolic acids 13:0, 15:1, and 17:1, isorhamnetin, and ginkgolides A and C had no effects on fruit infestation-related behavior. Our research is the first report showing that ginkgo constituents influence fruit infestation behavior and have potential applications in fruit protection.

A single intramuscular injection of neuraminidase inhibitor peramivir demonstrates antiviral activity against novel pandemic A/California/04/2009 (H1N1) influenza virus infection in mice

New and emerging influenza virus strains, such as the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus require constant vigilance for antiviral drug sensitivity and resistance. Efficacy of intramuscularly (IM) administered neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor, peramivir, was evaluated in mice infected with recently isolated pandemic A/California/04/2009 (H1N1, swine origin, mouse adapted) influenza virus. A single IM injection of peramivir (four dose groups), given 1h prior to inoculation, significantly reduced weight loss (p < 0.001) and mortality (p < 0.05) in mice infected with LD90 dose of pandemic A/California/04/2009 (H1N1) influenza virus compared to vehicle group. There was 20% survival in the vehicle-treated group, whereas in the peramivir-treated groups, survival increased in a dose-dependent manner with 60, 60, 90 and 100% survivors for the 1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg doses, respectively. Weight loss on day 4 in the vehicle-treated group was 3.4 gm, and in the peramivir-treated groups was 2.1, 1.5, 1.8 and 1.8 g for the 1, 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg dose groups, respectively. In the treatment model, peramivir given 24h after infection as a single IM injection at 50mg/kg dose, showed significant protection against lethality and weight loss. There was 13% survival in the vehicle-treated group while in the peramivir-treated group at 24, 48, and 72 h post infection, survival was 100, 40, and 50%, respectively. Survival in the oseltamivir groups (10 mg/kg/d twice a day, orally for 5 days) was 90, 30 and 20% at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. These data demonstrate efficacy of parenterally administered peramivir against the recently isolated pandemic influenza virus in murine infection models.

A broad-spectrum, efficient and nontransgenic approach to control plant viruses by application of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid

Plant viruses cause many diseases that lead to significant economic losses. However, most of the approaches to control plant viruses, including transgenic processes or drugs are plant-species-limited or virus-species-limited, and not very effective. We introduce an application of jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA), a broad-spectrum, efficient and nontransgenic method, to improve plant resistance to RNA viruses. Applying 0.06 mM JA and then 0.1 mM SA 24 h later, enhanced resistance to Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and Turnip crinkle virus (TCV) in Arabidopsis, tobacco, tomato and hot pepper. The inhibition efficiency to virus replication usually achieved up to 80-90%. The putative molecular mechanism was investigated. Some possible factors affecting the synergism of JA and SA have been defined, including WRKY53, WRKY70, PDF1.2, MPK4, MPK2, MPK3, MPK5, MPK12, MPK14, MKK1, MKK2, and MKK6. All genes involving in the synergism of JA and SA were investigated. This approach is safe to human beings and environmentally friendly and shows potential as a strong tool for crop protection against plant viruses.

A broad-spectrum, efficient and nontransgenic approach to control plant viruses by application of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid

Plant viruses cause many diseases that lead to significant economic losses. However, most of the approaches to control plant viruses, including transgenic processes or drugs are plant-species-limited or virus-species-limited, and not very effective. We introduce an application of jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA), a broad-spectrum, efficient and nontransgenic method, to improve plant resistance to RNA viruses. Applying 0.06 mM JA and then 0.1 mM SA 24 h later, enhanced resistance to Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and Turnip crinkle virus (TCV) in Arabidopsis, tobacco, tomato and hot pepper. The inhibition efficiency to virus replication usually achieved up to 80-90%. The putative molecular mechanism was investigated. Some possible factors affecting the synergism of JA and SA have been defined, including WRKY53, WRKY70, PDF1.2, MPK4, MPK2, MPK3, MPK5, MPK12, MPK14, MKK1, MKK2, and MKK6. All genes involving in the synergism of JA and SA were investigated. This approach is safe to human beings and environmentally friendly and shows potential as a strong tool for crop protection against plant viruses.

Economic model for emergency use authorization of intravenous peramivir

OBJECTIVES

To develop 3 computer simulation models to determine the potential economic effect of using intravenous (IV) antiviral agents to treat hospitalized patients with influenza-like illness, as well as different testing and treatment strategies.

STUDY DESIGN

Stochastic decision analytic computer simulation model.

METHODS

During the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, the Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization of IV neuraminidase inhibitors for hospitalized patients with influenza, creating a need for rapid decision analyses to help guide use. We compared the economic value from the societal and third-party payer perspectives of the following 4 strategies for a patient hospitalized with influenza-like illness and unable to take oral antiviral agents: Strategy 1: Administration of IV antiviral agents without polymerase chain reaction influenza testing. Strategy 2: Initiation of IV antiviral treatment, followed by polymerase chain reaction testing to determine whether the treatment should be continued. Strategy 3: Performance of polymerase chain reaction testing, followed by initiation of IV antiviral treatment if the test results are positive. Strategy 4: Administration of no IV antiviral agents. Sensitivity analyses varied the probability of having influenza (baseline, 10%; range, 10%-30%), IV antiviral efficacy (baseline, oral oseltamivir phosphate; range, 25%-75%), IV antiviral daily cost (range, $20-$1000), IV antiviral reduction of illness duration (baseline, 1 day; range, 1-2 days), and ventilated vs nonventilated status of the patient.

RESULTS

When the cost of IV antiviral agents was no more than $500 per day, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for most of the IV antiviral treatment strategies was less than $10,000 per quality-adjusted life-year compared with no treatment. When the cost was no more than $100 per day, all 3 IV antiviral strategies were even more cost-effective. The order of cost-effectiveness from most to least was strategies 3, 1, and 2. The findings were robust to changing risk of influenza, influenza mortality, IV antiviral efficacy, IV antiviral daily cost, IV antiviral reduction of illness duration, and ventilated vs nonventilated status of the patient for both societal and third-party payer perspectives.

CONCLUSION

Our study supports the use of IV antiviral treatment for hospitalized patients with influenza-like illness.

[Current anti-influenza virus chemotherapy]

The environment surrounding influenza is changing in recent years. In the spring of 2009, pandemic (H1N1) 2009 occurred in Mexico, and became epidemic on a global scale thereafter. Therefore, control of influenza is very important all over the world. Now in Japan, four specific anti-influenza antiviral drugs are available: amantadine, oseltamivir, zanamivir and peramivir. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 are amantadine-resistant viruses, thus is not recommended for use. Oseltamivir is most commonly used in Japan, however, we have to pay attention to oseltamivir-resistant influenza virus. Almost no zanamivir-resistant influenza virus has been so far reported. In Japan, peramivir is the first drip infusion medicine and is expected to be used in severe cases.

[Bioequivalence evaluation of orally disintegrating tablet of pentoxyverine citrate]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the bioequivalence of orally disintegrating tablets of pentoxyverine citrate (tested preparation) in healthy male volunteers.

METHODS

A single oral dose of the tested and reference preparations at 25 mg were given to 20 healthy volunteers in a randomized two-period cross-over design. Plasma pentoxyverine citrate concentrations were determined by HPLC-MS/ESI+ method. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and the bioequivalence of the two preparations were evaluated using DAS program.

RESULTS

The Tmax, Cmax, AUC0 15 and AUC0infinity of tested and reference preparations were 1.62-/+0.75 h and 2.52-/+1.21 h, 62.28-/+33.06 microg/L and 59.72-/+33.25 microg/L, 234.44-/+130.01 microg.h.L(-1) and 228.77-/+129.24 microg.h.L(-1), 246.80-/+136.19 microg.h.L(-1) and 244.11-/+140.73 microg.h.L(-1), respectively. The 90% confidence interval of C(max), AUC0 15 and AUC0infinity of tested preparations were 81.4%-138.4%, 86.0%-123.3% and 86.5%-121.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The tested and reference preparations are bioequivalent.