Drug Design, Development and Therapy最新文献

Background: Qingre Huoxue Decoction (QRHX) is a classical Chinese herbal prescription widely used in clinical practice for the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS). Our previous study demonstrated its efficacy in stabilizing plaque and improving prognosis, as well as its ability to regulate macrophage polarization. This study aimed to further investigate the effects of QRHX on AS and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods: ApoE^-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks in order to establish an AS model. Oil Red O, H&E, Masson, and IHC staining were employed to assess lipid accumulation, plaque development, collagen loss and target of the aortas tissue. ELISA was employed to measure the levels of TNF-α and IL-10 in serum. Dual luciferase reporter assay was conducted to ascertain the connection between miR-26a-5p and PTGS2 in vitro. Western blot and RT-qPCR assay were conducted to assess the NF-κB signaling pathway and macrophage polarization. The effects of miR-26a-5p were tested after transfecting miR-26a-5p over-expressive lentivirus.

Results: QRHX attenuated HFD-induced plaque progression and inflammation of AS model mice. BMDM-derived exosomes (BMDM-exo) increased miR-26a-5p and decreased PTGS2 expressions, inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway and regulated macrophage polarization in vivo. These effects of BMDM-exo were further enhanced after QRHX intervention. Dual luciferase reporter assay results showed that miR-26a-5p directly binds to the 3'-UTR of PTGS2 mRNA and regulates the expression of PTGS2. The miR-26a-5p of BMDM-exo played a key role in macrophage polarization. After overexpression of miR-26a-5p, the NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited and macrophages were converted from M1 to M2 in vitro.

Conclusion: QRHX can exert anti-inflammatory and plaque-stabilizing effects through exosomal miR-26a-5p via inhibiting the PTGS2/NF-κB signaling pathway and regulating macrophage phenotype from M1 to M2 polarization in AS.

Objective: Modified Zuo Gui Wan (MZGW) was a combination of Zuo Gui Wan and red yeast rice used for treating osteoporosis (OP), but its mechanism remains unclear. We aimed to validate the anti-OP effect of MZGW and explore its underlying mechanism.

Methods: An ovariectomy (OVX) rat model in vivo and a RANKL-induced osteoclasts (OCs) model in vitro were established. Key active ingredients in MZGW high dose (MZGW-H) group were detected by UPLC-MS/MS. Micro-CT scans and histomorphology analysis were performed in OVX rats. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to investigate the relationship between the anti-OP effect of MZGW-H and intestinal flora. CCK-8 assay was applied to examine the optimal concentration of Modified Zuo Gui Wan drug serum (MZGW-DS) on osteoclasts. The qRT-PCR and Western blotting were utilized to explore the potential anti-OP pathway of MZGW, namely the SCFA-GPR41-p38MAPK signaling pathway. GPR41 was knocked down to further reverse to verify whether the pathway was the key pathway for MZGW-DS to exert its inhibitory effect on osteoclasts.

Results: The three main blood components, Ferulic acid, L-Ascorbic acid and Riboflavin, were examined mainly by UPLC-MS/MS. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that MZGW-H changed the metabolism of SCFAs. In vivo studies verified that MZGW-H ameliorated microstructure damage, improved histological changes and reduced TRAP, BALP, and BGP in OVX rats by regulating the SCFA-GPR41-p38MAPK signaling pathway. CCK-8 revealed that 5% MZGW-DS group was the most optimal concentration of MZGW-DS to inhibit osteoclast differentiation. In vitro, MZGW-DS was better than peripheral blood concentration of SCFAs in inhibiting osteoclasts. After the knockout of GPR41, MZGW-DS could not inhibit the expression of osteoclast-related protein (CTSK and NFATc1) via SCFA-GPR41-p38MAPK signaling pathway.

Conclusion: MZGW-H effectively ameliorates OVX-induced osteoporosis partially achieved by increasing SCFAs metabolism and modulating the SCFA-GPR41-p38MAPK signaling pathway.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive performance of published amisulpride population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) models in schizophrenia patients with an external data set and establish remedial dosing regimens for nonadherent amisulpride-treated patients.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify PopPK models for evaluation. The evaluation process involved analyzing 390 serum concentration samples obtained from 361 Chinese adult inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Model predictability was evaluated by prediction-based and simulation-based diagnostics. Based on validation results, a modified PopPK model was constructed to characterize amisulpride pharmacokinetic in our patients. Monte Carlo simulation was employed to investigate non-adherence scenarios and the impact of subsequently administered remedial regimens.

Results: In the five assessed published models, four included trough concentrations from schizophrenia patients, and one combined single-dose data from healthy older adults and trough concentrations from older adults with Alzheimer's disease. The PE for population and individual predictions ranged from -92.89% to 27.02% and -24.82% to 4.04%, respectively. In the simulation-based diagnostics, the NPDE results indicated noticeable bias in all models. Therefore, a modified one-compartment model, with estimated creatinine clearance(eCLcr) as covariates on the apparent clearance (CL/F) of amisulpride, was developed. For delays in medication dosing, if the delay is within 12 hours, take half the missed dose right away, then resume the normal schedule; if the delay is up to 24 hours, just continue with the regular dosing schedule.

Conclusion: Existing published models lack the necessary reliability for cross-center application. Future prospective studies are required to assess our model before integrating it into clinical practice. Model-based simulations provided a rational approach to propose remedial strategies for delayed or missed doses.

Purpose: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a leading cause of low back pain, and developing new molecular drugs and targets for IDD is a new direction for future treatment strategies. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects and mechanisms of tomatidine in ameliorating lumbar IDD.

Methods: Nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) exposed to lipopolysaccharides were used as an in vitro model to investigate changes in the expression of extracellular matrix components and associated signaling pathway molecules. A lumbar instability model was used to simulate IDD. Tomatidine (Td) was then administered intraperitoneally, and its effects were evaluated through histopathological analysis.

Results: In vitro, Td significantly promoted ECM anabolism, inhibited ECM catabolism, and reduced oxidative stress and ferroptosis in LPS-stimulated NPCs. When Nrf2 expression was inhibited, oxidative stress and ferroptosis were exacerbated, and the protective effects of Td on NPCs were lost, suggesting the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 axis is critical for the therapeutic effects of Td. In vivo, histopathological analysis demonstrated that Td ameliorated IDD in a murine model.

Conclusion: Td alleviates IDD in vitro and in vivo by activating the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway to inhibit ferroptosis in NPCs. This mechanism suggests Td is a promising candidate for IDD treatment.

Objective: To investigate whether oxyresveratrol (OXY) can alleviate irinotecan (CPT-11)-induced intestinal toxicity and whether the combination of these two drugs can enhance the inhibition of colorectal cancer cells.

Methods: The CCK-8 assay was used to assess the inhibitory effects of OXY and CPT-11, both as monotherapies and in combination, on the proliferation of colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116 and SW620. Mice were grouped (8/mice/group) into: control, CPT-11, low-dose OXY+CPT-11, high-dose OXY+CPT-11. Each trial was conducted as an independent experiment. A mouse diarrhea model induced by CPT-11 was established to observe the general condition, diarrhea score, spleen and colon of each group of mice. Bioinformatics tools were employed to predict the targets of OXY and CPT-11, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses.

Results: CPT-11 inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, and OXY combined treatment had additive effects. Mice in the CPT-11 group experienced significant weight loss and severe diarrhea, while the co-administration of OXY alleviated these adverse effects. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the targets of OXY and CPT-11 were enriched in pathways such as PI3K/Akt and cell cycle, suggesting that the combination therapy might exert a synergistic effect by modulating these pathways.

Conclusion: The combination of OXY and CPT-11 enhances the inhibitory effect on colorectal tumor cells and reduces the intestinal toxicity induced by CPT-11. This study provides a novel strategy for colorectal cancer chemotherapy.

Purpose: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a disease associated with high incidence and high mortality, which is a major problem threatening women's health. Xiaoyao Sanjie Decoction (XYSJD) exhibits remarkable therapeutic efficacy on TNBC; however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. This study verified the efficacy of XYSJD and its active component in the treatment of TNBC and explored its potential mechanism.

Methods: Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-hybrid quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q Exactive HFX-MS) was applied to explore the main chemical constituents of XYSJD. The key targets and potential mechanisms of XYSJD in the treatment of TNBC were predicted through network pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis and molecular docking. The effects of XYSJD against TNBC cells were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay, Hoechst-PI staining and flow cytometry. The mechanism of action was validated by Western blot analysis. Finally, the effect and mechanism of XYSJD and Que on TNBC were further verified by the tumor formation model.

Results: UHPLC-Q Exactive HFX-MS identified a total of 9 compounds in XYSJD. Network pharmacological methods identified 206 targets for anti-TNBC. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that the EZH2/AKT1 signaling pathway might play an important role in the effects of XYSJD against TNBC. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that the biological process of XYSJD in TNBC treatment mainly involved apoptosis. XYSJD and Que were observed to have a good anticancer effect in vivo and in vitro. In addition, quercetin could induce the apoptosis of TNBC cells by decreased the expression levels of EZH2/AKT1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, AKT1 overexpression, treatment with the AKT activator (SC79) and EZH2 overexpression could reverse apoptosis induced by quercetin in TNBC cells.

Conclusion: This study revealed the anti-TNBC efficacy of XYSJD. Quercetin, the effective component of XYSJD, promoted apoptosis of TNBC cells via blockade of the EZH2/AKT1 signaling pathway. These findings aim to provide a more reliable basis for the clinical application of XYSJD in the treatment of TNBC.

Objective: This study aims to support the selection of PCSK9 inhibitors for patients requiring lipid management within medical institutions. By quantitatively evaluating four PCSK9 inhibitors, we provide evidence-based guidance for optimal selection in this patient population.

Methods: According to the Rapid Guide for Drug Evaluation and Selection in Chinese Medical Institutions (Second Edition) released in 2023, relevant databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, drug labels, and clinical guidelines were searched for drug information. Using a percentage scoring method, we systematically evaluated 4 PCSK9 inhibitors marketed in China for safety, efficacy, economy, pharmacological properties, and other attributes.

Results: The final assessment result scores from highest to lowest were evolocumab (78.00 points), alirocumab (77.24 points), inclisiran (72.89 points), and tafolecimab (65.33 points). Evolocumab was the best in the economy, alirocumab scored the highest in terms of efficacy and other attributes, and inclisiran had the strongest performance in terms of pharmacological properties.

Conclusion: For lipid management in medical institutions, evolocumab, alirocumab, inclisiran, and tafolecimab may be prioritized accordingly based on evaluation results.

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) lacks targeted therapies. This study investigates the mechanisms and targets of Radix Paeoniae Rubra and Radix Angelicae Sinensis Granules (RAG) in treating DMED using network pharmacology and animal models.

Methods: We identified RAG's active ingredients and potential targets from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. DMED targets were obtained from GeneCards, OMIM, and PharmGKB. Common targets were identified using R, and interaction networks were built. Cytoscape was used to construct a drug-ingredient-disease-target network, and OmicShare tools performed Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses. Molecular Operating Environment software assessed compound-core gene interactions. Additionally, animal models were used for validation.

Results: Twenty compounds and 25 common targets linked to vasodilation, protein secretion, apoptosis, and hypoxia were selected. Key pathways included HIF-1, MAPK, cAMP, and Ras. Six core genes (INS, CAT, BDNF, CASP3, CRP, HMOX1) were targeted by RAG. Molecular docking showed stable interactions with oleic acid, catechin, and butylated hydroxytoluene. RAG increased NO, intracavernous pressure, and improved penile histology in rats, upregulating eNOS, iNOS, HMOX1, and downregulating HIF-1.

Conclusion: RAG may treat DMED via the HIF-1α/HMOX1 pathway, offering a potential novel therapy for DMED.

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is linked to high rates of mortality and morbidity worldwide thereby posing a major public health problem. Evidences suggest that ferroptosis is the primary cause of AKI, while inhibition of monoamine oxidase A(MAOA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine were recognized as the defender of ferroptosis. Curcumin (Cur) is a natural polyphenol and the main bioactive compound of Curcuma longa, which has been found nephroprotection in AKI. However, the potential mechanism of Cur in alleviating AKI ferroptosis remains unknown.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of Cur on AKI ferroptosis.

Methods: Folic acid (FA)-induced AKI mouse model and erastin/(rsl-3)-induced HK-2 model were constructed to assess the renoprotection of Cur. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics coupled network pharmacology approach was used to explore the metabolic regulation and potential targets of Cur. Molecular docking and enzyme activity assay was carried out to evaluate the effects of Cur on MAOA.

Results: Our results showed that in vivo Cur preserved renal functions in AKI mice by lowering levels of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, while in vitro ameliorated the cell viability of HK-2 cells damaged by ferroptosis. Mechanistic studies indicated that Cur protected AKI against ferroptosis via inhibition of MAOA thereby regulating 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan metabolism.

Conclusion: Our study for the first time clarified that Cur might acts as a MAOA inhibitor and alleviates ferroptosis in AKI mice, laying a scientific foundation for new insights of clinical therapy on AKI.