Discovery of a novel inhibitor of NAD（P）＋-dependent malic enzyme （ME2） by high-throughput screening

Aim： Malic enzymes are oxidative decarboxylases with NAD or NAD（P） as cofactor that catalyze the conversion of L-malate to pyruvate and CO2. The aim of this study was to discover and characterize a potent inhibitor of human NAD（P）＋-dependent malic enzyme 2 （ME2）. Methods： Recombinant human ME2-His-Tag fusion protein was overexpressed in E coil and purified with Ni-NTA resin. A high- throughput screening （HTS） assay was developed to find ME2 inhibitors. Detergent Brij-35 was used to exclude false positives. The characteristics of the inhibitor were analyzed with enzyme kinetics analysis. A thermal shift assay for ME2 was carried out to verify the binding of the inhibitor with the enzyme. Results： An HTS system for discovering ME2 inhibitors was established with a Z＇ factor value of 0.775 and a signal-to-noise ratio （S/N） of 9.80. A library containing 12 683 natural products was screened. From 47 hits, NPD387 was identified as an inhibitor of ME2. The primary structure-activity relationship study on NPD387 derivatives showed that one derivative NPD389 was more potent than the parent compound NPD387 （the ICso of NPD389 was 4.63±0.36 pmoVL or 5.59±0.38 pmoVL, respectively, in the absence or presence of 0.01% Brij-35 in the assay system）. The enzyme kinetics analysis showed that NPD389 was a fast-binding uncompetitive inhibitor with respect to the substrate NAD~ and a mixed-type inhibitor with respect to the substrate L-malate. Conclusion： NPD389 is a potent ME2 inhibitor that binds to the enzyme in a fast-binding mode, acting as an uncompetitive inhibitor with respect to the substrate NAD~ and a mixed-type inhibitor with respect to the substrate L-malate.     

Magnesium lithospermate B extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza elevats intracellular Ca2＋ level in SHSY5Y cells

Aim:

To examine if magnesium lithospermate B (MLB), a potent inhibitor of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, leads to the elevation of intracellular Ca²⁺ level as observed in cells treated with cardiac glycosides.

Methods:

Viability of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells treated with various concentrations of ouabain or MLB was measured. Intracellular Ca²⁺ levels were visualized using Fluo4-AM (fluorescent dye) when cells were treated with ouabain or MLB in the presence or absence of KB-R7943 (Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger inhibitor) and 2-APB (IP₃ receptor antagonist). Molecular modeling was conducted for the docking of ouabain or MLB to Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. Changes of cell body and dendrite morphology were monitored under a microscope.

Results:

severe toxicity was observed in cells treated with ouabain of concentration higher than 1 μmol/L for 24 h while no apparent toxicity was observed in those treated with MLB. Intracellular Ca²⁺ levels were substantially elevated by MLB (1 μmol/L) and ouabain (1 μmol/L) in similar patterns, and significantly reduced in the presence of KB-R7943 (10 μmol/L) or 2-APB (100 μmol/L). Equivalent interaction with the binding cavity of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase was simulated for ouabain and MLB by forming five hydrogen bonds, respectively. Treatment of ouabain (1 μmol/L), but not MLB (1 μmol/L), induced dendritic shrink of SH-SY5Y cells.

Conclusion:

Comparable to ouabain, MLB leads to the elevation of intracellular Ca²⁺ level presumably via the same mechanism by inhibiting Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. The elevated Ca²⁺ levels seem to be supplied by Ca²⁺ influx through the reversed mode of the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger and intracellular release from endoplasmic reticulum.     

Metergoline inhibits the neuronal Navl.2 voltage- dependent Na^＋ channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Aim： Metergoline is an ergot-derived psychoactive drug that acts as a ligand for serotonin and dopamine receptors. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulatory effects of metergoline on the neuronal Nav1.2 voltage-dependent Na^＋ channels in vitro. Methods： Xenopus oocytes were injected with cRNAs encoding rat brain Nav1.2 α and β1 subunits. Voltage-activated Na^＋ currents were recorded using two-electrode voltage clamp technique. Drugs were applied though perfusion. Results： Both metergoline and lidocaine reversibly and concentration-dependently inhibited the peak of Na^＋ currents with IC50 values of 3.6±4.2 and 916.9±98.8 μmol/L, respectively. Metergoline （3 pmol/L） caused a 6.8±1.2 mV depolarizing shift of the steady-state activation curve of the Na^＋ currents, and did not alter the inactivation curve. In contrast, lidocaine （3 μmol/L） caused a 12.7±1.2 mV hyperpolarizing shift of the inactivation curve of the Na^＋ currents without changing the steady-state activation curve. Both metergoline and lidocaine produced tonic and use-dependent inhibition on the peak of Na^＋ currents. Conclusion： Metergoline exerts potent inhibition on the activity of neuronal Nav1.2 channels, which may contribute to its actions on the central nervous system.     

Cyclic bisbibenzyls induce growth arrest and apoptosis of human prostate cancer PC3 cells

Aim:

To investigate the cytotoxic effects of four cyclic bisbibenzyls, Riccardin C (Ric), Pakyonol (Pak), Marchantin M (Mar), and Plagiochin E (Pla) against chemoresistant prostate cancer PC3 cells.

Methods:

Cell growth was assayed by MTT method, and apoptotic related protein Bcl-2 and Bax, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were examined by Western blotting. Cell cycle and apoptosis of PC3 cells were evaluated with flow cytometry and morphologic examinations.

Results:

The four compounds inhibited proliferation and elicited cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner with IC₅₀ values of 3.22 μmol/L for Ric, 7.98 μmol/L for Pak, 5.45 μmol/L for Mar, and 5.99 μmol/L for Pla, respectively. Furthermore, exposed to these chemicals caused a decrease in the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and an increase in proapoptotic Bax expression. PARP cleavage and caspase-3 activity were also observed.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that cyclic bisbibenzyls could be used for the development of novel therapeutic chemicals against prostate cancer.     

Non-genomic vasorelaxant effects of 17β-estradiol and progesterone in rat aorta are mediated by L-type Ca2+ current inhibition

Aim:

The sex hormones 17β-estradiol (βES) and progesterone (PRG) induce rapid non-genomic vasodilator effects which could be protective for the cardiovascular system. The purpose of this study was to analyze the mechanisms underlying their vasodilator effect in rat aortic smooth muscle preparations.

Methods:

Endothelium-denuded aorta artery rings were prepared from male Wistar rats and incubated in an organ bath. The contractions of the preparation were recorded through isometric transducers. The effects of the hormones on K⁺ current and L-type Ca²⁺ current (LTCC) were analyzed by using the whole cell voltage-clamp technique in A7r5 cells.

Results:

Both βES and PRG (1–100 μmol/L) concentration-dependently relaxed the endothelium-denuded aortic rings contracted by (–)-Bay K8644 (0.1 μmol/L) or by KCl (60 mmol/L). The IC₅₀ values of the two hormones were not statistically different. The K_V channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (2 mmol/L), BK_Ca channel blocker tetraethylammonium (1mmol/L) and K_ATP channel blocker glibenclamide (10 μmol/L) did not significantly modify the relaxant effect of the hormones. On the other hand, the blockage of the intracellular βES and PRG receptors with estradiol receptor antagonists ICI 182,780 (1 μmol/L) and PRG receptor antagonist mifepristone (30 μmol/L), respectively, did not significantly modify the relaxant action of the hormones. In A7r5 cells, both the hormones (1–100 μmol/L) rapidly and reversibly inhibited the basal and BAY-stimulated LTCC. However, these hormones had no effect on the basal K⁺ current.

Conclusion:

The vasorelaxant effects of βES and PRG are due to the inhibition of LTCC. The K⁺ channels are not involved in the effects.     

Sevoflurane post-conditioning protects isolated rat hearts against ischemia-reperfusion injury via activation of the ERK1/2 pathway

Aim:

To investigate the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in sevoflurane post-conditioning induced cardioprotection in vitro.

Methods:

Isolated rat hearts were subjected to 30 min ischemia followed by 120 min reperfusion (I/R). Sevoflurane post-conditioning was carried out by administration of O₂-enriched gas mixture with 3% sevoflurane (SEVO) for 15 min from the onset of reperfusion. Cardiac functions, myocardial infarct size, myocardial ATP and NAD⁺ contents, mitochondrial ultrastructure, and anti-apototic and anti-oncosis protein levels were measured.

Results:

Sevoflurane post-conditioning significantly improved the heart function, decreased infarct size and mitochondria damage, and increased myocardial ATP and NAD⁺ content in the I/R hearts. Furthermore, sevoflurane post-conditioning significantly increased the levels of p-ERK and p-p70S6K, decreased the levels of porimin, caspase-8, cleaved caspase-3, and cytosolic cytochrome c in the I/R hearts. Co-administration of the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (20 μmol/L) abolished the sevoflurane-induced protective effects against myocardial I/R.

Conclusion:

Sevoflurane post-conditioning protects isolated rat hearts against myocardial I/R injury and inhibits cell oncosis and apoptosis via activation of the ERK1/2 pathway.     

Magnesium lithospermate B dilates mesenteric arteries by activating BKca currents and contracts arteries by inhibiting Kv currents

Aim:

To examine the involvement of K⁺ channels and endothelium in the vascular effects of magnesium lithospermate B (MLB), a hydrophilic active component of Salviae miltiorrhiza Radix.

Methods:

Isolated rat mesenteric artery rings were employed to investigate the effects of MLB on KCl- or norepinephrine-induced contractions. Conventional whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to study the effects of MLB on K⁺ currents in single isolated mesenteric artery myocytes.

Results:

MLB produced a concentration-dependent relaxation in mesenteric artery rings precontracted by norepinephrine (1 μmol/L) with an EC₅₀ of 111.3 μmol/L. MLB-induced relaxation was reduced in denuded artery rings with an EC₅₀ of 224.4 μmol/L. MLB caused contractions in KCl-precontracted artery rings in the presence of N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) with a maximal value of 130.3%. The vasodilatory effect of MLB was inhibited by tetraethylammonium (TEA) in both intact and denuded artery rings. In single smooth muscle cells, MLB activated BK_Ca currents (EC₅₀ 156.3 μmol/L) but inhibited K_V currents (IC₅₀ 26.1 μmol/L) in a voltage- and concentration-dependent manner.

Conclusion:

MLB dilated arteries by activating BK_Ca channels in smooth muscle cells and increasing NO release from endothelium, but it also contracted arteries precontracted with KCl in the presence of L-NAME.     

Effect of intravenous anesthetic propofol on synaptic vesicle exocytosis at the frog neuromuscular junction

Aim:

To investigate the presynaptic effects of propofol, a short-acting intravenous anesthetic, in the frog neuromuscular junction.

Methods:

Frog cutaneous pectoris nerve muscle preparations were prepared. A fluorescent tool (FM1-43) was used to visualize the effect of propofol on synaptic vesicle exocytosos in the frog neuromuscular junction.

Results:

Low concentrations of propofol, ranging from 10 to 25 μmol/L, enhanced spontaneous vesicle exocytosis monitored by FM1-43 in a Ca²⁺-dependent and Na⁺-independent fashion. Higher concentrations of propofol (50, 100, and 200 μmol/L) had no effect on spontaneous exocytosis. By contrast, higher concentrations of propofol inhibited the Na⁺-dependent exocytosis evoked by 4-aminopyridine but did not affect the Na⁺-independent exocytosis evoked by KCl. This action was similar and non-additive with that observed by tetrodotoxin, a Na⁺ channel blocker.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that propofol has a dose-dependent presynaptic effect at the neuromuscular transmission which may help to understand some of the clinical effects of this agent on neuromuscular function.     

Substrate-dependent modulation of the catalytic activity of CYP3A by erlotinib

Aim:

To ascertain the effects of erlotinib on CYP3A, to investigate the amplitude and kinetics of erlotinib-mediated inhibition of seven major CYP isoforms in human liver microsomes (HLMs) for evaluating the magnitude of erlotinib in drug-drug interaction in vivo.

Methods:

The activities of 7 major CYP isoforms (CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP3A, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP2C8, and CYP2E1) were assessed in HLMs using HPLC or UFLC analysis. A two-step incubation method was used to examine the time-dependent inhibition of erlotinib on CYP3A.

Results:

The activity of CYP2C8 was inhibited with an IC₅₀ value of 6.17±2.0 μmol/L. Erlotinib stimulated the midazolam 1′-hydroxy reaction, but inhibited the formation of 6β-hydroxytestosterone and oxidized nifedipine. Inhibition of CYP3A by erlotinib was substrate-dependent: the IC₅₀ values for inhibiting testosterone 6β-hydroxylation and nifedipine metabolism were 31.3±8.0 and 20.5±5.3 μmol/L, respectively. Erlotinib also exhibited the time-dependent inhibition on CYP3A, regardless of the probe substrate used: the value of K_I and k_inact were 6.3 μmol/L and 0.035 min⁻¹ for midazolam; 9.0 μmol/L and 0.045 min⁻¹ for testosterone; and 10.1 μmol/L and 0.058 min⁻¹ for nifedipine.

Conclusion:

The inhibition of CYP3A by erlotinib was substrate-dependent, while its time-dependent inhibition on CYP3A was substrate-independent. The time-dependent inhibition of CYP3A may be a possible cause of drug-drug interaction, suggesting that attention should be paid to the evaluation of erlotinib''s safety, especially in the context of combination therapy.     

Telmisartan attenuates isoproterenol-induced cardiac remodeling in rats via regulation of cardiac adiponectin expression

Aim:

To investigate whether telmisartan (Telm) pretreatment attenuates isoproterenol (Iso)-induced postinfarction remodeling (PIR) in rats, and whether the effect of Telm is associated with cardiac expression of adiponectin.

Methods:

PIR was induced in male Wistar rats with two consecutive injections of Iso (80 mg/kg, sc) at an interval of 24 h. Primary culture of ventricular myocytes from neonatal rats was prepared. Iso-induced cardiomyocyte injury was assessed based on cell growth and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Cardiac adiponectin expression was measured using qRT-PCR and immunoblot analysis.

Results:

In the rats with PIR, Telm (10 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹, po for 65 d) suppressed Iso-induced increases in gravimetric parameters, cardiomyocyte diameter and collagen volume fraction, but had no effect on Iso-induced myocardial hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis. The protective effect of Telm was associated with enhanced protein expression of cardiac adiponectin. In cultured cardiomyocytes, Telm (5–20 μmol/L) inhibited the cell death and LDH release induced by Iso (10 μmol/L), and reversed Iso-induced reduction in adiponectin protein expression. In cardiomyocytes exposed to Iso (20 μmol/L), GW9662 (30 μmol/L), a selective antagonist of PPAR-γ, blocked the effects of Telm pretreatment on adiponectin protein expression, as well as the protective effects of Telm on Iso-induced cell injury.

Conclusion:

Telm attenuates Iso-induced cardiac remodeling and cell injury, which is associated with induction of cardiac adiponectin expression.     

Leukamenin F suppresses liver fibrogenesis by inhibiting both hepatic stellate cell proliferation and extracellular matrix production

Aim:

To investigate the inhibitory effect of the natural product Leukamenin F on liver fibrosis and explore its potential underlying mechanisms.

Methods:

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-treated mouse model in vivo and in hepatic stellate cells (HSC) in vitro were used. The effect on CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis was studied using histochemical and biochemical analysis, while the inhibition on HSC was assessed using cell proliferation/apoptosis assay and collagen I production using real-time PCR. The inhibitory effects of Leukamenin F on Akt/mTOR/p70S6K and TGFβ/Smad pathways was studied using Western blot and cell image analysis.

Results:

Leukamenin F (0.1–1 mg/kg, ip, q.d.×28) significantly reduced α-SMA and collagen specific Sirius red staining areas in CCl₄ -treated mouse livers. This compound at 1–2 μmol/L dose-dependently inhibited α-SMA expression, cell proliferation and type I procollagen mRNA expression in activated HSC. Furthermore it inhibited the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway and suppressed TGFβ -induced Smad2/Smad3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation in HSC.

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrated that Leukamenin F could attenuate CCl₄-induced liver fibrogenesis in mice as an efficient inhibitor against both HSC proliferation and ECM production. This natural product provides a valuable structural hint for the development of anti-liver fibrosis reagents.     

Rutaecarpine ameliorates hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in fat-fed,streptozotocin-treated rats via regulating the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt and AMPK/ACC2 signaling pathways

Aim:

We have shown that rutaecarpine extracted from the dried fruit of Chinese herb Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss) Benth (Wu Zhu Yu) promotes glucose consumption and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in insulin-resistant primary skeletal muscle cells. In this study we investigated whether rutaecarpine ameliorated the obesity profiles, lipid abnormality, glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in rat model of hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia.

Methods:

Rats fed on a high-fat diet for 8 weeks, followed by injection of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg, ip) to induce hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. One week after streptozotocin injection, the fat-fed, streptozotocin-treated rats were orally treated with rutaecarpine (25 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) or a positive control drug metformin (250 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) for 7 weeks. The body weight, visceral fat, blood lipid profiles and glucose levels, insulin sensitivity were measured. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. IRS-1 and Akt/PKB phosphorylation, PI3K and NF-κB protein levels in liver tissues were assessed; pathological changes of livers and pancreases were examined. Glucose uptake and AMPK/ACC2 phosphorylation were studied in cultured rat skeletal muscle cells in vitro.

Results:

Administration of rutaecarpine or metformin significantly decreased obesity, visceral fat accumulation, water consumption, and serum TC, TG and LDL-cholesterol levels in fat-fed, streptozotocin-treated rats. The two drugs also attenuated hyperglycemia and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Moreover, the two drugs significantly decreased NF-κB protein levels in liver tissues and plasma TNF-α, IL-6, CRP and MCP-1 levels, and ameliorated the pathological changes in livers and pancreases. In addition, the two drugs increased PI3K p85 subunit levels and Akt/PKB phosphorylation, but decreased IRS-1 phosphorylation in liver tissues. Treatment of cultured skeletal muscle cells with rutaecarpine (20–180 μmol/L) or metformin (20 μmol/L) promoted the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC2, and increased glucose uptake.

Conclusion:

Rutaecarpine ameliorates hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in fat-fed, streptozotocin-treated rats via regulating IRS-1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in liver and AMPK/ACC2 signaling pathway in skeletal muscles.     

Application of headspace solid phase microextraction for study of noncovalent interaction of borneol with human serum albumin

Aim:

To investigate noncovalent interactions between borneol and human serum albumin (HSA) under near-physiological conditions.

Methods:

A 65-μm polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fiber was selected for sampling. The extraction temperature was kept at 37 °C, and the extraction time was optimized at 10 min. Borneol solutions of different concentrations were equilibrated in 600 μmol/L HSA and 67 mmol/L phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4, 37 °C) for 24 h prior to solid phase microextraction (SPME) using headspace mode. The binding properties were obtained based on the calculation of extracted borneol amount using gas chromatography (GC) determination.

Results:

The headspace SPME extraction method avoided disturbance from the HSA binding matrix. The recovery showed good linearity for the borneol concentrations over the range of 0.4–16.3 μmol/L with a regression coefficient (R²) of 0.9998. The limit of detection and lower limit of quantitation were determined to be 0.01 μmol/L and 0.4 μmol/L, respectively. The binding constant and the percentage binding rate were estimated to be 2.4×10³(mol/L)^-1 and 59.5%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Headspace SPME coupled to GC is a simple, sensitive and rapid method for the study of borneol binding to HSA. The method may be applied in the determination of other protein binding properties in human plasma.     

Vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effects of formononetin through endothelium-dependent and -independent mechanisms

Aim:

To investigate the mechanisms underlying the vasorelaxant effect of formononetin, an O-methylated isoflavone, in isolated arteries, and its antihypertensive activity in vivo.

Methods:

Arterial rings of superior mesenteric arteries, renal arteries, cerebral basilar arteries, coronary arteries and abdominal aortas were prepared from SD rats. Isometric tension of the arterial rings was recorded using a myograph system. Arterial pressure was measured using tail-cuff method in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Results:

Formononetin (1–300 μmol/L) elicited relaxation in arteries of the five regions that were pre-contracted by KCl (60 mmol/L), U46619 (1 μmol/L) or phenylephrine (10 μmol/L). The formononetin-induced relaxation was reduced by removal of endothelium or by pretreatment with L-NAME (100 μmol/L). Under conditions of endothelium denudation, formononetin (10, 30, and 100 μmol/L) inhibited the contraction induced by KCl and that induced by CaCl₂ in Ca²⁺-free depolarized medium. In the absence of extracellular Ca²⁺, formononetin (10, 30, and 100 μmol/L) depressed the constriction caused by phenylephrine (10 μmol/L), but did not inhibit the tonic contraction in response to the addition of CaCl₂ (2 mmol/L). The contraction caused by caffeine (30 mmol/L) was not inhibited by formononetin (100 μmol/L). Formononetin (10 and 100 μmol/L) reduced the change rate of Ca²⁺-fluorescence intensity in response to KCl (50 mmol/L). In spontaneously hypertensive rats, formononetin (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) slowly lowered the systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure.

Conclusion:

Formononetin causes vasodilatation via two pathways: (1) endothelium-independent pathway, probably due to inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels and intracellular Ca²⁺ release; and (2) endothelium-dependent pathway by releasing NO. Both the pathways may contribute to its antihypertensive effect.     

Cell-based assays for Parkinson＇s disease using differentiated human LUHMES cells

Aim： Lund human mesencephalic （LUHMES） cells can be differentiated to post-mitotic cells with biochemical, morphological and functional features of dopaminergic （DAergic） neurons. Given the limited scale of primary DAergic neuron culture, we developed differentiated LUHMES cell-based cytotoxicity assays for identifying neuroprotective agents for Parkinson＇s disease （PD）. Methods： LUHMES cells were incubated in a differentiation medium containing cAMP and GDNF for 6 d, and then differentiated cells were treated with MPP＋ or infected with baculovirus containing a-synuclein. Cytotoxicity was determined by measuring intracellular ATP levels and caspase 3/7 activity in the cells. DAergic neuron-specific marker protein and mRNA levels in the cells were analyzed using Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. Results： LUHMES cells grew extensive neurites and became post-mitotic neuron-like cells during differentiation period, and three DAergic neuron markers TH, DAT and Nurrl exhibited different expression profiles. MPP＋ dose-dependently reduced ATP levels in the cells with an IC50 value of 65 pmol/L. MPP＋ （80 μmol/L） significantly increased caspase 3/7 activity in the cells. Both the CDK inhibitor GW8510 and the GSK313 inhibitor SB216763 effectively rescued MPP＋-induced reduction of ATP levels with ECso values of 12 and 205 nmol/L, respectively. Overexpression of α-synuclein also significantly decreased intracellular ATP levels and increased caspase 3/7 activity in the cells. GW8510 and SB216763 effectively rescued α-synuclein overexpression-induced reduction of ATP levels, whereas GW8510, but not SB216763, ameliorated （x-synuclein overexpression-induced increase of caspase 3/7 activity. Conclusion： MPP＋ and α-synuclein overexpression-induced cytotoxicity of differentiated LUHMES cells may serve as good alternative systems for identifying neuroprotective compounds for PD.     

Crocetin induces cytotoxicity and enhances vincristine-induced cancer cell death via p53-dependent and -independent mechanisms

Aim:

To investigate the anticancer effect of crocetin, a major ingredient in saffron, and its underlying mechanisms.

Methods:

Cervical cancer cell line HeLa, non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549 and ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 were treated with crocetin alone or in combination with vincristine. Cell proliferation was examined using MTT assay. Cell cycle distribution and sub-G₁ fraction were analyzed using flow cytometric analysis after propidium iodide staining. Apoptosis was detected using the Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit with flow cytometry. Cell death was measured based on the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The expression levels of p53 and p21^WAF1/Cip1 as well as caspase activation were examined using Western blot analysis.

Results:

Treatment of the 3 types of cancer cells with crocetin (60-240 μmol/L) for 48 h significantly inhibited their proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Crocetin (240 μmol/L) significantly induced cell cycle arrest through p53-dependent and -independent mechanisms accompanied with p21^WAF1/Cip1 induction. Crocetin (120-240 μmol/L) caused cytotoxicity in the 3 types of cancer cells by enhancing apoptosis in a time-dependent manner. In the 3 types of cancer cells, crocetin (60 μmol/L) significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity induced by vincristine (1 μmol/L). Furthermore, this synergistic effect was also detected in the vincristine-resistant breast cancer cell line MCF-7/VCR.

Conclusion:

Ccrocetin is a potential anticancer agent, which may be used as a chemotherapeutic drug or as a chemosensitizer for vincristine.     

Doxorubicin-induced vasomotion and [Ca^2＋]i elevation n vascular smooth muscle cells from C57BL/6 mice

Aim:

To explore the action of doxorubicin on vascular smooth muscle cells.

Methods:

Isometric tension of denuded or intact thoracic aortic vessels was recorded and [Ca²⁺]_i in isolated aortic smooth muscle cells was measured by using Fluo-3.

Results:

Doxorubicin induced phasic and tonic contractions in denuded vessels and increased levels of [Ca²⁺]_i in single muscle cells. Treatment with 10 μmol/L ryanodine had no effect on basal tension, but it did abolish doxorubicin-induced phasic contraction. Treatment with 10 mmol/L caffeine induced a transient phasic contraction only, and the effect was not significantly altered by ryanodine, the omission of extracellular Ca²⁺ or both. Phenylephrine induced rhythmic contraction (RC) in intact vessels. Treatment with 100 μmol/L doxorubicin enhanced RC amplitude, but 1 mmol/L doxorubicin abolished RC, with an increase in maximal tension. Caffeine at 100 μmol/L increased the frequency of the RC only. In the presence of 100 μmol/L caffeine, however, 100 μmol/L doxorubicin abolished the RC and decreased its maximal tension. Treatment with 10 μmol/L ryanodine abolished the RC, with an increase in the maximal tension. In Ca²⁺-free solution, doxorubicin induced a transient [Ca²⁺]_i increase that could be abolished by ryanodine pretreatment in single muscle cells. The doxorubicin-induced increase in [Ca²⁺]_i was suppressed by nifedipine and potentiated by ryanodine and charybdotoxin.

Conclusion:

Doxorubicin not only releases Ca²⁺ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum but also promotes the entry of extracellular Ca²⁺ into vascular smooth muscle cells.     

The protease inhibitor atazanavir blocks hERG K+ channels expressed in HEK293 cells and obstructs hERG protein transport to cell membrane

Aim:

Atazanavir (ATV) is a HIV-1 protease inhibitor for the treatment of AIDS patients, which is recently reported to provoke excessive prolongation of the QT interval and torsades de pointes (TdP). In order to elucidate its arrhythmogenic mechanisms, we investigated the effects of ATV on the hERG K⁺ channels expressed in HEK293 cells.

Methods:

hERG K⁺ currents were detected using whole-cell patch clamp recording in HEK293 cells transfected with EGFP-hERG plasmids. The expression of hERG protein was measured with Western blotting. Two mutants (Y652A and F656C) were constructed in the S6 domain within the inner helices of hERG K⁺ channels that were responsible for binding of various drugs. The trafficking of hERG protein was studied with confocal microscopy.

Results:

Application of ATV (0.01–30 μmol/L) concentration-dependently decreased hERG K⁺ currents with an IC₅₀ of 5.7±1.8 μmol/L. ATV (10 μmol/L) did not affect the activation and steady-state inactivation of hERG K⁺ currents. Compared with the wild type hERG K⁺ channels, both Y652A and F656C mutants significantly reduced the inhibition of ATV on hERG K⁺ currents. Overnight treatment with ATV (0.1–30 μmol/L) concentration-dependently reduced the amount of fully glycosylated 155 kDa hERG protein without significantly affecting the core-glycosylated 135 kDa hERG protein in the cells expressing the WT-hERG protein. Confocal microscopy studies confirmed that overnight treatment with ATV obstructed the trafficking of hERG protein to the cell membrane.

Conclusion:

ATV directly blocks hERG K⁺ channels via binding to the residues Y652 and F656 in the S6 domain, and indirectly obstructs the transport of the hERG protein to the cell membrane.     

Echinacoside induces rat pulmonary artery vasorelaxation by opening the NO-cGMP-PKG-BKCa channels and reducing intracellular Ca2+ levels

Aim:

Sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction as experienced at high altitude can lead to pulmonary hypertension (PH). The main purpose of this study is to investigate the vasorelaxant effect of echinacoside (ECH), a phenylethanoid glycoside from the Tibetan herb Lagotis brevituba Maxim and Cistanche tubulosa, on the pulmonary artery and its potential mechanism.

Methods:

Pulmonary arterial rings obtained from male Wistar rats were suspended in organ chambers filled with Krebs-Henseleit solution, and isometric tension was measured using a force transducer. Intracellular Ca²⁺ levels were measured in cultured rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) using Fluo 4-AM.

Results:

ECH (30–300 μmol/L) relaxed rat pulmonary arteries precontracted by noradrenaline (NE) in a concentration-dependent manner, and this effect could be observed in both intact endothelium and endothelium-denuded rings, but with a significantly lower maximum response and a higher EC₅₀ in endothelium-denuded rings. This effect was significantly blocked by L-NAME, TEA, and BaCl₂. However, IMT, 4-AP, and Gli did not inhibit ECH-induced relaxation. Under extracellular Ca²⁺-free conditions, the maximum contraction was reduced to 24.54%±2.97% and 10.60%±2.07% in rings treated with 100 and 300 μmol/L of ECH, respectively. Under extracellular calcium influx conditions, the maximum contraction was reduced to 112.42%±7.30%, 100.29%±8.66%, and 74.74%±4.95% in rings treated with 30, 100, and 300 μmol/L of ECH, respectively. After cells were loaded with Fluo 4-AM, the mean fluorescence intensity was lower in cells treated with ECH (100 μmol/L) than with NE.

Conclusion:

ECH suppresses NE-induced contraction of rat pulmonary artery via reducing intracellular Ca²⁺ levels, and induces its relaxation through the NO-cGMP pathway and opening of K⁺ channels (BK_Ca and K_IR).     

Characterization of cardamonin metabolism by P450 in different species via HPLC-ESI-ion trap and UPLC-ESI-quadrupole mass spectrometry

Aim:

To characterize the metabolism of cardamonin by the P450 enzymes in human and animal liver microsomes.

Methods:

Cardamonin was incubated with both human and animal liver microsomal incubation systems containing P450 reaction factors. High performance liquid chromatography coupled with ion trap mass spectrometry was used to identify the metabolites. Serial cardamonin dilutions were used to perform a kinetic study in human liver microsomes. Selective inhibitors of 7 of the major P450 isozymes were used to inhibit cardamonin hydroxylation to identify the isozymes involved in cardamonin metabolism. The cardamonin hydroxylation metabolic capacities of human and various other animals were investigated using the liver microsomal incubation system.

Results:

Two metabolites generated by the liver microsome system were detected and identified as hydroxylated cardamonin. The K_m and V_max values for cardamonin hydroxylation were calculated as 32 μmol/L and 35 pmol·min⁻¹·mg⁻¹, respectively. Furafylline and clomethiazole significantly inhibited cardamonin hydroxylation. Guinea pigs showed the highest similarity to humans with respect to the metabolism of cardamonin.

Conclusion:

CYP 1A2 and 2E1 were identified as the P450 isozymes involved in the metabolism of cardamonin in human liver microsomes. Furthermore, our research suggests that guinea pigs could be used in the advanced pharmacokinetic studies of cardamonin in vivo.