Inhibitory activity of ginger rhizome on airway and uterine smooth muscle preparations

In this study, we describe the tracheal-relaxant and tocolytic activities of the methanol (ME) and aqueous (AQ) crude extracts of ginger (rhizome of Zingiber officinale) in an attempt to rationalize its traditional use in disorders of airways and uterine hyperactivity. Both of the ginger extracts dose-dependently relaxed K⁺ (80 mM) and carbachol (CCh, 1 μM)-induced contractions with more potency against K⁺, similar to that elicited by verapamil, a Ca²⁺ channel blocker. In isolated uterine preparations, the extracts suppressed the K⁺-induced contractions with respective EC₅₀ values of 0.03 mg/ml (0.02–0.05, 95% CI) and 0.05 mg/ml (0.04–0.06). Activity-directed fractionation of AQ yielded an organic and an aqueous fraction with the activities concentrated in the former. Both the crude extracts were found safe in mice up to the oral dose of 5 g/kg when tested for acute toxicity for 24 h. The study shows that ginger possesses tracheal and uterine smooth muscle relaxant activity, possibility mediated via Ca²⁺ channel blockade, justifying its use in disorders such as asthma, cough as well as in dysmenorrhoea and uterine and menstrual spasms and congestion.     

The RAGE/DIAPH1 Signaling Axis & Implications for the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Complications

Increasing evidence links the RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products)/DIAPH1 (Diaphanous 1) signaling axis to the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. RAGE is a multi-ligand receptor and through these ligand–receptor interactions, extensive maladaptive effects are exerted on cell types and tissues targeted for dysfunction in hyperglycemia observed in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Recent evidence indicates that RAGE ligands, acting as damage-associated molecular patterns molecules, or DAMPs, through RAGE may impact interferon signaling pathways, specifically through upregulation of IRF7 (interferon regulatory factor 7), thereby heralding and evoking pro-inflammatory effects on vulnerable tissues. Although successful targeting of RAGE in the clinical milieu has, to date, not been met with success, recent approaches to target RAGE intracellular signaling may hold promise to fill this critical gap. This review focuses on recent examples of highlights and updates to the pathobiology of RAGE and DIAPH1 in diabetic complications.     

Physical Characterization of Anhydrous and Hydrous Forms of the Hydrochloride Salt of BVT.5182 A Novel 5-HT6 Receptor Antagonist

ABSTRACT

The physicochemical properties of 1-benzenesulfonyl-4-(piperazin-1-yl)-indole hydrochloride, a novel 5-HT₆ receptor antagonist for the treatment of obesity were characterized. Two solid state forms were identified at ambient conditions (23°C): an anhydrate form (1) and a hydrate form (2), with 1.5 moles of H₂O. The latter easily dehydrates and rehydrates without affecting the crystal morphology. Investigations of the propensity for interconversion between the two forms reveal that a) conversion of 2→1 takes place above 145°C and that b) conversion of 1→2 only occurs after crystallization from supersaturated aqueous solutions at a water activity ≥0.94 or in the presence of comparable amounts of crystals of 2 in water at ambient conditions. However, in an equimolar suspension of 1 and 2 at 37°C no phase transformation was observed. Thus, the difference in chemical potential between the two forms is small. Form 1 was shown to have overall favorable solid state properties and, hence, considered the preferred form for continued pharmaceutical development. The characterization was performed by means of light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR/NIR-spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, hot stage microscopy, thermogravimetry, dynamic vapor sorption, Karl Fischer water content determination, phase stability studies of suspensions, solubility, and intrinsic dissolution rate measurements.     

腺苷A2AR拮抗剂对中枢炎症性小胶质细胞形态和功能的影响

目的:探讨腺苷A2A受体拮抗剂对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎（EAE）的治疗作用及其对中枢炎症性小胶质细胞形态和功能的影响。方法:MOG35-55免疫诱导建立EAE模型,EAE小鼠出现神经功能缺损症状后开始腹腔注射腺苷A2AR拮抗剂至发病后第10天。ELISA法检测中枢神经系统内IFN-γ、IL-17、TGF-β、IL-10的表达情况,免疫荧光双重染色法检测小胶质细胞内M1型细胞标志物诱导型一氧化氮合酶（iNOS）和M2型细胞标志物精氨酸酶I（ArgI）的合成情况。离体培养BV-2小胶质细胞,LPS诱导的小胶质细胞炎症反应,并予A2AR拮抗剂干预,Real-time PCR和ELISA法检测M1型和M2型细胞相关的细胞因子RNA表达水平和分泌水平。Western Blot法检测各组小胶质细胞内M1型和M2型细胞标志物的表达量。结果:腺苷A2AR拮抗剂能有效缓解发病后EAE小鼠的神经功能缺损症状,降低IFN-γ的分泌水平,使M1型细胞相关的iNOS合成减少,M2型细胞相关的ArgI合成增多。腺苷A2AR拮抗剂能减少LPS刺激后BV-2小胶质细胞M1型细胞相关的细胞因子IL-1β的mRNA表达量和分泌量,对M2型细胞相关的细胞因子及蛋白无显著影响。结论:腺苷A2AR拮抗剂对发病后的EAE小鼠有肯定的治疗作用,其机制可能与改变中枢炎症过程中小胶质细胞的表型（M1/M2转换）改变（形态和功能）有关。     

盐酸沙格雷酯的合成

以2-((3-甲氧基)苯乙基)苯酚为起始物料,与环氧氯丙烷进行酚醚化反应得到[[2-[2-(3-甲氧基)苯乙基]苯氧基]甲基]环氧乙烷,与二甲胺进行氨化反应得到1-二甲胺基-3-[2-[2-(3-甲氧基)苯乙基]苯氧基]-2-丙醇,再与丁二酸酐在有机溶剂中进行酯化反应得到沙格雷酯,最后通入氯化氢气体成盐即可制得盐酸沙格雷酯,总收率约67%。     

Bifunctional Opioid/Melanocortin Peptidomimetics for Use in Neuropathic Pain: Variation in the Type and Length of the Linker Connecting the Two Pharmacophores

Based on the mechanism of neuropathic pain induction, a new type of bifunctional hybrid peptidomimetics was obtained for potential use in this type of pain. Hybrids consist of two types of pharmacophores that are connected by different types of linkers. The first pharmacophore is an opioid agonist, and the second pharmacophore is an antagonist of the pronociceptive system, i.e., an antagonist of the melanocortin-4 receptor. The results of tests in acute and neuropathic pain models of the obtained compounds have shown that the type of linker used to connect pharmacophores had an effect on antinociceptive activity. Peptidomimetics containing longer flexible linkers were very effective at low doses in the neuropathic pain model. To elucidate the effect of linker lengths, two hybrids showing very high activity and two hybrids with lower activity were further tested for affinity for opioid (mu, delta) and melanocortin-4 receptors. Their complexes with the target receptors were also studied by molecular modelling. Our results do not show a simple relationship between linker length and affinity for particular receptor types but suggest that activity in neuropathic pain is related to a proper balance of receptor affinity rather than maximum binding to any or all of the target receptors.     

蒜苔采后灰霉病害及生防拮抗菌的筛选研究

在蒜苔贮藏后期,从0℃冷库里发生灰霉病的蒜苔上分离到灰霉菌,经纯化和致病性鉴定得到灰霉属病原菌株。并且在其中并未发病的蒜苔分离到16种拮抗细菌,通过平板筛选法筛选出4株对灰霉菌具有拮抗作用的细菌,这4株拮抗菌在平板上对灰霉病菌的抑制力分别为:63.5%、47.6%、41.3%、38.1%。     

Transient Receptor Potential Channels and Itch

Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels are multifunctional sensory molecules that are abundant in the skin and are involved in the sensory pathways of itch, pain, and inflammation. In this review article, we explore the complex physiology of different TRP channels, their role in modulating itch sensation, and their contributions to the pathophysiology of acute and chronic itch conditions. We also cover small molecule and topical TRP channel agents that are emerging as potential anti-pruritic treatments; some of which have shown great promise, with a few treatments advancing into clinical trials—namely, TRPV1, TRPV3, TRPA1, and TRPM8 targets. Lastly, we touch on possible ethnic differences in TRP channel genetic polymorphisms and how this may affect treatment response to TRP channel targets. Further controlled studies on the safety and efficacy of these emerging treatments is needed before clinical use.