[2.2]Paracyclophane-Based TCN-201 Analogs as GluN2A-Selective NMDA Receptor Antagonists

Recent studies have shown the involvement of GluN2A subunit-containing NMDA receptors in various neurological and pathological disorders. In the X-ray crystal structure, TCN-201 ( 1 ) and analogous pyrazine derivatives 2 and 3 adopt a U-shape (hairpin) conformation within the binding site formed by the ligand binding domains of the GluN1 and GluN2A subunits. In order to mimic the resulting π/π-interactions of two aromatic rings in the binding site, a [2.2]paracyclophane system was designed to lock these aromatic rings in a parallel orientation. Acylation of [2.2]paracyclophane ( 5 ) with oxalyl chloride and chloroacetyl chloride and subsequent transformations led to the oxalamide 7 , triazole 10 and benzamides 12 . The GluN2A inhibitory activities of the paracyclophane derivatives were tested with two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology using Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing selectively functional NMDA receptors with GluN2A subunit. The o-iodobenzamide 12 b with the highest similarity to TCN-201 showed the highest GuN2A inhibitory activity of this series of compounds. At a concentration of 10 μM, 12 b reached 36 % of the inhibitory activity of TCN-201 ( 1 ). This result indicates that the [2.2]paracyclophane system is well accepted by the TCN-201 binding site.     

Nicotinic Acid Increases Adiponectin Secretion from Differentiated Bovine Preadipocytes through G-Protein Coupled Receptor Signaling

The transition period in dairy cows (3 weeks prepartum until 3 weeks postpartum) is associated with substantial mobilization of energy stores, which is often associated with metabolic diseases. Nicotinic acid (NA) is an antilipolytic and lipid-lowering compound used to treat dyslipidaemia in humans, and it also reduces non-esterified fatty acids in cattle. In mice the G-protein coupled receptor 109A (GPR109A) ligand NA positively affects the secretion of adiponectin, an important modulator of glucose and fat metabolism. In cattle, the corresponding data linking NA to adiponectin are missing. Our objective was to examine the effects of NA on adiponectin and AMPK protein abundance and the expression of mRNAs of related genes such as chemerin, an adipokine that enhances adiponectin secretion in vitro. Differentiated bovine adipocytes were incubated with pertussis toxin (PTX) to verify the involvement of GPR signaling, and treated with 10 or 15 µM NA for 12 or 24 h. NA increased adiponectin concentrations (p ≤ 0.001) and the mRNA abundances of GPR109A (p ≤ 0.05) and chemerin (p ≤ 0.01). Pre-incubation with PTX reduced the adiponectin response to NA (p ≤ 0.001). The NA-stimulated secretion of adiponectin and the mRNA expression of chemerin in the bovine adipocytes were suggestive of GPR signaling-dependent improved insulin sensitivity and/or adipocyte metabolism in dairy cows.     

Discordance Rate of HER2 Status in Primary Gastric Carcinomas and Synchronous Lymph Node Metastases: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis

Background: The assessment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene amplification is essential in order to identify those patients affected by advanced gastric cancer who may benefit from Trastuzumab targeted therapy. Materials and Methods: With the aim to investigate the concordance rate in HER2 status between primary gastric carcinoma (GC) and synchronous lymphnode metastases, we investigated HER2 status in a cohort of 108 surgical formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of GC and matched synchronous metastatic lymph nodes collected from three different units of Anatomic Pathology in southern of Italy. Fleiss-Cohen weighted k statistics were used to assess the concordance rate of HER2 status. Results: HER2 amplification was observed in 17% of primary GCs and the overall concordance rate with corresponding nodal metastases was 90.74%. Changes in HER2 status between primary GC and matched synchronous metastases were evidenced in 10 (9.26%) cases. Of these, 6 cases were HER2 amplified in the primary GC and not amplified in the metastases, while 4 were HER2 not amplified in the primary tumour and amplified in the lymph node metastases. Conclusions: Although at present the simultaneous determination of HER2 in advanced gastric cancer and corresponding metastatic lymph nodes is not mandatory, the possibility that the synchronous metastases of GC have a different HER2 status from that of the primary tumour is of remarkable significance; Indeed this may have influence on the therapeutic management and prognosis of the patients.     

Squamosamide Derivative FLZ Protects Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells from Oxidative Stress through Activation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-AKT Signaling

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell apoptosis is attributed to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis. FLZ, a novel synthetic squamosamide derivative from a Chinese herb, Annona glabra, has displayed significant cyto-protective activity. In the current study, we explored the pro-survival effect of FLZ in oxidative stressed-RPE cells and studied the underlying signaling mechanisms. Our results showed that FLZ attenuated hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced viability decrease and apoptosis in the RPE cell line (ARPE-19 cells) and in primary mouse RPE cells. Western blotting results showed that FLZ activated AKT signaling in RPE cells. The AKT-specific inhibitor, MK-2206, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pan inhibitor, wortmannin, and AKT1-shRNA (short hairpin RNA) depletion almost abolished FLZ-mediated pro-survival/anti-apoptosis activity. We discovered that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) trans-activation mediated FLZ-induced AKT activation and the pro-survival effect in RPE cells, and the anti-apoptosis effect of FLZ against H₂O₂ was inhibited by the EGFR inhibitor, PD153035, or by EGFR shRNA-knockdown. In conclusion, FLZ protects RPE cells from oxidative stress through activation of EGFR-AKT signaling, and our results suggest that FLZ might have therapeutic values for AMD.     

A multifaceted approach to harness probiotics as antagonists on plant based foods,for enhanced benefits to be reaped at a global level

Investigations into probiotics have focused on their health benefits thus far, with some of the findings finally reaching the food and pharmaceutical industries, which have used them for commercial purposes. In biocontrol research some microbes, mainly isolated from plants, have shown antagonism towards both enteric and plant pathogens, and some of them represent probiotic species. Fresh fruits and vegetables are regarded as health‐promoting dietary constituents, and if probiotics could be used to control the pathogens on them then they could turn out to be even healthier. The fresh produce industry still depends on agrochemicals and the increase in the demand for high‐priced organically grown produce indicates consumer concerns regarding the use of agrochemicals. If the potential of probiotic organisms to serve as biocontrol agents for fresh produce is exploited, all fresh produce can be made as safe as organically grown produce, and much more wholesome. This review appraises the feasibility of such a move by evaluating how research has progressed in both disciplines (probiotic and biocontrol) and suggests sharing results from research via information technology, efficient collaboration, and the use of novel molecular biological tools to achieve the objective of probiotic antagonists. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

Cellular proliferation rate and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-2 and IGFBP-3 and estradiol receptor alpha expression in the mammary gland of dairy heifers naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes during development

Mammary ductal morphogenesis during prepuberty occurs mainly in response to insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and estradiol stimulation. Dairy heifers infected with gastrointestinal nematodes have reduced IGF-1 levels, accompanied by reduced growth rate, delayed puberty onset, and lower parenchyma-stroma relationship in their mammary glands. Immunohistochemical studies were undertaken to determine variations in cell division rate, IGF-1 system components, and estradiol receptors (ESR) during peripubertal development in the mammary glands of antiparasitic-treated and untreated Holstein heifers naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. Mammary biopsies were taken at 20, 30, 40, and 70 wk of age. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunolabeling, evident in nuclei, tended to be higher in the parenchyma of the glands from treated heifers than in those from untreated. Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP) type 2 and type 3 immunolabeling was cytoplasmic and was evident in stroma and parenchyma. The IGFBP2-labeled area was lower in treated than in untreated heifers. In the treated group, a maximal expression of this protein was seen at 40 wk of age, whereas in the untreated group the labeling remained constant. No differences were observed for IGFBP3 between treatment groups or during development. Immunolabeling for α ESR (ESR1) was evident in parenchymal nuclei and was higher in treated than in untreated heifers. In the treated group, ESR1 peaked at 30 wk of age and then decreased. These results demonstrate that the parasite burden in young heifers negatively influence mammary gland development, affecting cell division rate and parameters related to estradiol and IGF-1 signaling in the gland.     

Analogues of perillaketone as highly potent agonists of TRPA1 channel

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels represent interesting molecular target structures involved in a number of different physiological and pathophysiological systems. In particular, TRPA1 channel is involved in nociception and in sensory perception of many pungent chemesthetic compounds, which are widespread in spices and food plants, including Perilla frutescens. A natural compound from P. frutescens (isoegomaketone) and 16 synthetic derivatives of perillaketone have been prepared and tested in vitro on rTRPA1 expressed in HEK293 cells and their potency, efficacy and desensibilisation activity measured. Most derivatives proved to be high potency agonists of TRPA1, with a potency higher than most natural agonists reported in the literature. These furylketones derivatives, represent a new class of chemical structures active on TRPA1 with many potential applications in the agrifood and pharmaceutical industry.     

miR-34a通过调控雄激素受体基因抑制前列腺癌细胞系LNCaP增殖

目的：探究miR-34a对雄激素受体（AR）基因的调控作用及对前列腺癌（PCa）LNCaP细胞增殖、凋亡的影响。方法：收集2016年10月至2019年9月本院泌尿外科行前列腺穿刺活检确诊为PCa患者组织标本36例,另取同期行手术治疗切除的良性前列腺增生（BPH）组织标本41例。体外培养LNCaP细胞,分别转染miR-34a mimics（mimics组）,miR-34a mimic NC（NC组）,设正常生长细胞为空白对照组（BC组）,另在mimics组基础上转染AR过表达（AR过表达组）载体及其对照（AR对照组）,采用CCK-8试剂盒检测细胞活性,Annexin V-FITC/PI双染色流式细胞凋亡检测试剂盒检测细胞凋亡率,实时定量PCR（RT-qPCR）检测miR-34a及AR mRNA表达水平,免疫印迹法检测AR蛋白、细胞周期蛋白D1（cyclinD1）及原癌基因产物（c-Mcy）、细胞凋亡相关蛋白（Bcl-2、Bax、capase-3）的表达水平。结果：与BPH组织比较,PCa组织中miR-34a表达水平显著降低（P<0.05）,AR mRNA及蛋白表达水平均显著增加（P<0.05）;与BC、NC组比较,mimics组LNCap细胞miR-34a表达水平、细胞凋亡率、Bax蛋白表达水平显著增加（P<0.05）,AR、Cyclin D1、Bcl-2、Bax蛋白表达水平显著降低（P<0.05）,同一时间LNCap细胞活力均显著降低（P<0.05）;双荧光素酶实验结果显示,miR-34a与AR可能存在一定的调控关系,过表达AR基因可逆转miR-34a mimics对LNCaP细胞增殖抑制,促进凋亡作用。 结论：miR-34a可能通过调控AR抑制前列腺癌LNCaP细胞增殖,促进其凋亡。     

RON蛋白与CXC趋化因子受体4蛋白的表达与去势抵抗型前列腺癌患者阿比特龙耐药的相关性

目的：研究受体酪氨酸激酶（RON）蛋白与CXC趋化因子受体4（CXCR4）蛋白的表达与去势抵抗型前列腺癌（CRPC）患者阿比特龙耐药的相关性。方法：选取2017年1月至2020年2月我院收治的127例接受阿比特龙治疗的CRPC患者,根据是否耐药分为观察组（n=32,阿比特龙耐药患者）、对照组（n=95,缓解患者）。采用免疫组化与蛋白免疫印迹检测比较两组RON、CXCR4蛋白表达,采用Logistic回归分析进行RON、CXCR4蛋白与耐药的单因素、多因素分析,采用受试者工作特征曲线（ROC）及ROC下面积（AUC）分析RON、CXCR4蛋白预测耐药的价值,并在阿比特龙耐药细胞株中加入RON、CXCR4抑制剂,观察两者对阿比特龙耐药细胞凋亡指标［半胱氨酸蛋白酶（caspase）-3、caspase-9、细胞凋亡率］的影响。结果：免疫组化显示,观察组RON阳性表达率（71.88%,23/32）较对照组（27.37%,26/95）高;观察组CXCR4阳性表达率（65.63%,21/32）较对照组（12.63%,12/95）高;蛋白免疫印迹检测显示,观察组RON、CXCR4蛋白较对照组高（P<0.05）;RON、CXCR4蛋白与耐药均呈正相关（P<0.05）;加入RON、CXCR4抑制剂后,RON、CXCR4表达被成功抑制,且caspase-3、caspase-9、细胞凋亡率均高于阿比特龙耐药细胞株（P<0.05）;Transwell实验检测细胞迁移及侵袭显示,抑制RON、CXCR4表达,细胞迁移及侵袭细胞数目均显著降低（P<0.05）;RON蛋白预测阿比特龙耐药的AUC为0.789,截断值＞4.11,敏感度为84.37%,特异度为61.05%（P<0.05）;CXCR4蛋白预测阿比特龙耐药的AUC为0.825,截断值＞3.42,敏感度为75.00%,特异度为80.00%（P<0.05）;RON+CXCR4蛋白预测阿比特龙耐药的AUC为0.884（95%CI：0.815～0.934）,敏感度为87.50%,特异度为83.16%（P<0.05）。 结论：CRPC患者RON、CXCR4蛋白表达显著增加,与患者阿比特龙耐药密切相关,有望成为预测耐药的标志物,抑制RON、CXCR4蛋白表达,可促进CRPC阿比特龙耐药细胞的凋亡。     

Acute β-Hydroxy-β-Methyl Butyrate Suppresses Regulators of Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Lipid Oxidation While Increasing Lipid Content in Myotubes

Leucine modulates synthetic and degradative pathways in muscle, possibly providing metabolic benefits for both athletes and diseased populations. Leucine has become popular among athletes for improving performance and body composition, however little is known about the metabolic effects of the commonly consumed leucine‐derived metabolite β‐hydroxy‐β‐methyl butyrate (HMB). Our work measured the effects of HMB on metabolic protein expression, mitochondrial content and metabolism, as well as lipid content in skeletal muscle cells. Specifically, cultured C2C12 myotubes were treated with either a control or HMB ranging from 6.25 to 25 μM for 24 h and mRNA and/or protein expression, oxygen consumption, glucose uptake, and lipid content were measured. Contrary to leucine's stimulatory effect on metabolism, HMB‐treated cells exhibited significantly reduced regulators of lipid oxidation including peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and PPARβ/δ, as well as downstream target carnitine palmitoyl transferase, without alterations in glucose or palmitate oxidation. Furthermore, HMB significantly inhibited activation of the master regulator of energetics, AMP‐activated protein kinase. As a result, HMB‐treated cells also displayed reduced total mitochondrial content compared with true control or cells equivocally treated with leucine. Additionally, HMB treatment amplified markers of lipid biosynthesis (PPARγ and fatty acid synthase) as well as consistently promoted elevated total lipid content versus control cells. Collectively, our results demonstrate that HMB did not improve mitochondrial metabolism or content, and may promote elevated cellular lipid content possibly through heightened PPARγ expression. These observations suggest that HMB may be most beneficial for populations interested in stimulating anabolic cellular processes.