Role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on intestinal permeability and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) is widespread worldwide thanks to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. However, even more attention is placed upon the recurrence of digestive system complications in the course of their use. Recent data suggests that the complications of the lower gastro-intestinal tract may be as frequent and severe as those of the upper tract. NSAIDs enteropathy is due to enterohepatic recycling of the drugs resulting in a prolonged and repeated exposure of the intestinal mucosa to the compound and its metabolites. Thus leading to so-called topical effects, which, in turn, lead to an impairment of the intestinal barrier. This process determines bacterial translocation and toxic substances of intestinal origin in the portal circulation, leading to an endotoxaemia. This condition could determine a liver inflammatory response and might promote the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, mostly in patients with risk factors such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and a high fat diet, which may induce a small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and dysbiosis. This alteration of gut microbiota may contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its related disorders in two ways: firstly causing a malfunction of the tight junctions that play a critical role in the increase of intestinal permeability, and then secondly leading to the development of insulin resistance, body weight gain, lipogenesis, fibrogenesis and hepatic oxidative stress.

Enantioselective analytical methods in chiral drug metabolism

The chiral nature of biological systems enables their stereoselective interaction with chiral compounds. It has been well documented that the enantiomers ofa chiral drug may show differences in drug disposition especially in metabolic behavior. As a result, it is of vital importance to separate the enantiomers of a chiral drug in metabolic studies. This paper discusses enantioselective methods （include high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, capillary electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry） that applied in chiral drug metabolism, using most recent examples where possible.

Effect of Magnetized Water on the Mice Given High Doses of Antineoplastic Drugs

To broaden the applications of magnetized water(MW) in medical science, the possible detoxicative effect of MW to anticancer drugs in vivo were studied. After being given ip with cyclophosphomide (CTX) 500 mg/kg, cisplatin (DDP) 40 mg/kg, harringtonine (HA) 20 mg/kg, mitomycin C (MMC) 8 mg/kg, lycobetaine (Lyc) 200 mg/kg, respectively, the mice were given MW ip 0.2 ml for 7 days. The average life span was calculated for each group. After being given subacutely lower doses of anticancer drugs ( CTX 100 mg/kg, HA 3 mg/kg ) ip 3 times, the mice were given MW ip 0.2 ml for 7 days and the blood white cells were counted as routine. It was shown that the mice in MW groups after ip anticancer drugs survived longer than those without MW. The effects of various anticancer drugs on life span were different. The white cell numbers of groups with MW were higher than that of the groups without MW. So it is possible that MW can remarkably extend the life span of mice and attenuate the leukopenia by mitigating the toxicity of anticancer drugs in vivo .

Antihypertensive drugs and glucose metabolism

Hypertension plays a major role in the development and progression of micro-and macrovascular disease.Moreover,increased blood pressure often coexists with additional cardiovascular risk factors such as insulin resistance.As a result the need for a comprehensive management of hypertensive patients is critical.However,the various antihypertensive drug categories have different effects on glucose metabolism.Indeed,angiotensin receptor blockers as well as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors have been associated with beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis.Calcium channel blockers(CCBs)have an overall neutral effect on glucose metabolism.However,some members of the CCBs class such as azelnidipine and manidipine have been shown to have advantageous effects on glucose homeostasis.On the other hand,diuretics andβ-blockers have an overall disadvantageous effect on glucose metabolism.Of note,carvedilol as well as nebivolol seem to differentiate themselves from the rest of theβ-blockers class,being more attractive options regarding their effect on glucose homeostasis.The adverse effects of some blood pressure lowering drugs on glucose metabolism may,to an extent,compromise their cardiovascular protective role.As a result the effects on glucose homeostasis of the various blood pressure lowering drugs should be taken into account when selecting an antihypertensive treatment,especially in patients which are at high risk for developing diabetes.

Salvianolic acid B modulates the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes in HepG2 cells

BACKGROUND: Enzymes involved in drug and xenobiotic metabolism have been considered to exist in two groups: phase I and phase II enzymes. Cytochrome P450 isoenzymes (CYPs) are the most important phase I enzymes in the metabolism of xenobiotics. The products of phase I metabolism are then acted upon by phase II enzymes, including glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). Herbs that inhibit CYPs such as CYP3A4 or that induce GSTs may have the potential to protect against chemical carcinogenesis since the mutagenic effects of carcinogens are often mediated through an excess of CYP-generated reactive intermediates. This study was designed to investigate the effects of salvianolic acid B (Sal B), a pure compound extracted from Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, a Chinese herb, on cell proliferation and CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 mRNA expression in the presence or absence of rifampicin, a potent inducer of CYPs and GST protein expression in HepG2 cells. METHODS: HepG2 cells were incubated with different concentrations of Sal B. Cell proliferation was determined by SYTOX-Green nucleic acid staining. CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 mRNA expression was assayed by real-time PCR. GST protein expression was analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Low concentrations of Sal B (0-20 μmol/L) had no significant effects on cell proliferation, while higher concentrations (100-250 μmol/L) significantly inhibited proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Ten μmol/L Sal B, but not 1 μmol/L, down-regulated CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 mRNA expression after 24 hours of incubation, whereas both 1 and 10 μmol/L Sal B down-regulated CYP3A4mRNA expression after 96 hours of incubation; moreover, 1 and 10 μmol/L Sal B inhibited CYP3A4 mRNA expression induced by rifampicin. Both 1 μmol/L and 10 μmol/L Sal B increased GST expression. CONCLUSION: Sal B inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 mRNA expression and induces GST expression in HepG2 cells.

The First Approved “Deuterated” Drug: A Short Review of the Concept

The first “deuterated” drug has recently been approved by the U.S. FDA (Food & Drug Administration). A “deuterated” drug is a drug in which the hydrogen atom in one or more of the carbon-hydrogen bonds in its chemical structure is replaced by deuterium (“heavy hydrogen”, a hydrogen isotope that has a neutron, i.e., one neutron instead of the usual no neutrons). A carbon-deuterium (C-D) bond is more stable in the body than a carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bond. If the deuterium is strategically located in a drug’s chemical structure, the extra stability of the bond will be more resistant to metabolic breakdown, and the duration of drug action will be prolonged. We review the general concept of deuterated drugs, historical examples of the classes of application, and the new approval.

Changes of Liver Microsomal Drug-metabolizing System and Lipoperoxidation Activity in Scalded Rats and the Effects of Silybin

The dynamic changes of liver microsomal drug-metabolizing system (MDMS) andlipoperoxidation were studied in scalded rats. The effects of treatment with vitamin E and silybinwere also evaluated. The results showeed that liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 content, and p-nitroanisole demethylase (P-NOD) and aniline hydroxylase (AH) activity decreased markedlypostburn. On the contrary, liver lipoperoxide and mierosomal lipoperoxidation increased significantlyafter scalding. Both the increase of liver lipoperoxide and mierosomal lipoperoxidation and the de-crease of MDMS activity were prevented by vitamin E and silybin treatments.

Preface for special issue on new analytical techniques and methods in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics

Analytical technologies and approaches for drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics(DMPK)research in the pharmaceutical industry and academic research institutes have evolved rapidly over the past decade.On one hand,the discovery and development of small molecule drug candidates requires earlier and better understanding of their absorption,distribution,metabolism and excretion(ADME)in human as well as their interactions with metabolizing enzymes.

A Critical Review on Traditional Herbal Drugs: An Emerging Alternative Drug for Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease reaching an epidemic proportion in many parts of the world. By the year 2025 it is expected that 333 million people of the world will have diabetes as their main ailment. As today, India assumes the position of the diabetic capital of the world with the highest percentage of its population suffering from diabetes. It is pathetic to mention that in proportion to its people suffering from diabetes, this country has very weak spending power for treatment because of wide spread poverty. Therefore, this review is aimed at opening up new vistas in realizing the therapeutic potential of Ayurveda in treatment of diabetes and other chronic diseases. All drugs which we have discussed in this review have a significant role in therapy of diabetes mellitus.

Directing the Metabolism of Drugs Away from CYP450: The Use of Oxetane Rings

Treatment of health problems that accompany aging often includes pharmacotherapy. It is thus common for older adults—and, increasingly, younger adults—to be on multiple medications, either prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). With the consumption of multiple medications, drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are a concern. The site of drug-drug interactions is often at the level of drug metabolism. If a drug inhibits (or enhances) the metabolism of another, the blood level (therapeutic effect) can be decreased below the required level, or adverse effects can increase. Because most currently used drugs are metabolized via cytochrome P450-catalyzed pathways, drug discovers seek drugs that are metabolized by alternate pathways. Medicinal chemists have come upon a strategy—the incorporation of oxetane rings in the drug structure—that increases the likelihood that a drug will not be metabolized via CYP450. The same modification gives other desirable physical properties to the molecule. Although there are no guarantees that there will be fewer DDIs or an absence of other unexpected problems, the strategy could pave the way for new drugs that are safer and easier to use with concomitant medications.

Pharmacological Effects of Botanical Drugs on Myocardial Metabolism in Chronic Heart Failure

Although there have been significant advances in the treatment of heart failure in recent years,chronic heart failure remains a leading cause of cardiovascular disease-related death.Many studies have found that targeted cardiac metabolic remodeling has good potential for the treatment of heart failure.However,most of the drugs that increase cardiac energy are still in the theoretical or testing stage.Some research has found that botanical drugs not only increase myocardial energy metabolism through multiple targets but also have the potential to restore the balance of myocardial substrate metabolism.In this review,we summarized the mechanisms by which botanical drugs(the active ingredients/formulas/Chinese patent medicines)improve substrate utilization and promote myocardial energy metabolism by activating AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors(PPARs)and other related targets.At the same time,some potential protective effects of botanical drugs on myocardium,such as alleviating oxidative stress and dysbiosis signaling,caused by metabolic disorders,were briefly discussed.

The roles and mechanisms of SREBP1 in cancer development and drug response

Cancer occurrence and development are closely related to increased lipid produc-tion and glucose consumption.Lipids are the basic component of the cell membrane and play a significant role in cancer cell processes such as cell-to-cell recognition,signal transduction,and energy supply,which are vital for cancer cell rapid proliferation,invasion,and metastasis.Sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1(SREBP1)is a key transcription factor regulating the expression of genes related to cholesterol biosynthesis,lipid homeostasis,and fatty acid synthesis.In addition,SREBP1 and its upstream or downstream target genes are implicated in various metabolic diseases,particularly cancer.However,no review of sREBP1 in cancer biology has yet been published.Herein,we summarized the roles and mechanisms of SREBP1 biological processes in cancer cells,including SREBP1 modification,lipid metabolism and reprogramming,glucose and mitochondrial metabolism,immunity,and tumor microenvi-ronment,epithelial-mesenchymal transition,cell cycle,apoptosis,and ferroptosis.Addition-ally,we discussed the potential role of SREBP1 in cancer prognosis,drug response such as drug sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy,and the potential drugs targeting SREBP1 and its corresponding pathway,elucidating the potential clinical application based on SREBP1 and its corresponding signal pathway.

Emerging mechanisms of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and novel drug therapies

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has become a leading cause of chronic liver disease globally.It initiates with simple steatosis(NAFL)and can progress to the more severe condition of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH).NASH often advances to end-stage liver diseases such as liver fibrosis,cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Notably,the transition from NASH to end-stage liver diseases is irreversible,and the precise mechanisms driving this progression are not yet fully understood.Consequently,there is a critical need for the development of effective therapies to arrest or reverse this progression.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis of NASH,examines the current therapeutic targets and pharmacological treatments,and offers insights for future drug discovery and development strategies for NASH therapy.

Single-cell mass spectrometry studies of drug metabolism heterogeneity and primary resistance to gefitinib in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Patients with epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)wild-type non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)often show primary resistance to gefitinib therapy.It is thus necessary to study the metabolism of gefitinib in NSCLC cells to comprehensively reveal the reasons for the primary resistance of tumors.Herein,we develop a platform for studying drug metabolism heterogeneity based on single-cell mass spectrometry(sDMH-scMS)by integrating living-cell electrolaunching ionization MS(ILCEI-MS)and high-performance liquid chromatography-MS(HPLC-MS)analysis,and the primary resistance of NSCLC cells to gefitinib was studied using this platform.The ILCEI-MS analysis showed that approximately 11.9%of NSCLC single cells contained the gefitinib metabolite M11;HPLC-MS detection diluted the intensity of M11 in subpopulations and concealed the heterogeneity of drug metabolism in tumor single cells.The intensity of gefitinib in EGFR wild-type A549 cells was markedly lower than in mutant PC9 cells,and the intensity of gefitinib metabolites was significantly higher than in PC9 cells,suggesting that the primary resistance of NSCLC cells is related to gefitinib metabolism.Moreover,the combination of gefitinib and the drug-metabolizing enzyme inhibitorα-naphthoflavone was shown to overcome the primary resistance of the NSCLC cells.Overall,the results of this study are expected to be applicable for clinical drug resistance diagnosis and treatment at the single-cell level.

Current remarks and future directions on the interactions between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and COVID-19

During the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,particular interest rose regarding the interaction between metabolic dysfunctionassociated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)and the COVID-19 infection.Several studies highlighted the fact that individuals with MAFLD had higher probability of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and more severe adverse clinical outcomes.One of the proposed mechanisms is the inflammatory response pathway,especially the one involving cytokines,such as interleukin 6,which appeared particularly elevated in those patients and was deemed responsible for additional insult to the already damaged liver.This should increase our vigilance in terms of early detection,close follow up and early treatment for individuals with MAFLD and COVID-19 infection.In the direction of early diagnosis,biomarkers such as cytokeratin-18 and scoring systems such as Fibrosis-4 index score are proposed.COVID-19 is a newly described entity,expected to be of concern for the years to come,and MAFLD is a condition with an ever-increasing impact.Delineating the interaction between these two entities should be brought into the focus of research.Reducing morbidity and mortality of patients with COVID-19 and MAFLD should be the ultimate objective,and the optimal way to achieve this is by designing evidence-based prevention and treatment policies.

The SLC transporter in nutrient and metabolic sensing, regulation, and drug development

The prevalence of metabolic diseases is growing worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests that solute carrier (SLC) transporters contribute to the etiology of various metabolic diseases. Consistent with metabolic characteristics, the top five organs in which SLC transporters are highly expressed are the kidney, brain, liver, gut, and heart. We aim to understand the molecular mechanisms of important SLC transporter-mediated physiological processes and their potentials as drug targets. SLC transporters serve as Metabolic gate’ of cells and mediate the transport of a wide range of essential nutrients and metabolites such as glucose, amino acids, vitamins, neurotransmitters, and inorganic/metal ions. Gene-modified animal models have demonstrated that SLC transporters participate in many important physiological functions including nutrient supply, metabolic transformation, energy homeostasis, tissue development, oxidative stress, host defense, and neurological regulation. Furthermore, the human genomic studies have identified that SLC transporters are susceptible or causative genes in various diseases like cancer, metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease, immunological disorders, and neurological dysfunction? Importantly, a number of SLC transporters have been successfully targeted for drug developments。 This review will focus on the current understanding of SLCs in regulating physiology, nutrient sensing and uptake, and risk of diseases.

DNA damage and metabolic mechanisms of cancer drug resistance

Cancer drug resistance is one of the main barriers to overcome to ensure durable treatment responses.While many pivotal advances have been made in first combination therapies,then targeted therapies,and now broadening out to immunomodulatory drugs or metabolic targeting compounds,drug resistance is still ultimately universally fatal.In this brief review,we will discuss different strategies that have been used to fight drug resistance from synthetic lethality to tumor microenvironment modulation,focusing on the DNA damage response and tumor metabolism both within tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment.In this way,with a better understanding of both targetable mutations in combination with the metabolism,smarter drugs may be designed to combat cancer drug resistance.

Machine Learning-Based Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship and ADMET Prediction Models for ERα Activity of Anti-Breast Cancer Drug Candidates

Breast cancer is presently one of the most common malignancies worldwide,with a higher fatality rate.In this study,a quantitative structure-activity relationship(QSAR)model of compound biological activity and ADMET(Absorption,Distribution,Metabolism,Excretion,Toxicity)properties prediction model were performed using estrogen receptor alpha(ERα)antagonist information collected from compound samples.We first utilized grey relation analysis(GRA)in conjunction with the random forest(RF)algorithm to identify the top 20 molecular descriptor variables that have the greatest influence on biological activity,and then we used Spearman correlation analysis to identify 16 independent variables.Second,a QSAR model of the compound were developed based on BP neural network(BPNN),genetic algorithm optimized BP neural network(GA-BPNN),and support vector regression(SVR).The BPNN,the SVR,and the logistic regression(LR)models were then used to identify and predict the ADMET properties of substances,with the prediction impacts of each model compared and assessed.The results reveal that a SVR model was used in QSAR quantitative prediction,and in the classification prediction of ADMET properties:the SVR model predicts the Caco-2 and hERG(human Ether-a-go-go Related Gene)properties,the LR model predicts the cytochrome P450 enzyme 3A4 subtype(CYP3A4)and Micronucleus(MN)properties,and the BPNN model predicts the Human Oral Bioavailability(HOB)properties.Finally,information entropy theory is used to validate the rationality of variable screening,and sensitivity analysis of the model demonstrates that the constructed model has high accuracy and stability,which can be used as a reference for screening probable active compounds and drug discovery.

Recent advancements in single-cell metabolic analysis for pharmacological research

Cellular heterogeneity is crucial for understanding tissue biology and disease pathophysiology.Pharmacological research is being advanced by single-cell metabolic analysis,which offers a technique to identify variations in RNA,proteins,metabolites,and drug molecules in cells.In this review,the recent advancement of single-cell metabolic analysis techniques and their applications in drug metabolism and drug response are summarized.High-precision and controlled single-cell isolation and manipulation are provided by microfluidics-based methods,such as droplet microfluidics,microchamber,open microfluidic probe,and digital microfluidics.They are used in tandem with variety of detection techniques,including optical imaging,Raman spectroscopy,electrochemical detection,RNA sequencing,and mass spectrometry,to evaluate single-cell metabolic changes in response to drug administration.The advantages and disadvantages of different techniques are discussed along with the challenges and future directions for single-cell analysis.These techniques are employed in pharmaceutical analysis for studying drug response and resistance pathway,therapeutic targets discovery,and in vitro disease model evaluation.

Microbial-host-isozyme:a new territory for understanding personalized responses towards drug therapy

Inter-individual responses to medicinal drugs vary widely in clinic,which drives the urgent need of precision medicine for minimizing adverse reactions and maximalizing therapeutic effects among patients[1].In addition to genetic factors,increasing evidence suggests that gut microbiome plays a crucial role in affecting either pharmacodynamics or pharmacokinetics[2].In recent years,at least two ways have been demonstrated through which gut microbiome jointly affects drug metabolism or efficacy with host.One is the microbial metabolism on drugs.Zimmermann et al.[3]systematically studied the direct interaction between microorganisms and drugs.They found that 2/3 of the 271 selected orally administered drugs could be metabolized by at least one strain.They also verified that 30 enzymes encoded by microorganisms have the ability to transform 20 drugs into 59 candidate metabolites.The direct interaction between gut microbiota and drugs,including chemical modification(such as sulfasalazine[4]),inactivation(such as digoxin[5])or changes in toxicity(such as irinotecan[6]).Another way is the bioaccumulation of drugs in gut bacteria that alters drug availability and metabolism.Klünemann et al.[7]investigated the depletion of 15 drugs with different structures by 25 representative strains.This study reveals 70 interactions between bacteria and drugs,of which 29 have not been reported in previous studies,and more than half of the new interactions can be attributed to bioaccumulation.