A 3D-QSAR Study on a Novel Chromanol Class of I_ (Ks) Potassium Channel Blockers

Aim and Method A novel three-dimensional quantitative structure-activityrelationship (3D-QSAR) method, self-organizing molecular field analysis (SOMFA) , was used toinvestigate the correlation between the molecular properties and a class of chromanol analogs asI_(Ks) blockers. Results The cross-validated correlation coefficient q^2 values (0.698) and noncross-validated correlation coefficient r^2 values (0.701) proved a good conventional statisticalcorrelation. Conclusion The final SOMFA model has therefore good predictive activity for the furthermolecular design of chromanol I_(Ks) potassium channel blockers.

Antineoplastic Effect of Calcium Channel Blocker-Verapamil and 5-Fluorouracil Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy on Hepatocarcinoma-Bearing Rats

Objective To study the antineoplastic effect of the calcium channel blocker verapamil and 5-fluorouracil intraperitoneal chemotherapy onhepatocarcinoma-bearing rats, and examine the action between calcium channel blockers and cytotoxic drugs.Methods We adopted the method of subcapsular implantation of carcinoma tissues of walker-256 in the left liver lobe as a model of livercarcinoma-bearing rats. All experimental animals were divided into four groups. On the sixth day post implantation, in group A (controlgroup) 6 ml of saline was injected intraperitoneally once a day for 3 days. In group B (single chemotherapy group) 6 ml of 5-Fu 75 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally once a day for 3 days. In group C (combination of treatment group) both 5-Fu (75 mg/kg) and verapamil(25 mg/kg) were administered simultaneously as in A and B. In group D (simple verapamil group) only 6 ml of verapamil (25 mg/kg)was administered as above.Results Compared with groups A, B and D, The volume of cancer and the contents of liver cancer DNA and protein were significantlyreduced. The rates of inhibiting cancer (89.9% in group C and 35.4% in group B) were significantly increased in group C. Group C hadsignificantly long survival time compared to groups A, B and D ( P < 0.05) . By light microscopy, a number of focal necroses were foundin cancer tissue in group C.Conclusion Calcium channel blockers can enhance the antineoplastic effect of 5-Fu intraperitoneal chemotherapy to liver cancer ; Theuse of verapamil can not increase the toxicity of 5-Fu.

Bax channel blocker逆转衰老骨髓间充质干细胞生物学行为的研究

目的:探讨Bax channel blocker(BCB)对自然衰老大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(aged-BMSCs)生物学功能的影响。方法:全骨髓贴壁培养法获得22月龄(老年)和2周龄(年青)大鼠BMSCs,β-gal染色鉴定aged-BMSCs,用BCB对实验组细胞进行干预,以Nanog和Oct-4为靶标,RT-PCR筛选最佳作用浓度。使用RT-PCR和Western Blot分别检测细胞衰老水平及成骨分化的关键基因及蛋白的表达;对细胞药物干预同时进行成骨分化诱导,培养14 d后进行碱性磷酸酶(ALP)染色,21 d后茜素红染色。结果:BCB对aged-BMSCs最佳实验浓度为10μmol/L。BCB能明显降低aged-BMSCs细胞内β-gal含量,在mRNA水平和蛋白水平降低衰老相关基因p53和p21WAF1/cip1表达;明显提升干细胞标记物Nanog、Oct-4。成骨分化诱导后,成骨分化标志基因表达上调,ALP和茜素红染色水平提升。结论:BCB能够逆转aged-BMSCs的衰老,促进其骨向分化。

Calcium channel blocker monotherapy versus combination with reninangiotensin system inhibitors on the development of new-onset diabetes mellitus in hypertensive Korean patients

Background In real practice, two or more antihypertensive drugs are needed to achieve target blood pressure. We investigated the comparative beneficial actions of combination therapy of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI), with calcium channel blockers (CCB) over CCB monotherapy on the development of new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) in Korean patients during four-year follow-up periods. Methods A total of 3208 consecutive hypertensive patients without a history of diabetes mellitus who had been prescribed CCB were retrospectively enrolled from January 2004 to December 2012. These patients were divided into the two groups according to the additional use of RASI (the RASI group, n = 1221 and the no RASI group, n = 1987). Primary endpoint was NODM, defined as a fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL or hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5%. Secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as total death, myocardial infarction (MI) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Results After propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis, two propensity- matched groups (939 pairs, n = 1878, C-statistic = 0.743) were generated. The incidences of NODM (HR = 1.009, 95% CI: 0.700–1.452, P = 0.962), MACE (HR = 0.877, 95% CI: 0.544–1.413, P = 0.589), total death, MI, PCI were similar between the two groups after PSM during four years. Conclusions The use of RASI in addition to CCB showed comparable incidences of NODM and MACE compared to CCB monotherapy in non-diabetic hypertensive Korean patients during four-year follow-up period. However, large-scaled randomized controlled clinical trials will be required for a more definitive conclusion.

Calcium channel blockers and Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer＇s disease is characterized by two pathological hallmarks： amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. In addition, calcium homeostasis is disrupted in the course of human aging Recent research shows that dense plaques can cause functional alteration of calcium signals in mice with Alzheimer＇s disease. Calcium channel blockers are effective therapeutics for treating Alzheimer＇s disease. This review provides an overview of the current research of calcium channel blockers involved in Alzheimer＇s disease theraov.

Involvement of leak K^+ channels in neurological disorders

TWIK-related acid-sensitive K+(TASK) channels give rise to leak K+ currents which influence the resting membrane potential and input resistance. The wide expression of TASK1 and TASK3 channels in the central nervous system suggests that these channels are critically involved in neurological disorders. It has become apparent in the past decade that TASK channels play critical roles for the development of various neurological disorders. In this review, I describe evidence for their roles in ischemia, epilepsy, learning/memory/cognition and apoptosis.

Voltage-dependent K^+-channel Responses during Activation and Damage in Alveolar Macrophages Induced by Quartz Particles

The roles of voltage-dependent K^＋ channels during activation and damage in alveolar macrophages （AMs） exposed to different silica particles were examined. Rat AMs were collected by means of bronchoalveolar lavage, and were adjusted to 5× 10^5/mL. After AMs were exposed to different concentrations （0, 25, 50, 100, 200 μg/mL） of quartz particles and 100 μg/mL amorphous silica particles for 24 h, the voltage-depended K^＋ current in AMs was measured by using patch clamp technique. Meanwhile the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and the viability of AMs were detected respectively. Patch clamp studies demonstrated that AMs possessed outward delayed and inward rectifying K^＋ current. Exposure to quartz particles increased the outward delayed K^＋ current but it had no effect on inward rectifier K^＋ current in AMs. Neither of the two K^＋ channels in AMs was affected by amorphous silica particles. Cytotoxicity test showed that both silica particles could damage AM membrane and result in significant leakage of LDH （P〈0.05）. MTT studies, however, showed that only quartz particles reduced viability of AMs （P〈0.05）. It is concluded that quartz parti- cles can activate the outward delayed K^＋ channel in AMs, which may act as an activating signal in AMs to initiate an inflammatory response during damage and necrosis in AMs induced by exposure to quartz particle. K^＋ channels do not contribute to the membrane damage of AMs.

THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF Na^+ CHANNEL BLOCKERS AGAINST CELL DAMAGE CAUSED BY ISCHEMIA

In order to observe it blockers of sodium channel obsesses the neuroprotective effect on hippocampal CA 1 pyramidal cell under the condition of transient brain ischemia, the present experiment used 24 male Wistar rats aged 9 months and divided them into four groups. Lidocaine and/or furosemide were injected introcerebroventicularlly (I.C.V). Stained with H E and accounted the CA 1 pyramidal cell numbers by computer in each group suggested following findings: Although 5 μl of 2% lidocaine was injected I.C.V, the results indicated lidocaine didn't have any blockade to pyramidal cell injuries in hippocampal CA 1 area (P<0 05). In the group medicated with 2 5μl of both 2% lidocaine and 2% furosemide, the results showed that the combined approach had a blockade to injuries of pyramidal cells compared with control group (P<0 01). The present experiment indicates that the combined blockade of lidocaine and furosemide injected I.C.V. to Na + channel can prevent the injuries from hippocampal neurons owing to ischemia.

Localization of ATP-sensitive K^+ channel subunits in rat liver

BACKGROUND ATP-sensitive K^+(KATP)channels were originally found in cardiac myocytes by Noma in 1983.KATP channels were formed by potassium ion-passing poreforming subunits(Kir6.1,Kir6.2)and regulatory subunits SUR1,SU2A and SUR2B.A number of cells and tissues have been revealed to contain these channels including hepatocytes,but detailed localization of these subunits in different types of liver cells was still uncertain.AIM To investigate the expression of KATP channel subunits in rat liver and their localization in different cells of the liver.METHODS Rabbit anti-rat SUR1 peptide antibody was raised and purified by antigen immunoaffinity column chromatography.Four of Sprague-Dawley rats were used for liver protein extraction for immunoblot analysis,seven of them were used for immunohistochemistry both for the ABC method and immunofluorescence staining.Four of Wistar rats were used for the isolation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)and Kupffer cells for both primary culture and immunocytochemistry.RESULTS Immunoblot analysis showed that the five kinds of KATP channel subunits,i.e.Kir6.1,Kir6.2,SUR1,SUR2A,and SUR2B,were detected in liver.Immunohistochemical staining showed that Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 were weakly to moderately expressed in parenchymal cells and sinusoidal lining cells,while SUR1,SUR2A,and SUR2B were mainly localized to sinusoidal lining cells,such as HSCs,Kupffer cells,and sinusoidal endothelial cells.Immunoreactivity for SUR2A and SUR2B was expressed in the hepatocyte membrane.Double immunofluorescence staining further showed that the pore-forming subunits Kir6.1 and/or Kir6.2 colocalized with GFAP in rat liver sections and primary cultured HSCs.These KATP channel subunits also colocalized with CD68 in liver sections and primary cultured Kupffer cells.The SUR subunits colocalized with GFAP in liver sections and colocalized with CD68 both in liver sections and primary cultured Kupffer cells.In addition,five KATP channel subunits colocalized with SE-1 in sinusoidal endothelial cells.CONCLUSION Observations from the present study indicated that KATP channel subunits expressed in rat liver and the diversity of KATP channel subunit composition might form different types of KATP channels.This is applicable to hepatocytes,HSCs,various types of Kupffer cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells.

Effect of Calcium Ionophore and Calcium Channel Blockers on Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions

The release of mediators from mast cells is a model for cell secretion and is an in-vitro index for immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Calcium influx is generally accepted to be the primary biochemicalevent in mast cell activation.We studied the effect of the calcium ionophore A 23187 and calcium channelblockers,nifedipine and verapamil, in triggering the activation of rat peritoneal mast cells.At suitableconcentration nifedipine and verapamil have had the inhibition effect in the IgE-dependent roaction.

Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase:ion pump,signal transducer,or cytoprotective protein,and novel biological functions

Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase is a transmembrane protein that has important roles in the maintenance of electrochemical gradients across cell membranes by transporting three Na^(+)out of and two K^(+)into cells.Additionally,Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase participates in Ca^(2+)-signaling transduction and neurotransmitter release by coordinating the ion concentration gradient across the cell membrane.Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase works synergistically with multiple ion channels in the cell membrane to form a dynamic network of ion homeostatic regulation and affects cellular communication by regulating chemical signals and the ion balance among different types of cells.Therefo re,it is not surprising that Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase dysfunction has emerged as a risk factor for a variety of neurological diseases.However,published studies have so far only elucidated the important roles of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase dysfunction in disease development,and we are lacking detailed mechanisms to clarify how Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase affects cell function.Our recent studies revealed that membrane loss of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase is a key mechanism in many neurological disorders,particularly stroke and Parkinson's disease.Stabilization of plasma membrane Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase with an antibody is a novel strategy to treat these diseases.For this reason,Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase acts not only as a simple ion pump but also as a sensor/regulator or cytoprotective protein,participating in signal transduction such as neuronal autophagy and apoptosis,and glial cell migration.Thus,the present review attempts to summarize the novel biological functions of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase and Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase-related pathogenesis.The potential for novel strategies to treat Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase-related brain diseases will also be discussed.

Voltage-gated Sodium Channels and Blockers:An Overview and Where Will They Go?

Voltage-gated sodium(Nav)channels are critical players in the generation and propagation of action potentials by triggering membrane depolarization.Mutations in Nav channels are associated with a variety of channelopathies,which makes them relevant targets for pharmaceutical intervention.Sofar,the cryoelectron microscopic structure of the human Nav 1.2,Nav 1.4,and Nav 1.7 has been reported,which sheds light on the molecular basis of functional mechanism of Nav channels and provides a path toward structure-based drug discovery.In this review,we focus on the recent advances in the structure,molecular mechanism and modulation of Nav channels,and state updated sodium channel blockers for the treatment of pathophysiology disorders and briefly discuss where the blockers may be developed in the future.

Arsenic exposure decreases rhythmic contractions of vascular tone through sodium transporters and K^+ channels

Arsenic-contaminated drinking water is a public health problem in countries such as Taiwan, Bangladesh, United States, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile. The chronic ingestion of arsenic-contaminated drinking water increases the risk for ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and prevalence of hypertension. Although toxic arsenic effects are controversial, there is evidence that a high concentration of arsenic may induce hypertension through increase in vascular tone and resistance. Vascular tone is regulated by the rhythmic contractions of the blood vessels, generated by calcium oscillations in the cytosol of vascular smooth muscle cells. To regulate the cytosolic calcium oscillations, the membrane oscillator model involves the participation of Ca2+ channels, calcium-activated K+ channels, Na+/Ca2+exchange, plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase, and the Na+/K+-ATPase. However, little is known about the role of K+ uptake by sodium transporters [Na+/K+-ATPase or Na+-K+-2Cl-(NKCC1)] on the rhythmic contractions.Vascular rhythmic contractions, or vasomotion are a local mechanism to regulate vascular resistance andblood flow. Since vascular rhythmic contractions of blood vessels are involved in modulating the vascular resistance, the blood flow, and the systemic pressure,we suggest a model explaining the participation of the sodium pump and NKCC1 co-transporter in low dose arsenic exposure effects on vasomotion and vascular dysfunction.

Expression levels of K_(ATP)channel subunits and morphological changes in the mouse liver after exposure to radiation

BACKGROUND ATP sensitive K+(K_(ATP))channels are ubiquitously distributed in various of cells and tissues,including the liver.They play a role in the pathogenesis of myocardial and liver ischemia.AIM To evaluate the radiation-induced changes in the expression of K_(ATP)channel subunits in the mouse liver to understand the potential role of K_(ATP)channels in radiation injury.METHODS Adult C57BL/6 mice were randomly exposed toγ-rays at 0 Gy(control,n=2),0.2 Gy(n=6),1 Gy(n=6),or 5 Gy(n=6).The livers were removed 3 and 24 h after radiation exposure.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for morphological observation;immunohistochemical staining was applied to determine the expression of K_(ATP)channel subunits in the liver tissue.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the livers exposed to 0.2 Gyγ-ray showed an initial increase in the expression of Kir6.1 at 3 h,followed by recovery at 24 h after exposure.Exposure to a high dose of 5.0 Gy resulted in decreased expression of Kir6.1 and increased expression of SUR2B at 24 h.However,the expression of Kir6.2,SUR1,or SUR2A had no remarkable changes at 3 and 24 h after exposure to any of these doses.CONCLUSION The expression levels of Kir6.1 and SUR2B in mouse liver changed differently in response to different radiation doses,suggesting a potential role for them in radiation-induced liver injury.

Roles of TRESK,a novel two-pore domain K+channel,in pain pathway and general anesthesia

TRESK is the most recently reported two-pore domain K^＋ channel, and different from other two-pore domain channels in gene, molecular structure, electrophysiological and pharmacological properties. Although the current knowledge of this potassium channel is inadequate, researches have demonstrated that TRESK is remarkablely linked to acute and chronic pain by activation of calcineurin. The fact that TRESK is sensitive to volatile anesthetics and localization in central nerve system implies that TRESK may play a very important role in the mechanism mediating general anesthesia. The further research of TRESK may contribute to explore the underlying mechanism of some pathological conditions and yield novel treatments for some diseases.

K^(+)通道阻滞剂尼非卡兰联合酒石酸美托洛尔片对老年心律失常患者HRV的疗效

目的:探究K^(+)通道阻滞剂尼非卡兰联合酒石酸美托洛尔片对老年心律失常患者心率变异性(HRV)的疗效。方法:选择我院收治的老年心律失常患者124例,分为美托洛尔组和联合治疗组(在美托洛尔组治疗基础上采用尼非卡兰注射液治疗),各62例。治疗2周后,观察两组治疗前后心功能、24h动态心电图、心率变化、疗效及不良反应率。结果:与美托洛尔组相比,联合治疗组心功能显著改善,炎症相关指标显著降低,HRV指标:24h相邻RR间差>50ms百分数(PNN50)[(14.92±5.22)%比(28.71±6.25)%]、24h内每5min RR间期标准差均值(SDANN)[(80.52±16.23)ms比(98.35±20.15)ms]、24h相邻RR差值均方根(rMSSD)[(29.61±7.46)ms比(40.56±8.53)ms]、24h内正常RR间期标准差(SDNN)[(90.50±18.52)ms比(103.95±21.67)ms]均显著提高(P均=0.001)。联合治疗组总有效率显著高于美托洛尔组(98.39%比83.87%,P=0.040)。结论:老年心律失常患者联合应用尼非卡兰、酒石酸美托洛尔可显著改善心率变异性及炎症状态,提高心功能。

K^+胁迫和K^+通道抑制剂对爪哇根结线虫诱导的巨型细胞的影响

用BaCl2作为钾通道抑制剂,与钾素营养胁迫和正常营养条件下进行对照,研究了3种条件对根结线虫感染诱导形成的巨型细胞的影响。组织病理学观察结果表明,钾通道抑制剂降低了巨型细胞对K+in通道K+的吸收效率,从而影响到巨型细胞中核酸和蛋白质的合成,也影响巨型细胞对糖类物质的转运。在K+缺乏胁迫下,巨型细胞对K+的吸收机制不同于其他2个处理条件下的巨型细胞对K+的吸收。

K^+通道阻断剂四乙铵对胰岛β-细胞凋亡的作用机制研究

目的研究K+通道阻断剂四乙铵(TEA)对诱导胰岛β细胞凋亡的作用及机制。方法以IFNγ+IL1β诱导NIT细胞凋亡,同时加入TEA,通过AnnexinV检测、PI染色,利用四唑蓝比色实验(MTT法)检测不同浓度TEA对链脲佐菌素(STZ)处理细胞活性的影响;使用流式细胞术检测TEA对诱导NIT细胞凋亡的影响;通过硝酸还原酶法、硫代巴比妥酸TBA法、化学比色法、黄嘌呤氧化酶法、分别测定培养上清液中NO和氧自由基含量以及细胞裂解物中NO合成酶(NOS)及超氧化物歧化酶(superoxidedismutase,SOD)活性。结果1mmolLTEA能显著抑制IFNγ+IL1β诱导的NIT细胞凋亡。IFNγ+IL1β可显著增加NOS活性,降低SOD的活性,从而导致培养上清液中NO及氧自由基的含量显著增加;TEA可显著抑制STZ的作用。结论K+通道在胰岛β细胞的凋亡中可能起着重要作用;K+通道阻断剂TEA可显著抑制IFNγ+IL1β诱导的胰岛β细胞凋亡,其机制可能与下调NIT细胞诱导性NO合成酶(iNOS)活性,上调SOD活性,减少NO的产生以及增强其清除氧自由基的能力有关。