Synthesis and Characterization of Naproxen-Salicylate Derivatives as Potential Dual-Targeted Inhibitors of Dihydrofolate Reductase

Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is an enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of dihydrofolate (DHF) to tetrahydrofolate (THF). Chemotherapy drugs such as methotrexate help to slow the progression of cancer by limiting the ability of dividing cells to make nucleotides by competitively inhibiting DHFR. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been previously reported to exhibit competitive inhibition of DHFR, in addition to their primary action on cyclooxygenase enzymes. This interaction interferes with the enzymatic reduction of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate, thereby impeding the folate metabolism pathway essential for nucleotide synthesis and cell proliferation. This activity stems from their structural resemblance to the p-aminobenzoyl-l-glutamate (pABG) moiety of folate, a substrate of DHFR. It has been established that NSAIDs containing a salicylate group (which has structural similarities to pABG), such as diflunisal, exhibit stronger DHFR-binding activity. In this study, we synthesized salicylate derivatives of naproxen with the aim of exploring their potential as inhibitors of DHFR. The interactions between these derivatives and human DHFR were characterized using a combination of biochemical, biophysical, and structural methods. Through polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis, enzymatic assays, and quantitative ELISA, we investigated the binding affinity and inhibitory potency of the synthesized salicylate derivatives towards DHFR. The findings of this study suggest the potential of salicylate derivatives of naproxen as promising candidates for the inhibition of DHFR, thereby offering novel therapeutic opportunities for modulating the inflammatory process through multiple pathways. Further optimization of these derivatives could lead to the development of more efficacious dual-targeted analogs with enhanced therapeutic benefits.

Differential expression of 5-alpha reductase sozymes in the prostate and its clinical implications

The development of human benign or malignant prostatic diseases is closely associated with androgens, primarily testosterone （T） and dihydrotestosterone （DHT）. T is converted to DHT by 5-alpha reductase （5-AR） isozymes. Differential expression of 5-AR isozymes is observed in both human benign and malignant prostatic tissues. 5-AR inhibitors （5-ARI） are commonly used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia （BPH） and were once promoted as chemopreventive agents for prostate cancer （PCa）. This review discusses the role of the differential expression of 5-AR in the normal development of the human prostate and in the pathogenesis and progression of BPH and PCa.

The use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)is characterized by an enlarged prostate,lower urinary tract symptoms(LUTS),and a decreased urinary flow rate.Common in older men,BPH is a progressive disease that can eventually lead to complications including acute urinary retention(AUR)and the need for BPH-related surgery.Both normal and abnormal prostate growth is driven by the androgen dihydrotestosterone(DHT),which is formed from testosterone under the influence of 5-alpha reductase.Thus,5-alpha reductase inhibitors(5-ARIs)effectively reduce the serum and intraprostatic concentration of DHT,causing an involution of prostate tissue.Two 5-ARIs are currently available for the treatment of BPHdfinasteride and dutasteride.Both have been demonstrated to decrease prostate volume,improve LUTS and urinary flow rates,which ultimately reduces the risk of AUR and BPH-related surgery.Therefore,either alone or in combination with other BPH medications,5-ARIs are a mainstay of BPH management.

Cytochrome b5 reductase 2 suppresses tumor formation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by attenuating angiogenesis

Background:Cytochrome b5 reductase 2(CYB5R2) is a potential tumor suppressor that inhibits cell proliferation and motility in nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC).Inactivation of CYB5R2 is associated with lymph node metastasis in NPC.This study aimed to explore the mechanisms contributing to the anti-neoplastic effects of CYB5R2.Methods:Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) assays were used to analyze the transcription of 84 genes known to be involved in representative cancer pathways in the NPC cell line HONE1.NPC cell lines CNE2 and HONE1 were transiently transfected with CYB5R2,and data was validated by real-time PCR.A chick chorioallantoic membrane(CAM)embryo model was implanted with CYB5R2-expressing CNE2 and HONE1 cells to evaluate the effect of CYB5R2 on angiogenesis.An immunohistochemical assay of the CAM model was used to analyze the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).Results:In CYB5R2-transfected NPC cells,PCR assays revealed up-regulated mRNA levels of Fas cell surface death receptor(FAS),FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog(FOS),phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1(PIK3R1),integrin beta 3(ITGB3),metastasis suppressor 1(MTSSl),interferon beta 1(IFNB1),and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A(CDKN2A) and down-regulated levels of integrin beta 5(ITGB5),insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF1),TEK tyrosine kinase(TEK),transforming growth factor beta receptor 1(TGFBRl),and VEGF.The angiogenesis in the CAM model implanted with CYB5R2-transfected NPC cells was inhibited.Down-regulation of VEGF by CYB5R2 in NPC cells was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining in the CAM model.Conclusion:CYB5R2 up-regulates the expression of genes that negatively modulate angiogenesis in NPC cells and down-regulates the expression of VEGF to reduce angiogenesis,thereby suppressing tumor formation.

ASSOCIATION OF PLASMA HOMOCYSTEINE LEVEL AND N^5, N^(10) -METHYLENETETRAHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE GENE POLYMORPHISM WITH CEREBRAL INFARCTION

Objective. To investigate the relationship of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level to stroke and genetic factor to elevated plasma Hcy level.Methods. The plasma Hcy level was measured by capillary electrophoresis- ultraviolet detection and the gene polymorphism of N5, N10 - methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) was studied with PCR - RFLP assay in 43 patients with cortical cerebral infarction and 42 healthy controls.Results. The plasma Hcy level of the patients ( 19. 3 + 6. 0 μ mol/L) was markedly higher than that of the controls (13.7 + 5.4 μ mol/L) ( t = 4. 16, P ＜ 0. 001). There are 3 genotypes, C/C, C/T and T/T, about base - variation of MTHFR gene at locus 677. The plasma Hcy level of the subjects with T/T genotype was higher than that of subjects with other genotypes. However, the frequencies of each genotype and allele were not significantly different between the patients and the controls.Conclusions. The elevated plasma Hcy level is a risk factor for atherothrombotic cerebral infarction, and is related to the C→T mutation at locus 677 of MTHFR gene.

Primary 4-3-oxosteroid 5β-reductase deficiency:Two cases in China

Aldo-keto reductase 1D1(AKR1D1) deficiency,a rare but life-threatening form of bile acid deficiency,has not been previously described in China.Here,we describe the first two primary 4-3-oxosteroid 5β-reductase deficiency patients in China's Mainland diagnosed by fast atom bombardment-mass spectroscopy of urinary bile acids and confirmed by genetic analysis.A high proportion of atypical 3-oxo-4-bile acids in the urine indicated a deficiency in 4-3-oxosteroid 5β-reductase.All of the coding exons and adjacent intronic sequence of the AKR1D1 gene were sequenced using peripheral lymphocyte genomic DNA of two patients and one of the patient's parents.One patient exhibited compound heterozygous mutations:c.396C>A and c.722A>T,while the other was heterozygous for the mutation c.797G>A.Based on these mutations,a diagnosis of primary 4-3-oxosteroid 5β-reductase deficiency could be confirmed.With ursodeoxycholic acid treatment and fat-soluble vitamin supplements,liver function tests normalized rapidly,and the degree of hepatomegaly was markedly reduced in both patients.

Medical therapy for clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia:α1 Antagonists,5α reductase inhibitors and their combination

Medical therapy for clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)has advanced significantly in the last 2 decades.Many new a1 antagonists and 5a reductase inhibitors(5ARi)are now commercially available.The practicing urologist must decide on the most appropriate medication for his patients,taking into consideration various factors like efficacy,dosing regime,adverse effects,cost,patient’s socioeconomic background,expectations,drug availability and his own clinical experience.The use of combination therapy added further to the complexity in clinical judgment when prescribing.We highlight some of the key points in prescribing a1 antagonists,5ARi and their combination,based on our viewpoints and experience as urologists in an Asian clinical setting.

Expression of 5α-Reductase Type 2 Gene in Human Testis, Epididymis and Vas Deferens

Objectives To study the expression pattern of 5α-reductase type 2 gene in human male reproductive organsMethods The expression level of 5α-reductase type 2 gene inhuman testis, epididymis and vas deferens tissues was determined by in situ hybridization using Digoxin labeled 5α-reductase type 2 cRNA probe.Results The brown granules of hybridizing signals distributed in the cytoplasm of Sertoli and Leydig cells of the testis, the principle cells of epididymis and the epithelial cells of vas deferens, but there was no positive signal in the nuclei of above-mentioned cells. No positive signal was observed in germ cells, basement of the testis, interstium of epididymis and basement, as well as smooth muscle of vas deferens. Conclusion This study confirmed that the 5α-reductase type 2 gene expressed in Sertoli , Leydig cells of the testis, and the principle cells of epididymis. The expression pattern of the gene in these cells in human was similar to that of rat and monkey. The presence of 5α-reductase type 2 gene in epithelial cells of the vas deferens suggested it might possess an important physiological role in human reproduction.

5α-reductase type 2 gene expression in human testis, epididymis and vas deferens

To study the expression pattern of 5α-reductase type 2 gene in human male reproductive organs. Methods: The expression level of 5ct-reductase type 2 gene in human testis, epididymis and vas deferens tissues was determined by in situ hybridization using a digoxin-labeled 5α-reductase type 2 cRNA probe. Results: The brown granules of hybridizing signals distributed in the cytoplasm of the Sertoli and Leydig cells of the testis, the principle cells of epididymis and the epithelial cells of vas deferens, but there was no positive signal in the nuclei of these cells. No positive signal was observed in the germ cells, basement of the testis, interstium of the epididymis and basement and the smooth muscle cells of vas deferens. Conclusion: This study confirmed that the 5a-reductase type 2 gene expressed in the Sertoli and Leydig cells of the testis and the principle cells of the epididymis. The expression pattem of the gene in these cells in the human was similar to that in the rat and monkey. The presence of 5α-reductase type 2 gene in the epithelial cells of the vas deferens suggests that it may play a physiological role in human reproduction. [Reprod Contracep (in English) 2002; 13: 67]

Pre-Androgen Ablation Prostate Cancer Patients Who Bleed Do Well with 5 Alpha Reductase Inhibitors

Background: Patients with gross haematuria are sometimes found to have prostate cancer after clinical evaluation. The treatment of such haematuria could be very challenging. Use of a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor like dutasteride has been found helpful in bleeding prostate cancer patients if they have not undergone hormonal manipulation before they developed haematuria. Patients and Method: 26 patients with gross haematuria of prostatic origin who had histologic confirmation of adenocarcinoma of the prostate but who have not had chemical or surgical castration were randomized to receive daily dutasteride in addition to vigorous saline irrigation and antibiotics on one arm and vigorous saline irrigation and antibiotics only as control on the other arm. The time taken before haematuria resolved and the amount of irrigation fluid used were noted. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS. Student’s t-test and Kaplan Meier survival analysis were used to test various variables at 0.5 significant levels. Results: Of the 26 patients 12(46.2%) received 0.5 mg oral dutasteride in addition to saline irrigation while 14 (53.8%) received saline irrigation only. Haematuria stopped in all of 12 (100%) patients on dutasteride arm but on 12 (85.7%) of the 14 patients on the control arm. It took significantly shorter time and lesser volume of irrigation fluid before haematuria resolved in those treated with dutasteride than in those on the control arm. Conclusion: Dutasteride is effective in the control of acute haematuria in pre-androgen ablation prostate cancer patients.

基于体外微量反应评价某些甾醇类化合物对5α还原酶的抑制作用

目的基于体外微量反应,体外筛选有效的5α还原酶抑制物.方法从SD大鼠肝脏中获得5α还原酶的粗酶,建立体外微量反应体系,通过反应前后睾酮量的变化来评价受试甾醇类化合物对5α还原酶的抑制作用.结果在反应体系中加入二甲基亚砜(DMSO),解决非那雄胺及受试甾醇类化合物在水相中溶解度低等的问题,确保微量反应有效进行,从而得到可靠的筛选结果.结论羊毛甾醇在体外具有较好的5α还原酶抑制效果,或许可以成为新型的5α还原酶抑制物.

Changes in 5α-reductase (type 2) gene expression in epididymis of puberty diabetic rats

The changes in 5α-reductase (type 2 ) gene expression in the epi-didymis of puberty diabetic rats were studied by the Northern blot and Dotblot method. Rats were divided into 3 groups: the control group (C), thediabetic group (D), and the diabetic group with insulin treatment (DI).Results: The Northern blot intensity of the caput epididymis in Group D is

Effect of Repetitive Bleeding on NADH-Cytochrome b_5 Methemoglobin Reductase Activity and Molybdenum Content in Erythrocytes of Rats

Reticulocytosls in rats was induced by repetitive bleeding. Both the in vitro and the in vivo studies showed that the detected reductive speed of methemoglobin of the bleeding group was faster than that of the control group at all time intervals. At the same time, the NADH-cytochrome b5 methemoglobin reductase activity and the molybdenum content in erythrocytes of the bleeding group were significantly increased. Regressional analysis showed that there was a significantly positive correlation between the enzyme activity and the molybdenum content. It is proposed that molybdenum might be required for the enzyme activity

腺苷脱氨酶、5′-核苷酸酶及谷胱甘肽还原酶联合检测在评估乙型肝炎患者肝损伤中的临床价值

[目的]探讨腺苷脱氨酶(ADA)、5′-核苷酸酶(5′-NT)及谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)联合检测在评估乙型肝炎(CHB)患者肝损伤中的临床价值.[方法]选择2020年1月—2024年6月间就诊的72例CHB患者列入实验组,按照肝损伤不同程度分为轻度组(n=39)、中度组(n=25)、重度组(n=8),另选择同期健康体格检查的72例健康者列入对照组.采集所有研究对象血液样本,检测并比较各组血清ADA、5′-NT、GR水平.[结果]实验组血清ADA、5′-NT、GR水平均明显高于对照组(P<0.05);肝损伤重度组患者的血清ADA、5′-NT、GR水平明显高于中度组、轻度组,中度组血清ADA、5′-NT、GR水平明显高于轻度组,相比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).[结论]血清ADA、5′-NT、GR联合检测可应用于CHB临床辅助诊断及肝损伤程度评估中,为临床诊断与治疗方案制定提供依据.

lncRNA MIF-AS1调节miR-423-5p/PYCR1轴对前列腺癌细胞恶性生物学行为的影响

目的探究长链非编码RNA(lncRNA)巨噬细胞移动抑制因子反义RNA1(MIF-AS1)调节miR-423-5p/吡咯啉-5-羧酸还原酶1(PYCR1)轴对前列腺癌(PC)细胞恶性生物学行为的影响。方法体外培养PC3细胞,敲低MIF-AS1或下调miR-423-5p表达,检测PC患者肿瘤组织与癌旁组织和细胞中MIF-AS1、miR-423-5p和PYCR1 mRNA的表达;检测细胞增殖、凋亡、迁移与侵袭;Western blot检测PYCR1蛋白表达;验证miR-423-5p和MIF-AS1、PYCR1的关系。结果MIF-AS1、PYCR1 mRNA在肿瘤组织中呈高表达,miR-423-5p呈低表达。沉默MIF-AS1可抑制PC3细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭及PYCR1表达,上调miR-423-5p表达,诱导细胞凋亡(P<0.05);抑制miR-423-5p表达可逆转沉默MIF-AS1对PC3细胞恶性行为的抑制作用(P<0.05)。MIF-AS1、PYCR1与miR-423-5p存在靶向调控关系。结论沉默MIF-AS1可能通过上调miR-423-5p来抑制PYCR1表达,抑制PC细胞的恶性行为。

吡咯啉-5-羧酸还原酶1对恶性肿瘤生物学行为的影响及分子机制研究进展

吡咯啉-5-羧酸还原酶1(pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1,PYCR1)是脯氨酸合成的关键酶,近年来研究发现PYCR1基因在多种恶性肿瘤中高表达,影响了肿瘤的发生发展,有望成为新的有潜力的肿瘤标志物和治疗靶点。本文概述了PYCR1基因的结构和分布,并重点介绍其在恶性肿瘤细胞增殖、侵袭、耐药等生物学行为中的作用机制,最后讨论了PYCR1基因相关的调控分子和抑制剂。

Inhibitory effect of fluvastatin on ileal ulcer formation in rats induced by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug

AIM: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)cause gastrointestinal damage as one of their side effects in humans and experimental animals. Lipid peroxidation plays an important role in NSAID-induced ulceration. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA)reductase inhibitors on the ulceration in small intestines of rats.METHODS: The effects of three HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, fluvastatin, pravastatin and atorvastatin on ileal ulcer formation in 5-bromo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl) thiophene (BFMeT)-treated rats were examined. Antioxidative activity of the inhibitors was measured by a redox-linked colorimetric method.RESULTS: Fluvastatin, which was reported to have antioxidative activity, repressed the ileal ulcer formation in rats treated with BFMeT an NSAIDs. However, the other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (pravastatin and atorvastatin)did not repress the ileal ulcer formation. Among these HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, fluvastatin showed a significantly stronger reducing power than the others(pravastatin, atorvastatin).CONCLUSION: Fluvastatin having the antioxidaitive activity suppresses ulcer formation in rats induced by NSAIDs.

棘豆链格孢P5CR基因的克隆及表达分析

在一些可合成苦马豆素(SW)的真菌中,吡咯啉-5-羧酸还原酶(P5CR)可催化哌啶酸(PA)的生物合成。为了研究P5CR基因对真菌苦马豆素合成的影响,本试验克隆了小花棘豆内生真菌棘豆链格孢(Alternaria oxytropis)OW7.8的P5CR基因,并对其进行生物信息学预测;利用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)技术分析不同培养时间(23 d、26 d、29 d、32 d)下处理组[培养基添加L-哌啶酸(L-PA)]和对照组菌丝体中P5CR基因表达水平;利用高效液相色谱-质谱联用(HPLC-MS)技术检测菌丝体中苦马豆素水平。预测结果显示,P5CR基因序列从ATG到TAG为1179 bp,开放阅读框(ORF)长954 bp,有1个内含子,编码317个氨基酸,分子量为33297.32 D,等电点为6.14,是稳定疏水性蛋白,无信号肽,可能有跨膜结构域,二级结构主要以随机卷曲为主。qRT-PCR结果显示,随培养时间延长,处理组P5CR基因表达水平先下降后上升,对照组P5CR基因表达水平逐渐下降。HPLC-MS结果显示,处理组菌丝体中苦马豆素水平均高于对照组(P<0.05)。结果表明,添加L-PA可促进真菌苦马豆素合成,P5CR基因对真菌合成苦马豆素有重要影响。

Women with Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene Polymorphism and the Need for Proper Periconceptional Folate Supplementation

Maternal folate supplementation is critical for fetal development. Women with MTHFR （methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase） gene polymorphisms may not be getting the proper folate form to support fetal development. The objectives of this review were to： （1） undertake a comprehensive review on the association of MTHFR polymorphisms with the risk for various congenital diseases and other adverse pregnancy outcomes, （2） assess the efficacy and safety of current folic acid and other supplementations in women with the MTHFR polymorphism, and （3） provide guidance on the appropriate supplementation for women of childbearing potential with the MTHFR gene polymorphism in order to decrease these adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our assessments show that women with MTHFR gene polymorphism cannot efficiently convert folic acid to L-5-methyl-tetrahydofolate, the predominant active form of folic acid, due to reduced MTHFR enzymatic activity. L-5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate is currently commercially available under several brand names. Based on our comprehensive review and knowledge of the biochemistry of the folates, we recommend that L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate be given in combination with folic acid to women with MTHFR polymorphism that are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Further study is needed to determine the optimal dose.

阿魏酸结合吡咯啉-5-羧酸还原酶1抑制乳腺癌细胞增殖

乳腺癌是女性常见恶性肿瘤之一,严重威胁女性健康。天然产物因其结构多样、毒副作用低及作用机制独特等优势已然成为开发抗肿瘤药物的主要来源。以人乳腺癌细胞MCF-7和小鼠乳腺癌细胞4T1为研究对象,探索植物源多酚类物质阿魏酸(ferulic acid,FA)对乳腺癌细胞的影响。细胞存活实验和克隆形成实验表明,阿魏酸可以抑制MCF-7和4T1细胞的存活和增殖,且抑制效应具有浓度依赖性。通过Pull-down、银染和LC-MS-MS质谱鉴定分析发现,FA与蛋白质吡咯啉-5-羧酸还原酶1(pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1,PYCR1)有直接相互作用。PYCR1体内能通过酶促反应催化脯氨酸代谢合成,发挥促进肿瘤生长和增殖的作用。使用Autodock Vina和PyMOL软件模拟分子对接,结果显示,FA与PYCR1的246位谷氨酸和251位精氨酸存在相互作用;通过酶活力检测证实,FA靶向结合PYCR1且以浓度依赖性的方式抑制其酶活性;通过分析人类肿瘤基因图谱(TCGA)发现,PYCR1在乳腺癌患者中的表达显著高于健康对照人群(P<0.0001),且高表达的PYCR1与临床不良预后高度相关。