Mimotope peptide modified pompon mum-like magnetic microparticles for precise recognition,capture and biotransformation analysis of rituximab in biological fluids

Due to low immobilized ligand density,limited binding capacity,and severe interference from serum proteins,developing ideal peptide-based biomaterials for precise recognition and in vivo analysis of biopharmaceuticals remains a huge challenge.In this study,mimotope peptide modified pompon mum-like biomimetic magnetic microparticles(MMPs,3.8μm)that mimic the specific functionalities of CD20 on malignant B cells were developed for the first time.Benefit from the numerous ligand binding sites(Ni^(2+))on the pompon mum-like MMPs,these novel materials achieved≥10 times higher peptide ligand densities(>2300 mg/g)and antibody binding capacities(1380 mg/g)compared to previous reported biomaterials.Leveraging the high specificity of the mimotope peptide,rituximab can be precisely recognized and enriched from cell culture media or serum samples.We also established an LC-MS/MS method using the MMPs for tracking rituximab biotransformation in patient serum.Intriguingly,deamidation of Asn55 and Asn33,as well as oxidation of Met81 and Met34 were observed at the key complementarity determining regions of rituximab,which could potentially influence antibody function and require careful monitoring.Overall,these versatile biomimetic MMPs demonstrate superior recognition and enrichment capabilities for target antibodies,offering interesting possibilities for biotransformation analysis of biopharmaceuticals in patient serum.

Anti-atherosclerotic effects and molecular targets of ginkgolide B from Ginkgo biloba

Bioactive compounds derived from herbal medicinal plants modulate various therapeutic targets and signaling pathways associated with cardiovascular diseases(CVDs),the world’s primary cause of death.Ginkgo biloba,a well-known traditional Chinese medicine with notable cardiovascular actions,has been used as a cardio-and cerebrovascular therapeutic drug and nutraceutical in Asian countries for centuries.Preclinical studies have shown that ginkgolide B,a bioactive component in Ginkgo biloba,can ameliorate atherosclerosis in cultured vascular cells and disease models.Of clinical relevance,several clinical trials are ongoing or being completed to examine the efficacy and safety of ginkgolide B-related drug preparations in the prevention of cerebrovascular diseases,such as ischemia stroke.Here,we present a comprehensive review of the pharmacological activities,pharmacokinetic characteristics,and mechanisms of action of ginkgolide B in atherosclerosis prevention and therapy.We highlight new molecular targets of ginkgolide B,including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases(NADPH oxidase),lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1(LOX-1),sirtuin 1(SIRT1),platelet-activating factor(PAF),proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9)and others.Finally,we provide an overview and discussion of the therapeutic potential of ginkgolide B and highlight the future perspective of developing ginkgolide B as an effective therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis.

High-throughput discovery of highly selective reversible hMAO-B inhibitors based on at-line nanofractionation

Human monoamine oxidase B(hMAO-B)has emerged as a pivotal therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease.Due to adverse effects and shortage of commercial drugs,there is a need for novel,highly selective,and reversible hMAO-B inhibitors with good blood-brain barrier permeability.In this study,a high-throughput at-line nanofractionation screening platform was established with extracts from Chuanxiong Rhizoma,which resulted in the discovery of 75 active compounds,including phenolic acids,volatile oils,and phthalides,two of which were highly selective novel natural phthalide hMAO-B inhibitors that were potent,selective,reversible and had good blood‒brain permeability.Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations elucidated the inhibition mechanism.Sedanolide(IC_(50)=103 nmol/L;SI=645)and neocnidilide(IC_(50)=131 nmol/L;SI=207)demonstrated their excellent potential as hMAO-B inhibitors.They offset the limitations of deactivating enzymes associated with irreversible hMAO-B inhibitors such as rasagiline.In SH-SY5Y cell assays,sedanolide(EC_(50)=0.962μmol/L)and neocnidilide(EC_(50)=1.161μmol/L)exhibited significant neuroprotective effects,comparable to the positive drugs rasagiline(EC_(50)=0.896μmol/L)and safinamide(EC_(50)=1.079μmol/L).These findings underscore the potential of sedanolide as a novel natural hMAO-B inhibitor that warrants further development as a promising drug candidate.

Deciphering chemical and metabolite profiling of Chang-Kang-Fang by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and its potential active components identification

Chang-Kang-Fang(CKF)formula,a Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)prescription,has been widely used for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).However,its potential material basis and underlying mechanism remain elusive.Therefore,this study employed an integrated approach that combined ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q/TOF-MS)with network pharmacology to systematically characterize the phytochemical components and metabolites of CKF,as well as elucidating its underlying mechanism.Through this comprehensive analysis,a total of 150 components were identified or tentatively characterized within the CKF formula.Notably,six N-acetyldopamine oligomers from Cicadae Periostracum and eight resin glycosides from Cuscutae Semen were characterized in this formula for the first time.Meanwhile,149 xenobiotics(58 prototypes and 91 metabolites)were detected in plasma,urine,feces,brain,and intestinal contents,and the in vivo metabolic pathways of resin glycosides were elaborated for the first time.Furthermore,network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses revealed that alkaloids,flavonoids,chromones,monoterpenes,N-acetyldopamine dimers,p-hydroxycinnamic acid,and Cus-3/isomer might be responsible for the beneficial effects of CKF in treating IBS,and CASP8,MARK14,PIK3C,PIK3R1,TLR4,and TNF may be its potential targets.These discoveries offer a comprehensive understanding of the potential material basis and clarify the underlying mechanism of the CKF formula in treating IBS,facilitating the broader application of CKF in the field of medicine.

An oxygen reservoir-irrigated photoimmunotherapy of malignant melanoma

Tumor hypoxia is the pivotal factor limiting the therapeutic efficacy of photodynamic therapy(PDT),and can be partly improved by either the oxygen economizing or the oxygen supplementation strategies.Nevertheless,the current studies scarcely integrated the merits of both strategies and neglected the bottleneck of poor oxygen infiltration in deep tumors,resulting in PDT resistance.Herein,we developed an oxygen reservoir-irrigated PDT which integrates oxygen supply,oxygen economizing,and oxygen infiltration altogether.Specifically,mitochondria-targeted mesoporous prussian blue nanoparticles(Ce6@TPB)were fabricated to bridge the gap between oxygen economizing and oxygen supplementation by reducing oxygen output while increasing oxygen input.Hyaluronidase-loaded microneedles were further developed to pave the way for deep PDT with increased infusion of oxygen and photosensitizer by degrading dense extracellular matrix.The modulation of tumor oxygenation and permeability during PDT leads to the complete eradication of primary melanoma and strong immunogenic cell death.Its further combination with checkpoint-blockade inhibitor greatly suppressed the proliferation of distal tumors by reprogramming immune microenvironments,as evidenced by the depletion of M2 macrophage,increased infiltration of anti-tumor immune cells,and elevated excretion of immune cytokines.Therefore,such an oxygen reservoir-irrigated PDT potentiates powerful photoimmunotherapy and provides a favorable prospect for tumor treatment.

Discovery and analysis of a new class of triterpenes derived from hexaprenyl pyrophosphate

Triterpenes are derived from squalene or oxidosqualene.However,a new class of triterpenes derived from hexaprenyl pyrophosphate has been recently discovered,formed by a new family of chimeric class I triterpene synthases.The cyclization mechanisms of triterpenes were elucidated by isotopic labeling and protein structural analyses,which helps understand the biosynthesis of triterpenes in nature.

Jianpi Decoction Combined with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Alleviates Cancer Cachexia and Prevents Muscle Atrophy by Directly Inhibiting E3 Ubiquitin Ligase

ObjectiveTo provide comprehensive evidence for the anti-cancer cachexia effect of Jianpi Decoction(JP)and to explore its mechanism of anti-cancer cachexia.MethodsA mouse model of colon cancer(CT26)-induced cancer cachexia(CC)was used to investigate the anti-CC effect of JP combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate(MPA).Thirty-six mice were equally divided into 6 groups:normal control,CC,MPA(100 mg·kg^(−1)·d^(−1)),MPA+low-dose(20 mg·kg^(−1)·d^(−1))JP(L-JP),MPA+medium-dose(30 mg·kg^(−1)·d^(−1))JP(M-JP),and MPA+high-dose(40 mg·kg^(−1)·d^(−1))JP(H-JP)groups.After successful modeling,the mice were administered by gavage for 11 d.The body weight and tumor volume were measured and recorded every 2 d starting on the 8th day after implantation.The liver,heart,spleen,lung,kidney,tumor and gastrocnemius muscle of mice were collected and weighed.The pathological changes of the tumor was observed,and the cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius muscle was calculated.The protein expressions of STAT3 and E3 ubiquitinase in the gastrocnemius muscle were measured by Western blot.In addition,an in vitro C2C12 myotube formation model was established to investigate the role of JP in hindering dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy.In vitro experiments were divided into control,model,and JP serum groups.After 2-d administration,microscopic photographs were taken and myotube diameters were calculated.Western blot was performed to measure the protein expressions of STAT3 and E3 ubiquitinase.ResultsJP combined with MPA restored tumor-induced weight loss(P<0.05,vs.CC)and muscle fiber size(P<0.01,vs.CC).Mechanistically,JP reduced the expression of atrophy-related proteins MuRF1 and MAFbx in tumor-induced muscle atrophy in vivo(P<0.05,vs.CC).In addition,JP reduced the expression of atrophy-related proteins MuRF1 and MAFbx and p-STAT3 phosphorylation(P<0.05 or P<0.01 vs.model group)in C2C12 myotubes treated with dexamethasone in vitro.ConclusionsAdministration of JP combined with MPA restores tumor-induced cachexia conditions.In addition,the profound effect of JP combined with MPA on tumor-induced cachexia may be due to its inhibition of muscle proteolysis(E3 ubiquitinase system).

Thirteen new peptaibols with antimicrobial activities from Trichoderma sp.

From the fungus Trichoderma sp., we isolated seven novel 18-residue peptaibols, neoatroviridins E-K ( 1−7 ), and six new 14-residue peptaibols, harzianins NPDG J-O ( 8−13 ). Additionally, four previously characterized 18-residue peptaibols neoatroviridins A-D ( 14−17 ) were also identified. The structural configurations of the newly identified peptaibols ( 1−13 ) were determined by comprehensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS/MS) data. Their absolute configurations were further determined using Marfey’s method. Notably, compounds 12 and 13 represent the first 14-residue peptaibols containing an acidic amino acid residue. In antimicrobial assessments, all 18-residue peptaibols ( 1 − 7 , 14 − 17 ) exhibited moderate inhibitory activities against Staphylococcus aureus 209P, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 8−32 μg·mL^(−1). Moreover, compound 9 exhibited moderate inhibitory effect on Candida albicans FIM709, with a MIC value of 16 μg·mL^(−1).