1.In vitro anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of a novel c-KIT inhibitor PN17-1 on gastrointestinal stromal tumor GIST-882 cells
Ji-wei SHEN ; Shuang WU ; Jun LI ; Yun-peng ZHOU ; Ye CHEN ; Ju LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):379-387
In recent years, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) have increased incidence and mortality, and most GIST is caused by the activation mutation of the c-KIT gene. Therefore, c-KIT has become a promising therapeutic target of GIST. At present, the drugs approved for the treatment of GIST including imatinib, sunitinib, regorafenib and ripretinib, are mostly prone to developing resistance and accompanied by various degrees of adverse reactions. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new c-KIT inhibitors to solve the problem of resistance. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of a novel c-KIT inhibitor PN17-1 on gastrointestinal stromal tumor GIST-882 cells
2.Results of treating bleeding disorders with Mongolian medicine Gurgem-8
Gou Qing ; Khaliun B ; Chen Shana ; Tsend-Ayush D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):201-206
Background:
From the perspective of Mongolian medicine, hemorrhagic disease is a symptom of bleeding from any part
of the body. This disease was compared to the immune thrombocytopenia disease of modern medicine. The treatment of
this disease using two medical methods and the prevention of complications and relapses are issues facing the healthcare
sector. In this regard, we have chosen this topic to clarify and prove the mechanism of action of the Mongolian drug Gurgem-8, which is widely used to treat bleeding disorders.
Aim:
To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Gurgem-8, in haemostatic treatment.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted using a randomized, controlled (active), open label, single centered
clinical trial method. The study was conducted in two phases. First, an acute toxicity study of the Gurgem-8, was conducted in accordance with OECD guideline 423 and evaluated according to GHS classification. A chronic toxicity study
was also conducted on Wistar rats (n=20) given the Gurgem-8, at doses of 500 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 150 mg/kg daily
for 60 days. Second, a clinical study was conducted on a total of 74 patients, who were randomly divided into 2 groups.
The treatment group was given 3 grams of the Gurgem-8, daily, and the comparison group was given 4 capsules of Sheng
Xue Xiao Ban Jiao Nang 3 times a day. The results were determined by laboratory methods. The study was conducted
with the approval of the Research Ethics Committee of Mongolian National University od Medical Sciences (2024.01.19
№2024/3-01).
Results:
In the acute toxicity study, Turmeric-8 was found to be of low toxicity according to the GHS classification. No
mortality was observed in the chronic toxicity test. As a result of the clinical study, there were significant differences in the
blood hemoglobin (χ2=73.923, P<0.001), platelet (χ2=62.465, P<0.001), erythrocyte (χ2=77.113, P<0.001) and leukocyte
(χ2=14.771, P<0.001) cell counts between the Gurgem-8, drug group and the comparison group. It was also determined
that the platelet (χ2=138.3, P<0.001), erythrocyte (χ2=85.405, P<0.001) and leukocyte (χ2=10.961, P=0.027) cell counts
were directly related to the treatment period and the group. When determining the effect on immune cells, there was no
significant difference in the lymphocyte cell content before and after treatment (CD4+: t=0.233, P=0.817; CD8+: t=-0.264, P=0.793; CD4/CD8:Z=-0.119, P=0.905). However, the CD4/CD8 ratio was statistically significantly increased in
each of the Gurgem-8, drug group and the comparison group (P<0.001, P=0.001).
Conclusion
In immune thrombocytopenia diseases, the Gurgem-8, has the effect of reducing hemoglobin levels in the
blood, increasing platelet counts, reducing CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts, and increasing the CD4/CD8 ratio.
3.Investigation of selective glucocorticoid receptor modulation in high-grade serous ovarian cancer PDX models
Manisha TAYA ; Xiaonan HOU ; Jennifer T. VENERIS ; Nina KAZI ; Melissa C. LARSON ; Matthew J. MAURER ; Ethan P. HEINZEN ; Hao CHEN ; Ricardo LASTRA ; Ann L. OBERG ; S. John WEROHA ; Gini F. FLEMING ; Suzanne D. CONZEN
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(1):e4-
Objective:
In ovarian cancer (OvCa), tumor cell high glucocorticoid receptor (GR) has been associated with poor patient prognosis. In vitro, GR activation inhibits chemotherapyinduced OvCa cell death in association with transcriptional upregulation of genes encoding anti-apoptotic proteins. A recent randomized phase II study demonstrated improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) for heavily pre-treated OvCa patients randomized to receive therapy with a selective GR modulator (SGRM) plus chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone. We hypothesized that SGRM therapy would improve carboplatin response in OvCa patient-derived xenograft (PDX).
Methods:
Six high-grade serous (HGS) OvCa PDX models expressing GR mRNA (NR3C1) and protein were treated with chemotherapy +/− SGRM. Tumor size was measured longitudinally by peritoneal transcutaneous ultrasonography.
Results:
One of the 6 GR-positive PDX models showed a significant improvement in PFS with the addition of a SGRM. Interestingly, the single model with an improved PFS was least carboplatin sensitive. Possible explanations for the modest SGRM activity include the high carboplatin sensitivity of 5 of the PDX tumors and the potential that SGRMs activate the tumor invasive immune cells in patients (absent from immunocompromised mice). The level of tumor GR protein expression alone appears insufficient for predicting SGRM response.
Conclusion
The significant improvement in PFS shown in 1 of the 6 models after treatment with a SGRM plus chemotherapy underscores the need to determine predictive biomarkers for SGRM therapy in HGS OvCa and to better identify patient subgroups that are most likely to benefit from adding GR modulation to chemotherapy.
4.Bioactive metabolites: A clue to the link between MASLD and CKD?
Wen-Ying CHEN ; Jia-Hui ZHANG ; Li-Li CHEN ; Christopher D. BYRNE ; Giovanni TARGHER ; Liang LUO ; Yan NI ; Ming-Hua ZHENG ; Dan-Qin SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):56-73
Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.
5.Bioactive metabolites: A clue to the link between MASLD and CKD?
Wen-Ying CHEN ; Jia-Hui ZHANG ; Li-Li CHEN ; Christopher D. BYRNE ; Giovanni TARGHER ; Liang LUO ; Yan NI ; Ming-Hua ZHENG ; Dan-Qin SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):56-73
Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.
6.Investigation of selective glucocorticoid receptor modulation in high-grade serous ovarian cancer PDX models
Manisha TAYA ; Xiaonan HOU ; Jennifer T. VENERIS ; Nina KAZI ; Melissa C. LARSON ; Matthew J. MAURER ; Ethan P. HEINZEN ; Hao CHEN ; Ricardo LASTRA ; Ann L. OBERG ; S. John WEROHA ; Gini F. FLEMING ; Suzanne D. CONZEN
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(1):e4-
Objective:
In ovarian cancer (OvCa), tumor cell high glucocorticoid receptor (GR) has been associated with poor patient prognosis. In vitro, GR activation inhibits chemotherapyinduced OvCa cell death in association with transcriptional upregulation of genes encoding anti-apoptotic proteins. A recent randomized phase II study demonstrated improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) for heavily pre-treated OvCa patients randomized to receive therapy with a selective GR modulator (SGRM) plus chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone. We hypothesized that SGRM therapy would improve carboplatin response in OvCa patient-derived xenograft (PDX).
Methods:
Six high-grade serous (HGS) OvCa PDX models expressing GR mRNA (NR3C1) and protein were treated with chemotherapy +/− SGRM. Tumor size was measured longitudinally by peritoneal transcutaneous ultrasonography.
Results:
One of the 6 GR-positive PDX models showed a significant improvement in PFS with the addition of a SGRM. Interestingly, the single model with an improved PFS was least carboplatin sensitive. Possible explanations for the modest SGRM activity include the high carboplatin sensitivity of 5 of the PDX tumors and the potential that SGRMs activate the tumor invasive immune cells in patients (absent from immunocompromised mice). The level of tumor GR protein expression alone appears insufficient for predicting SGRM response.
Conclusion
The significant improvement in PFS shown in 1 of the 6 models after treatment with a SGRM plus chemotherapy underscores the need to determine predictive biomarkers for SGRM therapy in HGS OvCa and to better identify patient subgroups that are most likely to benefit from adding GR modulation to chemotherapy.
7.Bioactive metabolites: A clue to the link between MASLD and CKD?
Wen-Ying CHEN ; Jia-Hui ZHANG ; Li-Li CHEN ; Christopher D. BYRNE ; Giovanni TARGHER ; Liang LUO ; Yan NI ; Ming-Hua ZHENG ; Dan-Qin SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):56-73
Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.
8.Investigation of selective glucocorticoid receptor modulation in high-grade serous ovarian cancer PDX models
Manisha TAYA ; Xiaonan HOU ; Jennifer T. VENERIS ; Nina KAZI ; Melissa C. LARSON ; Matthew J. MAURER ; Ethan P. HEINZEN ; Hao CHEN ; Ricardo LASTRA ; Ann L. OBERG ; S. John WEROHA ; Gini F. FLEMING ; Suzanne D. CONZEN
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(1):e4-
Objective:
In ovarian cancer (OvCa), tumor cell high glucocorticoid receptor (GR) has been associated with poor patient prognosis. In vitro, GR activation inhibits chemotherapyinduced OvCa cell death in association with transcriptional upregulation of genes encoding anti-apoptotic proteins. A recent randomized phase II study demonstrated improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) for heavily pre-treated OvCa patients randomized to receive therapy with a selective GR modulator (SGRM) plus chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone. We hypothesized that SGRM therapy would improve carboplatin response in OvCa patient-derived xenograft (PDX).
Methods:
Six high-grade serous (HGS) OvCa PDX models expressing GR mRNA (NR3C1) and protein were treated with chemotherapy +/− SGRM. Tumor size was measured longitudinally by peritoneal transcutaneous ultrasonography.
Results:
One of the 6 GR-positive PDX models showed a significant improvement in PFS with the addition of a SGRM. Interestingly, the single model with an improved PFS was least carboplatin sensitive. Possible explanations for the modest SGRM activity include the high carboplatin sensitivity of 5 of the PDX tumors and the potential that SGRMs activate the tumor invasive immune cells in patients (absent from immunocompromised mice). The level of tumor GR protein expression alone appears insufficient for predicting SGRM response.
Conclusion
The significant improvement in PFS shown in 1 of the 6 models after treatment with a SGRM plus chemotherapy underscores the need to determine predictive biomarkers for SGRM therapy in HGS OvCa and to better identify patient subgroups that are most likely to benefit from adding GR modulation to chemotherapy.
9.Research progress on molecular mechanisms of ginsenosides in alleviating acute lung injury.
Han-Yang ZHAO ; Xun-Jiang WANG ; Qiong-Wen XUE ; Bao-Lian XU ; Xu WANG ; Shu-Sheng LAI ; Ming CHEN ; Li YANG ; Zheng-Tao WANG ; Li-Li DING
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4451-4470
Acute lung injury(ALI) is a critical clinical condition primarily characterized by refractory hypoxemia and infiltration of inflammatory cells in lung tissue, which can progress into a more severe form known as acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). Immune cells and inflammatory cytokines play important roles in the progression of the disease. Due to its unclear pathogenesis and the lack of effective clinical treatments, ALI is associated with a high mortality rate and severely affects patients' quality of life, making the search for effective therapeutic agents particularly urgent. Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, the dried root of the perennial herb Panax ginseng from the Araliaceae family, contains active ingredients such as saponins and polysaccharides, which possess various pharmacological effects including anti-tumor activity, immune regulation, and metabolic modulation. In recent years, studies have shown that ginsenosides exhibit notable effects in reducing inflammation, ameliorating epithelial and endothelial cell injury, and providing anticoagulant action, indicating their comprehensive role in alleviating lung injury. This review summarizes the pathogenesis of ALI and the molecular mechanisms through which ginsenosides act at different stages of ALI development. The aim is to provide a scientific reference for the development of ginsenoside-based drugs targeting ALI, as well as a theoretical basis for the clinical application of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma in the treatment of ALI.
Ginsenosides/pharmacology*
;
Humans
;
Acute Lung Injury/immunology*
;
Animals
;
Panax/chemistry*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal
10.Discovery of novel butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors for treating Alzheimer's disease.
Zhipei SANG ; Shuheng HUANG ; Wanying TAN ; Yujuan BAN ; Keren WANG ; Yufan FAN ; Hongsong CHEN ; Qiyao ZHANG ; Chanchan LIANG ; Jing MI ; Yunqi GAO ; Ya ZHANG ; Wenmin LIU ; Jianta WANG ; Wu DONG ; Zhenghuai TAN ; Lei TANG ; Haibin LUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):2134-2155
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder among the elderly, and BuChE has emerged as a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we reported the development of compound 8e, a selective reversible BuChE inhibitor (eqBuChE IC50 = 0.049 μmol/L, huBuChE IC50 = 0.066 μmol/L), identified through extensive virtual screening and lead optimization. Compound 8e demonstrated favorable blood-brain barrier permeability, good drug-likeness property and pronounced neuroprotective efficacy. Additionally, 8e exhibited significant therapeutic effects in zebrafish AD models and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in mice. Further, 8e significantly improved cognitive function in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Proteomics analysis demonstrated that 8e markedly elevated the expression levels of very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), offering valuable insights into its potential modulation of the Reelin-mediated signaling pathway. Thus, compound 8e emerges as a novel and potent BuChE inhibitor for the treatment of AD, with significant implications for further exploration into its mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications.

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