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Zhi-Xin Zhong,1,* Xu-Zhao Li,1,* Jin-Tao Liu,1 Nan Qin,1 Hong-Quan Duan,1– 3 Xiao-Chuan Duan1,4 1School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People’s Republic of China; 2Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People’s Republic of China; 3Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People’s Republic of China; 4School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Hong-Quan Duan; Xiao-Chuan Duan, School of Pharmacy, School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, 22, Qi Xiang Tai Road, Tianjin, 300070, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-22-83336680, Fax +86-22-83336560, Email duanhq@tmu.edu.cn; duanxc@tmu.edu.cnPurpose: Chemotherapy is a significant and effective therapeutic strategy that is frequently utilized in the treatment of cancer. Small molecular prodrug-based nanoassemblies (SMPDNAs) combine the benefits of both prodrugs and nanomedicine into a single nanoassembly with high drug loading, increased stability, and improved biocompatibility.Methods: In this study, a disulfide bond inserted 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN38) prodrug was rationally designed and then used to prepare nanoassemblies (SNSS NAs) that were selectively activated by rich glutathione (GSH) in the tumor site. The characterization of SNSS NAs and the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of their antitumor effect on a pancreatic cancer model were performed.Results: In vitro findings demonstrated that SNSS NAs exhibited GSH-induced SN38 release and cytotoxicity. SNSS NAs have demonstrated a passive targeting effect on tumor tissues, a superior antitumor effect compared to irinotecan (CPT-11), and satisfactory biocompatibility with double dosage treatment.Conclusion: The SNSS NAs developed in this study provide a new method for the preparation of SN38-based nano-delivery systems with improved antitumor effect and biosafety.Graphical Abstract: Keywords: 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin, prodrug, nanoassemblies, glutathione responsive, pancreatic cancer therapy

Metastasis is an important cause of cancer-related death. Previous studies in our laboratory found that pregnane alkaloids from

Fla-CN is a flavonoid derivative with anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects; however, its biological targets are still unknown. In this study, we developed bifunctional affinity-based probes to identify the direct targets of Fla-CN. When using probe 3, we observed the co-location of probe 3 and mitochondria in both HepG2 and 3T3-L1 cells. The putative target proteomes were obtained using activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) and photo-affinity labelling. Pyruvate carboxylase, mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase, mitochondrial complex I, and F

Novel chiral ionone alkaloid derivatives were synthesized and their antimetastatic effects were evaluated in human breast cancer cells using chemotaxis assay. Compared with positive control LY294002, a PI3 K inhibitor, derivatives 10 a, 11 a, 11 c, 11 g, 11 j, 11 k and 11 w exhibited significant inhibitory effects against cancer cell migration. Especially, the IC50 for compound 11 g was as low as 0.035±0.004 μM. Further investigations on compound 11 g revealed that it could exert inhibitory effects on the adhesion, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. The mechanisms for the antitumor metastatic effects of 11 g might be through the inhibition of HIF-1α/VEGF/VEGFR2/Akt pathway, which suppressed the downstream signaling molecules, including Akt1/mTOR/p70S6K and Akt2/PKCζ/integrin β1 pathways. Taken together, chiral ionone alkaloid derivative 11 g has the potential to be developed into an antitumor metastatic agent for breast cancer.

Breast cancer has become the number one killer of women. In our previous study, an active compound, ION-31a, with potential anti-metastasis activity against breast cancer was identified through the synthesis of ionone alkaloid derivatives. In the present study, we aimed to identify the therapeutic target of ION-31a. We used a fluorescence tag labeled probe, molecular docking simulation, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis to identify the target of ION-31a. The main target of ION-31a was identified as heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). Thus, ION-31a is a novel HSP90 inhibiter that could suppress the metastasis of breast cancer and angiogenesis significantly in vitro and in vivo. ION-31a acts via inhibiting the HSP90/hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) pathway and downregulating downstream signal pathways, including protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), AKT2/protein kinase C epsilon (PKCζ), extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (p38MAPK) pathways. ION-31a affects multiple effectors implicated in tumor metastasis and has the potential to be developed as an anti-metastatic agent to treat patients with breast cancer.

Contraction-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle requires Rac1, but the molecular mechanism of its activation is not fully understood. Treadmill running was applied to induce C57BL/6 mouse hind limb skeletal muscle contraction in vivo and electrical pulse stimulation contracted C2C12 myotube cultures in vitro. The protein levels or activities of AMPK or the Rac1-specific GEF, Tiam1, were manipulated by activators, inhibitors, siRNA-mediated knockdown, and adenovirus-mediated expression. Activated Rac1 was detected by a pull-down assay and immunoblotting. Glucose uptake was measured using the 2-NBD-glucose fluorescent analog. Electrical pulse stimulated contraction or treadmill exercise upregulated the expression of Tiam1 in skeletal muscle in an AMPK-dependent manner. Axin1 siRNA-mediated knockdown diminished AMPK activation and upregulation of Tiam1 protein expression by contraction. Tiam1 siRNA-mediated knockdown diminished contraction-induced Rac1 activation, GLUT4 translocation, and glucose uptake. Contraction increased Tiam1 gene expression and serine phosphorylation of Tiam1 protein via AMPK. These findings suggest Tiam1 is part of an AMPK-Tiam1-Rac1 signaling pathway that mediates contraction-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells and tissue.

Natural product 1-O-acetylbritannilactone (ABL) is a major sesquiterpene in Inula Britannica and Inula Japonica . To investigate the chemistry properties of ABL, 12 analogues were synthesized. Compound 1 , a new 6-deoxybrintanilactone with a methylene at C-14 position, was characterized by 1D, 2D NMR and HR-MS spectrum. The studies of anti-inflammatory activities showed that compounds 1 and 4 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the nitric oxide production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expressions. The preparation of compounds 1 and 2 from ABL was also studied. We also speculated a proposed mechanism for the formation of 1 , 2 and 3 .

From the petroleum ether extract of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum, a new polyunsaturated lipid, (9R)-hydroxy-(10E,12Z,15Z)-octadecatrienoic-2′,3′-dihydroxypropyl ester (1), was isolated and its structure was established on the basis of IR, MS, and extensive NMR spectroscopic analysis.

Contraction stimulates skeletal muscle glucose uptake predominantly through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Rac1. However, the molecular details of how contraction activates these signaling proteins are not clear. Recently, Axin1 has been shown to form a complex with AMPK and liver kinase B1 during glucose starvation-dependent activation of AMPK. Here, we demonstrate that electrical pulse-stimulated (EPS) contraction of C2C12 myotubes or treadmill exercise of C57BL/6 mice enhanced reciprocal coimmunoprecipitation of Axin1 and AMPK from myotube lysates or gastrocnemius muscle tissue. Interestingly, EPS or exercise upregulated total cellular Axin1 levels in an AMPK-dependent manner in C2C12 myotubes and gastrocnemius mouse muscle, respectively. Also, direct activation of AMPK with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide treatment of C2C12 myotubes or gastrocnemius muscle elevated Axin1 protein levels. On the other hand, siRNA-mediated Axin1 knockdown lessened activation of AMPK in contracted myotubes. Further, AMPK inhibition with compound C or siRNA-mediated knockdown of AMPK or Axin1 blocked contraction-induced GTP loading of Rac1, p21-activated kinase phosphorylation, and contraction-stimulated glucose uptake. In summary, our results suggest that an AMPK/Axin1-Rac1 signaling pathway mediates contraction-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose uptake.

Adipose tissue hypoxia occurs early in obesity and is associated with increased tissue macrophages and systemic inflammation that impacts muscle insulin responsiveness. We investigated how hypoxia interacted with adipocyte-macrophage crosstalk and inflammatory cytokine release, using co-culture and conditioned media (CM). Murine primary adipocytes from lean or obese mice were cultured under normoxic (21% O2) or hypoxic (1% O2) conditions. RAW264.7 macrophages were incubated under normoxic or hypoxic conditions with or without adipocyte conditioned media. Macrophage and adipocyte-macrophage co-culture CM were also collected. We found hypoxia did not elicit direct cytokine release from macrophages. However, adipocyte CM or adipocyte co-culture, synergistically stimulated TNFα and MCP-1 release from macrophages that was not further impacted by hypoxia. Exposure of muscle cells to elevated cytokines led to reduced insulin and muscle stress/inflammatory signaling. We conclude hypoxia or obesity induces release of inflammatory TNFα and MCP-1 from mice primary adipocytes but the two environmental conditions do not synergize to worsen macrophage signal transduction or insulin responsiveness.

Cell membrane chromatography (CMC) is a powerful tool to study membrane protein interactions and to screen active compounds extracted from natural products. Unfortunately, a large amount of cells are typically required for column preparation in order to carry out analyses in an efficient manner. Micro-CMC (mCMC) has recently been developed by using a silica capillary as a membrane carrier. However, a reduced retention of analytes is generally associated with mCMC mostly due to a low ligand (cellular membrane) capacity. To solve this common problem, in this work a silica-based porous layer open tubular (PLOT) capillary was fabricated and, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time applied to mCMC. The mCMC column was prepared by physical adsorption of rabbit red blood cell (rRBC) membranes onto the inner surface of the PLOT capillary. The effects of the PLOT capillaries fabricated by different feed compositions, on the immobilization amount of cellular membranes (represented by the fluorescence intensity of the capillary immobilized with fluorescein isothiocyanate isomer-labeled cellular membranes) and on the dynamic binding capacity (DBC) of verapamil (VP, a widely used calcium antagonist which specific interacts with L-type calcium channel proteins located on cellular membrane of rRBC) have been systematically investigated. The fluorescence intensity of the mCMC column when combined with the PLOT capillary was found to be more than five times higher than the intensity using a bare capillary. This intriguing result indicates that the PLOT capillary exhibits a higher cellular membrane capacity. The DBC of VP in the PLOT column was found to be more than nine times higher than that in the bare capillary. An rRBC/CMC column was also prepared for comparative studies. As a result, mCMC provides similar chromatographic retention factors and stability with common CMC; however, the cellular membrane consumption for mCMC was found to be more than 460 times lower than that for CMC. Graphical Abstract Comparision of mCMC chromatograms and SEM images between bare capillary and PLOT capillary.

3-O-[(E)-4-(4-cyanophenyl)-2-oxobut-3-en-1-yl]kaempferol (Fla-CN), a semi-synthesized flavonoid derivative of tiliroside, reduces whole-body adiposity, ameliorates metabolic lipid disorder, improves insulin sensitivity and benefits other disorders characterized by insulin resistance in high fat diet induced obesity mice. The improvement of insulin sensitivity and the reduction of weight gain are correlated with the changes of leptin and adiponectin levels. As a result, Fla-CN treatment could increase the expressions of pAMPK and miR-27 in the liver and adipose tissues. Meanwhile, we discovered that the expressions of various adipogenesis genes were downregulated, which were target genes of miR-27. This is the first report for the action of miR-27 by flavonoid derivative in rodents. The action of Fla-CN might be through multiple approaches including AMPK activation and enhancement in miR-27 expression.

Two new pyrrolactam alkaloids, axinelline A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the n-BuOH extract of marine sponge Axinella sp. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods (HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR).

3-O-[(E)-4-(4-cyanophenyl)-2-oxobut-3-en-1-yl] kaempferol is a novel lead compound to discover anti-diabetic and anti-obesity drugs. The present study reported the scaffold hopping of the lead compound to obtain a new isoxazole derivative, C45, which has improved glucose consumption at the nanomolar level (EC50 = 0.8 nM) in insulin resistant (IR) HepG2 cells. Western blotting showed that C45 markedly enhanced the phosphorylation of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and reduced the levels of the gluconeogenesis key enzymes PEPCK (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase) and G6Pase (glucose 6-phosphatase) in HepG2 cells. The potential molecular mechanism of C45 may be activation of the AMPK/PEPCK/G6Pase pathways. We concluded that C45 might be a valuable candidate to discover anti-diabetic drugs.

In high fat diet-induced obese mice, the flavonoid derivative of tiliroside, Fla-CN, has antihyperglycemic effects, can improve insulin sensitivity, ameliorate metabolic lipid disorders, and benefits certain disorders characterized by insulin resistance. Fla-CN is a novel lead compound to discovery anti-diabetic and anti-obesity drugs. The present study reported the optimization of Fla-CN to obtain a new derivative, 10b, which has improved glucose consumption at the nanomolar level (EC50 = 0.3 nM) in insulin resistant (IR) HepG2 cells. 10b also increased the glycogen content and glucose uptake, and concurrently inhibited gluconeogenesis in HepG2 cells. Western blotting showed that 10b markedly enhanced the phosphorylation of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and AS160 (protein kinase B substrate of 160 kDa) and reduced the levels of the gluconeogenesis key enzymes PEPCK (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase) and G6P (glucose 6-phosphatase) in HepG2 cells. The potential molecular mechanism of 10b may be activation of the AMPK/AS160 and AMPK/PEPCK/G6P pathways. We concluded that 10b might be a valuable candidate to discover anti-diabetic drugs.

Chang Zhang,1 Yue Jiang,1 Jia Liu,1 Meina Jin,1 Nan Qin,1 Ying Chen,1 Wenyan Niu,2 Hongquan Duan1 1School of Pharmacy, Research Center of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development (Ministry of Health), Tianjin Metabolic Diseases Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, People’s Republic of China Introduction: The Chinese herb Potentilla chinensis can reduce blood glucose level of diabetic mice. Tiliroside is the main effective component, but the detailed mechanism is not clear. Skeletal muscles play an important role in whole body glucose homeostasis. Insulin and exercise/contraction stimulate glucose uptake by muscle cells via redistribution of glucose transporter GLUT4 to the cell surface. Materials and methods: We explored the effects of tiliroside derivatives on cell surface GLUT4 level (GLUT4 translocation) and the underlying mechanism in L6-GLUT4myc muscle cells. Results: We showed that tiliroside derivatives D1–22 stimulated GLUT4myc translocation in L6-GLUT4myc skeletal muscle cells. Derivatives D1, D8 and D18 regulated GLUT4myc translocation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Their effects on GLUT4 were additive with that of acute insulin stimulation. Moreover, they increased phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), but not protein kinase B (PKB, also called Akt). Their effects on GLUT4 were inhibited by Compound C. In addition, derivative D8 significantly stimulated AMPK and Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160) phosphorylation and GLUT4myc translocation in L6-GLUT4myc cells, but not in L6-AS160 4A-GLUT4myc cells. Conclusion: Tiliroside derivatives D1, D8 and D18 stimulated GLUT4myc translocation by a mechanism different to that of insulin in skeletal muscle cells. The effect of derivative D8 on GLUT4myc translocation is mediated by AMPK/AS160 signaling pathway. Keywords: type 2 diabetes, skeletal muscle cells, insulin resistance, AMPK&nbsp

Ionone alkaloid 9-(N,N-dimethyl)-4,7-megastigmedien-3-one (compound 1) is a new anti-metastatic natural product. However, it was previously reported as optical isomers mixture. Herein, the optical isomers (6a-6d) of compound 1 were synthesized. The absolute configurations of 6a-6d were determined by ECD experiments and calculated spectra with time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). The anti-metastatic effects of the optical isomers were examined by transwell assay. These results revealed that compound 6a had potential anti-metastatic activity with an IC50 value of 0.512 ± 0.093 μM.

Cell membrane chromatography is a useful tool for screening active compounds from natural products. As the reason of separation mechanism, traditional cell membrane chromatography could not be used for screening the active compounds absorbed through the cell membrane and influencing the cell signal transduction pathway. In this work, we establish a new method named cell extraction combined with off-line HPLC for screening the compounds penetrating the cell membrane. This is the first time 3 T3-L1 adipocyte culture has been combined with HPLC technology. Compared with other cell membrane chromatography methods, there is good resolution and no further analysis by other chromatographic steps is required. On co-incubating crude extracts of Coptis chinensis with cells and analyzing the compounds extracted by the cells, active compounds such as berberine were detected. Glucose consumption tests showed that berberine could increase glucose consumption by insulin-resistant 3 T3-L1 adipocytes. The levels of intracellular berberine correlated with its activity. The results indicate that the developed method could be an alternative method for screening active compounds from natural products.

Novel chiral ionone alkaloid derivatives were synthesized and evaluated their anti-metastatic effects in human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The chiral center C-6 of derivatives exerted an important role in response to the anti-metastatic activity. Comparing with a positive control of LY294002, compounds 17b and 19a exhibited potent inhibitory effects on the EGF-induced invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells with IC50 values of 0.026 ± 0.003 and 0.016 ± 0.002 μM, respectively. Moreover, compounds 17b and 19a showed inhibitory effects on the expressions of p-PKCζ and p-integrin β1 in MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, compounds 17b and 19a offer potential to be developed as novel anti-metastasis agents.

9-(N,N-Dimethyl)-4,7-megastigmedien-3-one (1) was isolated from Pachysandra terminalis and identified by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric methods. Compound 1 revealed significant anti-metastasis effect on cancer cell migration and invasion through suppressing the expressions of p-PKCζ and p-integrin β1 in human breast cancer cells, and also showed anti-angiogenic activity on human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Two new compounds, rabdosia acids A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the petroleum ether extract of Rabdosia lophanthoides. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods (IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D NMR, and 2D NMR).

1,6-O,O-Diacetylbritannilactone (OODBL), a plant sesquiterpene lactone, was previously reported to show multiple pharmacological effects such as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of OODBL on interleukin (IL)-4-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) signaling pathway in human lung A549 cells. We found that OODBL dramatically inhibited IL-4-induced messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of eotaxin-1 and arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase-1 (ALOX15) in a dose-dependent manner. To clarify the action mechanism of OODBL, we examined the effect of OODBL on activation of STAT6. OODBL decreased both STAT6 phosphorylation and reporter gene activity. Furthermore, OODBL suppressed phosphorylation of Janus Kinase 3 (JAK3) without affecting JAK1. Taken together, OODBL abolished IL-4-induced eotaxin-1 and ALOX15 mRNA expressions by repressing the activation of STAT6 and JAK3. These results suggest that OODBL has a potential therapeutic efficacy on inflammatory diseases especially allergic airway disease as a lead compound.

Mast cells play critical roles in allergic disorders such as atopic dermatitis and allergic asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic activities of 1,6-O,O-diacetylbritannilactone (OODBL) isolated from Inula japonica Thunb. (I. japonica) in a murine asthma model and bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). In an ovalbumin-induced asthma model, OODBL administration attenuated the airway hyper-responsiveness induced by aerosolized methacholine and serum IgE level in asthmatic mice. In vitro system, we found that OODBL reduced leukotriene C4 production and degranulation through the suppression of cytosolic phospholipase A2 phosphorylation and phospholipase Cγ-mediated Ca2+ influx in IgE/antigen-stimulated BMMCs. Taken together, OODBL may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of allergic diseases such as asthma.

Three new polyunsaturated lipids, (6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-6,9,12,15-tetraen-3-one (1), (6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z)-1-bromooctadeca-6,9,12,15-tetraen-3-one (2), and (Z)-ethyl docos-5-enoate (3), together with two known polyunsaturated lipids, 4(Z),7(Z),10(Z)-tridecatrienoic acid (4) and (6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-1,6,9,12,15-pentaen-3-one (5), were isolated from the marine sponge Haliclona sp., which was collected from Guangxi, using HSCCC and HPLC methods. Chemical structures of the five compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques.

A phytochemical investigation of Smilax riparia A. DC. resulted in the isolation of a new aurone (1) and 13 known compounds (2–14). The structure of the new aurone was determined to be 4,5,3′,4′,5′-pentamethoxy-6-hydroxyaurone on the basis of spectroscopic methods. Compounds 3–11 were isolated from this genus for the first time. Compounds 3 and 4 significantly inhibited the migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells induced by the chemokine epithelial growth factor (EGF). In addition, compounds 3, 4, and 8 showed significant effects on enhancing GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle cells L6myc.

Our research group showed that E-salignone inhibited the invasion of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells induced by the chemokine epidermal growth factor (EGF). Due to the limited natural resources, we had to prepare sizable quantities of E-salignone for the antimetastasis investigation. E-Salignone was synthesized by methylation of the corresponding amine by reductive amination with paraformaldehyde in the presence of sodium triacetoxyhydroborate. The synthesized E-salignone exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the invasion of human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549) induced by the chemokine EGF with IC50 values of 0.36 μM and 5.77 μM, respectively. Since angiogenesis is required for tumor metastasis, anti-angiogenesis is consider a promising approach for tumor therapy. In our investigation of antimetastatic activity, E-salignone potently inhibited the migration of HUVEC and MDA-MB-231 in the wound healing assay.

A chemical investigation of marine sponge Jaspis stellifera, collected from the South China Sea, led to the isolation of four new isomalabaricane-type triterpenoids, jaspiferins C-F (1-4). The structures of those compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods. Jaspiferin C (1), which has the six-membered carbon ring at the side chain, was discovered for the first time from the isomalabaricane-type triterpenoids. The hypothesis of a biogenetic pathway to generate jaspiferin C (1) was depicted.

Five new terpenes (1-5) and ten known compounds (6-15) were isolated from Inula japonica, and their structures were identified by spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 3 and 14 showed positive inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production. Furthermore, compound 14 suppressed both leukotriene C4 synthesis and degranulation in c-kit ligand-induced bone marrow-derived mast cells.

Three new pregnane alkaloids, named terminamines H-J (1-3), together with two known alkaloids (4 and 5), were isolated from the ethanol extract of Pachysandra terminalis. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including (1)H and (13)C NMR, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS. Compounds 1, 4, and 5 revealed significant anti-metastasis activities. In addition, compound 1 inhibited the expression of p-PKCζ in MDA-MB-231 cells, and compound 4 inhibited the expressions of p-PKCζ in MDA-MB-231 and A549 cells.

The gorgonian Echinogorgia sassapo reticulata contains two new bioactive polyhydroxylated steroids, sassapols A (1), B (2), and five related known compounds (3-7). Compound 6 has been encountered for the first time in natural sources. The structures of these new compounds were defined by spectroscopic analysis. All the compounds (1-7) isolated from E. sassapo reticulata were tested for anti-inflammatory activity. Compounds 1, 3, 5, and 7 inhibited both the generation of leukotriene C₄ and the degranulation reaction in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells.

The self-assembly of cationic perylene diimide (PDI) and anionic cholesterol derivatives (CHOL) was conveniently achieved by the electrostatic attraction and π – π stacking interactions, exhibiting the well-defined supramolecular nanofibers ranging from hundreds of nanometers to micron dimension.

Preclinical Research The preparation of novel E-salignone derivatives and their biological evaluation as potential antimetastatic agents is described. The E-salignone amide derivatives were prepared from epiandrosterone and androsterone, and characterized by analytical 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry. The derivatives were evaluated for antimetastatic activity in MDA-MB-231 cells by using a transwell assay. Comparing with the positive control, LY294002, compounds 19b, 19d, and 19e exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the EGF-induced invasion of MB-MDA-231 cells. Moreover, compound 19b also had antimigration effects in wound-healing assay. Compound 19b may represent a novel antimetastatic agent for treating breast cancer.

Four new flavonoids including three C-glycosidic flavonoids, named tetrastigma A-D (1-4) and five known flavones (5-9) were isolated from the herbs of Tetrastigma obtectum (Wall.) Planch. The structures of 1-4 were elucidated by 1D- and 2D-NMR and HR mass spectrometric methods. Compound 1 caused significant enhancement in glucose consumption by insulin-resistant HepG2 cells compared with control cells. In addition, compound 1 stimulated phosphorylation of AMPK, which plays an important role in glycometabolism.

Tumor metastasis is the main cause of lethality of prostate cancer, because conventional therapies like surgery and hormone treatment rarely work at this stage. Tumor cell migration, invasion and adhesion are necessary processes for metastasis. By providing nutrition and an escape route from the primary site, angiogenesis is also required for tumor metastasis. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are well known to play important roles in tumorigenesis as well as metastasis. ZSTK474 is a specific PI3K inhibitor developed for solid tumor therapy. In the present report, antimetastatic activities of ZSTK474 were investigated in vitro by determining the effects on the main metastatic processes. ZSTK474 exhibited inhibitory effects on migration, invasion and adhesive ability of prostate cancer PC3 cells. Furthermore, ZSTK474 inhibited phosphorylation of Akt substrate-Girdin, and the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), both of which were reported to be closely involved in migration and invasion. On the other hand, ZSTK474 inhibited the expression of HIF-1α and the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), suggesting its potential antiangiogenic activity on PC3 cells. Moreover, we demonstrated the antiangiogenesis by determining the effect of ZSTK474-reduced VEGF on tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In conclusion, ZSTK474 was demonstrated to have potential in vitro antimetastatic effects on PC3 cells via dual mechanisms: inhibition of metastatic processes including cell migration, invasion and adhesion, and antiangiogenesis via blockade of VEGF secretion.

Cell membrane chromatography (CMC) is a useful method for the simultaneous isolation and identification of active compounds from natural products. However, it suffers from high cell membrane consumption and is time-consuming to operate. In this study, CMC was performed for the first time with a silica capillary, termed cell membrane capillary chromatography (CMCC). Pancreatic islet cell membranes from a mouse were immobilized onto the capillary inner wall functionalized with aldehyde groups. Scanning electron microscopy observation of the prepared column showed that the cell membrane was evenly coated onto the capillary inner wall. Three model analytes with the pharmacological property of hypoglycemic activity including glibenclamide, glipizide and berberine were tested. They were all retained by the prepared column. Furthermore, the retention factors of the analytes in CMCC correlated well with their pharmacological action. The analytical procedure including washing (to obtain a flat baseline), injection and separation was accomplished within 10 min. The CMCC column was also used for screening active compounds from a natural plant (Coptis chinensis). The hypoglycemia activity of active components such as berberine was verified using the method. The results indicated that CMCC is a viable alternative method for screening active compounds from natural products.

Five new diterpenoid glycosides, siegesides A–E ( 1 – 5 ), along with the known compound darutoside ( 6 ) were isolated and characterized from the ethanol extract of Siegesbeckia pubescens . The structural elucidation of the isolates was accomplished by extensive HRESIMS and NMR analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 are epimers of 6 . All isolates were evaluated for their inhibition on the migration of MB-MDA-231 breast cancer cells induced by the chemokine epithelial growth factor, and compound 2 showed superior inhibitory activities in comparison with the positive control drug with IC 50 value of 0.27 μM.

Two strobane diterpenoids, strobols A (1) and B (2), 15 new pimarane diterpenoids (3–6 and 8–18), and the known compounds kirenol (19), darutigenol (20), and ent-2β,15,16,19-tetrahydroxypimar-8(14)-ene (7) were isolated from the aerial parts of Siegesbeckia pubescens Makino. The structures of the new compounds were established based on the interpretation of HRESIMS and NMR analysis. The configurations of 1, 6, and 17 were confirmed by X-ray crystallographic data. Compounds 3, 5, and 11 inhibited the migration of MB-MDA-231 breast cancer cells induced by the chemokine epithelial growth factor, with IC50 values of 4.26, 3.45, and 9.70 μM, respectively.

Fla-CN (3-O-[(E)-4-(4-cyanophenyl)-2-oxobut-3-en-1-yl] kaempferol) is a semi-synthesized flavonoid derivative of tiliroside which exhibited anti-diabetic effect in vivo. Our previous study revealed the role of Fla-CN in anti-obesity and anti-diabetes in vivo, but the underlying mechanism remained to be addressed. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism of anti-adipogenesis in vitro. Fla-CN markedly inhibited intracellular lipid accumulation in a dose-dependent manner, and the inhibitory effect was mainly limited to the early stage of adipocyte differentiation in vitro. Further investigations revealed that Fla-CN up-regulated the expression level of miR-27a/b and suppressed its target genes expression including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα). Furthermore, the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was also enhanced by Fla-CN in pre-adipocyte differentiation. These effects were abolished when cells were treated with miR-27a/b inhibitor and AMPK inhibitor Compound C. Additionally, Fla-CN reduced the expressions of adipocyte-specific genes such as sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (aP2). In conclusion, these results suggested a mechanism of Fla-CN for adipocyte differentiation inhibition of 3T3-L1 cells through miR-27a/b induction and AMPK activation.

Nine new pregnane alkaloids (1–9), together with eight known alkaloids (10–17), were isolated from the whole herb of Pachysandra terminalis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. In addition, the isolates were examined for their ability to inhibit the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells induced by the chemokine epidermal growth factor (EGF). Alkaloids 1, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 17 presented significant anti-metastasis activities compared with the positive reagent, LY294002.

A phytochemical investigation on gorgonian Muricella sp. from East China Sea resulted in the isolation of eight eunicellin diterpenoids including two new ones, muricellins A-B (1, 2). Chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques (1D and 2D NMR and MS) and by comparison with data reported in the literature. Anti-rheumatoid arthritis activities of 1, 3, 4, and 6 have been evaluated.