Search

Ferroptosis is a programmed cell death pathway discovered in recent years, and ferroptosis‐inducing agents have great potential as new antitumor candidates. Here, we report a IrIII complex (Ir1) containing a ferrocene‐modified diphosphine ligand that localizes in lysosomes. Under the acidic environments of lysosomes, Ir1 can effectively catalyze Fenton‐like reaction, produce hydroxyl radicals, induce lipid peroxidation, down‐regulate glutathione peroxidase 4, and result in ferroptosis. RNA sequencing analysis shows that Ir1 can significantly affect pathways related to ferroptosis and cancer immunity. Accordingly, Ir1 can induce immunogenic cells death and suppress tumor growth in vitro, regulate T cell activity and immune microenvironments in vivo. In conclusion, we show the potential of small molecules with ferroptosis‐inducing capabilities for effective cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report a neutral iridium complex, [Ir(4-(2-pyridinyl)benzaldehyde)2(acetylacetone)] (Ir-ER), with viscosity-responsive phosphorescent emission intensity and lifetime. Quantitative measurement by two-photon phosphorescent lifetime imaging shows that the viscosity of ER increases significantly in the process of erastin-induced ferroptosis. Our work provides an effective strategy for quantitative measurement of the micro-environmental alternations of subcellular organelles during a specific cell death process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish a rapid and effective method for analysis and identification of the alkaloids from Ranunculus japonicus Thunb by ultra-performance liquid chromatogaraphy with quadruple-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOP-MS) and discuss their fragmentation regularity, the UPLC/Q-TOF-MS was used to identify the alkaloids from Ranunculus japonicus Thunb by their MS data, tandem characteristic fragment ions and standards. In the end. 12 alkaloids were identified from Ranunculus japonicus for the first time, and their fragmentation regularity was discussed. Thus, a rapid and effective analysis and identification method for the alkaloids from Ranunculus japonicus by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS is established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hao Jia Xu Re Qing Granules (HJ), is an effective clinically used antipyretic based on traditional Chinese medicine. Although its antipyretic therapeutic effectiveness is obvious, its therapeutic mechanism has not been comprehensively explored yet. In this research, we first identified potential biomarkers which may be relevant for the antipyretic effect of HJ based on urine metabolomics using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS). A rat model of fever was established using the yeast‐induced febrile response. Total‐ion‐current metabolic profiles of different groups were acquired and the data were processed by multivariate statistical analysis–partial least‐squares discriminant analysis. As envisioned, the results revealed changes of urine metabolites related to the antipyretic effect. Fourteen potential biomarkers were selected from the urine samples based on the results of Student's t‐test, "shrinkage t", variable importance in projection and partial least‐squares discriminant analysis. N‐Acetylleucine, kynurenic acid, indole‐3‐ethanol, nicotinuric acid, pantothenic acid and tryptophan were the most significant biomarkers found in the urine samples, and may be crucially related to the antipyretic effect of HJ. Consequently, we propose the hypothesis that the significant antipyretic effect the HJ may be related to the inhibition of tryptophan metabolism. This research thus provides strong theoretical support and further direction to explain the antipyretic mechanism of HJ, laying the foundation for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timosaponin B-II (TB-II; (25S)-26-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-3β-[(2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-β-D-galactopyranosyl) oxy]-5β-furostan-22-ol is extracted from Anemarrhena . Its anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and anti-asthma properties have been widely explored. However, its effect on the heart has not been reported. In this study, we used zebrafish as a research model to determine the effects of TB-II on the heart and its toxic and anti-inflammatory effects. To explore the cause of cardioprotective effects of TB-II, we used transgenic zebrafish with macrophages and neutrophils labeled with fluorescent protein. We found for the first time that TB-II had a protective effect on the zebrafish heart. It did not affect the survival and hatching rates of zebrafish embryos, indicating its low toxicity. Results showed that TB-II may have cardioprotective effects, which might be related to its anti-inflammatory effects.