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There are many reports on clinical pregnancy outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients receiving vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), but little research about abortion has been done and there is a debate on whether the abortion risk increases in PCOS patients receiving IVF/ICSI. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigated the abortion in PCOS patients. Clinical data of 12055 IVF/ICSI fresh cycles performed in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2020 were collected. Based on the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria of PCOS and after propensity score matching (PSM) for baseline data of clinical pregnancy cycles, matched 599 PCOS (PCOS group) and Non-PCOS (non-PCOS group) cycles were obtained. Abortion and abortion-related outcomes were compared between the two groups. Risk factors for late abortion in twins were analyzed using binary Logistics regression. Post-PSM data showed that the late abortion rate was significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the non-PCOS group only in twin pregnancy (9.50% vs. 3.96%, OR: 2.55, 95%CI 1.10–5.89). There were no statistical differences in other pregnancy outcomes. The etiological distribution for late abortion were not statistically different between the two groups in both singletons and twins. Logistics regression indicated that PCOS and obesity [pregnancy-assisted body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28] were risk factors for late abortion in twin pregnancy. In twin pregnancy, PCOS and obese patients are more likely to have late abortion. In twin pregnancy, the late abortion risk significantly increased in the PCOS patients as compared with non-PCOS patients (OR: 2.59, 95%CI 1.11–6.03, P < 0.05), as well as in the patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 28) as compared with the patients with normal BMI (OR: 4.17, 95%CI 1.59–10.90, P < 0.05). PCOS does not significantly affect early and overall late abortion rates after IVF/ICSI fresh cycle pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel 1,2,3-triazole–pyrimidine–urea hybrids were designed, synthesized and evaluated for anticancer activity against four selected cancer cell lines (MGC-803, EC-109, MCF-7 and B16-F10). Majority of the synthesized compounds exhibited moderate to potent activity against all the cancer cell lines assayed. Particularly, compounds 26 , 30 and 38 exhibited excellent growth inhibition against B16-F10 with IC 50 values of 32 nM, 35 nM and 42 nM, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that compound 26 induced the cellular apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel 1,2,3-triazole-pyrimidine hybrids were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity against four selected cancer cell lines (MGC-803, EC-109, MCF-7 and B16-F10). Most of the synthesized compounds exhibited moderate to good activity against all the cancer cell lines selected. Compound 17 showed the most excellent anticancer activity with single-digit micromolar IC 50 values ranging from 1.42 to 6.52 μM. Further mechanism studies revealed that compound 17 could obviously inhibit the proliferation of EC-109 cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and arresting the cell cycle at G2/M phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PeniciketalsA–C (1–3), three new spiroketalswith abenzo-fused 2,8-dioxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane moiety, were isolated fromthe saline soil derived fungus Penicillium raistrichii. Their structures including absolute configurations were establishedby NMR, X-ray diffraction, and ECD calculations. Their cytotoxicitieswere tested against A549, HL-60, and K562 cell lines, and 1–3showed the selective effects onHL-60 cells with IC50values of 3.2, 6.7, and 4.5 μM,respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) belongs to a class of epigenetic targets that have been found to be a key protein in the association between tumors and cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have focused on the crucial role of HDAC6 in regulating cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, myocardial hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, and arrhythmia. Here, we review the association between HDAC6 and cardiovascular disease, the research progress of HDAC6 inhibitors in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, and discuss the feasibility of combining HDAC6 inhibitors with other therapeutic agents to treat cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Six new compounds, named peneciraistins A–F (1–6), were isolated from saline soil derived fungus Penicillium raistrickii. Among them, compounds 1 and 2 are rare benzannulate 6,6-spitoketals, and compounds 5 and 6 are the first naturally occurring 3-indoleformic acid derivatives. Their structures were elucidated by means of their detailed NMR and MS spectroscopic data. Their absolute configurations were assigned by the modified Mosher method, CD excitation chirality method or optical rotation by comparison with those of known compounds. Their cytotoxicities were also reported against A549 and MCF-7 cell lines along with radical scavenging activities against DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The surface dynamics of Fe deposited onto the template surface of -Al adatom-layer on Si(111) has been studied using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). By imaging at both positive and negative sample bias, we identify the locations of Fe, Al and Si atoms by the susceptibility differences of these sites in receiving electrons and holes from the STM tip. When 0.1ML of Fe atoms are deposited at room temperature, some Fe atoms incorporate themselves into the adlayer as dispersed atoms or small Fe clusters with 2–10 atoms. A smaller amount of Fe atoms choose to sit on the adlayer, once again as dispersed atoms or small Fe clusters. As the Fe coverage increases beyond 0.1ML, both Fe clusters in and on the adlayer grow into 3-dimensional islands. Raising the growth temperature to 100°C is enough to enhance the diffusivity of Fe atoms and initiate a small degree of cluster coalescence. However, these clusters still do not show any crystallinity by STM observation until they are annealed. Deposition of Fe atoms at 400°C or post-deposition annealing above this temperature leads to the formation of iron silicide islands with a 2×2 surface lattice and a CsCl-type iron silicide structure, which are surrounded by -Al/Si(111) adlayer domains with a depletion of Si atoms near the silicide islands. Most of these islands have a triangular shape, and grow preferentially along the step edges of the Si(111) surface. The -Al adlayer appears to passivate the Si surface and enhances the diffusivity of Fe atoms but the passivation is not thermally stable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The fluorescence property of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) in acid–alkaline medium was studied by spectrofluorimetry. The characteristic of FITC response to hydrogen ion has been examined in acid–alkaline solution. A novel pH chemical sensor was prepared based on the relationship between the relative fluorescence intensity of FITC and pH. The measurement of relative fluorescence intensity was carried out at 362 nm with excitation at 250 nm. The excellent linear relationship was obtained between relative fluorescence intensity and pH in the range of pH 1–5. The linear regression equation of the calibration graph is F=66.871+6.605 pH (F is relative fluorescence intensity), with a correlation coefficient of linear regression of 0.9995. Effects of temperature, concentration of FITC on the response to hydrogen ion had been examined. It was important that this chemical sensor was long lifetime, and the property of response to hydrogen ion was stable for at least 70 days. This pH sensor can be used for measuring pH value in water solution. The accuracy is 0.01 pH unit. The results obtained by the pH sensor agreed with those by the pH meter. Obviously, this pH sensor is potential for determining pH change real time in biological system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Three new γ-hydroxyl butenolides (1–3), a pair of new enantiomeric spiro-butenolides (4a and 4b), a pair of enantiomeric cyclopentenones (5a new and 5b new natural), and six known compounds (6–11), were isolated from Aspergillus sclerotiorum. Their structures were established by spectroscopic data and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Two pairs of enantiomers [(+)/(–)-6c and (+)/(–)-6d] obtained from the reaction of 6 with acetyl chloride (AcCl) confirmed that 6 was a mixture of two pairs of enantiomers. In addition, the X-ray data confirmed that 7 was also a racemate. The new metabolites (1−5) were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against cancer and non-cancer cell lines. As a result, compound 1 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity to HL60 and A549 with IC50 values of 6.5 and 8.9 µM, respectively, and weak potency to HL-7702 with IC50 values of 17.6 µM. Furthermore, compounds 1−9 were screened for their antimicrobial activity using the micro-broth dilution method. MIC values of 200 μg/mL were obtained for compounds 2 and 3 towards Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, while compound 8 exhibited a MIC of 50 μ/mL towards Candida albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title compounds show selective cytotoxic effects on HL-60 cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let X be a Peano continuum having a free arc. If X admits a sensitive open map, then X either is homeomorphic to the closed interval [0, 1], or is homeomorphic to the unit circle S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter C10 (ABCC10), also named multidrug resistance protein 7 (MRP7), is a member of ABC transporter superfamily and has been revealed to transport a wide range of chemotherapeutic agents including taxanes, epothilone B, Vinca alkaloids, and anthracyclines. In our previous study, a 5-cyano-6-phenylpyrimidin derivative CP55 was synthesized and found significantly reversal effect of multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by ABCB1. In this study, we found CP55 also efficiently reversed MDR mediated by ABCC10. Our in vitro study showed that co-treatment with CP55 significantly increased the efficacy of ABCC10-substrate anticancer drugs in MDR cells overexpressing ABCC10. Furthermore, we showed that treatment with CP55 increased the intracellular accumulation of [3H]-labeled anticancer drugs and in-turn decreasing drug efflux by inhibiting the transport activity, without altering ABCC10 protein ex-pression level or cellular localization. Potential CP55-ABCC10 interactions were predicted via docking analysis using human ABCC10 homology model and obtained high docking score. Therefore, CP55 represents a promising therapeutic agent in the combinational treatment of chemo-resistant cancer related to ABCC10. Proposed mechanism of CP55 in inhibiting the multidrug resistance mediated by ABCC10 in cancer cells. [Display omitted] • Multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer is one of the major obstacles in chemotherapy. • ABCC10 mediates resistance to wide spectrum of chemotherapeutic agents, but only limited number of studies are available. • Overexpression of ABCC10 has been linked to various types of cancers including colorectal, gastric and lung cancer. • CP55 is a potent ABCC10 inhibitor which enhances the anticancer drug sensitivity in ABCC10-overexpression MDR cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were prepared from methacrylic acid as the functional monomer and triallyl isocyanurate as the cross-linker in chloroform solution using benzotriazole as the template molecule and 2,2′-azobis-isobutyronitrile as the initiator. These MIPs showed a specific binding affinity toward benzotriazole and the imprinting mechanism was discussed. The effect of the polarity of the solvent on the binding capacity of MIPs was examined and the dissociation constant at binding site of MIPs, K d =1.45, was estimated. Release of the template was performed by continuous extraction with methanol containing 10% acetic acid. The result showed that the binding capacity of MIPs decreases with the increase of the polarity of solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The noncovalent interaction of dibenzoyl peroxide and β-cyclodextin (β-CD) has been studied by spectrophotometry. The mechanism of the inclusion was studied. The results showed that β-CD reacts with dibenzoyl peroxide to form a 2:1 host–guest complex with an apparent formation constant of 2.5×104 mol−2 L2. The β-CD reacts with benzoic acid to form a 1:1 host–guest complex with an apparent formation constant of 6.9×102 mol−1 L after the dibenzoyl peroxide was reduced by hydroxyl ammonium. Based on the enhancement of the absorbance of dibenzoyl peroxide produced through complex formation, a spectrophotometric method for determination of dibenzoyl peroxide in bulk aqueous solution in the presence of β-CD was developed. A linear relationship between the absorbance and dibenzoyl peroxide concentration was obtained in the range of 0.300–50.0μgmL−1. Linear regression equation of the calibration graph C =0.02926+53.25 A, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9984 and a relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) of 3.4%. The detection limit was 0.200μgmL−1, and the recovery was from 98.00 to 105.0%. The proposed method was used to determine the dibenzoyl peroxide in the flour with satisfactory results. The principal advantage of the proposed method is its excellent selectivity based on molecule recognition of β-CD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) (diameter is about 1.7μm) were prepared from methacrylic acid as the functional monomer and triallyl isocyanurate as the cross-linker in methanol solution using doxazosin mesylate as the template molecule and 2,2′-azobis-isobutyronitrile as the initiator. The effects of amount of the cross-linker, the ratio of template molecule and functional monomer, amount of solvent and amount of the radical initiator on the polymerization were examined. Release of the template was performed by continuous extraction with methanol containing 10% acetic acid. These MIPs showed specific binding affinity toward doxazosin mesylate and the imprinting mechanism is discussed. The principal advantage of the method is that the MIPs prepared can recognize doxazosin mesylate and the particles size can be controlled by the amount of initiator and the volume of methanol employed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The property of carvedilol in acid–alkaline medium was studied by spectrofluorimetry. Effects of organic solvents on carvedilol fluorescence spectra were examined and the reason was discussed. A simple, rapid and high sensitive fluorimetric method for the determination of carvedilol in medicine is developed. The measurement of relative fluorescence intensity was carried out at 356nm with excitation at 254nm. Effects of pH, standing time and foreign ions on the determination of carvedilol have been examined. A linear relationship was obtained between the relative fluorescence intensity and concentration of carvedilol in the range of 0.50–270ngml-1. The linear regression equation of the calibration graph is C = 0.000543F - 0.002 (C is concentration (μgml-1) and F is relative fluorescence intensity in the equation), with a correlation coefficient of linear regression of 0.9998 and relative standard deviation of 2.31%. The detection limit of this method is 0.19ngml-1, and recovery is from 98.70 to 102.1%. This method can be used for determination of carvedilol in tablet. The results obtained by this method agreed with those by the official method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • EZH2 is a potential target to inhibit the development of fibrosis. • TGF-β1 closely related to EZH2 may be involved in the processes of multiple fibrosis. • EZH2 inhibitors alone or in combination with other agents have shown promising prospects in the treatment of fibrotic diseases. Fibrosis affects the function of many organs and tissues, and its persistent development can lead to tissue sclerosis and cancer, even leading to death further. Recent studies suggested that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a major regulator of epigenetic repression, played an important role in the occurrence and development of fibrosis through gene silencing or transcriptional activation. As the most studied and powerful pro-fibrotic cytokine closely related to EZH2, TGF-β1 was primarily involved in the regulation of fibrosis along with the typical Smads and non-Smads signaling pathways. In addition, EZH2 inhibitors demonstrated inhibitory effects in several types of fibrosis. This review summarized the relationship underlying the action of EZH2, TGF-β1/Smads, and TGF-β1/non-Smads with fibrosis and described the research progress of EZH2 inhibitors in the treatment of fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three new alkaloids, iizukines C−E (1 − 3), were identified from Aspergillus iizukae. • Compound 1 is the first aspochalasin with a 1,2,4−triazole functionality. • Compound 1 showed cytotoxicity to HL−60 and A549 (IC 50 3.8 and 7.2 μM, respectively). • Compound 3 gave a pair of NMR signals attributed to conformational isomers in CDCl 3. Three new alkaloids, iizukines C−E (1 – 3), including two aspochalasins (1 and 2), and one brasiliamide derivative (3), along with two known aspochalasins, rosellichalasin (4) and cytochalasin Z17 (5), were isolated from the culture of Aspergillus iizukae. Compound 1 was the first aspochalasin uniquely featuring a 1,2,4-triazole functionality, and 3 showed a pair of NMR signals in CDCl 3 with a ratio of about 2:1 due to the existence of conformational isomers. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffractions. In particular, the 1,2,4-triazole moiety in 1 was assigned on the basis of extremely valuable 1H-15N HMBC spectrum. Compound 1 exhibited cytotoxic effect towards HL-60 and A549 cell lines with IC 50 values of 3.8 and 7.2 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To explore anti-gastric cancer agents with high efficacy and selectivity, we report the design, synthesis and optimization of a novel series of 3-(2,6,9-trisubstituted-9H-purine)-8-chalcone derivatives starting from the compound PCA-15 reported by us previously. Most of the target compounds demonstrated significant antiproliferative effects on MGC803 cancer cell line, and more potent than the positive control (PCA-15 and 5-Fu). Among them, compound 6o was identified to be the most active compound against MGC803 cell line with an IC 50 value of 0.84 μM. Additionally, high selectivity was also observed between cancer and normal cells (23.35 μM against GES-1). Further mechanism studies confirmed that compound 6o could inhibit colony formation and migration, induce the apoptosis of MGC803 cells through both the mitochondrial-mediated intrinsic pathway and death receptor-mediated extrinsic pathway, which were evidenced by the up-regulation of Bax, cleaved-caspase 9/3/8, cleaved PARP and down-regulation of Bcl-2. Our systematic studies implied a new scaffold targeting gastric cancer cells for further development of small-molecule compounds with improved potency and selectivity. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A novel purine-chalcone scaffold was established by structural optimization, which led to a gradually improved activity. • Compound 6o exerted the potent anti-gastric cancer activity and good selectivity between cancer and normal cells. • Compound 6o could inhibit migration and induce the apoptosis of MGC803 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, a real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (real time RT-PCR) assay targeting 2 genetic segments was established to detect HDV RNA. Utilizing the World Health Organization International Standard for Hepatitis D Virus RNA, the lower limit of detection was 575 IU/mL, and the linearity of quantification ranged from 575,000 IU/mL to 575 IU/mL. 384 HBsAg-positive samples collected from China were tested by this method and HDV antibody detection. Eleven samples were positive for anti-HDV IgG which may persist after HDV resolution, 6 samples were HDV RNA positive, and 5 samples were positive for anti-HDV IgM. This assay showed more sensitivity than the detection of anti-HDV IgM. These data demonstrate that the real-time RT-PCR assay for HDV RNA could be implemented in the clinical detection of HDV infection in chronic HBV-infected patients in China. Highlights • No commercially rapid etiological test for HDV infection is available in China. • Dual-targeting real-time RT-PCR assay for HDV RNA was established. • The design of 2 targets could improve the sensitivity of the real time RT-PCR detection. • It was evaluated by WHO international standard and applied in clinical samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new series of 6-chloro-2-(propylthio)-8,9-dihydro-7H-purine-8-caboxamide derivatives were designed, synthesized, and further evaluated for their antiproliferative activities on four human cancer cell lines (A549, MGC803, PC-3 and TE-1). The structure-activity relationships (SARs) studies were conducted through the variation in the two regions, which including position 8 and 9, of purine core. One of the compounds, 8 , containing a terminal piperazine appendage with a carboxamide moiety at position 8 and phenyl group at position 9 of 6-chloro-8,9-dihydro-7H-purine core, showed the most potent antiproliferative activity and good selectivity between cancer and normal cells (IC 50 values of 2.80 μM against A549 and 303.03 μM against GES-1, respectively). In addition, compound 8 could inhibit the colony formation and migration of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, as well as induce the apoptosis possibly through the intrinsic pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of hybrid molecules containing [1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine and thiosemicarbazide moieties were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activities against MGC-803, NCI-H1650 and PC-3 human cancer cells. Some of the synthesized compounds showed moderate to good activity against three selected cancer cell lines. Among these compounds, compound 29 displayed the most potent antiproliferative activity as well as good selectivity between cancer cells and normal cells. Further mechanism studies revealed that compound 29 could obviously inhibit the colony formation and migration of MGC-803 as well as induced apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABCB1-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) is a principal obstacle for successful cancer chemotherapy. A series of pyrimidine-based hybrid molecules containing 1,2,3-triazole moiety were evaluated for their reversal activities against MDR. The majority of target compounds displayed moderate to great reversal potency. Among these compounds, compound 25 displayed the most potent reversal activity, about 7-fold more potent than Verapamil (VRP). Further mechanism studies revealed that compound 25 could obviously reverse paclitaxel (PTX) resistance in SW620/AD300 cells by increasing accumulation and extending maintenance of PTX. Our findings indicate that the 1,2,3-triazole-pyrimidine-based derivatives may serve as an interesting lead for the development of new potent and efficacious ABCB1-dependent MDR modulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) plays an important role in epigenetic modifications, and aberrant expression of LSD1 predicts tumor progression and poor prognosis in human esophageal cancers. In this study, a series of LSD1 inhibitors were synthesized and proved to be highly potent against human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Our data showed that these LSD1 inhibitors selectively suppressed the viability of esophageal cancer cell line (EC-109) bearing overexpressed LSD1. Among these, compound LPE-1 (LSD1 IC 50 = 0.336 ± 0.003 μM) significantly suppressed proliferation, induced apoptosis, arrested cell cycle of EC109 cells at G2/M phase, and caused changes of the associated protein markers correspondingly. We also found that compound LPE-1 potently inhibited the migration and invasion of EC-109 cells. Docking studies showed that the cyano group formed hydrogen bonds with Val811 and Thr810. Additionally, the thiophene moiety formed arene-H interaction with Trp761 residue. In vivo studies showed that compound LPE-1 inhibited tumor growth of xenograft models bearing EC-109 without obvious toxicity. Collectively, our findings indicate that LSD1 may be a potential therapeutic target in ESCC, and compound LPE-1 could serve as a lead compound for further development for anti-ESCC drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone marrow transplantation is regarded as the most effective immunotherapy for hematologic cancer, but it generally faces difficulties in matching. Aberrant expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) is closely related to the occurrence and development of hematological cancer. Recent studies suggested that HDACs might play a critical role in initiating anti-cancer immune response or enhancing anti-cancer immunotherapy. Besides, combining HDAC inhibition and immunotherapy could prevent immunotherapy resistance in some degree and reach an extended treatment window. This review summarized the relationship between HDACs and immune and described the current understanding of HDACs in immunotherapy for hematologic cancer. HDACs may play a critical role in initiating anti-tumor immune response or enhancing anti-cancer immunotherapy. Combining HDACI and immunotherapy can prevent immunotherapy resistance in some degree and reach an extended treatment window. [Display omitted] •Targeting HDACs could initiate anti-tumor immune response in the hematologic cancer. •Targeting HDACs could enhance anti-tumor immunotherapy for hematologic cancer. •Combining HDACIs and immunotherapy could reach an extended treatment window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone marrow transplantation is regarded as the most effective immunotherapy for hematologic cancer, but it generally faces difficulties in matching. Aberrant expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) is closely related to the occurrence and development of hematological cancer. Recent studies suggested that HDACs might play a critical role in initiating anti-cancer immune response or enhancing anti-cancer immunotherapy. Besides, combining HDAC inhibition and immunotherapy could prevent immunotherapy resistance in some degree and reach an extended treatment window. This review summarized the relationship between HDACs and immune and described the current understanding of HDACs in immunotherapy for hematologic cancer. HDACs may play a critical role in initiating anti-tumor immune response or enhancing anti-cancer immunotherapy. Combining HDACI and immunotherapy can prevent immunotherapy resistance in some degree and reach an extended treatment window. [Display omitted] •Targeting HDACs could initiate anti-tumor immune response in the hematologic cancer. •Targeting HDACs could enhance anti-tumor immunotherapy for hematologic cancer. •Combining HDACIs and immunotherapy could reach an extended treatment window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of [1,2,3]triazolo[4,5- d ]pyrimidine derivatives bearing a hydrazone moiety were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against several cancer cell lines of different origins by MTT assay. Most of the synthesized compounds demonstrated moderate to good activity against the cancer cell lines selected. Especially, compound 43 showed the most potent antiproliferative activity as well as good selectivity between cancer and normal cells (IC 50 values of 0.85 μM against MGC-803 and 56.17 μM against GES-1). In addition, compound 43 evidently inhibited the colony formation of MGC-803 cells at 0.8 μM. Further mechanism studies revealed that compound 43 could induce apoptosis of MGC-803 cells probably through the mitochondrial pathway accompanied with decrease of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), activations of caspase-9/3, up-regulation of the expression of Bax, Bak and PUMA, as well as down-regulation of that of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of pyrido[3,4- d ]pyrimidine derivatives were designed and synthesized. Compound 30 showed the most effective inhibitory effect on MGC-803 cells and induced apoptosis. [Display omitted] In order to find high-efficiency and low-toxic anti-tumor drugs, 29 pyrido[3,4- d ]pyrimidine compounds were designed, synthesized and evaluated by MTT assay in vitro. The results presented that most of the compounds had good antitumor activities, among which compound 30 had the best anti-tumor activity on MGC803 cells (IC 50 = 0.59 μM). Mechanistic studies exhibited that compound 30 inhibited migration of MGC803 and induced apoptosis. It was proved that compound 30 up-regulated expression of Bid and PARP, down-regulated expression of CycD1 by western blot experiments. This study indicated that compound 30 might be served as a lead agent for the treatment of human gastric cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial injury is a nonnegligible problem in cardiovascular diseases and cancer therapy. The functional feature of N-containing heterocycles in the cardiovascular field has attracted much attention in recent years. Herein, we discovered a lead compound 12a containing 1,3,4-oxadiazole by extensive screening of anticancer derivatives containing nitrogen-heterocycle, which exhibited potential protective activity against oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes. Follow-up structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies also highlighted the role of substitution sites and bisamide moiety in enhancing the protective activity against oxidative stress. Specifically, compound 12d exhibited low cytotoxicity under high concentration and potent myocardial protection against oxidative stress in H9c2 cells. Preliminary mechanistic studies showed compound 12d could decrease the expression of cardiac hypertrophy and oxidative stress-related proteins/genes and reduce mitochondria-mediated cell apoptosis, thereby enhancing the cell vitality of injured cardiomyocytes. In this study, 1,3,4-oxadiazole may represent a novel pharmacophore that possesses potential myocardial protection and provides more choices for future optimization of cardiovascular drugs, especially for the treatment of onco-cardiology. Compound 12d could decrease the expression of cardiac hypertrophy and oxidative stress-related proteins/genes and reduce mitochondria-mediated cell apoptosis, and thereby enhancing the cell vitality of injured cardiomyocytes. [Display omitted] • A series of novel 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives were designed and synthesized. • Representatively, 12d exhibited potent myocardial protection and low cytotoxicity. • 12d decreased the expression of hypertrophy and oxidative stress-related markers. • 12d could reduce mitochondria-mediated cell apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data of 3,841 cycles undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in our reproductive Center between January 2003 and December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the number of oocytes retrieved, this study was divided into the high ovarian response group (oocyte retrieval ≥20, 842 cycles), the moderate ovarian response group (5< oocyte retrieval <20, 2008 cycles), and the low ovarian response group (oocyte retrieval ≤5, 991 cycles). The treatment outcomes were compared between the patients with an increased progesterone (P) level and the patients where the P level did not increase. With increase in ovarian response, the cut-off values of serum P on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) rose, and respectively were 2.5 ng/ml in the high ovarian response group, 2.25 ng/ml in the moderate ovarian response group, and 1.5 ng/ml in the low ovarian response group. In each group, the clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rate were lower in the patients with an increased P level compared to those where the P level did not increase (all p < 0.05). However, there were no significant difference in the fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and high-quality embryo rate (all p > 0.05). The increased level of P on the day of hCG may affect the treatment outcomes of IVF-ET. The cut-off values of serum P seem to be associated with ovarian response. Increased ovarian response causes the cut-off values of serum P to rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trying to develop potent and selective anticancer agents, two series of novel 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-a]phthalazine derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their antitumor activities were evaluated by MTT method against four selected human cancer cell lines (MGC-803, EC-9706, HeLa and MCF-7). Our results showed that compound 11h exhibited good anticancer activities compared to 5-fluorouracil against the four tested cell lines, with IC 50 values ranging from 2.0 to 4.5 μM. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that compound 11h induced the cellular early apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in EC-9706. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between proteins and nanoscale inorganic particles is one of the most important topics in many fields. In this study, the dynamic behaviours of protein bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) (with six different orientations) on hydroxyapatite (HAP) (001) surface were studied using the molecular dynamics and steered molecular dynamics simulation. The results show that the orientation of protein BMP-2 has obvious influence on its adsorption–desorption behaviours. Among the six systems studied in this article, system I exhibits the strongest interaction with the HAP (001) surface, and the number of the adsorbed residues is more than any one of the other five systems correspondingly. These findings suggest that there will be a preferential orientation when a protein is adsorbed onto a nanoscale interface. For protein BMP-2 interacting with the HAP (001) surface, the preferential orientation is the orientation in system I. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Proposed mechanism of CMP25 in inhibiting the multidrug resistance mediated by MRP7/ABCC10 in cancer cells. [Display omitted] Multidrug resistance-associated protein 7 (MRP7) is an important member of ABC transporter superfamily and has been revealed to mediate the cross-membrane translocation of a wide range of chemotherapeutic agents including taxanes, epothilones, Vinca alkaloids, Anthracyclines and Epipodophyllotoxins. In our previous study, a 1,2,3-triazole-pyrimidine hybrid CMP25 was synthesized and found able to efficiently reverse multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by P-glycoprotein. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of compound CMP25 in reversing MDR mediated by MRP7 in vitro. The results showed that CMP25 significantly sensitized MRP7-overexpressing cells to anticancer drugs that are MRP7 substrates. Mechanistic study showed that CMP25 reversed MRP7-mediated MDR by increasing the intracellular accumulation of anticancer drugs and decreasing drug efflux, without altering protein expression level or subcellular localization. Currently, very few studies on synthetic MRP7 modulators have been published. Our findings provide a valuable prototype for designing drugs to combine with conventional anticancer drugs to overcome MDR-mediated by MRP7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) has emerged as a critical regulator of many cellular pathways in tumors due to its unique structure basis and abundant substrate types. Over the past few decades, the role played by HDAC6 inhibitors as anticancer agents has sparked great interest of biochemists worldwide. However, they were less reported for gastric cancer therapy. In this paper, with the help of bioisosteric replacement, in-house library screening, and lead optimization strategies, we designed, synthesized and verified a series of 1,3-diaryl-1,2,4-triazole-capped HDAC6 inhibitors with promising anti-gastric cancer activities. Amongst, compound 9r displayed the best inhibitory activity towards HDAC6 (IC 50 = 30.6 nM), with 128-fold selectivity over HDAC1. Further BLI and CETSA assay proved the high affinity of 9r to HDAC6. In addition, 9r could dose-dependently upregulate the levels of acetylated α-tubulin, without significant effect on acetylated histone H3 in MGC803 cells. Besides, 9r exhibited potent antiproliferative effect on MGC803 cells, and promoted apoptosis and suppressed the metastasis without obvious toxicity, suggesting 9r would serve as a potential lead compound for the development of novel therapeutic agents of gastric cancer. [Display omitted] ● A novel series of 1,3-diaryl-1,2,4-triazole-capped HDAC6 inhibitors were designed and synthesized by the strategies of bioisosteric replacement, in-house library screening, and lead optimization. ● Compound 9r exhibited the best potency to HDAC6 (IC 50 = 30.6 nM), with 128-fold selectivity over HDAC1. ● Compound 9r displayed promising anti-gastric cancer activity without obvious toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The specific crystallography structure, compositions and functions of HDAC6 were reviewed. • The relation of HDAC6 with tumor immune diseases was summarized. • HDAC6 inhibitors in combination with antitumor immunomodulatory agents were discussed. Tumor immunotherapy is currently subject of intense scientific and clinical developments. In previous decade, therapists used natural immune system from the human body to treat several diseases. Although tumor immune disease is a big challenge, combinatorial therapeutic strategy has been succeeded to show the clinical significance. In this context, we discuss the HDAC6 and tumor immune diseases relationship. Also, we summarized the current state of knowledge that based on the combination treatments of the HDAC6 inhibitors (HDAC6is) with antitumor immunomodulatory agents. We observed that, the combination therapies slow down the tumor immune diseases by blocking the aggresome and proteasome pathway. The combination therapy was able to reduce M2 macrophage and increasing PD-L1 blockade sensitivity. Most importantly, multiple combinations of HDAC6is with other agents may consider as potential strategies to treat tumor immune diseases, by reducing the side effects and improve efficacy for the future clinical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A pharmacophore fusion strategy was adopted to optimizenatural product gramin. • Terminal alkyne was vital for enhancing the antiproliferative activity. • 16h could induce cell apoptosis and inhibit metastasis ability of MGC803 cells. Gramine is a natural indole alkaloid with a wide range of biological activities, but its anti-gastric cancer activity is poor. Herein, a pharmacophore fusion strategy was adopted to design and synthesize a new series of indole-azole hybrids on the structural basis of gramine. Based on our previous studies, different nitrogen-containing five-membered heterocyclic rings and terminal alkyne group were introduced into the indole-based scaffold to investigate their effect on improving the anti-gastric cancer activity of gramine derivatives. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies highlighted the role played by terminal alkyne in enhancing the inhibitory effect, and compound 16h displayed the best antiproliferative activity against gastric cancer MGC803 cells with IC 50 value of 3.74 μM. Further investigations displayed compound 16h could induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, and caused cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. Besides, compound 16h could inhibit the metastasis ability of MGC803 cells. Our studies may provide a new strategy for structural optimization of gramine to enhance anti-gastric cancer activity, and provide a potential candidate for the treatment of gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To discover novel anticancer agents with potent and low toxicity, we designed and synthesized a range of new thiosemicarbazone-indole analogues based on lead compound 4 we reported previously. Most compounds displayed moderate to high anticancer activities against five tested tumor cells (PC3, EC109, DU-145, MGC803, MCF-7). Specifically, the represented compound 16f possessed strong antiproliferative potency and high selectivity toward PC3 cells with the IC 50 value of 0.054 μM, compared with normal WPMY-1 cells with the IC 50 value of 19.470 μM. Preliminary mechanism research indicated that compound 16f could significantly suppress prostate cancer cells (PC3, DU-145) growth and colony formation in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, derivative 16f induced G1/S cycle arrest and apoptosis, which may be related to ROS accumulation due to the activation of MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, molecule 16f could effectively inhibit tumor growth through a xenograft model bearing PC3 cells and had no evident toxicity in vivo. Overall, based on the biological activity evaluation, analogue 16f can be viewed as a potential lead compound for further development of novel anti-prostate cancer drug. Image 1 • New thiosemicarbazone-indole derivatives were designed and synthesized based on previous work. • Most compounds were more sensitive to prostate cancer PC3 cells in comparison to other cancer cells. • 16f exhibited stronger activity and better safety profile than 3-AP, DPC and lead 4. • 16f induced G1/S cycle arrest and apoptosis in prostate cancer cells (PC3, DU-145) via ROS accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of potent anticancer agents with high selectivity and low toxicity remains on the way to human health. Pyridazine featuring advantageous physicochemical properties and antitumor potential usually is regarded as a central core in numerous anticancer derivatives. There are several approved pyridazine-based drugs in the market and analogues currently going through different clinical phases or registration statuses, suggesting pyridazine as a promising drug-like scaffold. The current review is intended to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of pyridazine derivatives as potential anticancer agents. In particular, we focused on their structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, design strategies, binding modes and biological activities in the hope of offering novel insights for further rational design of more active and less toxic anticancer drugs. Image 1 • Pyridazine is a privileged scaffold with two nitrogen atoms in a 1, 2-relationship. • The advances of pyridazine-based anticancer derivatives were reviewed. • Pyridazine derivatives were classified into five categories based on their structures. • This review focused on SARs analysis, design strategies, biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CBP/p300, functioning as histone acetyltransferases and transcriptional co-factors, represents an attractive target for various diseases, including malignant tumor. The development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting the bromodomain and HAT domains of CBP/p300 has aroused broad interests of medicinal chemist in expectation of providing new hope for anti-cancer treatment. In particular, the CBP/p300 bromodomain inhibitor CCS1477, identified by CellCentric, is currently undergone clinical evaluation for the treatment of haematological malignancies and prostate cancer. In this review, we depict the development of CBP/p300 inhibitors reported from 2010 to 2020 and particularly highlight their structure-activity relationships (SARs), binding modes, selectivity and pharmacological functions with the aim to facilitate rational design and development of CBP/p300 inhibitors. Image 1 • CBP/p300 is associated with multiple diseases, especially cancer. • The different chemical series of CBP/p300 inhibitors are reviewed. • We mainly focus on SARs, binding modes, selectivity and pharmacological functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multidrug resistance (MDR) phenomenon in cancer cells is the major obstacle leading to failure of chemotherapy accompanied by the feature of intractable and recurrence of cancers. As significant contributors that cause MDR, ABC superfamily proteins can transport the chemotherapeutic drugs out of the tumor cells by the energy of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis, thereby reducing their intracellular accumulation. The ABC transports like ABCB1, ABCC1 and ABCG2 have been extensively studied to develop modulators for overcoming MDR. To date, no reversal agents have been successfully marketed for clinical application, and little information about the ABC proteins bound to specific inhibitors is known, which make the design of MDR inhibitors with potency, selectivity and low toxicity a major challenge. In recent years, it has been increasingly recognized that pyrimidine-based derivatives have the potential for reversing ABC-mediated MDR. In this review, we summarized the pyrimidine-based inhibitors of ABC transporters, and mainly focused on their structure optimizations, development strategies and structure-activity relationship studies in hope of providing a reference for medicinal chemists to develop new modulators of MDR with highly potency and fewer side effects. Image 1 • ABC transports have been studied to develop modulators for overcoming MDR. • Pyrimidine is an attractive scaffold to develop inhibitors of ABC-mediated MDR. • The advances of pyrimidine-based ABC inhibitors were reviewed. • The SAR and development strategies of pyrimidine-based inhibitors were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a series of thiosemicarbazone derivatives containing different aromatic heterocyclic groups were synthesized and the tridentate donor system of the lead compound was optimized. Most of the target compounds showed improved antiproliferative activity against MGC803 cells. SAR studies revealed that compound 5d displayed significant advantages in inhibition effect with an IC 50 value of 0.031 μM, and better selectivity between cancer and normal cells than 3-AP and DpC (about 15- and 5-fold improved respectively). Besides, compound 5d showed selective antiproliferative activity in not only other cancer cells but also different gastric cancer cell lines. In-depth mechanism studies showed that compound 5d could induce mitochondria-related apoptosis which might be related to the elevation of intracellular ROS level, and cause cell cycle arrest at S phase. Moreover, 5d could evidently suppress the cell migration and invasion by blocking the EMT (epithelial–mesenchymal transition) process. Consequently, our studies provided a lead optimization strategy of thiosemicarbazone derivatives which would contribute to discover high-efficiency and low-toxicity agents for the treatment of gastric cancer. Image 1 • The design and synthesis were based on lead optimization strategy. • 5d showed higher antiproliferative activity and lower toxicity than 3-AP and DpC. • 5d could induce cell apoptosis, and inhibit the migration and invasion of MGC803 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KDM5B (also known as PLU-1 and JARID1B) is 2-oxoglutarate and Fe2+ dependent oxygenase that acts as a histone H3K4 demethylase, which is a key participant in inhibiting the expression of tumor suppressors as a drug target. Here, we present the discovery of pyrazole derivatives compound 5 by structure-based virtual screening and biochemical screening with IC 50 of 9.320 μM against KDM5B, and its subsequent optimization to give 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methyl-2-morpholinopropyl)-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide (27 ab), a potent KDM5B inhibitor with IC 50 of 0.0244 μM. In MKN45 cells, compound 27 ab can bind and stabilize KDM5B and induce the accumulation of H3K4me2/3, bona fide substrates of KDM5B, while keep the amount of H3K4me1, H3K9me2/3 and H3K27me2 without change. Further biological study also indicated that compound 27 ab is a potent cellular active KDM5B inhibitor that can inhibit MKN45 cell proliferation, wound healing and migration. In sum, our finding gives a novel structure for the discovery of KDM5B inhibitor and targeting KDM5B may be a new therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer treatment. Image 1 • Pyrazole derivatives were discovered as novel KDM5B inhibitors. • 35 compounds were synthesized and studied on their KDM5B inhibitory activities for SARs. • Compound 27 ab is a potent and cellular active KDM5B inhibitor that can inhibit MKN45 cell proliferation and migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidrug resistance (MDR) lead to inadequate response to chemotherapy and cause failure in cancer treatment. One of the targeted approaches to overcome MDR in cancer cells is interfering or inhibiting ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Among all members in ABC transporters superfamily, ABCB1 (ABC transporter subfamily B #1) and ABCG2 (ABC transporter subfamily G #2) play an important role in the development of cancer MDR. In this study, we synthesized a novel 5-cyano-6-phenylpyrimidin derivative 479, which exhibited selective dual-activity in reversing MDR mediated by ABCB1 and ABCG2, without affecting MDR mediated by ABCC1 (ABC transporter subfamily C #1) and ABCC10 (ABC transporter subfamily C #10). Further mechanism studies demonstrated that 479 increased the accumulation of paclitaxel and mitoxantrone in cancer cells by interrupting the efflux function of transporters and stimulating ABCB1/ABCG2 ATPase activity. In silico study provided evidence that 479 formed multiple physiochemical bonds with the drug-binding pocket of ABCB1 and ABCG2. Overall, our results provide a promising prototype in designing potent dual reversal agents targeting ABCB1- and ABCG2-meidated MDR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]