Design and development of novel p-aminobenzoic acid derivatives as potential cholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

Based on the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), some novel p-aminobenzoic acid derivatives as promising cholinesterase enzyme inhibitors were designed, synthesized, characterized and evaluated to enhance learning and memory. The in vitro enzyme kinetic study of the synthesized compounds revealed the type of inhibition on the respective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. The in vivo studies of the synthesized compounds exhibited significant reversal of cognitive deficits in the animal models of amnesia as compared to standard drug donepezil. Further, the ex vivo studies in the specific brain regions like the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and prefrontal cortex regions also exhibited AChE inhibition comparable to standard donepezil. The in silico molecular docking and dynamics simulations studies of the most potent compound 22 revealed the consensual interactions at the active site pocket of the AChE.     

Protective effects of syringic acid,resveratrol and their combination against isoprenaline administered cardiotoxicity in wistar rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the cardio-protection of syringic acid (SA) in combination with resveratrol (RV) in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarcted (MI) rats.MethodsGroups of all rats were subjected oral pre-treatment at the beginning of the study with SA (50 mg/kg), RV (50 mg/kg) and combination (COMB) of SA (25 mg/kg) and RV (25 mg/kg) along with gallic acid (GA) (50 mg/kg) for 30 days. After sacrification, homogenate of heart tissue along with serum were utilized for further biochemical investigations. The effects on creatine kinase (CK), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were studied in serum and heart tissues. Glutathione-s-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and reduced glutathione (GSH), membrane bound enzymes and electrolytes were tested in heart tissues. Body weights and heart weights were also observed along with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), uric acid and total protein content (TPC) in serum.ResultsCK, AST, ALT and GGT levels in serum were augmented significantly while these enzymes are decreased in cardiac tissue samples of ISO–treated rats. GST, GPX, GSH, Na⁺/K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ ATPases, K⁺ ions were significantly decreased while Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions were increased in the heart tissues of ISO-injected rats. Loss and gain of body and heart weights were noticed significantly in rats having ISO administration. ISO group showed significant increase in hs-CRP and Uric acid while significant decrease in TPC. All of actions of ISO were ameliorated by COMB.ConclusionsCOMB suppressed ISO induced MI in rats and exhibited cardio-protection.     

Synthesis and evaluation of hydroxychalcones as multifunctional non-purine xanthine oxidase inhibitors for the treatment of hyperuricemia

A series of hydroxychalcone derivatives have been designed, synthesized and evaluated for human xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity. Most of the tested compounds acted moderate XO inhibition with IC₅₀ values in the micromolar rang. Molecular docking and kinetic studies have been performed to explain the binding modes of XO with the selected compounds. In addition, in vitro antioxidant screening results indicated that some of the hydroxychalcones possessed good anti-free radical activities. Furthermore, the preferred compounds 16 and 18 were able to significantly inhibit hepatic xanthine oxidase activity and reduced serum uric acid level of hyperuricemic mice in vivo. In summary, compounds 16 and 18 with balanced activities of antioxidant, XO inhibition and serum uric acid reduction, which are promising candidates for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout.     

Synthesis and biological activity of pyrazolo[3,4-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one derivatives: in silico approach

Xanthine oxidase (XO) is responsible for the pathological condition called gout. Inhibition of XO activity by various pyrazolo[3,4-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-4-one derivatives was assessed and compared with the standard inhibitor allopurinol. Out of 10 synthesized compounds, two compounds, viz. 3-amino-6-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one (3b) and 3-amino-6-(4-chloro-2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one (3g) were found to have promising XO inhibitory activity of the same order as allopurinol. Both compounds and allopurinol inhibited competitively with comparable Ki (3b: 3.56?µg, 3g: 2.337?µg, allopurinol: 1.816?µg) and IC₅₀ (3b: 4.228?µg, 3g: 3.1?µg, allopurinol: 2.9?µg) values. The enzyme–ligand interaction was studied by molecular docking using Autodock in BioMed Cache V. 6.1 software. The results revealed a significant dock score for 3b (?84.976?kcal/mol) and 3g (?90.921?kcal/mol) compared with allopurinol (?55.01?kcal/mol). The physiochemical properties and toxicity of the compounds were determined in silico using online computational tools. Overall, in vitro and in silico study revealed 3-amino-6-(4-chloro-2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]thiazolo[3,2–a]pyrimidin-4-one (3g) as a potential lead compound for the design and development of XO inhibitors.     

Synthesis,computational molecular docking analysis and effectiveness on tyrosinase inhibition of kojic acid derivatives

Tyrosinase inhibitors have become increasingly important as whitening agents and for the treatment of pigmentary disorders. In this study, the synthesis of kojic acid derivatives having 2-substituted-3-hydroxy-6-hyroxymethyl/chloromethyl/methyl/morpholinomethylpiperidinyl- methyl/pyrrolidinylmethyl-4H-pyran-4-one structure (compounds 1–30) with inhibitory effects on tyrosinase enzyme were described. One-pot Mannich reaction was carried out by using kojic acid/chlorokojic acid/allomaltol and substituted benzylpiperazine derivatives in presence of formaline. Subsequently, cyclic amine (morpholine, piperidine and pyrrolidine) derivatives of the 6th-position of chlorokojic acid were obtained with nucleophilic substitutions in basic medium. The structures of new compounds were identified by FT-IR, ¹H- and ¹³C NMR, ESI-MS and elemental analysis data. The potential mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the compounds were evaluated by the spectrophotometric method using l-DOPA as a substrate and kojic acid as the control agent. The potential inhibitory activity was also investigated in silico using molecular docking simulation method. Tyrosinase inhibitory action was significantly more efficacious for several compounds (IC₅₀: 86.2–362.1 µM) than kojic acid (IC₅₀: 418.2). Compound 3 bearing 3,4-dichlorobenzyl piperazine moiety was proven to have the highest inhibitory activity. The results of docking studies showed that according to the predicted conformation of compound 3 in the enzyme binding site, hydroxymethyl group provides a metal complex with copper ions and enzyme. Thus, this interaction explain the high inhibitory activities of the compounds 1, 3 and 4 possessing hydroxymethyl substituent supporting the mushroom assay results with docking studies. In accordance with the results, it is suggested that Mannich bases of kojic acid bearing substituted benzyl piperazine groups (compounds 1, 3, 4, 11, 13, 14, 23, 24, 28, and 29) could be promising antityrosinase agents. Additionally, considering the relationship between tyrosinase inhibitory activity results and molecular docking, a new tyrosinase inhibition mechanism can be proposed.     

Structure based design of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) inhibitors from a phenotypic screen

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase is a key metabolic enzyme that is a potential target for oncology. Utilizing publicly available crystal structures of NAMPT and in silico docking of our internal compound library, a NAMPT inhibitor, 1, obtained from a phenotypic screening effort was replaced with a more synthetically tractable scaffold. This compound then provided an excellent foundation for further optimization using crystallography driven structure based drug design. From this approach, two key motifs were identified, the (S,S) cyclopropyl carboxamide and the (S)-1-N-phenylethylamide that endowed compounds with excellent cell based potency. As exemplified by compound 27e such compounds could be useful tools to explore NAMPT biology in vivo.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of strained unusual amino acid containing tetrapeptides as potential antidepressant agents

Strained unusual amino acid derived tetrapeptides were synthesized as mimics of GLYX-13, a clinical candidate for neuroprotective and anti-depressant properties, were studied. The synthesized compounds were screened for neurite growth and anti-depressant properties in vitro and in vivo respectively comparing with the parent GLYX-13 compound. Neurite growth property was assessed by neurite length and anti-depressant property by percentage of immobility in forced swim test, a behavioural assay. Mechanistic insights about protein–ligand interactions were obtained using molecular docking study. Based on the in vitro and in vivo screening data and molecular docking study, a new analogue of GLYX-13, Compound 11a has been found to be as good as the parent compound in all respects.     

Modeling of human M1 aminopeptidases for in silico screening of potential Plasmodium falciparum alanine aminopeptidase (PfA-M1) specific inhibitors

Plasmodium falciparum alanine M1-aminopeptidase (PfA-M1) is a validated target for anti-malarial drug development. Presence of significant similarity between PfA-M1 and human M1-aminopeptidases, particularly within regions of enzyme active site leads to problem of non-specificity and off-target binding for known aminopeptidase inhibitors. Molecular docking based in silico screening approach for off-target binding has high potential but requires 3D-structure of all human M1-aminopeptidaes. Therefore, in the present study 3D structural models of seven human M1-aminopeptidases were developed. The robustness of docking parameters and quality of predicted human M1-aminopeptidases structural models was evaluated by stereochemical analysis and docking of their respective known inhibitors. The docking scores were in agreement with the inhibitory concentrations elucidated in enzyme assays of respective inhibitor enzyme combinations (r2≈0.70). Further docking analysis of fifteen potential PfA-M1 inhibitors (virtual screening identified) showed that three compounds had less docking affinity for human M1-aminopeptidases as compared to PfA-M1. These three identified potential lead compounds can be validated with enzyme assays and used as a scaffold for designing of new compounds with increased specificity towards PfA-M1.     

In silico toxicity studies of traditional Chinese herbal medicine: A mini review

With the availability of public databases that store compound-target/compound-toxicity information, and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) databases, in silico approaches are used in toxicity studies of TCM herbal medicine. Here, three in silico approaches for toxicity studies were reviewed, which include machine learning, network toxicology and molecular docking. For each method, its application and implementation e.g., single classifier vs. multiple classifier, single compound vs. multiple compounds, validation vs. screening, were explored. While these methods provide data-driven toxicity prediction that is validated in vitro and/or in vivo, it is still limited to single compound analysis. In addition, these methods are limited to several types of toxicity, with hepatotoxicity being the most dominant. Future studies involving the testing of combination of compounds on the front end i.e., to generate data for in silico modeling, and back end i.e., validate findings from prediction models will advance the in silico toxicity modeling of TCM compounds.     

Design,synthesis, evaluation and molecular modelling studies of some novel 5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazin-3(2H)-ones bearing five-member heterocyclic moieties as potential COX-2 inhibitors: A hybrid pharmacophore approach

A series of novel hybrids comprising of 1,3,4-oxadiazole/thiadiazole and 1,2,4-triazole tethered to 5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazin-3(2H)-one were designed, synthesised and evaluated as COX-2 inhibitors for the treatment of inflammation. The synthesised hybrids were characterised using FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, elemental (C,H,N) analyses and assessed for their anti-inflammatory potential by in vitro albumin denaturation assay. Compounds exhibiting activity comparable to indomethacin and celecoxib were further evaluated for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Oral administration of promising compounds 3c–3e and 4c–4e did not evoke significant gastric, hepatic and renal toxicity in rats. These potential compounds exhibited reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content on the gastric mucosa suggesting their protective effects by inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Based on the outcome of in vitro COX assay, compounds 3c–3e and 4c–4e (IC₅₀ 0.60–1.11 μM) elicited an interesting profile as competitive selective COX-2 inhibitors. Further, selected compounds 3e and 4c were found devoid of cardiotoxicity post evaluation on myocardial infarcted rats. The in silico binding mode of the potential compounds into the COX-2 active site through docking and molecular dynamics exemplified their consensual interaction and subsequent COX-2 inhibition with significant implications for structure-based drug design.     

Selective toxicity of glycyrrhetinic acid against tumorigenic r/m HM-SFME-1 cells is potentially attributed to downregulation of glutathione

Natural products from plants are expected to play significant roles in creating new, safe and improved chemopreventive and therapeutic antitumor agents. Selectivity is also an important issue in cancer prevention and therapy. The present study was designed to extend our previous study on the c-Ha-ras and c-myc-induced tumor cell-selective antiproliferative effects of a licorice component, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA). An in silico ligand-receptor docking simulation revealed that GA acts as an 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 inhibitor. GA disrupted the redox balance in tumor cells through upregulation of reactive oxygen species and downregulation of glutathione (GSH). The GA-induced GSH reduction and cytotoxicity were enhanced by an inhibitor of GSH, l-buthionine-[S,R]-sulfoximine. N-acetyl-l-cysteine, an antioxidant and precursor of GSH, restored the GA-induced GSH reduction and cytotoxicity in tumor cells. Taken together, these data highlighting the downregulation of GSH by GA and the efficacy of GSH in ameliorating GA-mediated cytotoxicity support the notion that GSH is involved in the selective toxicity of GA toward tumor cells.     

Synthesis and characterization of CAPE derivatives as xanthine oxidase inhibitors with radical scavenging properties

Inhibitors of the enzyme xanthine oxidase (XO) with radical scavenging properties hold promise as novel agents against reperfusion injuries after ischemic events. By suppressing the formation of damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) by XO or scavenging ROS from other sources, these compounds may prevent a buildup of ROS in the aftermath of a heart attack or stroke. To combine these two properties in a single molecule, we synthesized and characterized the non-purine XO inhibitor caffeic acid phenethylester (CAPE) and 19 derivatives using a convenient microwave-assisted Knoevenagel condensation protocol. Varying systematically the number and positions of the hydroxyl groups at the two phenyl rings, we derived structure-activity relationships based on experimentally determined XO inhibition data. Molecular docking suggested that critical enzyme/inhibitor interactions involved π-π interactions between the phenolic inhibitor ring and Tyr914, hydrogen bonds between inhibitor hydroxyl groups and Glu802, and hydrophobic interactions between the CAPE phenyl ring and non-polar residues located at the entrance of the binding site. To effectively scavenge the stable radical DPPH, two hydroxyl groups in 1,2- or 1,4-position at the phenyl ring were required. Among all compounds tested, E-phenyl 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)acrylate, a CAPE analog without the ethyl tether, showed the most promising properties.     

Investigation of the interaction between salvianolic acid C and xanthine oxidase: Insights from experimental studies merging with molecular docking methods

Xanthine oxidase (XO) has emerged as an important target for gout. In our previous study, salvianolic acid C (SAC) was found to show potent XO inhibitory activity, whereas the interaction mechanism was still not clear. Herein, an integrated approach consisting of enzyme kinetics, multi-spectroscopic methods and molecular docking was employed to investigate the interaction between SAC and XO. Consequently, SAC exhibited a rapid and mixed-type inhibition of XO with IC₅₀ of 5.84 ± 0.18 μM. The fluorescence data confirmed that SAC presented a strong fluorescence quenching effect through a static quenching procedure. The values of enthalpy change, entropy change and Gibbs free energy change indicated that their binding was spontaneous and driven mainly by hydrophobic interactions. Analysis of synchronous fluorescence, circular dichroism and fourier transform infrared spectra demonstrated that SAC induced conformational changes of the enzyme. Besides, further molecular docking revealed that SAC occupied the catalytic center resulting in the inhibition of XO activity. This study provides a comprehensive understanding on the interaction mechanism of SAC on XO.     

Antipyretic activity of Caesalpinia digyna (Rottl.) leaves extract along with phytoconstituent’s binding affinity to COX-1, COX-2, and mPGES-1 receptors: In vivo and in silico approaches

Caesalpinia digyna (Rottl.) (Family: Fabaceae) is well known for its numerous medicinal values against several human disorders including fever, senile pruritis, diarrhea, tuberculosis, tonic disorder, diabetes, etc. The current study is intended to investigate the in vivo antipyretic activity of the methanol extract of C. digyna leaves (MECD) and its carbon-tetrachloride (CTCD) and butanol fraction (BTCD). Besides, in silico molecular docking and ADME/T profiling of the selective identified bioactive compounds of C. digyna has been also studied to validate the experimental outcomes and establish a better insight into the possible receptor-ligand interaction affinity. In vivo antipyretic activity of MECD, CTCD and BTCD were evaluated by employing yeast induced pyrexia technique in mice model and in silico analysis of the identified compounds of C. digyna has been implemented using PyRx autodock vina, Discovery Studio 2020, UCSF Chimera software and ADME/T online tools. MECD and BTCD unveiled significant antipyretic activity in dose dependent manner whereas, CTCD failed to exhibit significant antipyretic activity. Comparing to other test sample, MECD (400 mg/kg; b.w) (p < 0.001) displayed maximum inhibition of pyrexia. In molecular docking approach, docking score between −6.60 to −10.20 kcal/mol have been revealed. Besides, in ADME/T analysis, no compound violated the lipiniski’s 5 rules and displayed any toxicity. Biological and computational approaches ascertain the ethno-botanical use of C. digyna as a good agent against pyrexia and the compounds of C. digyna are primarily proved as safe. Hereafter, further analysis is suggested to validate this research.     

β-lactam substituted polycyclic fused pyrrolidine/pyrrolizidine derivatives eradicate C. albicans in an ex vivo human dentinal tubule model by inhibiting sterol 14-α demethylase and cAMP pathway

BackgroundFurther quest for new anti-fungal compounds with proven mechanisms of action arises due to resistance and dose limiting toxicity of existing agents. Among the human fungal pathogens C. albicans predominate by infecting several sites in the body and in particular oral cavity and root canals of human tooth.MethodsIn the present study, we screened a library of β-lactam substituted polycyclic fused pyrrolidine/pyrrolizidine compounds against Candida sp. Detailed molecular studies were carried out with the active compound 3 on C. albicans. Morphological damage and antibiofilm activity of compound 3 on C. albicans was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Biochemical evidence for membrane damage was studied using flow cytometry. In silico docking studies were carried out to elucidate the mechanism of action of compound 3. Further, the antifungal activity of compound 3 was evaluated in an ex vivo dentinal tubule infection model.ResultsScreening data showed that several new compounds were active against Candida sp. Among them, Compound 3 was most potent and exerted time kill effect at 4 h, post antifungal effect up to 6 h. When used in combination with fluconazole or nystatin, compound 3 revealed an minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) decrease by 4 fold for both drugs used. In-depth molecular studies with compound 3 on C. albicans showed that this compound inhibited yeast to hyphae (Y-H) conversion and this involved the cAMP pathway. Further, SEM images of C. albicans showed that compound 3 caused membrane damage and inhibited biofilm formation. Biochemical evidence for membrane damage was confirmed by increased propidium iodide (PI) uptake in flow cytometry. Further, in silico studies revealed that compound 3 docks with the active site of the key enzyme 14-α-demethylase and this might inhibit ergosterol synthesis. In support of this, ergosterol levels were found to be decreased by 32 fold in compound 3 treated samples as analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Further, the antifungal activity of compound 3 was evaluated in an ex vivo dentinal tubule infection model, which mimics human tooth root canal infection. Confocal laser scanning microscopy studies showed 83% eradication of C. albicans and a 6 log reduction in colony forming unit (CFU) after 24 h treatment in the infected tooth samples in this model.ConclusionCompound 3 was found to be very effective in eradicating C. albicans by inhibiting cAMP pathway and ergosterol biosynthesis.General SignificanceThe results of this study can pave the way for developing new antifungal agents with well deciphered mechanisms of action and can be a promising antifungal agent or medicament against root canal infection.     

In Vitro,In Silico and In Vivo Studies of Ursolic Acid as an Anti-Filarial Agent

As part of our drug discovery program for anti-filarial agents from Indian medicinal plants, leaves of Eucalyptus tereticornis were chemically investigated, which resulted in the isolation and characterization of an anti-filarial agent, ursolic acid (UA) as a major constituent. Antifilarial activity of UA against the human lymphatic filarial parasite Brugia malayi using in vitro and in vivo assays, and in silico docking search on glutathione-s-transferase (GST) parasitic enzyme were carried out. The UA was lethal to microfilariae (mf; LC₁₀₀: 50; IC₅₀: 8.84 µM) and female adult worms (LC₁₀₀: 100; IC50: 35.36 µM) as observed by motility assay; it exerted 86% inhibition in MTT reduction potential of the adult parasites. The selectivity index (SI) of UA for the parasites was found safe. This was supported by the molecular docking studies, which showed adequate docking (LibDock) scores for UA (−8.6) with respect to the standard antifilarial drugs, ivermectin (IVM −8.4) and diethylcarbamazine (DEC-C −4.6) on glutathione-s-transferase enzyme. Further, in silico pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness studies showed that UA possesses drug-like properties. Furthermore, UA was evaluated in vivo in B. malayi-M. coucha model (natural infection), which showed 54% macrofilaricidal activity, 56% female worm sterility and almost unchanged microfilaraemia maintained throughout observation period with no adverse effect on the host. Thus, in conclusion in vitro, in silico and in vivo results indicate that UA is a promising, inexpensive, widely available natural lead, which can be designed and developed into a macrofilaricidal drug. To the best of our knowledge this is the first ever report on the anti-filarial potential of UA from E. tereticornis, which is in full agreement with the Thomson Reuter''s ‘Metadrug’ tool screening predictions.     

Synthesis of new ibuprofen derivatives with their in silico and in vitro cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitions

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is one of the important targets for treatment of inflammation related diseases. In the literature, most of drug candidates are first synthesized and then their COX-2 inhibitory activities are tested by in vitro and in vivo experiments. However, synthesis of dozens of drug analogues without any interpretations on their inhibitory activity can result in loss of time and chemicals. Therefore, synthetic drug designs with molecular modeling are of importance to synthesize selective drug candidates against inflammatory diseases. The synthesis of the novel ibuprofen derivatives through their in silico and in vitro COX-2 inhibitory activities were investigated in the present study. Starting from ibuprofen, ibuprofen amide and ibuprofen acyl hydrazone derivatives were synthesized. According to the results of the in silico molecular docking and in vitro enzyme inhibition studies, the synthesized novel ibuprofen derivatives have selective COX-2 inhibition, and molecule 3a and 3c were showed higher inhibition compared to ibuprofen. In conclusion, the newly synthesized ibuprofen derivatives can be used in model in vivo studies.     

Evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities and molecular docking analysis of steroidal lactones from Datura stramonium L.

BackgroundDatura stramonium L. is widely used across the world for its therapeutic potential to treat inflammatory disorders. The current work was designed to isolate and identify steroidal lactones from D. stramonium leaves and evaluate their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.MethodsSeveral compounds were isolated from D. stramonium leaves and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resonance electron spray ionization mass spectrometry techniques. Further, anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds were evaluated by in vitro assays, such as release of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated J774A.1 macrophages. Using in vivo models, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were examined by mouse tail-flick, carrageenan-induced inflammation in rat paw model, vascular permeability in rats, and acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. The docking studies were performed for assessing the binding efficiency of the test compounds with cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB).ResultsThree lactones were isolated and confirmed as daturalactone (D1), 12-deoxywithastramonolide (D23), and daturilin (D27). Further, the isolated compounds showed nitric oxide inhibition and pro-inflammatory cytokines released by LPS-activated J774A.1 macrophages. The in vivo results suggest that D1, D23 and D27 (20 mg/kg) were able to reduce the pain and inflammation in various animal models. The docking analysis showed that these three compounds actively bind with COX-1, COX-2, LOX-1, NF-κB, and iNOS, validating the anti-inflammatory effects of the lactones.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate substantial anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of D. stramonium-derived lactones and their potential as anti-inflammatory agents to treat chronic inflammatory ailments.     

In silico studies on marine actinomycetes as potential inhibitors for Glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is considered to be the most common and often deadly disorder which affects the brain. It is caused by the over expression of proteins such as ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and EGFRvIII. These 3 proteins are considered to be the potential therapeutic targets for GBM. Among these, EphA2 is reported to be over-expressed in ˜90% of GBM. Herein we selected 35 compounds from marine actinomycetes, 5 in vitro and in vivo studied drug candidates and 4 commercially available drugs for GBM which were identified from literature and analysed by using comparative docking studies. Based on the glide scores and other in silico parameters available in Schrödinger, two selected marine actinomycetes compounds which include Tetracenomycin D and Chartreusin exhibited better binding energy among all the compounds studied in comparative docking. In this study we have demonstrated the inhibition of the 3 selected targets by the two bioactive compounds from marine actinomycetes through in-silico docking studies. Furthermore molecular dynamics simulation were also been performed to check the stability and the amino acids interacted with the 3 molecular targets (EphA2 receptor, EGFR, EGFRvIII) for GBM. Our results suggest that Tetracinomycin D and Chartreusin are the novel and potential inhibitor for the treatment of GBM.     

Lead modification: Amino acid appended indoles as highly effective 5-LOX inhibitors

N-1 tosyl indoles carrying amino acid as a part of C-3 substituent are identified with considerable 5-LOX inhibitory activities. On the basis of enzyme inhibitory activities and log P, it is found that these compounds are more suitable to use as ester prodrugs. In addition to the significant K_a and K_i for 5-LOX, advantageously the compounds under present investigation do not affect the viability of the cell. The experimental results were also supported by molecular docking of compounds in the active site of 5-LOX.