selectivity index
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2022 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 915
Author(s):  
Sofia Gabellone ◽  
Davide Piccinino ◽  
Silvia Filippi ◽  
Tiziana Castrignanò ◽  
Claudio Zippilli ◽  
...  

We report here the synthesis of novel thymine biomimetic photo-adducts bearing an alkane spacer between nucleobases and characterized by antimelanoma activity against two mutated cancer cell lines overexpressing human Topoisomerase 1 (TOP1), namely SKMEL28 and RPMI7951. Among them, Dewar Valence photo-adducts showed a selectivity index higher than the corresponding pyrimidine-(6-4)-pyrimidone and cyclobutane counterpart and were characterized by the highest affinity towards TOP1/DNA complex as evaluated by molecular docking analysis. The antimelanoma activity of novel photo-adducts was retained after loading into UV photo-protective lignin nanoparticles as stabilizing agent and efficient drug delivery system. Overall, these results support a combined antimelanoma and UV sunscreen strategy involving the use of photo-protective lignin nanoparticles for the controlled release of thymine dimers on the skin followed by their sacrificial transformation into photo-adducts and successive inhibition of melanoma and alert of cellular UV machinery repair pathways.


COVID ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-75
Author(s):  
Christine Chable-Bessia ◽  
Charlotte Boullé ◽  
Aymeric Neyret ◽  
Jitendriya Swain ◽  
Mathilde Hénaut ◽  
...  

Ivermectin was first approved for human use as an endectocide in the 1980s. It remains one of the most important global health medicines in history and has recently been shown to exert in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2. However, the macrocyclic lactone family of compounds has not previously been evaluated for activity against SARS-CoV-2. The present study aims at comparing their anti-viral activity in relevant human pulmonary cell lines in vitro. Here, in vitro antiviral activity of the avermectins (ivermectin and selamectin) and milbemycins (moxidectin and milbemycin oxime) were assessed against a clinical isolate from a CHU Montpellier patient infected with SARS-CoV-2 in 2020. Ivermectin, like the other macrocyclic lactones moxidectin, milbemycin oxime and selamectin, reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro (EC50 of 2–5 μM). Immunofluorescence assays with ivermectin and moxidectin showed a reduction in the number of infected and polynuclear cells, suggesting a drug action on viral cell fusion. However, cellular toxicity of the avermectins and milbemycins during infection showed a very low selectivity index of <10. Thus, none of these agents appears suitable for human use for its anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity per se, due to low selectivity index.


2022 ◽  
Vol 2022 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Ulrich Membe Femoe ◽  
Joseph Bertin Kadji Fassi ◽  
Hermine Boukeng Jatsa ◽  
Yannick Leonel Tchoffo ◽  
David Carel Amvame Nna ◽  
...  

Despite the global efforts, schistosomiasis remains a public health problem in several tropical and subtropical countries. One of the major challenges in the fight against schistosomiasis is the interruption of the parasite life cycle. Here, we evaluated the anticercarial, cytotoxicity, and phytochemical profiles of Sida acuta (HESa) and Sida rhombifolia (HESr) hydroethanolic extracts (Malvaceae). Schistosoma mansoni cercaria was collected from fifteen Biomphalaria pfeifferi-infected snails. Twenty-five cercariae were incubated in duplicate with different concentrations (31.25–1,000 μg/mL) of HESa or HESr. The cercaria viability was monitored at 30 min time intervals for 150 min, and the concentration-response curve of each plant extract was used to determine their respective lethal concentration 50 (LC50). Additionally, the cytotoxicity profile of each plant extract was evaluated on the Hepa 1–6 cell line at a concentration range of 15.625–1,000 µg/mL using the WST-8 assay method and its inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) was calculated. Moreover, phytochemical characterization of each plant extract was carried out by HPLC-MS. Both extracts exhibited cercaricidal activity in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. At 30 min time point, HESa (LC50 = 28.41 ± 3.5 µg/mL) was more effective than HESr (LC50 = 172.42 ± 26.16 µg/mL) in killing S. mansoni cercariae. Regarding the cytotoxicity effect of both extracts, the IC50 of HESa (IC50 = 109.67 µg/mL) was lower than that of HESr (IC50 = 888.79 µg/mL). The selectivity index was 3.86 and 5.15 for HESa and HESr, respectively. Fifteen compounds were identified from HESa and HESr after HPLC-MS analysis. N-Feruloyltyramine, a polyphenol, and thamnosmonin, a coumarin, were identified in both extracts. HESa and HESr displayed cercaricidal activity and were not toxic on Hepa 1–6 cell line. Based on the selectivity index of these extracts, S. rhombifolia extract could be more effective on S. mansoni cercariae than S. acuta extract. This study could provide baseline information for further investigations aiming to develop plant-based alternative drugs against S. mansoni.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristiane S. Morais ◽  
Ana C. Mengarda ◽  
Fábio B. Miguel ◽  
Karine B. Enes ◽  
Vinícius C. Rodrigues ◽  
...  

AbstractPraziquantel is the only available drug to treat schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease that currently infects more than 240 million people globally. Due to increasing concerns about resistance and inadequate efficacy there is a need for new therapeutics. In this study, a series of 17 pyrazolines (15–31) and three pyrazoles (32–34) were synthesized and evaluated for their antiparasitic properties against ex vivo adult Schistosoma mansoni worms. Of the 20 compounds tested, six had a 50% effective concentration (EC50) below 30 μM. Our best hit, pyrazoline 22, showed promising activity against adult schistosomes, with an EC50 < 10 µM. Additionally, compound 22 had low cytotoxicity, with selectivity index of 21.6 and 32.2 for monkey and human cell lines, respectively. All active pyrazolines demonstrated a negative effect on schistosome fecundity, with a marked reduction in the number of eggs. Structure–activity relationship analysis showed that the presence of the non-aromatic heterocycle and N-substitution are fundamental to the antischistosomal properties. Pharmacokinetics, drug-likeness and medicinal chemistry friendliness studies were performed, and predicted values demonstrated an excellent drug-likeness profile for pyrazolines as well as an adherence to major pharmaceutical companies’ filters. Collectively, this study demonstrates that pyrazoline derivatives are promising scaffolds in the discovery of novel antischistosomal agents.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
Elsa Melisa ◽  
Asrul Sahri Siregar ◽  
Siti Rukayah

This study aims to determine the composition and value of the natural feed niche of trough fish caught from the waters of the PB Reservoir. Sudirman. The research method used is a survey method with a sampling technique using purposive random sampling. The research location was divided into three stations, namely I (Karang Kemiri), II (Wanadadi), and III (Karang Jambe). Sampling was carried out three times (19 February, 07 March, and 2 August 2020). Data were analyzed descriptively comparatively. The results showed that the composition of the trough fish diet was dominated by Chlorophyta and plant debris. Based on the selectivity index and the most significant part of trough fish, including omnivorous fish. Large trough fish have a high food niche area. Small, medium and large trough fish have stiff competition for food in the waters


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (23) ◽  
pp. 7132
Author(s):  
Praveen K. Roayapalley ◽  
Jonathan R. Dimmock ◽  
Lisett Contreras ◽  
Karol S. Balderrama ◽  
Renato J. Aguilera ◽  
...  

A novel series of 1-[3-{3,5-bis(benzylidene)-4-oxo-1-piperidino}-3-oxopropyl]-4-piperidone oximes 3a–h and related quaternary ammonium salts 4a–h were prepared as candidate antineoplastic agents. Evaluation against neoplastic Ca9-22, HSC-2 and HSC-4 cells revealed the compounds in series 3 and 4 to be potent cytotoxins with submicromolar CC50 values in virtually all cases. In contrast, the compounds were less cytocidal towards HGF, HPLF and HPC non-malignant cells revealing their tumour-selective toxicity. Quantitative structure–activity relationships revealed that, in general, both cytotoxic potency and selectivity index figures increased as the magnitude of the Hammett sigma values rose. In addition, 3a–h are cytotoxic towards a number of leukemic and colon cancer cells. 4b,c lowered the mitochondrial membrane potential in CEM cells, and 4d induced transient G2/M accumulation in Ca9-22 cells. Five compounds, namely 3c,d and 4c–e, were identified as lead molecules that have drug-like properties.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong-Hwi Kim ◽  
Hee-Seop Ahn ◽  
Hyeon-Jeong Go ◽  
Da-Yoon Kim ◽  
Jae-Hyeong Kim ◽  
...  

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). More than 143 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported to date, with the global death rate at 2.13%. Currently, there are no licensed therapeutics for controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection. The antiviral effects of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a cytoprotective enzyme that inhibits the inflammatory response and reduces oxidative stress, have been investigated in several viral infections. To confirm whether HO-1 suppresses SARS-CoV-2 infection, we assessed the antiviral activity of hemin, an effective and safe HO-1 inducer, in SARS-CoV-2 infection. We found that treatment with hemin efficiently suppressed SARS-CoV-2 replication (selectivity index: 249.7012). Besides, the transient expression of HO-1 using an expression vector also suppressed the growth of the virus in cells. Free iron and biliverdin, which are metabolic byproducts of heme catalysis by HO-1, also suppressed the viral infection. Additionally, hemin indirectly increased the expression of interferon-stimulated proteins known to restrict SARS-CoV-2 replication. Overall, the findings suggested that HO-1, induced by hemin, effectively suppressed SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Therefore, HO-1 could be potential therapeutic candidate for COVID-19.


Author(s):  
Silvia Parapini ◽  
Silvio Paone ◽  
Emanuela Erba ◽  
Loredana Cavicchini ◽  
Manoochehr Pourshaban ◽  
...  

Malaria accounts for millions of cases and thousands of deaths every year. In the absence of an effective vaccine, drugs are still the most important tool in the fight against the disease. Plasmodium parasites developed resistance for all the classes of known antimalarial drugs. Thus, the search for antimalarial drugs with novel mechanisms of action is compelling. The human GTPase Rac1 plays a role in parasite invasion of the host cell in many intracellular pathogens. Also in Plasmodium falciparum , it was suggested an involvement of Rac1 both during the invasion process and parasite intracellular development. Aim of this work is to test a panel of Rac1 inhibitors as potential antimalarial drugs. Fourteen commercially available or newly synthesized inhibitors of Rac1 were tested for antimalarial activity. Among these, EHop-016 was the most effective against P. falciparum in vitro, with nanomolar IC 50 (138.8 ± 16.0 nM on the chloroquine-sensitive D10 strain and 321.5 ± 28.5 nM on the chloroquine-resistant W2 strain), and Selectivity Index of 37.8. EHop-016 did not inhibit parasite invasion of red blood cells but affected parasite growth inside them. Among the tested Rac1 inhibitors, EHop-016 showed a promising activity that raises attention on this class of molecules as potential antimalarials and deserves further investigation.


Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2235
Author(s):  
Catarina G. Pereira ◽  
Carolina Borsoi Moraes ◽  
Caio H. Franco ◽  
Clarissa Feltrin ◽  
Raphaël Grougnet ◽  
...  

Marine halophytes are an outstanding reservoir of natural products and several species have anti-infectious traditional uses. However, reports about their potential use against neglected tropical ailments, such as Chagas disease, are scarce. This work evaluated for the first time the in vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of extracts from the aromatic and medicinal species Helichrysum italicum subsp. picardii (Boiss. & Reut.) Franco (Asteraceae, everlasting) and Crithmum maritimum L. (Apiaceae, sea fennel). For that purpose, decoctions, tinctures, and essential oils from everlasting’s flowers and sea fennel’s stems, leaves, and flowers were tested against intracellular amastigotes of two T. cruzi strains. The extract from the sea fennel flower decoction displayed significant anti-trypanosomal activity and no toxicity towards the host cell (EC50 = 17.7 µg/mL, selectivity index > 5.65). Subsequent fractionation of this extract afforded 5 fractions that were re-tested in the same model of anti-parasitic activity. Fraction 1 was the most active and selective (EC50 = 0.47 μg/mL, selectivity index = 59.6) and was submitted to preparative thin-layer chromatography. One major compound was identified, falcarindiol, which was likely the one responsible for the observed anti-trypanosomal activity. This was confirmed using a commercially sourced molecule. Target-fishing studies showed falcarindiol as a ligand of T. cruzi spermidine synthase, pointing to a potential enzyme-inhibiting anti-trypanosomal mechanism of action. Overall, this work shows that sea fennel can provide effective anti-parasitic molecule(s) with potential pharmacological applications in the treatment of CD.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Exequiel Porta ◽  
Shane Wilkinson ◽  
María Sol Ballari ◽  
Babu Tekwani ◽  
Guillermo Labadie

A series of thirty 1,2,3-triazolylsterols were prepared by a stereocontrolled synthesis and inspired by azasterols with proven antiparasitic activity. Ten of these compounds constitute chimeras/hybrids of AZA and 1,2,3-triazolyl azasterols. The entire library was assayed against the etiological agents of the parasites responsible of kinetoplastid diseases (L. donovani, T. cruzi and T. brucei). Several of the compounds were active at submicromolar/nanomolar concentration with excellent selectivity index, when compared to their activity in mammalian cells. Studies of the physicochemical properties in silico were conducted to rationalize the activities.


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