New nonsteroidal molecules as blockers of the steroidogenic pathway

Background: Testosterone circulating levels decrease in aging. This fact affects the emotional response to captivating pictures. Therefore, naturally increasing androgens within neurons could be a way to improve the mood of agedpeople. Objective: This study aimed to determine the biological activity of new nonsteroidal derivatives of 2-aminonaphthalene-1,4-dione (2-amino-3-iodonaphthalene-1,4-dione and 2-(iodoamino)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione) as inhibitors of the aldo-keto reductase 1 enzymes (AKR1C1, AKR1C2). Method: The 2-amino-3-iodonaphthalene-1,4-dione and 2-(iodoamino)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione were synthesized, and their effect in vivo and in vitro was determined. The human prostate cell membrane was used as a source of steroidogenic enzymes. The 2-amino-3-iodonaphthalene-1,4-dione and 2-(iodoamino)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione bindings to the androgen receptors were also assayed using cytosol from the rat prostate. In vivo experiments, we determined the effects of 2-amino-3-iodonaphthalene-1,4-dione, 2-(iodoamino)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione on the weight of androgen-dependent glands of castrated hamsters treated with testosterone and finasteride or 2-amino-3-iodonaphthalene-1,4-dione or 2-(iodoamino)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione was determined. Results: 2-amino-3-iodonaphthalene-1,4-dione and 2-(iodoamino)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione inhibited AKR1C1 enzyme activity with an IC50 value of 420 nM (2-amino-3-iodonaphthalene-1,4-dione) and 1.95 µM (2-(iodoamino)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione), respectively. They also blocked AKR1C2 with an IC50 value of 300 nM (2-amino-3-iodonaphthalene-1,4-dione) and 1.52 µM (2-(iodoamino)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione). Thus 2-amino-3-iodonaphthalene-1,4-dione and 2-(iodoamino)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione prevent the formation of 3α and 3β-androstanediols. Moreover, these compounds did not bind to AR and did not reduce prostate and seminal vesicle weight. The latter is because of the accumulation of dihydrotestosterone, which is an anabolic androgen. Conclusion: 2-amino-3-iodonaphthalene-1,4-dione and 2-(iodoamino)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione inhibited AKR1C1 and AKR1C2 enzyme activity; consequently, dihydrotestosterone was accumulated in androgen-dependent glands. These derivatives could potentially use therapeutics via direct nasal administration in aged patients, increasing DHT in neurons.

The Inhibitory effect of hydroalcoholic extract from the Algerian Echium trygorrhizum Pomel roots on α-amylase activity.

Background: Species of Echium trygorrhizum Pomel , are used traditionally in Algeria folk medicine for the treatment of Diabetes, Jaundice and Tonsillitis. To our knowledge, no previous study has been conducted out on the pharmacological activities of this species. Objective: The objective of the present research was to evaluate the content of polyphenols , flavonoids and condensed tannins compounds and to assess in vitro the antioxidant activity and the inhibitory effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of this plant, on α-amylase activity, an enzyme responsible for digestion of carbohydrate before the process of intestinal absorption. Methods: Polyphenols, flavonoids and condensed tannins were evaluated spectrophotometrically using Folin–Ciocalteu, the Aluminum chloride and vanillin methods respectively. The antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS, Ferric reducing antioxidant power and β- carotene bleaching tests and the assessment of in vitro α- amylase inhibitory potential by an Aspergillus oryzae α- amylase have been studied. Results: The hydroalcoholic crude extract was able to inhibit the α-amylase enzyme in vitro, with an IC50 of 0.56 ± 0.044 mg/ml, in addition the contents of polyphenols and flavonoids were found to be 157.403 ± 0.835 µg GAE/mg extract and 30.156±2.634µg Q E / mg extract, respectively, Whereas the amount of tannins was 65.293 ± 0.883µg Cat E/ mg of dry extract. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the extract is rich in phenolic compounds, which play a really important role in the scavenging of free radicals. It has been reported the inhibitory capacity of hydroalcoholic roots extract on Aspergillus oryzae α-amylase enzyme might be used as a natural agent within the management of diabetes mellitus.

Ovine COX-1 isoenzyme bio-production

Background: Recent findings enlightened the pivotal role of cyclooxygenases-1 and -2 (COX-1 and COX-2) in human diseases with inflammation as the committed earliest stage, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. COXs are the main targets of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and catalyze the bis-oxygenation of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin PGH2, then converted into prostaglandins, thromboxane, and prostacyclin by tissue-specific isomerases. A remarkable amount of pure COX-1 results is necessary to investigate COX-1 structure and function, as well as for in vitro disease biochemical pathway investigations. Methods: Spodoptera frugiperda cells were infected with Baculovirus that revealed to be an efficient expression system to obtain a high amount of ovine COX-1. Protein solubilization time in the presence of a non-ionic detergent was modified, and a second purification step was introduced. Results and Discussion: An improvement of a previously reported method for pure recombinant oCOX-1 production and isolation has been achieved, leading to a lower starting volume of infected cells for each purification, an increased cell density, and of the number of viral particles per cell, and a shortened infection period. The protocol for the recombinant oCOX-1 expression and purification has been in-depth elaborated to obtain 1 mg/L of protein. Conclusion: The optimized procedure could be suitable for producing other membrane proteins as well, for which an improvement in the solubilization step is necessary to have the availability of high concentration proteins.

In-silico Exploration of Phytoconstituents of Gymnema sylvestre as Potential Glucokinase Activators and DPP-IV Inhibitors for the future Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diabetes has a large death toll worldwide, particularly as it falls into the ten leading causes of death. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) occurs as the body becomes resistant to insulin and sugar accumulates in the blood. It has been observed that, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors and glucokinase activators are known therapeutic agents to treat T2DM. Among the possible medicinal plants, Gymnema sylvestre (GyS) belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is traditionally used for the treatment of different diseases. This plant is also known as 'Gurmur' because it has a sugar reducing ability. GyS was known to be one of the main botanicals for the treatment of diabetes. Objective: Rendering to the studies described above, we have tried to investigate the natural DPP-IV inhibitors and potent glucokinase activators from the phytoconstituents of GyS. New drug candidates from the medicinal plant GyS have been reported as potent DPP-IV inhibitors and glucokinase activators. Methods: As a preliminary investigation, we have studied the effectiveness of phytoconstituents of GyS in T2DM through molecular docking as a proof of concept of synthesizing silver nanoparticles (for the treatment of T2DM) using extract of this plant. Results: The present investigative research showed that diabetes mellitus has important values in the recognized compounds included in the present analysis. The nine compounds selected were evaluated on the basis of DPP-IV and glucokinase enzyme binding energy values and their drug properties. Except quercitol, all the selected compounds have exhibited very potent glucokinase activation potential than its native ligand. Gymnemasin A, lupeol, gymnemoside A, gymnemasaponin V and gymnemic acid I have shown excellent DPP-IV inhibitory potential. Conclusion: We are aiming to synthesis the silver nanoparticles of leaf extract of GyS for the treatment of T2DM. As a preliminary investigation, we have studied the effectiveness of phytoconstituents of GyS in T2DM through molecular docking as a proof of concept of synthesizing silver nanoparticles (for the treatment of T2DM) using extract of this plant. As a result of present investigation, it has been concluded that these compounds can be used to treat the T2DM and hence in future we will synthesize the silver nanoparticles of GyS extract for the treatment of T2DM.

The inhibitory Effects of Some Artificial Food Colorings on α-amylase and α-glucosidase: In Vitro and In Silico Studies

Background: Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase is considered as an important therapeutic target to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), reducing postprandial hyperglycemia (PPHG). Objective: The present work explored the antidiabetic activities of five artificial food colorings by α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition in vitro and in Silico. Methods: In this study, inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase were evaluated. Further, the interaction between enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and ligands (food colorings) was followed by QSAR and molecular docking studies. Results: The in vitro results obtained show that the blue patent (SIN131) exhibited more potent inhibition with IC50 values of 0.03± 0.01 mM and 0.014±0.001 mM against α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition respectively compared to acarbose. The QSAR study found a strong correlation between IC50 values with four molecular descriptors. This linear regression confirms that a strong polarity (Apol) and a low hydrophobia (ALogP) favor the inhibitory effect of these colorings toward both enzymes. Also, a negative role of the number of heavy atoms has been demonstrated in the phenomenon of inhibition of this enzyme. Finally, the descriptor εlumo (electronic affinity) plays a crucial role on the inhibitory power of these dyes toward both enzymes by electron transfer. The virtual screening of the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase by these colorings, using Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD), allowed us to obtain stable complexes with interaction energies resulting from the place of hydrogen bonds and several hydrophobic interactions. However, the sulfonate groups of these colorings can be the major factors in the inhibition of these enzymes. On the other hand, Rerank Score with the pose are perfectly correlated (R2> 0.76) to the inhibitory activity of these food colorings measured experimentally. Conclusion: The present study suggests that the Blue Patent V (SIN131) effectively act as α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitor leading to a reduction in starch hydrolysis and hence eventually to lowered glucose levels.

Targeting histidine for developing a new generation of covalent enzyme inhibitors

: Despite the significant number of irreversible inhibitors developed over the years, strong prejudices remain for this type of therapeutic molecule, particularly in the area of drug development. New generations of covalent targeted inhibitors are, however, in development, and interest is increasingly growing. In fact, the new generation of covalent inhibitors has a weakly reactive species (warhead) that is able, in a particular context, to selectively form a chemical bond with a given amino acid residue, which can be irreversible or reversible. In addition to new selective warheads, new amino acids are also targeted. In the following text, we will focus on covalent targeted inhibitors that selectively alkylate histidine.

Experimental and Computational Insights into Bis-indolylmethane Derivatives as Potent Antimicrobial Agents Inhibiting 2,2-dialkylglycine Decarboxylase

Background: A series of bis(indolyl)methanes (3a-3o) have been synthesized using a greener and new approach using the reaction of different substituted aldehydes and indole in the presence of an easily available and biodegradable base such as piperidine in acetic acid at room temperature and characterized with UV (Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy), Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H-NMR), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Methods: All 15 newly synthesized compounds (3a-3o) were subjected to in-vitro anti-microbial activity determination and compared with the known standard drug ciprofloxacin (1-2 µg/mL). Our in-silico analysis on the target protein, pdb id: 1d7u suggested that these analogues would be highly active against bacterial targets and thus, would act as good antimicrobial agents. Results: All 15 newly synthesized compounds (3a-3o) displayed potent activity on various experimental microbial strains (1.0-1.4 µg/mL). Compound, 3k was obtained as the best docked compound against common bacterial target enzyme, (pdb id:1d7u). The standard, Ciprofloxacin, retained the docking score of -111.3 Kcal/mol with similar binding amino acid residues (LYS272 (Pi-cation); ALA A:245 (Pi-sigma); TRP A:138 (Pi-Pi); ALA A:112; and MET A:141 (Pi-alkyl)) as of inbound. Conclusion : We believe that our current study would shed more light on the development of potent bis(indolyl)methanes as antimicrobial agents.

Effects of N224 glycosylation in Saccharomycopsis fibuligera R64 α-amylase on enzyme activity and stability

Background: The amino acid sequence of an α-amylase of the yeast Saccharomycopsis fibuligera R64 (SfamyR64) contains the two putative N-linked glycosylation sites N153 and N224. N224 is hypothetically responsible for the binding of starch substrate because it is highly conserved among SfamyR64 homologs. Objective: To test whether N224 plays a key role in enzyme activity and stability. Methods: N224Q substitution was introduced by site-directed mutagenesis. The wild type and the mutant were independently over-produced in Pichia pastoris KM71. Activity of the wild type and of the mutant were compared, and their thermal-stability was assessed using heat treatments. The evolutionary relationship of SfamyR64 with its structural homologs with different glycosylation patterns was examined. Results: Activity of the N224Q mutant was approximately 80% lower than that of the wild type. The mutant showed no activity after 10 min of pre-incubation at 50 °C, whereas the wild type SfamyR64 showed activity until 30 min of treatment. Sfamy appeared to have evolved earlier than its structural homolog. Conclusion: SfamyR64 N224 is crucial for enzyme activity and thermal stability. This glycosylation site is unique for fungal and bacterial α-amylases.

Identification of novel indazole-based inhibitors of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1)

Background: Overactivity of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) is associated with various tumors, particularly breast cancer, prostate cancer, non-small-cell lung carcinoma, myeloproliferative diseases, which makes this protein kinase a promising therapeutic target for anticancer therapy. Objective: The main aim of this study is to identify novel FGFR1 inhibitors. Method: In order to find FGFR1 inhibitors, virtual screening experiments were performed using AutoDock software. Best-scored compounds were tested in vitro using P32 radioactive kinase assay. Results: Small-molecular inhibitors of protein kinase FGFR1 were identified among indazole derivatives. The most active compound [3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-1H-indazol-5-yl]-(2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]quinolin-9-yl)-amine (1) inhibits FGFR1 with IC50 value of 100 nM. According to molecular docking results, this compound interacts simultaneously with adenine- and phosphate-binding regions of protein kinase FGFR1. The structure-activity relationships have been investigated and binding mode has been predicted. Conclusion: The compound 1 can be used for further structural optimization and biological research.