Discovery of dual-target natural antimalarial agents against DHODH and PMT of Plasmodium falciparum: pharmacophore modelling, molecular docking, quantum mechanics, and molecular dynamics simulations

Malaria is a lethal disease that claims thousands of lives worldwide annually. The objective of this study was to identify new natural compounds that can target two P. falciparum enzymes; P. falciparum Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHODH) and P. falciparum phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase (PfPMT). To accomplish this, e-pharmacophore modelling and molecular docking were employed against PfDHODH. Following this, 1201 natural compounds with docking scores of ≤ -7 kcal/mol were docked into the active site of the second enzyme PMT. The top nine compounds were subjected to further investigation using MM-GBSA free binding energy calculations and ADME analysis. The results revealed favourable free binding energy values better than the references, as well as acceptable pharmacokinetic properties. Compounds ZINC000013377887, ZINC000015113777, and ZINC000085595753 were scrutinized to assess their interaction stability with the PfDHODH enzyme, and chemical stability reactivity using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. These findings indicate that the three natural compounds are potential candidates for dual PfDHODH and PfPMT inhibitors for malaria treatment.

Cepabiflas B and C as Novel Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Apoptotic Agents against Endotoxin-Induced Acute Kidney and Hepatic Injury in Mice: Impact on Bax/Bcl2 and Nrf2/NF-κB Signalling Pathways

Cepabiflas B and C (CBs) are flavonoid dimers separated from Allium cepa. They demonstrated antioxidant and α-glucosidase and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibition capacities. However, their anti-inflammatory activities and their effects on endotoxemia are unknown. The current study aimed at exploring the protective activities of CBs on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced kidney and liver damage in mice and investigating the possible molecular mechanisms. Mice were orally treated with a low (40 mg/kg) or high (60 mg/kg) dose of CBs for five days prior to a single intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg). Samples of serum and hepatic and kidney tissues were collected 24 h after the LPS challenge. Changes in serum indices of hepatic and renal injury, pathological changes, molecular biological parameters, and proteins/genes related to inflammation and apoptosis of these organs were estimated. LPS injection resulted in deleterious injury to both organs as indicated by elevation of serum ALT, AST, creatinine, and BUN. The deteriorated histopathology of hepatic and renal tissues confirmed the biochemical indices. CBs treated groups showed a reduction in these parameters and improved histopathological injurious effects of LPS. LPS-induced hepatorenal injury was linked to elevated oxidative stress as indicated by high levels of MDA, 4-HNE, as well as repressed antioxidants (TAC, SOD, and GSH) in hepatic and kidney tissues. This was accompanied with suppressed Nrf2/HO-1 activity. Additionally, there was a remarkable inflammatory response in both organs as NF-κB signalling was activated and high levels of downstream cytokines were produced following the LPS challenge. Apoptotic changes were observed as the level and gene expression of Bax and caspase-3 were elevated along with declined level and gene expression of Bcl2. Interestingly, CBs reversed all these molecular and genetic changes and restricted oxidative inflammatory and apoptotic parameters after LPS-injection. Collectedly, our findings suggested the marked anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activity of CBs which encouraged its use as a new candidate for septic patients.

Assessments of Alpha-Amylase Inhibitory Potential of Tagetes Flavonoids through In Vitro, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies

Diabetes is a chronic fast-growing metabolic disorder that is characterized by high blood glucose levels. Tagetes minuta L. has been used as a traditional remedy for various illnesses for many years, and, furthermore, its oil is used in the perfume and flavor industries. T. minuta contains various metabolites, such as flavonoids, thiophenes, terpenes, sterols, and phenolics, with varied bioactivities. Flavonoids can inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, such as alpha-amylase, which is a convenient dietary strategy for controlling hyperglycemia. In the current investigation, the isolated flavonoids quercetagetin-6-O-(6-O-caffeoyl-β-D-glucopyranoside), quercetagetin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, quercetagetin-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, minutaside A, patuletin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, quercetagetin-7-methoxy-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, tagenols A and B, quercetagetin-3,7-dimethoxy-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, patuletin, quercetin-3,6-dimethyl ether, and quercetin-3-methyl ether from T. minuta were assessed for their alpha-amylase inhibition (AAI) efficacy using an in vitro assay, as well as molecular docking, dynamics simulation, and ADMET analyses. Our findings show that quercetagetin-6-O-(6-O-caffeoyl-β-D-glucopyranoside) (1), quercetagetin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), quercetagetin-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), minutaside A (4), patuletin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), and quercetagetin-7-methoxy-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6) had a notable AAI capacity (IC₅₀s ranged from 7.8 to 10.1 μM) compared to acarbose (IC₅₀ 7.1 μM). Furthermore, these compounds with the highest binding affinity among the tested flavonoids revealed high docking scores for AA (ranging from -12.171 to 13.882 kcal/mol) compared to that of acarbose (-14.668 kcal/mol). In MDS, these compounds were observed to show maximum stability and the greatest binding free energy, suggesting that they may contend with native ligands. In addition, the ADMET analysis showed that these active compounds had a broad span of drug-like, pharmacokinetic, and physicochemical features and did not possess any considerable undesired effects. The current results suggest the potential of these metabolites as AAI candidates. However, further in vivo and mechanistic studies are warranted to specify the efficacy of these metabolites.

Detection of Nonsynonymous Single Variants in Human HLA-DRB1 Exon 2 Associated with Renal Transplant Rejection

Background: HLA-DRB1 is the most polymorphic gene in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II, and exon 2 is critical because it encodes antigen-binding sites. This study aimed to detect functional or marker genetic variants of HLA-DRB1 exon 2 in renal transplant recipients (acceptance and rejection) using Sanger sequencing. Methods: This hospital-based case-control study collected samples from two hospitals over seven months. The 60 participants were equally divided into three groups: rejection, acceptance, and control. The target regions were amplified and sequenced by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Several bioinformatics tools have been used to assess the impact of non-synonymous single-nucleotide variants (nsSNVs) on protein function and structure. The sequences data that support the findings of this study with accession numbers (OQ747803-OQ747862) are available in National Center for Biotechnology Information (GenBank database). Results: Seven SNVs were identified, two of which were novel (chr6(GRCh38.p12): 32584356C>A (K41N) and 32584113C>A (R122R)). Three of the seven SNVs were non-synonymous and found in the rejection group (chr6(GRCh38.p12): 32584356C>A (K41N), 32584304A>G (Y59H), and 32584152T>A (R109S)). The nsSNVs had varying effects on protein function, structure, and physicochemical parameters and could play a role in renal transplant rejection. The chr6(GRCh38.p12):32584152T>A variant showed the greatest impact. This is because of its conserved nature, main domain location, and pathogenic effects on protein structure, function, and stability. Finally, no significant markers were identified in the acceptance samples. Conclusion: Pathogenic variants can affect intramolecular/intermolecular interactions of amino acid residues, protein function/structure, and disease risk. HLA typing based on functional SNVs could be a comprehensive, accurate, and low-cost method for covering all HLA genes while shedding light on previously unknown causes in many graft rejection cases.

Unlocking the potential of approved drugs for the allosteric inhibition of tropomyosin-receptor kinase A using molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies

Tropomyosin-receptor kinase A (TrkA) is the primary isoform among the tropomyosin-receptor kinases that have been associated with human cancer development, contributing to approximately 7.4% of all cancer cases. TrkA represents an attractive target for cancer treatment; however, currently available TrkA inhibitors face limitations in terms of resistance development and potential toxicity. Hence, the objective of this study was to identify new allosteric-approved inhibitors of TrkA that can overcome these challenges and be employed in cancer therapy. To achieve this goal, a screening of 9,923 drugs from the ChEMBL database was conducted to assess their repurposing potential using molecular docking. The top 49 drug candidates, exhibiting the highest docking scores (-11.569 to -7.962 kcal/mol), underwent MM-GBSA calculations to evaluate their binding energies. Delanzomib and tibalosin, the top two drugs with docking scores of -10.643 and -10.184 kcal/mol, respectively, along with MM-GBSA dG bind values of -67.96 and -50.54 kcal/mol, were subjected to 200 ns molecular dynamic simulations, confirming their stable interactions with TrkA. Based on these findings, we recommend further experimental evaluation of delanzomib and tibalosin to determine their potential as allosteric inhibitors of TrkA. These drugs have the potential to provide more effective and less toxic therapeutic alternatives. The approach employed in this study, which involves repurposing drugs through molecular docking and molecular dynamics, serves as a valuable tool for identifying novel drug candidates with distinct therapeutic uses. This methodology can contribute to reducing the attrition rate and expediting the process of drug discovery.

Comparative Genomic Analysis of Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sequence Type 235 Isolated from Sudan

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is known to be associated with resistance to practically all known antibiotics. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, laboratory-based analytical study in which 200 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates were involved. The DNA of the most resistant isolate was extracted and its whole genome was sequenced, assembled, annotated, and announced, strain typing was ascribed, and it was subjected to comparative genomic analysis with two susceptible strains. The rate of resistance was 77.89%, 25.13%, 21.61%, 18.09%, 5.53%, and 4.52% for piperacillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime, meropenem, and polymyxin B, respectively. Eighteen percent (36) of the tested isolates exhibited a MDR phenotype. The most MDR strain belonged to epidemic sequence type 235. Comparative genomic analysis of the MDR strain (GenBank: MVDK00000000) with two susceptible strains revealed that the core genes were shared by the three genomes but there were accessory genes that were strain-specific, and this MDR genome had a low CG% (64.6%) content. A prophage sequence and one plasmid were detected in the MDR genome, but amazingly, it contained no resistant genes for drugs with antipseudomonal activity and there was no resistant island. In addition, 67 resistant genes were detected, 19 of them were found only in the MDR genome and 48 genes were efflux pumps, and a novel deleterious point mutation (D87G) was detected in the gyrA gene. The novel deleterious mutation in the gyrA gene (D87G) is a known position behind quinolone resistance. Our findings emphasize the importance of adoption of infection control strategies to prevent dissemination of MDR isolates.

Computational Insights into Natural Antischistosomal Metabolites as SmHDAC8 Inhibitors: Molecular Docking, ADMET Profiling, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease with a significant socioeconomic impact. It is caused by several species of blood trematodes from the genus Schistosoma, with S. mansoni being the most prevalent. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug available for treatment, but it is vulnerable to drug resistance and ineffective in the juvenile stage. Therefore, identifying new treatments is crucial. SmHDAC8 is a promising therapeutic target, and a new allosteric site was discovered, providing the opportunity for the identification of a new class of inhibitors. In this study, molecular docking was used to screen 13,257 phytochemicals from 80 Saudi medicinal plants for inhibitory activity on the SmHDAC8 allosteric site. Nine compounds with better docking scores than the reference were identified, and four of them (LTS0233470, LTS0020703, LTS0033093, and LTS0028823) exhibited promising results in ADMET analysis and molecular dynamics simulation. These compounds should be further explored experimentally as potential allosteric inhibitors of SmHDAC8.

Design of Novel Letrozole Analogues Targeting Aromatase for Breast Cancer: Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, and Theoretical Studies on Gold Nanoparticles

The use of aromatase inhibitors is an established therapy for estrogen-dependent breast cancer in postmenopausal women. However, the only commercially available aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, is not highly selective; in addition to aromatase, it has an affinity for binding to desmolase, an enzyme involved in steroidogenesis, which explains the main side effects. Therefore, we designed new compounds based on the structure of letrozole. More than five thousand compounds were constructed based on the letrozole structure. Then, these compounds were screened for their binding ability toward the target protein, aromatase. Quantum docking, Glide docking, and ADME studies showed 14 new molecules with docking scores of ≤-7 kcal/mol, compared to the docking score of -4.109 kcal/mol of the reference, letrozole. Moreover, molecular dynamics (MD) and post-MD MM-GBSA calculations were calculated for the top three compounds, and the results supported in their interaction's stability. Finally, the density-functional theory (DFT) study applied to the top compound to study the interaction with gold nanoparticles revealed the most stable position for the interaction with the gold nanoparticles. The results of this study confirmed that these newly designed compounds could be useful starting points for lead optimization. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are recommended for these compounds to verify these promising results experimentally.

Genus Acanthella-A Wealthy Treasure: Secondary Metabolites, Synthesis, Biosynthesis, and Bioactivities

Marine sponges are multicellular and primitive animals that potentially represent a wealthy source of novel drugs. The genus Acanthella (family Axinellidae) is renowned to produce various metabolites with various structural characteristics and bioactivities, including nitrogen-containing terpenoids, alkaloids, and sterols. The current work provides an up-to-date literature survey and comprehensive insight into the reported metabolites from the members of this genus, as well as their sources, biosynthesis, syntheses, and biological activities whenever available. In the current work, 226 metabolites have been discussed based on published data from the period from 1974 to the beginning of 2023 with 90 references.

Alpha-Mangostin ameliorates acute kidney injury via modifying levels of circulating TNF-α and IL-6 in glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis animal model

Alpha mangostin (AM), isolated from G. mangostana, showed beneficial effects in several disorders due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Acute kidney injury (AKI) due to different etiologies can develop into severe complications, resulting in high mortality rates. In this work, AM is tested for its ability to alleviate AKI in glycerol-induced AKI rat model, where 30 Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to a healthy group, glycerol-treated group and AM-treated group. Glycerol- and AM groups received a single dose of glycerol (per IM, 50% glycerol in saline, 8 ml/kg), whereas control group was injected with saline. AM treatment (a single daily dose, per IP, 175mg/kg) was accomplished for three days. Animals were executed to collect blood samples and kidney tissue for biochemical and histological examination. It was found that glycerol induced increase in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lipid peroxidation, serum magnesium, TNF-α and IL-6. It also induced renal edema and hypocalcemia along with histopathological renal damage. AM treatment improved renal histological features and alleviated increase in serum creatinine, BUN, serum magnesium, TNF-α and IL-6 levels, as well as renal edema and lipid peroxidation but did not affect serum calcium levels. This suggests AM as a potential therapeutic agent for treating AKI mainly via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

γ-Mangostin abrogates AINT-induced cholestatic liver injury: Impact on Nrf2/NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β/GSDMD signalling

γ-Mangostin (γ-MN) is one of the abundant xanthones separated from Garcinia mangostana (Clusiaceae) pericarps that has been reported to have varied bioactivities such as neuroprotective, cytotoxic, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammation. Yet, its effect on cholestatic liver damage (CLI) has not been investigated. This study explored the protective activity of γ-MN against alpha-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced CLI in mice. The results showed that γ-MN protected against ANIT-induced CLI as indicated by reduced serum levels of hepatic injury parameters (e.g., ALT, AST, γ-GT, ALP, LDH, bilirubin, and total bile acids). ANIT-induced pathological lesions were improved in γ-MN pre-treated groups. γ-MN exerted potent antioxidant effects as it lowered the parameters of lipid peroxidation (4-HNE, PC, and MDA) and intensified the content and activity of antioxidants (TAC, GSH, GSH-Px, GST, and SOD) in the hepatic tissue. Furthermore, γ-MN enhanced the signalling of Nrf2/HO-1 as it augmented the mRNA expression of Nrf2/downstream genes (HO-1/GCLc/NQO1/SOD). The binding capacity and the immuno-expression of Nrf2 were also increased. γ-MN showed anti-inflammatory capacity as it suppressed the activation of NF-κB signalling, it decreased mRNA expression and levels of NF-κB/TNF-α/IL-6 and the immuno-expression of NF-κB/TNF-α. In addition, γ-MN inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome as it lowered the mRNA expression of NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β along with their levels as well as the immuno-expression of caspase-1/IL-1β. γ-MN also reduced the level of the pyroptotic parameter GSDMD. Collectively, this study demonstrated the potent hepatoprotective potential of γ-MN against CLI which was linked to its ability to potentiate Nrf2/HO-1 and to offset NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β/GSDMD. Hence, γ-MN may be suggested as a new candidate for cholestatic patients.

Aspergillus nidulans—Natural Metabolites Powerhouse: Structures, Biosynthesis, Bioactivities, and Biotechnological Potential

Nowadays, finding out new natural scaffolds of microbial origin increases at a higher rate than in the past decades and represents an auspicious route for reinvigorating the pool of compounds entering pharmaceutical industries. Fungi serve as a depository of fascinating, structurally unique metabolites with considerable therapeutic significance. Aspergillus genus represents one of the most prolific genera of filamentous fungi. Aspergillus nidulans Winter G. is a well-known and plentiful source of bioactive metabolites with abundant structural diversity, including terpenoids, benzophenones, sterols, alkaloids, xanthones, and polyketides, many of which display various bioactivities, such as cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial activities. The current work is targeted to survey the reported literature on A. nidulans, particularly its metabolites, biosynthesis, and bioactivities, in addition to recent reports on its biotechnological potential. From 1953 till November 2022, relying on the stated data, 206 metabolites were listed, with more than 100 references.

Ferula sinkiangensis (Chou-AWei, Chinese Ferula): Traditional Uses, Phytoconstituents, Biosynthesis, and Pharmacological Activities

Ferula is the third largest genus of the Apiaceae family, its species are utilized as a remedy for diverse ailments all over the world. F. sinkiangensis K. M. Shen (Chou-AWei, Chinese Ferula) is mainly found in Xin-jiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Traditionally, it is utilized for treating various illnesses such as digestive disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, wound infection, baldness, bronchitis, ovarian cysts, intestinal worms, diarrhea, malaria, abdominal mass, cold, measles, and bronchitis. It can produce different classes of metabolites such as sesquiterpene coumarins, steroidal esters, lignans, phenylpropanoids, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, coumarins, organic acid glycosides, and sulfur-containing compounds with prominent bioactivities. The objective of this work is to point out the reported data on F. sinkiangensis, including traditional uses, phytoconstituents, biosynthesis, and bioactivities. In the current work, 194 metabolites were reported from F. sinkiangensis in the period from 1987 to the end of 2022. Nevertheless, future work should be directed to conduct in vivo, mechanistic, and clinical assessments of this plant`s metabolites to confirm its safe usage.

Garcinone E Mitigates Oxidative Inflammatory Response and Protects against Experimental Autoimmune Hepatitis via Modulation of Nrf2/HO-1, NF-κB and TNF-α/JNK Axis

Garcinia mangostana L. (Clusiaceae), a popular tropical fruit for its juiciness and sweetness, is an opulent fountain of prenylated and oxygenated xanthones with a vast array of bio-activities. Garcinone E (GE), a xanthone derivative reported from G. mangostana, possesses cytotoxic and aromatase inhibitory activities. The present research endeavors to investigate the hepato-protection efficaciousness of GE on concanavalin-A (Con-A)-instigated hepatitis. Results showed that GE pretreating noticeably diminishes both the serum indices (transaminases, ALP, LDH, and γ-GT) and histopathological lesions of the liver. It counteracted neutrophil and CD4+ infiltration into the liver. GE furthered the Nrf2 genetic expression and its antioxidants' cascade, which resulted in amelioration of Con-A-caused oxidative stress (OS), lipid per-oxidative markers (4-HNE, MDA, PC) reduction, and intensified antioxidants (TAC, SOD, GSH) in the hepatic tissue. Additionally, GE prohibited NF-ĸB (nuclear factor kappa-B) activation and lessened the genetics and levels of downstream cytokines (IL1β and IL6). Moreover, the TNF-α/JNK axis was repressed in GE-treated mice, which was accompanied by attenuation of Con-A-induced apoptosis. These findings demonstrated the protective potential of GE in Con-A-induced hepatitis which may be associated with Nrf2/HO-1 signaling activation and OS suppression, as well as modulation of the NF-κB and TNF-α/JNK/apoptosis signaling pathway. These results suggest the potential use of GE as a novel hepato-protective agent against autoimmune hepatitis.

Docking and Molecular Dynamic Investigations of Phenylspirodrimanes as Cannabinoid Receptor-2 Agonists

Cannabinoid receptor ligands are renowned as being therapeutically crucial for treating diverse health disorders. Phenylspirodrimanes are meroterpenoids with unique and varied structural scaffolds, which are mainly reported from the Stachybotrys genus and display an array of bioactivities. In this work, 114 phenylspirodrimanes reported from Stachybotrys chartarum were screened for their CB2 agonistic potential using docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies. Compound 56 revealed the highest docking score (-11.222 kcal/mol) compared to E3R_6KPF (native agonist, gscore value -12.12 kcal/mol). The molecular docking and molecular simulation results suggest that compound 56 binds to the putative binding site in the CB2 receptor with good affinity involving key interacting amino acid residues similar to that of the native ligands, E3R. The molecular interactions displayed π-π stacking with Phe183 and hydrogen bond interactions with Thr114, Leu182, and Ser285. These findings identified the structural features of these metabolites that might lead to the design of selective novel ligands for CB2 receptors. Additionally, phenylspirodrimanes should be further investigated for their potential as a CB2 ligand.

Integracides: Tetracyclic Triterpenoids from Fusarium sp.-Their 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitory Potential and Structure-Activity Relation Using In Vitro and Molecular Docking Studies

Inflammation is a complicated disorder that is produced as a result of consecutive processes. 5-LOX (5-lipoxygenase) is accountable for various inflammation mediators and leukotrienes synthesis, and its inhibition is the target of anti-inflammation therapeutics. Fungi have acquired enormous attentiveness because of their capability to biosynthesize novel bio-metabolites that reveal diversified bio-activities. A new tetracyclic triterpenoid, integracide L (1), along with integracides B (2) and F (3), were separated from Mentha longifolia-associated Fusarium sp. (FS No. MAR2014). Their structures were verified utilizing varied spectral analyses. The isolated metabolites (1-3), alongside the earlier reported integracides G (4), H (5), and J (6), were inspected for 5-LOX inhibition capacity. Interestingly, 1-6 possessed marked 5-LOX inhibition potentials with IC₅₀s ranging from 1.18 to 3.97 μM compared to zileuton (IC₅₀ 1.17 µM). Additionally, molecular docking was executed to examine the interaction among these metabolites and 5-LOX, as well as to validate the in vitro findings. The docking study revealed their inhibitory activity interactions in the binding pocket. These findings highlighted the potential of integracides as lead metabolites for anti-inflammation drug discovery.

Mangosteen Metabolites as Promising Alpha-Amylase Inhibitor Candidates: In Silico and In Vitro Evaluations

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by raised glucose levels in the blood, resulting in grave damage over time to various body organs, including the nerves, heart, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels. One of its therapeutic treatment approaches involves the inhibition of enzymes accountable for carbohydrate digestion and absorption. The present work is aimed at evaluating the potential of some reported metabolites from Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen, Guttiferae) as alpha-amylase inhibitors. Forty compounds were assessed for their capacity to inhibit alpha-amylase using in silico studies as well as in vitro assays. Molecular docking was carried out to analyze their binding capacities in the 3D structure of alpha-amylase (PDB ID: 4GQR). Among the tested compounds, 6-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-2,4,6,3',4',6'-hexahydroxybenzophenone (8), aromadendrin-8-C-glucoside (5), epicatechin (6), rhodanthenone (4), and garcixanthone D (40) had a high XP G.score and a Glide G.score of -12.425, -11.855, -11.135, and -11.048 Kcal/mol, respectively. Compound 8 possessed the XP and Glide docking score of -12.425 Kcal/mol compared to the reference compounds myricetin and acarbose which had an XP and Glide docking score of -12.319 and 11.201 Kcal/mol, respectively. It interacted through hydrogen bond formations between its hydroxyl groups and the residues His 101, Asp 197, Glu 233, Asp 300, and His 305, in addition to water bridges and hydrophobic interactions. Molecular mechanics-generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA) was used to calculate the binding free energy and molecular dynamic studies that indicated the stability of the alpha-amylase-compound 8 complex during the 100 ns simulation in comparison with myricetin- and acarbose-alpha-amylase complexes. Additionally, the in vitro alpha-amylase inhibition assay findings validated the in silico study's findings. This could further validate the potential of G. mangostana as a candidate for diabetes management.

In Vivo Evaluation of the Anti-Schistosomal Potential of Ginger-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles on Schistosoma mansoni: Histopathological, Ultrastructural, and Immunological Changes

Chemotherapy is the most widely advocated method of Schistosome control. However, repeated chemotherapy leads to the emergence of drug-resistant Schistosoma strains. Therefore, efforts to find alternative drugs, especially those of natural origin, have risen globally. Nanoparticles (NPs) have received special interest as efficient drug delivery systems. This work aimed to investigate the anti-schistosomal potential of Zingiber officinale (ginger, Zingiberaceae)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (GCsNPs) on Schistosoma mansoni experimentally infected mice that were exposed to 80 ± 10 cercariae/mouse. The study groups are: (G1) negative control; (G2) positive control; (G3) praziquantel in a dose of 500 mg/kg/day for two consecutive days; (G4) ginger in a dose of 500 mg/kg treated; (G5) chitosan nanoparticles in a dose 3 mg/kg (G6) GCsNPs in a dose 250 mg/kg; and (G7) GCsNPs in a dose 500 mg/kg. The anti-schistosome potential was assessed using histopathological scanning electron microscopically and immunological parameters. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in cellular granuloma count (p < 0.05) and granuloma diameter (p < 0.001) in all infected treated mice groups, in comparison to the infected non-treated group with the highest reduction in both G3 and G7. SEM of S. mansoni adult worm recovered from G3 showed mild edema of oral and ventral suckers with some peeling and blebs around them, while that recovered from G7 showed abnormal oedematous oral and retracted ventral sucker, edema of the tegument, rupture of many tubercles with vacuolation and complete loss of spines. All infected treated mice groups, in comparison to positive control G2, showed a significant reduction in IL-4, IL-10, and TNF-α levels (p-value < 0.001), especially groups G6 and G7 (p-value < 0.05); both G6 and G7 values were nearer to the normal that indicated recovery of the liver tissue.

Advances in Fungal Phenaloenones—Natural Metabolites with Great Promise: Biosynthesis, Bioactivities, and an In Silico Evaluation of Their Potential as Human Glucose Transporter 1 Inhibitors

Phenaloenones are structurally unique aromatic polyketides that have been reported in both microbial and plant sources. They possess a hydroxy perinaphthenone three-fused-ring system and exhibit diverse bioactivities, such as cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-HIV properties, and tyrosinase, α-glucosidase, lipase, AchE (acetylcholinesterase), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, angiotensin-I-converting enzyme, and tyrosine phosphatase inhibition. Moreover, they have a rich nucleophilic nucleus that has inspired many chemists and biologists to synthesize more of these related derivatives. The current review provides an overview of the reported phenalenones with a fungal origin, including their structures, sources, biosynthesis, and bioactivities. Moreover, more than 135 metabolites have been listed, and 71 references have been cited. SuperPred, an artificial intelligence (AI) webserver, was used to predict the potential targets for selected phenalenones. Among these targets, we chose human glucose transporter 1 (hGLUT1) for an extensive in silico study, as it shows high probability and model accuracy. Among them, aspergillussanones C (60) and G (60) possessed the highest negative docking scores of −15.082 and −14.829 kcal/mol, respectively, compared to the native inhibitor of 5RE (score: −11.206 kcal/mol). The MD (molecular dynamics) simulation revealed their stability in complexes with GLUT1 at 100 ns. The virtual screening study results open up a new therapeutic approach by using some phenalenones as hGLUT1 inhibitors, which might be a potential target for cancer therapy.

Aspergillus ochraceus: Metabolites, Bioactivities, Biosynthesis, and Biotechnological Potential

Fungus continues to attract great attention as a promising pool of biometabolites. Aspergillus ochraceus Wilh (Aspergillaceae) has established its capacity to biosynthesize a myriad of metabolites belonging to different chemical classes, such as isocoumarins, pyrazines, sterols, indole alkaloids, diketopiperazines, polyketides, peptides, quinones, polyketides, and sesquiterpenoids, revealing various bioactivities that are antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, and neuroprotective. Additionally, A. ochraceus produces a variety of enzymes that could have variable industrial and biotechnological applications. From 1965 until June 2022, 165 metabolites were reported from A. ochraceus isolated from different sources. In this review, the formerly separated metabolites from A. ochraceus, including their bioactivities and biosynthesis, in addition, the industrial and biotechnological potential of A. ochraceus are highlighted.

6-Paradol Alleviates Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats by Inhibiting AKT/mTOR Axis

INTRODUCTION

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease among elderly men. Its pharmacological treatment is still unsatisfactory. 6-Paradol (6-PD) is an active metabolite found in many members of the Zingiberaceae family. It was reported to possess anti-proliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study aimed at exploring the potential of 6-PD to inhibit testosterone-induced BPH in rats as well as the probable underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups and treated as follows: Group 1 (control group) received vehicles only, Group 2 testosterone only, Groups 3 and 4 received 6-PD (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg; respectively) and testosterone, and Group 6 received finasteride and testosterone.

RESULTS

Daily treatment of animals with 6-PD at the two dose levels of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg significantly ameliorated a testosterone-induced rise in prostate index and weight. This was confirmed by histological examinations of prostatic tissues that indicated a reduction in the pathological changes as well as inhibition of the rise in glandular epithelial height in 6-PD treated rats. Immunohistochemical investigations showed that 6-PD prevented the up-regulation of cyclin D1 induced by testosterone injections. Further, 6-PD significantly modulated mRNA expression of both Bcl2 and Bax in prostate tissues of testosterone-treated rats in favor of anti-proliferation. It also showed antioxidant activities as evidenced by inhibition of accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and exhaustion of catalase (CAT) activity. In addition, 6-PD displayed significant anti-inflammatory activities as it prevented up-regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Immunoblotting analysis revealed that 6-PD significantly inhibited testosterone-induced activation of AKT and mTOR in prostate tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

6-PD protects against testosterone-induced BPH in rats. This can be attributed, at least partly, to its antiproliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to inhibit activation of the AKT/mTOR axis.

Alpha-Mangostin as a New Therapeutic Candidate for Concanavalin A-Induced Autoimmune Hepatitis: Impact on the SIRT1/Nrf2 and NF-κB Crosstalk

Alpha-mangostin (α-MN) is a xanthone obtained from Garcinia mangostana that has diverse anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory potentials. However, its pharmacological activity against autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has not been investigated before. Concanavalin A (Con A) was injected into mice to induce AIH and two doses of α-MN were tested for their protective effects against Con A-induced AIH. The results demonstrated the potent hepatoprotective activity of α-MN evidenced by a remarkable decrease of serum indices of the hepatic injury and amendment of the histological lesions. α-MN significantly attenuated the level and immuno-expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO) indicating a decrease in the neutrophil infiltration into the liver. Additionally, the recruitment of the CD4+ T cell was suppressed in the α-MN pre-treated animals. α-MN showed a potent ability to repress the Con A-induced oxidative stress evident by the reduced levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and protein carbonyl (PC), as well as the enhanced levels of antioxidants as the reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The ELISA, RT-PCR, and IHC analyses revealed that α-MN enhanced the sirtuin1/nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor-2 (SIRT1/Nrf2) signaling and its downstream cascade genes concurrently with the inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and the inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukine-6) signaling. Taken together, these results inferred that the hepatoprotective activity of α-MN could prevent Con A-induced AIH through the modulation of the SIRT1/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling. Hence, α-MN may be considered as a promising candidate for AIH therapy.

Cucurbitacin E glucoside alleviates concanavalin A-induced hepatitis through enhancing SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibiting NF-ĸB/NLRP3 signaling pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cucurbitacins are highly oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenoids, that represent the major metabolites reported from C. colocynthis (L.) Schrad.. Cucurbitacin E glucoside (CuE) is a tetracyclic triterpene glycoside separated from Cucurbitaceae plants. CuE has potent anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-tumor properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The current study aimed at examining the hepatoprotective effect of CuE against concanavalin A (Con A)-produced hepatitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice were intravenously administered Con A (15 mg/kg) to induce AIH. CuE was orally administered at two different doses for five days preceding Con A injection.

RESULTS

The results revealed that CuE pretreatment markedly attenuated the serum indices of hepatotoxicity and the severity of hepatic lesions. CuE depressed Con A-provoked increment in CD4⁺ T-cells in hepatic tissue. The antioxidant activity of CuE was evident through its ability to decrease markers of Con A-induced oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxyenonanal, and protein carbonyl) and intensified the antioxidants in the hepatic tissue (SOD, GSH, and TAC). CuE increased mRNA expression of SIRT1 and Nrf2 as well as its binding capacity. Subsequently, CuE augmented mRNA expression of Nrf2 targeted genes as NQO1, GCL, and HO-1 and recovered its normal level. CuE inhibited the activation of NF-κB/downstream pro-inflammatory mediators signaling. Furthermore, CuE attenuated the mRNA expression of NLRP3 and its associated genes.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these results demonstrated the remarkable hepatoprotective potential of CuE towards Con A-induced AIH which was mediated via suppression of oxidative stress, enhancing SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1, and prohibition of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling. CuE could be a candidate for hepatitis patients.

Ethnobotanical Uses, Phytochemical Composition, Biosynthesis, and Pharmacological Activities of Carpesium abrotanoides L. (Asteraceae)

Carpesium abrotanoides L. (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant with immense therapeutic importance and bioactivities. It is commonly encountered in various Asian regions. It has numerous ethnomedicinal uses for curing diverse ailments such as toothache, stomach ulcer, boils, tonsillitis, bronchitis, bacterial infection, bruises, swelling, virus infection, fever, and amygdalitis, as well as an anthelmintic versus round-, tape-, hook-, and pinworms. Different classes of phytoconstituents such as sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpene dimers, monoterpenes, and nitrogenous compounds have been reported from this plant. These phytoconstituents have proved to possess anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and insecticidal capacities. The present review aims to summarize all published data on C. abrotanoides including traditional uses, phytoconstituents, bioactivities, and toxicological aspects, as well as the synthesis and biosynthesis of its metabolites through an extensive survey on various databases and various publishers. These reported data could draw the attention of various natural-metabolite-interested researchers and medicinal chemists towards the development of this plant and/or its metabolites into medicine for the prevention and treatment of certain illnesses. Despite the diverse traditional uses of C. abrotanoides, there is a need for scientific evidence to support these claims. Clinical trials are also required to further assure these data and validate this plant utilization in treating several diseases.

Thioctamer: a novel thioctic acid-glatiramer acetate nanoconjugate expedites wound healing in diabetic rats

The current work aims to design thioctic acid (TA) and glatiramer acetate (GA) nanoconjugate (thioctamer) loaded hydrogel formula as well as evaluation of thioctamer preclinical efficacy in expediting wound healing in a rat model of the diabetic wound. Thioctamer was prepared by conjugation of GA and TA in a 1:1 molar ratio. Particle size, zeta potential, and thermodynamic stability of the prepared thioctamer were assessed. Thioctamer was loaded in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-based hydrogel and in vitro release study was investigated. The ability of thioctamer to enhance the process of wound healing in diabetic rats was investigated by assessing wound contraction and immunohistochemical assessment of the inflammation markers IL-6 and TNF-α. The results demonstrated that thioctamer showed particle size of 137 ± 21.4 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.235, and positive zeta potential value of 7.43 ± 4.95 mV. On day 7 of making a skin excision, diabetic rat wounds administered thioctamer preparation showed almost complete healing (95.6 ± 8.6%). Meanwhile, % of wound contraction in animals treated with TA or GA groups exhibited values amounting to 56.5 ± 5.8% and 62.6 ± 7.1%, respectively. Histological investigation showed that the highest healing rate was noted in the thioctamer group animals, as the surface of the wound was nearly fully protected by regenerated epithelium with keratinization, with few inflammatory cells noticed. Thioctamer significantly (p<.05) inhibited IL-6 and TNF-α expression as compared with sections obtained from the negative control, TA, GA, or positive control group animals on day 7. The evidence of the ability of thioctamer to significantly expedite wound healing in the diabetic rats is presented.