COX-1 Inhibitors: Beyond Structure Toward Therapy

Synthesis, molecular dynamics simulation, and evaluation of biological activity of novel flurbiprofen and ibuprofen-like compounds

The frequent use of anti-inflammatory drugs and the side effects of existing drugs keep the need for new compounds constant. For this purpose, flurbiprofen and ibuprofen-like compounds, which are frequently used anti-inflammatory compounds in this study, were synthesized and their structures were elucidated. Like ibuprofen and flurbiprofen, the compounds contain a residue of phenylacetic acid. On the other hand, it contains a secondary amine residue. Thus, it is planned to reduce the acidity, which is the biggest side effect of NSAI drugs, even a little bit. The estimated ADME parameters of the compounds were evaluated. Apart from internal use, local use of anti-inflammatory compounds is also very important. For this reason, the skin permeability values of the compounds were also calculated. And it has been found to be compatible with reference drugs. The COX enzyme inhibitory effects of the obtained compounds were tested by in vitro experiments. Compound 2a showed significant activity against COX-1 enzyme with an IC50 = 0.123 + 0.005 μM. The interaction of the compound with the enzyme active site was clarified by molecular dynamics studies.

Advances in sarcopenia: mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and intervention strategies

Sarcopenia is a multifactorial condition characterized by loss of muscle mass. It poses significant health risks in older adults worldwide. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches are reported to address this disease. Certain dietary patterns, such as adequate energy intake and essential amino acids, have shown positive outcomes in preserving muscle function. Various medications, including myostatin inhibitors, growth hormones, and activin type II receptor inhibitors, have been evaluated for their effectiveness in managing sarcopenia. However, it is important to consider the variable efficacy and potential side effects associated with these treatments. There are currently no drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for sarcopenia. The ongoing research aims to develop more effective strategies in the future. Our review of research on disease mechanisms and drug development will be a valuable contribution to future research endeavors.

Supramolecular nanofiber of indomethacin derivative confers highly cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selectivity and boosts anti-inflammatory efficacy

Herein, we report a facile method for converting carboxylate-containing indomethacin (Idm) into a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective inhibitor via the amidation of an unnatural peptide sequence (Nal-Nal-Asp). The resulting indomethacin amides (i.e., Idm-Nal-Nal-Asp) have high selectivity for COX-2, and can self-assemble into a one-component supramolecular hydrogel that acts as a 'self-delivery' system for boosting anti-inflammatory efficacy. Self-assembled Idm-Nal-Nal-Asp hydrogel robustly inhibits COX-2 expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated Raw 264.7 macrophages while also exhibits superior anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities via reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. Moreover, a rabbit model of endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) reveals that the Idm-Nal-Nal-Asp hydrogel outperforms clinically used 0.1 wt% diclofenac sodium eye drops in terms of in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy via topical instillation route. As a rational approach to designing and applying COX-2 selective inhibitors, this work presents a simple method for converting non-selective nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) into highly selective COX-2 inhibitors that can self-assemble into supramolecular hydrogel for anti-inflammation applications.

Discovering the Active Ingredients of Medicine and Food Homologous Substances for Inhibiting the Cyclooxygenase-2 Metabolic Pathway by Machine Learning Algorithms

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase (mPGES-1) are two key targets in anti-inflammatory therapy. Medicine and food homology (MFH) substances have both edible and medicinal properties, providing a valuable resource for the development of novel, safe, and efficient COX-2 and mPGES-1 inhibitors. In this study, we collected active ingredients from 503 MFH substances and constructed the first comprehensive MFH database containing 27,319 molecules. Subsequently, we performed Murcko scaffold analysis and K-means clustering to deeply analyze the composition of the constructed database and evaluate its structural diversity. Furthermore, we employed four supervised machine learning algorithms, including support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), deep neural networks (DNNs), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), as well as ensemble learning, to establish 640 classification models and 160 regression models for COX-2 and mPGES-1 inhibitors. Among them, ModelA_ensemble_RF_1 emerged as the optimal classification model for COX-2 inhibitors, achieving predicted Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) values of 0.802 and 0.603 on the test set and external validation set, respectively. ModelC_RDKIT_SVM_2 was identified as the best regression model based on COX-2 inhibitors, with root mean squared error (RMSE) values of 0.419 and 0.513 on the test set and external validation set, respectively. ModelD_ECFP_SVM_4 stood out as the top classification model for mPGES-1 inhibitors, attaining MCC values of 0.832 and 0.584 on the test set and external validation set, respectively. The optimal regression model for mPGES-1 inhibitors, ModelF_3D_SVM_1, exhibited predictive RMSE values of 0.253 and 0.35 on the test set and external validation set, respectively. Finally, we proposed a ligand-based cascade virtual screening strategy, which integrated the well-performing supervised machine learning models with unsupervised learning: the self-organized map (SOM) and molecular scaffold analysis. Using this virtual screening workflow, we discovered 10 potential COX-2 inhibitors and 15 potential mPGES-1 inhibitors from the MFH database. We further verified candidates by molecular docking, investigated the interaction of the candidate molecules upon binding to COX-2 or mPGES-1. The constructed comprehensive MFH database has laid a solid foundation for the further research and utilization of the MFH substances. The series of well-performing machine learning models can be employed to predict the COX-2 and mPGES-1 inhibitory capabilities of unknown compounds, thereby aiding in the discovery of anti-inflammatory medications. The COX-2 and mPGES-1 potential inhibitor molecules identified through the cascade virtual screening approach provide insights and references for the design of highly effective and safe novel anti-inflammatory drugs.

Insights into the advances in therapeutic drugs for neuroinflammation-related diseases

Studies have shown that neurodegenerative diseases such as AD and PD are related to neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation is a common inflammatory condition that can lead to a variety of dysfunction in the body. At present, it is no medications specifically approved to prevent or cure neuroinflammation, so even though many drugs can temporarily control the neurological symptoms of neuroinflammation, but no one can reverse the progress of neuroinflammation, let al.one completely cure neuroinflammation. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new drug development for neuroinflammation treatment. In this review, we highlight the therapeutic advancement in the field of neurodegenerative disorders, by focusing on the impact of neuroinflammation treatment has on these conditions, and the effective drugs for the treatment of neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases and their latest research progress are reviewed according to the related signaling pathway, as well as the prospect of their clinical application is also discussed. The purpose of this review is to enable specialists to better understand the mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation and anti-inflammatory drugs, promote the development of therapeutic drugs for neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases, and further provide therapeutic references for clinical neurologists.

m-Terphenylamines, Acting as Selective COX-1 Inhibitors, Block Microglia Inflammatory Response and Exert Neuroprotective Activity

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been extensively studied as an approach to reduce proinflammatory markers in acute brain diseases, but the anti-neuroinflammatory role of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibition has been rather neglected. We report that m-terphenylamine derivatives are selective COX-1 inhibitors, able to block microglia inflammatory response and elicit a neuroprotective effect. These compounds were synthesized via a three-component reaction of chalcones, β-ketoesters, and primary amines, followed by hydrolysis/decarboxylation of the ester group. Together with their synthetic intermediates and some urea derivatives, they were studied as inhibitors of COX-1 and COX-2. The m-terphenylamine derivatives, which were selective COX-1 inhibitors, were also analyzed for their ability to block microglia inflammatory and oxidative response. Compound 3b presented an interesting anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective profile by reducing nitrite release, ROS overproduction, and cell death in organotypic hippocampal cultures subjected to LPS. We thus show that COX-1 inhibition is a promising approach to provide enhanced neuroprotection against acute inflammatory processes, which are crucial in the development of a plethora of acute neurodegenerative injuries.

In Vitro Biotransformation and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Constituents and Metabolites of Filipendula ulmaria

(1) Background: Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. (Rosaceae) (meadowsweet) is widely used in phytotherapy against inflammatory diseases. However, its active constituents are not exactly known. Moreover, it contains many constituents, such as flavonoid glycosides, which are not absorbed, but metabolized in the colon by gut microbiota, producing potentially active metabolites that can be absorbed. The aim of this study was to characterize the active constituents or metabolites. (2) Methods: A F. ulmaria extract was processed in an in vitro gastrointestinal biotransformation model, and the metabolites were characterized using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by testing the inhibition of NF-κB activation, COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibition. (3) Results: The simulation of gastrointestinal biotransformation showed a decrease in the relative abundance of glycosylated flavonoids such as rutin, spiraeoside and isoquercitrin in the colon compartment, and an increase in aglycons such as quercetin, apigenin, naringenin and kaempferol. The genuine as well as the metabolized extract showed a better inhibition of the COX-1 enzyme as compared to COX-2. A mix of aglycons present after biotransformation showed a significant inhibition of COX-1. (4) Conclusions: The anti-inflammatory activity of F. ulmaria may be explained by an additive or synergistic effect of genuine constituents and metabolites.

Comprehensive analysis of arachidonic acid metabolism-related genes in diagnosis and synovial immune in osteoarthritis: based on bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of degenerative-related arthritis, which can be aggravated by low-grade synovitis. It is known that arachidonic acid (AA) dysmetabolism brings OA synovitis. However, the impact of synovial AA metabolism pathway (AMP) related genes on OA remains uncovered.

METHODS

Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to explore the impact of AA metabolism genes in OA synovium. We obtained transcriptome expression profiles from three raw datasets related to OA synovium (GSE12021, GSE29746, GSE55235) and identified the hub genes of AA metabolism pathways (AMP) in OA synovium. An OA occurrence diagnostic model was constructed and validated based on the identified hub genes. Then, we explored the correlation between hub gene expression and the immune-related module using CIBERSORT and MCP-counter analysis. The unsupervised consensus clustering analysis and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) were utilized to identify robust clusters of identified genes in each cohort. Moreover, the interaction between the hub genes of AMP and immune cells was elucidated through single-cell RNA (scRNA) analysis by scRNA sequencing data from GSE152815.

RESULTS

We found that the expression of AMP-related genes was up-regulated in OA synovium, and seven hub genes (LTC4S, PTGS2, PTGS1, MAPKAPK2, CBR1, PTGDS, and CYP2U1) were identified. The diagnostic model that combined the identified hub genes showed great clinical validity in diagnosing OA (AUC = 0.979). Moreover, significant associations were noticed between the hub genes' expression, immune cell infiltration, and inflammatory cytokine levels. The 30 OA patients were randomized and clustered into three groups using WGCNA analysis based on the hub genes, and diverse immune status was found in different clusters. Of interest, older patients were more likely to be classified into a cluster with higher levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and less infiltration of immune cells. Based on the scRNA-sequencing data, we found that the hub genes had relatively higher expression in macrophages and B cells than other immune cells. Moreover, inflammation-related pathways were significantly enriched in macrophages.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that AMP-related genes are closely involved in alterations of OA synovial inflammation. The transcriptional level of hub genes could serve as a potential diagnostic marker for OA.

Role of cyclooxygenase pathways in bowel fibrotic remodelling in a murine model of experimental colitis

OBJECTIVE

Gut fibrosis occurs under chronic inflammation. This study examined the effects of different cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors on fibrosis in the inflamed colon.

METHODS

Colitis was induced by 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS) in albino male Sprague-Dawley rats. After 6, 12 and 18 days, macroscopic and microscopic damage, collagen and elastic fibre content were examined. At day 6, pro-fibrotic factors (collagen I and III, hydroxyproline, fibronectin, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signalling [TGF-β, Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA), phosphorylated small mother against decapentaplegic (pSMAD)-2 and -6] and peristalsis were assessed, and the effects of indomethacin, SC-560 or celecoxib were tested.

KEY FINDINGS

Six days after DNBS administration, significant histopathological signs of fibrotic remodelling were observed in rats. At day 6, pro-fibrotic factors were up-regulated and colonic peristalsis was altered. COX inhibitors reversed the histochemical, molecular and functional changes in the fibrotic colon. COX inhibition reduced TGF-β expression, SMAD2 phosphorylation and RhoA, and increased SMAD6 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Colonic fibrosis is associated with altered bowel motility and induction of profibrotic factors driven by TGF-β signalling. COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition counteracts this fibrotic remodelling by the modulation of TGF-β/SMAD signalling, mainly via SMAD6 induction and reduction in SMAD2 phosphorylation.

Discovery of novel pyrazole and pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives as cyclooxygenase inhibitors (COX-1 and COX-2) using molecular modeling simulation

Searching for effective and selective anti-inflammatory agents, our study involved designing and synthesizing new pyrazole and pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives 4-11. The structures of the synthesized derivatives were confirmed using different spectroscopic techniques. Virtual screening was achieved for the newly designed derivatives using in silico docking simulation inside the active sites of four proteins classified as two cyclooxygenases (COX)-1 (PDB: 3KK6 and 4OIZ) and two COX-2 (PBD: 1CX2 and 3LN1). Among them, six derivatives 4c, 5b, 6a, 7a, 7b, and 10b displayed the highest binding energy. These derivatives were evaluated for their in vitro COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory activities and their selectivity indexes were calculated. Additionally, these derivatives displayed IC₅₀ values ranging between 4.909 ± 0.25 and 57.53 ± 2.91 µM, and 3.289 ± 0.14 and 124 ± 5.32 µM, against COX-1 and COX-2, respectively. Furthermore, the tested derivatives were found to have selective inhibitory activity on the COX-2 enzyme. Surprisingly, the two pyrazole derivatives 4c and 5b were found to be the most active, with IC₅₀ values of 9.835 ± 0.50 and 4.909 ± 0.25 µM and 4.597 ± 0.20 and 3.289 ±  0.14 µM compared with meloxicam (1.879 ± 0.1 and 5.409 ±  0.23 µM) and celecoxib (5.439 ± 0.28 and 2.164 ± 0.09 µM) against COX-1/-2, respectively. Besides, two pyrazole derivatives, 4c and 5b, displayed a COX-1/COX-2 SI of 2.14 and 1.49. Computational techniques such as molecular docking, density function theory (DFT) calculation, and chemical absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity evaluation were applied to explain the molecules' binding mode, chemical nature, drug likeness, and toxicity prediction.

Natural Inhibitors against Potential Targets of Cyclooxygenase, Lipoxygenase and Leukotrienes

BACKGROUND

Cyclooxygenase (COX) and Lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes catalyze the production of pain mediators like Prostaglandins (PGs) and Leukotrienes (LTs), respectively from arachidonic acid.

INTRODUCTION

The COX and LOX enzyme modulators are responsible for the major PGs and LTs mediated complications like asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, neuropathy and Cardiovascular Syndromes (CVS). Many synthetic Nonsteroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) used in the treatment have serious side effects like nausea, vomiting, hyperacidity, gastrointestinal ulcers, CVS, etc. Methods: The natural inhibitors of pain mediators have great acceptance worldwide due to fewer side effects on long-term uses. The present review is an extensive study of the advantages of plantbased vs synthetic inhibitors.

RESULTS

These natural COX and LOX inhibitors control inflammatory response without causing side-effect-related complicacy.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the natural COX and LOX inhibitors may be used as alternative medicines for the management of pain and inflammation due to their less toxicity and resistivity.

Mechanisms of pancreatic tumor suppression mediated by Xiang-lian pill: An integrated in silico exploration and experimental validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xiang-lian pill, consisting of Coptis chinensis Franch. coprocessed with Tetradium ruticarpum (A.Juss.) T.G.Hartley (Yu-huang-lian) and Aucklandia lappa DC. (Mu-xiang), is traditionally used to relieve fever, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal inflammatory symptoms observed in patients with malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract. Each of the three herbs contained in Xiang-lian pill has been indicated to have anticancer effects on a variety of cancers, but its effects on pancreatic cancer remain unexplored. The main extracts of these herbs have anti-pancreatic cancer effects, but the comprehensive mechanism of this compound prescription of Xiang-lian pill in pancreatic cancer remains to be revealed.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the main active ingredients, potential anti-pancreatic cancer targets, and related mechanisms of the Xiang-lian pill and to determine its therapeutic value in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis were applied to screen the potential effective ingredients and key targets. Liquid/gas-mass spectrometry was performed for ingredients validation. Molecular docking and the cellular thermal shift assay were performed to test the binding efficiency between ingredients and targets. A murine pancreatic cancer model was established and administered different doses of the Xiang-lian pill. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used for histopathological observation. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting were conducted for target validation. In vitro studies (cell viability and clonogenicity assays) were conducted to investigate the impact of three main ingredients in Xiang-lian pill on pancreatic cancer cells. PTGS2 overexpression was performed to reversely confirm the antitumor mechanisms of rutaecarpine as a specific PTGS2 inhibitor.

RESULTS

Xiang-lian pill suppressed pancreatic cancer growth in the dose range of 0.78-2.34g/kg with no significant toxicity. Sixteen potentially active ingredients and 26 corresponding therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer were identified. PTGS2, PTGS1, KCNH2, PRSS1, and HSP90AA1 were the top 5 significant genes targeted by the Xiang-lian pill. Evodiamine, rutaecarpine and stigmasterol bound to PTGS2 and PTGS1 with different affinities and inhibited pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. The PTGS2-associated metabolic pathway MEK/ERK was downregulated by rutaecarpine in vitro and the Xiang-lian pill in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Xiang-lian pill mainly regulates inflammation, apoptosis, metastasis, and metabolism to exert an antitumor effect. The main active ingredients in Xiang-lian pill exhibit antitumor roles through directly binding to key targets in pancreatic cancer. PTGS2 mediated MEK/ERK inhibition by rutaecarpine represents a key therapeutic mechanism of Xiang-lian pill.

The role of Platinum(IV)-based antitumor drugs and the anticancer immune response in medicinal inorganic chemistry. A systematic review from 2017 to 2022

Platinum-based antitumor drugs have been used in many types of tumors due to its broad antitumor spectrum in clinic. Encouraged by the cisplatin's (CDDP) worldwide success in cancer chemotherapy, the research in platinum-based antitumor drugs has evolved from traditional platinum drug to multi-ligand and multifunctional platinum prodrugs over half a century. With the rapid development of metal drugs and the anticancer immune response, challenges and opportunities in platinum drug research have been shifted from traditional platinum-based drugs to platinum-based hybrids and the direction of development is tending toward photodynamic therapy, nano-delivery therapy, drug combination, targeted therapy, diagnostic therapy, immune-combination therapy and tumor stem cell therapy. In this review, we first exhaustively overviewed the role of platinum-based antitumor prodrugs and the anticancer immune response in medicinal inorganic chemistry based on the special nanomaterials, the modification of specific ligands, and the multiple functions obtained that are beneficial for tumor therapy in the last five years. We also categorized them according to drug potency and function. There hasn't been a comprehensive evaluation of precursor platinum drugs in prior articles. And a multifarious approach to distinguish and detail the variety of alterations of platinum-based precursors in various valence states also hasn't been summarized. In addition, this review points out the main problems at the interface of chemistry, biology, and medicine from their action mechanisms for current platinum drug development, and provides up-to-date potential strategies from drug design perspectives to circumvent those drawbacks. And a promising idea is also enlightened for researchers in the development and discovery of platinum prodrugs.

Mollusc-Derived Brominated Indoles for the Selective Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase: A Computational Expedition

Inflammation plays an important role in different chronic diseases. Brominated indoles derived from the Australian marine mollusk Dicathais orbita (D. orbita) are of interest for their anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluates the binding mechanism and potentiality of several brominated indoles (tyrindoxyl sulfate, tyrindoleninone, 6-bromoisatin, and 6,6′-dibromoindirubin) against inflammatory mediators cyclooxygenases-1/2 (COX-1/2) using molecular docking, followed by molecular dynamics simulation, along with physicochemical, drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic (pk), and toxicokinetic (tk) properties. Molecular docking identified that these indole compounds are anchored, with the main amino acid residues, positioned in the binding pocket of the COX-1/2, required for selective inhibition. Moreover, the molecular dynamics simulation based on root mean square deviation (RMSD), radius of gyration (Rg), solvent accessible surface area (SASA), and root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) analyses showed that these natural brominated molecules transit rapidly to a progressive constant configuration during binding with COX-1/2 and seem to accomplish a consistent dynamic behavior by maintaining conformational stability and compactness. The results were comparable to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved selective COX inhibitor, aspirin. Furthermore, the free energy of binding for the compounds assessed by molecular mechanics–Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM–PBSA) confirmed the binding capacity of indoles towards COX-1/2, with suitable binding energy values except for the polar precursor tyrindoxyl sulfate (with COX-1). The physicochemical and drug-likeness analysis showed zero violations of Lipinski’s rule, and the compounds are predicted to have excellent pharmacokinetic profiles. These indoles are projected to be non-mutagenic and free from hepatotoxicity, with no inhibition of human ether-a-go–go gene (hERG) I inhibitors, and the oral acute toxicity LD₅₀ in rats is predicted to be similar or lower than aspirin. Overall, this work has identified a plausible mechanism for selective COX inhibition by natural marine indoles as potential therapeutic candidates for the mitigation of inflammation.

Fatty ethanolamide of Bertholletia excelsa triglycerides (Brazil nuts): anti-inflammatory action and acute toxicity evaluation in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Fatty amides (N-alkylamides) are bioactive lipids that are widely distributed in microorganisms, animals, and plants. The low yield in the extraction process of spilantol, a fatty amide, which is mainly related to its diverse biological effects, compromises its application on a large scale. Thus, this study proposes an alternative method to synthesise fatty amides from Bertholletia excelsa (AGBe) oil, with a chemical structure similar to that of spilantol. Carrageenan-induced abdominal oedema in vivo models were used in zebrafish (Danio rerio). In in vivo studies, oral AGBe produced no signs of toxicity. In the histopathological study, AGBe did not cause significant changes in the main metabolising organs (liver, kidneys, and intestines). All doses of AGBe (100 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 750 mg/kg) were effective in reducing oedema by 65%, 69%, and 95%, respectively, producing a dose-response effect compared to the control group, and spilantol-inhibited oedema by 48%. In the in silico study, with the use of molecular docking, it was observed that among the AGBe, the molecules 18:1, ω-7-ethanolamine, and 18:1, ω-9-ethanolamine stood out, with 21 interactions for COX-2 and 20 interactions for PLA₂, respectively, surpassing the spilantol standard with 15 interactions for COX-2 and PLA₂. The anti-inflammatory action hypothesis was confirmed in the in silico study, demonstrating the involvement of AGBe in the process of inhibiting the enzymes COX-2 and PLA₂. Therefore, based on all the results obtained and the fact that until the dose of 1000 mg/kg was administered orally in zebrafish, it was not possible to determine the LD₅₀; it can be said that AGBe is effective and safe for anti-inflammatory activity.

Ameliorative impacts of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract against nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin in mice

Gentamicin is an effective antibiotic that has been used worldwide for many years. While considered an essential medicine by the WHO, gentamicin can also lead to severe kidney damage. This study explored the ameliorative effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract on gentamicin-induced renal injury in mice. Four groups of n = 7 mice were used: (a) control; (b) G. glabra-only; (c) gentamicin-only; and (d) gentamicin plus G. glabra. Kidney samples were tested for: antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione peroxidase [Gpx]); expression of HO-1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 genes; expression of Cox-2 and Bax; cytokine levels (IL-1β, and IL-6); histopathological anomalies; and standard renal functional component levels (creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen). The effects of gentamicin were generally reversed or normalized following treatment with G. glabra root extract. Gentamicin decreased Gpx and SOD parameters and increased IL-1 β and IL-6 levels, but these returned to normal in the G. glabra-treated group. Gentamicin upregulated tissue levels of Cox-2 and Bax, and downregulated HO-1 and Nrf-2 expression but again, and these levels returned to normal in the group treated with G. glabra. Mice that had received gentamicin exhibited acute renal blood vessel congestion, focal interstitial round cell aggregation, and hydropic degeneration of renal tubular epithelium. However, those that had also received G. glabra showed a normal histopathology. Findings from this study indicate that in mouse models, gentamicin-induced kidney damage can be reversed or ameliorated by administering G. glabra, so it can be considered as an effective complimentary therapy.

The Role of Prostaglandins in Different Types of Cancer

The prostaglandins constitute a family of lipids of 20 carbon atoms that derive from polyunsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonic acid. Traditionally, prostaglandins have been linked to inflammation, female reproductive cycle, vasodilation, or bronchodilator/bronchoconstriction. Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of these lipids in cancer. In this review, existing information on the prostaglandins associated with different types of cancer and the advances related to the potential use of them in neoplasm therapies have been analyzed. We can conclude that the effect of prostaglandins depends on multiple factors, such as the target tissue, their plasma concentration, and the prostaglandin subtype, among others. Prostaglandin D2 (PGD₂) seems to hinder tumor progression, while prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF_2α) seem to provide greater tumor progression and aggressiveness. However, more studies are needed to determine the role of prostaglandin I2 (PGI₂) and prostaglandin J2 (PGJ₂) in cancer due to the conflicting data obtained. On the other hand, the use of different NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), especially those selective of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase 2), could have a crucial role in the fight against different neoplasms, either as prophylaxis or as an adjuvant treatment. In addition, multiple targets, related to the action of prostaglandins on the intracellular signaling pathways that are involved in cancer, have been discovered. Thus, in depth research about the prostaglandins involved in different cancer and the different targets modulated by them, as well as their role in the tumor microenvironment and the immune response, is necessary to obtain better therapeutic tools to fight cancer.

Development of Fluorescence Imaging Probes for Labeling COX-1 in Live Ovarian Cancer Cells

Recent experimental evidence demonstrated an aberrant overexpression of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) in various cancers, which has stimulated the development of COX-1-selective inhibitors as promising anticancer drugs and cancer imaging agents. Herein we describe the synthesis and validation of 3-(furan-2-yl)-N-aryl 5-amino-pyrazoles as a novel class of COX-1 inhibitors, including molecular docking studies. Among all tested compounds, 4-(5-azido-3-(furan-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)benzoic 17 displayed a favorable COX-1 inhibition and selectivity profile (COX-1 IC₅₀ = 0.1 μM, SI >1000 over COX-2). Compound 17 was selected as a lead structure for developing the novel COX-1-selective fluorescent probe 22. Fluorescent probe 22 was prepared via click chemistry by installing a nitro-benzoxadiazole motif as a fluorophore into the 3-(furan-2-yl)-N-aryl 5-amino-pyrazole scaffold. Fluorescence probe 22 was tested in ovarian cancer cell line OVCAR-3, confirming its usefulness for targeting and visualizing COX-1 in living cells with confocal microscopy.

Synthesis, Inhibitory Activity, and In Silico Modeling of Selective COX-1 Inhibitors with a Quinazoline Core

Selective cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibition has got into the spotlight with the discovery of COX-1 upregulation in various cancers and the cardioprotective role of COX-1 in control of thrombocyte aggregation. Yet, COX-1-selective inhibitors are poorly explored. Thus, three series of quinazoline derivatives were prepared and tested for their potential inhibitory activity toward COX-1 and COX-2. Of the prepared compounds, 11 exhibited interesting COX-1 selectivity, with 8 compounds being totally COX-1-selective. The IC50 value of the best quinazoline inhibitor was 64 nM. The structural features ensuring COX-1 selectivity were elucidated using in silico modeling.

Copper-catalyzed Goldberg-type C-N coupling in deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and water under aerobic conditions

An efficient and selective N-functionalization of amides is first reported via a CuI-catalyzed Goldberg-type C-N coupling reaction between aryl iodides and primary/secondary amides run either in Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) or water as sustainable reaction media, under mild and bench-type reaction conditions (absence of protecting atmosphere). Higher activities were observed in an aqueous medium, though the employment of DESs expanded and improved the scope of the reaction to include also aliphatic amides. Additional valuable features of the reported protocol include: (i) the possibility to scale up the reaction without any erosion of the yield/reaction time; (ii) the recyclability of both the catalyst and the eutectic solvent up to 4 consecutive runs; and (iii) the feasibility of the proposed catalytic system for the synthesis of biologically active molecules.

Three-dimensional structure of human cyclooxygenase (hCOX)-1

The beneficial effects of Cyclooxygenases (COX) inhibitors on human health have been known for thousands of years. Nevertheless, COXs, particularly COX-1, have been linked to a plethora of human diseases such as cancer, heart failure, neurological and neurodegenerative diseases only recently. COXs catalyze the first step in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins (PGs) and are among the most important mediators of inflammation. All published structural work on COX-1 deals with the ovine isoenzyme, which is easier to produce in milligram-quantities than the human enzyme and crystallizes readily. Here, we report the long-sought structure of the human cyclooxygenase-1 (hCOX-1) that we refined to an R/Rfree of 20.82/26.37, at 3.36 Å resolution. hCOX-1 structure provides a detailed picture of the enzyme active site and the residues crucial for inhibitor/substrate binding and catalytic activity. We compared hCOX-1 crystal structure with the ovine COX-1 and human COX-2 structures by using metrics based on Cartesian coordinates, backbone dihedral angles, and solvent accessibility coupled with multivariate methods. Differences and similarities among structures are discussed, with emphasis on the motifs responsible for the diversification of the various enzymes (primary structure, stability, catalytic activity, and specificity). The structure of hCOX-1 represents an essential step towards the development of new and more selective COX-1 inhibitors of enhanced therapeutic potential.

Design and Application of Receptor-Targeted Fluorescent Probes Based on Small Molecular Fluorescent Dyes

In recent years, a variety of receptor-targeted fluorescent probes have been developed and widely used to realize the visualization of certain receptors, which facilitates the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In this Review, we focus on the recent achievements in design, chemical structure, imaging characterization, and potential applications of receptor-targeted fluorescent probes from the past 10 years. The development and application of receptor-targeted fluorescent probes will expand our knowledge of the distribution and function of disease-related receptors, shed light on the drug discovery for clinical diseases where receptors are implicated, and feed into the diagnosis and treatment of a plethora of diseases, including tumors.

Translational Theragnosis of Ovarian Cancer: where do we stand?

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic malignancy, accounting for approximately 220,000 deaths annually worldwide. Despite radical surgery and initial high response rates to platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy, most patients experience a relapse, with a median progression-free survival of only 18 months. Overall survival is approximately 30% at 5 years from the diagnosis. In comparison, patients out from breast cancer are more than 80 % after ten years from the disease discovery. In spite of a large number of published fundamental and applied research, and clinical trials, novel therapies are urgently needed to improve outcomes of the ovarian cancer. The success of new drugs development in ovarian cancer will strongly depend on both fully genomic disease characterization and, then, availability of biomarkers able to identify women likely to benefit from a given new therapy.

METHODS

In this review, the focus is given to describe how complex is the diseases under the simple name of ovarian cancer, in terms of cell tumor types, histotypes, subtypes, and specific gene mutation or differently expressed in the tumor with respect the healthy ovary. The first- and second-line pharmacological treatment clinically used over the last fifty years are also described. Noteworthy achievements in vitro and in vivo tested new drugs are also summarized. Recent literature related to up to date ovarian cancer knowledge, its detection by biomarkers and chemotherapy was searched from several articles on Pubmed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE and various Governmental Agencies till April 2019.

RESULTS

The papers referenced by this review allow a deep analysis of status of the art in the classification of the several types of ovarian cancer, the present knowledge of diagnosis based on biomarkers and imaging techniques, and the therapies developed over the past five decades.

CONCLUSION

This review aims at stimulating more multi-disciplinary efforts to identify a panel of novel and more specific biomarkers to be used to screen patients for a very early diagnosis, to have prognosis and therapy efficacy indications. The desired final goal would be to have available tools allowing to reduce the recurrence rate, increase both the disease progression free interval and of course the overall survival at five years from the diagnosis that today is still very low.

Clostridium butyricum MIYAIRI 588-Induced Protectin D1 Has an Anti-inflammatory Effect on Antibiotic-Induced Intestinal Disorder

Metabolites are thought as the end products in cellular regulatory processes and their levels show the strongest relationships with the phenotype. Previously, we showed that the administration of Clostridium butyricum MIYAIRI 588 (CBM 588) upregulated protectin D1, an anti-inflammatory lipid metabolite, in colon tissue under antibiotic therapy. However, how CBM 588 induces protectin D1 expression and whether the metabolite has anti-inflammatory effects on antibiotic-induced inflammation are unclear. Therefore, here, we evaluated the effect of CBM 588 on lipid metabolism and protectin D1 in gut protection from antibiotic-induced intestinal disorders. In the CBM 588 treatment group, expression levels of genes encoding lipid receptors related to the conversion of DHA to protectin D1, such as polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) receptors, G-protein coupled receptor 120 (GPR120), and 15-lipoxygenase (LOX), were increased in colon tissue. CD4⁺ cells producing interleukin (IL)-4, the main component of T helper type 2 (Th2) cells that can activate 15-LOX, also increased in CBM 588-treated groups even after clindamycin co-administration. In addition, similar to CBM 588, exogenously administered protectin D1 reduced inflammatory cytokines, while IL-10 and TGF-β1, works as anti-inflammatory cytokines, were increased. Our data revealed that CBM 588 activated 15-LOX to enhance protectin D1 production by increasing IL-4-producing CD4⁺ cell population in the intestinal tract. Additionally, CBM 588-induced protectin D1 clearly upregulated IL-10-producing CD4⁺ cells to control antibiotic-induced gut inflammation. We provide new insights into CBM 588-mediated lipid metabolism induction for the treatment of gut inflammatory diseases.

An attempt to chemically state the cross-talk between monomers of COX homodimers by double/hybrid inhibitors mofezolac-spacer-mofezolac and mofezolac-spacer-arachidonic acid

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for over 17 million death globally each year, including arterial thrombosis. Platelets are key components in the pathogenesis of this disease and modulating their activity is an effective strategy to treat such thrombotic events. Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) isoenzyme is involved in platelet activation and is the main target of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and new selective inhibitor research. Inhibitors of general formula mofezolac-spacer-mofezolac (mof-spacer-mof) and mofezolac-spacer-arachidonic acid (mof-spacer-AA) were projected to investigate the possible cross-talk between the two monomers (E_allo and E_cat) forming the COX-1 homodimer. Mofezolac was chosen as either one or two moieties of these molecules being the known most potent and selective COX-1 inhibitor and administrated to humans as Disopain™, then arachidonic acid (AA) was used to develop molecules bearing, in the same compound, in addition to the inhibitor moiety (mofezolac) also the natural COX substrate. Depending on the nature of the spacer, COX-1 and COX-2 activity was differently inhibited by mof-spacer-mof set with a preferential COX-1 inhibition. The highest COX-1 selectivity was exhibited by the compound in which the spacer was the benzidine [N,N'-(biphenyl-4,4'-di-yl)bis (2-[3,4-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)isoxazol-5-yl]acetamide) (15): COX-1 IC₅₀ = 0.08 μM, COX-2 IC₅₀ > 50 μM, Selectivity Index (SI) > 625]. In the case of mof-spacer-AA set, the COX inhibitory potency and also the isoform preference changed. (5Z, 8Z, 11Z, 14Z)-N-(4-{2-[3,4-Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)isoxazol-5-yl]acetamido}butyl)icosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenamide (19) and (5Z, 8Z, 11Z, 14Z)-N-(4'-{2-[3,4-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)isoxazol-5-yl]acetamido}-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)icosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenamide (21), in which the spacer is the 1,2-diaminobutane or benzidine, respectively, selectively inhibited the COX-2, whereas when the spacer is the 1,4-phenylendiamine [(5Z, 8Z, 11Z, 14Z)-N-(4-{2-[3,4-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)isoxazol-5-yl]acetamido}phenyl)icosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenamide) (20) the COX preference is COX-1 (COX-1 IC₅₀ = 0.05 μM, COX-2 IC₅₀ > 50 μM, with a COX-1 selectivity > 1000). Molecular modelling by using FLAP algorithm shows fundamental interactions of the novel compounds at the entry channel of COX and inside its catalytic cavity. The effect of these mof-spacer-mof and mof-spacer-AA in inhibiting in vitro free arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation was also determined. A positive profile of hemocompatibility in relation to their influence on the blood coagulation cascade and erythrocyte toxicity was observed. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity safety were also found for these two novel sets of compounds.

Novel 1,2,4-Oxadiazole Derivatives in Drug Discovery

Five-membered 1,2,4-oxadiazole heterocyclic ring has received considerable attentionbecause of its unique bioisosteric properties and an unusually wide spectrum of biological activities.Thus, it is a perfect framework for the novel drug development. After a century since the1,2,4-oxadiazole have been discovered, the uncommon potential attracted medicinal chemists'attention, leading to the discovery of a few presently accessible drugs containing 1,2,4-oxadiazoleunit. It is worth noting that the interest in a 1,2,4-oxadiazoles' biological application has been doubledin the last fifteen years. Herein, after a concise historical introduction, we present a comprehensiveoverview of the recent achievements in the synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazole-based compounds and themajor advances in their biological applications in the period of the last five years as well as briefremarks on prospects for further development.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Utilization Patterns and Risk of Adverse Events due to Drug-Drug Interactions among Elderly Patients: A Study from Jordan

Background

Worldwide, the prescribing pattern of the Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) has increased. They are considered highly effective medications in controlling various conditions including inflammatory diseases. They are associated with various adverse effects including gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcer and renal toxicity though. These adverse effects are generally potentiated when NSAIDs are co-prescribed with other drugs that share similar adverse effects and toxicities. Developing severe side effects from NSAIDs is more prone among elderly patients. Hence, it is crucial to evaluate prescribing pattern of these agents to prevent/decrease the number of unwanted side effects caused by NSAIDs.

Aim

The aim of this study is to assess the prescribing pattern of NSAIDs among elderly and the co-prescribing of NSAIDs and different interacting drugs, which could lead to more incidences of NSAIDs-induced toxicities among Jordanian elderly patients.

Settings and Methodology

A multicenter retrospective study was performed during a three months period in Jordan. The study involves a total number of (n = 5916) elderly patient’s records obtained from Four governmental hospitals in Jordan.

Results

A total number of (n = 20450) drugs were prescribed and dispensed for patient. NSAIDs drugs prescribing percentage was 10.3% of total medications number. Aspirin was the most commonly prescribed NSAIDs among patients (70.4%), followed by Diclofenac sodium in all dosage forms (25.1%) and oral Ibuprofen (3.1%. In addition, Aspirin was the highest NSAIDs co-prescribed with ACEI (e.g., Enalapril), ARBs (e.g. Candesartan and Losartan), Diuretics (Furosemide, Indapamide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Amiloride, and Spironolactone), Warfarin and antiplatelets (Clopidogreal and Ticagrelor) followed by Diclofenac and other NSAIDs.

Conclusion

NSAIDs prescribing rate among elderly patients was high. Additionally the co-prescribing of NSAIDs especially Aspirin with other agents, which contributes to NSAIDs nephrotoxicity and gastrointestinal toxicity, were high. Strict measurements and action plans should be taken by prescribers to optimize the medical treatment in elderly through maximizing the benefits and decreasing the unwanted side effects.

Study of the Inhibitory Effects of Enteral Nutrition Formula on Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Lesions in Mice

We investigated the effects of enteral nutrition formula on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastric lesions in mice. Male ICR mice aged 7–9 weeks old were fasted, then orally given either purified water, Mermed^® One, or 2-fold diluted Terumeal^® 2.0α as enteral nutrition (25 or 50 mL/kg each). Indomethacin (IND) was orally administered at 20 mg/kg after 30 min, and the stomach was removed 6 h later and fixed in formalin. The number and area of lesions in the stomachs of the mice given enteral nutrition showed a significant, dose-dependent decrease compared to the purified water-treated group, and no significant difference was seen between the two enteral nutrition-treated groups. Comparable time courses of plasma IND concentrations suggest that enteral nutrition does not inhibit gastrointestinal absorption of IND. Our findings indicate that administering enteral nutrition could inhibit the onset of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers.

Preoperative stimulation of resolution and inflammation blockade eradicates micrometastases

Cancer therapy is a double-edged sword, as surgery and chemotherapy can induce an inflammatory/immunosuppressive injury response that promotes dormancy escape and tumor recurrence. We hypothesized that these events could be altered by early blockade of the inflammatory cascade and/or by accelerating the resolution of inflammation. Preoperative, but not postoperative, administration of the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug ketorolac and/or resolvins, a family of specialized proresolving autacoid mediators, eliminated micrometastases in multiple tumor-resection models, resulting in long-term survival. Ketorolac unleashed anticancer T cell immunity that was augmented by immune checkpoint blockade, negated by adjuvant chemotherapy, and dependent on inhibition of the COX-1/thromboxane A2 (TXA2) pathway. Preoperative stimulation of inflammation resolution via resolvins (RvD2, RvD3, and RvD4) inhibited metastases and induced T cell responses. Ketorolac and resolvins exhibited synergistic antitumor activity and prevented surgery- or chemotherapy-induced dormancy escape. Thus, simultaneously blocking the ensuing proinflammatory response and activating endogenous resolution programs before surgery may eliminate micrometastases and reduce tumor recurrence.

Targeting COX-1 by mofezolac-based fluorescent probes for ovarian cancer detection

Biomarkers of specific targets are becoming an essential objective for clinical unmet clinical needs to improve diseases early detection and increase patient overall survival. Ovarian cancer is among the highest mortality gynecological cancers. It is asymptomatic and almost always diagnosed at advanced stage. At five years from the first diagnosis the survival rate of ovarian cancer patients is only 30%. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 as opposed to COX-2 is known to be overexpressed in ovarian cancer. Therefore, fluorescent probes targeting COX-1 were designed and prepared in fair to good yields for its quantitatively detection in human ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR-3 and SKOV-3). In particular, both cytofluorimetric and immunofluorescent experiments showed that N-[4-(9-dimethylimino-9H-benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-ylamino)butyl]-2-(3,4-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)isoxazol-5-yl)acetamide chloride (11) enters into OVCAR-3 cells and is mainly localized on the membrane containing the COX-1. Membrane fluorescence emission represents about 80% of the total fluorescence measured in the whole cell, while the non-specific labeling represents only 20%. This result indicates that the intensity of fluorescence emission is almost exclusively attributable to 11 bound to COX-1 located on the membrane. Furthermore, no diffusion inside the cell occurs. IC₅₀hCOX-1 value of 11 determined by measuring the O₂ consumption during the bis-oxygenation of the arachidonic acid catalysed by COX-1 was found to be equal to 1.8 nM. Furthermore, 11 inhibits oCOX-1 with IC₅₀ = 6.85 nM and mCOX-2 with IC₅₀ = 269.5 nM; the corresponding selectivity index SI is equal to 39.3 against oCOX-1. 11 inhibits oCOX-1 at 0 min of incubation with 91% inhibition, whereas in the same time it does not inhibit mCOX-2. Fingerprints for Ligands and Proteins (FLAP) software calculations were performed to justify 11 higher COX-1 inhibitory potency than mofezolac (COX-1 IC₅₀ = 5.1 nM), which in turn is a moiety of 11. Specifically, the two compounds bind differently in the COX-1 active site.

Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the fifth most common cause of cancer mortality among women. At present, EOC is treated with one or in a combination of treatments, commonly debulking surgery, combining a platinum-based and a taxane-based therapy; however, the patients have a risk of injury to the bowel, bladder, ureter, and vessels during surgery and many of them suffer from severe adverse effects caused by chemotherapy. Pharmaceutical inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) might be an important therapeutic tool in cancer treatment, as COX contributes to cancer progression by upregulating the levels of downstream metabolites. In this review article, we have discussed the role of COX in cancer progression and the therapeutic use of COX inhibitors in the treatment of EOC with subsequent clinical studies and future management. Usually, gonadotropins can promote prostaglandin E2 production in EOC cells via COX-1 and -2 upregulations through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Several reports have shown that treatment of EOC cells with COX-1- and COX-2-specific inhibitors exhibits a therapeutic effect on EOC both in vitro and in vivo. However, more clinical investigations are needed to develop therapeutic COX inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of EOC without adverse effects.

A case of acute kidney injury secondary to black cherry concentrate in a patient with chronic kidney disease secondary to type 2 diabetes mellitus

There are many herbal products which are accessible to patients, and they may provide with many health benefits. Nevertheless, some of these supplements can lead to significant morbidity as they can also have important side effects and impact patient's organ systems. In this case report, we present a patient with chronic kidney disease secondary to type II diabetes mellitus who develops acute kidney injury and metabolic disturbances secondary to consuming black cherry concentrate as a mean to self-manage his gout flare. The most likely mechanism of injury was cyclooxygenase inhibition by anthocyanins, molecular compounds found in cherries that have a similar mechanism of action to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Patient's kidney injury and metabolic disturbances improved after the discontinuation of black cherry concentrate. This is the second case report that presents a correlation between consumption of cherry concentrate in a patient with chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury.

Substituent-oriented C–N bond formation via N–H insertion or Wolff rearrangement of 5-aryl-1H-pyrazoles and diazo compounds

Substituent-oriented C–N bond formation of 5-aryl-1H-pyrazoles with diazo compounds.

A Network Pharmacology-Based Analysis of Multi-Target, Multi-Pathway, Multi-Compound Treatment for Ovarian Serous Cystadenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Pharmacological control against ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma has received increasing attention. The purpose of this study was to investigate multi-drug treatments as synergetic therapy for ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma and to explore their mechanisms of action by the network pharmacology method.

METHODS

Genes acting on ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma were first collected from GEPIA and DisGeNET. Gene Ontology annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway, Reactome pathway, and Disease Ontology analyses were then conducted. A connectivity map analysis was employed to identify compounds as treatment options for ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma. Targets of these compounds were obtained from the Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals (STITCH). The intersections between the ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma-related genes and the compound targets were identified. Finally, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Reactome pathways in which the overlapped genes participated were selected, and a correspondence compound-target pathway network was constructed.

RESULTS

A total of 541 ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma-related genes were identified. The functional enrichment and pathway analyses indicated that these genes were associated with critical tumor-related pathways. Based on the connectivity map analysis, five compounds (resveratrol, MG-132, puromycin, 15-delta prostaglandin J2, and valproic acid) were determined as treatment agents for ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma. Next, 48 targets of the five compounds were collected. Following mapping of the 48 targets to the 541 ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma-related genes, we identified six targets (PTGS1, FOS, HMOX1, CASP9, PPARG, and ABCB1) as therapeutic targets for ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma by the five compounds. By analysis of the compound-target pathway network, we found the synergistic anti-ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma potential and the underlying mechanisms of action of the five compounds.

CONCLUSION

In summary, latent drugs against ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma were acquired and their target actions and pathways were determined by the network pharmacology strategy, which provides a new prospect for medicamentous therapy for ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma. However, further in-depth studies are indispensable to increase the validity of this study.

Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-1 Inhibitors in Cancer: A Review of Oncology and Medicinal Chemistry Literature

Prostaglandins and thromboxane are lipid signaling molecules deriving from arachidonic acid by the action of the cyclooxygenase isoenzymes COX-1 and COX-2. The role of cyclooxygenases (particularly COX-2) and prostaglandins (particularly PGE₂) in cancer-related inflammation has been extensively investigated. In contrast, COX-1 has received less attention, although its expression increases in several human cancers and a pathogenetic role emerges from experimental models. COX-1 and COX-2 isoforms seem to operate in a coordinate manner in cancer pathophysiology, especially in the tumorigenesis process. However, in some cases, exemplified by the serous ovarian carcinoma, COX-1 plays a pivotal role, suggesting that other histopathological and molecular subtypes of cancer disease could share this feature. Importantly, the analysis of functional implications of COX-1-signaling, as well as of pharmacological action of COX-1-selective inhibitors, should not be restricted to the COX pathway and to the effects of prostaglandins already known for their ability of affecting the tumor phenotype. A knowledge-based choice of the most appropriate tumor cell models, and a major effort in investigating the COX-1 issue in the more general context of arachidonic acid metabolic network by using the systems biology approaches, should be strongly encouraged.

SAR and QSAR models of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibitors

Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) is one isoform of COX, and it is a main target of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is important to develop efficient and selective COX-1 inhibitors. In this work, 12 classification models for 1530 cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibitors were built by support vector machine (SVM), decision tree (DT) and random forest (RF) methods. The best classification model (model 1A) was built by SVM with MACCS fingerprints. The classification accuracies for the training and test sets were 99.67% and 97.39%, respectively. The Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of the test set was 0.94. We also divided the 1530 COX-1 inhibitors into nine subsets according to their different scaffolds using Kohonen's self-organizing map (SOM). In addition, six quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for 181 COX-1 inhibitors whose IC₅₀ were measured by enzyme immunoassay were built by multiple linear regression (MLR) and SVM. The best QSAR model (model 5A) was built by SVM with CORINA Symphony descriptors. The correlation coefficients of the training and test sets are 0.93 and 0.84, respectively. The models built in this study can be obtained from the authors.

Structural basis for selective inhibition of Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) by diarylisoxazoles mofezolac and 3-(5-chlorofuran-2-yl)-5-methyl-4-phenylisoxazole (P6)

The diarylisoxazole molecular scaffold is found in several NSAIDs, especially those with high selectivity for COX-1. Here, we have determined the structural basis for COX-1 binding to two diarylisoxazoles: mofezolac, which is polar and ionizable, and 3-(5-chlorofuran-2-yl)-5-methyl-4-phenylisoxazole (P6) that has very low polarity. X-ray analysis of the crystal structures of COX-1 bound to mofezolac and 3-(5-chlorofuran-2-yl)-5-methyl-4-phenylisoxazole allowed the identification of specific binding determinants within the enzyme active site, relevant to generate structure/activity relationships for diarylisoxazole NSAIDs.

Intracoronary Imaging, Cholesterol Efflux, and Transcriptomics after Intensive Statin Treatment in Diabetes

Residual atherothrombotic risk remains higher in patients with versus without diabetes mellitus (DM) despite statin therapy. The underlying mechanisms are unclear. This is a retrospective post-hoc analysis of the YELLOW II trial, comparing patients with and without DM (non-DM) who received rosuvastatin 40 mg for 8–12 weeks and underwent intracoronary multimodality imaging of an obstructive nonculprit lesion, before and after therapy. In addition, blood samples were drawn to assess cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) and changes in gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). There was a significant reduction in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), an increase in CEC and beneficial changes in plaque morphology including increase in fibrous cap thickness and decrease in the prevalence of thin cap fibro-atheroma by optical coherence tomography in DM and non-DM patients. While differential gene expression analysis did not demonstrate differences in PBMC transcriptome between the two groups on the single-gene level, weighted gene coexpression network analysis revealed two modules of coexpressed genes associated with DM, Collagen Module and Platelet Module, related to collagen catabolism and platelet function respectively. Bayesian network analysis revealed key driver genes within these modules. These transcriptomic findings might provide potential mechanisms responsible for the higher cardiovascular risk in DM patients.

Highly Selective Cyclooxygenase-1 Inhibitors P6 and Mofezolac Counteract Inflammatory State both In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Neuroinflammation

Activated microglia secrete an array of pro-inflammatory factors, such as prostaglandins, whose accumulation contributes to neuronal damages. Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthases or cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), which play a critical role in the inflammation, are the pharmacological targets of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, used to treat pain and inflammation. Since it was reported that COX-1 is the major player in mediating the brain inflammatory response, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of highly selective COX-1 inhibitors, such as P6 and mofezolac, in neuroinflammation models. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated mouse BV-2 microglial cells and LPS intracerebroventricular-injected mice as in vitro and in vivo neuroinflammation models, respectively, were used to probe the antiinflammatory efficacy of P6 and mofezolac. Both P6 and mofezolac reduce COX-1 expression in LPS-activated BV-2 cells. This reduction was accompanied with PGE₂ release reduction and NF-kB activation downregulation. Coextensively, in the in vivo model, both glial fibrillary acidic protein and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 expression, two markers of inflammation, were reduced by mofezolac to a rank depending on the encephalon area analyzed. The increase of COX-1 expression observed in all the brain sections of LPS-treated mice was selectively downregulated by the in vivo treatment with mofezolac as well as PGE₂ release and Ikβα phosphorylation amount assayed in the brain areas tested. These results indicate the capability of P6 and mofezolac to modulate the NF-kB signaling pathway, emphasizing the neuroprotective effect and therapeutic potential of COX-1 inhibitors in the control of neuroinflammatory diseases.