1
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Kumar A, Dutt M, Dehury B, Sganzerla Martinez G, Swan CL, Kelvin AA, Richardson CD, Kelvin DJ. Inhibition potential of natural flavonoids against selected omicron (B.1.19) mutations in the spike receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2: a molecular modeling approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2025; 43:1068-1082. [PMID: 38115191 PMCID: PMC11716671 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2291165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The omicron (B.1.19) variant of contagious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is considered a variant of concern (VOC) due to its increased transmissibility and highly infectious nature. The spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) is a hotspot of mutations and is regarded as a prominent target for screening drug candidates owing to its crucial role in viral entry and immune evasion. To date, no effective therapy or antivirals have been reported; therefore, there is an urgent need for rapid screening of antivirals. An extensive molecular modelling study has been performed with the primary goal to assess the inhibition potential of natural flavonoids as inhibitors against RBD from a manually curated library. Out of 40 natural flavonoids, five natural flavonoids, namely tomentin A (-8.7 kcal/mol), tomentin C (-8.6 kcal/mol), hyperoside (-8.4 kcal/mol), catechin gallate (-8.3 kcal/mol), and corylifol A (-8.2 kcal/mol), have been considered as the top-ranked compounds based on their binding affinity and molecular interaction profiling. The state-of-the-art molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of these top-ranked compounds in complex with RBD exhibited stable dynamics and structural compactness patterns on 200 nanoseconds. Additionally, complexes of these molecules demonstrated favorable free binding energies and affirmed the docking and simulation results. Moreover, the post-simulation validation of these interacted flavonoids using principal component analysis (PCA) revealed stable interaction patterns with RBD. The integrated results suggest that tomentin A, tomentin C, hyperoside, catechin gallate, and corylifol A might be effective against the emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 and should be further evaluated using in-vitro and in-vivo experiments.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuj Kumar
- Laboratory of Immunity, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, IWK Health Center, Canadian Centre for Vaccinology (CCfV), Halifax, Canada
| | - Mansi Dutt
- Laboratory of Immunity, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, IWK Health Center, Canadian Centre for Vaccinology (CCfV), Halifax, Canada
| | - Budheswar Dehury
- Bioinformatics Division, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Gustavo Sganzerla Martinez
- Laboratory of Immunity, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, IWK Health Center, Canadian Centre for Vaccinology (CCfV), Halifax, Canada
| | - Cynthia L. Swan
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Alyson A. Kelvin
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Christopher D. Richardson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, IWK Health Center, Canadian Centre for Vaccinology (CCfV), Halifax, Canada
| | - David J. Kelvin
- Laboratory of Immunity, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, IWK Health Center, Canadian Centre for Vaccinology (CCfV), Halifax, Canada
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2
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Huang J, Jin Y, Wu R, Xie H, Yang M, Jia J, Wang G. Identification of apigenin as a multi-target inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2 by computational exploration. FASEB J 2024; 38:e70276. [PMID: 39718442 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202401972rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2024] [Revised: 12/09/2024] [Accepted: 12/17/2024] [Indexed: 12/25/2024]
Abstract
Multi-target strategy can serve as a valid treatment for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but existing drugs most focus on a single target. Thus, multi-target drugs that bind multiple sites simultaneously need to be urgently studied. Apigenin has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we comprehensively explored the potential effect and mechanism of apigenin in SARS-CoV-2 treatment by a network algorithm, deep learning, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and normal mode analysis (NMA). KATZ-based VDA prediction method (VDA-KATZ) indicated that apigenin may provide a latent drug therapy for SARS-CoV-2. Prediction of DTA using convolution model with self-attention (CSatDTA) showed potential binding affinity of apigenin with multiple targets of virus entry, assembly, and cytokine storms including cathepsin L (CTSL), membrane (M), envelope (E), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1). Molecular docking indicated that apigenin could effectively bind these targets, and its stability was confirmed using MD simulation and NMA. Overall, apigenin is a multi-target inhibitor for the entry, assembly, and cytokine storms of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Computational Mathematics, School of Mathematics, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yixuan Jin
- Department of Computational Mathematics, School of Mathematics, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Runze Wu
- Department of Probability Statistics and Data Science, School of Mathematics, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hanxi Xie
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Yang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiwei Jia
- Department of Computational Mathematics, School of Mathematics, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin National Applied Mathematical Center, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guoqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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3
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Motyl JA, Gromadzka G, Czapski GA, Adamczyk A. SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Alpha-Synucleinopathies: Potential Links and Underlying Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:12079. [PMID: 39596147 PMCID: PMC11593367 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252212079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2024] [Revised: 10/30/2024] [Accepted: 11/08/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is a 140-amino-acid, intrinsically disordered, soluble protein that is abundantly present in the brain. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular structures and organelle functions, particularly in supporting synaptic plasticity and regulating neurotransmitter turnover. However, for reasons not yet fully understood, α-syn can lose its physiological role and begin to aggregate. This altered α-syn disrupts dopaminergic transmission and causes both presynaptic and postsynaptic dysfunction, ultimately leading to cell death. A group of neurodegenerative diseases known as α-synucleinopathies is characterized by the intracellular accumulation of α-syn deposits in specific neuronal and glial cells within certain brain regions. In addition to Parkinson's disease (PD), these conditions include dementia with Lewy bodies (DLBs), multiple system atrophy (MSA), pure autonomic failure (PAF), and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). Given that these disorders are associated with α-syn-related neuroinflammation-and considering that SARS-CoV-2 infection has been shown to affect the nervous system, with COVID-19 patients experiencing neurological symptoms-it has been proposed that COVID-19 may contribute to neurodegeneration in PD and other α-synucleinopathies by promoting α-syn misfolding and aggregation. In this review, we focus on whether SARS-CoV-2 could act as an environmental trigger that facilitates the onset or progression of α-synucleinopathies. Specifically, we present new evidence on the potential role of SARS-CoV-2 in modulating α-syn function and discuss the causal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of parkinsonism-like symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Agata Motyl
- Department of Hybrid Microbiosystems Engineering, Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Ks. Trojdena 4 St., 02-109 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Grażyna Gromadzka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Arkadiusz Czapski
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Agata Adamczyk
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
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de Souza Goncalves B, Sangani D, Nayyar A, Puri R, Irtiza M, Nayyar A, Khalyfa A, Sodhi K, Pillai SS. COVID-19-Associated Sepsis: Potential Role of Phytochemicals as Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8481. [PMID: 39126050 PMCID: PMC11312872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The acute manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exhibit the hallmarks of sepsis-associated complications that reflect multiple organ failure. The inflammatory cytokine storm accompanied by an imbalance in the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory host response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection leads to severe and critical septic shock. The sepsis signature in severely afflicted COVID-19 patients includes cellular reprogramming and organ dysfunction that leads to high mortality rates, emphasizing the importance of improved clinical care and advanced therapeutic interventions for sepsis associated with COVID-19. Phytochemicals of functional foods and nutraceutical importance have an incredible impact on the healthcare system, which includes the prevention and/or treatment of chronic diseases. Hence, in the present review, we aim to explore the pathogenesis of sepsis associated with COVID-19 that disrupts the physiological homeostasis of the body, resulting in severe organ damage. Furthermore, we have summarized the diverse pharmacological properties of some potent phytochemicals, which can be used as functional foods as well as nutraceuticals against sepsis-associated complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The phytochemicals explored in this article include quercetin, curcumin, luteolin, apigenin, resveratrol, and naringenin, which are the major phytoconstituents of our daily food intake. We have compiled the findings from various studies, including clinical trials in humans, to explore more into the therapeutic potential of each phytochemical against sepsis and COVID-19, which highlights their possible importance in sepsis-associated COVID-19 pathogenesis. We conclude that our review will open a new research avenue for exploring phytochemical-derived therapeutic agents for preventing or treating the life-threatening complications of sepsis associated with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno de Souza Goncalves
- Department of Surgery, Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (B.d.S.G.); (D.S.); (R.P.); (M.I.); (A.N.); (A.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Darshan Sangani
- Department of Surgery, Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (B.d.S.G.); (D.S.); (R.P.); (M.I.); (A.N.); (A.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Aleen Nayyar
- Department of Medicine, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore 55150, Pakistan;
| | - Raghav Puri
- Department of Surgery, Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (B.d.S.G.); (D.S.); (R.P.); (M.I.); (A.N.); (A.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Mahir Irtiza
- Department of Surgery, Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (B.d.S.G.); (D.S.); (R.P.); (M.I.); (A.N.); (A.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Asma Nayyar
- Department of Surgery, Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (B.d.S.G.); (D.S.); (R.P.); (M.I.); (A.N.); (A.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Abdelnaby Khalyfa
- Department of Surgery, Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (B.d.S.G.); (D.S.); (R.P.); (M.I.); (A.N.); (A.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Komal Sodhi
- Department of Surgery, Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (B.d.S.G.); (D.S.); (R.P.); (M.I.); (A.N.); (A.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Sneha S. Pillai
- Department of Surgery, Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (B.d.S.G.); (D.S.); (R.P.); (M.I.); (A.N.); (A.K.); (K.S.)
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5
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Mandalari G, Pennisi R, Gervasi T, Sciortino MT. Pistacia vera L. as natural source against antimicrobial and antiviral resistance. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1396514. [PMID: 39011148 PMCID: PMC11246903 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1396514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased global research is focused on the development of novel therapeutics to combat antimicrobial and antiviral resistance. Pistachio nuts represent a good source of protein, fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals (carotenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids and anthocyanins). The phytochemicals found in pistachios are structurally diverse compounds with antimicrobial and antiviral potential, demonstrated as individual compounds, extracts and complexed into nanoparticles. Synergistic effects have also been reported in combination with existing drugs. Here we report an overview of the antimicrobial and antiviral potential of pistachio nuts: studies show that Gram-positive bacterial strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus, are the most susceptible amongst bacteria, whereas antiviral effect has been reported against herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). Amongst the known pistachio compounds, zeaxanthin has been shown to affect both HSV-1 attachment penetration of human cells and viral DNA synthesis. These data suggest that pistachio extracts and derivatives could be used for the topical treatment of S. aureus skin infections and ocular herpes infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Mandalari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Pennisi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Teresa Gervasi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Sciortino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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6
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Yang M, Lin L, Flaumenhaft R. Protocol to identify flavonoid antagonists of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:102990. [PMID: 38583157 PMCID: PMC11002865 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.102990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Flavonoids are naturally occurring metabolites of plants that can inhibit the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (Mpro), which is required for viral replication. Here, we present a protocol to identify flavonoid antagonists of the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. We describe steps for the expression and purification of Mpro and a kinetic enzymatic assay for Mpro activity using a dequenching fluorescence resonance energy transfer peptide substrate. We then detail procedures for using this enzymatic assay to test flavonoid antagonism and reversible inhibition. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Lin et al.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moua Yang
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Lin Lin
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhuo Institute of Oceanography, Fuzhuo, China
| | - Robert Flaumenhaft
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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7
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Singh P, Yadav S, Mahor AK, Singh PP, Bansal KK. Depiction of new flavonoids from Nyctanthus arbor-tristis, their antimicrobial activity and drug-likeness prediction. Nat Prod Res 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38712534 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2345757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants, such as alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids, possess significant medicinal properties. These compounds have a broad and versatile impact on human nutrition and physiology, contributing to the treatment and management of various diseases. The isolation, structure elucidation and inhibition studies of two novel flavonoids against specific microorganisms, from the leaves of Nyctanthus arbor-tristis are reported in this study. It has been observed for the first time that the presence of an acyl aliphatic moiety, along with the O- glycoside unit at C-7, and the hydroxyl group at C-5, C-4' position in apigenin significantly enhanced antimicrobial activity. Moreover, bioactivity was also investigated through 'Molinspiration' on various parameters followed by the 'rule of five'. This study can be used to highlight the need for the potential development of natural therapeutic products with fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Singh
- Department of Physical Science, Rabindra Nath Tagore University, Bhopal, India
| | - Surabhi Yadav
- Natural Product Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Bipin Bihari Degree College, Natural Product Laboratory, Jhansi, India
| | | | | | - Kuldeep K Bansal
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Abo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
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8
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Hsieh YH, Hsu PH, Hu A, Cheng YJ, Shih TL, Chen JJ. Synthesis of Flavonols and Assessment of Their Biological Activity as Anticancer Agents. Molecules 2024; 29:2041. [PMID: 38731532 PMCID: PMC11085485 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29092041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
A series of flavanols were synthesized to assess their biological activity against human non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549). Among the sixteen synthesized compounds, it was observed that compounds 6k (3.14 ± 0.29 µM) and 6l (0.46 ± 0.02 µM) exhibited higher potency compared to 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu, 4.98 ± 0.41 µM), a clinical anticancer drug which was used as a positive control. Moreover, compound 6l (4'-bromoflavonol) markedly induced apoptosis of A549 cells through the mitochondrial- and caspase-3-dependent pathways. Consequently, compound 6l might be developed as a candidate for treating or preventing lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hui Hsieh
- Biomedical Industry Ph.D. Program, School of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan;
| | - Pei-Hsuan Hsu
- Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, New Taipei City 251301, Taiwan; (P.-H.H.); (Y.-J.C.)
| | - Anren Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970374, Taiwan;
| | - Yang-Je Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, New Taipei City 251301, Taiwan; (P.-H.H.); (Y.-J.C.)
| | - Tzenge-Lien Shih
- Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, New Taipei City 251301, Taiwan; (P.-H.H.); (Y.-J.C.)
| | - Jih-Jung Chen
- Biomedical Industry Ph.D. Program, School of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan;
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
- Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
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9
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Jalali E, Wang F, Overbay BR, Miller MD, Shaaban KA, Ponomareva LV, Ye Q, Saghaeiannejad-Esfahani H, Bhardwaj M, Steele AD, Teijaro CN, Shen B, Van Lanen SG, She QB, Voss SR, Phillips GN, Thorson JS. Biochemical and Structural Studies of the Carminomycin 4- O-Methyltransferase DnrK. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:798-809. [PMID: 38412432 PMCID: PMC11623920 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Structural and functional studies of the carminomycin 4-O-methyltransferase DnrK are described, with an emphasis on interrogating the acceptor substrate scope of DnrK. Specifically, the evaluation of 100 structurally and functionally diverse natural products and natural product mimetics revealed an array of pharmacophores as productive DnrK substrates. Representative newly identified DnrK substrates from this study included anthracyclines, angucyclines, anthraquinone-fused enediynes, flavonoids, pyranonaphthoquinones, and polyketides. The ligand-bound structure of DnrK bound to a non-native fluorescent hydroxycoumarin acceptor, 4-methylumbelliferone, along with corresponding DnrK kinetic parameters for 4-methylumbelliferone and native acceptor carminomycin are also reported for the first time. The demonstrated unique permissivity of DnrK highlights the potential for DnrK as a new tool in future biocatalytic and/or strain engineering applications. In addition, the comparative bioactivity assessment (cancer cell line cytotoxicity, 4E-BP1 phosphorylation, and axolotl embryo tail regeneration) of a select set of DnrK substrates/products highlights the ability of anthracycline 4-O-methylation to dictate diverse functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fengbin Wang
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | | | - Mitchell D Miller
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | | | | | - Qing Ye
- Markey Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Qing-Bai She
- Markey Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - S Randal Voss
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
- Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - George N Phillips
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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10
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Sopjani M, Falco F, Impellitteri F, Guarrasi V, Nguyen Thi X, Dërmaku-Sopjani M, Faggio C. Flavonoids derived from medicinal plants as a COVID-19 treatment. Phytother Res 2024; 38:1589-1609. [PMID: 38284138 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19 disease. Through its viral spike (S) protein, the virus enters and infects epithelial cells by utilizing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as a host cell's receptor protein. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on global public health and economies. Although various effective vaccinations and medications are now available to prevent and treat COVID-19, natural compounds derived from medicinal plants, particularly flavonoids, demonstrated therapeutic potential to treat COVID-19 disease. Flavonoids exhibit dual antiviral mechanisms: direct interference with viral invasion and inhibition of replication. Specifically, they target key viral molecules, particularly viral proteases, involved in infection. These compounds showcase significant immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively inhibiting various inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, emerging evidence supports the potential of flavonoids to mitigate the progression of COVID-19 in individuals with obesity by positively influencing lipid metabolism. This review aims to elucidate the molecular structure of SARS-CoV-2 and the underlying mechanism of action of flavonoids on the virus. This study evaluates the potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties exhibited by flavonoid compounds, with a specific interest in their structure and mechanisms of action, as therapeutic applications for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Nevertheless, a significant portion of existing knowledge is based on theoretical frameworks and findings derived from in vitro investigations. Further research is required to better assess the effectiveness of flavonoids in combating SARS-CoV-2, with a particular emphasis on in vivo and clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mentor Sopjani
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosova
| | - Francesca Falco
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM)-CNR, Mazara del Vallo, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Guarrasi
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Xuan Nguyen Thi
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Caterina Faggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Department of Eco sustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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11
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da Rocha JAP, da Costa RA, da Costa ADSS, da Rocha ECM, Gomes AJB, Machado AK, Fagan SB, Brasil DDSB, Lima e Lima AH. Harnessing Brazilian biodiversity database: identification of flavonoids as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease using computational approaches and all-atom molecular dynamics simulation. Front Chem 2024; 12:1336001. [PMID: 38456183 PMCID: PMC10917896 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1336001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) is the etiological agent responsible for the global outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019). The main protease of SARS-CoV-2, Mpro, is a key enzyme that plays a vital role in mediating viral replication and transcription. In this study, a comprehensive computational approach was employed to investigate the binding affinity, selectivity, and stability of natural product candidates as potential new antivirals acting on the viral polyprotein processing mediated by SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. A library of 288 flavonoids extracted from Brazilian biodiversity was screened to select potential Mpro inhibitors. An initial filter based on Lipinski's rule of five was applied, and 204 compounds that did not violate any of the Lipinski rules were selected. The compounds were then docked into the active site of Mpro using the GOLD program, and the poses were subsequently re-scored using MM-GBSA (Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area) binding free energy calculations performed by AmberTools23. The top five flavonoids with the best MM-GBSA binding free energy values were selected for analysis of their interactions with the active site residues of the protein. Next, we conducted a toxicity and drug-likeness analysis, and non-toxic compounds were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation and free energy calculation using the MM-PBSA (Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area) method. It was observed that the five selected flavonoids had lower MM-GBSA binding free energy with Mpro than the co-crystal ligand. Furthermore, these compounds also formed hydrogen bonds with two important residues, Cys145 and Glu166, in the active site of Mpro. Two compounds that passed the drug-likeness filter showed stable conformations during the molecular dynamics simulations. Among these, NuBBE_867 exhibited the best MM-PBSA binding free energy value compared to the crystallographic inhibitor. Therefore, this study suggests that NuBBE_867 could be a potential inhibitor against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 and may be further examined to confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Augusto Pereira da Rocha
- Laboratory of Modeling and Computational Chemistry, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Paraná (IFPA) Campus Bragança, Bragança, Brazil
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Biosolutions and Bioplastics of the Amazon, Graduate Program in Science and Environment, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Renato Araújo da Costa
- Laboratory of Biosolutions and Bioplastics of the Amazon, Graduate Program in Science and Environment, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Evolution and Microbiology, Federal Institute of Education Science and Technology of Paraná (IFPA) Campus Abaetetuba, Abaetetuba, Brazil
| | - Andreia do Socorro Silva da Costa
- Laboratory of Biosolutions and Bioplastics of the Amazon, Graduate Program in Science and Environment, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
| | - Elaine Cristina Medeiros da Rocha
- Laboratory of Modeling and Computational Chemistry, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Paraná (IFPA) Campus Bragança, Bragança, Brazil
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Biosolutions and Bioplastics of the Amazon, Graduate Program in Science and Environment, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Anderson José Bahia Gomes
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Evolution and Microbiology, Federal Institute of Education Science and Technology of Paraná (IFPA) Campus Abaetetuba, Abaetetuba, Brazil
| | | | | | - Davi do Socorro Barros Brasil
- Laboratory of Biosolutions and Bioplastics of the Amazon, Graduate Program in Science and Environment, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Anderson Henrique Lima e Lima
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
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12
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Pisoschi AM, Iordache F, Stanca L, Cimpeanu C, Furnaris F, Geicu OI, Bilteanu L, Serban AI. Comprehensive and critical view on the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory role of natural phenolic antioxidants. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116075. [PMID: 38150963 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The immune response encompasses innate and adaptive immunity, each with distinct and specific activities. The innate immune system is constituted by phagocytic cells, macrophages, monocytes and neutrophils, the cascade system, and different classes of receptors such as toll-like receptors that are exploited by the innate immune cells. The adaptive immune system is antigen-specific, encompassing memory lymphocytes and the corresponding specific receptors. Inflammation is understood as an activation of different signaling pathways such as toll-like receptors or nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, with an increase in nitric oxide, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Increased oxidative stress has been identified as main source of chronic inflammation. Phenolic antioxidants modulate the activities of lymphocytes and macrophages by impacting cytokines and nitric oxide release, exerting anti-inflammatory effect. The nuclear-factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling pathway and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway are targeted, alongside an increase in nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor mediated antioxidant response, triggering the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The inhibitive potential on phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase in the arachidonic acid pathway, and the subsequent reduction in prostaglandin and leukotriene generation, reveals the potential of phenolics as inflammation antagonists. The immunomodulative potential encompasses the capacity to interfere with proinflammatory cytokine synthesis and with the expression of the corresponding genes. A diet rich in antioxidants can result in prevention of inflammation-related pathologies. More investigations are necessary to establish the role of these antioxidants in therapy. The appropriate delivery system and the prooxidant effects exhibited at large doses, or in the presence of heavy metal cations should be regarded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelia Magdalena Pisoschi
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Florin Iordache
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Loredana Stanca
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Cimpeanu
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Land Reclamation and Environmental Engineering, 59 Marasti Blvd, 011464, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florin Furnaris
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Ionut Geicu
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania; University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Liviu Bilteanu
- Molecular Nanotechnology Laboratory, National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, 126A, Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Iren Serban
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania; University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
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13
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Zhou B, Chen D, Zhang T, Song C, Zhang X, Lin L, Huang J, Peng X, Liu Y, Wu G, Li J, Chen W. Recent advancements in the discovery of small-molecule non-nucleoside inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116180. [PMID: 38266622 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a pivotal role in the life cycle of the novel coronavirus and stands as a significant and promising target for anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs. Non-nucleoside inhibitors (NNIs), as a category of compounds directed against SARS-CoV-2 RdRp, exhibit a unique and highly effective mechanism, effectively overcoming various factors contributing to drug resistance against nucleoside inhibitors (NIs). This review investigates various NNIs, including both natural and synthetic inhibitors, that closely interacting with the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp with valid evidences from in vitro and in silico studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bangdi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Dianming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Tingyan Zhang
- School of Nusing, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Chenggui Song
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Xianwu Zhang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Leying Lin
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Jiuzhong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Xiaopeng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Yuanchang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Gaorong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Jingyuan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Weiming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China.
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14
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Yuan D, Guo Y, Pu F, Yang C, Xiao X, Du H, He J, Lu S. Opportunities and challenges in enhancing the bioavailability and bioactivity of dietary flavonoids: A novel delivery system perspective. Food Chem 2024; 430:137115. [PMID: 37566979 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Flavonoids have multiple favorable bioactivities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor. Currently, flavonoid-containing dietary supplements are widely tested in clinical trials for the prevention and/or treatment of multiple diseases. However, the clinical application of flavonoids is largely compromised by their low bioavailability and bioactivity, probably due to their poor aqueous solubility, intensive metabolism, and low systemic absorption. Therefore, formulating flavonoids into novel delivery systems is a promising approach for overcoming these drawbacks. In this review, we highlight the opportunities and challenges in the clinical use of dietary flavonoids from the perspective of novel delivery systems. First, the classification, sources, and bioactivity of dietary flavonoids are described. Second, the progress of clinical research on flavonoid-based dietary supplements is systematically summarized. Finally, novel delivery systems developed to improve the bioavailability and bioactivity of flavonoids are discussed in detail to broaden the clinical application of dietary flavonoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, PR China; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Yujie Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, PR China; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Feiyan Pu
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, PR China; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Can Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, PR China; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Xuecheng Xiao
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, PR China; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Hongzhi Du
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, PR China; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, PR China.
| | - Jianhua He
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, PR China; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, PR China.
| | - Shan Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, PR China; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, PR China.
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15
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Rani M, Sharma AK, Chouhan R, Sur S, Mansuri R, Singh RK. Natural flavonoid pectolinarin computationally targeted as a promising drug candidate against SARS-CoV-2. Curr Res Struct Biol 2023; 7:100120. [PMID: 38205118 PMCID: PMC10776443 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2023.100120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic, necessitating the development of new medicines. In this investigation, we identified potential natural flavonoids and compared their inhibitory activity against spike glycoprotein, which is a target of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV. The target site for the interaction of new inhibitors for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 has 82% sequence identity and the remaining 18% dissimilarities in RBD S1-subunit, S2-subunit, and 2.5% others. Molecular docking was employed to analyse the various binding processes used by each ligand in a library of 85 natural flavonoids that act as anti-viral medications and FDA authorised treatments for COVID-19. In the binding pocket of the target active site, remdesivir has less binding interaction than pectolinarin, according to the docking analysis. Pectolinarin is a natural flavonoid isolated from Cirsiumsetidensas that has anti-cancer, vasorelaxant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, and anti-oxidant properties. The S-glycoprotein RBD region (330-583) is inhibited by kaempferol, rhoifolin, and herbacetin, but the S2 subunit (686-1270) is inhibited by pectolinarin, morin, and remdesivir. MD simulation analysis of S-glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 with pectolinarin complex at 100ns based on high dock-score. Finally, ADMET analysis was used to validate the proposed compounds with the highest binding energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukta Rani
- National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Amit Kumar Sharma
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Engineering, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, 244001, U.P, India
| | - R.S. Chouhan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta-39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Souvik Sur
- Research and Development Center, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, 244001, U.P, India
| | - Rani Mansuri
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Apeejay Stya University, Gurugram, Haryana, 122103, India
| | - Rajesh K. Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shivalik College of Pharmacy, Nangal, District Ropar, Punjab, 140126, India
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Cai L, Han F, Ji B, He X, Wang L, Niu T, Zhai J, Wang J. In Silico Screening of Natural Flavonoids against 3-Chymotrypsin-like Protease of SARS-CoV-2 Using Machine Learning and Molecular Modeling. Molecules 2023; 28:8034. [PMID: 38138524 PMCID: PMC10745665 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28248034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The "Long-COVID syndrome" has posed significant challenges due to a lack of validated therapeutic options. We developed a novel multi-step virtual screening strategy to reliably identify inhibitors against 3-chymotrypsin-like protease of SARS-CoV-2 from abundant flavonoids, which represents a promising source of antiviral and immune-boosting nutrients. We identified 57 interacting residues as contributors to the protein-ligand binding pocket. Their energy interaction profiles constituted the input features for Machine Learning (ML) models. The consensus of 25 classifiers trained using various ML algorithms attained 93.9% accuracy and a 6.4% false-positive-rate. The consensus of 10 regression models for binding energy prediction also achieved a low root-mean-square error of 1.18 kcal/mol. We screened out 120 flavonoid hits first and retained 50 drug-like hits after predefined ADMET filtering to ensure bioavailability and safety profiles. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations prioritized nine bioactive flavonoids as promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents exhibiting both high structural stability (root-mean-square deviation < 5 Å for 218 ns) and low MM/PBSA binding free energy (<-6 kcal/mol). Among them, KB-2 (PubChem-CID, 14630497) and 9-O-Methylglyceofuran (PubChem-CID, 44257401) displayed excellent binding affinity and desirable pharmacokinetic capabilities. These compounds have great potential to serve as oral nutraceuticals with therapeutic and prophylactic properties as care strategies for patients with long-COVID syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Junmei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (L.C.); (F.H.); (B.J.); (X.H.); (L.W.); (T.N.); (J.Z.)
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17
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Qiu C, Zhang JZ, Wu B, Xu CC, Pang HH, Tu QC, Lu YQ, Guo QY, Xia F, Wang JG. Advanced application of nanotechnology in active constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicines. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:456. [PMID: 38017573 PMCID: PMC10685519 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02165-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) have been used for centuries for the treatment and management of various diseases. However, their effective delivery to targeted sites may be a major challenge due to their poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and potential toxicity. Nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles and organic/inorganic nanohybrids based on active constituents from TCMs have been extensively studied as a promising strategy to improve the delivery of active constituents from TCMs to achieve a higher therapeutic effect with fewer side effects compared to conventional formulations. This review summarizes the recent advances in nanocarrier-based delivery systems for various types of active constituents of TCMs, including terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and quinones, from different natural sources. This review covers the design and preparation of nanocarriers, their characterization, and in vitro/vivo evaluations. Additionally, this review highlights the challenges and opportunities in the field and suggests future directions for research. Nanocarrier-based delivery systems have shown great potential in improving the therapeutic efficacy of TCMs, and this review may serve as a comprehensive resource to researchers in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Qiu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jun Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medical Science, Sixth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Cheng Chao Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Huan Huan Pang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Qing Chao Tu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yu Qian Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Qiu Yan Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Fei Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Ji Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
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Oh JH, Karadeniz F, Seo Y, Kong CS. Dietary flavonoid myricetin 3- O-galactoside suppresses α-melanocyte stimulating hormone-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells by regulating PKA and ERK1/2 activation. Z NATURFORSCH C 2023; 78:399-407. [PMID: 37703186 DOI: 10.1515/znc-2023-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Melanogenesis is the process where skin pigment melanin is produced through tyrosinase activity. Overproduction of melanin causes skin disorders such as freckles, spots, and hyperpigmentation. Myricetin 3-O-galactoside (M3G) is a dietary flavonoid with reported bioactivities. M3G was isolated from Limonium tetragonum and its anti-melanogenic properties were investigated in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells. The in vitro anti-melanogenic capacity of M3G was confirmed by inhibited tyrosinase and melanin production. M3G-mediated suppression of melanogenic proteins, tyrosinase, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), and tyrosinase-related proteins (TRP)-1 and TRP-2, were confirmed by mRNA and protein levels, analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively. Furthermore, M3G suppressed Wnt signaling through the inhibition of PKA phosphorylation. M3G also suppressed the consequent phosphorylation of CREB and nuclear levels of MITF. Analysis of MAPK activation further revealed that M3G increased the activation of ERK1/2 while p38 and JNK activation remained unaffected. Results showed that M3G suppressed melanogenesis in B16F10 cells by decreasing tyrosinase production and therefore inhibiting melanin formation. A possible action mechanism was the suppression of CREB activation and upregulation of ERK phosphorylation which might cause the decreased nuclear levels of MITF. In conclusion, M3G was suggested to be a potential nutraceutical with anti-melanogenic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hwan Oh
- Marine Biotechnology Center for Pharmaceuticals and Foods, College of Medical and Life Sciences, Silla University, Busan 46958, Republic of Korea
- Nutritional Education, Graduate School of Education, Silla University, Busan 46958, Korea
| | - Fatih Karadeniz
- Marine Biotechnology Center for Pharmaceuticals and Foods, College of Medical and Life Sciences, Silla University, Busan 46958, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngwan Seo
- Division of Convergence on Marine Science, College of Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Suk Kong
- Marine Biotechnology Center for Pharmaceuticals and Foods, College of Medical and Life Sciences, Silla University, Busan 46958, Republic of Korea
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Medical and Life Sciences, Silla University, Busan 46958, Republic of Korea
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Moschovou K, Antoniou M, Chontzopoulou E, Papavasileiou KD, Melagraki G, Afantitis A, Mavromoustakos T. Exploring the Binding Effects of Natural Products and Antihypertensive Drugs on SARS-CoV-2: An In Silico Investigation of Main Protease and Spike Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15894. [PMID: 37958877 PMCID: PMC10649947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this in silico study, we conducted an in-depth exploration of the potential of natural products and antihypertensive molecules that could serve as inhibitors targeting the key proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: the main protease (Mpro) and the spike (S) protein. By utilizing Induced Fit Docking (IFD), we assessed the binding affinities of the molecules under study to these crucial viral components. To further comprehend the stability and molecular interactions of the "protein-ligand" complexes that derived from docking studies, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, shedding light on the molecular basis of potential drug candidates for COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, we employed Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) calculations on all "protein-ligand" complexes, underscoring the robust binding capabilities of rosmarinic acid, curcumin, and quercetin against Mpro, and salvianolic acid b, rosmarinic acid, and quercetin toward the S protein. Furthermore, in order to expand our search for potent inhibitors, we conducted a structure similarity analysis, using the Enalos Suite, based on the molecules that indicated the most favored results in the in silico studies. The Enalos Suite generated 115 structurally similar compounds to salvianolic acid, rosmarinic acid, and quercetin. These compounds underwent IFD calculations, leading to the identification of two salvianolic acid analogues that exhibited strong binding to all the examined binding sites in both proteins, showcasing their potential as multi-target inhibitors. These findings introduce exciting possibilities for the development of novel therapeutic agents aiming to effectively disrupt the SARS-CoV-2 virus lifecycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Moschovou
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Antoniou
- Department of ChemoInformatics, NovaMechanics Ltd., 1046 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Chemoinformatics, NovaMechanics MIKE, 18536 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Eleni Chontzopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos D. Papavasileiou
- Department of ChemoInformatics, NovaMechanics Ltd., 1046 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Chemoinformatics, NovaMechanics MIKE, 18536 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Georgia Melagraki
- Division of Physical Sciences & Applications, Hellenic Military Academy, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Antreas Afantitis
- Department of ChemoInformatics, NovaMechanics Ltd., 1046 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Chemoinformatics, NovaMechanics MIKE, 18536 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
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20
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Eltaib L, Alzain AA. Targeting the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 with phytochemicals from Saudi medicinal plants: molecular docking combined with molecular dynamics investigations. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:9732-9744. [PMID: 36369836 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2146203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The new health crises caused by SARS-CoV-2 have resulted in millions of deaths worldwide. First discovered in November 2021, the omicron variant is more transmissible and is able to evade the immune system better than other previously identified SARS-CoV-2 variants, leading to a spike in cases. Great efforts have been made to discover inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. Main protease (Mpro) inhibitors are considered promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. The U.S. FDA has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir. Nirmatrelvir is the first orally bioavailable inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. There is an urgent need to monitor the mutations and solve the problem of resistance, especially omicron Mpro, which contains one mutation - P132H. In the present study, 132,57 phytochemicals from 80 medicinal plants grown in Saudi Arabia were docked into the active site of Mpro omicron variant. Free binding energies were also calculated. This led to the discovery of five phytochemicals that showed better docking scores than the bound ligand nirmatrelvir. In addition, these molecules exhibited favorable free binding energies. The stability of compounds 1-5 with the protein was studied using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. These compounds showed acceptable ADMET properties. The results were compared with the wild type. These candidates could be envisioned as new hits against SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Eltaib
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahim A Alzain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Wad Madani, Sudan
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21
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Sharma D, Joshi M, Apparsundaram S, Goyal RK, Patel B, Dhobi M. Solanum nigrum L. in COVID-19 and post-COVID complications: a propitious candidate. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:2221-2240. [PMID: 36689040 PMCID: PMC9868520 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04654-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 has changed the world scenario and caused mortality around the globe. Patients who recovered from COVID-19 have shown neurological, psychological, renal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematological complications. In some patients, complications lasted more than 6 months. However, significantly less attention has been given to post-COVID complications. Currently available drugs are used to tackle the complications, but new interventions must address the problem. Phytochemicals from natural sources have been evaluated in recent times to cure or alleviate COVID-19 symptoms. An edible plant, Solanum nigrum, could be therapeutic in treating COVID-19 as the AYUSH ministry of India prescribes it during the pandemic. S. nigrum demonstrates anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral action to treat the SARS-CoV-2 infection and its post-complications. Different parts of the plant represent a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines and prevent multi-organ failure by protecting various organs (liver, kidney, heart, neuro, and lung). The review proposes the possible role of the plant S. nigrum in managing the symptoms of COVID-19 and its post-COVID complications based on in silico docking and pharmacological studies. Further systematic and experimental studies are required to validate our hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Sharma
- Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, 110017, New Delhi, India
| | - Mit Joshi
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, 382481, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Subbu Apparsundaram
- Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, 110017, New Delhi, India
| | - Ramesh K Goyal
- Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, 110017, New Delhi, India
| | - Bhoomika Patel
- National Forensic Sciences University, Sector-9, Gandhinagar-382007, Gujarat, India.
| | - Mahaveer Dhobi
- Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, 110017, New Delhi, India.
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22
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Almehdi AM, Soliman SSM, El-Shorbagi ANA, Westwell AD, Hamdy R. Design, Synthesis, and Potent Anticancer Activity of Novel Indole-Based Bcl-2 Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14656. [PMID: 37834104 PMCID: PMC10572575 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Bcl-2 family plays a crucial role in regulating cell apoptosis, making it an attractive target for cancer therapy. In this study, a series of indole-based compounds, U1-6, were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anticancer activity against Bcl-2-expressing cancer cell lines. The binding affinity, safety profile, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis effects of the compounds were tested. The designed compounds exhibited potent inhibitory activity at sub-micromolar IC50 concentrations against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and A549 cell lines. Notably, U2 and U3 demonstrated the highest activity, particularly against MCF-7 cells. Respectively, both U2 and U3 showed potential BCL-2 inhibition activity with IC50 values of 1.2 ± 0.02 and 11.10 ± 0.07 µM using an ELISA binding assay compared with 0.62 ± 0.01 µM for gossypol, employed as a positive control. Molecular docking analysis suggested stable interactions of compound U2 at the Bcl-2 binding site through hydrogen bonding, pi-pi stacking, and hydrophobic interactions. Furthermore, U2 demonstrated significant induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase. Importantly, U2 displayed a favourable safety profile on HDF human dermal normal fibroblast cells at 10-fold greater IC50 values compared with MDA-MB-231 cells. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of compound U2 as a Bcl-2 inhibitor and provide insights into its molecular mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Almehdi
- College of Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates;
- Research Institute for Science and Engineering (RISE), University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameh S. M. Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates;
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates;
| | | | - Andrew D. Westwell
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK
| | - Rania Hamdy
- Research Institute for Science and Engineering (RISE), University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
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23
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Lin L, Chen DY, Scartelli C, Xie H, Merrill-Skoloff G, Yang M, Sun L, Saeed M, Flaumenhaft R. Plant flavonoid inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 main protease and viral replication. iScience 2023; 26:107602. [PMID: 37664626 PMCID: PMC10470319 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-based flavonoids have been evaluated as inhibitors of β-coronavirus replication and as therapies for COVID-19 on the basis of their safety profile and widespread availability. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) has been implicated as a target for flavonoids in silico. Yet no comprehensive in vitro testing of flavonoid activity against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro has heretofore been performed. We screened 1,019 diverse flavonoids for their ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Multiple structure-activity relationships were identified among active compounds such as enrichment of galloylated flavonoids and biflavones, including multiple biflavone analogs of apigenin. In a cell-based SARS-CoV-2 replication assay, the most potent inhibitors were apigenin and the galloylated pinocembrin analog, pinocembrin 7-O-(3''-galloyl-4'',6''-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl)-beta-D-glucose (PGHG). Molecular dynamic simulations predicted that PGHG occludes the S1 binding site via a galloyl group and induces a conformational change in Mpro. These studies will advance the development of plant-based flavonoids-including widely available natural products-to target β-coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Lin
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou Institute of Oceanography, Fuzhou, China
| | - Da-Yuan Chen
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christina Scartelli
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Huanzhang Xie
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou Institute of Oceanography, Fuzhou, China
| | - Glenn Merrill-Skoloff
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Moua Yang
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Lijun Sun
- Center for Drug Discovery and Translational Research, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mohsan Saeed
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert Flaumenhaft
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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24
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Wawoczny A, Gillner D. The Most Potent Natural Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, and Food Ingredients Isolated from Plants with Deep Eutectic Solvents. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023. [PMID: 37433265 PMCID: PMC10375538 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c01656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
There is growing interest in reducing the number of synthetic products or additives and replacing them with natural ones. The pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries are especially focused on natural and bioactive chemicals isolated from plants or microorganisms. The main challenge here is to develop efficient and ecological methods for their isolation. According to the strategies and rules of sustainable development and green chemistry, green solvents and environmentally friendly technologies must be used. The application of deep eutectic solvents as efficient and biodegradable solvents seems to be a promising alternative to traditional methods. They are classified as being green and ecological but, most importantly, very efficient extraction media compared to organic solvents. The aim of this review is to present the recent findings on green extraction, as well as the biological activities and the possible applications of natural plant ingredients, namely, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenes, saponins, and some others. This paper thoroughly reviews modern, ecological, and efficient extraction methods with the use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs). The newest findings, as well as the factors influencing the efficiency of extraction, such as water content, and hydrogen bond donor and acceptor types, as well as the extraction systems, are also discussed. New solutions to the major problem of separating DESs from the extract and for solvent recycling are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Wawoczny
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
- Biotechnology Centre, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Danuta Gillner
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
- Biotechnology Centre, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
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25
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Bowen DR, Pathak S, Nadar RM, Parise RD, Ramesh S, Govindarajulu M, Moore A, Ren J, Moore T, Dhanasekaran M. Oxidative stress and COVID-19-associated neuronal dysfunction: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1153-1167. [PMID: 37357527 PMCID: PMC10465323 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 virus causes novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and there is a possible role for oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of neurological diseases associated with COVID-19. Excessive oxidative stress could be responsible for the thrombosis and other neuronal dysfunctions observed in COVID-19. This review discusses the role of oxidative stress associated with SARS-CoV-2 and the mechanisms involved. Furthermore, the various therapeutics implicated in treating COVID-19 and the oxidative stress that contributes to the etiology and pathogenesis of COVID-19-induced neuronal dysfunction are discussed. Further mechanistic and clinical research to combat COVID-19 is warranted to understand the exact mechanisms, and its true clinical effects need to be investigated to minimize neurological complications from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan R. Bowen
- Department of Drug Discovery and DevelopmentHarrison College of PharmacyAuburn UniversityAuburn-AL36849USA
| | - Suhrud Pathak
- Department of Drug Discovery and DevelopmentHarrison College of PharmacyAuburn UniversityAuburn-AL36849USA
| | - Rishi M. Nadar
- Department of Drug Discovery and DevelopmentHarrison College of PharmacyAuburn UniversityAuburn-AL36849USA
| | - Rachel D. Parise
- Department of Drug Discovery and DevelopmentHarrison College of PharmacyAuburn UniversityAuburn-AL36849USA
| | - Sindhu Ramesh
- Department of Drug Discovery and DevelopmentHarrison College of PharmacyAuburn UniversityAuburn-AL36849USA
| | - Manoj Govindarajulu
- Department of Drug Discovery and DevelopmentHarrison College of PharmacyAuburn UniversityAuburn-AL36849USA
| | - Austin Moore
- Department of Drug Discovery and DevelopmentHarrison College of PharmacyAuburn UniversityAuburn-AL36849USA
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of CardiologyZhongshan Hospital Fudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98195USA
| | - Timothy Moore
- Department of Drug Discovery and DevelopmentHarrison College of PharmacyAuburn UniversityAuburn-AL36849USA
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26
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Chou O, Juang YP, Chao TL, Tsai SF, Chiu PF, Chiou CT, Tsai KC, Chang SY, Liang PH, Wong CH. Isolation of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Natural Products Extracted from Mentha canadensis and the Semi-synthesis of Antiviral Derivatives. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2023; 86:1428-1436. [PMID: 37267066 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Traditional herbal medicine offers opportunities to discover novel therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 mutation. The dried aerial part of mint (Mentha canadensis L.) was chosen for bioactivity-guided extraction. Seven constituents were isolated and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). Syringic acid and methyl rosmarinate were evaluated in drug combination treatment. Ten amide derivatives of methyl rosmarinate were synthesized, and the dodecyl (13) and 3-ethylphenyl (19) derivatives demonstrated significant improvement in the anti-SARS-CoV-2 plaque reduction assay, achieving IC50 of 0.77 and 2.70 μM, respectively, against Omicron BA.1 as compared to methyl rosmarinate's IC50 of 57.0 μM. Spike protein binding and 3CLpro inhibition assays were performed to explore the viral inhibition mechanism. Molecular docking of compounds 13 and 19 to 3CLpro was performed to reveal potential interaction. In summary, natural products with anti-Omicron BA.1 activity were isolated from Mentha canadensis and derivatives of methyl rosmarinate were synthesized, showing 21- to 74-fold improvement in antiviral activity against Omicron BA.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osbert Chou
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Pu Juang
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Ling Chao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Fa Tsai
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Fang Chiu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Tang Chiou
- Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Chang Tsai
- Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Hui Liang
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- The Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 128, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Huey Wong
- The Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 128, Taiwan
- Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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27
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Zulkifli ND, Zulkifle N. Insight from sirtuins interactome: topological prominence and multifaceted roles of SIRT1 in modulating immunity, aging and cancer. Genomics Inform 2023; 21:e23. [PMID: 37557919 PMCID: PMC10326532 DOI: 10.5808/gi.23003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian sirtuin family, consisting of SIRT1-SIRT7, plays a vital role in various biological processes, including cancer, diabetes, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, cellular metabolism, and cellular homeostasis maintenance. Due to their involvement in these biological processes, modulating sirtuin activity seems promising to impact immune- and aging-related diseases, as well as cancer pathways. However, more understanding is required regarding the safety and efficacy of sirtuin-targeted therapies due to the complex regulatory mechanisms that govern their activity, particularly in the context of multiple targets. In this study, the interaction landscape of the sirtuin family was analyzed using a systems biology approach. A sirtuin protein-protein interaction network was built using the Cytoscape platform and analyzed using the NetworkAnalyzer and stringApp plugins. The result revealed the sirtuin family's association with numerous proteins that play diverse roles, suggesting a complex interplay between sirtuins and other proteins. Based on network topological and functional analysis, SIRT1 was identified as the most prominent among sirtuin family members, demonstrating that 25 of its protein partners are involved in cancer, 22 in innate immune response, and 29 in aging, with some being linked to a combination of two or more pathways. This study lays the foundation for the development of novel therapies that can target sirtuins with precision and efficacy. By illustrating the various interactions among the proteins in the sirtuin family, we have revealed the multifaceted roles of SIRT1 and provided a framework for their possible roles to be precisely understood, manipulated, and translated into therapeutics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Diyana Zulkifli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Nurulisa Zulkifle
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
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28
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Yang JY, Ma YX, Liu Y, Peng XJ, Chen XZ. A Comprehensive Review of Natural Flavonoids with Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062735. [PMID: 36985705 PMCID: PMC10054335 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has majorly impacted public health and economies worldwide. Although several effective vaccines and drugs are now used to prevent and treat COVID-19, natural products, especially flavonoids, showed great therapeutic potential early in the pandemic and thus attracted particular attention. Quercetin, baicalein, baicalin, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), and luteolin are among the most studied flavonoids in this field. Flavonoids can directly or indirectly exert antiviral activities, such as the inhibition of virus invasion and the replication and inhibition of viral proteases. In addition, flavonoids can modulate the levels of interferon and proinflammatory factors. We have reviewed the previously reported relevant literature researching the pharmacological anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of flavonoids where structures, classifications, synthetic pathways, and pharmacological effects are summarized. There is no doubt that flavonoids have great potential in the treatment of COVID-19. However, most of the current research is still in the theoretical stage. More studies are recommended to evaluate the efficacy and safety of flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Yu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Yi-Xuan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Peng
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biofabrication for Tissue Engineering, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Xiang-Zhao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biofabrication for Tissue Engineering, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
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29
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Rivera RG, Regidor PJS, Ruamero Jr EC, Allanigue EJV, Salinas MV. A network pharmacology and molecular docking approach in the exploratory investigation of the biological mechanisms of lagundi (Vitex negundo L.) compounds against COVID-19. Genomics Inform 2023; 21:e4. [PMID: 37037462 PMCID: PMC10085743 DOI: 10.5808/gi.22060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an inflammatory and infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus with a complex pathophysiology. While COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are available, treatment of the disease is primarily supportive and symptomatic. Several research have suggested the potential of herbal medicines as an adjunctive treatment for the disease. A popular herbal medicine approved in the Philippines for the treatment of acute respiratory disease is Vitex negundo L. In fact, the Department of Science and Technology of the Philippines has funded a clinical trial to establish its potential as an adjunctive treatment for COVID-19. Here, we utilized network pharmacology and molecular docking in determining pivotal targets of Vitex negundo compounds against COVID-19. The results showed that significant targets of Vitex negundo compounds in COVID-19 are CSB, SERPINE1, and PLG which code for cathepsin B, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and plasminogen, respectively. Molecular docking revealed that α-terpinyl acetate and geranyl acetate have good binding affinity in cathepsin B; 6,7,4-trimethoxyflavanone, 5,6,7,8,3',4',5'-heptamethoxyflavone, artemetin, demethylnobiletin, gardenin A, geranyl acetate in plasminogen; and 7,8,4-trimethoxyflavanone in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. While the results are promising, these are bound to the limitations of computational methods and further experimentation are needed to completely establish the molecular mechanisms of Vitex negundo against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robertson G. Rivera
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, College of Pharmacy, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Patrick Junard S. Regidor
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, College of Pharmacy, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Edwin C. Ruamero Jr
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, College of Pharmacy, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Eric John V. Allanigue
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Melanie V. Salinas
- Safety and Medical Affairs Department, Clinchoice Inc., Fort Washington, PA 19034, USA
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Lee JE, Jeong SY, Li Z, Kim HY, Kim HW, Yoo MJ, Jang HJ, Kim DK, Cho N, Yoo HM, Kim KH. Development of a screening platform to discover natural products active against SARS-CoV-2 infection using lung organoid models. Biomater Res 2023; 27:18. [PMID: 36855173 PMCID: PMC9974403 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00357-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural products can serve as one of the alternatives, exhibiting high potential for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2. Herein, we report a screening platform to test the antiviral efficacy of a natural product library against SARS-CoV-2 and verify their activity using lung organoids. METHODS Since SARS-CoV-2 is classified as a risk group 3 pathogen, the drug screening assay must be performed in a biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory. To circumvent this limitation, pseudotyped viruses (PVs) have been developed as replacements for the live SARS-CoV-2. We developed PVs containing spikes from Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 and improved the infection in an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-dependent manner. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived lung organoids were generated to test the SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic efficacy of natural products. RESULTS Flavonoids from our natural product library had strong antiviral activity against the Delta- or Omicron-spike-containing PVs without affecting cell viability. We aimed to develop strategies to discover the dual function of either inhibiting infection at the beginning of the infection cycle or reducing spike stability following SARS-CoV-2 infection. When lung cells are already infected with the virus, the active flavonoids induced the degradation of the spike protein and exerted anti-inflammatory effects. Further experiments confirmed that the active flavonoids had strong antiviral activity in lung organoid models. CONCLUSION This screening platform will open new paths by providing a promising standard system for discovering novel drug leads against SARS-CoV-2 and help develop promising candidates for clinical investigation as potential therapeutics for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Eun Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Yun Jeong
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Zijun Li
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
- Biometrology Group, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Yi Kim
- NGeneS Inc., Ansan, 15495, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Woo Kim
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, 54531, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jeong Yoo
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Joo Jang
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Kyun Kim
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, 54531, Republic of Korea
| | - Namki Cho
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Min Yoo
- Biometrology Group, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Precision Measurement, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ki Hyun Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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Wei P, Zhang Y, Wang YY, Dong JF, Liao BN, Su ZC, Li W, Xu JC, Lou WY, Su HH, Peng C. Efficient extraction, excellent activity, and microencapsulation of flavonoids from Moringa oleifera leaves extracted by deep eutectic solvent. BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY 2023; 13:1-15. [PMID: 36785542 PMCID: PMC9907881 DOI: 10.1007/s13399-023-03877-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A deep eutectic solvent (choline chloride (ChCl)-urea) was chosen to extract flavonoids from Moringa oleifera leaves (FMOL), the condition of extraction was tailor-made, under the optimal extraction conditions (material-to-liquid ratio of 1:60 g/mL, extraction time of 80 min, extraction temperature of 80 °C), the highest extraction efficiency reached 63.2 ± 0.3 mg R/g DW, and nine flavonoids were identified. Then, the biological activities including antioxidant activities, antibacterial activities, and anti-tumor activities were systematically studied. FMOL was superior to positive drugs in terms of antioxidant activity. As to DPPH investigation, the IC50 of FMOL and Vc were 64.1 ± 0.7 and 176.1 ± 2.0 µg/mL; for the ABTS, the IC50 of FMOL and Vc were 9.5 ± 0.3 and 38.2 ± 1.2 µg/mL, the FRAP value of FMOL and Vc were 15.5 ± 0.6 and 10.2 ± 0.4 mg TE/g, and ORAC value of FMOL and Vc were 4687.2 ± 102.8 and 3881.6 ± 98.6 µmol TE/g. The bacteriostatic (MICs were ≤ 1.25 mg/mL) activities of FMOL were much better than propyl p-hydroxybenzoate. Meanwhile, FMOL had comparable inhibitory activity with genistein on tumor cells, IC50 was 307.8 µg/mL, and could effectively induce apoptosis in HCT116. Microcapsules were prepared with xylose-modified soybean protein isolate and gelatin as wall materials; after that, the intestinal release of modified FMOL microcapsules was 86 times of free FMOL. Therefore, this study confirmed that FMOL extracted with ChCl/urea has rich bioactive components, and microencapsulated FMOL has potential application in food industry. Graphical abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13399-023-03877-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wei
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020 Guangdong China
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020 Guangdong China
| | - Yao-Ying Wang
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020 Guangdong China
| | - Jin-Feng Dong
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020 Guangdong China
| | - Bi-Ni Liao
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020 Guangdong China
| | - Zhi-Cheng Su
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020 Guangdong China
| | - Wu Li
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020 Guangdong China
| | - Ju-Cai Xu
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020 Guangdong China
| | - Wen-Yong Lou
- Lab of Applied Biocatalysis, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640 Guangdong China
| | - Hui-Hui Su
- Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510316 Guangdong China
| | - Chao Peng
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020 Guangdong China
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He H, Huang Y, Zhang X, Ouyang Y, Pan P, Lan Y, Zhong Z, Ping L, Lu T, Chen Z, Xing L, Li Q, Qiu Z. Supercritical fluid coating of flavonoids on excipients enhances drug release and antioxidant activity. Int J Pharm 2023; 632:122593. [PMID: 36626970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Supercritical anti-solvent fluidized bed (SAS-FB) technology can be applied to reduce particle size, prevent particle aggregation, and improve the dissolution and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. In this work, drug-loaded microparticles of three similar structures, the flavonoids luteolin (LUT), naringenin (NGR), and dihydromyricetin (DMY) were prepared using SAS-FB technology, to explore its effect on the coating of flavonoid particles. Operating temperature, pressure, carrier, solvent, and concentration of drug solution were investigated for their effects on the yield and dissolution of flavonoid particles. The results showed that temperature, pressure, carrier, and drug solution concentration have a large effect on yield. Within the study range, low supercritical CO2 density at higher temperature and lower pressure, a larger surface area carrier, and moderate drug solution concentration led to a higher yield. The effect of the solvent on the yield of flavonoids is a result of multiple factors. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the drug-loaded particles prepared from different carriers and solvents have different precipitations pattern on the carrier surface, and their particle sizes were smaller than unprocessed particles and those prepared by the SAS process. Fluorescence microscopy (FM) results showed that the flavonoids were uniformly coated on the carrier. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) results showed that the crystalline morphology of SAS-FB particles remained unchanged after the SAS-FB process, although the diffraction peak intensity decreased. The cumulative dissolution of SAS-FB particles was more than four times faster in the first 5 min than that of the unprocessed flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of SAS-FB processed LUT, NGR and DMY was 1.89-3.78 times, 4.92-10.68 times and 0.99-2.57 times higher than that of the untreated flavonoids, respectively. The approach provides a reference for the application of SAS-FB technology in flavonoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongling He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Yating Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Xiubing Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, PR China
| | - Yanting Ouyang
- Shunde Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan 528329, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Piaopiao Pan
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Yanling Lan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Zicheng Zhong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Lu Ping
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, PR China
| | - Tiejun Lu
- Centre for Formulation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Zhenqiu Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, PR China.
| | - Lei Xing
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - Qingguo Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Zhenwen Qiu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, PR China.
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Almeida B, Domingues C, Mascarenhas-Melo F, Silva I, Jarak I, Veiga F, Figueiras A. The Role of Cyclodextrins in COVID-19 Therapy-A Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2974. [PMID: 36769299 PMCID: PMC9918006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) emerged in December 2019 and quickly spread, giving rise to a pandemic crisis. Therefore, it triggered tireless efforts to identify the mechanisms of the disease, how to prevent and treat it, and to limit and hamper its global dissemination. Considering the above, the search for prophylactic approaches has led to a revolution in the reglementary pharmaceutical pipeline, with the approval of vaccines against COVID-19 in an unprecedented way. Moreover, a drug repurposing scheme using regulatory-approved antiretroviral agents is also being pursued. However, their physicochemical characteristics or reported adverse events have sometimes limited their use. Hence, nanotechnology has been employed to potentially overcome some of these challenges, particularly cyclodextrins. Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides that present hydrophobic cavities suitable for complexing several drugs. This review, besides presenting studies on the inclusion of antiviral drugs in cyclodextrins, aims to summarize some currently available prophylactic and therapeutic schemes against COVID-19, highlighting those that already make use of cyclodextrins for their complexation. In addition, some new therapeutic approaches are underscored, and the potential application of cyclodextrins to increase their promising application against COVID-19 will be addressed. This review describes the instances in which the use of cyclodextrins promotes increased bioavailability, antiviral action, and the solubility of the drugs under analysis. The potential use of cyclodextrins as an active ingredient is also covered. Finally, toxicity and regulatory issues as well as future perspectives regarding the use of cyclodextrins in COVID-19 therapy will be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Almeida
- Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cátia Domingues
- Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo
- Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Silva
- Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Figueiras
- Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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Anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities of flavone C-glycosides of Lophatherum gracile for COVID-19. J Funct Foods 2023; 101:105407. [PMID: 36627926 PMCID: PMC9812844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2023.105407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lophatherum gracile (L. gracile) has long been used as a functional food and herbal medicine. Previous studies have demonstrated that extracts of L. gracile attenuate inflammatory response and inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication; however, the underlying active constituents have yet to be identified. This study investigated the bioactive components of L. gracile. Flavone C-glycosides of L. gracile were found to dominate both anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. A simple chromatography-based method was developed to obtain flavone C-glycoside-enriched extract (FlavoLG) from L. gracile. FlavoLG and its major flavone C-glycoside isoorientin were shown to restrict respiratory bursts and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps in activated human neutrophils. FlavoLG and isoorientin were also shown to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection by interfering with the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike on ACE2. These results provide scientific evidence indicating the efficacy of L. gracile as a potential supplement for treating neutrophil-associated COVID-19.
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Key Words
- ACE2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
- CB, cytochalasin B
- COVID-19
- COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019
- DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide
- Flavone C-glycosides
- HBSS, Hank’s balanced salt solution
- HPLC, high-performance liquid chromatography
- IC50, half-maximal inhibitory concentration
- LDH, lactate dehydrogenase
- LG, Lophatherum gracile
- Lophatherum gracile
- MRM, multiple reaction monitoring
- NETs, neutrophil extracellular traps
- Neutrophils
- O2•−, superoxide
- RBD, receptor-binding domain
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- SARS-CoV-2
- SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
- UPLC, ultra-performance liquid chromatography
- fMLF, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine
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Rudra Paul A, Debnath S, Majumdar S. Water‐SDS‐Ionic Liquid Catalytic System for the Synthesis of Pyrano‐chromenes and in‐silicio Approach to Predict Inhibitory Activity Against Mpro of SARS‐CoV‐2**. ChemistrySelect 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202300007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Rudra Paul
- Department of Chemistry Tripura University Suryamaninagar 799 022 Tripura INDIA
| | - Sudhan Debnath
- Department of Chemistry Netaji Subhash Mahavidyalaya Tripura 799114 India
| | - Swapan Majumdar
- Department of Chemistry Tripura University Suryamaninagar 799 022 Tripura INDIA
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Meng JR, Liu J, Fu L, Shu T, Yang L, Zhang X, Jiang ZH, Bai LP. Anti-Entry Activity of Natural Flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2 by Targeting Spike RBD. Viruses 2023; 15:160. [PMID: 36680200 PMCID: PMC9862759 DOI: 10.3390/v15010160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is still a global public health concern, and the SARS-CoV-2 mutations require more effective antiviral agents. In this study, the antiviral entry activity of thirty-one flavonoids was systematically evaluated by a SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus model. Twenty-four flavonoids exhibited antiviral entry activity with IC50 values ranging from 10.27 to 172.63 µM and SI values ranging from 2.33 to 48.69. The structure-activity relationship of these flavonoids as SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors was comprehensively summarized. A subsequent biolayer interferometry assay indicated that flavonoids bind to viral spike RBD to block viral interaction with ACE2 receptor, and a molecular docking study also revealed that flavonols could bind to Pocket 3, the non-mutant regions of SARS-CoV-2 variants, suggesting that flavonols might be also active against virus variants. These natural flavonoids showed very low cytotoxic effects on human normal cell lines. Our findings suggested that natural flavonoids might be potential antiviral entry agents against SARS-CoV-2 via inactivating the viral spike. It is hoped that our study will provide some encouraging evidence for the use of natural flavonoids as disinfectants to prevent viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Ru Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory of Respiratory Infectious Disease, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa 999078, China
| | - Jiazheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory of Respiratory Infectious Disease, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa 999078, China
| | - Lu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory of Respiratory Infectious Disease, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa 999078, China
| | - Tong Shu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Lingzhi Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xueji Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory of Respiratory Infectious Disease, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa 999078, China
| | - Li-Ping Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory of Respiratory Infectious Disease, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa 999078, China
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Chen TH, Tsai MJ, Chang CS, Xu L, Fu YS, Weng CF. The exploration of phytocompounds theoretically combats SARS-CoV-2 pandemic against virus entry, viral replication and immune evasion. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:42-54. [PMID: 36470006 PMCID: PMC9675089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) that emerged in China, is an extremely contagious and pathogenic viral infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has sparked a global pandemic. The few and limited availability of approved therapeutic agents or vaccines is of great concern. Urgently, Remdesivir, Nirmatrelvir, Molnupiravir, and some phytochemicals including polyphenol, flavonoid, alkaloid, and triterpenoid are applied to develop as repurposing drugs against the SARS-CoV-2 invasion. METHODS This study was conducted to perform molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) analysis of the potential phytocompounds and repurposing drugs against three targets of SARS-CoV-2 proteins (RNA dependent RNA polymerase, RdRp, Endoribonclease, S-protein of ACE2-RBD). RESULTS The docking data illustrated Arachidonic acid, Rutin, Quercetin, and Curcumin were highly bound with coronavirus polyprotein replicase and Ebolavirus envelope protein. Furthermore, anti- Ebolavirus molecule Remedesivir, anti-HIV molecule Chloroquine, and Darunavir were repurposed with coronavirus polyprotein replicase as well as Ebolavirus envelope protein. The strongest binding interaction of each targets are Rutin with RdRp, Endoribonclease with Amentoflavone, and ACE2-RBD with Epigallocatechin gallate. CONCLUSIONS Taken altogether, these results shed a light on that phytocompounds have a therapeutic potential for the treatment of anti-SARS-CoV-2 may base on multi-target effects or cocktail formulation for blocking viral infection through invasion/activation, transcription/reproduction, and posttranslational cleavage to battle COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Hsu Chen
- Functional Physiology Section, Department of Basic Medical Science, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen 361023, Fujian, China
| | - May-Jywan Tsai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Neurological Institute, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Sheng Chang
- Department of biotechnology and food technology, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Yungkang City 701, Taiwan
| | - Linxi Xu
- Functional Physiology Section, Department of Basic Medical Science, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen 361023, Fujian, China
| | - Yaw-Syan Fu
- Functional Physiology Section, Department of Basic Medical Science, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen 361023, Fujian, China,Institute of Respiratory Disease, Department of Basic Medical Science, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen 361023, Fujian, China,Corresponding author
| | - Ching-Feng Weng
- Functional Physiology Section, Department of Basic Medical Science, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen 361023, Fujian, China,Institute of Respiratory Disease, Department of Basic Medical Science, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen 361023, Fujian, China,Corresponding author
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Chda A, Bencheikh R. Flavonoids as G Protein-coupled Receptors Ligands: New Potential Therapeutic Natural Drugs. Curr Drug Targets 2023; 24:1346-1363. [PMID: 38037994 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501268871231127105219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are among the largest family of cell surface receptors found in the human genome. They govern a wide range of physiological responses in both health and diseases, making them one of the potential targeted surface receptors for pharmaceuticals. Flavonoids can modulate GPCRs activity by acting as allosteric ligands. They can either enhance or reduce the GPCR's effect. Emerging research shows that individual flavonoids or mixtures of flavonoids from plant extracts can have relevant pharmacological effects against a number of diseases, particularly by influencing GPCRs. In the present review, we are considering to give a comprehensive overview of flavonoids and related compounds that exhibit GPCRs activity and to further explore which beneficial structural features. Molecular docking was used to strengthen experimental evidence and describe flavonoid-GPCRs interactions at molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alae Chda
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules (LM2BM), Faculty of Science and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Road of Immouzer, PO Box 2202, Fez, Morocco
- Higher Institute of Nursing and Health Techniques - Fez. Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Fez, Morocco
| | - Rachid Bencheikh
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules (LM2BM), Faculty of Science and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Road of Immouzer, PO Box 2202, Fez, Morocco
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Novalia Rahmawati Sianipar R, Suryanegara L, Fatriasari W, Tangke Arung E, Wijaya Kusuma I, Setiati Achmadi S, Izyan Wan Azelee N, Ain Abdul Hamid Z. The Role of Selected Flavonoids from Bajakah Tampala (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk.) Stem on Cosmetic Properties: A Review. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:382-400. [PMID: 37026052 PMCID: PMC10071331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cosmetics made from natural ingredients are increasingly popular because they contain bioactive compounds which can provide many health benefits, more environmentally friendly and sustainable. The health benefits obtained from natural-based ingredients include anti-aging, photoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. This article reviewed the potential of selected flavonoids from bajakah tampala (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk.) as the native plant in Indonesia. We present in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical research data on the use of selected flavonoids that have been reported in other extracts.
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40
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Ntalouka F, Tsirivakou A. Luteolin: A promising natural agent in management of pain in chronic conditions. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1114428. [PMID: 36937566 PMCID: PMC10016360 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1114428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain due to chronic conditions is a frequent and insufficiently addressed problem. Current drug options for pain management (either in cases of chronic inflammatory conditions or neuropathy) do not adequately treat pain. Moreover, they are associated with important adverse events in long term use. Luteolin is a flavonoid widely present in the plant kingdom and its sources have been assembled in a comprehensive list of this paper. Luteolin has shown in several research studies a range of pharmacological properties; anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and analgesic. In this article, we summarize the effects and potential benefits from introducing luteolin as an adjuvant agent in established protocols for pain management. We review the most indicative in vivo and in vitro evidence of how luteolin can target the molecular pathways involved in pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The data reviewed strongly support luteolin's promising benefits in pain management and raise the need for further clinical trials that can establish its role in clinical practice.
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Microalgae as a Source of Valuable Phenolic Compounds and Carotenoids. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248852. [PMID: 36557985 PMCID: PMC9783697 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Microalgae are photosynthetic, eukaryotic organisms that are widely used in the industry as cell factories to produce valuable substances, such as fatty acids (polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), sterols (sitosterol), recombinant therapeutic proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, phenolic compounds (gallic acid, quercetin), and pigments (β-carotene, astaxanthin, lutein). Phenolic compounds and carotenoids, including those extracted from microalgae, possess beneficial bioactivities such as antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities, and direct health-promoting effects, which may alleviate oxidative stress and age-related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases or diabetes. The production of valuable microalgal metabolites can be modified by using abiotic stressors, such as light, salinity, nutrient availability, and xenobiotics (for instance, phytohormones).
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Chaves OA, Lima CR, Fintelman-Rodrigues N, Sacramento CQ, de Freitas CS, Vazquez L, Temerozo JR, Rocha ME, Dias SS, Carels N, Bozza PT, Castro-Faria-Neto HC, Souza TML. Agathisflavone, a natural biflavonoid that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication by targeting its proteases. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 222:1015-1026. [PMID: 36183752 PMCID: PMC9525951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite the fast development of vaccines, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) still circulates through variants of concern (VoC) and escape the humoral immune response. SARS-CoV-2 has provoked over 200,000 deaths/months since its emergence and only a few antiviral drugs showed clinical benefit up to this moment. Thus, chemical structures endowed with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity are important for continuous antiviral development and natural products represent a fruitful source of substances with biological activity. In the present study, agathisflavone (AGT), a biflavonoid from Anacardium occidentale was investigated as a candidate anti-SARS-CoV-2 compound. In silico and enzymatic analysis indicated that AGT may target mainly the viral main protease (Mpro) and not the papain-like protease (PLpro) in a non-competitive way. Cell-based assays in type II pneumocytes cell lineage (Calu-3) showed that SARS-CoV-2 is more susceptible to AGT than to apigenin (APG, monomer of AGT), in a dose-dependent manner, with an EC50 of 4.23 ± 0.21 μM and CC50 of 61.3 ± 0.1 μM and with a capacity to inhibit the level of pro-inflammatory mediator tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). These results configure AGT as an interesting chemical scaffold for the development of novel semisynthetic antivirals against SARS-CoV-2.
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Wu CC, Lee TY, Cheng YJ, Cho DY, Chen JY. The Dietary Flavonol Kaempferol Inhibits Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238158. [PMID: 36500249 PMCID: PMC9736733 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Kaempferol (KP, 3,4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone), a dietary flavonol, has anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antimutagenic functions. However, it is unknown whether kaempferol possesses anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) activity. Previously, we demonstrated that inhibition of EBV reactivation represses nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tumourigenesis, suggesting the importance of identifying EBV inhibitors. In this study, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and virion detection showed that kaempferol repressed EBV lytic gene protein expression and subsequent virion production. Specifically, kaempferol was found to inhibit the promoter activities of Zta and Rta (Zp and Rp) under various conditions. A survey of the mutated Zp constructs revealed that Sp1 binding regions are critical for kaempferol inhibition. Kaempferol treatment repressed Sp1 expression and decreased the activity of the Sp1 promoter, suggesting that Sp1 expression was inhibited. In conclusion, kaempferol efficiently inhibits EBV reactivation and provides a novel choice for anti-EBV therapy and cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Chun Wu
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City 40447, Taiwan
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-C.W.); (J.-Y.C.)
| | - Ting-Ying Lee
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City 40447, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jhen Cheng
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Der-Yang Cho
- Translational Cell Therapy Center, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City 40447, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Yang Chen
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-C.W.); (J.-Y.C.)
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Theoharides TC, Antonopoulou S, Demopoulos CA. Platelet activating factor: Have we been missing the forest for the trees? Biofactors 2022; 48:1184-1188. [PMID: 36300767 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Theoharis C Theoharides
- Institute of Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, Florida, USA
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Smaragdi Antonopoulou
- Laboratory of Biology, Biochemistry and Microbiology, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantinos A Demopoulos
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National & Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece
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Identification of Diosmin and Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide as Repurposing Treatments for Monkeypox Virus: A Computational Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911570. [PMID: 36232872 PMCID: PMC9570275 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization declared monkeypox a global public health emergency on 23 July 2022. This disease was caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), which was first identified in 1958 in Denmark. The MPXV is a member of the Poxviridae family, the Chordopoxvirinae subfamily, and the genus Orthopoxvirus, which share high similarities with the vaccinia virus (the virus used to produce the smallpox vaccine). For the initial stage of infection, the MPXV needs to attach to the human cell surface glycosaminoglycan (GAG) adhesion molecules using its E8 protein. However, up until now, neither a structure for the MPXV E8 protein nor a specific cure for the MPXV exists. This study aimed to search for small molecules that inhibit the MPXV E8 protein, using computational approaches. In this study, a high-quality three-dimensional structure of the MPXV E8 protein was retrieved by homology modeling using the AlphaFold deep learning server. Subsequent molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MDs) for a cumulative duration of 2.1 microseconds revealed that ZINC003977803 (Diosmin) and ZINC008215434 (Flavin adenine dinucleotide-FAD) could be potential inhibitors against the E8 protein with the MM/GBSA binding free energies of −38.19 ± 9.69 and −35.59 ± 7.65 kcal·mol−1, respectively.
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Mass Spectrometric Identification of Licania rigida Benth Leaf Extracts and Evaluation of Their Therapeutic Effects on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196291. [PMID: 36234829 PMCID: PMC9571113 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Licania rigida Benth has been evaluated as an alternative drug to treat diseases associated with inflammatory processes. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous and hydroalcoholic leaf extracts of L. rigida with inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharides in in vitro and in vivo inflammation models. The phytochemical profile of the extracts, analyzed by ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, revealed the presence of gallic and ellagic acids in both extracts, whereas isovitexin, ferulate, bulky amino acids (e.g., phenylalanine), pheophorbide, lactic acid, and pyridoxine were detected in the hydroalcoholic extract. The extracts displayed the ability to modulate in vitro and in vivo inflammatory responses, reducing approximately 50% of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and inhibiting both NO production and leukocyte migration by approximately 30 and 40% at 100 and 500 µg/mL, respectively. Overall, the results highlight and identify, for the first time, the ability of L. rigida leaf extract to modulate inflammatory processes. These data suggest that the leaf extracts of this plant have potential in the development of herbal formulations for the treatment of inflammation.
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Catalano A, Iacopetta D, Ceramella J, Maio ACD, Basile G, Giuzio F, Bonomo MG, Aquaro S, Walsh TJ, Sinicropi MS, Saturnino C, Geronikaki A, Salzano G. Are Nutraceuticals Effective in COVID-19 and Post-COVID Prevention and Treatment? Foods 2022; 11:2884. [PMID: 36141012 PMCID: PMC9498392 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The beginning of the end or the end of the beginning? After two years mastered by coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, we are now witnessing a turnaround. The reduction of severe cases and deaths from COVID-19 led to increasing importance of a new disease called post-COVID syndrome. The term post-COVID is used to indicate permanency of symptoms in patients who have recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Immune, antiviral, antimicrobial therapies, as well as ozone therapy have been used to treat COVID-19 disease. Vaccines have then become available and administered worldwide to prevent the insurgence of the disease. However, the pandemic is not over yet at all given the emergence of new omicron variants. New therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. In this view, great interest was found in nutraceutical products, including vitamins (C, D, and E), minerals (zinc), melatonin, probiotics, flavonoids (quercetin), and curcumin. This review summarizes the role of nutraceuticals in the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 disease and post-COVID syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Azzurra Chiara De Maio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Giovanna Basile
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Federica Giuzio
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Aquaro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Thomas J. Walsh
- Center for Innovative Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Carmela Saturnino
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Athina Geronikaki
- School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Giovanni Salzano
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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A Review on Herbal Secondary Metabolites Against COVID-19 Focusing on the Genetic Variants of SARS-CoV-2. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2022. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp-129618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: An outbreak of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, subsequently affecting countries worldwide and causing a pandemic. Although several vaccines, such as mRNA vaccines, inactivated vaccines, and adenovirus vaccines, have been licensed in several countries, the danger of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants persists. To date, Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351, B.1.351.2, B.1.351.3), Delta (B.1.617.2, AY.1, AY.2, AY. 3), Gamma (P.1, P.1.1, P.1.2), and Iota (B.1 .526) circulating in the United States, Kappa (B.1.617.1) in India, Lambda (C.37) in Peru and Mu (B.1.621) in Colombia are considered the variants of concern and interest. Evidence Acquisition: Data were collected through the end of August 2021 by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. There were findings from in silico, in vitro cell-based, and non-cell-based investigations. Results: The potential and safety profile of herbal medicines need clarification to scientifically support future recommendations regarding the benefits and risks of their use. Conclusions: Current research results on natural products against SARS-CoV-2 and variants are discussed, and their specific molecular targets and possible mechanisms of action are summarized.
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Kell DB, Pretorius E. The potential role of ischaemia-reperfusion injury in chronic, relapsing diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Long COVID, and ME/CFS: evidence, mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. Biochem J 2022; 479:1653-1708. [PMID: 36043493 PMCID: PMC9484810 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ischaemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury, initiated via bursts of reactive oxygen species produced during the reoxygenation phase following hypoxia, is well known in a variety of acute circumstances. We argue here that I-R injury also underpins elements of the pathology of a variety of chronic, inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ME/CFS and, our chief focus and most proximally, Long COVID. Ischaemia may be initiated via fibrin amyloid microclot blockage of capillaries, for instance as exercise is started; reperfusion is a necessary corollary when it finishes. We rehearse the mechanistic evidence for these occurrences here, in terms of their manifestation as oxidative stress, hyperinflammation, mast cell activation, the production of marker metabolites and related activities. Such microclot-based phenomena can explain both the breathlessness/fatigue and the post-exertional malaise that may be observed in these conditions, as well as many other observables. The recognition of these processes implies, mechanistically, that therapeutic benefit is potentially to be had from antioxidants, from anti-inflammatories, from iron chelators, and via suitable, safe fibrinolytics, and/or anti-clotting agents. We review the considerable existing evidence that is consistent with this, and with the biochemical mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B. Kell
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 200, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1 Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1 Matieland 7602, South Africa
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Liu J, Zhang L, Gao J, Zhang B, Liu X, Yang N, Liu X, Liu X, Cheng Y. Discovery of genistein derivatives as potential SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors by virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulations and ADMET analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:961154. [PMID: 36091808 PMCID: PMC9452787 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.961154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Due to the constant mutation of virus and the lack of specific therapeutic drugs, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) still poses a huge threat to the health of people, especially those with underlying diseases. Therefore, drug discovery against the SARS-CoV-2 remains of great significance. Methods: With the main protease of virus as the inhibitor target, 9,614 genistein derivatives were virtually screened by LeDock and AutoDock Vina, and the top 20 compounds with highest normalized scores were obtained. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out for studying interactions between these 20 compounds and the target protein. The drug-like properties, activity, and ADMET of these compounds were also evaluated by DruLiTo software or online server. Results: Twenty compounds, including compound 11, were screened by normalized molecular docking, which could bind to the target through multiple non-bonding interactions. Molecular dynamics simulation results showed that compounds 2, 4, 5, 11, 13, 14, 17, and 18 had the best binding force with the target protein of SARS-CoV-2, and the absolute values of binding free energies all exceeded 50 kJ/mol. The drug-likeness properties indicated that a variety of compounds including compound 11 were worthy of further study. The results of bioactivity score prediction found that compounds 11 and 12 had high inhibitory activities against protease, which indicated that these two compounds had the potential to be further developed as COVID-19 inhibitors. Finally, compound 11 showed excellent predictive ADMET properties including high absorption and low toxicity. Conclusion: These in silico work results show that the preferred compound 11 (ZINC000111282222), which exhibited strong binding to SARS-CoV-2 main protease, acceptable drug-like properties, protease inhibitory activity and ADMET properties, has great promise for further research as a potential therapeutic agent against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Liu
- Center for Drug Innovation and Discovery, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- School of Chemical Technology, Shijiazhuang University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jian Gao
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Baochen Zhang
- Center for Drug Innovation and Discovery, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Center for Drug Innovation and Discovery, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ninghui Yang
- Center for Drug Innovation and Discovery, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaotong Liu
- Center for Drug Innovation and Discovery, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xifu Liu
- Center for Drug Innovation and Discovery, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Xifu Liu, ; Yu Cheng,
| | - Yu Cheng
- Center for Drug Innovation and Discovery, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Xifu Liu, ; Yu Cheng,
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