Optimization of structures, biochemical properties of ketorolac and its degradation products based on computational studies

Modification of ibuprofen to improve the medicinal effect; structural, biological, and toxicological study

Ibuprofen is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is employed as an initial treatment option for its non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antipyretic properties. However, Ibuprofen is linked to specific well-known gastrointestinal adverse effects like ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding. It has been linked to harmful effects on the liver, kidney, and heart. The purpose of the study is to create novel and potential IBU analogue with reduced side effects with the enhancement of their medicinal effects, so as to advance the overall safety profile of the drug. The addition of some novel functional groups including CH3, F, CF3, OCF3, Cl, and OH at various locations in its core structure suggestively boost the chemical as well as biological action. The properties of these newly designed structures were analyzed through chemical, physical, and spectral calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT through B3LYP/6-31 g (d,p) basis set for geometry optimization. Molecular docking and non-bonding interaction studies were conducted by means of the human prostaglandin synthase protein (PDB ID: 5F19) to predict binding affinity, interaction patterns, and the stability of the protein-drug complex. Additionally, ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) and PASS (Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances) predictions were employed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of these structures. Importantly, most of the analogues displayed reduced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and carcinogenicity in comparison to the original drug. Moreover, molecular docking analyses indicated improved medicinal outcomes, which were further supported by pharmacokinetic calculations. Together, these findings suggest that the modified structures have reduced adverse effects along with improved therapeutic action compared to the parent drug.

Ketorolac removal through photoelectrocatalysis using TiO2 nanotubes in water system

Ketorolac, a highly persistent NSAID of environmental concern, was significantly removed from water (80% removal) through photoelectrocatalysis where titanium dioxide nanotubes prepared by Ti foil electrochemical anodization at 30 V were used as photoanodes. Fifteen milligrams per liter of ketorolac solutions in a 0.05 M Na2SO4 aqueous medium was subjected to irradiation from a 365-nm light with an intensity of 1 mWcm-2 and under an applied potential of 1.3 V (vs. Hg/Hg2SO4/sat.K2SO4) at pH 6.0. When each process (photo and electrocatalysis) was carried out separately, less than 20% drug removal was achieved as monitored through UV-vis spectrophotometry. Through scavenging experiments, direct oxidation on the photogenerated holes and oxidation by hydroxyl radical formation were found to play a key role on ketorolac's degradation. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) analyses also showed a significant COD decreased (68%) since the initial COD value was 31.3 mg O2/L and the final COD value was 10.1 mg O2/L. A 48% mineralization was also achieved, as shown by total organic carbon (TOC) analyses. These results showed that electrodes based on titania nanotubes are a promising alternative material for simultaneous photocatalytic and electrocatalytic processes in water remediation.

Computer-aided analysis for identification of novel analogues of ketoprofen based on molecular docking, ADMET, drug-likeness and DFT studies for the treatment of inflammation

Computer-based drug design is increasingly used in strategies for discovering new molecules for therapeutic purposes. The targeted drug is ketoprofen (KTP), which belongs to the family of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are widely used for the treatment of pain, fever, inflammation and certain types of cancers. In an attempt to rationalize the search for 72 new potential anti-inflammatory compounds on the COX-2 enzyme, we carried out an in silico protocol that successfully combines molecular docking towards COX-2 receptor (5F1A), ADMET pharmacokinetic parameters, drug-likeness rules and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP). It was found that six of the compounds analyzed satisfy with the associated values to physico-chemical properties as key evaluation parameters for the drug-likeness and demonstrate a hydrophobic character which makes their solubility in aqueous media difficult and easy in lipids. All the compounds presented good ADMET profile and they showed an interaction with the amino acids responsible for anti-inflammatory activity of the COX-2 isoenzyme. The calculation of the MEP of the six analogues reveals new preferential sites involving the formation of new bonds. Consequently, this result allowed us to understand the origin of the potential increase in the anti-inflammatory activity of the candidates. Finally, it was obtained that six compounds have a binding mode, binding energy, and stability in the active site of COX-2 like the reference drug ketoprofen, suggesting that these compounds could become a powerful candidate in the inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Titanium (IV) complexes of some tetra-dentate symmetrical bis-Schiff bases of 1,6-hexanediamine: Synthesis, characterization, and in silico prediction of potential inhibitor against coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)

Symmetrical bis‐Schiff bases (LH₂) have been synthesized by the condensation of 1,6‐hexanediamine (hn) and carbonyl or dicarbonyl. One of the synthesized Schiff bases has been subjected to the molecular docking for the prediction of their potentiality against coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2). Molecular docking revealed that tested Schiff base possessed high binding affinity with the receptor protein of SARS CoV‐2 compared with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). The ADMET analysis showed that ligand is non‐carcinogenic and less toxic than standard HCQ. Schiff bases acting as dibasic tetra‐dentate ligands formed titanium (IV) complexes of the type [TiL(H₂O)₂Cl₂] or [TiL(H₂O)₂]Cl₂ being coordinated through ONNO donor atoms. Ligands and complexes were characterized by the elemental analysis and physicochemical and spectroscopic data including FTIR, ¹H NMR, mass spectra, UV‐Visible spectra, molar conductance, and magnetic measurement. Optimized structures obtained from quantum chemical calculations supported the formation of complexes. Antibacterial, antifungal, and anti‐oxidant activity assessments have been studied for synthesized ligands and complexes.

Structural modification of aspirin to design a new potential cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors

Aspirin (Asp) is one of the most important and ancient member of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), commonly used in medication of fever, pain and inflammation. It can inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandin by blocking the cyclooxygenase (COX). Attempts have been taken to analyze aspirin together with some of its modified derivatives applying quantum mechanical calculations in order to compare their physicochemical and biochemical properties. Density functional theory (DFT) with B3LYP/6-31G (d, p) basis set has been employed to elucidate their thermal, molecular orbital, equilibrium geometrical properties in gas phase. Molecular docking and nonbonding interactions have been performed against human cyclooxygenase-2 protein 5F1A to investigate the binding affinity and mode(s) of newly designed aspirin derivatives. ADMET prediction has been utilized to compare the absorption, metabolism, and carcinogenic properties of new derivatives with parent drug (Asp). Thermal and geometrical results support the thermochemical stability and equilibrium geometry of all the structures. From the molecular docking simulation, most of the derivatives exhibited better binding affinity than parent drug (Asp) with the receptor protein (5F1A). ADMET prediction disclosed the improved pharmacokinetic properties with lower acute oral toxicity of some derivatives. Based on quantum chemical, molecular docking and ADMET analysis, this investigation can be useful to understand the physicochemical and biochemical/biological activities of Asp and its modified derivatives to search a new antipyretic analgesic drug.