Network analysis and molecular docking studies of quercetin as a potential treatment for prostate cancer

Drug likeliness, pharmacokinetics profiling and efficacy of Polyscias fulva bioactive compounds in the management of uterine fibroids; An integrative in silico and in vivo approach

Polyscias fulva is traditionally used in Uganda for the management of Uterine fibroids (UF). However, there is paucity of data regarding its efficacy, biological targets and potential mechanisms of action hence prompting scientific validation process through insilico and invivo approaches. In this study, we utilized network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations and invivo assays to investigate the drug likeliness, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of Polyscias fulva against Uterine fibroids. Four Polyscias fulva bioactive compounds; pinoresinol, lichexanthone, methyl atarate, β-sitosterol exhibited drug likeness properties with moderate safety profiles. Forty-eight (48) uterine fibroid targets were identified as potential targets for the eleven Polyscias fulva compounds. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis revealed four key targets (HIF1A, ESR1, EGFR, and CASP3). The KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analyses revealed that these key targets play significant roles in regulating the positive regulation of cyclin-dependent protein serine/threonine kinase activity, positive regulation of nitric-oxide synthase activity and positive regulation of transcription, DNA-templated. β-sitosterol demonstrated the strongest binding affinity with the four targets, showing particularly strong affinities for EGFR (-9.75 kcal/mol) and HIF1A (-9.21 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed high stability in these protein-ligand complexes, with CASP3 displaying the lowest deviation and most consistent RMSD (0.14 nm) of the protein, followed by EGFR (0.25), HIF1A (0.29), and ESR1 (0.79). In-vivo evaluation on female Wistar rats with Polyscias fulva ethanolic extract showed an ameliorative effect of the extracts against monosodium glutamate-induced (MSG) UF. Treated animals exhibited a decrease in serum proteins, cholesterol, estrogen, and progesterone levels (P < 0.05) and the extract preserved uterine tissue histoachitecture as compared to controls. In conclusion, Polyscias fulva demonstrates potential ameliorative activity against UF with promising pharmacokinetic properties and safety profiles.

Investigating the Potential Effects of 6PPDQ on Prostate Cancer Through Network Toxicology and Molecular Docking

(1) Background: N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-quinone (6PPDQ), as a newly discovered environmental toxin, has been found more frequently in our living conditions. The literature reports that damage to the reproductive and cardiovascular system is associated with exposure to 6PPDQ. However, the relationship between 6PPDQ and cancer still requires more investigation. This research aims to investigate the association between 6PPDQ and prostate cancer. (2) Methods and Results: Based on the data retrieved from the Pharmmapper, CTD, SEA, SwissTargetPrediction, GeneCard, and OMIM databases, we summarized 239 potential targets utilizing the Venn tool. Through the STRING network database and Cytoscape software, we constructed a PPI network and confirmed ten core targets, including IGF1R, PIK3R1, PTPN11, EGFR, SRC, GRB2, JAK2, SOS1, KDR, and IRS1. We identified the potential pathways through which 6PPDQ acts on these core targets using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Ultimately, through molecular docking methods, 6PPDQ binds closely with these ten core targets. These findings indicate that 6PPDQ may influence the proteins related to prostate cancer and may be linked to prostate cancer via several known signaling pathways. (3) Conclusions: This article employs innovative network toxicology to elucidate the prostate carcinogenic effects of 6PPDQ through its modulation of specific vital genes and signaling pathways, thereby establishing a foundational platform for future investigations into the impact of 6PPDQ on prostate cancer and potentially other tumors.

Exploring the Role of CBX3 as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Lung Cancer

Epigenetic changes regulate gene expression through histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and protein translation of these modifications. The PRC1 and PRC2 complexes shape gene repression via histone modifications. Specifically, the CBX protein family aids PRC1 recruitment to chromatin, impacting the progressive multistep process driving chromatin silencing. Among family members, CBX3 is a complex protein involved in aberrant epigenetic mechanisms that drive lung cancer progression. CBX3 promotes lung tumorigenesis by interacting with key pathways such as PI3K/AKT, Ras/KRAS, Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, Notch, and p53, leading to increased proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, and enhanced resistance to therapy. Given our current lack of knowledge, additional research is required to uncover the intricate mechanisms underlying CBX3 activity, as well as its involvement in molecular pathways and its potential biomarker evaluation. Specifically, the dissimilar roles of CBX3 could be reexamined to gain a greater insight into lung cancer pathogenesis. This review aims to provide a clear overview of the context-related molecular profile of CBX3, which could be useful for addressing clinical challenges and developing novel targeted therapies based on personalized medicine.

Molecular docking study of frequently used food additives for selected targets depending on the chromosomal abnormalities they cause

Food additives (FAs) (flavor enhancers, sweeteners, etc.) protect foods during storage and transportation, making them attractive to consumers. Today, while the desire to access natural foods is increasing, the chemicals added to foods have started to be questioned. In this respect, genotoxicity tests have gained importance. Studies show that some food additives may have genotoxic risks. Previous studies carried out in our laboratory also revealed genotoxic effects of Monopotassium glutamate (MPG), Monosodium glutamate (MSG), Magnesium diglutamate (MDG) as flavor enhancers; Potassium benzoate (PB), Potassium sorbate (PS), Sodium benzoate (SB), Sodium sorbate (SS) as preservatives; Acesulfame potassium (ACE-K), Xylitol (XYL) as sweeteners. In this study, we determined the interactions of these food additives with ATM and p53 proteins, which are activated in the cell due to genotoxic effects, and with DNA by employing the molecular docking method for the first time. Among the food additives, SB (-4.307) for ATM, XYL (-4.629) for p53, and XYL (-4.927) for DNA showed the highest affinity. Therefore, flexible docking (IFD) scores were determined for SB, XYL, and MDG from flavor enhancers. The potential binding modes of the food additives to target molecules' possible inhibition mechanisms were determined by molecular docking. Thus, new information was obtained to show how these additives cause chromosomal abnormalities.