Impact of diabetes on male sexual function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: Protective role of soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor

Chemical composition, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties of Rauwolfia vomitoria extract

OBJECTIVES

Rauwolfia vomitoria is one ethno-botanicals in Nigeria used by traditional health practitioners in managing several human diseases. However, necessary information regarding its effect on enzymes implicated in the development and progression of erectile dysfunction is missing in the literature. Thus, this study investigated the antioxidant property and impact of Rauwolfia vomitoria extract on erectile dysfunction-related enzymes in vitro.

METHODS

High performance liquid chromatography was used to identify and quantify Rauwolfia vomitoria's phenolic components. Then, utilizing common antioxidant assays, the extract's antioxidant properties were evaluated and finally the effect of the extract on some enzymes (AChE, arginase and ACE) implicated in erectile dysfunction was investigated in vitro.

RESULTS

The results showed that the extract inhibited AChE (IC50=388.72 μg/mL), arginase (IC50=40.06 μg/mL) and ACE (IC50=108.64 μg/mL) activities. In addition, phenolic rich extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria scavenged radicals and chelated Fe2+ in concentration dependent manner. Furthermore, rutin, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, and kaempferol were found in large quantities by HPLC analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, one of the potential reasons driving Rauwolfia vomitoria's use in folk medicine for the treatment of erectile dysfunction could be its antioxidant and inhibitory activities on several enzymes linked to erectile dysfunction in vitro.

In-Silico Design, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Evaluation of Oxadiazole-Based Selective Cyclo-oxygenase-2 Inhibitors

A series of oxadiazole-based five-membered heterocyclic derivatives was designed and synthesized with the intent of exclusive cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition to acquire anti-inflammatory activity without the presence of gastric toxicity. Oxadiazole-based novel analogs were designed by using bioisosteric substitutions and were screened against the macromolecular target by using docking-based virtual screening to identify their potential inhibitors. These selective COX-2 inhibitors were further evaluated for their stability within the binding cavity of macromolecular complex by performing molecular dynamic simulation for 100 ns. Selected compounds were synthesized by using Naphthalene-2-yl-acetic acid as a starting material based on the fundamental structure of naphthalene. The naphthalene ring and methylene bridge of naphthalene-2-yl-acetic acid were retained in the rational molecular design by replacing the carboxyl group with biologically significant groups like 1,3,4-oxadiazoles, with the goal of obtaining a novel, superior, and relatively safe anti-inflammatory molecule with better efficacy and optimized pharmacokinetics. Anti-inflammatory as well as analgesic properties of the compounds were evaluated experimentally for their pharmacological efficiency.

Salazinic acid attenuates male sexual dysfunction and testicular oxidative damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic albino rats

Male sexual dysfunctions such as infertility and impotence are recognized as the consequences of diabetes. Salazinic acid (Sa) is a depsidone found in lichen genera of Lobaria, Parmelia, and Usnea, which has prominent free radical and α-glucosidase inhibitory actions. The present study establishes the beneficial role of salazinic acid (Sa) to combat the deleterious effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on the male reproductive system of rats. In a dose-dependent manner, Sa significantly restored the reproductive organs weight, sperm characteristics, and testicular histoarchitecture in diabetic rats. Further, a significant recovery of insulin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels in serum was recorded in Sa-treated diabetic rats. The malondialdehyde levels were significantly lowered, and the activities of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, markedly elevated in the blood serum, as well as testicular tissue after Sa-supplementation. Sa also suppressed the protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α in serum. The high dose of Sa showed significant improvement in glycemia and testicular protection, similar to sildenafil citrate. Moreover, the docking results showed that both Sa and sildenafil have a high affinity toward the target protein, PDE5 with binding affinity values found to be -9.5 and -9.2 kcal mol-1, respectively. Molecularly, both Sa and sildenafil share similar hydrogen bonding patterns with PDE5. Hence, our study clearly showed the protective role of Sa against diabetic-induced spermatogenic dysfunction in rats, possibly by competing with cGMP to bind to the catalytic domain of PDE5 and thereby controlling the oxidative impairment of testes.

Effects of Spirulina maxima on a Model of Sexual Dysfunction in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats

Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima (SM) is a cyanobacterium that has a long history of being used as human food. In recent years, several investigations have shown its beneficial biological effects, among which its antioxidant capacity has been highlighted. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of SM on body weight, glycemia, sexual behavior, sperm quality, testosterone levels, sex organ weights, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in diabetic male rats (a disease characterized by an increase in reactive oxygen species). The experiment consisted of six groups of sexually expert adult males (n = 6): (1) control (vehicle); (2) streptozotocin (STZ)-65 mg/kg; (3) SM-400 mg/kg; (4) STZ + SM-100 mg/kg; (5) STZ + SM-200 mg/kg; and (6) STZ + SM-400 mg/kg. Sexual behavior tests were performed during the first 3 h of the dark period under dim red illumination. Our results showed that SM significantly improved sexual behavior and sperm quality vs. diabetic animals. Likewise, while the enzymatic activities of SOD and GPx increased, TBARS lipoperoxidation decreased and testosterone levels increased. In view of the findings, it is suggested that SM may potentially be used as a nutraceutical for the treatment of diabetic male sexual dysfunction due to its antioxidant property.

Computational Design of Plant-Based Antistress Agents Targeting Nociceptin Receptor

Stress is the body's reaction to the challenges it faces, and it produces a multitude of chemical molecules known as stressors as a result of these reactions. It's also a misalignment of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems causing changes in a variety of physiological reactions and perhaps leading to stress disorders. The reduction in neurotransmitter & neurohormonal hormones is mainly governed by the nociceptin receptor as G-protein coupled receptor and increased the level of reactive oxygen species. Various synthetic medicines that target nociceptin receptors were utilized to reduce the effects of stress but they come up with a variety of side effects. Because of the widespread utilization and renewed interest in medicinal herbal plants considered to be alternative antistress therapy. Our present work is an approach to decipher the molecular nature of novel herbal leads by targeting nociceptin receptor, under which herbal compounds were screened and validated through in-silico methods. Among screened leads, withanolide-B showed stable association in the active site of the nociceptin receptor as an antistress agent with no side effects. Furthermore, the selected lead was also evaluated for stability by molecular dynamic stimulation as well as for pharmacokinetics and toxicity profile. It has been concluded stable conformation of withanolide-B without presence of any major toxic effects. As a result, the in silico molecular docking technique is a highly successful method for selecting a prospective herbal lead molecule with respect to a specific target, and future research can pave the way for further exploration in the drug development field.

Computational Bioprospecting Guggulsterone against ADP Ribose Phosphatase of SARS-CoV-2

Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The World Health Organization (WHO) classified the disease a as global public health hazard on 11 March 2020. Currently, there are no adequate measures to combat viral infections, including COVID-19, and the medication guidelines for the management of COVID-19 are dependent on previous findings from SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV research. Natural products have achieved widespread acceptance around the world as a means of enhancing healthcare and disease prevention. Plants are a potential source of antiviral factors such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and others. Some of these agents exhibit a broad spectrum of antiviral activity. This study aimed to screen herbal leads for possible inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 ADP Ribose Phosphatase enzyme (ARP). Guggulsterone was found to be highly stabilized within the active site of the viral ARP enzyme by molecular dynamic simulation with very little fluctuation throughout the simulation timeframe of 100 ns. Thus, guggulsterone can be further used to develop a safe and competent medication for evolving therapy against SARS-CoV-2 in post-preclinical and clinical trials.

Computational Design of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Inhibitors

One of the most sought-after therapeutic targets for treating human cancers is the phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PI3k is an integral part of the PI3K/protein kinase B signaling arcade. This pathway is frequently activated in malignancies. Drug resistance and dose-limiting adverse effects are currently associated challenges with the existing anticancer chemotherapy. Therefore, in this research, a series of pyrimidine derivatives were designed and evaluated against human PI3K by using molecular docking analysis. The docking results were further verified by molecular dynamic simulation, which analyzed the strength of the macromolecular complex with respect to time. Compounds IV and XIV were found to be the most potent inhibitors of the human PI3K receptor with a high degree of stability within the active site of the target receptor for a timeframe of 50 ns. Thus, both of these compounds could be important drug candidates for the development of PI3K inhibitors as a prospective anticancer agent.

Repurposing benzbromarone as antifolate to develop novel antifungal therapy for Candida albicans

Fungal infections in humans are responsible for mild to severe infections resulting in systemic effects that cause a large amount of mortality. Invasive fungal infections are having similar symptomatic effects to those of COVID-19. The COVID-19 patients are immunocompromised in nature and have a high probability of developing severe fungal infections, resulting in the development of further complications. The existing antifungal therapy has associated problems related to the development of drug resistance, being sub-potent in nature, and the presence of undesirable toxic effects. The fungal dihydrofolate reductase is an essential enzyme involved in the absorption of dietary folic acid and its conversion into tetrahydrofolate, which is a coenzyme required for the biosynthesis of the fungal nucleotides. Thus, in the current study, an attempt has been made to identify potential folate inhibitors of Candida albicans by a computational drug repurposing approach. Based upon the molecular docking simulation-based virtual screening followed by the molecular dynamic simulation of the macromolecular complex, benzbromarone has been identified as a potential anti-folate agent for the development of a novel therapy for the treatment of candidiasis.

Preparation of Novel Pyrazolo[4,3-e]tetrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazine Sulfonamides and Their Experimental and Computational Biological Studies

Pyrazolo[4,3-e]tetrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazine sulfonamides constitute a novel class of heterocyclic compounds with broad biological activity, including anticancer properties. Investigated in this study, MM-compounds (MM134, MM136, MM137, and MM139) exhibited cytotoxic and proapoptotic activity against cancer cell lines (BxPC-3, PC-3, and HCT-116) in nanomolar concentrations without causing cytotoxicity in normal cells (L929 and WI38). In silico predictions indicate that tested compounds exhibit favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and may exert anticancer activity through the inhibition of BTK kinase, the AKT-mTOR pathway and PD1-PD-L1 interaction. Our findings point out that these sulfonamide derivatives may constitute a source of new anticancer drugs after optimization.

Effects of 3, 4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran from Urtica fissa on sexual dysfunction in diabetic mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Urtica fissa E. Pritz. are important herbs and have been traditionally used as ethnic medicine to treat rheumatism, inflammation, diabetes, and benign prostatic hyperplasia by the Han, Uighur, and other minorities in China, and also as an aphrodisiac in Uighur medicine.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To determine the effect and potential mechanism of 3, 4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran (DVTF), one of the main active components isolated from U. fissa on hypogonadism in diabetic mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The active compound DVTF was extracted and separated from the roots of U. fissa and identified using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A mouse model of diabetes was established using high fat and sugar diet combined with streptozotocin. In the treatment groups, mice were received different doses of DVTF for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels, physiological and biochemical indices, and the mating behavior of DM mice were analyzed. Changes in testicular morphology were assessed using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of testosterone synthesis-related signaling proteins was detected using western blotting. Molecular docking was used to determine the binding ability of DVTF to Nur77.

RESULTS

In diabetic mice, body weight and fasting blood glucose levels decreased. Mating behavior, including mount latency, mount number, and intromission number, was improved following DVTF treatment. Plasma total testosterone, free testosterone, and insulin resistance were positively associated with the recovery of testicular pathological structures in diabetic mice. DVTF treatment increased the expression of Nur77, StAR, and P450scc in the testes of diabetic mice. DVTF and Nur77 formed chemical bonds at five sites.

CONCLUSION

As one of the main active components of U. fissa, DVTF exert potential therapeutic effects on testicular injury and hypogonadism caused by diabetes through activating the expression of Nur77 and testosterone synthesis related proteins. Our result will provide new insight for the clinical application of Urtica fissa E. Pritz., especially DVTF, as a potential drug candidate in the treatment of hypogonadism in diabetes.

Urine-Derived Stem Cells Versus Their Lysate in Ameliorating Erectile Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Diabetic erectile dysfunction (DED) is a significant consequence of diabetes mellitus, and it is a multifactorial phenomenon that has no definitive treatment until now. Many therapeutic options provide symptomatic improvement rather than addressing the underlying etiology or restoring normal function. Stem cell (SC) therapy represents a potential hope in DED management. It is well established that the regenerative effect of stem cells can be attained by their paracrine action and their ability to differentiate into many cell lineages, including endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Hence, we tried to compare the effects of transplantation of urine-derived stem cells (USCs) or their lysate (USC-L) into the corpora cavernosa (CCs) of rats with DED.

Materials and Methods: A total of 55 adult male Wistar rats were included in this study. USCs were obtained from ten healthy rats. Another ten rats did not subject to any intervention and served as a control (group I). Type 2 DM and DED were induced in the remaining 35 rats, but DED was tested and proved in only 24 rats, which were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8 in each). The DED group (group II) and either USCs (2 × 10⁶ cells) or their lysate (200 μl) were transplanted into the CCs of each rat in the other two groups (groups III and IV), respectively.

Results: Although the DED rats exhibited deterioration in all copulatory functions as compared to the control group, our histopathological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric results revealed that both USCs and USC-L have significantly restored the cavernous spaces, the ultrastructures of the endothelium that line the cavernous spaces, collagen/smooth muscle ratio, and the mean area percentage of α-SMA in the CCs as compared to DED rats. A respectable number of USCs was detected in the CCs of group III at the 4th week after transplantation, but this number significantly declined by the 8th week.

Conclusion: Both USCs and USC-L can repair the structure and ultrastructure of CCs and improve the copulatory functions in the DED rat model. However, USC-L could be better used in DED to guard against the strange behavior of USCs after transplantation and their decreased survivability with time.

Neurons for Ejaculation and Factors Affecting Ejaculation

Simple Summary

Sexual dysfunctions are rarely discussed in our current society. Males experience different sexual dysfunctions, including erectile, infertility, and ejaculatory dysfunctions. In this review only the ejaculatory dysfunction will be discussed. Ejaculation is defined as the ejection of contents collectively from the vas deferens, seminal vesicle, prostate and Cowper’s glands. It is completely controlled by a population of neurons present in the lumbar spinal cord. The presence of lesion in these neurons ceases the ejaculatory behavior in males. This population of neurons was first identified in rats; however, recently it was confirmed that these neurons are present in human males as well. The issues are known as ejaculatory dysfunction. The following are the different types of ejaculatory dysfunctions: early ejaculation, ejaculation into the urinary bladder, late ejaculation and no ejaculation.

Abstract

Ejaculation is a reflex and the last stage of intercourse in male mammals. It consists of two coordinated phases, emission and expulsion. The emission phase consists of secretions from the vas deferens, seminal vesicle, prostate, and Cowper’s gland. Once these contents reach the posterior urethra, movement of the contents becomes inevitable, followed by the expulsion phase. The urogenital organs are synchronized during this complete event. The L3–L4 (lumbar) segment, the spinal cord region responsible for ejaculation, nerve cell bodies, also called lumbar spinothalamic (LSt) cells, which are denoted as spinal ejaculation generators or lumbar spinothalamic cells [Lst]. Lst cells activation causes ejaculation. These Lst cells coordinate with [autonomic] parasympathetic and sympathetic assistance in ejaculation. The presence of a spinal ejaculatory generator has recently been confirmed in humans. Different types of ejaculatory dysfunction in humans include premature ejaculation (PE), retrograde ejaculation (RE), delayed ejaculation (DE), and anejaculation (AE). The most common form of ejaculatory dysfunction studied is premature ejaculation. The least common forms of ejaculation studied are delayed ejaculation and anejaculation. Despite the confirmation of Lst in humans, there is insufficient research on animals mimicking human ejaculatory dysfunction.

In silico bioprospecting of taraxerol as a main protease inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 to develop therapy against COVID-19

COVID-19 was caused by a novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2. The COVID-19 disease outbreak has been avowed as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization at the end of March 2020. It leads to the global economic crash, resulting in the starvation of a large population belonging to economically backward countries. Hence, the development of an alternative medicine along with the vaccine is of the utmost importance for the management of COVID-19. Therefore, screening of several herbal leads was performed to explore their potential against SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, viral main protease was selected as a key enzyme for performing the study. Various computational approaches, including molecular docking simulation, were used in the current study to find potential inhibitors of viral main protease from a library of 150 herbal leads. Toxicity and ADME prediction of selected molecules were also analysed by Osiris molecular property explorer software. Molecular dynamic simulation of the top 10 docked herbal leads was analysed for stability using 100 ns. Taraxerol (−10.17 kcal/mol), diosgenin (10.12 kcal/mol), amyrin (−9.56 kcal/mol), and asiaticoside (−9.54 kcal/mol) were among the top four herbal leads with the highest binding affinity with the main protease enzyme. Thus, taraxerol was found to be an effective drug candidate against the main protease enzyme for the management of COVID-19. Furthermore, its clinical effect and safety profile need to be established through an in vivo model.

MicroRNA regulation of the proliferation and apoptosis of Leydig cells in diabetes

BACKGROUND

The number of patients with diabetes is increasing worldwide. Diabetic testicular damage can cause spermiogenesis disorders and sexual dysfunction. We thus explored the role of miRNAs in diabetic testicular damage, and revealed that they could serve as effective prevention and treatment therapeutic targets.

METHODS

Streptozotocin (STZ) was used to generate a rat model of type 2 diabetes. Rat testicular tissues were used for miRNA and mRNA sequencing. Through bioinformatics analysis, we constructed an miRNA-mRNA diabetic testicular damage regulatory network and screened for key miRNAs. We also used Leydig cells to generate a diabetic cell model and detected the downstream target genes of miRNAs, secretion of testosterone, and proliferation and apoptotic levels to elucidate the role and mechanism of the selected miRNAs in diabetic testicular damage.

RESULTS

Using second-generation sequencing, we identified 19 differentially expressed miRNAs and 555 mRNAs in the testes of diabetic rats. Based on computational prediction of targets and negative regulation relationships, we constructed a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, including 12 miRNAs and 215 mRNAs. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that genes were more concentrated on the survival signalling pathway. Based on this, we screened 2 key miRNAs, miR-504 and miR-935. In vitro, glucose could induce an increase in miR-504 and miR-935, whereas a decrease in MEK5 and MEF2C in a dose-dependent manner. Overexpression of miR-504 and miR-935 led to the decreased expression of MEK5 and MEF2C, decreased proliferation rate of Leydig cells, increased apoptotic rate, and decreased secretion of testosterone. Whereas, knockdown of miR-504 and miR-935 displayed opposite tendencies.

CONCLUSIONS

miRNAs play important roles in diabetic testicular damage. miR-504 and miR-935 might regulate testicular damage through the classic survival pathway of MEK5-ERK5-MEF2C. Targeted inhibition of miR-504 and miR-935 could reverse the high-glucose-induced testicular complications, thus posing as a potential therapeutic approach in diabetic testicular injury.

Antiapoptotic and antioxidative effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles on the testicular tissues of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: An experimental study

Background

Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CNPs) due to the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities are proposed for the treatment of oxidative stress-associated diseases.

Objective

To examine the impact of CNPs on hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in the testis of diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups (n = 6/each) as diabetic rats, CNPs group, diabetic + CNPs rats, and controls. The control group was fed only mouse food and water. Rats became diabetic through receiving streptozotocin (STZ) 60 mg/kg. CNPs were given to the rats at a dose of 30 mg/kg daily for 2 wk. Malondialdehyde and total thiol group (TTG) levels were measured using spectrofluorometer. Expression of b-cell lymphoma protein 2-associated X protein (BAX) and b-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2) were investigated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis was used to examine caspase 3 protein levels.

Results

The content of malondialdehyde significantly increased in the STZ-diabetic rats, while TTG levels demonstrated a remarkable decrease. Caspase-3, BAX, and BAX/Bcl-2 mRNA ratio raised significantly in the STZ-diabetic rats. On the other hand, Bcl-2 mRNA levels reduced in the testis of diabetic rats (p = 0.006). Intervention with CNPs caused a substantial increase in the TTG levels, while the malondialdehyde contents, caspase-3, BAX levels, as well as BAX/Bcl-2 mRNA ratio were considerably decreased following CNPs treatment. Administration of CNPs increased mRNA levels of Bcl-2 (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

CNPs treatment attenuates testicular apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by diabetes. This nanoparticle might be suggested for the treatment of diabetes-associated reproductive disorders.

Computational repurposing of tamibarotene against triple mutant variant of SARS-CoV-2

The outbreak of the triple mutant strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) was more virulent and pathogenic than its original strain. The viral triple mutant strain of SARS-COV-2 is extremely adaptive and increases penetrability into the host. The triple mutant viral strain was first reported in Brazil and South Africa and then communicated to different countries responsible for the second wave of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic with a high mortality rate. The reported genomic mutations are responsible for the alterations in the viral functional and structural proteins, causing the ineffectiveness of the existing antiviral therapy targeting these proteins. Thus, in current research, molecular docking simulation-based virtual screening of a ligand library consisting of FDA-approved existing drugs followed by molecular dynamics simulation-based validation of leads was performed to develop a potent inhibitor molecule for the triple mutant viral strain SARS-CoV-2. Based on the safety profile, tamibarotene was selected as a safe and effective drug candidate for developing therapy against the triple mutant viral spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.

Ejaculatory dysfunction in men with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to absolute or relative insulin deficiency, in the background of β-cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, or both. Such chronic hyperglycemia is linked to long-term damage to blood vessels, nerves, and various organs. Currently, the worldwide burden of DM and its complications is in increase. Male sexual dysfunction is one of the famous complications of DM, including abnormal orgasmic/ejaculatory functions, desire/libido, and erection. Ejaculatory dysfunction encompasses several disorders related to DM and its complications, such as premature ejaculation, anejaculation (AE), delayed ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation (RE), ejaculatory pain, anesthetic ejaculation, decreased ejaculate volume, and decreased force of ejaculation. The problems linked to ejaculatory dysfunction may extend beyond the poor quality of life in diabetics as both AE and RE are alleged to alter the fertility potential of these patients. However, although both diabetes patients and their physicians are increasingly aware of diabetic ejaculatory dysfunction, this awareness still lags behind that of other diabetes complications. Therefore, all these disorders should be looked for thoroughly during the clinical evaluation of diabetic men. Besides, introducing the suitable option and/or maneuvers to treat these disorders should be tailored according to each case. This review aimed to explore the most important findings regarding ejaculatory dysfunction in diabetes from pre-clinical and clinical perspectives.

Artemisia judaica L. diminishes diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction in male rats via activation of Nrf2/HO-1-mediated antioxidant responses

Diabetes mellitus is a well-known danger element for the progression of male reproductive dysfunctions. Available evidence supports oxidative stress to be the underlying mechanism for the manifestation of testicular dysfunctions during diabetes, and this relation represents an attractive target to antagonize these complications. Artemisia judaica L. is known to have antidiabetic and antioxidant characteristics. The possible protective effect of Artemisia judaica against diabetes-induced testicular disorders was not explored. In this investigation, we planned to estimate the possible protective effect of Artemisia judaica extract against diabetes-induced testicular disorders in male rats. The blood levels of insulin, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone were evaluated in rats after 12 weeks of Artemisia judaica treatment. Further, oxidative stress markers were determined in their testicular tissue. Epididymal fluid and testicular histological changes were also assessed. Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen has been evaluated in testis. Testicular mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 as the significant transcription factors in controlling antioxidant system were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Artemisia judaica extracts have the ability to ameliorate the elevation in the serum glucose and blood glycosylated hemoglobin and the reduction in insulin, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone caused by streptozotocin-induced diabetes. It induced a significant recovery of the testicular oxidative stress markers, sperm characteristics and improved histopathological findings of the testes. Treatment with Artemisia judaica extracts led to an increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein expression. Reduction of testicular oxidative stress potential in streptozotocin-treated groups was confirmed by upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1.

Momordica cymbalaria improves reproductive parameters in alloxan-induced male diabetic rats

Male reproductive dysfunction is one of the common complications of diabetes mellitus that causes infertility. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of Momordica cymbalaria (M. cymbalaria) extracts on diabetes mediated reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats. The induction of diabetes was performed using a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg/kg). Skin and seed extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg) of M. cymbalaria were orally administered to alloxan-induced diabetic male rats for 28 days. Postprandial blood glucose (PBG) levels were recorded at 7-day interval for four weeks. The effects of the treatment on blood glucose, weight of reproductive organs, sperm count, testosterone levels, antioxidant capacity, and histomorphology were evaluated. Treatment with the above extracts of M. cymbalaria significantly (p < 0.05) improved the reproductive parameters as well as the antioxidant levels superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) in the diabetic rats. Also, oral treatment with M. cymbalaria extracts significantly reduced the PBG and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Further, it revived the histomorphology of reproductive organs in diabetic rats. Interestingly, skin extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg was found to be more efficient in elevating the level of testosterone and sperm count in the diabetic rats. Based on the results, it is clear that M. cymbalaria not only regulates the postprandial blood glucose levels but also improves the reproductive health in the diabetic state.

Small Molecule Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors in Multitarget and Combination Therapies for Inflammation and Cancer

The enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) plays a central role in metabolism of bioactive lipid signaling molecules. The substrate-specific hydrolase activity of sEH converts epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) to less bioactive dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids. EETs exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihypertensive, cardio-protective and organ-protective properties. Accordingly, sEH inhibition is a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing a variety of diseases. In this review, we describe small molecule architectures that have been commonly deployed as sEH inhibitors with respect to angiogenesis, inflammation and cancer. We juxtapose commonly used synthetic scaffolds and natural products within the paradigm of a multitarget approach for addressing inflammation and inflammation induced carcinogenesis. Structural insights from the inhibitor complexes and novel strategies for development of sEH-based multitarget inhibitors are also presented. While sEH inhibition is likely to suppress inflammation-induced carcinogenesis, it can also lead to enhanced angiogenesis via increased EET concentrations. In this regard, sEH inhibitors in combination chemotherapy are described. Urea and amide-based architectures feature prominently across multitarget inhibition and combination chemotherapy applications of sEH inhibitors.

Effects of Cultured Cordycep militaris on Sexual Performance and Erectile Function in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats

Cordyceps militaris (CM), a valuable edible and medicinal fungus, has been used as traditional medicine to treat health conditions, as well as hyposexuality in Asian societies for over a century. Due to the high demand, several artificial cultivation methods have been developed for their biological activities. In this study, CM was cultured on medium that contained white rice and silkworm pupae, and the levels of cordycepin and adenosine, as well as its aphrodisiac effects in diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction (DIED), were evaluated. Diabetic rats were induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection and administered orally with CM (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg BW/day) for 3 weeks. Diabetic rats in negative and positive control groups received vehicle and sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg), respectively. Results showed the changes in mating behaviour in which mount latency and intromission latency were significantly increased in diabetic rats, compared with the normal control group. Diabetic rats also showed a significant reduction in intracavernosal pressure (ICP) response to cavernous nerve stimulation, sperm count, testosterone level, penile nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, when compared to the normal control group. Administration of CM (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg BW/day) reversed the effects of diabetes on the mating behaviour, and the ICP responses to electrical stimulation. Moreover, the levels of penile NOS, testicular SOD activities, testosterone, and sperm count were significantly increased, and testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly decreased in these treated diabetic rats. Diabetic rats treated with sildenafil showed a significant induction in intromission frequency and NOS and SOD activities, as well as a marked increase in ICP responses. These results suggest that CCM exerts its aphrodisiac effect, possibly through activating testosterone production and suppressing oxidative stress to enhance erectile function in diabetic rats.

Computational Drug Repurposing Approach to Identify Potential Fatty Acid-Binding Protein-4 Inhibitors to Develop Novel Antiobesity Therapy

Obesity is a chronic human disorder caused by multiple factors, causing excessive accumulation of fat because of the disparity in take of energy intake with respect to its expenditure. Genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors are having a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) is a superfamily that was involved in the transportation, metabolism, and storage of lipids. The experimental studies have revealed that there is a significant rise in the fatty acid-binding protein-4 (FABP4) expression, and plasma concentration in obese and its downregulation or inhibition can be a potential drug target for obesity. Repurposing of drugs is a trending method for the identification of the newer pharmacological action of an established drug molecule having initially approved indication. It is a cost-effective and economical approach for the development of alternative therapies for existing dreadful diseases in quick succession. Thus, the in silico drug repurposing technique is a highly effective approach for identifying an existing drug molecule having an antiobesity therapeutic activity against the human FABP4, and Floxacillin was selected as safe and effective drug for candidates for developing an antiobesity therapy.

Repurposing metocurine as main protease inhibitor to develop novel antiviral therapy for COVID-19

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is causing a serious disaster through coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) around the globe. A large segment of the population from every corner of the world is already infected with this dreadful pathogen with a high mortality rate. These numbers are increasing drastically causing a situation of a global pandemic. Although after the continuous scientific efforts, we are still not having any specific drug or vaccine for the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen to date and there is an urgent need to develop a newer therapy to counter the COVID-19 global pandemic. Thus, in the current study, a framework for computational drug repurposing is established, and based on their safety profile, metocurine was chosen as a safe and effective drug candidate for developing therapy against the viral Mpro enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 for the treatment of COVID-19.

Computational Design and Biological Depiction of Novel Naproxen Derivative

Naproxen (NAP) is one of the commonly used nonselective Cycloxygenase (COX) inhibitors. It is a choice of drug for anti-inflammatory activity by subsiding the generation of the inflammatory components called prostaglandins. The common problem associated with the NAP is gastrointestinal toxicity. It may cause ulceration or stomach bleeding. In this study, the different derivatives of NAP were designed by using phytophenols with the aim that they exert the antioxidant activity and have the potential to reduce ulcer formation. The lead molecules were designed by molecular docking-based virtual screening against human COX-2 enzyme through AutoDock. Then these derivatives were screened for pharmacokinetic profiling by considering Lipinski's filter. The potent and safe molecule was identified by pharmacokinetics and toxicity evaluation. The potent compound was synthesized in the laboratory, purified, characterized, and its pharmacological activities were evaluated. The resultant compound was found to be equipotent and less toxic than the parent compound.