Benzimidazole derivatives protect against cytokine-induced apoptosis in pancreatic β-Cells

Bergenin protects pancreatic beta cells against cytokine-induced apoptosis in INS-1E cells

Beta cell apoptosis induced by proinflammatory cytokines is one of the hallmarks of diabetes. Small molecules which can inhibit the cytokine-induced apoptosis could lead to new drug candidates that can be used in combination with existing therapeutic interventions against diabetes. The current study evaluated several effects of bergenin, an isocoumarin derivative, in beta cells in the presence of cytokines. These included (i) increase in beta cell viability (by measuring cellular ATP levels) (ii) suppression of beta cell apoptosis (by measuring caspase activity), (iii) improvement in beta cell function (by measuring glucose-stimulated insulin secretion), and (iv) improvement of beta cells mitochondrial physiological functions. The experiments were carried out using rat beta INS-1E cell line in the presence or absence of bergenin and a cocktail of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon- gamma) for 48 hr. Bergenin significantly inhibited beta cell apoptosis, as inferred from the reduction in the caspase-3 activity (IC50 = 7.29 ± 2.45 μM), and concurrently increased cellular ATP Levels (EC50 = 1.97 ± 0.47 μM). Bergenin also significantly enhanced insulin secretion (EC50 = 6.73 ± 2.15 μM) in INS-1E cells, presumably because of the decreased nitric oxide production (IC50 = 6.82 ± 2.83 μM). Bergenin restored mitochondrial membrane potential (EC50 = 2.27 ± 0.83 μM), decreased ROS production (IC50 = 14.63 ± 3.18 μM), and improved mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity (EC50 = 1.39 ± 0.62 μM). This study shows for the first time that bergenin protected beta cells from cytokine-induced apoptosis and restored insulin secretory function by virtue of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. To sum up, the above mentioned data highlight bergenin as a promising anti-apoptotic agent in the context of diabetes.

An Aqueous Facile Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-One Derivatives by Reverse Zinc Oxide Micelles as Nanoreactor

A green synthetic protocol has been developed for the efficient preparation of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin−4(1H)-one derivatives with excellent yield in aqueous media. Reverse zinc oxide micelles catalyzed the reactions efficiently and selectively as the hallow nanoreactor. Moreover, the catalyst was reusable without significant loss of catalytic efficiency. The notable advantages of the procedure are high yields and mild reaction conditions, simple operation, nonchromatographic purification, environmentally friendly and good versatile substrates.

Recent Advances in Apoptosis: THE Role of Hydrazones

The process of programmed cell death in higher eukaryotes (apoptosis), is generally characterized by distinct morphological characteristics and energy-dependent biochemical mechanisms. Apoptosis is considered as a vital component of various processes including normal cell turnover, proper development and functioning of the immune system, hormone-dependent atrophy, embryonic development and chemical-induced cell death. Apoptosis seems to play an important key role in the progression of several human diseases like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and many types of cancer. Promotion of apoptosis may be a good approach for the prevention of cancer cell proliferation. In early studies, antitumor compounds have been found to induce the apoptotic process in tumor cells. On the other hand, several hydrazones were reported to have lower toxicity than hydrazides due to the blockage of -NH2 group. Therefore, the design of hydrazones that activate and promote apoptosis is an attractive strategy for the discovery and development of potential anticancer agents. The aim of this review is to provide a general overview of current knowledge and the connection between apoptosis and hydrazone. It is also the guide for the apoptotic activities of new hydrazone derivatives.

Therapeutic evolution of benzimidazole derivatives in the last quinquennial period

Benzimidazole, a fused heterocycle bearing benzene and imidazole has gained considerable attention in the field of contemporary medicinal chemistry. The moiety is of substantial importance because of its wide array of pharmacological activities. This nitrogen containing heterocycle is a part of a number of therapeutically used agents. Moreover, a number of patents concerning this moiety in the last few years further highlight its worth. The present review covers the recent work published by scientists across the globe during last five years.

Benzimidazole derivatives as new α-glucosidase inhibitors and in silico studies

Newly synthesized benzimidazole hydrazone derivatives 1-26 were evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Compounds 1-26 exhibited varying degrees of yeast α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values between 8.40 ± 0.76 and 179.71 ± 1.11 μM when compared with standard acarbose. In this assay, seven compounds that showed highest inhibitory effects than the rest of benzimidazole series were identified. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by different spectroscopic methods adequately. We further evaluated the interaction of the active compounds with enzyme with the help of docking studies.