Retention data of bile acids and their oxo derivatives in characterization of pharmacokinetic properties and in silico ADME modeling

Determination of Bile Acids in Canine Biological Samples: Diagnostic Significance

The comprehensive examination of bile acids is of paramount importance across various fields of health sciences, influencing physiology, microbiology, internal medicine, and pharmacology. While enzymatic reaction-based photometric methods remain fundamental for total BA measurements, there is a burgeoning demand for more sophisticated techniques such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for comprehensive BA profiling. This evolution reflects a need for nuanced diagnostic assessments in clinical practice. In canines, a BA assessment involves considering factors, such as food composition, transit times, and breed-specific variations. Multiple matrices, including blood, feces, urine, liver tissue, and gallbladder bile, offer insights into BA profiles, yet interpretations remain complex, particularly in fecal analysis due to sampling challenges and breed-specific differences. Despite ongoing efforts, a consensus regarding optimal matrices and diagnostic thresholds remains elusive, highlighting the need for further research. Emphasizing the scarcity of systematic animal studies and underscoring the importance of ap-propriate sampling methodologies, our review advocates for targeted investigations into BA alterations in canine pathology, promising insights into pathomechanisms, early disease detection, and therapeutic avenues.

In vitro activity of the novel Fe-cyclam complex against clinical multidrug-resistant bacterial isolates from Brazil

Aim: To evaluate the effect of a new Fe-cyclam complex on pathogenic bacterial species, including multidrug-resistant clinical specimens. Materials & methods: The complex [Fe(cyclam)ox]PF6 (D2) was tested in cytotoxicity and MIC tests. Clinical and reference strains of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were used. Considering Staphylococcus aureus strains, the profile of antimicrobial susceptibility and time-kill kinetics for D2 was performed. An in silico analysis for D2 was also performed. Results: D2 showed broad bacterial activity, mainly against specimens of Cutibacterium acnes, S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. Low cytotoxicity in human cells was demonstrated. Conclusion: The tested compound proved to be a promising agent against resistant bacterial infections.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of PLA2 Inhibitory Saccharumoside-B

BACKGROUND

Saccharumoside-B and its analogs were found to have anticancer potential in vitro. The present study reports acute toxicity, molecular docking, ADMET profile analysis, and in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of saccharumoside-B for the first time.

METHODS

The in vitro enzyme inhibitory activity of saccharumoside-B on PLA2, COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX enzymes was evaluated by the cell-free method, and its effect on TNF-α, IL1β, and IL- 6 secretion levels in LPS stimulated THP-1 human monocytes was determined by ELISA-based methods. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vivo by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. To test its binding affinity at the active site pockets of PLA2 enzymes and assess drug-like properties, docking experiments and ADMET studies were performed.

RESULTS

Saccharumoside-B showed selective inhibition of the sPLA2 enzyme (IC50 = 7.53 ± 0.232 μM), and thioetheramide-PC was used as a positive control. It showed significant inhibition (P ≤ 0.05) of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 cytokines compared to the positive control dexamethasone. Saccharumoside-B showed a dose-dependent inhibition of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, with a maximum inhibition (76.09 ± 0.75) observed at 3 hours after the phlogistic agent injection. Saccharumoside-B potentially binds to the active site pocket of sPLA2 crystal protein (binding energy -7.6 Kcal/Mol). It complies with Lipinski's Rule of Five, showing a promising safety profile. The bioactivity scores suggested it to be a better enzyme inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

Saccharumoside-B showed significant PLA2 inhibition. It can become a potential lead molecule in synthesizing a new class of selective PLA2 inhibitors with a high safety profile in the future.

3-Methyl-imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole derivatives as a new class of antifolates: Synthesis, in vitro/in vivo bio-evaluation and molecular modeling simulations

Inhibiting the Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) enzyme has been validated in multiple clinical manifestations related to bacterial infection, malaria, and multiple types of cancer. Herein, novel series of 3-methyl-imidazo[2,1-b] thiazole-based analogs were synthesized and biologically evaluated for their in vitro inhibitory profile towards DHFR. Compounds 22 and 23 exhibited potent inhibitory profile targeting DHFR (IC₅₀ 0.079 and 0.085 µM, respectively comparable to MTX IC₅₀ 0.087 µM). Compounds 22 and 23 showed promising cytotoxicity against MCF7 breast cancer cell lines inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, Compound 23 showed its potential to reduce body weight and tumor volume significantly, using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) solid tumor animal model of breast cancer, compared to control-treated groups. Further, molecular modeling simulations validated the potential of 22 and 23 to have high affinity binding towards Arg22 and Phe31 residues via π-π interaction and hydrogen bonding within DHFR binding pocket. Computer-assisted ADMET study suggested that the newly synthesized analogs could have high penetration to the blood brain barrier (BBB), better intestinal absorption, non-inhibitors of CYP2D6, adequate plasma protein binding and good passive oral absorption. The obtained model and pattern of substitution could be used for further development of DHFR inhibitors.

Antidepressant activity of rose oxide essential oil: possible involvement of serotonergic transmission

Rose oxide (RO) is a monoterpene found in rose oil fragrances. This monoterpene has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity, however, little is known regarding its pharmacological activity. The present study was carried out to evaluate its antidepressant action and possible mechanisms of action. Analysis of ADMET pharmacokinetic properties (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) of rose oxide was performed by computational prediction analysis. Behavioral tests were performed to assess the interaction between rose oxide and the central nervous system and antidepressant effect that includes: forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), open field test (OFT) and rota-rod test. The results of pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties indicate that rose oxide could be used orally, since it has good intestinal absorption as well as pharmacological and toxicological properties that can be similar to pharmacological compounds (regular hepatic metabolism and low toxicity). Treatment with 50 mg/kg of rose oxide was able to decrease the immobility time of animals not affected by FST and TST and was not able to alter the motor activity of the OFT and rota-rod test, suggesting modulation and antidepressant activity. Docking data suggest that rose oxide can bind to receptors in the serotonergic pathway. The results described here suggest that rose oxide has antidepressant activity, modulating the serotonergic pathway.

Computational analysis of eugenol inhibitory activity in lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways

Chronic inflammation is triggered by numerous diseases such as osteoarthritis, Crohn's disease and cancer. The control of the pro-inflammatory process can prevent, mitigate and/or inhibit the evolution of these diseases. Therefore, anti-inflammatory drugs have been studied as possible compounds to act in these diseases. This paper proposes a computational analysis of eugenol in relation to aspirin and diclofenac and analyzing the ADMET profile and interactions with COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes, important enzymes in the signaling pathway of pro-inflammatory processes. Through the analysis of ADMET in silico, it was found that the pharmacokinetic results of eugenol are similar to NSAIDs, such as diclofenac and aspirin. Bioinformatics analysis using coupling tests showed that eugenol can bind to COX-2 and 5-LOX. These results corroborate with different findings in the literature that demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity with less gastric irritation, bleeding and ulcerogenic side effects of eugenol. The results of bioinformatics reinforce studies that try to propose eugenol as an anti-inflammatory compound that can act in the COX-2/5-LOX pathways, replacing some NSAIDs in different diseases.

QSAR characterization of new synthesized hydantoins with antiproliferative activity

Hydantois have been identified as constituents of a number of pharmacologically active molecules. In the present study, we have examined in vitro antiproliferative activity against human colon cancer cell lines HCT-116 of three series of 3-(4-substituted benzyl)-hydantoins with various substituent attached in position 5 of the hydantoin ring. Since the investigated compounds have recently been synthesized and show antiproliferative activity, a good understanding of the properties of the potential drug responsible for their pharmacokinetics is an important goal for their further development. One of the important properties is lipophilicity. Lipophilicity has been assessed by reversed-phase liquid chromatography (high-performance thin-layer chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography) by means of direct and indirect (using calibration curve) methods. Chromatographic lipophilicity indices in addition to calculated logP values were compared by hierarchical cluster analysis. The linear solvation energy relationship approach was used to understand and compare the types and relative strength of the molecular interactions that occur in the chromatographic as well as in the n-octanol-water partitioning systems. Finally, correlation between in silico pharmacokinetic predictors and antiproliferative activity was examined. Preliminary quantitative structure-activity relationship modeling indicates that pharmacokinetic predictors capture only one-quarter of all chemical features that are important for antiproliferative activity itself. Among selected descriptors are chromatographic lipophilicity indices.

Biological Activity and In Silico Study of 3-Modified Derivatives of Betulin and Betulinic Aldehyde

A series of 3-substituted derivatives of betulin and betulinic aldehyde were synthesized as promising anticancer agents. The newly triterpenes were tested against five human cancer cell lines like biphenotypic B myelomonocytic leukaemia (MV-4-11), adenocarcinoma (A549), prostate (Du-145), melanoma (Hs294T), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and normal human mammary gland (MCF-10A). The compound 9 showed towards Du-145, MCF-7 and Hs294T cells significant antiproliferative activity with IC₅₀ ranging from 7.3 to 10.6 μM. The evaluation of ADME properties of all compounds also includes their pharmacokinetic profile. The calculated TPSA values for synthetized derivatives are in the range between 43.38 Ų and 55.77 Ų suggesting high oral bioavailability. The molecular docking calculations showed that triterpene 9 fits the active site of the serine/threonine protein kinase Akt.

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity and retention behavior of newly synthesized vanilidene derivatives of Meldrum's acids using QSRR approach

Increased antimicrobial resistance together with the lack of new antimicrobial drugs suggest on an urgent need for new therapeutics in this field. Vanilidene derivatives of Meldrum's acid present one of the possible approaches. In this work lipophilicity of 13 vanilidene derivatives of Meldrum's acid as well as their predicted antimicrobial activity towards several characteristic species has been evaluated. 10 vanilidene derivatives have been previously synthesized and 3 new compounds are synthetized afterwards following the same procedure. These selected 13 candidates were examined using thin layer chromatography in two different solvent systems. Gained retention parameters were a starting point for further Quantitative Structure Property Relationships (QSRR) studies in which minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Candida albicans, Trichoderma viride, Penicillium italicum, Fuscarium oxysporum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli were determined. Statistically significant QSRR models were established and clustering of the compounds was performed with the help of principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) properties of investigated molecules were subjected to sum of ranking differences (SRD) analysis in order to explore their pharmacokinetic properties. SRD analysis was also performed for the ranking of the established QSRR models. It was shown that compounds 6, 8 and 9 possess a significant antimicrobial activity, satisfied ADME properties and these candidates should be further optimized in order to utilize unexplored potential of Meldrum's acid in synthesis of novel antifungal compounds.

Structural insights into anticancer activity of D-ring modified estrone derivatives using their lipophilicity in estimation of SAR and molecular docking studies

Many forms of breast carcinoma are hormone-dependent and therefore development of novel aromatase inhibitors is of particular interest. Since brain metastases are frequent in patients with advanced breast carcinoma, one of the goals of modern drug development is the discovery of drugs with specific pharmacokinetic profile. High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) is often used to determine lipophilicity of the molecules based on their retention constant. As a predictive analysis, multiple linear regression method was performed to connect pharmacokinetic-dependent parameters with independent physicochemical properties such are: R_M⁰ , TPSA and M_w of fourteen D-ring modified oestrone derivatives. Additionally, docking studies were performed. Conducted correlation analysis indicates excellent dependence between experimental R_M parameter values and calculated values of pharmacokinetic parameters. Results show sufficient intestinal absorption of all the investigated molecules as well as moderate volumes of distribution and strong affinity for binding to plasma proteins. Crossing blood-brain barrier is predicted to be successful for 11 compounds. The created quantitative structure activity relationship model represents an excellent predictive tool and enables determination of pharmacokinetic properties of examined compounds. Docking analysis defined molecules I₃ and II₃ to be the best candidates; however, compound II₃ violates the Lipinski rule. It has been concluded that molecules with hydroxyl group at C-3 more effectively pass through blood-brain barrier while structures with benzyloxy groups have stronger interactions with CYP1A19. Molecules II₂ , II₄ , II₆ , and II₇ are regarded as most suitable candidates for further investigation considering their good pharmacokinetic and docking characteristics. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.