In-silico designing and characterization of binding modes of two novel inhibitors for CB1 receptor against obesity by classical 3D-QSAR approach

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists in Inflammation, Diabetes Mellitus, and Obesity

Recently, research has greatly expanded the knowledge of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its involvement in several therapeutic applications. Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) are present in nearly every mammalian tissue, performing a vital role in different physiological processes (neuronal development, immune modulation, energy homeostasis). The ECS has an essential role in metabolic control and lipid signaling, making it a potential target for managing conditions such as obesity and diabetes. Its malfunction is closely linked to these pathological conditions. Additionally, the immunomodulatory function of the ECS presents a promising avenue for developing new treatments for various types of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. Preclinical investigations using peripherally restricted CBR antagonists that do not cross the BBB have shown promise for the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases, highlighting the importance of continuing efforts to discover novel molecules with superior safety profiles. The purpose of this review is to examine the roles of CB1R and CB2Rs, as well as their antagonists, in relation to the above-mentioned disorders.

PAEs Derivatives' Design for Insulation: Integrated In-Silico Methods, Functional Assessment and Environmentally Friendly Molecular Modification

As a common substance in production and life, phthalic acid esters (PAEs), the main component of plastics, have brought more and more serious problems to the environment. This study normalized the insulation, toxicity, and bioconcentration data of 13 PAEs to eliminate the dimensional coefficients of each index, and then used the comprehensive index method to calculate the comprehensive effect value of PAEs with three properties. The comprehensive effect value was used as the data source to construct the 3D-QSAR model of PAE molecular comprehensive effect. The DAP was selected as the target molecule, the distribution of each force field in the three-dimensional equipotential map was analyzed, and 30 molecular modification schemes were created. The constructed single-effect models of insulation, toxicity, and bioconcentration of PAEs and the scoring function module of DS software were used to evaluate the stability and environmental friendliness of PAE derivative molecules. Four PAE derivatives were screened for increased comprehensive effects, enhanced insulation, and reduced toxicity and bioconcentration. By calculating the binding energy of the target molecule and the derivative molecule with the degrading enzyme under different applied electric fields, it was found that the binding energy of DAP-1-NO2-2-CH2C6H5 decreases more than DAP does when there is an applied electric field, indicating that the degradation ability of degrading enzymes on PAE derivative molecules is reduced, which indirectly proves that the insulation is enhanced. The innovation of this paper lies in the insulation, toxicity, and bioenrichment data of PAEs being processed by mathematical method for the first time, and PAEs with high insulation, low toxicity, and low bioconcentration were designed by building a comprehensive model.

A 3D-QSAR model for the comprehensive bioenrichment and biodegradation effect of benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilisers and application of the model in molecular modification

Ultraviolet (UV) absorber, a type of light stabiliser, has received considerable attention because of its high bioenrichment ability and low biodegradability. In this study, benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilisers (BUVSs) were used as the research object, and the bioenrichment and biodegradation data of 13 types of BUVS molecules were subjected to dimensionless processing through quartile data transformation. Additionally, a three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model was constructed for the investigation of the comprehensive effect of molecular bioenrichment and biodegradation of BUVSs, and improved derivative molecules were designed. Furthermore, the validity of the model was predicted using EPI simulation software, and finally, the biodegradability of BUVSs and their bioenrichment and biological effect before and after modification in the food chain and in the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in sewage were analysed through the molecular docking technology. A total of 10 derivatives with reduced enrichment ability and enhanced degradability were designed using the CoMFA model analysis (reduction: combined effect value, 0.32-20.55%; log BCF, 2.37-17.59%; and log HL, 0.47-16.94%). Molecular docking showed that the bioenrichment ability of two derivative molecules in the four organisms was decreased by 1.87-27.67%, and the biodegradation ability of four derivative molecules in the three sewage bacteria was enhanced by 1.60-33.38% compared with those before modification. The molecular modification method of UV absorbent developed in this study provides a new perspective for further studies on environment-friendly UV absorbent and helps reduce the risks of these emerging pollutants on the environment and human body.

First In Class (S,E)-11-[2-(Arylmethylene)Hydrazono]-PBD Analogs As Selective CB2 Modulators Targeting Neurodegenerative Disorders

Newly designed pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepines tricyclic skeleton has shown potential clusters of cannabinoid receptors CB1/CB2 selective ligands. CB2 plays a critical role in microglial-derived neuroinflammation, where it modulates cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation into M1 or M2 phenotypes. Beginning with computer-based docking studies accounting the recently discovered X-ray crystal structure of CB2, we designed a series of PBD analogs as potential ligands of CB2 and tested their binding affinities. Interestingly, computational studies and theoretical binding affinities of several selected (S,E)-11-[2-(arylmethylene)hydrazono]-PBD analogs, have revealed the presence of potential selectivity in binding attraction towards CB1 and CB2. Reported here is the discovery of the first representatives of this series of selective binding to CB2. Preliminary data showed that this class of molecules display potential binding efficacy towards the cannabinoid receptors tested. Intriguingly, initial cannabinoid binding assay showed a selective binding affinity of 4g and 4h showed K _i of 0.49 and 4.7 μM towards CB2 receptors while no binding was observed to CB1. The designed leads have shown remarkable stability pattern at the physiological pH magnifying their therapeutic values. We hypothesize that the PBD tricyclic structure offers the molecule an appropriate three-dimensional conformation to fit snugly within the active site of CB2 receptors, giving them superiority over the reported CB2 agonists/inverse agonists. Our findings suggested that the attachment of heterocyclic ring through the condensation of diazepine hydrazone and S- or N-heterocyclic aldehydes enhances the selectivity of CB2 over CB1.

The Endocannabinoid System Contributes to Electroacupuncture Analgesia

The extensive involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in vital physiological and cognitive processes of the human body has inspired many investigations into the role of the ECS and drugs, and therapies that target this system and its receptors. Activation of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB₁ and CB₂) by cannabinoid treatments, including synthetic cannabinoids, alleviates behavioral responses to inflammatory and neuropathic pain. An increasing body of scientific evidence details how electroacupuncture (EA) treatments achieve effective analgesia and reduce inflammation by modulating cannabinoid signaling, without the adverse effects resulting from synthetic cannabinoid administration. CB₁ receptors in the ventrolateral area of the periaqueductal gray are critically important for the mechanisms of the EA antinociceptive effect, while peripheral CB₂ receptors are related to the anti-inflammatory effects of EA. This review explores the evidence detailing the endocannabinoid mechanisms involved in EA antinociception.

A computational study on the interactions between a layered imine-based COF structure and selected anticancer drugs

The covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are important materials in drug delivery. Herein, the interactions between an imine-based COF with selected commercially available anticancer drugs are studied. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies were used. The studies were carried out in four different temperatures to find out the impact of the temperature on the binding free energies between the drugs and COF structure. It was found that the effect of temperature on binding free energy is ignorable. Between the hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, and van der Waals interactions, the last one is the most important one to keep the drug and COF next to each other. Also, the van der Waals interaction is keeping the layers of COF next to each other to create cavities. The cavities can be loaded with different drugs and the system can be used in drug delivery systems. Based on the obtained results, the drugs that are more lipophilic prefer to adhere more strongly to the COF in comparison with hydrophilic drugs.

A Modified 3D-QSAR Model Based on Ideal Point Method and Its Application in the Molecular Modification of Plasticizers with Flame Retardancy and Eco-Friendliness

The addition of plasticizers makes plastics flammable, and thus, poses a potential risk to the environment. In previous researches, plasticizers with flame retardancy had been synthesized, but their eco-friendliness had not been tested or described. Thus, in this paper, eco-friendliness plasticizers with flame retardancy were designed based on phthalic acid esters (PAEs), which are known as common plasticizers and major plastic additives. For a comprehensive analysis, such as flammability, biotoxicity, and enrichment effects, 17 PAEs’ comprehensive evaluation values were calculated based on the ideal point method. Further, a multi-effect three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model of PAEs’ flammability, biotoxicity and enrichment effects was constructed. Thus, 18 dimethyl phthalate (DMP) derivatives and 20 diallyl phthalate (DAP) derivatives were designed based on three-dimensional contour maps. Through evaluation of eco-friendliness and flammability, six eco-friendly PAE derivatives with flame retardancy were screened out. Based on contour maps analysis, it was confirmed that the introduction of large groups and hydrophobic groups was beneficial to the simultaneous improvement of PAEs’ comprehensive effects, and multiple effects. In addition, the group properties were correlated significantly with improved degrees of the comprehensive effects of corresponding PAE derivatives, confirming the feasibility of the comprehensive evaluation method and modified scheme.