Biological activity of bis-(morpholineacetato)palladium(II) complex: Preparation, structural elucidation, cytotoxicity, DNA-/serum albumin-interaction, density functional theory, in-silico prediction and molecular modeling

Barosmin against postprandial hyperglycemia: outputs from computational prediction to functional responses in vitro

Previously, barosmin has been demonstrated to possess anti-diabetic action. However, its effect to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase, including glucose utilization efficacy, has yet to be revealed. Hence, the current study attempted to assess the efficiency of barosmin in inhibiting the α-amylase, α -glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 enzymes, including glucose uptake efficacy. Molecular docking and simulation were performed using AutoDock Vina and Gromacs respectively followed by gene ontology analysis using the database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery. Further, in vitro enzyme inhibitory activities and glucose uptake assay were performed in L6 cell lines. Density functional theory analysis detailed mechanistic insights into the crucial interaction sites of barosmin of which the electron-dense region was prone to nucleophilic attack (O-atoms) whereas hydroxyl groups (-OH) showed affinity for electrophilic attacks. Barosmin showed good binding affinity with α-amylase (-9.2 kcal/mol), α-glucosidase (-10.7 kcal/mol), and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (-10.0 kcal/mol). Barosmin formed stable nonbonded contacts with active site residues of aforementioned enzymes throughout 200 ns molecular dynamics simulation. Further, it regulated pathway concerned with glucose homeostasis i.e. tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway. In addition, barosmin showed α-amylase (IC50= 95.77 ± 23.33 µg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC50= 68.13 ± 2.95 µg/mL), and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (IC50= 13.27 ± 1.99 µg/mL) inhibitory activities including glucose uptake efficacy in L6 cell lines (EC50= 12.46 ± 0.90 µg/mL) in the presence of insulin. This study presents the efficacy of the barosmin to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase and glucose uptake efficacy in L6 cell lines via the use of multiple system biology tools and in vitro techniques.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Utilizing Ni(II) complex for metal drug-gel particles in cervical cancer treatment and designing novel drugs through machine learning methods

In the present study, a novel coordination polymer (CP) based on Ni(II), namely, [Ni(L)(D-CAM)(H2O)]n (1) (H2D-CAM = (1R,3S)-1,2,2-trimethylcyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid and L = 3,6-bis(benzimidazol-1-yl)pyridazine), has been produced successfully through applying a mixed ligand synthesis method via reacting Ni(NO3)2·6H2O with 3,6-bis(benzimidazol-1-yl)pyridazine ligand in the presence of a carboxylic acid co-ligand. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) are representatives of natural polysaccharides and have good biocompatibility. Based on the chemical synthesis method, HA/CMCS hydrogel was successfully prepared. SEM showed that the lyophilized gel presented a typical macroporous structure with three-dimensional connected pores, which had unique advantages as a drug carrier. Using paclitaxel as a drug model, we further synthesized a novel paclitaxel-loaded metal gel and evaluated its therapeutic effect on cervical cancer. Finally, novel drugs from the reinforcement learning simulation are suggested to have better biological activity against ovarian cancer due to low affinity energy and stronger interaction strength towards the protein receptor.

Novel rod-like [Cu(phen)2(OAc)]·PF6 complex for high-performance visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of hazardous organic dyes: DFT approach, Hirshfeld and fingerprint plot analysis

A novel octahedral distorted coordination complex was formed from a copper transition metal with a bidentate ligand (1,10-Phenanthroline) and characterized by Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The Hirshfeld surface and fingerprint plot analyses were conducted to determine the interactions between atoms in the Cu(II) complex. DFT calculations showed that the central copper ion and its coordinated atoms have an octahedral geometry. The Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) map indicated that the copper (II) complex is an electrophilic compound that can interact with negatively charged macromolecules. The HOMO-LUMO analysis demonstrated the π nature charge transfer from acetate to phenanthroline. The band gap of [Cu(phen)2(OAc)]·PF6 photocatalyst was estimated to be 2.88 eV, confirming that this complex is suitable for environmental remediation. The photocatalytic degradation of erythrosine, malachite green, methylene blue, and Eriochrome Black T as model organic pollutants using the prepared complex was investigated under visible light. The [Cu(phen)2(OAc)]·PF6 photocatalyst exhibited degradation 94.7, 90.1, 82.7, and 74.3 % of malachite green, methylene blue, erythrosine, and Eriochrome Black T, respectively, under visible illumination within 70 min. The results from the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic analysis demonstrated that the Cu(II) complex has a higher efficiency for the degradation of cationic pollutants than the anionic ones. This was attributed to surface charge attraction between photocatalyst and cationic dyes promoting removal efficiency. The reusability test indicated that the photocatalyst could be utilized in seven consecutive photocatalytic degradation cycles with an insignificant decrease in efficiency.

Investigation on the Effect of Fluorescence Quenching of Calf Thymus DNA by Piperine: Caspase Activation in the Human Breast Cancer Cell Line Studies

In this study, we determined the interaction of piperine and calf thymus DNA (ct DNA) in Tris-HCl buffer solution at pH = 6.8 and also evaluated the binding mechanism through the data of multi-spectroscopic techniques along with thermal melting and viscosity measurements. The outcomes of fluorescence quenching confirmed the occurrence of interactions between piperine and ctDNA and pointed out the role of piperine as the quencher. In addition, the KSV values were measured at three different temperatures of 298, 303, and 308 K to be 4.5 × 107 M-1, 5.65 × 107 M-1, and 9.36 × 107 M-1, respectively, which suggested the dominance of dynamic mechanism as the fluorescence quenching of piperine-ctDNA. The thermodynamic parameters revealed the predominance of hydrophobic forces in the interaction of ctDNA with piperine. According to the resonance light scattering data, the formation of a complex between piperine and ctDNA led to the creation of a larger particle. Ethidium bromide (EB) and acridine orange (AO) displacement studies, along with the ionic effects of NaCl and KI assessments, confirmed the interaction of piperine-ctDNA through a groove binding mode. The melting temperature assay of ctDNA upon the addition of piperine concentration indicated the probable groove binding of piperine to ctDNA, which was affirmed by relative viscosity measurement as well. The lack of detecting any alterations in the circular dichroism (CD) spectrum of CD investigation verified as a characteristic sign of groove binding mechanism and also confirmed all the experimental results with regard to the binding of piperine-ctDNA complex. Next to observing a concentration and time-dependent cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 cells, the impact of piperine on increasing lipid peroxidation and decreasing the activity of superoxide dismutase was also noticed. Apparently, piperine is capable of inducing caspase-3 activity as well.

Novel Anthranilic Acid Hybrids-An Alternative Weapon against Inflammatory Diseases

Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation while protecting the cardiovascular system. However, the side effects of currently available medications have limited their usage. Due to these adverse effects, there is a significant need for new drugs. The current trend of research has shifted towards the synthesis of novel anthranilic acid hybrids as anti-inflammatory agents. Phenyl- or benzyl-substituted hybrids exerted very good anti-inflammatory effects in preventing albumin denaturation. To confirm their anti-inflammatory effects, additional ex vivo tests were conducted. These immunohistochemical studies explicated the same compounds with better anti-inflammatory potential. To determine the binding affinity and interaction mode, as well as to explain the anti-inflammatory activities, the molecular docking simulation of the compounds was investigated against human serum albumin. The biological evaluation of the compounds was completed, assessing their antimicrobial activity and spasmolytic effect. Based on the experimental data, we can conclude that a collection of novel hybrids was successfully synthesized, and they can be considered anti-inflammatory drug candidates-alternatives to current therapeutics.

Fluorescence Quenching and the Chamber of Nitroaromatics: A Dinaphthoylated Oxacalix[4]arene's (DNOC) Adventure Captured through Computational and Experimental Study

This research presents the application of Dinaphthoylated Oxacalix[4]arene (DNOC) as a novel fluorescent receptor for the purpose of selectively detecting nitroaromatic compounds (NACs). The characterization of DNOC was conducted through the utilization of spectroscopic methods, including 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and ESI-MS. The receptor demonstrated significant selectivity in acetonitrile towards several nitroaromatic analytes, such as MNA, 2,4-DNT, 2,3-DNT, 1,3-DNB, 2,6-DNT, and 4-NT. This selectivity was validated by the measurement of emission spectra. The present study focuses on the examination of binding constants, employing Stern-Volmer analysis, as well as the determination of the lowest detection limit (3σ/Slope) and fluorescence quenching. These investigations aim to provide insights into the inclusion behavior of DNOC with each of the six analytes under fluorescence spectra investigation. Furthermore, the selectivity trend of the ligand DNOC for NAC detection is elucidated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations conducted using the Gaussian 09 software. The examination of energy gaps existing between molecular orbitals, namely the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), provides a valuable understanding of electron-transfer processes and electronic interactions. Smaller energy gaps are indicative of heightened selectivity resulting from favorable electron-transfer processes, whereas bigger gaps suggest less selectivity attributable to weaker electronic contacts. This work integrates experimental and computational methodologies to provide a full understanding of the selective binding behavior of DNOC. As a result, DNOC emerges as a viable chemical sensor for detecting nitroaromatic explosives.

The cytotoxic potential of sinapic acid on luminal A breast cancer; a computational and experimental pharmacology approach

Breast cancer is a highly concerning and prevalent disease that impacts a significant proportion of women worldwide, whose repeated exposure to therapies leads to resistance for drugs; making it alarming to identify novel chemotherapeutic agents. Sinapic acid is a phenolic acid that occurs naturally and is known to exhibit cytotoxic action in a variety of cancer cell types. In the present study, we utilized cell cytotoxicity assays to assess the cytotoxic potential of sinapic acid on various breast cancer subtypes. In addition, we assessed the cell migration rate, cell apoptosis, and cell cycle phases. Moreover, we utilized multiple system biology tools to predict the potential targets, and molecular docking was performed on the hub targets followed by molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. Cytotoxicity assay was performed on cell lines MCF7, T47D, MDA-MB-468, and SKBR3 at different time exposures of 24, 48, and 96 h. Our results revealed sinapic acid to be potent on MCF7 and T47D cell lines. The cell cycle analysis and cell apoptotic assays revealed sinapic acid to cause cell death by apoptosis majorly in the G0/G1 phase. Computational biology revealed KIF18B and VKORC1 to possess the highest binding affinity of -6.5 and -7.5 kcal/mol; displayed stable trajectories on MD run. The cytotoxicity of sinapic acid on luminal A cell lines may be due to the modulation of VKORC1 and KIF18B with major cell death in the G0/G1 phase. However, the mechanism has been proposed via in silico tools, which need further validation using wet lab protocols.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Exploring the Interaction Between the Newly Designed Antitumor Zn(II) Complex and CT-DNA/BSA: Spectroscopic Methods, DFT Computational Analysis, and Docking Simulation

A new zinc(II) complex formulated as [Zn(pipr-ac)2], where pipr-ac stands for piperidineacetate, was synthesized and structurally identified with the help of experimental and DFT methods. Frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis demonstrated that the new complex has higher biological activity compared to the free ligand. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) showed the nitrogen atoms and oxygen of carbonyl groups are the active sites of Zn(II) compound. Also, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis confirmed the charge transfer from the ligating atoms to the metal ion and formation of four coordinated Zn(II) complex. MTT assay illustrated a noticeable cytotoxic activity of the new zinc(II) complex compared to cisplatin on K562 cell line. The CT-DNA and serum albumin (SA) binding of the Zn(II) complex were explored individually. In this regard, UV-Vis spectroscopy and florescence titration revealed the occurrences of fluorescence quenching of CT-DNA/SA by metal compound via static mechanism and creation of hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions between them. The binding was further confirmed by viscosity measurement and gel electrophoresis assay for CT-DNA and circular dichroism spectroscopy for SA. Moreover, molecular docking simulation demonstrated that the new compound binds mainly through hydrogen bonds to the groove of DNA and hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions to site I of SA.

Screening of potential inhibitors against structural proteins from Monkeypox and related viruses of Poxviridae family via docking and molecular dynamics simulation

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is an orthopoxvirus which causes zoonotic infection in humans. Even though sporadic cases of this infection are limited to the African continent, but if the infection continues to increase unabated, it can be a cause of serious concern for the human populace. Smallpox vaccination has been in use against monkeypox infection but it only provides mild protection. In the current study, we have screened novel small molecules (estrone fused heterocycles (EH1-EH7)) exhibiting good binding with monkeypox virus protein and related proteins from Poxviridae family of viruses via computational approaches. EH1-7 series of small molecules selected for the work have been synthesized via cycloaddition methodology. Docking and Molecular Dynamics (MD) results highlight EH4 compound to have strong binding affinity towards monkeypox and other related viral proteins selected for the study. Thus, computational outcomes suggest EH4 as a good candidate against monkeypox. Currently, no antiviral medication has been approved against monkeypox and the treatment is only via therapeutics available for smallpox and related conditions that may be helpful against monkeypox. Our study is thus an attempt to screen novel compounds against monkeypox infection, which would, in turn, facilitate development of novel therapeutics against Poxviridae family. HIGHLIGHTSMonkeypox infection is a public health emergency and necessitates immediate drug discovery.Molecular docking study to screen estrone-fused heterocycles compounds against Monkeypox and other orthopoxviruses.Molecular dynamics simulations revealed interaction/high binding affinities among EH4 heterocyclic compound and profilin-like protein from the monkeypox virus.Estrone-fused heterocycles compounds are promising anti-viral agents as per our in silico analysis.Our study provides evidence for investigating estrone-fused heterocycles compounds for further pharmacological interventions.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Anthranilic Acid Hybrid and Its Diamides as Antispasmodics

The present article focuses on the synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel anthranilic acid hybrid and its diamides as antispasmodics. Methods: Due to the predicted in silico methods spasmolytic activity, we synthesized a hybrid molecule of anthranilic acid and 2-(3-chlorophenyl)ethylamine. The obtained hybrid was then applied in acylation with different acyl chlorides. Using in silico analysis, pharmacodynamic profiles of the compounds were predicted. A thorough biological evaluation of the compounds was conducted assessing their in vitro antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory activity, and ex vivo spasmolytic activity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation, including geometry optimization, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface, and HOMO-LUMO analysis for the synthesized compounds was conducted using the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) method to explore the electronic behavior, reactive regions, and stability and chemical reactivity of the compounds. Furthermore, molecular docking simulation along with viscosity measurement indicated that the newly synthesized compounds interact with DNA via groove binding mode. The obtained results from all the experiments demonstrate that the hybrid molecule and its diamides inherit spasmolytic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory capabilities, making them excellent candidates for future medications.

Drug-Delivery Silver Nanoparticles: A New Perspective for Phenindione as an Anticoagulant

Anticoagulants prevent the blood from developing the coagulation process, which is the primary cause of death in thromboembolic illnesses. Phenindione (PID) is a well-known anticoagulant that is rarely employed because it totally prevents coagulation, which can be a life-threatening complication. The goal of the current study is to synthesize drug-loaded Ag NPs to slow down the coagulation process. Methods: A rapid synthesis and stabilization of silver nanoparticles as drug-delivery systems for phenindione (PID) were applied for the first time. Results: Several methods are used to determine the size of the resulting Ag NPs. Additionally, the drug-release capabilities of Ag NPs were established. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed for the first time to indicate the nature of the interaction between PID and nanostructures. DFT findings supported that galactose-loaded nanostructure could be a proper delivery system for phenindione. The drug-loaded Ag NPs were characterized in vitro for their antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and anticoagulant activities, and ex vivo for spasmolytic activity. The obtained data confirmed the drug-release experiments. Drug-loaded Ag NPs showed that prothrombin time (PT, sec) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT, sec) are approximately 1.5 times longer than the normal values, while PID itself stopped coagulation at all. This can make the PID-loaded Ag NPs better therapeutic anticoagulants. PID was compared to PID-loaded Ag NPs in antimicrobial, spasmolytic activity, and cytotoxicity. All the experiments confirmed the drug-release results.