Curcumin analogs as the inhibitors of TLR4 pathway in inflammation and their drug like potentialities: a computer-based study

New Promising Routes in Peptic Ulcers: Toll-like Receptors and Semaphorins

Peptic ulcers (PU) are one of the commonest yet problematic diseases found to be existing in the majority of the population. Today, drugs from a wide range of therapeutic classes are available for the management of the disease. Still, the complications of the condition are difficult to tackle and the side effect profile is quite a concern. The literature indicates that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and Semaphorins (SEMAs) have been under study for their various pharmacological actions over the past few decades. Both these signalling pathways are found to regulate immunological and inflammatory responses. Moreover, receptors and signalling molecules from the family of TLRs and SEMAs are found to have bacterial recognition and antibacterial properties which are essential in eradicating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), one of the major causative agents of PU. Our understanding of SEMAs, a class of proteins involved in cell signalling, is relatively less developed compared to TLRs, another class of proteins involved in the immune response. SEMAs and TLRs play different roles in biological processes, with SEMAs primarily involved in guiding cell migration and axon guidance during development, while TLRs are responsible for recognizing pathogens and initiating an immune response. Here, in this review, we will discuss in detail the signalling cascade of TLRs and SEMAs and thereby understand its association with PU for future therapeutic targeting. The review also aims at providing an overview of the study that has been into exploring the role of these signalling pathways in the management of PU.

Beyond DNA sensing: expanding the role of cGAS/STING in immunity and diseases

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) is a DNA sensor that elicits a robust type I interferon response by recognizing ubiquitous danger-associated molecules. The cGAS/stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS/STING) is activated by endogenous DNA, including DNA released from mitochondria and extranuclear chromatin, as well as exogenous DNA derived from pathogenic microorganisms. cGAS/STING is positioned as a key axis of autoimmunity, the inflammatory response, and cancer progression, suggesting that the cGAS/STING signaling pathway represents an efficient therapeutic target. Based on the accumulated evidence, we present insights into the prevention and treatment of cGAS/STING-related chronic immune and inflammatory diseases. This review presents the current state of clinical and nonclinical development of modulators targeting cGAS/STING, providing useful information on the design of therapeutic strategies.

Curcumin reduces paclitaxel resistance in ovarian carcinoma cells by upregulating SNIP1 and inhibiting NFκB activity

The therapeutic activity of paclitaxel against ovarian carcinoma is relatively low due to the frequent occurrence of chemoresistance and disease recurrence. We found earlier that a combination of curcumin and paclitaxel reduces cell viability and promotes apoptosis in paclitaxel-resistant (i.e., taxol-resistant, Txr) ovarian cancer cells. In the present study, we first used RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analysis to identify genes that are upregulated in Txr cell lines but downregulated by curcumin in ovarian cancer cells. The nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) signaling pathway was shown to be upregulated in Txr cells. Furthermore, based on the protein interaction database BioGRID, we found that Smad nuclear interacting protein 1 (SNIP1) may be involved in regulating the activity of NFκB in Txr cells. Accordingly, curcumin upregulated SNIP1 expression, which in turn downregulated the pro-survival genes Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. Using shRNA-guided gene silencing, we found that SNIP1 depletion reversed the inhibitory effect of curcumin on NFκB activity. Moreover, we identified that SNIP1 enhanced NFκB protein degradation, thereby suppressing NFκB/p65 acetylation, which is involved in the inhibitory effect of curcumin on NFκB signaling. The transcription factor early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) was shown to represent an upstream transactivator of SNIP1. Consequently, we show that curcumin inhibits NFκB activity by modulating the EGR1/SNIP1 axis to attenuate p65 acetylation and protein stability in Txr cells. These findings provide a new mechanism to account for the effects of curcumin in inducing apoptosis and reducing paclitaxel resistance in ovarian cancer cells.

Impacts of turmeric and its principal bioactive curcumin on human health: Pharmaceutical, medicinal, and food applications: A comprehensive review

The yellow polyphenolic pigment known as curcumin, originating from the rhizome of the turmeric plant Curcuma longa L., has been utilized for ages in ancient medicine, as well as in cooking and food coloring. Recently, the biological activities of turmeric and curcumin have been thoroughly investigated. The studies mainly focused on their antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective impacts. This review seeks to provide an in-depth, detailed discussion of curcumin usage within the food processing industries and its effect on health support and disease prevention. Curcumin's bioavailability, bio-efficacy, and bio-safety characteristics, as well as its side effects and quality standards, are also discussed. Finally, curcumin's multifaceted uses, food appeal enhancement, agro-industrial techniques counteracting its instability and low bioavailability, nanotechnology and focused drug delivery systems to increase its bioavailability, and prospective clinical use tactics are all discussed.

Ursolic Acid and Solasodine as Potent Anti-Mycobacterial Agents for Combating Paratuberculosis: An Anti-Inflammatory and In Silico Analysis

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection in domestic livestock causes persistent diarrhea, weight loss, and death and is also a potential cause of Crohn's disease (CD) in humans; notably, treatments against MAP are insufficient, costly, and can cause adverse reactions. Hence, plant-derived bioactive constituents have been taken into consideration in this regard. Herein, we present the results of two bioactive constituents (Solasodine and Ursolic acid) that were evaluated for their safety and efficacy against MAP protein (Dephospho-Coenzyme A kinase (DPCK) by utilizing in vitro assays and different tools of in silico biology. The ADME/t-test, the drug-likeness property test, pharmacophore modelling, and PASS prediction have proven that both the constituents have better binding capacities than the available antibiotic drugs used to target protein inhibition pathways. Through our observations, it can be inferred that these two phytochemicals can be adequately used to treat paratuberculosis, thereby combating inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD) of an autoimmune nature.

The NF-κB Pharmacopeia: Novel Strategies to Subdue an Intractable Target

NF-κB transcription factors are major drivers of tumor initiation and progression. NF-κB signaling is constitutively activated by genetic alterations or environmental signals in many human cancers, where it contributes to almost all hallmarks of malignancy, including sustained proliferation, cell death resistance, tumor-promoting inflammation, metabolic reprogramming, tissue invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. As such, the NF-κB pathway is an attractive therapeutic target in a broad range of human cancers, as well as in numerous non-malignant diseases. Currently, however, there is no clinically useful NF-κB inhibitor to treat oncological patients, owing to the preclusive, on-target toxicities of systemic NF-κB blockade. In this review, we discuss the principal and most promising strategies being developed to circumvent the inherent limitations of conventional IκB kinase (IKK)/NF-κB-targeting drugs, focusing on new molecules that target upstream regulators or downstream effectors of oncogenic NF-κB signaling, as well as agents targeting individual NF-κB subunits.

Immunoinformatic Design of a Multivalent Peptide Vaccine Against Mucormycosis: Targeting FTR1 Protein of Major Causative Fungi

Mucormycosis is a potentially fatal illness that arises in immunocompromised people due to diabetic ketoacidosis, neutropenia, organ transplantation, and elevated serum levels of accessible iron. The sudden spread of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients engendered massive concern worldwide. Comorbidities including diabetes, cancer, steroid-based medications, long-term ventilation, and increased ferritin serum concentration in COVID-19 patients trigger favorable fungi growth that in turn effectuate mucormycosis. The necessity of FTR1 gene-encoded ferrous permease for host iron acquisition by fungi has been found in different studies recently. Thus, targeting the transit component could be a potential solution. Unfortunately, no appropriate antifungal vaccine has been constructed as of yet. To date, mucormycosis has been treated with antiviral therapy and surgical treatment only. Thus, in this study, the FTR1 protein has been targeted to design a convenient and novel epitope-based vaccine with the help of immunoinformatics against four different virulent fungal species. Furthermore, the vaccine was constructed using 8 CTL, 2 HTL, and 1 LBL epitopes that were found to be highly antigenic, non-allergenic, non-toxic, and fully conserved among the fungi under consideration. The vaccine has very reassuring stability due to its high pI value of 9.97, conclusive of a basic range. The vaccine was then subjected to molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and immune simulation studies to confirm the biological environment’s safety, efficacy, and stability. The vaccine constructs were found to be safe in addition to being effective. Finally, we used in-silico cloning to develop an effective strategy for vaccine mass production. The designed vaccine will be a potential therapeutic not only to control mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients but also be effective in general mucormycosis events. However, further in vitro, and in vivo testing is needed to confirm the vaccine’s safety and efficacy in controlling fungal infections. If successful, this vaccine could provide a low-cost and effective method of preventing the spread of mucormycosis worldwide.

Biomedical Applications and Bioavailability of Curcumin-An Updated Overview

Curcumin, a yellow-colored molecule derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has been identified as the bioactive compound responsible for numerous pharmacological activities of turmeric, including anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, etc. Nevertheless, the clinical application of curcumin is inadequate due to its low solubility, poor absorption, rapid metabolism and elimination. Advancements in recent research have shown several components and techniques to increase the bioavailability of curcumin. Combining with adjuvants, encapsulating in carriers and formulating in nanoforms, in combination with other bioactive agents, synthetic derivatives and structural analogs of curcumin, have shown increased efficiency and bioavailability, thereby augmenting the range of applications of curcumin. The scope for incorporating biotechnology and nanotechnology in amending the current drawbacks would help in expanding the biomedical applications and clinical efficacy of curcumin. Therefore, in this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the plethora of therapeutic potentials of curcumin, their drawbacks in efficient clinical applications and the recent advancements in improving curcumin's bioavailability for effective use in various biomedical applications.

The Potential of Toll-Like Receptors to Modulate Avian Immune System: Exploring the Effects of Genetic Variants and Phytonutrients

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pathogen recognition receptors, and primitive sources of innate immune response that also play key roles in the defense mechanism against infectious diseases. About 10 different TLRs have been discovered in chicken that recognize ligands and participate in TLR signaling pathways. Research findings related to TLRs revealed new approaches to understand the fundamental mechanisms of the immune system, patterns of resistance against diseases, and the role of TLR-specific pathways in nutrient metabolism in chicken. In particular, the uses of specific feed ingredients encourage molecular biologists to exploit the relationship between nutrients (including different phytochemicals) and TLRs to modulate immunity in chicken. Phytonutrients and prebiotics are noteworthy dietary components to promote immunity and the production of disease-resistant chicken. Supplementations of yeast-derived products have also been extensively studied to enhance innate immunity during the last decade. Such interventions pave the way to explore nutrigenomic approaches for healthy and profitable chicken production. Additionally, single-nucleotide polymorphisms in TLRs have shown potential association with few disease outbreaks in chickens. This review aimed to provide insights into the key roles of TLRs in the immune response and discuss the potential applications of these TLRs for genomic and nutritional interventions to improve health, and resistance against different fatal diseases in chicken.

In silico identification of novel chemical compounds with antituberculosis activity for the inhibition of InhA and EthR proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) continuously poses a major public health concern around the globe, with a mounting death toll of approximately 1.4 million in 2019. Reduced bioavailability, elevated toxicity, increased side effects, and resistance of multiple first-line and second-line TB medications, including isoniazid, ethionamide necessitate studies of new drugs. The method of computational biology and bioinformatics approach allows virtual screening of a large number of drugs, reduces growing side effects of medications, and predicts potential drug resistance over time. In this study, we have analyzed fifty small molecules with antituberculosis properties using in silico approach including molecular docking, drug-likeness assessment, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) profile evaluation, P450 site of metabolism prediction, and molecular dynamics simulation. Among those fifty compounds, 3-[3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl]-N-(2-methylphenyl) piperidine-1-carboxamide (C22) and 5-(4-Ethyl-phenyl)-2-(1H-tetrazol-5-ylmethyl)-2H-tetrazole (C29) were found to pass the two-step molecular docking, P450 site of metabolism prediction and pharmacokinetics analysis successfully. Their binding stability for target proteins has been evaluated through root mean square deviation and root mean square fluctuation, Radius of gyration analysis from 10 ns Molecular Dynamics Simulation (MDS). Our identified drugs (C22 and C29) performed better than the control drugs (Isoniazid, Ethionamide) regarding binding affinity and molecular stability with the regulatory proteins (InhA, EthR) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The study proposed these compounds as effective therapeutic agents for Tuberculosis drug discovery, but further in vitro and in vivo testing are needed to substantiate their potential as novel drugs and modes of action.

In silico investigations on curcuminoids from Curcuma longa as positive regulators of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in wound healing

Background

Curcuma longa (Turmeric) is a traditionally used herb in wound healing. The efficacy of fresh turmeric paste to heal wounds has already been investigated in multiple ethnobotanical studies. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a significant role in wound healing and injury repair processes which has been evident in different in vitro studies. This study aims to analyze the potentiality of curcuminoids (curcumin I, curcumin II and curcumin III) from Curcuma longa to bind and enhance the activity of two intracellular signaling proteins- casein kinase-1 (CK1) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3B) involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This study is largely based on a computer-based molecular docking program which mimics the in vivo condition and works on a specific algorithm to interpret the binding affinity and poses of a ligand molecule to a receptor. Subsequently, drug likeness property, ADME/Toxicity profile, pharmacological activity, and site of metabolism of the curcuminoids were also analyzed.

Results

Curcumin I showed better affinity of binding with CK1 (− 10.31 Kcal/mol binding energy) and curcumin II showed better binding affinity (− 7.55 Kcal/mol binding energy) for GSK3B. All of the ligand molecules showed quite similar pharmacological properties.

Conclusion

Curcumin has anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic, anti-coagulant, and anti-infective properties. Curcumin has also anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. It hastens wound healing by acting on different stages of the natural wound healing process. In this study, three curcumins from Curcuma longa were utilized in this experiment in a search for a drug to be used in wound healing and injury repair processes. Hopefully, this study will raise research interest among researchers.

Identification of the most potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from plants for possible treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: a computational approach

Background

Being one of the rapidly growing dementia type diseases in the world, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has gained much attention from researchers in the recent decades. Many hypotheses have been developed that describe different reasons for the development of AD. Among them, the cholinergic hypothesis depicts that the degradation of an important neurotransmitter, acetylcholine by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), is responsible for the development of AD. Although, many anti-AChE drugs are already available in the market, their performance sometimes yields unexpected results. For this reason, research works are going on to find out potential anti-AChE agents both from natural and synthetic sources. In this study, 50 potential anti-AChE phytochemicals were analyzed using numerous tools of bioinformatics and in silico biology to find out the best possible anti-AChE agents among the selected 50 ligands through molecular docking, determination of the druglikeness properties, conducting the ADMET test, PASS and P450 site of metabolism prediction, and DFT calculations.

Result

The predictions of this study suggested that among the selected 50 ligands, bellidifolin, naringenin, apigenin, and coptisine were the 4 best compounds with quite similar and sound performance in most of the experiments.

Conclusion

In this study, bellidifolin, naringenin, apigenin, and coptisine were found to be the most effective agents for treating the AD targeting AChE. However, more in vivo and in vitro analyses are required to finally confirm the outcomes of this research.

Curcumin and Photobiomodulation in Chronic Viral Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Immune modulation is a very modern medical field for targeting viral infections. In the race to develop the best immune modulator against viruses, curcumin, as a natural product, is inexpensive, without side effects, and can stimulate very well certain areas of the human immune system. As a bright yellow component of turmeric spice, curcumin has been the subject of thousands of scientific and clinical studies in recent decades to prove its powerful antioxidant properties and anticancer effects. Curcumin has been shown to influence inter- and intracellular signaling pathways, with direct effects on gene expression of the antioxidant proteins and those that regulate the immunity. Experimental studies have shown that curcumin modulates several enzyme systems, reduces nitrosative stress, increases the antioxidant capacity, and decreases the lipid peroxidation, protecting against fatty liver pathogenesis and fibrotic changes. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects millions of people worldwide, having sometimes a dramatic evolution to chronic aggressive infection, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. All up-to-date treatments are limited, there is still a gap in the scientific knowledge, and a sterilization cure may not yet be possible with the removal of both covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and the embedded HBV DNA. With a maximum light absorption at 420 nm, the cytotoxicity of curcumin as photosensitizer could be expanded by the intravenous blue laser blood irradiation (IVBLBI) or photobiomodulation in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection, Hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-positive, noncirrhotic, but nonresponsive to classical therapy. Photobiomodulation increases DNA repair by the biosynthesis of complex molecules with antioxidant properties, the outset of repairing enzyme systems and new phospholipids for regenerating the cell membranes. UltraBioavailable Curcumin and blue laser photobiomodulation could suppress the virus and control better the disease by reducing inflammation/fibrosis and stopping the progression of chronic hepatitis, reversing fibrosis, and diminishing the progression of cirrhosis, and decreasing the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Photodynamic therapy with blue light and curcumin opens new avenues for the effective prevention and cure of chronic liver infections and hepatocellular carcinoma. Blue laser light and UltraBioavailable Curcumin could be a new valuable alternative for medical applications in chronic B viral hepatitis and hepatocarcinoma, saving millions of lives.

Toll-Like Receptor 4 and Inflammatory Micro-Environment of Pancreatic Islets in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Therapeutic Perspective

Patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) display chronic low-grade inflammation induced by activation of the innate immune system. Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 is a pattern recognition receptor that plays a vital part in activation of the innate immune system. Results from animal and computer-simulation studies have demonstrated that targeting TLR4 to block the TLR4-nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway reduces the inflammatory response and complications associated with T2DM. Therefore, TLR4-targeted therapy has broad prospects. Here, we reviewed the role of TLR4 in inflammation during chronic hyperglycemia in T2DM and its therapeutic prospects.