Synthesis of chalcone-imide derivatives and investigation of their anticancer and antimicrobial activities, carbonic anhydrase and acetylcholinesterase enzymes inhibition profiles

In silico assessment of a natural small molecule as an inhibitor of programmed death ligand 1 for cancer immunotherapy: a computational approach

Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a crucial target for cancer therapy. Here, an in silico study investigates PD-L1 to inhibit its interaction with PD1, thereby promoting an immune response to eliminate cancer cells. The study employed machine learning (ML) -based QSAR to detect PDL1 inhibitors. Morgan's fingerprint with docking score showed a 0.83 correlation with the experimental IC50, enabling the screening of 3200 natural compounds. The top three compounds, considered 2819, 2821 and 3188, were selected from the ML-based QSAR and subjected to molecular docking and simulation. The binding scores for 2819, 2821 and 3188 were -7.0, -9.0 and -8.9 kcal/mol, respectively. The stability of the ligands during a 100 ns simulation was assessed using RMSD, showing that 2819 and 2821 maintained stable patterns comparable to the control inhibitor. Notably, 2819 exhibited a consistent stable pattern throughout the simulation, while 2821 showed stability in the last 40 ns. The control compound showed the highest number of hydrogen bonds with proteins, whereas compounds 2819 and 2821 formed continuous H-bonds. 3188 was separated from the protein in later phases and is not regarded as a potential PD-L1-binding molecule. MMGBSA binding free energy for complexes was computed. Control had the lowest binding free energy, while 2819 and 2821 also had lower binding energies. In contrast, 3188 showed poor binding free energy, causing protein separation. Principal component analysis showed a loss of entropy and reduced protein conformational variation. Overall, 2819 and 2821 are potential binders for PD-L1 inhibition and immune response triggering.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Latest developments in coumarin-based anticancer agents: mechanism of action and structure-activity relationship studies

Many researchers around the world are working on the development of novel anticancer drugs with different mechanisms of action. In this case, coumarin is a highly promising pharmacophore for the development of novel anticancer drugs. Besides, the hybridization of this moiety with other anticancer pharmacophores has emerged as a potent breakthrough in the treatment of cancer to decrease its side effects and increase its efficiency. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent development of coumarin derivatives and their application as novel anticancer drugs. Herein, we highlight and describe the largest number of research works reported in this field from 2015 to August 2023, along with their mechanisms of action and structure-activity relationship studies, making this review different from the other review articles published on this topic to date.

Acetylphenyl-substituted imidazolium salts: synthesis, characterization, in silico studies and inhibitory properties against some metabolic enzymes

Herein, we present how to synthesize thirteen new 1-(4-acetylphenyl)-3-alkylimidazolium salts by reacting 4-(1-H-imidazol-1-yl)acetophenone with a variety of benzyl halides that contain either electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups. The structures of the new imidazolium salts were conformed using different spectroscopic methods (1H NMR, 13C NMR, 19F NMR, and FTIR) and elemental analysis techniques. Furthermore, these compounds' the carbonic anhydrase (hCAs) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme inhibition activities were investigated. They showed a highly potent inhibition effect toward AChE and hCAs with Ki values in the range of 8.30 ± 1.71 to 120.77 ± 8.61 nM for AChE, 16.97 ± 2.04 to 84.45 ± 13.78 nM for hCA I, and 14.09 ± 2.99 to 69.33 ± 17.35 nM for hCA II, respectively. Most of the synthesized imidazolium salts appeared to be more potent than the standard inhibitor of tacrine (TAC) against AChE and Acetazolamide (AZA) against CA. In the meantime, to prospect for potential synthesized imidazolium salt inhibitor(s) against AChE and hCAs, molecular docking and an ADMET-based approach were exerted.

Exploring Medicinal Herbs' Therapeutic Potential and Molecular Docking Analysis for Compounds as Potential Inhibitors of Human Acetylcholinesterase in Alzheimer's Disease Treatment

Background and Objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as a pervasive neurodegenerative ailment of global concern, necessitating a relentless pursuit of remedies. This study aims to furnish a comprehensive exposition, delving into the intricate mechanistic actions of medicinal herbs and phytochemicals. Furthermore, we assess the potential of these compounds in inhibiting human acetylcholinesterase through molecular docking, presenting encouraging avenues for AD therapeutics. Materials and Methods: Our approach entailed a systematic exploration of phytochemicals like curcumin, gedunin, quercetin, resveratrol, nobiletin, fisetin, and berberine, targeting their capability as human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, leveraging the PubChem database. Diverse bioinformatics techniques were harnessed to scrutinize molecular docking, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity), and adherence to Lipinski's rule of five. Results: Results notably underscored the substantial binding affinities of all ligands with specific amino acid residues within AChE. Remarkably, gedunin exhibited a superior binding affinity (-8.7 kcal/mol) compared to the reference standard. Conclusions: These outcomes accentuate the potential of these seven compounds as viable candidates for oral medication in AD treatment. Notably, both resveratrol and berberine demonstrated the capacity to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB), signaling their aptitude for central nervous system targeting. Consequently, these seven molecules are considered orally druggable, potentially surpassing the efficacy of the conventional drug, donepezil, in managing neurodegenerative disorders.

Studying the interaction between the new neodymium (Nd) complex with the ligand of 1,10-phenanthroline with FS-DNA and BSA

To learn more about the chemotherapeutic and pharmacokinetic properties of a neodymium complex containing 1,10-phenanthroline (dafone), In vitro binding was investigated with bovine serum albumin and fish-salmon DNA, using a variety of molecular modeling research and biophysical approaches. A variety of spectroscopic techniques including fluorescence and absorption were used to investigate the interplay between DNA/BSA and the neodymium complex. The findings revealed that the Nd complex had a high affinity for BSA and DNA interplays through van der Waals powers. In addition, the binding of the Nd complex to FS-DNA mainly in the groove binding mode clearly reflects with iodide quenching studies, ethidium bromide (EtBr) exclusion assay, ionic strength effect, and viscosity studies. It was observed that the Nd complex binds to FS-DNA through a minor groove with 3.81 × 105 (M-1). Also, Kb for BSA at 298 K was 5.19×105 (M-1), indicating a relatively high affinity of the Nd complex for DNA and BSA. In addition, a competitive study of a docking investigation revealed that the neodymium complex interacts at BSA site III. The results obtained from the binding calculations are well consistent with the experimental findings. Also, cytotoxicity studies of Nd complex were performed in MCF-7 and A-549 cell lines and the results show that this new complex has a selective inhibitory effect on the growth of various cancer cells.

Synthesis and Biological Activity of Some Bromophenols and Their Derivatives Including Natural Products

In addition to the first synthesis of the natural bromophenol butyl 2-(3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl)acetate (1), indene derivatives 34 and 35 were synthesized from 3-phenylpropenal derivatives in BBr3 medium. Five known natural bromophenols and some derivatives were synthesized by known methods. Cholinesterase (ChEs) inhibitors reduce the breakdown of acetylcholine and are used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia symptoms. The inhibition effects of all obtained compounds were examined towards acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and α-glycosidase enzymes. All synthesized compounds demonstrated the strong inhibition effects against both cholinergic enzymes. For determination of Ki values of novel bromophenols Lineweaver-Burk graphs were obtained. Ki values were found in the ranging of 0.13-14.74 nM for AChE, 5.11-23.95 nM for BChE, and 63.96-206.78 nM for α-glycosidase, respectively. All bromophenols and their derivatives exhibit effective inhibition profile when compared to positive controls.

Screening of Antiglaucoma, Antidiabetic, Anti-Alzheimer, and Antioxidant Activities of Astragalus alopecurus Pall-Analysis of Phenolics Profiles by LC-MS/MS

Astragalus species are traditionally used for diabetes, ulcers, leukemia, wounds, stomachaches, sore throats, abdominal pain, and toothaches. Although the preventive effects of Astragalus species against diseases are known, there is no record of the therapeutic effects of Astragalus alopecurus. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the in vitro antiglaucoma, antidiabetic, anti-Alzheimer's disease, and antioxidant activities of the methanolic (MEAA) and water (WEAA) extracts of the aerial part of A. alopecurus. Additionally, its phenolic compound profiles were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). MEAA and WEAA were evaluated for their inhibition ability on α-glycosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) enzymes. The phenolic compounds of MEAA were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Furthermore, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. In this context, the antioxidant activity was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylene diamine (DMPD), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric ions (Cu²⁺) reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric ions (Fe³⁺) reducing, and ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) chelating methods. MEAA and WEAA had IC₅₀ values of 9.07 and 2.24 μg/mL for α-glycosidase, 693.15 and 346.58 μg/mL for α-amylase, 1.99 and 2.45 μg/mL for AChE, and 147.7 and 171.7 μg/mL for hCA II. While the total phenolic amounts in MEAA and WEAA were 16.00 and 18.50 μg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/mg extract, the total flavonoid contents in both extracts were calculated as 66.23 and 33.115 μg quercetin equivalent (QE)/mg, respectively. MEAA and WEAA showed, respectively, variable activities on DPPH radical scavenging (IC₅₀: 99.02 and 115.53 μg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging (IC₅₀: 32.21 and 30.22 µg/mL), DMPD radical scavenging (IC₅₀: 231.05 and 65.22 μg/mL), and Fe²⁺ chelating (IC₅₀: 46.21 and 33.01 μg/mL). MEAA and WEAA reducing abilities were, respectively, Fe³⁺ reducing (λ₇₀₀: 0.308 and 0.284), FRAP (λ₅₉₃: 0.284 and 0.284), and CUPRAC (λ₄₅₀: 0.163 and 0.137). A total of 35 phenolics were scanned, and 10 phenolic compounds were determined by LC-MS/MS analysis. LC-MS/MS revealed that MEAA mainly contained isorhamnetin, fumaric acid, and rosmarinic acid derivatives. This is the first report indicating that MEAA and WEAA have α-glycosidase, α-amylase, AChE, hCA II inhibition abilities, and antioxidant activities. These results demonstrate the potential of Astragalus species through antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibitor ability traditionally used in medicine. This work provides the foundation for further research into the establishment of novel therapeutics for diabetes, glaucoma, and Alzheimer's disease.

Molecular docking studies, anti-Alzheimer's disease, antidiabetic, and anti-acute myeloid leukemia potentials of narcissoside

In this research, we explored their capacity for Narcissoside antioxidant and anticholinergic, antidiabetic, and anti-acute myeloid leukaemia. Narcissoside's antioxidant activities were elucidated by the use of various bioanalytical assays. Narcissoside's radical scavenging activities were evaluated by DPPH^• and ABTS^•+ scavenging activities. On the other hand, IC₅₀ values were calculated for DPPH^•, and ABTS^•+ scavenging, acetylcholinesterase, and α-glucosidase inhibition effects of narcissoside. IC₅₀ values narcissoside, as 11.54 nM for AChE and 65.58 nM for α-glucosidase were calculated with % Activity-[Inhibitory] graphs. Then, ADME/T analysis of narcissoside molecule was performed to calculate the drug becoming parameters.

Determination of Antioxidant, Anti-Alzheimer, Antidiabetic, Antiglaucoma and Antimicrobial Effects of Zivzik Pomegran-ate (Punica granatum)—A Chemical Profiling by LC-MS/MS)

Zivzik pomegranate (Punica granatum) has recently sparked considerable interest due to its nutritional and antioxidant properties. To evaluate the antioxidant capacities of P. granatum juice, ethanol (EEZP), and water (WEZP) extracts from peel and seed, the antioxidant methods of 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical (ABTS•+) scavenging, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH•) scavenging, Fe3+-2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-S-triazine (TPTZ) reducing, Fe3+ reducing, and Cu2+ reducing methods were used. The antioxidant capacities of samples were compared with the most commonly used synthetic antioxidants, i.e., BHA, BHT, α-tocopherol, and Trolox. In terms of setting an example, the IC50 values of EEZP for ABTS•+ and DPPH• scavenging activities were found to be lower than standards, at 5.9 and 16.1 μg/mL, respectively. The phenolic and flavonoid contents in EEZP peel were 59.7 mg GAE/g and 88.0 mg QE/g, respectively. Inhibition of α-glycosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, and human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) enzymes was also investigated. EEZP demonstrated IC50 values of 7.3 μg/mL against α-glycosidase, 317.7 μg/mL against α-amylase, 19.7 μg/mL against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and 106.3 μg/mL against CA II enzymes. A total of 53 phenolic compounds were scanned, and 30 compounds were determined using LC-MS/MS. E. coli and S. aureus bacteria were resistant to all four antibiotics used as standards in hospitals.

Phosphine chalcogenides and their derivatives from red phosphorus and functionalized pyridines, imidazoles, pyrazoles and their antimicrobial and cytostatic activity

Tertiary phosphine oxides, phosphine sulfides, and phosphine selenides containing pyridine, imidazole, and pyrazole groups have been synthesized via the reaction of elemental phosphorus or secondary phosphine oxides with functional pyridines, imidazoles, and pyrazoles. Alkyl tris(2-pyridylethyl)phosphonium iodide and bromide are also obtained by quaternization of the corresponding phosphine. Antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds, including nitrogen-containing heterocycles, phosphorus, selenium, and sulfur, with respect to Enterococcus durans, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa microorganisms is evaluated. It is found that phosphine chalcogenides bearing imidazole (14, 19), pyrazole (13), and pyridine fragments (5, 9) and phosphonium salts (11, 12) can be considered as new promising antibacterial agents. For some synthesized compounds, LC₅₀ is determined. Phosphine oxide with methylpyrazole fragments (13) and phosphonium salts (11, 12) show strong profile of antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxic effect of phosphonium bromide having a long chain radical (12) is by order of magnitude higher than that of cisplatin. We believe that the results obtained may contribute to the development of highly effective agents for the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections and cancers.

Vinyl functionalized 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazolium salts: Synthesis and biological activities

A series of vinyl functionalized 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazolium salts are synthesized. All compounds were fully characterized by elemental analyses, MS, ¹ H-NMR, ¹³ C-NMR, and IR spectroscopy techniques. Enzyme inhibition is a very active area of research in drug design and development. In this study, the synthesized novel benzimidazolium salts were evaluated toward the human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase I (hCA I), and II (hCA II) isoenzymes, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. They demonstrated highly potent inhibition ability against hCA I with K_i values of 484.8 ± 62.6-1389.7 ± 243.2 nM, hCA II with K_i values of 298.9 ± 55.7-926.1 ± 330.0 nM, α-glycosidase with K_i values of 170.3 ± 27-760.1 ± 269 μM, AChE with K_i values of 27.1 ± 3-77.6 ± 1.7 nM, and BChE with K_i values of 21.0 ± 5-61.3 ± 15 nM. As a result, novel vinyl functionalized 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazolium salts (1a-g) exhibited effective inhibition profiles toward studied metabolic enzymes. Therefore, we believe that these results may contribute to the development of new drugs particularly to treat some global disorders including glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes.

Comprehensive Metabolite Profiling of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Leaf Oil Using LC-HR/MS, GC/MS, and GC-FID: Determination of Antiglaucoma, Antioxidant, Anticholinergic, and Antidiabetic Profiles

In this study, for the first time, the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of the essential oil from cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) leaves were evaluated and investigated using various bioanalytical methods. In addition, the inhibitory effects of cinnamon oil on carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and α-amylase, which are associated with various metabolic diseases, were determined. Further, the phenolic contents of the essential oil were determined using LC-HRMS chromatography. Twenty-seven phenolic molecules were detected in cinnamon oil. Moreover, the amount and chemical profile of the essential oils present in cinnamon oil was determined using GC/MS and GC-FID analyses. (E)-cinnamaldehyde (72.98%), benzyl benzoate (4.01%), and trans-Cinnamyl acetate (3.36%) were the most common essential oils in cinnamon leaf oil. The radical scavenging activities of cinnamon oil were investigated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH^•), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and (ABTS^•+) bioanalytical scavenging methods, which revealed its strong radical scavenging abilities (DPPH^•, IC₅₀: 4.78 μg/mL; and ABTS^•+, IC₅₀: 5.21 μg/mL). Similarly, the reducing capacities for iron (Fe³⁺), copper (Cu²⁺), and Fe³⁺-2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-S-triazine (TPTZ) were investigated. Cinnamon oil also exhibited highly effective inhibition against hCA II (IC₅₀: 243.24 μg/mL), AChE (IC₅₀: 16.03 μg/mL), and α-amylase (IC₅₀: 7.54μg/mL). This multidisciplinary study will be useful and pave the way for further studies for the determination of antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibition profiles of medically and industrially important plants and their oils.

Synthesis of Novel Bromophenol with Diaryl Methanes—Determination of Their Inhibition Effects on Carbonic Anhydrase and Acetylcholinesterase

In this work, nine new bromophenol derivatives were designed and synthesized. The alkylation reactions of (2-bromo-4,5-dimethoxyphenyl)methanol (7) with substituted benzenes 8–12 produced new diaryl methanes 13–17. Targeted bromophenol derivatives 18–21 were synthesized via the O-Me demethylation of diaryl methanes with BBr3. Moreover, the synthesized bromophenol compounds were tested with some metabolic enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carbonic anhydrase I (CA I), and II (CA II) isoenzymes. The novel synthesized bromophenol compounds showed Ki values that ranged from 2.53 ± 0.25 to 25.67 ± 4.58 nM against hCA I, from 1.63 ± 0.11 to 15.05 ± 1.07 nM against hCA II, and from 6.54 ± 1.03 to 24.86 ± 5.30 nM against AChE. The studied compounds in this work exhibited effective hCA isoenzyme and AChE enzyme inhibition effects. The results show that they can be used for the treatment of glaucoma, epilepsy, Parkinson’s as well as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) after some imperative pharmacological studies that would reveal their drug potential.

Phthalimide-tethered imidazolium salts: Synthesis, characterization, enzyme inhibitory properties, and in silico studies

A series of new imidazolium salts were prepared in good yield by the reaction between 1-alkylimidazole and a variety of alkyl halides. The structures of the compounds were identified by FT-IR, ¹ H NMR, and ¹³ C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. The crystal structure of 1b was determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. The phthalimide-tethered imidazolium salts exhibited inhibition abilities toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs) I and II, with K_i values in the range of 24.63 ± 3.45 to 305.51 ± 35.98 nM for AChE, 33.56 ± 3.71 to 218.01 ± 25.21 nM for hCA I and 17.75 ± 0.96 to 308.67 ± 13.73 nM for hCA II. The results showed that the new imidazolium salts can play a key role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, and leukemia, which is related to their inhibition abilities of hCA I, hCA II, and AChE. Molecular docking and in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity studies were used to look into how the imidazolium salts interacted with the specific protein targets. To better visualize and understand the binding positions and the influence of the imidazolium salts on hCA I, hCA II, and AChE conformations, each one was subjected to molecular docking simulations.

The palladium-based complexes bearing 1,3-dibenzylbenzimidazolium with morpholine, triphenylphosphine, and pyridine derivate ligands: synthesis, characterization, structure and enzyme inhibitions

The palladium-based complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand have long attracted attention as active catalysts for many catalytic reactions. Recently, the biological activities of these complexes, which are stable to air and moisture, have also been wondered. With the aim, we report the synthesis of a series of (NHC)Pd(Br₂)(L) complexes (NHC: 1,3-dibenzylbenzimidazolium, L: morpholine, triphenylphosphine, pyridine, 3-chloropyridine, and 2-aminopyridine). All complexes were characterized by NMR (¹H and ¹³C), FTIR spectroscopic and elemental analysis techniques. In addition, the single crystal structures of the complex 3, 4, and 6 were determined through single crystal x-ray crystallographic method. Furthermore, the carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes (hCAs) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition effects of these palladium-based complexes bearing NHC ligand were investigated. They showed highly potent inhibition effect with K_i values are between 10.06 ± 1.49–68.56 ± 11.53 nM for hCA I isoenzyme, 7.74 ± 0.66 to 49.39 ± 6.50 nM for hCA II isoenzyme and 22.83 ± 3.21 to 64.09 ± 9.05 nM for AChE enzyme.

Inhibitory potential of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur containing heterocyclic scaffolds against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase

Heterocycles are the key structures in organic chemistry owing to their immense applications in the biological, chemical, and pharmaceutical fields. Heterocyclic compounds perform various noteworthy functions in nature, medication, innovation etc. Most frequently, pure nitrogen heterocycles or various positional combinations of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur atoms in five or six-membered rings can be found. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes is a popular strategy for the management of numerous mental diseases. In this context, cholinesterase inhibitors are utilized to relieve the symptoms of neurological illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present review focuses on various heterocyclic scaffolds and their role in designing and developing new potential AChE and BChE inhibitors to treat AD. Moreover, a detailed structure-activity relationship (SAR) has been established for the future discovery of novel drugs for the treatment of AD. Most of the heterocyclic motifs have been used in the design of new potent cholinesterase inhibitors. In this regard, this review is an endeavor to summarize the biological and chemical studies over the past decade (2010-2022) describing the pursuit of new N, O and S containing heterocycles which can offer a rich supply of promising AChE and BChE inhibitory activities.

Antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of bioactive compounds isolated from Onosma bourgaei

Onosma species have been used commonly for traditional medicine for years due to their bioactive compounds content. Onosma bourgaei aerial part was extracted with hexane and methanol successively. The methanol extract was subjected to chromatographic techniques to isolate allantoin (1), 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (2), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (3), apigenin-7-O-β-glucoside (4), diosmetin-7-O-β-glucoside (5), rosmarinic acid (6), and globoidnan A (7). The structure of isolated compounds were identified by spectroscopic techniques such as 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR, FTIR, and LC-TOF/MS/MS. Antiproliferative activity of extract and natural compounds were carried out using HeLa (human epithelial cervix adenocarcinoma, ATCC® CCL-2™), HT29 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma, ATCC® HTB38™), MCF7 (human mammary gland adenocarcinoma, ATCC® HTB22™), and A549 (human lung carcinoma, ATCC® CCL185™) cancerous cells and normal cells, FL (human epithelial amnion cell, ATCC® CCL62™). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was performed for cytotoxicity. The compounds, 4, 6, and 7 displayed the strong antiproliferative activity against corresponding cell lines. Apigenin-7-O-β-glucoside (4) revealed the excellent activity on HeLa, HT29, A549, and MCF6 cancer cell lines with the values of (IC_50, µM) 167.3, 196.8 181.1, and 203.5, respectively, compared standard compound, cisplatin.

Enzyme Inhibition Properties and Molecular Docking Studies of 4-Sulfonate Containing Aryl α-Hydroxyphosphonates Based Hybrid Molecules

In this study, a series of new hybrid molecules containing two important functional groups on the same skeleton were designed. 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde and its two different derivatives were converted into their respective sulphonates by interacting with tosylchloride and methanesulfonyl chloride. Then, the desired molecules were synthesized by adding diethoxyphosphonate to the aldehyde group. Also, novel synthesis of hybrid compounds (4a-c and 5a-c) were tested toward some metabolic enzymes like carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes (hCA I and hCA II) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme. The synthesis of hybrid compounds (4a-c and 5a-c) showed K_i values of in range of 25.084±4.73-69.853±15.19 nM against hCA I, 32.325±1.67-82.761±22.73 nM against hCA II and 1.699±0.25 and 3.500±0.91 nM against AChE. For these compounds, compound 4c showed maximum inhibition effect against hCA I and hCA II isoenzymes and compound 5b showed maximum inhibition effect against AChE enzyme. By performing docking studies of the most active compounds for their binding modes and interactions were determined.

Structural Modifications on Chalcone Framework for Developing New Class of Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Due to the multifaceted pharmacological activities of chalcones, these scaffolds have been considered one of the most privileged frameworks in the drug discovery process. Structurally, chalcones are α, β-unsaturated carbonyl functionalities with two aryl or heteroaryl units. Amongst the numerous pharmacological activities explored for chalcone derivatives, the development of novel chalcone analogs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is among the research topics of most interest. Chalcones possess numerous advantages, such as smaller molecular size, opportunities for further structural modification thereby altering the physicochemical properties, cost-effectiveness, and convenient synthetic methodology. The present review highlights the recent evidence of chalcones as a privileged structure in AD drug development processes. Different classes of chalcone-derived analogs are summarized for the easy understanding of the previously reported analogs as well as the importance of certain functionalities in exhibiting cholinesterase inhibition. In this way, this review will shed light on the medicinal chemistry fraternity for the design and development of novel promising chalcone candidates for the treatment of AD.

Polyphenol Contents, Potential Antioxidant, Anticholinergic and Antidiabetic Properties of Mountain Mint (Cyclotrichium leucotrichum)

In the present work, antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials of mountain mint [Cyclotrichium leu-cotrichum (Stapf ex Rech. Fil.) Leblebici] was the first time appraised. In this sense, methanol (MECL) and water (WECL) extracts were obtained from aerial parts of mountain mint (Cyclotrichium leucotrichum) and studied for their antioxidant ability by several bioanalytical assays. Also, their inhibition profiles were realized toward several metabolic enzymes connected to some diseases, including butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-glycosidase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and α-amylase enzymes. Additionally, their phenolic contents were determined by putative chromatographic method of LC-MS/MS. Consequently, nineteen phenolic molecules were identified in MECL and fifteen phenolic molecules were found in WECL. Also, antioxidant effects of both extracts were studied using by the methods of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH·), 2,2´-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and (ABTS•+)N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DMPD•+) scavenging activities, ferric (Fe3+) and cupric (Cu2+) ions and Fe3+-2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-S-triazine (TPTZ) reducing capacities. MECL and WECL were found as powerful DPPH· (IC50: 23.74 and 28.85 μg/mL), ABTS•+ (IC50: 12.53 and 14.05 μg/mL) and DMPD•+ scavenging effects (IC50: 43.52 and 54.80 μg/mL). Also, both extracts demonstrated the effective inhibition effects on AChE (IC50: 69.31 and 115.51 μg/mL), BChE (IC50: 57.75 and 86.62 μg/mL), α-glycosidase (IC50: 36.47 and 62.94 μg/mL) and α-amylase (IC50: 1.01 and 3.43 μg/mL). This study will be useful for future studies to determine the antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibition profile of food, medical and industrially important plants.

Heterocyclic compounds as a magic bullet for diabetes mellitus: a review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major metabolic disorder due to hyperglycemia, which is increasing all over the world. From the last two decades, the use of synthetic agents has risen due to their major involvement in curing of chronic diseases including DM. The core skeleton of drugs has been studied such as thiazolidinone, azole, chalcone, pyrrole and pyrimidine along with their derivatives. Diabetics assays have been performed in consideration of different enzymes such as α-glycosidase, α-amylase, and α-galactosidase against acarbose standard drug. The studied moieties were depicted in both models: in vivo as well as in vitro. Molecular docking of the studied compounds as antidiabetic molecules was performed with the help of Auto Dock and molecular operating environment (MOE) software. Amino acid residues Asp349, Arg312, Arg439, Asn241, Val303, Glu304, Phe158, His103, Lys422 and Thr207 that are present on the active sites of diabetic related enzymes showed interactions with ligand molecules. In this review data were organized for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds through various routes along with their antidiabetic potential, and further studies such as pharmacokinetic and toxicology studies should be executed before going for clinical trials.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major metabolic disorder due to hyperglycemia, which is increasing all over the world.

In vitro anticancer and antibacterial activates of the yttrium(III) complex and its nano-carriers toward DNA cleavage and biological interactions with DNA and BSA; An experimental and computational studie

OBJECTIVES

In this research, the biological properties of the yttrium (III) (Y) complex, with 2,9-dimethyl- 1,10-phenanthroline (Me₂Phen) ligand, were examined for in vitro fish DNA (FS-DNA)/ bovine serum albumin (BSA) interactions, DNA-cleavage, anticancer and antibacterial activities.

METHODS

Multi-spectrophotometric techniques and computational calculations were used for the interaction studies of the BSA and FS-DNA with the Y-complex. Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy methods were used to define thermodynamic parameters, the binding constants (K_b), and the probable binding mechanism. Also, the DFT (density functional theory) study and molecular docking calculation of the Y-complex were done. Besides, the nanocarriers of Y-complex (lipid nanoencapsulation (LNEP) and the starch nanoencapsulation (SNEP)), as active anticancer candidates, were prepared. Finally, DNA-cleavage, anticancer, and antibacterial activities of this complex were investigated.

RESULTS

The absorption and fluorescence measurements were exhibited that the Y-complex has a high binding affinity to FS-DNA and BSA through a static mechanism. The negative thermodynamic parameter values for both DNA/BSA binding were confirmed that the hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces played an essential role in the spontaneous bonding procedure. The site marker competitive studies for BSA confirmed that the Y-complex bonds to the sub-domain IB of protein (site III) on BSA, which was entirely agreement by docking calculation. The complex has displayed efficient DNA cleavage, antifungal and antibacterial activities. The anticancer activity of the Y-complex and its starch/lipid nano-encapsulated was carried out in cancer cell lines, which exposed considerably high activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, Y-complex can be transported professionally through BSA in the blood and bonds in the groove of DNA. Base on biological applications of the Y-complex, it can be concluded that this complex and its nanocarriers can suggest as novel anticancer and antibacterial candidates.

In vitro and in silico studies of chalcones derived from natural acetophenone inhibitors of NorA and MepA multidrug efflux pumps in Staphylococcus aureus

Bacterial resistance induced by efflux pumps is a frequent concern in clinical treatments involving multi-resistant bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is a microorganism responsible for several types of infections and has several strains carrying efflux pumps, among them are the strain 1199B (NorA overexpresser), and the strain K2068 (MepA overexpresser). In this work, four chalcones derived from Croton anisodontus with modifications in the B ring in their structures were tested regarding their ability to inhibit NorA and MepA efflux pumps. The efflux pump inhibition mechanism was tested with the ethidium bromide substrate in the presence and absence of standard efflux pump inhibitors. The minimum inhibitory concentration values were also compared to those of strains that do not overexpress these efflux pumps. In order to gain some insights about the efflux pump mechanisms of these chalcones, two homology models were created (NorA and MepA) for a docking procedure. In addition, the ADME properties (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) were also evaluated. The tested chalcones promoted synergism of the norfloxacin antibiotic by inhibiting associated efflux pumps. All four tested chalcones appear to bind to the binding sites of the efflux pump models in the same fashion as other chalcones with efflux pump inhibition capabilities. It was also verified that the chalcones 1-4 are well absorbed in the intestine, but with a decrease in their bioavailability, resulting in a low volume of distribution in the blood plasma, in addition to having a mild CNS activity. However, the chalcone 3 and 4 were not toxic due to metabolic activation. Whereas the chalcones 1 and 2 present a mutagenic risk, depending on the oral dose administered. The tested chalcones have not antibacterial activity; however, they are capable of inhibiting efflux pumps for the 1199B and K2068 strains. They promoted synergism of the norfloxacin antibiotic by inhibiting associated efflux pumps, as well as other associated mechanisms.

Anticancer Activity of Natural and Synthetic Chalcones

Cancer is a condition caused by many mechanisms (genetic, immune, oxidation, and inflammatory). Anticancer therapy aims to destroy or stop the growth of cancer cells. Resistance to treatment is theleading cause of the inefficiency of current standard therapies. Targeted therapies are the most effective due to the low number of side effects and low resistance. Among the small molecule natural compounds, flavonoids are of particular interest for theidentification of new anticancer agents. Chalcones are precursors to all flavonoids and have many biological activities. The anticancer activity of chalcones is due to the ability of these compounds to act on many targets. Natural chalcones, such as licochalcones, xanthohumol (XN), panduretin (PA), and loncocarpine, have been extensively studied and modulated. Modification of the basic structure of chalcones in order to obtain compounds with superior cytotoxic properties has been performed by modulating the aromatic residues, replacing aromatic residues with heterocycles, and obtaining hybrid molecules. A huge number of chalcone derivatives with residues such as diaryl ether, sulfonamide, and amine have been obtained, their presence being favorable for anticancer activity. Modification of the amino group in the structure of aminochalconesis always favorable for antitumor activity. This is why hybrid molecules of chalcones with different nitrogen hetercycles in the molecule have been obtained. From these, azoles (imidazole, oxazoles, tetrazoles, thiazoles, 1,2,3-triazoles, and 1,2,4-triazoles) are of particular importance for the identification of new anticancer agents.

Potential anticancer activities of Rhus coriaria (sumac) extract against human cancer cell lines

Therapeutic strategies of plant origin are a better choice as both dietary plant products or its isolated active constituents against the development and progression of cancer. The present study aims to evaluate the anticancer activity of sumac (Rhus coriaria) against different human cancer MCF-7, PC-3, and SKOV3 cell lines. In addition, the study tries to explore a prospective mechanism of action, assessment of in vitro enzyme-inhibitory capacity of sumac extract against hCA I, II, IX, and XII. In the present study, the potential antitumor effects of sumac (Rhus coriaria) were explored in the human cancer cell lines; MCF-7, PC-3, and SKOV3 using in vitro assays. Apoptotic, cell survival, ELISA immunoassays were also conducted to reveal the inhibitory effects of sumac extract against hCA I, II, IX, and XII. In addition, both Clioquinol and Acetazolamide (AZM) were used as standards to explore the in vitro enzyme-inhibitory capacity of sumac extract against hCA I, II, IX, and XII. The hydro-alcoholic extract of R. coriaria (Sumac) was subjected to phytochemical analysis using GC/MS assays. Sumac at non-cytotoxic doses of 50 and 100 µM significantly modulates the growth of the MCF-7, PC-3, and SKOV3 cancer cells with a higher inhibitory effect and selectivity to carbonic anhydrase (CA) isoforms; hCA I, II, hCA IX, and XII. The data showed that sumac at doses of 50 and 100 µM significantly inhibited the growth, proliferation, and viability of cancer cells by activating the apoptotic process via caspase-3 overexpression and the regulation of Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic protein.

ADME properties, bioactivity and molecular docking studies of 4-amino-chalcone derivatives: new analogues for the treatment of Alzheimer, glaucoma and epileptic diseases

In this study, in vitro inhibition effects of (E)-1-(4-aminophenyl)-3-(aryl) prop-2-en-1-one (4-amino-chalcones) derivatives (3a-o) on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme and human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes (hCA I- II) were investigated. And also, the biological activities of 4-amino-chalcone derivatives against enzymes which names are acetylcholinesterase (PDB ID: 1OCE), human Carbonic Anhydrase I (PDB ID: 2CAB), human carbonic anhydrase II (PDB ID: 3DC3), were compared. After the results obtained, ADME/T analysis was performed in order to use 4-amino-chalcone derivatives as a drug in the future. Effective inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase I and II isozymes (hCAI and II) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes with Ki values in the range of 2.55 ± 0.35-11.75 ± 3.57 nM for hCA I, 4.31 ± 0.78-17.55 ± 5.86 nM for hCA II and 96.01 ± 25.34-1411.41 ± 32.88 nM for AChE, respectively, were the 4-amino-chalcone derivatives (3a-o) molecules.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-021-00094-x.

Chalcone and its analogs: Therapeutic and diagnostic applications in Alzheimer's disease

Chalcone [(E)-1,3-diphenyl-2-propene-1-one], a small molecule with α, β unsaturated carbonyl group is a precursor or component of many natural flavonoids and isoflavonoids. It is one of the privileged structures in medicinal chemistry. It possesses a wide range of biological activities encouraging many medicinal chemists to study this scaffold for its usefulness to oncology, infectious diseases, virology and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Small molecular size, convenient and cost-effective synthesis, and flexibility for modifications to modulate lipophilicity suitable for blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability make chalcones a preferred candidate for their therapeutic and diagnostic potential in AD. This review summarizes and highlights the importance of chalcone and its analogs as single target small therapeutic agents, multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs) as well as molecular imaging agents for AD. The information summarized here will guide many medicinal chemist and researchers involved in drug discovery to consider chalcone as a potential scaffold for the development of anti-AD agents including theranostics.

Insights of 8-hydroxyquinolines: A novel target in medicinal chemistry

8-Hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) is a significant heterocyclic scaffold in organic and analytical chemistry because of the properties of chromophore and is used to detect various metal ions and anions. But from the last 2 decades, this moiety has been drawn great attention of medicinal chemists due to its significant biological activities. Synthetic modification of 8-hydroxyquinoline is under exploration on large scale to develop more potent target-based broad spectrum drug molecules for the treatment of several life-threatening diseases such as anti-cancer, HIV, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Metal chelation properties of 8-hydroxyquinoline and its derivatives also make these potent drug candidates for the treatment of various diseases. This review comprises 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives reported in the literature in last five years (2016-2020) and we anticipate that it will assist medicinal chemists in the synthesis of novel and pharmacologically potent agents for various therapeutic targets, mainly anti-proliferative, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-viral as well as for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Characterization, biological evaluation and molecular docking of mulberry fruit pectin

Contemplating the exemplary benefits of pectin on human health, we precisely characterized and evaluated the antibacterial and anticancer activities from purified Mulberry Fruit Pectins (MFP). Here, we tested BR-2 and S-13 varieties of mulberry fruit pectins against six bacterial strains and two human cancer cell lines (HT-29 and Hep G-2), using MIC and an in vitro cell-based assay respectively. The BR-2 mulberry fruit pectin performs superior to S-13 by inhibiting strong bacterial growth (MIC = 500–1000 μg/mL) against tested bacterial strains and cytotoxic activities at the lowest concentration (10 µg/ml) against the Hep G-2 cell line. However, both tested drugs failed to exhibit cytotoxicity on the human colon cancer cell line (HT-29). Based on molecular interaction through docking, pectin binds effectively with the receptors (1e3g, 3t0c, 5czz, 6j7l, 6v40, 5ibs, 5zsy, and 6ggb) and proven to be a promising antimicrobial and anti-cancer agents. The pursuit of unexploited drugs from mulberry fruit pectin will potentially combat against bacterial and cancer diseases. Finally, future perspectives of MFP for the treatment of many chronic diseases will help immensely due to their therapeutic properties.