Probing the intermolecular interactions of PPARγ-LBD with polyunsaturated fatty acids and their anti-inflammatory metabolites to infer most potential binding moieties

Resolution of chronic inflammation and cancer

Chronic inflammation poses challenges to effective cancer treatment. Although anti-inflammatory therapies have shown short-term benefits, their long-term implications may be unfavorable because they fail to initiate the necessary inflammatory responses. Recent research underscores the promise of specialized pro-resolving mediators, which play a role in modulating the cancer microenvironment by promoting the resolution of initiated inflammatory processes and restoring tissue hemostasis. This review addresses current insights into how inflammation contributes to cancer pathogenesis and explores recent strategies to resolve inflammation associated with cancer.

Case report: two novel PPARG pathogenic variants associated with type 3 familial partial lipodystrophy in Brazil

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Type 3 Familial Partial Lipodystrophy (FPLD3) is a rare metabolic disease related to pathogenic PPARG gene variants. FPLD3 is characterized by a loss of fatty tissue in the upper and lower limbs, hips, and face. FPLD3 pathophysiology is usually associated with metabolic comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, and liver dysfunction. Here, we clinically and molecularly characterized FPLD3 patients harboring novel PPARG pathogenic variants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lipodystrophy-suspected patients were recruited by clinicians from an Endocrinology Reference Center. Clinical evaluation was performed, biological samples were collected for biochemical analysis, and DNA sequencing was performed to define the pathogenic variants associated with the lipodystrophic phenotype found in our clinically diagnosed FPLD subjects. Bioinformatics predictions were conducted to characterize the novel mutated PPARγ proteins.

RESULTS

We clinically described FPLD patients harboring two novel heterozygous PPARG variants in Brazil. Case 1 had the c.533T > C variant, which promotes the substitution of leucine to proline in position 178 (p.Leu178Pro), and cases 2 and 3 had the c.641 C > T variant, which results in the substitution of proline to leucine in the position 214 (p.Pro214Leu) at the PPARγ2 protein. These variants result in substantial conformational changes in the PPARγ2 protein.

CONCLUSION

Two novel PPARG pathogenic variants related to FPLD3 were identified in a Brazilian FPLD cohort. These data will provide new epidemiologic data concerning FPLD3 and help understand the genotype-phenotype relationships related to the PPARG gene.

Antispasmodic Effect of Alstonia boonei De Wild. and Its Constituents: Ex Vivo and In Silico Approaches

BACKGROUND

Alstonia boonei, belonging to the family Apocynaceae, is one of the best-known medicinal plants in Africa and Asia. Stem back preparations are traditionally used as muscle relaxants. This study investigated the antispasmodic properties of Alstonia boonei Stem back and its constituents.

METHOD

The freeze-dried aqueous Stem back extract of A. boonei, as well as dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions, were evaluated for their antispasmodic effect via the ex vivo method. Two compounds were isolated from the DCM fraction using chromatographic techniques, and their antispasmodic activity was evaluated. An in silico study was conducted by evaluating the interaction of isolated compounds with human PPARgamma-LBD and human carbonic anhydrase isozyme.

RESULTS

The Stem back crude extract, DCM, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions showed antispasmodic activity on high-potassium-induced (K+ 80 mM) contractions on isolated rat ileum with IC50 values of 0.03 ± 0.20, 0.02 ± 0.05, 0.03 ± 0.14, and 0.90 ± 0.06 mg/mL, respectively. The isolated compounds from the DCM fraction were β-amyrin and boonein, with only boonein exhibiting antispasmodic activity on both high-potassium-induced (IC50 = 0.09 ± 0.01 µg/mL) and spontaneous (0.29 ± 0.05 µg/mL) contractions. However, β-amyrin had a stronger interaction with the two proteins during the simulation.

CONCLUSION

The isolated compounds boonein and β-amyrin could serve as starting materials for the development of antispasmodic drugs.

Structural insights into modeling of hepatitis B virus reverse transcriptase and identification of its inhibitors from potential medicinal plants of Western Ghats: an in silico and in vitro study

The present study was proposed to model full-length HBV-RT and investigate the intermolecular interactions of known inhibitor and libraries of phytocompounds to probe the potential natural leads by in silico and in vitro studies. Homology modeling of RT was performed by Phyre2 and Modeller and virtual screening of ligands implemented through POAP pipeline. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation (100 ns) and MM-GBSA calculations were performed using Schrodinger Desmond and Prime, respectively. Phytocompounds probable host protein targets gene set pathway enrichment and network analysis were executed by KEGG database and Cytoscape software. Prioritized plant extracts/enriched fraction LC-MS analysis was performed and along with pure compound, RT inhibitory activity, time-dependent HBsAg and HBeAg secretion, and intracellular HBV DNA, and pgRNA by qRT-PCR was performed in HepG2.2.15 cell line. Among the screened chemical library of 268 phytocompounds from 18 medicinal plants, 15 molecules from Terminalia chebula (6), Bidens pilosa (5), and Centella asiatica (4)) were identified as potential inhibitors of YMDD and RT1 motif of HBV-RT. MD simulation demonstrated stable interactions of 15 phytocompounds with HBV-RT, of which 1,2,3,4,6-Pentagalloyl Glucose (PGG) was identified as lead molecule. Out of 15 compounds, 11 were predicted to modulate 39 proteins and 15 molecular pathways associated with HBV infection. TCN and TCW (500 µg/mL) showed potent RT inhibition, decreased intracellular HBV DNA, and pgRNA, and time-dependent inhibition of HBsAg and HBeAg levels compared to PGG and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate. We propose that the identified lead molecules from T. chebula as promising and cost-effective moieties for the management of HBV infection.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Cannabinoids And Cannabinoid-Like Compounds: Biochemical Characterization And Pharmacological Perspectives

Publication interest in cannabinoids, including phytocannabinoids, endogenous cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids and cannabinomimetic compounds, is due to the therapeutic potential of these compounds in inflammatory pathology. Since recent years, scientific interest was focused on compounds with cannabinomimetic activity. The therapeutic use of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids is somewhat limited due to unresolved issues of dosing, toxicity and safety in humans, while cannabinoid-like compounds combine similar therapeutic effects with a high confirmed safety. Targets for endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids are endocannabinoid receptors 1 and 2, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), and transient receptor potential ion channels (TRPs). Non-endocannabinoid N-acylethanolamines do not interact with cannabinoid receptors and exhibit agonist activity towards non-cannabinoid receptors, such as PPARs, GPCRs and TRPs. This literature review includes contemporary information on the biological activity, metabolism and pharmacological properties of cannabinoids and cannabinoid-like compounds, as well as their receptors. We established that only a few studies were devoted to the relationship of non-endocannabinoid N-acylethanolamines with non-cannabinoid receptors, such as PPARs, GPCRs, and also with TRPs. We have focused on issues that were insufficiently covered in the published sources in order to identify gaps in existing knowledge and determine the prospects for scientific research.

A Multiplex Molecular Cell-Based Sensor to Detect Ligands of PPARs: An Optimized Tool for Drug Discovery in Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria produce a wealth of secondary metabolites. Since these organisms attach fatty acids into molecules in unprecedented ways, cyanobacteria can serve as a novel source for bioactive compounds acting as ligands for Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR). PPARs (PPARα, PPARβ/δ and PPARγ) are ligand-activated nuclear receptors, involved in the regulation of various metabolic and cellular processes, thus serving as potential drug targets for a variety of pathologies. Yet, given that PPARs' agonists can have pan-, dual- or isoform-specific action, some controversy has been raised over currently approved drugs and their side effects, highlighting the need for novel molecules. Here, we expand and validate a cell-based PPAR transactivation activity biosensor, and test it in a screening campaign to guide drug discovery. Biosensor upgrades included the use of different reporter genes to increase signal intensity and stability, a different promoter to modulate reporter gene expression, and multiplexing to improve efficiency. Sensor's limit of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.36-0.89 nM in uniplex and 0.89-1.35 nM in multiplex mode. In triplex mode, the sensor's feature screening, a total of 848 fractions of 96 cyanobacteria extracts were screened. Hits were confirmed in multiplex mode and in uniplex mode, yielding one strain detected to have action on PPARα and three strains to have dual action on PPARα and -β.

A Cancer Cell-Intrinsic GOT2-PPARδ Axis Suppresses Antitumor Immunity

Despite significant recent advances in precision medicine, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains near uniformly lethal. Although immune-modulatory therapies hold promise to meaningfully improve outcomes for patients with PDAC, the development of such therapies requires an improved understanding of the immune evasion mechanisms that characterize the PDAC microenvironment. Here, we show that cancer cell-intrinsic glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 2 (GOT2) shapes the immune microenvironment to suppress antitumor immunity. Mechanistically, we find that GOT2 functions beyond its established role in the malate-aspartate shuttle and promotes the transcriptional activity of nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ), facilitated by direct fatty acid binding. Although GOT2 is dispensable for cancer cell proliferation in vivo, the GOT2-PPARδ axis promotes spatial restriction of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from the tumor microenvironment. Our results demonstrate a noncanonical function for an established mitochondrial enzyme in transcriptional regulation of immune evasion, which may be exploitable to promote a productive antitumor immune response.

SIGNIFICANCE

Prior studies demonstrate the important moonlighting functions of metabolic enzymes in cancer. We find that the mitochondrial transaminase GOT2 binds directly to fatty acid ligands that regulate the nuclear receptor PPARδ, and this functional interaction critically regulates the immune microenvironment of pancreatic cancer to promote tumor progression. See related commentary by Nwosu and di Magliano, p. 2237.. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2221.

Topical Aspirin Administration Improves Cutaneous Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice Through a Phenotypic Switch of Wound Macrophages Toward an Anti-inflammatory and Proresolutive Profile Characterized by LXA4 Release

Patients with diabetes present a persistent inflammatory process, leading to impaired wound healing. Since nonhealing diabetic wound management shows limited results, the introduction of advanced therapies targeting and correcting the inflammatory status of macrophages in chronic wounds could be an effective therapeutic strategy to stop the sustained inflammation and to return to a healing state. In an excisional skin injury in a diet-induced diabetic murine model, we demonstrate that topical administration of low-dose aspirin (36 μg/wound/day) improves cutaneous wound healing by increasing wound closure through the promotion of the inflammation resolution program of macrophages. This treatment increased efferocytosis of wound macrophages from aspirin-treated diabetic mice compared with untreated diabetic mice. We also show that aspirin treatment of high-fat-fed mice oriented the phenotype of wound macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory and proresolutive profile characterized by a decrease of LTB4 production. The use of diabetic mice deficient for 5-LOX or 12/15-LOX demonstrated that these two enzymes of acid arachidonic metabolism are essential for the beneficial effect of aspirin on wound healing. Thus, aspirin treatment modified the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids by promoting the synthesis of proresolving LXA4 through 5-LOX, LTA4, 12/15-LOX signaling. In conclusion, the restoration of an anti-inflammatory and proresolutive phenotype of wound macrophages by the topical administration of low-dose aspirin represents a promising therapeutic approach in chronic wounds.

EPA and DHA differentially coordinate the crosstalk between host and gut microbiota and block DSS-induced colitis in mice by a reinforced colonic mucus barrier

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon with a continuously remitting and relapsing course. Its etiology is closely related to abnormal interactions between host and gut microbiota. The mucus barrier lining the gastrointestinal tract is necessary to coordinate host and gut microbiota interaction by nourishing and modulating the microbiota. Differential effects of the anti-inflammatory fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on UC progression in mice were firstly addressed by our previous work; here, the mechanism for their respective effects were further uncovered from host-microbiome crosstalk based on mucus barrier modulation to pave the way for UC therapy. Methods: Assessment of the disease activity index and histopathology score was conducted in mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis pre-treated with different doses of EPA and DHA. Mucin generation, glycosylation and secretion were evaluated by a combination of electron microscopy, specific mucous staining, and qPCR. Western blotting was used to analyze the underlying molecular events. Fecal short chain fatty acids were detected using gas chromatography, and the gut microbial composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: Compared with DHA, the more potent inhibitory effect of high dose EPA on DSS-induced colitis was reconfirmed, which was underlain by a reinforced mucus layer as indicated by increased mucin granule release, mucus layer stratification and markedly upregulated expression of the key modulators involved in goblet cell differentiation. In turn a remarkably enhanced mucus barrier in the EPA group functioned to modulate the gut microbiome, as demonstrated by the enriched abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes and mucin-degrading bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila producing acetic and propionic acids. Conclusions: EPA and DHA differentially coordinate the interaction between the host and the gut microbiota and relieve mucus barrier disruption in DSS-induced colitis. EPA may develop into a promising adjunctive therapy for UC.

Interplay of Nutrition and Psychoneuroendocrineimmune Modulation: Relevance for COVID-19 in BRICS Nations

The consequences of COVID-19 are not limited to physical health deterioration; the impact on neuropsychological well-being is also substantially reported. The inter-regulation of physical health and psychological well-being through the psychoneuroendocrineimmune (PNEI) axis has enduring consequences in susceptibility, treatment outcome as well as recuperation. The pandemic effects are upsetting the lifestyle, social interaction, and financial security; and also pose a threat through perceived fear. These consequences of COVID-19 also influence the PNEI system and wreck the prognosis. The nutritional status of individuals is also reported to have a determinative role in COVID-19 severity and convalescence. In addition to energetic demand, diet also provides precursor substances [amino acids (AAs), vitamins, etc.] for regulators of the PNEI axis such as neurotransmitters (NTs) and immunomodulators. Moreover, exaggerated immune response and recovery phase of COVID-19 demand additional nutrient intake; widening the gap of pre-existing undernourishment. Mushrooms, fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, and legumes are few of such readily available food ingredients which are rich in protein and also have medicinal benefits. BRICS nations have their influences on global development and are highly impacted by a large number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths. The adequacy and access to healthcare are also low in BRICS nations as compared to the rest of the world. Attempt to combat the COVID-19 pandemic are praiseworthy in BRICS nations. However, large population sizes, high prevalence of undernourishment (PoU), and high incidence of mental health ailments in BRICS nations provide a suitable landscape for jeopardy of COVID-19. Therefore, appraising the interplay of nutrition and PNEI modulation especially in BRICS countries will provide better understanding; and will aid in combat COVID-19. It can be suggested that the monitoring will assist in designing adjunctive interventions through medical nutrition therapy and psychopsychiatric management.

Asymmetric syntheses of four stereoisomers of 13-hydroxy-14-methylhexadecanoic acid as potential antibacterial agents

The first total syntheses of four stereoisomers of 13-hydroxy-14-methylhexadecanoic acid have been accomplished. Central to this strategy are asymmetric alkynylation of aldehyde, acid-catalyzed lactonization, the selective protection of primary alcohol and Wittig reaction. The product 1a was obtained in 17 steps in 2% overall yield. Moreover, these synthetic chiral hydroxy fatty acids 1a-1d are valuable for the development of antibacterial agents.

Dysregulated inflammation may predispose patients with serious mental illnesses to severe COVID‑19 (Review)

Genetic and nongenetic factors associated with an increased inflammatory response may mediate a link between severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) and serious mental illness (SMI). However, systematic assessment of inflammatory response‑related factors associated with SMI that could influence COVID‑19 outcomes is lacking. In the present review, dietary patterns, smoking and the use of psychotropic medications are discussed as potential extrinsic risk factors and angiotensin‑converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphisms are considered as potential intrinsic risk factors. A genetics‑based prediction model for SMI using ACE‑I/D genotyping is also proposed for use in patients experiencing severe COVID‑19. Furthermore, the literature suggests that ACE inhibitors may have protective effects against SMI or severe COVID‑19, which is often linked to hypertension and other cardiovascular comorbidities. For this reason, we hypothesize that using these medications to treat patients with severe COVID‑19 might yield improved outcomes, including in the context of SMI associated with COVID‑19.

The role of PPARγ in chemotherapy-evoked pain

Although millions of people are diagnosed with cancer each year, survival has never been greater thanks to early diagnosis and treatments. Powerful chemotherapeutic agents are highly toxic to cancer cells, but because they typically do not target cancer cells selectively, they are often toxic to other cells and produce a variety of side effects. In particular, many common chemotherapies damage the peripheral nervous system and produce neuropathy that includes a progressive degeneration of peripheral nerve fibers. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can affect all nerve fibers, but sensory neuropathies are the most common, initially affecting the distal extremities. Symptoms include impaired tactile sensitivity, tingling, numbness, paraesthesia, dysesthesia, and pain. Since neuropathic pain is difficult to manage, and because degenerated nerve fibers may not grow back and regain normal function, considerable research has focused on understanding how chemotherapy causes painful CIPN so it can be prevented. Due to the fact that both therapeutic and side effects of chemotherapy are primarily associated with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress, this review focuses on the activation of endogenous antioxidant pathways, especially PPARγ, in order to prevent the development of CIPN and associated pain. The use of synthetic and natural PPARγ agonists to prevent CIPN is discussed.

PPARγ/PGC1α signaling as a potential therapeutic target for mitochondrial biogenesis in neurodegenerative disorders

Neurodegenerative diseases represent some of the most devastating neurological disorders, characterized by progressive loss of the structure and function of neurons. Current therapy for neurodegenerative disorders is limited to symptomatic treatment rather than disease modifying interventions, emphasizing the desperate need for improved approaches. Abundant evidence indicates that impaired mitochondrial function plays a crucial role in pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases and so biochemical factors in mitochondria are considered promising targets for pharmacological-based therapies. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-γ (PPARγ) are ligand-inducible transcription factors involved in regulating various genes including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1 alpha (PGC1α). This review summarizes the evidence supporting the ability of PPARγ-PGC1α to coordinately up-regulate the expression of genes required for mitochondrial biogenesis in neurons and provide directions for future work to explore the potential benefit of targeting mitochondrial biogenesis in neurodegenerative disorders. We have highlighted key roles of NRF2, uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2), and paraoxonase-2 (PON2) signaling in mediating PGC1α-induced mitochondrial biogenesis. In addition, the status of PPARγ modulators being used in clinical trials for Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Huntington's disease (HD) has been compiled. The overall purpose of this review is to update and critique our understanding of the role of PPARγ-PGC1α-NRF2 in the induction of mitochondrial biogenesis together with suggestions for strategies to target PPARγ-PGC1α-NRF2 signaling in order to combat mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders.

Electrophile Modulation of Inflammation: A Two-Hit Approach

Electrophilic small molecules have gained significant attention over the last decade in the field of covalent drug discovery. Long recognized as mediators of the inflammatory process, recent evidence suggests that electrophiles may modulate the immune response through the regulation of metabolic networks. These molecules function as pleiotropic signaling mediators capable of reversibly reacting with nucleophilic biomolecules, most notably at reactive cysteines. More specifically, electrophiles target critical cysteines in redox regulatory proteins to activate protective pathways such as the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Nrf2-Keap1) antioxidant signaling pathway while also inhibiting Nuclear Factor κB (NF-κB). During inflammatory states, reactive species broadly alter cell signaling through the oxidation of lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids, effectively propagating the inflammatory sequence. Subsequent changes in metabolic signaling inform immune cell maturation and effector function. Therapeutic strategies targeting inflammatory pathologies leverage electrophilic drug compounds, in part, because of their documented effect on the redox balance of the cell. With mounting evidence demonstrating the link between redox signaling and metabolism, electrophiles represent ideal therapeutic candidates for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Through their pleiotropic signaling activity, electrophiles may be used strategically to both directly and indirectly target immune cell metabolism.

Network Pharmacology Identifies the Mechanisms of Sang-Xing-Zhi-Ke-Fang against Pharyngitis

Background

Sang-Xing-Zhi-Ke-Fang (SXZKF) demonstrates good therapeutic effect against pharyngitis. Nevertheless, the pharmacological mechanism underlying its effectiveness is still unclear.

Objective

To investigate the underlying mechanisms of SXZKF against pharyngitis using network pharmacology method.

Methods

Bioactive ingredients of SXZKF were collected and screened using published literature and two public databases. Using four public databases, the overlapping genes between these bioactive compound-related and pharyngitis-related genes were identified by Venn diagram. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) was obtained using “Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING)” database. “Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery ver. 6.8 (DAVID 6.8)” was used to perform Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis to explore the molecular mechanisms of SXZKF against pharyngitis. Finally, Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct and visualize the networks.

Result

A total of 102 bioactive compounds were identified. Among them, 886 compounds-related and 6258 pharyngitis-related genes were identified, including 387 overlapping genes. Sixty-three core targets were obtained, including ALB, PPARγ, MAPK3, EGF, and PTGS2. Signaling pathways closely related to mechanisms of SXZKF for pharyngitis were identified, including serotonergic synapse, VEGF signaling pathway, Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and influenza A.

Conclusion

This is the first identification of in-depth study of SXZKF against pharyngitis using network pharmacology. This new evidence could be informative in providing new support on the clinical effects of SXZKF on pharyngitis and for the development of personalized medicine for pharyngitis.

The roles of PPARγ and its agonists in autoimmune diseases: A comprehensive review

Autoimmune diseases are common diseases of the immune system that are characterized by the loss of self-tolerance and the production of autoantibodies; the breakdown of immune tolerance and the prolonged inflammatory reaction are undisputedly core steps in the initiation and maintenance of autoimmunity. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-dependent transcription factors that belong to the nuclear hormone receptor family and act as ligand-activated transcription factors. There are three different isotypes of PPARs: PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARβ/δ. PPARγ is an established regulator of glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism. Recent studies have demonstrated that PPARγ exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in multiple disease models. PPARγ can also modulate the activation and polarization of macrophages, regulate the function of dendritic cells and mediate T cell survival, activation, and differentiation. In this review, we summarize the signaling pathways and biological functions of PPARγ and focus on how PPARγ and its agonists play protective roles in autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune thyroid diseases, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjogren syndrome and primary biliary cirrhosis.

Critical Insight into the Design of PPAR-γ Agonists by Virtual Screening Techniques

BACKGROUND

Design of novel PPAR-γ modulators with better binding efficiency and fewer side effects to treat type 2 diabetes is still a challenge for medicinal chemists. Cost and time efficient computational methods have presently become an integral part of research in nuclear receptors and their ligands, enabling hit to lead identification and lead optimization. This review will focus on cutting-edge technologies used in most recent studies on the design of PPAR- γ agonists and will discuss the chemistry of few molecules which emerged successful.

METHODS

Literature review was carried out in google scholar using customized search from 2011- 2017. Computer-aided design methods presented in this article were used as search terms to retrieve corresponding literature.

RESULTS

Virtual screening of natural product libraries is an effective strategy to harness nature as the source of ligands for PPARs. Rigid and induced fit docking and core hopping approach in docking are rapid screening methods to predict the PPAR- γ and PPAR-α/ γ dual agonistic activity. Onedimensional drug profile matching is one of the recent virtual screening methods by which an antiprotozoal drug, Nitazoxanide was identified as a PPAR- γ agonist.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that to achieve a convincing and reliable design of PPAR-γ agonist by virtual screening techniques, customized workflow comprising of appropriate models is essential in which methods may be applied either sequentially or simultaneously.

Personalising surgical treatments for glaucoma patients

Surgical treatments for glaucoma have relied for decades on traditional filtering surgery such as trabeculectomy and, in more challenging cases, tubes. Antifibrotics were introduced to improve surgical success in patients at increased risk of failure but have been shown to be linked to a greater incidence of complications, some being potentially vision-threatening. As our understanding of glaucoma and its early diagnosis have improved, a more individualised management has been suggested. Recently the term "precision medicine" has emerged as a new concept of an individualised approach to disease management incorporating a wide range of individual data in the choice of therapeutic modalities. For glaucoma surgery, this involves evaluation of the right timing, individual risk factors, targeting the correct anatomical and functional outflow pathways and appropriate prevention of scarring. As a consequence, there is an obvious need for better knowledge of anatomical and functional pathways and for more individualised surgical approaches with new, less invasive and safer techniques allowing for earlier intervention. With the recent advent of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) a large number of novel devices have been introduced targeting potential new sites of the outflow pathway for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). Their popularity is growing in view of the relative surgical simplicity and apparent lack of serious side effects. However, these new surgical techniques are still in an era of early experiences, short follow-up and lack of evidence of their superiority in safety and cost-effectiveness over the traditional methods. Each year several new devices are introduced while others are withdrawn from the market. Glaucoma continues to be the primary cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and access to safe and efficacious treatment is a serious problem, particularly in the emerging world where the burden of glaucoma-related blindness is important and concerning. Early diagnosis, individualised treatment and, very importantly, safe surgical management should be the hallmarks of glaucoma treatment. However, there is still need for a better understanding of the disease, its onset and progression, the functional and structural elements of the outflow pathways in relation to the new devices as well as their long-term IOP-lowering efficacy and safety. This review discusses current knowledge and the future need for personalised glaucoma surgery.

Identification and neuroprotective evaluation of a potential c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 inhibitor through structure-based virtual screening and in-vitro assay

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3) signaling cascade is activated during cerebral ischemia leading to neuronal damage. The present study was carried out to identify and evaluate novel JNK3 inhibitors using in-silico and in-vitro approach. A total of 380 JNK3 inhibitors belonging to different organic groups was collected from the previously reported literature. These molecules were used to generate a pharmacophore model. This model was used to screen a chemical database (SPECS) to identify newer molecules with similar chemical features. The top 1000 hits molecules were then docked against the JNK3 enzyme coordinate following GLIDE rigid receptor docking (RRD) protocol. Best posed molecules of RRD were used during induced-fit docking (IFD), allowing receptor flexibility. Other computational predictions such as binding free energy, electronic configuration and ADME/tox were also calculated. Inferences from the best pharmacophore model suggested that, in order to have specific JNK3 inhibitory activity, the molecules must possess one H-bond donor, two hydrophobic and two ring features. Docking studies suggested that the main interaction between lead molecules and JNK3 enzyme consisted of hydrogen bond interaction with methionine 149 of the hinge region. It was also observed that the molecule with better MM-GBSA dG binding free energy, had greater correlation with JNK3 inhibition. Lead molecule (AJ-292-42151532) with the highest binding free energy (dG = 106.8 Kcal/mol) showed better efficacy than the SP600125 (reference JNK3 inhibitor) during cell-free JNK3 kinase assay (IC50 = 58.17 nM) and cell-based neuroprotective assay (EC50 = 7.5 µM).

RvE1 treatment prevents memory loss and neuroinflammation in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome

Inflammation can be resolved by pro-homeostatic lipids called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) upon activation of their receptors. Dysfunctional inflammatory resolution is now considered as a driver of chronic neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. We have previously shown that SPM levels were reduced and also that SPM-binding receptors were increased in patients with AD compared to age-matched controls. Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit accelerated acquisition of AD neuropathology, dementia, and neuroinflammation at an earlier age than the general population. Beneficial effects of inducing resolution in DS have not been investigated previously. The effects of the SPM resolvin E1 (RvE1) in a DS mouse model (Ts65Dn) were investigated with regard to inflammation, neurodegeneration, and memory deficits. A moderate dose of RvE1 for 4 weeks in middle-aged Ts65Dn mice elicited a significant reduction in memory loss, along with reduced levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reduced microglial activation in the hippocampus of Ts65Dn mice but had no effects in age-matched normosomic mice. There were no observable adverse side effects in Ts65Dn or in normosomic mice. These findings suggest that SPMs may represent a novel drug target for individuals with DS and others at risk of developing AD.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors as a Therapeutic Target in Asthma

The complexity of the pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of chronic inflammation in asthma determines its heterogeneity and insufficient treatment effectiveness. Nuclear transcription factors, which include peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, that is, PPARs, play an important role in the regulation of initiation and resolution of the inflammatory process. The ability of PPARs to modulate not only lipid homeostasis but also the activity of the inflammatory response makes them an important pathogenetic target in asthma therapy. At present, special attention is focused on natural (polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), endocannabinoids, and eicosanoids) and synthetic (fibrates, thiazolidinediones) PPAR ligands and the study of signaling mechanisms involved in the implementation of their anti-inflammatory effects in asthma. This review summarizes current views on the structure and function of PPARs, as well as their participation in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation in asthma. The potential use of PPAR ligands as therapeutic agents for treating asthma is under discussion.

Inflammation resolution and specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators in CNS diseases

Introduction: Inflammation resolution induced by specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) is a new concept. The application of SPMs is a promising therapeutic strategy that can potentially supersede anti-inflammatory drugs. Most CNS diseases are associated with hyperreactive inflammatory damage. CNS inflammation causes irreversible neuronal loss and permanent functional impairments. Given the high mortality and morbidity rates, the investigation of therapeutic strategies to ameliorate inflammatory damage is necessary.Areas covered: In this review, we explore inflammation resolution in CNS disorders. We discuss the underlying mechanisms and dynamic changes of SPMs and their precursors in neurological diseases and examine how this can potentially be incorporated into the clinic. References were selected from PubMed; most were published between 2010 and 2019.Expert opinion: Inflammation resolution is a natural process that emerges after acute or chronic inflammation. The evidence that SPMs can effectively ameliorate hyperreactive inflammation, shorten resolution time and accelerate tissue regeneration in CNS disorders. Adjuvants and nanotechnology offer opportunities for SPM drug design; however, more preclinical studies are necessary to investigate basic, critical issues such as safety.

Peroxisomal regulation of redox homeostasis and adipocyte metabolism

Peroxisomes are ubiquitous cellular organelles required for specific pathways of fatty acid oxidation and lipid synthesis, and until recently their functions in adipocytes have not been well appreciated. Importantly, peroxisomes host many oxygen-consumption reactions and play a major role in generation and detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), influencing whole cell redox status. Here, we review recent progress in peroxisomal functions in lipid metabolism as related to ROS/RNS metabolism and discuss the roles of peroxisomal redox homeostasis in adipogenesis and adipocyte metabolism. We provide a framework for understanding redox regulation of peroxisomal functions in adipocytes together with testable hypotheses for developing therapies for obesity and the related metabolic diseases.

Agonism activities of lyso-phosphatidylcholines (LPC) Ligands binding to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)

PPARγ is an isoform of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) belonging to a super family of nuclear receptors and is a primary target of the effective drug to treat the type II diabetes. The experiments found that Lyso-phosphatidylcholines (LPC) could bind to PPARγ, but the binding modes remain unknown. We used the Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulations to study the binding of four LPC ligands (LPC16:0, LPC18:0, LPC18:1-1 and LPC18:1-2) to PPARγ. The two-step MD simulations were employed to determine the final binding modes. The 20 ns MD simulations for four final LPC-PPARγ complexes were performed to analyze their structures, the binding key residues, and agonism activities. The results reveal that three LPC ligands (LPC16:0, LPC18:0 and LPC18:1-1) bind to Arm II and III regions of the Ligand Binding Domain (LBD) pocket, whereas they do not interact with Tyr473 of Helix 12 (H12). In contrast, LPC18:1-2 can form the hydrogen bonds with Tyr473 and bind into Arm I and II regions. Comparing with the paradigm systems of the full agonist (Rosiglitazone-PPARγ) and the partial agonist (MRL24-PPARγ), our results indicate that LPC16:0, LPC18:0 and LPC18:1-1 could be the potential partial agonists and LPC18:1-2 could be a full agonist. The in-depth analysis of the residue fluctuations and structure alignment confirm the present prediction of the LPC agonism activities.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Self-regulation of the inflammatory response by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family includes three transcription factors: PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ. PPAR are nuclear receptors activated by oxidised and nitrated fatty acid derivatives as well as by cyclopentenone prostaglandins (PGA₂ and 15d-PGJ₂) during the inflammatory response. This results in the modulation of the pro-inflammatory response, preventing it from being excessively activated. Other activators of these receptors are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (arachidonic acid, ALA, EPA, and DHA). The main function of PPAR during the inflammatory reaction is to promote the inactivation of NF-κB. Possible mechanisms of inactivation include direct binding and thus inactivation of p65 NF-κB or ubiquitination leading to proteolytic degradation of p65 NF-κB. PPAR also exert indirect effects on NF-κB. They promote the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, or heme oxygenase-1, resulting in a reduction in the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS), i.e., secondary transmitters in inflammatory reactions. PPAR also cause an increase in the expression of IκBα, SIRT1, and PTEN, which interferes with the activation and function of NF-κB in inflammatory reactions.

Identification of potential drugs targeting L,L-diaminopimelate aminotransferase of Chlamydia trachomatis: An integrative pharmacoinformatics approach

Chlamydia trachomatis (C.t) is a gram-negative obligate intracellular bacteria, which is a major causative of infectious blindness and sexually transmitted diseases. A surge in multidrug resistance among chlamydial species has posed a challenge to adopt alternative drug targeting strategies. Recently, in C.t, L,L-diaminopimelate aminotransferase (CtDAP-AT) is proven to be a potential drug target due its essential role in cell survival and host nonspecificity. Hence, in this study, a multilevel precision-based virtual screening of CtDAP-AT was performed to identify potential inhibitors, wherein, an integrative stringent scoring and filtration were performed by coupling, glide docking score, binding free energy, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, toxicity) prediction, density functional theory (quantum mechanics), and molecular dynamics simulation (molecular mechanics). On cumulative analysis, NSC_5485 (1,3-bis((7-chloro-4-quinolinyl)amino)-2-propanol) was found to be the most potential lead, as it showed higher order significance in terms of binding affinity, bonded interactions, favorable ADMET, chemical reactivity, and greater stabilization during complex formation. This is the first report on prioritization of small molecules from National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Maybridge data sets (341 519 compounds) towards targeting CtDAP-AT. Thus, the proposed compound shall aid in effective combating of a broad spectrum of C.t infections as it surpassed all the levels of prioritization.

Changes in lysophospholipids and liver status after weight loss: the RESMENA study

Background

Obesity and comorbidities such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are major public health burdens. Alterations in lipid metabolism are involved in hepatic diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of weight loss on lysophospholipid (LP) metabolism and liver status in obese subjects as well as to provide new evidence regarding the interaction of LP metabolism as a key factor in the onset and management of obesity-related diseases such as liver damage.

Methods

Thirty-three subjects from the RESMENA (Reduction of Metabolic Syndrome in Navarra, NCT01087086) study were selected based on their Fatty Liver Index (FLI). Plasma lipid species (lysophosphatidilcholine: LPC, lysophosphatidilethanolamines: LPE and lysophosphatidylinositols: LPI specifically) were determined by LC-MS, while waist circumference (WC) and other non-invasive liver markers such as, FLI and BAAT scores as well as dietary records, anthropometrical measurements, body composition by DXA and other metabolic determinants were analyzed before and after a six-month hypocaloric nutritional intervention.

Results

Computed Z-scores of total LP (LPC, LPE, and LPI) were significantly decreased after 6-months of following a hypocaloric diet. Specifically, LPC14:0, LPC15:0, LPC16:1, LPC18:4, LPC20:4, showed clear relationships with weight loss. Changes in FLI score, WC and BAAT score revealed associations with general changes in LPC score. Interestingly the BAAT score was statistically associated with the LPC score after adjustment for weight loss.

Conclusion

The lipidomic LPC profile analysis revealed a generalized decrease in circulating lysophospholipids after weight loss. The involvement of particular LP in liver metabolism and obesity merit further attention, as some of these specific non-invasive liver markers were reduced independently of weight loss.

Trial registration

NCT01087086. Registered 15 March 2010, retrospectively registry.

In vitro and in silico analyses of Vicia faba L. on Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma

The agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) from natural victual products were used as antidiabetic agents. Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a consequential legume that was known to possess potential antidiabetic activity, whose mechanism of action was unknown. The current study was focused to ascertain gene expression of the nuclear receptor PPARγ by Faba bean pod extract in rat cell lines (RINm5F).The real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that Faba bean pod extract in concentrations of 160 µg/mL have shown 4.97-fold stimulation compared with control. The cells treated with 320 µg/mL has shown 5.89-fold upregulation, respectively. Furthermore, in silico docking analysis was carried out against PPARγ, using the bioactive compounds identified from Faba bean pod extracts, which were known reported compounds from the literature. The results suggest that gene expression of PPARγ was inhibited by the constituents in Faba bean. In silico analysis prognosticates, butein has a high binding energy (-8.6 kcal/mol) with an atomic contact energy of -214.10, followed by Apigenin and Quercetin against PPARγ. Similarly, the percentage of interaction was high for butein, followed by Apigenin and Quercetin than other compounds comparatively. Hence, the results conclude inhibition of PPARγ by the bioactive compounds from Faba bean, which may provide insights into developing future therapeutic molecules for diabetes mellitus.

Synergistic protection against acute flurothyl-induced seizures by adjuvant treatment of the ketogenic diet with the type 2 diabetes drug pioglitazone

OBJECTIVE

We have previously found that the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) contributes to the mechanism of action of the ketogenic diet (KD), an established treatment for pediatric refractory epilepsy. We have found that the KD increases brain PPARγ and that inhibition or genetic loss of PPARγ prevents the antiseizure effects of the KD on (1) acutely induced seizures in nonepileptic mice and (2) spontaneous recurrent seizures in epileptic mice. Here, we tested the hypothesis that adjuvant treatment of KD-treated mice with a PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone, would result in an additive effect.

METHODS

Acute seizures were induced in three groups of C57Bl/6 mice by inhalation exposure to flurothyl gas. In Group 1, mice were weaned onto either a standard diet or KD comprised of a fat:carbohydrate/protein ratio of either 6:1, 3:1, or 1:1 for 2 weeks. In Group 2, vehicle or pioglitazone (0.1, 1, 10, 80 mg/kg) was administered 4 h prior to flurothyl exposure. In Group 3, vehicle or increasing doses of pioglitazone were administered to KD-treated mice 4 h prior to flurothyl exposure. Latency times to clonic seizures and generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures were recorded, and isobolographic analysis was used to determine combinatorial interactions.

RESULTS

Neither KD treatment nor pioglitazone alone or in combination affected clonic seizures. However, the latency to GTC seizures was dose-dependently and significantly increased by both KD (~57%, p < 0.05) and pioglitazone (~28%, p < 0.05). Coadministration of an ineffective 1:1 KD and pioglitazone resulted in ~47-55% (p < 0.05) increase in latency to GTC. Isobolographic analysis indicated a synergistic interaction of the KD and pioglitazone.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results suggest coadministration may enable reduction of the KD ratio without loss of seizure protection. Such adjuvant treatment could improve quality of life and limit adverse effects of a classic KD or high-dose pioglitazone.