The NADPH Link between the Renin Angiotensin System and the Antioxidant Mechanisms in Dopaminergic Neurons

Discovery of Novel Aldose Reductase Inhibitors via the Integration of Ligand-Based and Structure-Based Virtual Screening with Experimental Validation

Aldose reductase plays a central role in diabetes mellitus (DM) associated complications by converting glucose to sorbitol, resulting in a harmful increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in various tissues, such as the heart, vasculature, neurons, eyes, and kidneys. We employed a comprehensive approach, integrating both ligand- and structure-based virtual screening followed by experimental validation. Initially, candidate compounds were extracted from extensive drug and chemical libraries using the DeepChem's GraphConvMol algorithm, leveraging its capacity for robust molecular feature representation. Subsequent refinement employed molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which are crucial for understanding compound-receptor interactions and dynamic behavior in a simulated physiological environment. Finally, the candidate compounds were subjected to experimental validation of their biological activity using an aldose reductase inhibitor screening kit. The comprehensive approach led to the identification of a promising compound, demonstrating significant potential as an aldose reductase inhibitor. This comprehensive approach not only yields a potential therapeutic intervention for DM-related complications but also establishes an integrated protocol for drug development, setting a new benchmark in the field.

The classical and non-classical axes of renin-angiotensin system in Parkinson disease: The bright and dark side of the moon

Parkinson disease (PD) is a common brain neurodegenerative disease due to progressive degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Of note, the cardio-metabolic disorders such as hypertension are adversely affect PD neuropathology through exaggeration of renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The RAS affects the stability of dopaminergic neurons in the SNpc, and exaggeration of angiotensin II (AngII) is implicated in the development and progression of PD. RAS has two axes classical including angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)/AngII/AT1R, and the non-classical axis which include ACE2/Ang1-7/Mas receptor, AngIII, AngIV, AT2R, and AT4R. It has been shown that brain RAS is differs from that of systemic RAS that produce specific neuronal effects. As well, there is an association between brain RAS and PD. Therefore, this review aims to revise from published articles the role of brain RAS in the pathogenesis of PD focusing on the non-classical pathway, and how targeting of this axis can modulate PD neuropathology.