1
|
Thakur A, Sharma B, Parashar A, Sharma V, Kumar A, Mehta V. 2D-QSAR, molecular docking and MD simulation based virtual screening of the herbal molecules against Alzheimer's disorder: an approach to predict CNS activity. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:148-162. [PMID: 36970779 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2192805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is one of the key enzyme targets that have been used clinically for the management of Alzheimer's Disorder (AD). Numerous reports in the literature predict and demonstrate in-vitro, and in-silico anticholinergic activity of herbal molecules, however, majority of them failed to find clinical application. To address these issues, we developed a 2D-QSAR model that could efficiently predict the AChE inhibitory activity of herbal molecules along with predicting their potential to cross the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) to exert their beneficial effects during AD. Virtual screening of the herbal molecules was performed and amentoflavone, asiaticoside, astaxanthin, bahouside, biapigenin, glycyrrhizin, hyperforin, hypericin, and tocopherol were predicted as the most promising herbal molecules for inhibiting AChE. Results were validated through molecular docking, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and Molecular mechanics-Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) studies against human AChE (PDB ID: 4EY7). To determine whether or not these molecules can cross BBB to inhibit AChE within the central nervous system (CNS) for being beneficial for the management of AD, we determined a CNS Multi-parameter Optimization (MPO) score, which was found in the range of 1 to 3.76. Overall, the best results were observed for amentoflavone and our results demonstrated a PIC50 value of 7.377 nM, molecular docking score of -11.5 kcal/mol, and CNS MPO score of 3.76. In conclusion, we successfully developed a reliable and efficient 2D-QSAR model and predicted amentoflavone to be the most promising molecule that could inhibit human AChE enzyme within the CNS and could prove beneficial for the management of AD.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aman Thakur
- DCO, Govt. of Rajasthan, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Bhanu Sharma
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arun Parashar
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Govt. College of Pharmacy, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Vineet Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, Govt. College of Pharmacy, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Peng Z, Lu J, Liu K, Xie L, Wang Y, Cai C, Yang D, Xi J, Yan C, Li X, Shi M. Hypericin as a promising natural bioactive naphthodianthrone: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and safety. Phytother Res 2023; 37:5639-5656. [PMID: 37690821 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Hypericin can be derived from St. John's wort, which is widely spread around the world. As a natural product, it has been put into clinical practice such as wound healing and depression for a long time. In this article, we review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety of hypericin, aiming to introduce the research advances and provide a full evaluation of it. Turns out hypericin, as a natural photosensitizer, exhibits an excellent capacity for anticancer, neuroprotection, and elimination of microorganisms, especially when activated by light, potent anticancer and antimicrobial effects are obtained after photodynamic therapy. The mechanisms of its therapeutic effects involve the induction of cell death, inhibition of cell cycle progression, inhibition of the reuptake of amines, and inhibition of virus replication. The pharmacokinetics properties indicate that hypericin has poor water solubility and bioavailability. The distribution and excretion are fast, and it is metabolized in bile. The toxicity of hypericin is rarely reported and the conventional use of it rarely causes adverse effects except for photosensitization. Therefore, we may conclude that hypericin can be used safely and effectively against a variety of diseases. We hope to provide researchers with detailed guidance and enlighten the development of it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunyan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingjing Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunmei Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingyi Shi
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bencze B, Temesfői V, Das S, Papp H, Kaltenecker P, Kuczmog A, Jakab F, Kocsis B, Kőszegi T. Development of a novel, entirely herbal-based mouthwash effective against common oral bacteria and SARS-CoV-2. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:138. [PMID: 37127611 PMCID: PMC10150350 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03956-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parallel to the growth of the oral healthcare market, there is a constantly increasing demand for natural products as well. Many customers prefer products that contain fewer toxic agents, therefore providing an environmentally friendly solution with the benefit of smaller risk to the user. Medieval and early modern medicinal knowledge might be useful when looking for natural, herbal-based components to develop modern products. Along with these considerations we created, tested, and compared an entirely natural mouthwash, named Herba Dei. METHODS The manufacturing procedure was standardized, and the created tincture was evaluated by GC/MS analysis for active compounds, experimentally tested in cell-based cytotoxicity, salivary protein integrity, cell-free antioxidant activity, anti-bacterial and anti-viral assays, and compared with three market-leading mouthwashes. RESULTS Our tincture did not show significant damage in the cytotoxicity assays to keratinocyte and Vero E6 cells and did not disrupt the low molecular weight salivary proteins. Its radical scavenging capacity surpassed that of two tested, partly natural, and synthetic mouthwashes, while its antibacterial activity was comparable to the tested products, or higher in the bacterial aerobic respiratory assay. The active compounds responsible for the effects include naturally occurring phenylpropanoids, terpenes, and terpenoids. Our mouthwash proved to be effective in vitro in lowering the copy number of SARS-CoV-2 in circumstances mimicking the salivary environment. CONCLUSIONS The developed product might be a useful tool to impede the transmission and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in interpersonal contact and aerosol-generating conditions. Our mouthwash can help reduce the oral bacterial flora and has an antioxidant activity that facilitates wound healing and prevents adverse effects of smoke in the oral cavity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bálint Bencze
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Ifjúság Út 13, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Viktória Temesfői
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Ifjúság Út 13, Pécs, 7624, Hungary.
- Lab-On-a-Chip Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság Útja 20, Pécs, 7624, Hungary.
- Hungarian National Laboratory On Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary.
| | - Sourav Das
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Ifjúság Út 13, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Lab-On-a-Chip Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság Útja 20, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Henrietta Papp
- National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Ifjúság Útja 20, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Ifjúság Útja 6, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Péter Kaltenecker
- Lab-On-a-Chip Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság Útja 20, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Hungarian National Laboratory On Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Anett Kuczmog
- National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Ifjúság Útja 20, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Ifjúság Útja 6, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Jakab
- National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Ifjúság Útja 20, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Ifjúság Útja 6, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Béla Kocsis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Clinical Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Út 12, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Tamás Kőszegi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Ifjúság Út 13, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Lab-On-a-Chip Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság Útja 20, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Hungarian National Laboratory On Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Choudhary N, Collignon TE, Tewari D, Bishayee A. Hypericin and its anticancer effects: From mechanism of action to potential therapeutic application. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 105:154356. [PMID: 35985181 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging studies indicate that hypericin has diverse pharmacological actions and exhibits potential for treatment of various types of cancer. PURPOSE The current review evaluates the pharmacological activity, associated molecular mechanism, and therapeutic application of hypericin as an anticancer agent according to the most recent state of knowledge with special emphasis on clinical trials and safety profile. METHOD This review follows The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews criteria. Various databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Science Direct, were used to search and collect relevant literature. The major keywords used included the following: cancer, distribution, property, signaling pathway, pharmacological effect, treatment, prevention, in vitro and in vivo studies, toxicity, bioavailability, and clinical trials. RESULTS One hundred three articles met the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Hypericin has shown anticancer activity against the expansion of several cell types including breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, colon cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, stomach carcinoma, leukemia, lung cancer, melanoma, and glioblastoma cancer. Hypericin exerts its anticancer activity by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators, endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, cell adhesion, angiogenesis, and mitochondrial thioredoxin. It has also been shown to cause an increase in the levels of caspase-3 and caspase-4, arrest the cell cycle at metaphase leading to cancer cell apoptosis, and affect various protein and gene expression patterns. CONCLUSION Hypericin exhibits significant inhibitory activity against various types of in vitro and in vivo cancer models. However, well-designed, high quality, large-scale and multi-center randomized clinical studies are required to establish the safety and clinical utility of hypericin in cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Choudhary
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Adesh Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Adesh University, Bathinda, Punjab 151101, India
| | - Taylor E Collignon
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 5000 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - Devesh Tewari
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India.
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 5000 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Caldeira GI, Gouveia LP, Serrano R, Silva OD. Hypericum Genus as a Natural Source for Biologically Active Compounds. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11192509. [PMID: 36235373 PMCID: PMC9573133 DOI: 10.3390/plants11192509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Hypericum L. genus plants are distributed worldwide, with numerous species identified throughout all continents, except Antarctica. These plant species are currently used in various systems of traditional medicine to treat mild depression, wounds and burns, diarrhea, pain, fevers, and their secondary metabolites previously shown, and the in vitro and/or in vivo cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and hepatoprotective activities, as well as the acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase inhibitory activities. We conducted a systematic bibliographic search according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines to answer the question: "What is known about plants of Hypericum genus as a source of natural products with potential clinical biological activity?" We documented 414 different natural products with confirmed in vitro/in vivo biological activities, and 58 different Hypericum plant species as sources for these natural products. Phloroglucinols, acylphloroglucinols, xanthones, and benzophenones were the main chemical classes identified. The selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells, cell protection, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-Alzheimer's, and adipogenesis-inhibition biological activities are described. Acylphloroglucinols were the most frequent compounds with anticancer and cell-protection mechanisms. To date, no work has been published with a full descriptive list directly relating secondary metabolites to their species of origin, plant parts used, extraction methodologies, mechanisms of action, and biological activities.
Collapse
|
6
|
Foglietta F, Canaparo R, Cossari S, Panzanelli P, Dosio F, Serpe L. Ultrasound Triggers Hypericin Activation Leading to Multifaceted Anticancer Activity. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1102. [PMID: 35631688 PMCID: PMC9146189 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14051102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of ultrasound (US) in combination with a responsive chemical agent (sonosensitizer) can selectively trigger the agent's anticancer activity in a process called sonodynamic therapy (SDT). SDT shares some properties with photodynamic therapy (PDT), which has been clinically approved, but sets itself apart because of its use of US rather than light to achieve better tissue penetration. SDT provides anticancer effects mainly via the sonosensitizer-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), although the precise nature of the underpinning mechanism is still under debate. This work investigates the SDT anticancer activity of hypericin (Hyp) in vitro in two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) HT-29 colon cancer models, and uses PDT as a yardstick due to its well-known Hyp phototoxicity. The cancer cell uptake and cellular localization of Hyp were investigated first to determine the proper noncytotoxic concentration and incubation time of Hyp for SDT. Furthermore, ROS production, cell proliferation, and cell death were evaluated after Hyp was exposed to US. Since cancer relapse and transporter-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) are important causes of cancer treatment failure, the US-mediated ability of Hyp to elicit immunogenic cell death (ICD) and overcome MDR was also investigated. SDT showed strong ROS-mediated anticancer activity 48 h after treatment in both the HT-29 models. Specific damage-associated molecular patterns that are consistent with ICD, such as calreticulin (CRT) exposure and high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) release, were observed after SDT with Hyp. Moreover, the expression of the ABC transporter, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), in HT-29/MDR cells was not able to hinder cancer cell responsiveness to SDT with Hyp. This work reveals, for the first time, the US responsiveness of Hyp with significant anticancer activity being displayed, making it a full-fledged sonosensitizer for the SDT of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Foglietta
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy; (F.F.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Roberto Canaparo
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy; (F.F.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Simone Cossari
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy; (F.F.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Patrizia Panzanelli
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy;
| | - Franco Dosio
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy; (F.F.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Loredana Serpe
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy; (F.F.); (R.C.); (S.C.); (L.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mishra S, Priyanka, Sharma S. Metabolomic Insights Into Endophyte-Derived Bioactive Compounds. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:835931. [PMID: 35308367 PMCID: PMC8926391 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.835931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the various plant-associated microbiota, endophytes (the microbial communities inhabiting plant endosphere without causing disease symptoms) exhibit the most intimate and specific association with host plants. Endophytic microbes influence various aspects of plant responses (such as increasing availability of nutrients, tolerance against biotic and abiotic stresses, etc.) by modulating the primary and secondary metabolism of the host. Besides, endophytic microbes produce a diverse array of bioactive compounds, which have potential applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Further, there is sufficient evidence for endophyte-derived plant metabolites, which could be pursued as alternative sources of commercially important plant metabolites. The field of bioprospecting, the discovery of novel chemistries, and endophyte-mediated production of plant metabolites have witnessed a boom with the advent of omics technologies (especially metabolomics) in endophyte research. The high throughput study of small metabolites at a particular timepoint or tissue forms the core of metabolomics. Being downstream to transcriptome and proteome, the metabolome provides the most direct reflection of the phenotype of an organism. The contribution of plant and microbial metabolomics for answering fundamental questions of plant-endophyte interaction, such as the effect of endophyte inoculation on plant metabolome, composition of metabolites on the impact of environmental stressors (biotic and abiotic), etc., have also been discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sushma Mishra
- Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Deemed-to-be-University, Agra, India
| | - Priyanka
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Shilpi Sharma
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shahhamzehei N, Abdelfatah S, Efferth T. In Silico and In Vitro Identification of Pan-Coronaviral Main Protease Inhibitors from a Large Natural Product Library. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:308. [PMID: 35337106 PMCID: PMC8952009 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro or 3CLpro) in coronaviruses represents a promising specific drug target as it is essential for the cleavage of the virus polypeptide and has a unique cleavage site that does not exist in human host proteases. In this study, we explored potential natural pan-coronavirus drugs using in vitro and in silico approaches and three coronavirus main proteases as treatment targets. The PyRx program was used to screen 39,442 natural-product-like compounds from the ZINC database and 121 preselected phytochemicals from medicinal plants with known antiviral activity. After assessment with Lipinski's rule of five, molecular docking was performed for the top 33 compounds of both libraries. Enzymatic assays were applied for the top candidates from both in silico approaches to test their ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. The four compounds (hypericin, rosmarinic acid, isorhamnetin, and luteolin) that most efficiently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 Mpro in vitro were further tested for their efficacy in inhibiting Mpro of SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV. Microscale thermophoresis was performed to determine dissociation constant (Kd) values to validate the binding of these active compounds to recombinant Mpro proteins of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and MERS-CoV. The cytotoxicity of hypericin, rosmarinic acid, isorhamnetin, and luteolin was assessed in human diploid MRC-5 lung fibroblasts using the resazurin cell viability assay to determine their therapeutic indices. Sequence alignment of Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated 96.08%, 50.83%, 49.17%, 48.51%, 44.04%, and 41.06% similarity to Mpro of other human-pathogenic coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-HKU1, and HCoV-229E, respectively). Molecular docking showed that 12 out of 121 compounds were bound to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro at the same binding site as the control inhibitor, GC376. Enzyme inhibition assays revealed that hypericin, rosmarinic acid, isorhamnetin, and luteolin inhibited Mpro of SARS-CoV-2, while hypericin and isorhamnetin inhibited Mpro of SARS-CoV-1; hypericin showed inhibitory effects toward Mpro of MERS-CoV. Microscale thermophoresis confirmed the binding of these compounds to Mpro with high affinity. Resazurin assays showed that rosmarinic acid and luteolin were not cytotoxic toward MRC-5 cells, whereas hypericin and isorhamnetin were slightly cytotoxic. We demonstrated that hypericin represents a potential novel pan-anti-coronaviral agent by binding to and inhibiting Mpro of several human-pathogenic coronaviruses. Moreover, isorhamnetin showed inhibitory effects toward SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1 Mpro, indicating that this compound may have some pan-coronaviral potential. Luteolin had inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg5, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (N.S.); (S.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jolodar SK, Bigdeli M, Moghaddam AH. Hypericin Ameliorates Maternal Separation-Induced Cognitive Deficits and Hippocampal Inflammation in Rats. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 21:1144-1149. [PMID: 32718290 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666200727154453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Maternal separation as an epigenetic agent provokes a severe change in the brain, such as inflammation response, which is a key risk factor for the progression of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study evaluated the preventive effect of hypericin on maternal separation-induced cognitive deficits and hippocampal inflammation. METHODS Here, we reported that pups are subjected to maternal separations for 1 h per day from postnatal days (PND) 1-9 displayed apparent memory impairment in young rats (postnatal day 34) compared to controls group. Furthermore, maternal separation significantly increased inflammation factors in the hippocampus area. Anti-inflammation constituent shed light on treating ASD. RESULTS In this study, we found that treatment with hypericin (10 and 50 mg/kg) significantly suppresses expression of hippocampal interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in the maternal separation rat model. Also, we found that hypericin prevented the decrease of hippocampal dopamine levels in the offspring of maternal separation rats. CONCLUSION The data indicated that hypericin may play a neuroprotective role in hippocampal cell and ameliorates dysfunctions in memory and level of inflammation factor in this autism model. Thus, hypericin could be used as an intervention for treating ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Khanjani Jolodar
- Department of Animal Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Bigdeli
- Department of Animal Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Budantsev AL, Prikhodko VA, Varganova IV, Okovityi SV. BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF HYPERICUM PERFORATUM L. (HYPERICACEAE): A REVIEW. PHARMACY & PHARMACOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.19163/2307-9266-2021-9-1-17-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. L. Budantsev
- Komarov Botanical Institute of Russian Academy of Science
2, Prof. Popov St., St. Petersburg, Russia, 197376
| | - V. A. Prikhodko
- Saint Petersburg State Chemical and Pharmaceutical University
14, Prof. Popov St., St. Petersburg, Russia, 197376
| | - I. V. Varganova
- Komarov Botanical Institute of Russian Academy of Science
2, Prof. Popov St., St. Petersburg, Russia, 197376
| | - S. V. Okovityi
- Saint Petersburg State Chemical and Pharmaceutical University
14, Prof. Popov St., St. Petersburg, Russia, 197376
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wu D, Tang L, Duan R, Hu X, Geng F, Zhang Y, Peng L, Li H. Interaction mechanisms and structure-affinity relationships between hyperoside and soybean β-conglycinin and glycinin. Food Chem 2021; 347:129052. [PMID: 33482484 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.129052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hyperoside (HYP) is an important natural product that is widely distributed in fruits and whole grasses of various plants. It is also used by consumers as a healthy ingredient. This work explored the interaction mechanisms between HYP and two main soy proteins, namely, β-conglycinin (7S) and glycinin (11S), using computational simulation and multi-spectroscopic technology. In this study, the docking and dynamic simulation showed that HYP was stable in the hydrophobic pockets of the proteins. The conformation and microenvironment of 7S/11S also changed after binding to HYP. The binding of HYP to 7S/11S was a state quenching with a good affinity at 4 °C. This result was determined from the binding constant values of (1.995 ± 0.170) × 107 M-1 and (2.951 ± 0.109) × 107 M-1, respectively. The 7S/11S-HYP complex delineated here will provide a novel idea to construct an embedding and delivery system in improving the benefits of HYP for the development of high value-added food products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China.
| | - Lan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Ran Duan
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Xia Hu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Fang Geng
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Lianxin Peng
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Hui Li
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Podlewska S, Bugno R, Kudla L, Bojarski AJ, Przewlocki R. Molecular Modeling of µ Opioid Receptor Ligands with Various Functional Properties: PZM21, SR-17018, Morphine, and Fentanyl-Simulated Interaction Patterns Confronted with Experimental Data. Molecules 2020; 25:E4636. [PMID: 33053718 PMCID: PMC7594085 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular modeling approaches are an indispensable part of the drug design process. They not only support the process of searching for new ligands of a given receptor, but they also play an important role in explaining particular activity pathways of a compound. In this study, a comprehensive molecular modeling protocol was developed to explain the observed activity profiles of selected µ opioid receptor agents: two G protein-biased µ opioid receptor agonists(PZM21 and SR-17018), unbiased morphine, and the β-arrestin-2-biased agonist,fentanyl. The study involved docking and molecular dynamics simulations carried out for three crystal structures of the target at a microsecond scale, followed by the statistical analysis of ligand-protein contacts. The interaction frequency between the modeled compounds and the subsequent residues of a protein during the simulation was also correlated with the output of in vitro and in vivo tests, resulting in the set of amino acids with the highest Pearson correlation coefficient values. Such indicated positions may serve as a guide for designing new G protein-biased ligands of the µ opioid receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Podlewska
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Cracow, Poland;
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Cracow, Poland; (R.B.); (L.K.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Ryszard Bugno
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Cracow, Poland; (R.B.); (L.K.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Lucja Kudla
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Cracow, Poland; (R.B.); (L.K.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Andrzej J. Bojarski
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Cracow, Poland; (R.B.); (L.K.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Ryszard Przewlocki
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Cracow, Poland; (R.B.); (L.K.); (A.J.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Alternaria toxins as casein kinase 2 inhibitors and possible consequences for estrogenicity: a hybrid in silico/in vitro study. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:2225-2237. [PMID: 32328700 PMCID: PMC7303061 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02746-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Emerging mycotoxins produced by Alternaria spp. were previously reported to exert cytotoxic, genotoxic, but also estrogenic effects in human cells. The involved mechanisms are very complex and not fully elucidated yet. Thus, we followed an in silico target fishing approach to extend knowledge on the possible biological targets underlying the activity of alternariol, taken as the signature compound of Alternaria toxins. Combining ligand-based screening and structure-based modeling, the ubiquitous casein kinase 2 (CK2) was identified as a potential target for the compound. This result was validated in a cell-free in vitro CK2 activity assay, where alternariol inhibited CK2 with an IC50 of 707 nM. As CK2 was recently discussed to influence estrogen receptor (ER) transcription and DNA-binding affinity, we assessed a potential impact on the mRNA levels of ERα or ERβ by qRT-PCR and on nuclear localization of the receptors by confocal microscopy, using estrogen-sensitive Ishikawa cells as a model. While AOH did not affect the transcription of ERα or ERβ, an increase in nuclear localization of ERα after incubation with 10 µM AOH was observed. However, this effect might be due to ER binding affinity and therefore estrogenicity of AOH. Furthermore, in silico docking simulation revealed not only AOH, but also a number of other Alternaria toxins as potential inhibitors of CK2, including alternariol monomethyl ether and the perylene quinone derivative altertoxin II (ATX-II). These findings were representatively confirmed in vitro for the perylene quinone derivative altertoxin II, which was found to inhibit the kinase with an IC50 of 5.1 µM. Taken together, we propose CK2 inhibition as an additional mechanism to consider in future studies for alternariol and several other Alternaria toxins.
Collapse
|
14
|
A Structural Study on the Listeria Monocytogenes Internalin A-Human E-cadherin Interaction: A Molecular Tool to Investigate the Effects of Missense Mutations. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12010060. [PMID: 31968631 PMCID: PMC7020427 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a widespread foodborne pathogen of high concern and internalin A is an important virulence factor that mediates cell invasion upon the interaction with the host protein E-cadherin. Nonsense mutations of internalin A are known to reduce virulence. Although missense mutations are largely overlooked, they need to be investigated in respect to their effects in cell invasion processes. This work presented a computational workflow to early characterize internalin A missense mutations. The method reliably estimated the effects of a set of engineered missense mutations in terms of their effects on internalin A–E-cadherin interaction. Then, the effects of mutations of an internalin A variant from a L. monocytogenes isolate were calculated. Mutations showed impairing effects on complex stability providing a mechanistic explanation of the low cells invasion capacity previously observed. Overall, our results provided a rational approach to explain the effects of internalin A missense mutations. Moreover, our findings highlighted that the strength of interaction may not directly relate to the cell invasion capacity reflecting the non-exclusive role of internalin A in determining the virulence of L. monocytogenes. The workflow could be extended to other virulence factors providing a promising platform to support a better molecular understanding of L. monocytogenes epidemiology.
Collapse
|
15
|
Dellafiora L, Oswald IP, Dorne JL, Galaverna G, Battilani P, Dall'Asta C. An in silico structural approach to characterize human and rainbow trout estrogenicity of mycotoxins: Proof of concept study using zearalenone and alternariol. Food Chem 2019; 312:126088. [PMID: 31911350 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.126088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The mycotoxins zearalenone and alternariol may contaminate food and feed raising toxicological concerns due to their estrogenicity. Inter-species differences in their toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics may occur depending on evolution of taxa-specific traits. As a proof of principle, this manuscript investigates the comparative toxicodynamics of zearalenone, its metabolites (alpha-zearalenol and beta-zearalenol), and alternariol with regards to estrogenicity in humans and rainbow trout. An in silico structural approach based on docking simulations, pharmacophore modeling and molecular dynamics was applied and computational results were analyzed in comparison with available experimental data. The differences of estrogenicity among species of zearalenone and its metabolites have been structurally explained. Also, the low estrogenicity of alternariol in trout has been characterized here for the first time. This approach can provide a powerful tool for the characterization of interspecies differences in mycotoxin toxicity for a range of protein targets and relevant compounds for the food- and feed-safety area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Dellafiora
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Area Parco delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Isabelle P Oswald
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France.
| | | | - Gianni Galaverna
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Area Parco delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Paola Battilani
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy.
| | - Chiara Dall'Asta
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Area Parco delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Computational Approaches for Drug Discovery. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24173061. [PMID: 31443558 PMCID: PMC6749237 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24173061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
|
17
|
de Araújo PR, Calixto GMF, da Silva IC, de Paula Zago LH, Oshiro Junior JA, Pavan FR, Ribeiro AO, Fontana CR, Chorilli M. Mucoadhesive In Situ Gelling Liquid Crystalline Precursor System to Improve the Vaginal Administration of Drugs. AAPS PharmSciTech 2019; 20:225. [PMID: 31214798 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-019-1439-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The vaginal mucosa is a very promising route for drug administration due to its high permeability and the possibility to bypass first pass metabolism; however, current vaginal dosage forms present low retention times due to their dilution in vaginal fluids, which hampers the efficacy of many pharmacological treatments. In order to overcome these problems, this study proposes to develop a mucoadhesive in situ gelling liquid crystalline precursor system composed of 30% of oleic acid and cholesterol (7:1), 40% of ethoxylated and propoxylated cetyl alcohol, and 30% of a dispersion of 16% Poloxamer 407. The effect of the dilution with simulated vaginal fluid (SVF) on this system was evaluated by polarized light microscopy (PLM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), rheological studies, texture profile analysis (TPA), mucoadhesion study, in vitro drug release test using hypericin (HYP) as drug model, and cytotoxicity assay. PLM and SAXS confirmed the formation of an isotropic system. After the addition of three different concentrations of SVF (30, 50, and 100%), the resultant formulations presented anisotropy and characteristics of viscous lamellar phases. Rheology shows that formulations with SVF behaved as a non-Newtonian fluid with suitable shear thinning for vaginal application. TPA and mucoadhesion assays indicated the formation of long-range ordered systems as the amount of SVF increases which may assist in the fixation of the formulation on the vaginal mucosa. The formulations were able to control about 75% of the released HYP demonstrating a sustained release profile. Finally, all formulations acted as safe vaginal drug delivery systems.
Collapse
|
18
|
Dellafiora L, Galaverna G, Cruciani G, Dall'Asta C. A computational study toward the "personalized" activity of alternariol - Does it matter for safe food at individual level? Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 130:199-206. [PMID: 31128219 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mycotoxins in food may threat public health at a global scale. However, for most of them, the current body of knowledge does not support a proper risk assessment and more data are needed to clarify their toxicity. In particular, the assessment of "personalized" action may succeed in understanding and counteracting the effects of many toxicants. Therefore, the assessment of "personalized" toxicology of mycotoxins might deserve attention to foster the understanding of their mechanisms of toxicity and to eventually improve the assessment of risk. This work dealt with the early warning analysis of possible differences in eliciting androgenic stimuli by alternariol, a widespread mycotoxin produce by Alternaria species, when mutations on the androgen receptor occur. It was applied a computational study based on docking simulations, pharmacophore modeling and molecular dynamics to assess the capability of alternariol to interact with the androgen receptor bearing the M749I substitution - which confers insensitivity to androgens stimulation. The results collected pointed to possible "protective" effects against alternariol suggesting: i) the likely existence of inter-individual responses to alternariol stimulation; ii) the meaningfulness of collecting data on "personalized" response to mycotoxins toward a more precise paradigm addressing the risk assessment at the individual level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Dellafiora
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Area Parco delle Scienze 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy.
| | - Gianni Galaverna
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Area Parco delle Scienze 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Cruciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, via Elce di Sotto, 8, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Dall'Asta
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Area Parco delle Scienze 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|