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Elkady H, Elgammal WE, Mahdy HA, Zara S, Carradori S, Husein DZ, Alsfouk AA, Ibrahim IM, Elkaeed EB, Metwaly AM, Eissa IH. Anti-proliferative 2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazoles targeting VEGFR-2: Design, synthesis, in vitro, and in silico studies. Comput Biol Chem 2024; 113:108221. [PMID: 39332241 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2024.108221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we present the design, synthesis, and evaluation of six new thiadiazole derivatives designed as VEGFR-2 inhibitors. The most promising compound, 18b, demonstrated promising inhibitory activity against VEGFR-2, with an IC50 value of 0.165 µg/mL. The in vitro assessments on MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines revealed the superior anti-proliferative effects of compound 18b, exhibiting IC50 values of 0.06 and 0.17 µM, respectively. Further investigations into the cell cycle distribution of compound 18b on MCF-7 cells exhibited a cell cycle arrest at the S phase (52.96 %) and significantly reducing the percentage of cells in the G0-G1 and G2/M phases. Additionally, compound 18b demonstrated a remarkable pro-apoptotic effect, with 45.29 % total apoptosis, characterized by both early and late apoptosis, and minimal necrosis. These findings were corroborated by RT-PCR analysis, revealing a significant downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2 and upregulation of the pro-apoptotic gene BAX in compound 18b-treated cells compared to control MCF-7 cells. Moreover, in silico studies involving molecular docking, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, MM-GBSA, Principle Component Analysis of Trajectories (PCAT), in addition to Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) predictions underscored the molecular interactions, energetics, and pharmacokinetic properties of compound 18b and the other derivatives further supporting its potential. Our integrated approach, combining in vitro experimens with in silico predictions provides valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of compound 18b as a robust VEGFR-2 inhibitor and lays the groundwork for future optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Walid E Elgammal
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hazem A Mahdy
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Susi Zara
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Simone Carradori
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Dalal Z Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El--Kharja 72511, Egypt
| | - Aisha A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, P.O. Box 71666, Riyadh 11597, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt..
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt.
| | - Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt.
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Elkady H, Mahdy HA, Taghour MS, Dahab MA, Elwan A, Hagras M, Hussein MH, Ibrahim IM, Husein DZ, Elkaeed EB, Alsfouk AA, Metwaly AM, Eissa IH. New thiazolidine-2,4-diones as potential anticancer agents and apoptotic inducers targeting VEGFR-2 kinase: Design, synthesis, in silico and in vitro studies. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2024; 1868:130599. [PMID: 38521471 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2024.130599] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND VEGFR-2 has emerged as a prominent positive regulator of cancer progression. AIM Discovery of new anticancer agents and apoptotic inducers targeting VEGFR-2. METHODS Design and synthesis of new thiazolidine-2,4-diones followed by extensive in vitro studies, including VEGFR-2 inhibition assay, MTT assay, apoptosis analysis, and cell migration assay. In silico investigations including docking, MD simulations, ADMET, toxicity, and DFT studies were performed. RESULTS Compound 15 showed the strongest VEGFR-2 inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 0.066 μM. Additionally, most of the synthesized compounds showed anti-proliferative activity against HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines at the micromolar range with IC50 values ranging from 0.04 to 4.71 μM, relative to sorafenib (IC50 = 2.24 ± 0.06 and 3.17 ± 0.01 μM against HepG2 and MCF-7, respectively). Also, compound 15 showed selectivity indices of 1.36 and 2.08 against HepG2 and MCF-7, respectively. Furthermore, compound 15 showed a significant apoptotic effect and arrested the cell cycle of MCF-7 cells at the S phase. Moreover, compound 15 had a significant inhibitory effect on the ability of MCF-7 cells to heal from. Docking studies revealed that the synthesized thiazolidine-2,4-diones have a binding pattern approaching sorafenib. MD simulations indicated the stability of compound 15 in the active pocket of VEGFR-2 for 200 ns. ADMET and toxicity studies indicated an acceptable pharmacokinetic profile. DFT studies confirmed the ability of compound 15 to interact with VEGFR-2. CONCLUSION Compound 15 has promising anticancer activity targeting VEGFR-2 with significant activity as an apoptosis inducer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt.
| | - Hazem A Mahdy
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt.
| | - Mohammed S Taghour
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Mohammed A Dahab
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Alaa Elwan
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Hagras
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt.
| | - Mona H Hussein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, College of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt.
| | - Dalal Z Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El-Kharja 72511, Egypt.
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Aisha A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt; Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria 21934, Egypt.
| | - Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt.
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3
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Dahab MA, Mahdy HA, Elkady H, Taghour MS, Elwan A, Elkady MA, Elsakka EGE, Elkaeed EB, Alsfouk AA, Ibrahim IM, Metwaly AM, Eissa IH. Semi-synthesized anticancer theobromine derivatives targeting VEGFR-2: in silico and in vitro evaluations. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:4214-4233. [PMID: 37261471 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2219333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis are all crucially impacted by Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). Its expression is significantly boosted throughout pathologic angiogenesis causing the development of tumors. Sothat, inhibition of VEGFR-2 has crucial role in cancer treatment. In this study, novel semisynthetic theobromine derivatives were rationally designed as VEGFR-2 inhibitors and subjected to in vitro testing for their ability to block VEGFR-2 activation. Furthermore, the antiproliferative effects of these derivatives were evaluated. Compound 7 g exhibited the most potent anti-VEGFR-2 activity, with an IC50 value of 0.072 µM, and demonstrated excellent dose-dependent inhibitory activity against both MCF-7 and HepG2 cancer cells with IC50 values of 19.35 and 27.89 µM, respectively. Notably, compound 7 g exhibited high selectivity indices of 2.6 and 1.8 against MCF-7 and HepG2 cells, respectively. Compound 7 g induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, promoted apoptosis, and boosted immunomodulation by downregulating TNF-α expression and upregulating IL-2 levels in MCF-7 cells. The molecular docking analysis revealed that compound 7 g could bind effectively to the active site of VEGFR-2, and molecular dynamic simulations confirmed the stability of the VEGFR-2/compound 7 g complex. Furthermore, ADME and toxicity profiling indicated the potential suitability of these compounds as drug candidates. In summary, compound 7 g hold promise as a VEGFR-2 inhibitor.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Dahab
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hazem A Mahdy
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Taghour
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alaa Elwan
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Elkady
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Elsayed G E Elsakka
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aisha A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
- Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Huq AKMM, Roney M, Dubey A, Nasir MH, Tufail A, Aluwi MFFM, Ishak WMW, Islam MR, Tajuddin SN. Phenolic compounds of Theobroma cacao L. show potential against dengue RdRp protease enzyme inhibition by In-silico docking, DFT study, MD simulation and MMGBSA calculation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299238. [PMID: 38483871 PMCID: PMC10939188 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, there is no antiviral medication for dengue, a potentially fatal tropical infectious illness spread by two mosquito species, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The RdRp protease of dengue virus is a potential therapeutic target. This study focused on the in silico drug discovery of RdRp protease inhibitors. METHODS To assess the potential inhibitory activity of 29 phenolic acids from Theobroma cacao L. against DENV3-NS5 RdRp, a range of computational methods were employed. These included docking, drug-likeness analysis, ADMET prediction, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The aim of these studies was to confirm the stability of the ligand-protein complex and the binding pose identified during the docking experiment. RESULTS Twenty-one compounds were found to have possible inhibitory activities against DENV according to the docking data, and they had a binding affinity of ≥-37.417 kcal/mol for DENV3- enzyme as compared to the reference compound panduratin A. Additionally, the drug-likeness investigation produced four hit compounds that were subjected to ADMET screening to obtain the lead compound, catechin. Based on ELUMO, EHOMO, and band energy gap, the DFT calculations showed strong electronegetivity, favouravle global softness and chemical reactivity with considerable intra-molecular charge transfer between electron-donor to electron-acceptor groups for catechin. The MD simulation result also demonstrated favourable RMSD, RMSF, SASA and H-bonds in at the binding pocket of DENV3-NS5 RdRp for catechin as compared to panduratin A. CONCLUSION According to the present findings, catechin showed high binding affinity and sufficient drug-like properties with the appropriate ADMET profiles. Moreover, DFT and MD studies further supported the drug-like action of catechin as a potential therapeutic candidate. Therefore, further in vitro and in vivo research on cocoa and its phytochemical catechin should be taken into consideration to develop as a potential DENV inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. K. M. Moyeenul Huq
- Centre for Bio-Aromatic Research, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Miah Roney
- Centre for Bio-Aromatic Research, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
| | - Amit Dubey
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Computational Chemistry and Drug Discovery Division, Quanta Calculus, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Muhammad Hassan Nasir
- Faculty of Medicine, University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia
| | - Aisha Tufail
- Department of Computational Chemistry and Drug Discovery Division, Quanta Calculus, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mohd Fadhlizil Fasihi Mohd Aluwi
- Centre for Bio-Aromatic Research, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
| | - Wan Maznah Wan Ishak
- Faculty of Chemical and Processing Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
| | | | - Saiful Nizam Tajuddin
- Centre for Bio-Aromatic Research, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
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5
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Eissa IH, Elkady H, Rashed M, Elwan A, Hagras M, Dahab MA, Taghour MS, Ibrahim IM, Husein DZ, Elkaeed EB, Al-ghulikah HA, Metwaly AM, Mahdy HA. Discovery of new thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives as potential VEGFR-2 inhibitors: In vitro and in silico studies. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24005. [PMID: 38298627 PMCID: PMC10828660 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, a series of seven novel 2,4-dioxothiazolidine derivatives with potential anticancer and VEGFR-2 inhibiting abilities were designed and synthesized as VEGFR-2 inhibitors. The synthesized compounds were tested in vitro for their potential to inhibit VEGFR-2 and the growth of HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Among the compounds tested, compound 22 (IC50 = 0.079 μM) demonstrated the highest anti-VEGFR-2 efficacy. Furthermore, it demonstrated significant anti-proliferative activities against HepG2 (IC50 = 2.04 ± 0.06 μM) and MCF-7 (IC50 = 1.21 ± 0.04 M). Additionally, compound 22 also increased the total apoptotic rate of the MCF-7 cancer cell lines with cell cycle arrest at S phase. As well, computational methods were applied to study the VEGFR-2-22 complex at the molecular level. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to investigate the complex's structural and kinetic characteristics. The DFT calculations further revealed the structural and electronic properties of compound 22. Finally, computational ADMET and toxicity tests were performed indicating the likeness of the proposed compounds to be drugs. The results suggest that compound 22 displays promise as an effective anticancer treatment and can serve as a model for future structural modifications and biological investigations in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim H. Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Rashed
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Alaa Elwan
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Hagras
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Mohammed A. Dahab
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Mohammed S. Taghour
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M. Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Dalal Z. Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El-Kharja, 72511, Egypt
| | - Eslam B. Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, 13713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan A. Al-ghulikah
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Hazem A. Mahdy
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
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Rathod S, Shinde S, Choudhari P, Sarkate A, Chaudhari S, Shingan A. Exploring binding potential of two new indole alkaloids from Nauclea officinalis against third and fourth generation EGFR: druglikeness, in silico ADMET, docking, DFT, molecular dynamics simulation, and MMGBSA study. Nat Prod Res 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38206888 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2301678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the anti-cancer potential of recently discovered indole alkaloids from Nauclea Officinalis against third and fourth-generation EGFR mutations using computational tools. Through ADMET profiling, druglikeness prediction, docking, and simulations, we assessed their pharmacokinetics, binding interactions, and stability. Promising druglikeness and binding affinity were observed, particularly for (±)-19-O-butylangustoline, which demonstrated stronger binding against both EGFR mutants. MD simulations confirmed stable interactions, with (±)-19-O-butylangustoline exhibiting the highest stability. These findings highlight these indole alkaloids as potential anti-cancer agents, with (±)-19-O-butylangustoline warranting further optimisation for therapeutic development. This study informs their potential through insights into molecular properties and binding energetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanket Rathod
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Pharmacy, Kolhapur, India
| | - Sonali Shinde
- Department of Chemical Technology, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, India
| | - Prafulla Choudhari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Pharmacy, Kolhapur, India
| | - Aniket Sarkate
- Department of Chemical Technology, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, India
| | - Somdatta Chaudhari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Progressive Education Society's Modern College of Pharmacy, Pune, India
| | - Aarti Shingan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Progressive Education Society's Modern College of Pharmacy, Pune, India
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7
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Yousef RG, Eissa IH, Elkady H, Eldehna WM, Mehany ABM, Nabeeh A, Ibrahim IM, Elwan A, El-Zahabi MA. New nicotinamide derivatives as potential anticancer agents targeting VEGFR-2: design, synthesis, in vitro, and in silico studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-18. [PMID: 38100580 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2294170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Herin, new nicotinamide candidates were designed and synthesized as VEGFR-2 inhibitors. In vitro antiproliferative activities were assessed against MCF-7, HepG-2 and HCT-116 cancer cell lines. The top cytotoxic members 15a, 15b, 16, 18a, and 18b were estimated against their selected target (VEGFR-2). Further mechanistic tests were studied for the most potent cytotoxic candidate 18a, these studies revealed the ability of compound 18a to hinder the progression of HCT-116 cells at S and Pre-G1phases besides boosting early and late apoptosis. Also compound 18a was found to significantly decrease the levels immunomodulatory proteins TNF-α and IL-6 while showing a four-fold rise in an apoptotic marker caspase-3 when compared to control cells. The therapeutic index of the designed derivatives was evaluated by computational ADMET and toxicity calculations as well as their potentiality to occupy the VEGFR-2 active site was signposted by molecular docking assessments. Finally, molecular dynamic simulation studies of compound 18a-VEGFR-2 complex indicated the high steadiness of compound 18a in the VEGFR-2 active site. This study presents compound 18a as a lead candidate that can be optimized to get a strong VEGFR-2 inhibitor.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reda G Yousef
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Wagdy M Eldehna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Ahmed B M Mehany
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Nabeeh
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alaa Elwan
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ayman El-Zahabi
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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8
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Almasoudi HH, Nahari MH, Alhazmi AYM, Almasabi SHA, Al-Mansour FSH, Hakami MA. Delineating Pixantrone Maleate's adroit activity against cervical cancer proteins through multitargeted docking-based MM\GBSA, QM-DFT and MD simulation. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295714. [PMID: 38100507 PMCID: PMC10723688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer poses a substantial worldwide health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income nations, caused by high-risk types of human papillomavirus. It accounted for a significant percentage of cancer-related deaths among women, particularly in areas with limited healthcare resources, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches, and single-targeted studies have produced significant results, with a considerable chance of developing resistance. Therefore, the multitargeted studies can work as a beacon of hope. This study is focused on performing the multitargeted molecular docking of FDA-approved drugs with the three crucial proteins TBK1, DNA polymerase epsilon, and integrin α-V β-8 of cervical cancer. The docking studies using multisampling algorithms HTVS, SP, and XP reveal Pixantrone Maleate (DB06193) as a multitargeted inhibitor with docking scores of -8.147, -8.206 and -7.31 Kcal/mol and pose filtration with MM\GBSA computations with scores -40.55, -33.67, and -37.64 Kcal/mol. We also have performed QM-based DFT and pharmacokinetics studies of the compound and compared it with the standard values, which results in the compound being entirely suitable against cervical cancer proteins. The interaction fingerprints have revealed that PHE, VAL, SER and ALA are the residues among most interactions. We also explore the stability of the multitargeted potential of Pixantrone Maleate through 100ns MD simulations and investigate the RMSD, RMSF and intermolecular interactions between all three proteins-ligand complexes. All computational studies favour Pixantrone Maleate as a multitargeted inhibitor of the TBK1, DNA polymerase epsilon, and integrin α-V β-8 and can be validated experimentally before use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Hussain Almasoudi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed H. Nahari
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Saleh Hussain A. Almasabi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fares Saeed H. Al-Mansour
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Ageeli Hakami
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Quwayiyah, Shaqra University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Elgammal WE, Elkady H, Mahdy HA, Husein DZ, Alsfouk AA, Alsfouk BA, Ibrahim IM, Elkaeed EB, Metwaly AM, Eissa IH. Rationale design and synthesis of new apoptotic thiadiazole derivatives targeting VEGFR-2: computational and in vitro studies. RSC Adv 2023; 13:35853-35876. [PMID: 38116168 PMCID: PMC10728955 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07562a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This work presents the synthesis and in vitro, and in silico analyses of new thiadiazole derivatives that are designed to mimic the pharmacophoric characteristics of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) inhibitors. A comprehensive evaluation of the inhibitory properties of the synthesized thiadiazole derivatives against the cancer cell lines MCF-7 and HepG2 identified several auspicious candidates. Among them, compound 14 showed remarkably low IC50 values of 0.04 μM and 0.18 μM against MCF-7 and HepG2, respectively. VEGFR-2 inhibitory evaluation of compound 14 revealed a promising IC50 value in the nanomolar range (103 nM). Further examination of the cell cycle revealed that compound 14 has the ability to stop the progression of the cell cycle in MCF-7 cells via G0-G1 phase arrest. Interestingly, compound 14 also demonstrated a noteworthy pro-apoptotic effect in MCF-7 cells, with notable increases in early apoptosis (16.53%) and late apoptosis (29.57%), along with a slight increase in the population of necrotic cells (5.95%). Furthermore, compound 14 showed a significant drop in MCF-7 cells' ability to migrate and heal wounds. Additionally, compound 14 promoted apoptosis by boosting BAX (6-fold) while lowering Bcl-2 (6.2-fold). The binding affinities of the synthesized candidates to their target (VEGFR-2) were confirmed by computational investigations, including molecular docking, principal component analysis of trajectories (PCAT), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Additionally, compound 14's stability and reactivity were investigated using density functional theory (DFT). These thorough results highlight compound 14's potential as a lead contender for additional research in the creation of anticancer drugs that target VEGFR-2. This work establishes a foundation for promising thiadiazole derivatives for future therapeutic developments in anticancer- and angiogenesis-related scientific fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid E Elgammal
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University Nasr City Cairo Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
| | - Hazem A Mahdy
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
| | - Dalal Z Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University El-Kharja 72511 Egypt
| | - Aisha A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University P.O. Box 84428 Riyadh 11671 Saudi Arabia
| | - Bshra A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University P.O. Box 84428 Riyadh 11671 Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University Giza 12613 Egypt
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University Riyadh 13713 Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
- Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City) Alexandria Egypt
| | - Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
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10
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Eissa IH, Yousef RG, Sami M, Elkaeed EB, Alsfouk BA, Ibrahim IM, Husein DZ, Elkady H, Metwaly AM. Exploring the anticancer properties of a new nicotinamide analogue: Investigations into in silico analysis, antiproliferative effects, selectivity, VEGFR-2 inhibition, apoptosis induction, and migration suppression. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 252:154924. [PMID: 37956639 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study focuses on the development and evaluation of (E)-N-(3-(1-(2-(4-bromobenzoyl)hydrazono)ethyl)phenyl)nicotinamide (BHEPN) as a potential inhibitor of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). METHODS Computational investigations as density function theory (DFT), docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and ADMET) in addition to in vitro (VEGFR-2 inhibition, cytotoxicity against HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, selectivity index, cells cycle analysis, apoptosis investigation, and cells migration assay) studies were conducted. RESULTS DFT calculations determined the three-dimensional structure and indicated the reactivity of BHEPN. Molecular docking, and MD simulations analysis showed the BHEPN's binding affinity and its potential as a VEGFR-2 inhibitor. ADMET assessments predicted BHEPN's safety and drug-like characteristics. In vitro investigations confirmed the inhibition of VEGFR-2 with an IC50 value of 0.320 ± 0.012 µM. BHEPN also exhibited remarkable cytotoxic effects against HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 0.19 ± 0.01 µM and 1.18 ± 0.01 µM, respectively, outperforming Sorafenib's IC50 values (2.24 ± 0.06 µM and 3.17 ± 0.01 µM), respectively. Notably, BHEPN displayed a higher IC50 value of 4.11 ± 0 µM against the non-carcinogenic Vero cell lines, indicating selectivity index values of 21.6 and 3.4 against the tested cancer cell lines, respectively. In a flow cytometry assay, BHEPN induced HepG2 cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase. Moreover, BHEPN increased the incidence of early and late apoptosis in HepG2 cell lines (from 1.38% and 0.22%) in control cells to (4.11-26.02%) in the treated cells, respectively. Additionally, the percentage of necrosis raised to 13.39%, in contrast to 0.62% in control cells. Finally, BHEPN was able to reduce the migration and wound healing abilities in HepG2 cells to 38.89% compared to 87.92% in untreated cells after 48 h. These in vitro results aligned with the computational predictions, providing strong evidence of BHEPN's efficacy and safety in anticancer applications. CONCLUSIONS BHEPN is a promising candidate for the development of novel anticancer agents through further in vitro and in vivo investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Reda G Yousef
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Sami
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Bshra A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Dalal Z Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El-Kharja 72511, Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt; Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, Egypt.
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11
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Mahnashi M, Alshahrani MM, Al Ali A, Asiri A, Abou-Salim MA. Novel Glu-based pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine analogues: design, synthesis and biological evaluation as DHFR and TS dual inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2023; 38:2203879. [PMID: 37080777 PMCID: PMC10120551 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2023.2203879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel series of multifunctional pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-based glutamate analogs (6a-l and 7a,b) have been designed and synthesized as antifolate anticancer agents. Among the tested compounds, 6i exhibited the most potent anti-proliferative activity towards NSCLC, CNS, Ovarian, Prostate, Colon, Melanoma, Breast, and Renal cancers with good to weak cytostatic activity and non-lethal actions. 6i demonstrated higher selectivity for cancer than normal cells. 6i could significantly increase the accumulation of S-phase cells during the cell cycle distribution of cancer cells with high potency in the induction of apoptosis. The results unveiled that 6i probably acts through dual inhibition of DHFR and TS enzymes (IC50 = 2.41 and 8.88 µM, correspondingly). Docking studies of 6i displayed that N1-p-bromophenyl and C3-Methyl groups participate in substantial hydrophobic interactions. The drug-likeness features inferred that 6i met the acceptance criteria of Pfizer. Taking together, 6i could be a promising prototype for further optimization as an effective anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mater Mahnashi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Merae Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amer Al Ali
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Asiri
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahrous A Abou-Salim
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
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12
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Eissa IH, Yousef RG, Asmaey MA, Elkady H, Husein DZ, Alsfouk AA, Ibrahim IM, Elkady MA, Elkaeed EB, Metwaly AM. Computer-assisted drug discovery (CADD) of an anti-cancer derivative of the theobromine alkaloid inhibiting VEGFR-2. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:101852. [PMID: 38028225 PMCID: PMC10663924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
VEGFR-2 is a significant target in cancer treatment, inhibiting angiogenesis and impeding tumor growth. Utilizing the essential pharmacophoric structural properties, a new semi-synthetic theobromine analogue (T-1-MBHEPA) was designed as VEGFR-2 inhibitor. Firstly, T-1-MBHEPA's stability and reactivity were indicated through several DFT computations. Additionally, molecular docking, MD simulations, MM-GPSA, PLIP, and essential dynamics (ED) experiments suggested T-1-MBHEPA's strong binding capabilities to VEGFR-2. Its computational ADMET profiles were also studied before the semi-synthesis and indicated a good degree of drug-likeness. T-1-MBHEPA was then semi-synthesized to evaluate the design and the in silico findings. It was found that, T-1-MBHEPA inhibited VEGFR-2 with an IC50 value of 0.121 ± 0.051 µM, as compared to sorafenib which had an IC50 value of 0.056 µM. Similarly, T-1-MBHEPA inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and MCF7 cell lines with IC50 values of 4.61 and 4.85 µg/mL respectively - comparing sorafenib's IC50 values which were 2.24 µg/mL and 3.17 µg/mL respectively. Interestingly, T-1-MBHEPA revealed a noteworthy IC50 value of 80.0 µM against the normal cell lines exhibiting exceptionally high selectivity indexes (SI) of 17.4 and 16. 5 against the examined cell lines, respectively. T-1-MBHEPA increased the percentage of apoptotic MCF7 cells in early and late stages, respectively, from 0.71 % to 7.22 % and from 0.13 % to 2.72 %, while the necrosis percentage was increased to 11.41 %, in comparison to 2.22 % in control cells. Furthermore, T-1-MBHEPA reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-2 in the treated MCF7 cells by 33 % and 58 %, respectively indicating an additional anti-angiogenic mechanism. Also, T-1-MBHEPA decreased significantly the potentialities of MCF7 cells to heal and migrate from 65.9 % to 7.4 %. Finally, T-1-MBHEPA's oral treatment didn't show toxicity on the liver function (ALT and AST) and the kidney function (creatinine and urea) levels of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim H. Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Reda G. Yousef
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Mostafa A. Asmaey
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, 71524, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Dalal Z. Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El-Kharja 72511, Egypt
| | - Aisha A. Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim M. Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A. Elkady
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11231, Egypt
| | - Eslam B. Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
- Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, Egypt
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13
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El-Metwally SA, Elkady H, Hagras M, Elkaeed EB, Alsfouk BA, Doghish AS, Ibrahim IM, Taghour MS, Husein DZ, Metwaly AM, Eissa IH. Discovery of new VEGFR-2 inhibitors and apoptosis inducer-based thieno[2,3- d]pyrimidine. Future Med Chem 2023; 15:2065-2086. [PMID: 37955128 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2023-0130] [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] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: VEGFR-2 is a key regulator of cancer cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. Aim: Development of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as potential anti-cancer agents targeting VEGFR-2. Methods: Seven in vitro and nine in silico studies were conducted. Results: Compound 10d demonstrated strong anticancer potential, boosting apoptosis based on VEGFR-2 inhibition. It arrested the S phase of the cell cycle and upregulated the apoptotic factors. Docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies confirm the stability of the VEGFR-2-10d complex and suggest that these compounds have good binding affinities to VEGFR-2. In addition, the drug-likeness was confirmed. Conclusion: Thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines, particularly compound 10d, has good anticancer effects and may contribute to the development of new anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souad A El-Metwally
- Department of Basic Science, Higher Technological institute, 10th of Ramadan City, Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Hagras
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bshra A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, PO Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11231, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, 12613, Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Taghour
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Dalal Z Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El-Kharja, 72511, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy & Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
- Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research & Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim H Eissa
- Department of Basic Science, Higher Technological institute, 10th of Ramadan City, Egypt
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14
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Eissa IH, Yousef RG, Elkady H, Elkaeed EB, Alsfouk AA, Husein DZ, Ibrahim IM, Radwan MM, Metwaly AM. A Theobromine Derivative with Anticancer Properties Targeting VEGFR-2: Semisynthesis, in silico and in vitro Studies. ChemistryOpen 2023; 12:e202300066. [PMID: 37803417 PMCID: PMC10558427 DOI: 10.1002/open.202300066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A computer-assisted drug design (CADD) approach was utilized to design a new acetamido-N-(para-fluorophenyl)benzamide) derivative of the naturally occurring alkaloid, theobromine, (T-1-APFPB), following the pharmacophoric features of VEGFR-2 inhibitors. The stability and reactivity of T-1-AFPB were assessed through density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Molecular docking assessments showed T-1-AFPB's potential to bind with and inhibit VEGFR-2. The precise binding of T-1-AFPB against VEGFR-2 with optimal energy was further confirmed through several molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, PLIP, MM-GBSA, and PCA studies. Then, T-1-AFPB (4-(2-(3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-purin-1-yl)acetamido)-N-(4-fluorophenyl)benzamide) was semi-synthesized and the in vitro assays showed its potential to inhibit VEGFR-2 with an IC50 value of 69 nM (sorafenib's IC50 was 56 nM) and to inhibit the growth of HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 2.24±0.02 and 3.26±0.02 μM, respectively. Moreover, T-1-AFPB displayed very high selectivity indices against normal Vero cell lines. Furthermore, T-1-AFPB induced early (from 0.72 to 19.12) and late (from 0.13 to 6.37) apoptosis in HepG2 cell lines. In conclusion, the combined computational and experimental approaches demonstrated the efficacy and safety of T-1-APFPB providing it as a promising lead VEGFR-2 inhibitor for further development aiming at cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim H. Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design DepartmentFaculty of Pharmacy (Boys)Al-Azhar UniversityCairo11884Egypt
| | - Reda G. Yousef
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design DepartmentFaculty of Pharmacy (Boys)Al-Azhar UniversityCairo11884Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design DepartmentFaculty of Pharmacy (Boys)Al-Azhar UniversityCairo11884Egypt
| | - Eslam B. Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyAlMaarefa UniversityRiyadh13713Saudi Arabia
| | - Aisha A. Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyPrincess Nourah bint Abdulrahman UniversityP.O. Box 84428Riyadh11671Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalal Z. Husein
- Chemistry DepartmentFaculty of ScienceNew Valley UniversityEl-Kharja72511Egypt
| | | | - Mohamed M. Radwan
- National Center for Natural Products ResearchUniversity of MississippiMississippiMS 38677USA
- Department of PharmacognosyFaculty of PharmacyAlexandria UniversityAlexandriaEgypt
| | - Ahmed M. Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants DepartmentFaculty of Pharmacy (Boys)Al-Azhar UniversityCairo11884Egypt
- Biopharmaceutical Products Research DepartmentGenetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research InstituteCity of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City)AlexandriaEgypt
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El-Metwally SA, Abuelkhir AA, Elkady H, Taghour MS, Ibrahim IM, Husein DZ, Alsfouk AA, Sultan A, Ismail A, Elkhawaga SY, Elkaeed EB, Metwaly AM, Eissa IH. In vitro and in silico evaluation of new thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines as anti-cancer agents and apoptosis inducers targeting VEGFR-2. Comput Biol Chem 2023; 106:107928. [PMID: 37480629 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107928] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
In this study, new thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives that could have potential anticancer activity by inhibiting the VEGFR-2 receptor have been designed, synthesized, and investigated. The thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives showed strong in vitro abilities to inhibit VEGFR-2 and to prevent cancer cell growth in two different types of cancer cells, MCF-7 and HepG2. Particularly, compound 22 showed the most potent anti-VEGFR-2 activity with an IC50 value of 0.58 µM. Additionally, compound 22 exhibited good anti-proliferative activity against both MCF-7 and HepG2 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 11.32 ± 0.32 and 16.66 ± 1.22 µM, respectively. Further investigations revealed that compound 22 induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and promoted both early and late apoptosis in the MCF-7 cancer cells. Compound 22 also increased the level of BAX (2.8-fold), and reduced the level of Bcl-2 (2.2-fold), hence increasing the rate of apoptosis. Compound 22 also revealed 2.9-fold and 2.8-fold higher levels of caspase-8 and caspase-9, respectively, in the treated MCF-7 cancer cells compared to the control cell lines. The MD simulations showed that the VEGFR-2-22 complex was structurally and energytically stable over 100 ns, while the MM-GBSA study indicated its stable thermodynamic behavior. The bi-dimensional projection analysis confirmed the proper binding of the VEGFR-2-22 complex, while the DFT studies provided optimized geometry, charge distribution, FMO, ESP, the total density of state, and QTAIM maps of compound 22. Finally, computational ADMET studies were performed to assess the drug development potential of the thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives. Overall, this study suggests that compound 22 has the potential as an anticancer lead compound by inhibiting VEGFR-2, which may be a guide for future drug design and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souad A El-Metwally
- Department of Basic Science, Higher Technological institute, 10th of Ramadan City, Egypt
| | - Abdelrahman A Abuelkhir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Taghour
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
| | - Dalal Z Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El-Kharja 72511, Egypt
| | - Aisha A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahlam Sultan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Ismail
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samy Y Elkhawaga
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt; Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt.
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Haroon F, Farwa U, Arif M, Raza MA, Sandhu ZA, El Oirdi M, Farhan M, Alhasawi MAI. Novel Para-Aminobenzoic Acid Analogs and Their Potential Therapeutic Applications. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2686. [PMID: 37893060 PMCID: PMC10604881 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102686] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A "building block" is a key component that plays a substantial and critical function in the pharmaceutical research and development industry. Given its structural versatility and ability to undergo substitutions at both the amino and carboxyl groups, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is a commonly used building block in pharmaceuticals. Therefore, it is great for the development of a wide range of novel molecules with potential medical applications. Anticancer, anti-Alzheimer's, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties have been observed in PABA compounds, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents in future clinical trials. PABA-based therapeutic chemicals as molecular targets and their usage in biological processes are the primary focus of this review study. PABA's unique features make it a strong candidate for inclusion in a massive chemical database of molecules having drug-like effects. Based on the current literature, further investigation is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PABA derivatives in clinical investigations and better understand the specific mechanism of action revealed by these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Haroon
- Department of Basic Sciences, Preparatory Year Deanship, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; (M.E.O.); (M.F.)
| | - Umme Farwa
- Department of Chemistry, Hafiz Hayat Campus, University of Gujrat, Gujrat 50700, Pakistan; (U.F.); (M.A.); (Z.A.S.)
| | - Maimoona Arif
- Department of Chemistry, Hafiz Hayat Campus, University of Gujrat, Gujrat 50700, Pakistan; (U.F.); (M.A.); (Z.A.S.)
| | - Muhammad Asam Raza
- Department of Chemistry, Hafiz Hayat Campus, University of Gujrat, Gujrat 50700, Pakistan; (U.F.); (M.A.); (Z.A.S.)
| | - Zeshan Ali Sandhu
- Department of Chemistry, Hafiz Hayat Campus, University of Gujrat, Gujrat 50700, Pakistan; (U.F.); (M.A.); (Z.A.S.)
| | - Mohamed El Oirdi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Preparatory Year Deanship, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; (M.E.O.); (M.F.)
| | - Mohd Farhan
- Department of Basic Sciences, Preparatory Year Deanship, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; (M.E.O.); (M.F.)
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Elkady H, El-Dardir OA, Elwan A, Taghour MS, Mahdy HA, Dahab MA, Elkaeed EB, Alsfouk BA, Ibrahim IM, Husein DZ, Hafez EE, Darwish AMG, Metwaly AM, Eissa IH. Synthesis, biological evaluation and computer-aided discovery of new thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives as potential antitumor VEGFR-2 inhibitors. RSC Adv 2023; 13:27801-27827. [PMID: 37731835 PMCID: PMC10508263 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra05689a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, novel VEGFR-2-targeting thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives with potential anticancer properties were designed and synthesized. The ability of the designed derivatives to inhibit VEGFR-2 and stop the growth of three different cancer cell types (HT-29, A-549, and HCT-116) was examined in vitro. The IC50 value of compound 15, 0.081 μM, demonstrated the best anti-VEGFR-2 potency. Additionally, compound 15 showed remarkable anti-proliferative activities against the tested cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 13.56 to 17.8 μM. Additional flow cytometric investigations showed that compound 15 increased apoptosis in HT-29 cancer cells (from 3.1% to 31.4%) arresting their growth in the S phase. Furthermore, compound 15's apoptosis induction in the same cell line was confirmed by increasing the levels of BAX (4.8-fold) and decreasing Bcl-2 (2.8-fold). Also, compound 15 noticeably increased caspase-8 and caspase-9 levels by 1.7 and 3.2-fold, respectively. Computational methods were used to perform molecular analysis of the VEGFR-2-15 complex. Molecular dynamics simulations and molecular docking were utilized to analyze the complex's kinetic and structural characteristics. Protein-ligand interaction profiler analysis (PLIP) determined the 3D interactions and binding conformation of the VEGFR-2-15 complex. DFT analyses also provided insights into the 3D geometry, reactivity, and electronic characteristics of compound 15. Computational ADMET and toxicity experiments were conducted to determine the potential of the synthesized compounds for therapeutic development. The study's findings suggest that compound 15 might be an effective anticancer lead compound and could guide future attempts to develop new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
| | - Osama A El-Dardir
- Undergraduate Student, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
| | - Alaa Elwan
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Taghour
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
| | - Hazem A Mahdy
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
| | - Mohammed A Dahab
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University Riyadh 13713 Saudi Arabia
| | - Bshra A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University P.O. Box 84428 Riyadh 11671 Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University Giza 12613 Egypt
| | - Dalal Z Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University El-Kharja 72511 Egypt
| | - Elsayed E Hafez
- Plant Protection and Biomolecular Diagnosis, ALCRI, City of scientific research and technological applications New Borg El-Arab City Alexandria 21934 Egypt
| | - Amira M G Darwish
- Food Industry Technology Program, Faculty of Industrial and Energy Technology, Borg Al Arab Technological University Alexandria Egypt
- Food Technology Department, Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City) Alexandria 21934 Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
| | - Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
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18
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Elkady H, El-Adl K, Sakr H, Abdelraheem AS, Eissa SI, El-Zahabi MA. Novel promising benzoxazole/benzothiazole-derived immunomodulatory agents: Design, synthesis, anticancer evaluation, and in silico ADMET analysis. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023; 356:e2300097. [PMID: 37379240 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Eleven novel benzoxazole/benzothiazole-based thalidomide analogs were designed and synthesized to obtain new effective antitumor immunomodulatory agents. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against HepG-2, HCT-116, PC3, and MCF-7 cells. Generally, the open analogs with semicarbazide and thiosemicarbazide moieties (10, 13a-c, 14, and 17a,b) exhibited higher cytotoxic activities than derivatives with closed glutarimide moiety (8a-d). In particular, compound 13a (IC50 = 6.14, 5.79, 10.26, and 4.71 µM against HepG-2, HCT-116, PC3, and MCF-7, respectively) and 14 (IC50 = 7.93, 8.23, 12.37, and 5.43 µM, respectively) exhibited the highest anticancer activities against the four tested cell lines. The most active compounds 13a and 14 were further evaluated for their in vitro immunomodulatory activities on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), caspase-8 (CASP8), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (NF-κB p65) in HCT-116 cells. Compounds 13a and 14 showed a remarkable and significant reduction in TNF-α. Furthermore, they showed significant elevation in CASP8 levels. Also, they significantly inhibited VEGF. In addition, compound 13a showed significant decreases in the level of NF-κB p65 while compound 14 demonstrated an insignificant decrease with respect to thalidomide. Moreover, our derivatives exhibited good in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, toxicity (ADMET) profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled El-Adl
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Helmy Sakr
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Adel S Abdelraheem
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sally I Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ayman El-Zahabi
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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19
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Eissa IH, Yousef RG, Elkady H, Elkaeed EB, Alsfouk AA, Husein DZ, Ibrahim IM, Elhendawy MA, Godfrey M, Metwaly AM. Identification of new theobromine-based derivatives as potent VEGFR-2 inhibitors: design, semi-synthesis, biological evaluation, and in silico studies. RSC Adv 2023; 13:23285-23307. [PMID: 37538515 PMCID: PMC10395314 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra04007k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to design anticancer theobromine derivatives inhibiting VEGFR-2. The new compounds were tested in vitro to evaluate their effectiveness against MCF-7 and HepG2 cancer cell lines. Among these compounds, 15a showed the highest cytotoxicity against HepG2, with an IC50 value of 0.76 μM, and significant anti-proliferative effects on MCF-7, with an IC50 value of 1.08 μM. Notably, the selectivity index of 15a against the two cancer cells was 98.97 and 69.64, respectively. Moreover, 15a demonstrated potent VEGFR-2 inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.239 μM). Further investigations revealed that 15a induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells, significantly increasing early-stage and late-stage apoptosis percentages from 3.06% and 0.71% to 29.49% and 9.63%, respectively. It also upregulated caspase-3 and caspase-9 levels by 3.45-fold and 2.37-fold, respectively compared to control HepG2 cells. Additionally, 15a inhibited the migration and wound healing ability of HepG2 cells. Molecular docking confirmed the binding affinities of the semi-synthesized compounds to VEGFR-2, consistent with in vitro results. Several computational analyses (DFT, MD simulations, MM-GBSA, PLIP, and essential dynamics) supported the stability of the 15a-VEGFR-2 complex. Overall, the biological and computational findings suggest that compound 15a could be a promising lead compound for the development of a novel apoptotic anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo11884 Egypt
| | - Reda G Yousef
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo11884 Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo11884 Egypt
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University Riyadh 13713 Saudi Arabia
| | - Aisha A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University P.O. Box 84428 Riyadh 11671 Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalal Z Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University El-Kharja 72511 Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University Cairo 12613 Egypt
| | - Mostafa A Elhendawy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi University MS 38677 USA
- Department of Agriculture Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Damietta University Damietta Egypt
| | - Murrell Godfrey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi University MS 38677 USA
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
- Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City) Alexandria Egypt
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20
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El-Metwally SA, Elkady H, Hagras M, Husein DZ, Ibrahim IM, Taghour MS, El-Mahdy HA, Ismail A, Alsfouk BA, Elkaeed EB, Metwaly AM, Eissa IH. Design, synthesis, anti-proliferative evaluation, docking, and MD simulation studies of new thieno[2,3- d]pyrimidines targeting VEGFR-2. RSC Adv 2023; 13:23365-23385. [PMID: 37545598 PMCID: PMC10401666 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra03128d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, new thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-derived compounds possessing potential anticancer activities were designed and synthesized to target VEGFR-2. The thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives were tested in vitro for their abilities to inhibit VEGFR-2 and to prevent cancer cell growth in two types of cancer cells, MCF-7 and HepG2. Compound 18 exhibited the strongest anti-VEGFR-2 potential with an IC50 value of 0.084 μM. Additionally, it displayed excellent proliferative effects against MCF-7 and HepG2 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 10.17 μM and 24.47 μM, respectively. Further studies revealed that compound 18 induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and promoted apoptosis in MCF-7 cancer cells. Apoptosis was stimulated by compound 18 by increasing BAX (3.6-fold) and decreasing Bcl-2 (3.1-fold). Additionally, compound 18 significantly raised the levels of caspase-8 (2.6-fold) and caspase-9 (5.4-fold). Computational techniques were also used to investigate the VEGFR-2-18 complex at a molecular level. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to assess the structural and energetic features of the complex. The protein-ligand interaction profiler analysis identified the 3D interactions and binding conformation of the VEGFR-2-18 complex. Essential dynamics (ED) study utilizing principal component analysis (PCA) described the protein dynamics of the VEGFR-2-18 complex at various spatial scales. Bi-dimensional projection analysis confirmed the proper binding of the VEGFR-2-18 complex. In addition, the DFT studies provided insights into the structural and electronic properties of compound 18. Finally, computational ADMET and toxicity studies were conducted to evaluate the potential of the thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives for drug development. The results of the study suggested that compound 18 could be a promising anticancer agent that may provide effective treatment options for cancer patients. Furthermore, the computational techniques used in this research provided valuable insights into the molecular interactions of the VEGFR-2-18 complex, which may guide future drug design efforts. Overall, this study highlights the potential of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as a new class of anticancer agents and provides a foundation for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souad A El-Metwally
- Department of Basic Science, Higher Technological Institute 10th of Ramadan City Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
| | - Mohamed Hagras
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, College of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
| | - Dalal Z Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University El-Kharja 72511 Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University Cairo 12613 Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Taghour
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
| | - Hesham A El-Mahdy
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Nasr City Cairo 11231 Egypt
| | - Ahmed Ismail
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Nasr City Cairo 11231 Egypt
| | - Bshra A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University P.O. Box 84428 Riyadh 11671 Saudi Arabia
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University Riyadh 13713 Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
- Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City) Alexandria Egypt
| | - Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
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21
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Mahdy HA, Elkady H, Taghour MS, Elwan A, Dahab MA, Elkady MA, Elsakka EG, Elkaeed EB, Alsfouk BA, Ibrahim IM, Eissa IH, Metwaly AM. New theobromine derivatives inhibiting VEGFR-2: design, synthesis, antiproliferative, docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Future Med Chem 2023; 15:1233-1250. [PMID: 37466069 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2023-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: VEGFR-2 is one of the most effective targets in cancer treatment. Aim: The design and semi-synthesis of new theobromine derivatives as potential VEGFR-2 inhibitors. Methods: In vitro and in silico evaluation of the synthesized compounds. Results: Compound 5b demonstrated excellent antiproliferative and VEGFR-2 inhibitory effects with significant apoptotic activity. It modulated the immune response by increasing IL-2 and reducing TNF-α levels. Docking and molecular dynamics simulations revealed the compound's binding affinity with VEGFR-2. Lastly, computational absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity studies indicated the high potential of compound 5b for drug development. Conclusion: Compound 5b could be a promising anticancer agent targeting VEGFR-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem A Mahdy
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Taghour
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Alaa Elwan
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Mohammed A Dahab
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Elkady
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Elsayed Ge Elsakka
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, 13713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bshra A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, PO Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, 12613, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy & Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
- Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research & Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, 21934, Egypt
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22
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Hanieh H, Bani Ismail M, Alfwuaires MA, Ibrahim HIM, Farhan M. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor as an Anticancer Target: An Overview of Ten Years Odyssey. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28103978. [PMID: 37241719 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28103978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)/per-Arnt-sim (PAS) superfamily, is traditionally known to mediate xenobiotic metabolism. It is activated by structurally diverse agonistic ligands and regulates complicated transcriptional processes through its canonical and non-canonical pathways in normal and malignant cells. Different classes of AhR ligands have been evaluated as anticancer agents in different cancer cells and exhibit efficiency, which has thrust AhR into the limelight as a promising molecular target. There is strong evidence demonstrating the anticancer potential of exogenous AhR agonists including synthetic, pharmaceutical, and natural compounds. In contrast, several reports have indicated inhibition of AhR activity by antagonistic ligands as a potential therapeutic strategy. Interestingly, similar AhR ligands exert variable anticancer or cancer-promoting potential in a cell- and tissue-specific mode of action. Recently, ligand-mediated modulation of AhR signaling pathways and the associated tumor microenvironment is emerging as a potential approach for developing cancer immunotherapeutic drugs. This article reviews advances of AhR in cancer research covering publication from 2012 to early 2023. It summarizes the therapeutic potential of various AhR ligands with an emphasis on exogenous ligands. It also sheds light on recent immunotherapeutic strategies involving AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Hanieh
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aqaba Medical Sciences University, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
- International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Bani Ismail
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aqaba Medical Sciences University, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Manal A Alfwuaires
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hairul-Islam M Ibrahim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahdi Farhan
- International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan
- Department of Drug Development, UniTechPharma, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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23
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Kotb AR, Abdallah AE, Elkady H, Eissa IH, Taghour MS, Bakhotmah DA, Abdelghany TM, El-Zahabi MA. Design, synthesis, anticancer evaluation, and in silico ADMET analysis of novel thalidomide analogs as promising immunomodulatory agents †. RSC Adv 2023; 13:10488-10502. [PMID: 37021105 PMCID: PMC10069230 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra00066d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunomodulatory medications like thalidomide and its analogs prevent the production of some proinflammatory cytokines linked to cancer. A new series of thalidomide analogs were designed and synthesized in order to develop potential antitumor immunomodulatory agents. The antiproliferative activities of the new candidates against a panel of three human cancer cell lines (HepG-2, PC3 and MCF-7) were assessed in comparison to thalidomide as a positive control. The obtained results showed the relative significant potency of 18f (IC50 = 11.91 ± 0.9, 9.27 ± 0.7, and 18.62 ± 1.5 μM) and 21b (IC50 = 10.48 ± 0.8, 22.56 ± 1.6, and 16.39 ± 1.4 μM) against the mentioned cell lines, respectively. These results were comparable to thalidomide (IC50 = 11.26 ± 0.54, 14.58 ± 0.57, and 16.87 ± 0.7 μM, respectively). To see to what extent the biological properties of the new candidates are relative to those of thalidomide, the effects of 18f and 21b on the expression levels of TNF-α, CASP8, VEGF, and NF-κB P65 were evaluated. Significant reductions in the proinflammatory TNF-α, VEGF, and NF-κB P65 levels in HepG-2 cells were observed after exposure to compounds 18f and 21b. Furthermore, a sharp increase in CASP8 levels was detected. The obtained results revealed that 21b is of greater significance than thalidomide in TNF-α and NF-κB P65 inhibition. The in silico ADMET and toxicity studies showed that most of tested candidates have a good profile of drug-likeness and low toxicity potential. Novel thalidomide analogs as anticancer immunomodulatory agents.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Anas Ramadan Kotb
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar UniversityCairo11884Egypt
| | - Abdallah E. Abdallah
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar UniversityCairo11884Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar UniversityCairo11884Egypt
| | - Ibrahim H. Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar UniversityCairo11884Egypt
| | - Mohammed S. Taghour
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar UniversityCairo11884Egypt
| | - Dina Abed Bakhotmah
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahSaudi Arabia
| | - Tamer M. Abdelghany
- Department of Pharmacology& Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar UniversityCairoEgypt
- Department of Pharmacology& Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University for Sustainable DevelopmentCairoEgypt
| | - Mohamed Ayman El-Zahabi
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar UniversityCairo11884Egypt
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24
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Eissa IH, Elkaeed EB, Elkady H, Yousef RG, Alsfouk BA, Elzahabi HSA, Ibrahim IM, Metwaly AM, Husein DZ. Design, Molecular Modeling, MD Simulations, Essential Dynamics, ADMET, DFT, Synthesis, Anti-proliferative, and Apoptotic Evaluations of a New Anti-VEGFR-2 Nicotinamide Analogue. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:2902-2920. [PMID: 38031271 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128274870231102114858] [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: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to design and evaluate (in silico and in vitro) a new nicotinamide derivative as an inhibitor of VEGFR-2, a major mediator of angiogenesis Methods: The following in silico studies were performed; DFT calculations, molecular modelling, MD simulations, MM-GBSA, PLIP, and PCAT studies. The compound's in silico (ADMET) analysis was also conducted. Subsequently, the compound ((E)-N-(4-(1-(2-(4-(4-Chlorobenzamido)benzoyl)hydrazono)ethyl) phenyl)nicotinamide) was successfully synthesized and designated as compound X. In vitro, VEGFR-2 inhibition and cytotoxicity of compound X against HCT-116 and A549 cancer cell lines and normal Vero cell lines were conducted. Apoptosis induction and migration assay of HCT-116 cell lines after treatment with compound X were also evaluated. RESULTS DFT calculations assigned stability and reactivity of compound X. Molecular docking and MD simulations indicated its excellent binding against VEGFR-2. Furthermore, MM-GBSA analysis, PLIP experiments, and PCAT studies confirmed compound X's correct binding with optimal dynamics and energy. ADMET analysis expressed its general likeness and safety. The in vitro assays demonstrated that compound X effectively inhibited VEGFR-2, with an IC50 value of 0.319 ± 0.013 μM and displayed cytotoxicity against HCT-116 and A549 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 57.93 and 78.82 μM, respectively. Importantly, compound X exhibited minimal toxicity towards the non-cancerous Vero cell lines, (IC50 = 164.12 μM). Additionally, compound X significantly induced apoptosis of HCT-116 cell lines and inhibited their potential to migrate and heal. CONCLUSION In summary, the presented study has identified compound X as a promising candidate for the development of a novel apoptotic lead anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Reda G Yousef
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Bshra A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Heba S A Elzahabi
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
- Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Dalal Z Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El-Kharja 72511, Egypt
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