An Update on Emergent Nano-Therapeutic Strategies against Pediatric Brain Tumors

Pediatric brain tumors are the major cause of pediatric cancer mortality. They comprise a diverse group of tumors with different developmental origins, genetic profiles, therapeutic options, and outcomes. Despite many technological advancements, the treatment of pediatric brain cancers has remained a challenge. Treatment options for pediatric brain cancers have been ineffective due to non-specificity, inability to cross the blood-brain barrier, and causing off-target side effects. In recent years, nanotechnological advancements in the medical field have proven to be effective in curing challenging cancers like brain tumors. Moreover, nanoparticles have emerged successfully, particularly in carrying larger payloads, as well as their stability, safety, and efficacy monitoring. In the present review, we will emphasize pediatric brain cancers, barriers to treating these cancers, and novel treatment options.

Rational Design of Dual Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Disease: Insights from Computational Screening of BACE1 and GSK-3β

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most concerned neurodegenerative disorders across the world characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), leading to cognitive decline and memory loss. Targeting key pathways involved in AD like Aβ and NFT pathways, are crucial for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we aimed to identify and establish promising dual inhibitors targeting BACE1 and GSK-3β, two proteins implicated in Aβ and NFT formation respectively.

METHODS

We have used molecular docking, ADME property analysis, and MMGBSA calculations for the identification of hit molecules and further evaluation of binding affinity, drug-like properties, and stability against BACE1 and GSK-3β.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated strong binding affinities of ZINC000034853956 towards the active sites of both proteins, with favorable interactions involving key residues crucial for inhibitory activity. Additionally, ZINC000034853956 exhibited favorable drug-like properties. MD simulations revealed the stable binding of ZINC000034853956 to both BACE1 and GSK-3β over a 50 ns period, with consistent ligand-protein interactions, such as hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic contacts. These findings highlight the potential of ZINC000034853956 as a promising candidate for AD treatment, acting as a dual inhibitor targeting both BACE1 and GSK-3β. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the potential of ZINC000034853956 as a dual inhibitor for AD. The strong binding affinity, favorable drug-like properties, and stability observed in MD simulations support its suitability for further optimization and preclinical studies.

CONCLUSION

Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms and therapeutic benefits of ZINC000034853956. Our findings offer hope for the development of novel therapeutic interventions targeting crucial pathways involved in AD neurodegeneration.

NK1 receptor antagonistic effect of 17-trifluoromethyl phenyl trinor prostaglandin F2α on the growth of human breast cancer cell line

BACKGROUND

A growing number of genetic and cancer biology investigations have found that the tachykinin NK1 Receptor plays an important role in cancer cell proliferation and survival. In this study. The present study was designed to evaluate the inhibition of cell growth by 17-trifluoromethyl phenyl trinor prostaglandin F2α with NK1 receptor in breast cancer cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MDB-MB-468 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines were used in the experiment were blocked with PGF2a. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect. Cell cycle distribution, Caspase-3 enzyme activity, Bad and Bax protein expression through flow cytometry and molecular docking were carried out to analyze the NK1 receptor activity.

RESULTS

We found that PGF2a has a high binding affinity towards NK1 Receptor from molecular docking studies. It exerted cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects against MDB-MB-468 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Our data found that treatment of cells with 17-TPGF2 resulted in cell death and showed that increased expression of Caspase-3, Bad, and Bax protein and further induces G2 cell cycle arrest.

CONCLUSION

Overall this study investigates the NK1 receptor antagonistic effect of PGF2 against breast cancer cell lines. However, further studies are needed to better characterize the application of NK1 receptor inhibition in clinical cancer treatment and cytotoxicity effect.

Identification of novel TMPRSS2 inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 infection: a structure-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics study

The scientific insights gained from the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreaks are helping scientists to fast-track the antiviral drug discovery process against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Coronaviruses, as well as influenza viruses, depend on host type 2 transmembrane serine protease, TMPRSS2, for entry and propagation in the human cell. Recent studies show that SARS-CoV-2 also uses TMPRSS2 for its cell entry. In the present study, a structure-based virtual screening of 52,337, protease ligands downloaded from the Zinc database was carried out against the homology model of TMPRSS2 protein followed by the molecular dynamics-based simulation to identify potential TMPRSS2 hits. The virtual screening has identified 13 hits with a docking score range of -10.447 to -9.863 and glide energy range of -60.737 to -40.479 kcal/mol. The binding mode analysis shows that the hit molecules form H-bond (Asp180, Gly184 & Gly209), Pi-Pi stacking (His41), and salt bridge (Asp180) type of contacts with the active site residues of TMPRSS2. In the MD simulation of ZINC000013444414, ZINC000137976768, and ZINC000143375720 hits show that these molecules form a stable complex with TMPRSS2. The complex equilibrates well with a minimal RMSD and RMSF fluctuation. All three structures, as predicted in Glide XP docking, show a prominent interaction with the Asp180, Gly184, Gly209, and His41. Further, MD simulation also identifies a notable H-bond interaction with Ser181 for all three hits. Among these hits, ZINC000143375720 shows the most stable binding interaction with TMPRSS2. The present study is successful in identifying TMPRSS2 ligands from zinc data base for a possible application in the treatment of COVID-19.

DR-5 and DLL-4 mAb Functionalized SLNs of Gamma-Secretase Inhibitors- An Approach for TNBC Treatment

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and heterogeneous cancer subtypes. High rates of metastasis, poor prognosis, and drug resistance are the major problems associated with TNBC. The current chemotherapeutics eliminate only the bulk tumor cells (non-BCSCs) and do not affect breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). The BCSCs which are left behind after chemotherapy is reported to promote recurrence and metastasis of TNBC. Death receptor-5 (DR-5) is exclusively expressed in TNBCs and mediates the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. DR-5, therefore, can be exploited for targeted drug delivery and to induce apoptosis. Gamma-secretase mediated Notch signaling in BCSCs regulates its proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis. The endogenous ligand, Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4), is reported to activate this Notch signaling in TNBC. Blocking this signaling pathway using both gamma-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) and DLL4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) may produce synergistic benefits. Further, the GSIs (DAPT, LY-411575, RO4929097, MK0752, etc.) suffer from poor bioavailability and off-target side effects such as diarrhea, suppression of lymphopoiesis, headache, hypertension, fatigue, and ventricular dysfunctions. In this hypothesis, we discuss Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) based drug delivery systems containing GSIs and surface modified with DR-5 and DLL4 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to effectivity target and treat TNBC. The delivery system is designed to deliver the drug cargo precisely to TNBCs through its DR-5 receptors and hence expected to reduce the off-target side effects of GSIs. Further, DLL4 mAb and GSIs are expected to act synergistically to block the Notch signal mediated BCSCs proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis.

Tumor microenvironment and nanotherapeutics: intruding the tumor fort

Over recent years, advancements in nanomedicine have allowed new approaches to diagnose and treat tumors. Nano drug delivery systems exploit the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and enter the tumor tissue's interstitial space. However, tumor barriers play a crucial role, and cause inefficient EPR or the homing effect. Mounting evidence supports the hypothesis that the components of the tumor microenvironment, such as the extracellular matrix, and cellular and physiological components collectively or cooperatively hinder entry and distribution of drugs, and therefore, limit the theragnostic applications of cancer nanomedicine. This abnormal tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in cancer nanomedicine and was recently recognized as a promising target for improving nano-drug delivery and their therapeutic outcomes. Strategies like passive or active targeting, stimuli-triggered nanocarriers, and the modulation of immune components have shown promising results in achieving anticancer efficacy. The present review focuses on the tumor microenvironment and nanoparticle-based strategies (polymeric, inorganic and organic nanoparticles) for intruding the tumor barrier and improving therapeutic effects.

1,3,4-Thiadiazolo (3,2-Α) Pyrimidine-6-Carbonitrile Scaffold as PARP1 Inhibitors

BACKGROUND

1,3,4-thiadiazolo pyrimidine is a lead molecule that is versatile for a wide variety of biological activities and in continuation of our interest in establishing some novel heterocyclic compounds for antitumor activity.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to synthesize a series of 5-amino-7-(substituted aldehyde)-2[(naphthalene- 2-yloxy)methyl] -[1,3,4]thiadiazolo-[3,2-α]-pyrimidine-6- carbonitrile derivatives and evaluate their possible in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity.

METHODS

Herein, we report the synthetic scheme, which was followed for the preparation of a series of title compounds B1- B9 outlined in scheme 1. The intermediate 5-[(naphthalen-2- yloxy)methyl]-1,3,4-thiadiazolo- 2-amine was prepared by heating 2-naphthoxyacetic acid and thiosemicarbazide in the presence of phosphoryl chloride at a temperature of 65-75°C. The obtained compound reacted with malononitrile and an appropriate amount of aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes in refluxing ethanol yielded 5-amino-7-(substituted aldehyde)-2[(naphthalene-2-yloxy)methyl] -[1,3,4]thiadiazolo-[3,2-α]-pyrimidine-6- carbonitrile derivatives (B1 - B9). The purity of the synthesized compounds was ensured by various spectral analyses.

RESULTS

In in silico molecular docking studies, compounds B3 and B9 show binding affinity like known PARP1 inhibitor olaparib. The cellular evaluation indicates that the anticancer profile of compounds B1, B3, and B9 is significant when compared to the standard drug (olaparib) against MDA-MB-232 cell line and compounds B3, B6, and B7 are the most active against MCF-7 cell lines. The most active compound B3 was subjected to acute oral toxicity studies by OECD 423 guidelines and in vivo anti-cancer studies were carried out using DMBA induced model.

CONCLUSION

The in silico docking study of the newly synthesized compounds was performed; the results showed good binding mode in the active site of PARP1 enzyme. In silico ADME properties of synthesized compounds were also studied and showed good drug-like properties.

Preliminary evaluation on the beneficial effects of pioglitazone in the treatment of endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer (EMC) is one of the complicated gynecological cancers, affecting more than three million women worldwide. Anticancer strategies such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are found to be ineffective and are associated with patient incompliances. The aim of the present study is to repurpose non-oncological drug, i.e., Pioglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist, in the treatment of endometrial cancer. The study groups consist of 50 female Swiss albino mice, out of which 40 had endometrial cancer induced with N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) and estradiol hexadrobenzoate (EHB). The other groups received saline, EHB, paclitaxel, and different test doses of pioglitazones. Different preliminary parameters such as weekly body weight, mean survival time, percentage increase in life span, and uterine tissue weight were analyzed along with histopathological analysis. We observed a significant change in weekly body weight, improvement in percentage life span, and partial restoration of uterine tissue weight to normal compared to a standard drug, paclitaxel. In the present preliminary evaluation, we have identified that pioglitazone exhibited a significant dose-dependent anticancer activity against ENU- and EHB-induced endometrial cancer, compared to the standard paclitaxel.

Phenyl boronic acid-modified lipid nanocarriers of niclosamide for targeting triple-negative breast cancer

Aim: To study the active targeting efficacy of phenylboronic acid-modified niclosamide solid lipid nanoparticles (PBA-Niclo-SLN) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Materials & methods: PBA-Niclo-SLNs were formulated by an emulsification-solvent evaporation method using PBA-associated stearylamine (PBSA) as lipid. The drug uptake and the anticancer propensity of PBA-Niclo-SLN were studied in TNBC (MDA-MB231) cells and tumor-bearing mice. Results: PBA-Niclo-SLN formulation resulted in greater antitumor efficacy by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Besides, PBA-Niclo-SLN effectively inhibited STAT3, CD44+/CD24- TNBC stem cell subpopulation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers. Besides, PBA-Niclo-SLN selectively accumulated at the tumor site with more significant tumor regression and improved the survivability in TNBC tumor-bearing mice. Conclusion: PBA-Niclo-SLN formulation would be an effective strategy to eradicate TNBC cells (breast cancer stem cells and nonbreast cancer stem cells) efficiently.

Possible role of Thiazolidinedione in the management of Type-II Endometrial Cancer

Type-II Endometrial Cancer (EMC) is one of the most common types of gynaecological cancer affecting more than 2.7 million people worldwide. Clinical evidence shows that adipokines levels are abnormally altered in Type-II EMC and reported to be one of the major responsible factor for uncontrolled proliferation and metastasis in Type-II EMC. Reversing the altered adipokine levels, therefore, help to control Type-II EMC proliferation and metastasis. In the present hypothesis we focus on the possible role of Thiazolidinediones in favourably altering the adipokine levels to benefit in the management of Type-II EMC.

Possible role of PPAR-γ and COX-2 receptor modulators in the treatment of Non-Small Cell lung carcinoma

Non-Small Cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85% of total lung cancers worldwide, affecting more than 1.5 million people every year. Recent studies reported that lung adenocarcinoma express Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) which is believed to be inactivated due to cytoplasmic accumulation or somatic 'loss of function' of the gene. PPAR-γ reported to play an important role in cell proliferation, cell differentiation and apoptosis via inhibition of NF-kβ pathway. Adenocarcinoma also overexpress cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is reported to promote angiogenesis and metastasis via TX-A2 production. Therefore, we hypothesize that activation of PPAR-γ (through PPAR-γ agonists) and inhibition of COX-2 (through COX-2 inhibitors) will have beneficial effects in the treatment of NSCLC.

Novel dermacozine-1-carboxamides as promising anticancer agents with tubulin polymerization inhibitory activity

In the present study, novel dermacozine-1-carboxamides (8a–8n) were synthesized and screened for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against three different cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (breast cancer), A-549 (lung cancer) and DU145 (prostate cancer). All the compounds showed more efficiency against the DU145 cell line than against the MCF-7 and A-549 cell lines. Furthermore, 8a (CTC₅₀: 7.02 μM) and 8l (CTC₅₀: 6.32 μM) have been found to be more effective against the DU145 cells as they arrest the cell cycle at the G2/M phase by interfering with tubulin polymerization; these results indicate that these compounds act as potential anti-cancer agents by inhibiting tubulin polymerization.

In the present study, novel dermacozine-1-carboxamides (8a–8n) were synthesized and screened for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against three different cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (breast cancer), A-549 (lung cancer) and DU145 (prostate cancer).

Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor, APAU, protects dopaminergic neurons against rotenone induced neurotoxicity: Implications for Parkinson's disease

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), metabolites of arachidonic acid, play a crucial role in cytoprotection by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. EETs are rapidly metabolised in vivo by the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Increasing the half life of EETs by inhibiting the sEH enzyme is a novel strategy for neuroprotection. In the present study, sEH inhibitors APAU was screened in silico and further evaluated for their antiparkinson activity against rotenone (ROT) induced neurodegeneration in N27 dopaminergic cell line and Drosophila melanogaster model of Parkinson disease (PD). In the in vitro study cell viability (MTT and LDH release assay), oxidative stress parameters (total intracellular ROS, hydroperoxides, protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidise, glutathione reductase, glutathione, total antioxidant status, mitochondrial complex-1activity and mitochondrial membrane potential), inflammatory markers (IL-6, COX-1 and COX-2), and apoptotic markers (JNK, phospho-JNK, c-jun, phospho-c-jun, pro and active caspase-3) were assessed to study the neuroprotective effects. In vivo activity of APAU was assessed in Drosophila melanogaster by measuring survival rate, negative geotaxis, oxidative stress parameters (total intracellular ROS, hydroperoxides, glutathione levels) were measured. Dopamine and its metabolites were estimated by LC-MS/MS analysis. In the in silico study the molecule, APAU showed good binding interaction at the active site of sEH (PDB: 1VJ5). In the in vitro study, APAU significantly attenuated ROT induced changes in oxidative, pro-inflammatory and apoptotic parameters. In the in vivo study, APAU significantly attenuates ROT induced changes in survival rate, negative geotaxis, oxidative stress, dopamine and its metabolites levels (p < 0.05). Our study, therefore, concludes that the molecule APAU, has significant neuroprotection benefits against rotenone induced Parkinsonism.

Pharmacological targets of breast cancer stem cells: a review

Breast cancers contain small population of tumor-initiating cells called breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), which are spared even after chemotherapy. Recently, BCSCs are implicated to be a cause of metastasis, tumor relapse, and therapy resistance in breast cancer. BCSCs have unique molecular mechanisms, which can be targeted to eliminate them. These include surface biomarkers, proteins involved in self-renewal pathways, drug efflux transporters, apoptotic/antiapoptotic proteins, autophagy, metabolism, and microenvironment regulation. The complex molecular mechanisms behind the survival of BCSCs and pharmacological targets for elimination of BCSCs are described in this review.

Nanocarrier based approaches for targeting breast cancer stem cells

Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are heterogeneous subpopulation of tumour initiating cells within breast tumours. They are spared even after chemotherapy and responsible for tumour relapse. Targeting BCSCs is, therefore, necessary to achieve radical cure in breast cancer. Despite the availability of agents targeting BCSCs, their clinical application is limited due to their off-target effects and bioavailability issues. Nanotechnology based drug carriers (nanocarriers) offer various advantages to deliver anti-BCSCs agents specifically to their target sites by overcoming their bioavailability issues. In this review, we describe various strategies for targeting BCSCs using nanocarriers.

Possible role of Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid in prevention of oxidative stress mediated neuroinflammation in Parkinson disorders

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease involving oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and apoptosis. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are arachidonic acid metabolites and they play a role in cytoprotection by modulating various cell signaling pathways. This cytoprotective role of EETs are well established in cerebral stroke, cardiac failure, and hypertension, and it is due to their ability to attenuate oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, caspase activation and apoptosis. The actions of EETs in brain closely parallel the effects which is observed in the peripheral tissues. Since many of these effects could potentially contribute to neuroprotection, EETs are, therefore, one of the potential therapeutic candidates in PD. Therefore, by increasing the half life of endogenous EETs in vivo via inhibition of sEH, its metabolizing enzyme can, therefore, constitutes an important therapeutic strategy in PD.

Identification and characterization of a potent anticancer fraction from the leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera L

Anticancer potential of Moringa oleifera L. extracts have been well established. However, there are no reports on the isolated molecules/fractions from these extracts which are responsible for the anticancer/cytotoxic activity. Thus, in the present study, we explored the same. The n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol extracts of the M. oleifera leaves and 15 fractions (F1 to F15) of ethyl acetate extract were evaluated for their in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity using Hep-2 cell lines and Dalton's lymphoma ascites model in mice, respectively. Among the tested samples, the F1 fraction showed potential cytotoxic effect in Hep-2 cell lines with a CTC50 value of 12.5 ± 0.5 μg/ml. In vivo studies with the doses 5 and 10 mg/kg, p.o. demonstrated significant reduction in body weight and increased the mean survival time compared to the control group. These results were also comparable to the standard, 5-Fluorouracil, treated animals. We have also successfully isolated and characterized the anticancer fraction, F1 from the leaves of M. oleifera L.

Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor, t-TUCB, protects against myocardial ischaemic injury in rats

OBJECTIVES

To determine the protective role of a soluble epoxide hydrolase(sEH) inhibitor, trans-4-{4-[3-(4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)-ureido] cyclohexyloxy} benzoic acid (t-TUCB), in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial ischaemic injury in vivo.

METHODS

Cardioprotective activity of t-TUCB was studied against ISO-induced myocardial ischaemic injury in male Wistar rats. Cardioprotection was assessed by measuring elecrocardiographic (EKG), serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK-MB) levels, cardiac calcium and antioxidant levels, and also by measuring infarct size in the cardiac tissue.

KEY FINDINGS

Pretreatment with t-TUCB at 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg orally for a period of 14 days significantly prevented the changes in EKG parameters (QTc interval prolongation, ST height depression, pathological Q waves formation and T-wave inversion), serum cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB and LDH), relative heart weight, myocardial calcium levels, infarct size and the oxidative status in the cardiac tissue (lipid peroxidation, catalase and superoxide dismutase levels) when compared with the untreated control animals (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The sEH inhibitor t-TUCB significantly prevents ISO-induced myocardial ischaemic injury in rats. This study provides a preliminary confirmation of the efficacy of t-TUCB by oral administration in rats.