Regorafenib: A comprehensive drug profile

Regorafenib is a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor administered orally drug, act by inhibiting the activity of the VEGF receptors. It is used for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This comprehensive profile on regorafenib includes an original data as well as data collected from the literature on Profiles of Methods of Drug Synthesis, different Physical Drug Profiles, Drug Analytical methods and Pharmacological profile (ADME). This chapter is divided into five main sections: General Description of the drug, Physical Characteristics, Methods of Preparation, Methods of Analysis, Pharmacology and List of References. These main sections are further divided to many sub-titles to cover most aspect of the drug in the light of the available literature. Among these sub-titles are the formulae, Elemental Analysis, physical characteristics which include constant of ionization, solubility, X-ray powder diffraction pattern, TGA, thermal conduct and spectroscopic and stability. Additionally, analytical techniques including Electrochemical, Spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods, ADME profiles and pharmacological effects were also discussed. Furthermore, methods and schemes are outlined for the preparation of the drug substance.

In silico analysis unravels the promising anticariogenic efficacy of fatty acids against dental caries causing Streptococcus mutans

Globally, dental caries is a prevalent oral disease caused by cariogenic bacteria, primarily Streptococcus mutans. It establishes caries either through sucrose-dependent (via glycosyltransferases) or through sucrose-independent (via surface adhesins Antigen I/II) mechanism. Sortase A (srtA) attaches virulence-associated adhesins to host tissues. Because of their importance in the formation of caries, targeting these proteins is decisive in the development of new anticariogenic drugs. High-throughput virtual screening with LIPID MAPS -a fatty acid database was performed. The selected protein-ligand complexes were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation (MDs). The Binding Free Energy of complexes was predicted using MM/PBSA. Further, the drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties of ligands were also analyzed. Out of 46,200 FAs scrutinized virtually against the three protein targets (viz., GtfC, Ag I/II and srtA), top 5 FAs for each protein were identified as the best hit based on interaction energies viz., hydrogen bond numbers and hydrophobic interaction. Further, two common FAs (LMFA01050418 and LMFA01040045) that showed high binding affinity against Ag I/II and srtA were selected for MDs analysis. A 100ns MDs unveiled a stable conformation. Results of Rg signified that FAs does not induce significant structural & conformational changes. SASA indicated that the complexes maintain higher thermodynamic stability during MDs. The predicted binding free energy (MM/PBSA) of complexes elucidated their stable binding interaction. ADME analysis suggested the FAs are biologically feasible as therapeutic candidates. Overall, the presented in silico data is the first of its kind in delineating FAs as promising anticaries agents of future.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Two New Adenosine Derivatives and their Antiproliferative Properties, an In Vitro Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Adenosine is a natural nucleoside present in various organs and tissues, where it acts as a modulator of diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes. These actions are mediated by at least four G protein-coupled receptors, which are widely and differentially expressed in tissues. Interestingly, high concentrations of adenosine have been reported in a variety of tumors. In this context, the final output of adenosine in tumorigenesis will likely depend on the constellation of adenosine receptors expressed by tumor and stromal cells. Notably, activation of the A3 receptor can reduce the proliferative capacity of various cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to describe the anti-proliferative effects of two previously synthesized adenosine derivatives with A3 agonist action (compounds 2b and 2f) through in vitro assays.

METHOD

We used gastric and breast cancer cell lines expressing the A3 receptor as in vitro models and theoretical experiments such as molecular dynamics and determination of ADME properties.

RESULTS

The antiproliferative effects of adenosine derivatives (after determining IC50 values) were comparable or even higher than those described for IB-MECA, a commercially available A3 agonist. Among possible mechanisms involved, apoptosis was found to be induced in MCF-7 cells but not in AGS or MDA-MB-231 cells. Surprisingly, we were unable to observe cellular senescence induction upon treatment with compounds 2b and 2f in any of the cell lines studied, although we cannot rule out other forms of cell cycle exit at this point.

CONCLUSION

Both adenosine derivatives showed antiproliferative effects on gastric and breast cancer cell lines, and were able to induce apoptosis, at least in the MCF-7 cell line. Further studies will be necessary to unveil receptor specificity and mechanisms accounting for the antiproliferative properties of these novel semi-synthetic compounds.

In silico approach of naringin as potent phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) protein agonist against prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the major impediments affecting men, which leads approximately 31,620 deaths in both developing and developed countries. Although some chemotherapy drugs have been reported for prostate cancer, they are not effective due to the lack of safety, efficacy and low selectivity. Hence, the novel alternative anticancer agents with remarkable effect are highly appreciable. Natural plants contain several bio-active compounds which have been traditionally used for the various medical treatments. Particularly, naringin is a natural bio-active compound commonly found in the citrus fruits, which have shown numerous biological activities. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a tumor suppressor gene, which activates both lipid phosphates and protein phosphates. The PTEN gene is negative regulator of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, since, this signaling pathway play an essential role in the cell survival, proliferation and migration. In the present in silico investigation, structure based virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and Adsorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion (ADME) prediction were employed to determine the binding affinity, stability and drug likeness properties of top ranked screened compounds and naringin, respectively. The results revealed that the complex has good molecular interactions, binding stability (peak between 0.3 and 0.4 nm) and no violations in the Lipinski Rule of 5 in naringin, but the screened compounds violated the drug likeness properties. From the in silico analyses, it is identified that naringin compound might assist in the development of novel therapeutic candidate against prostate cancer.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.