Glutaredoxin proteins from E. coli isoforms were compared in terms of energy frustration

Glutaredoxin (GRXs) protein plays a vital role inside the cell, including redox control of transcription to the cell's antioxidant defense, apoptosis, and cellular differentiation regulation. In this study, we have investigated the energy landscape and characterized the pattern of local frustration in different forms and states of the GRX protein ofE. coli.Analysis was done on the conformational alterations, significant changes in the frustration pattern, and different GRXs such as GRX-II, GRX-III, GRX-II-GSH, and GRX-III-GSH complex. We have found the practice of frustration, and structure was quite similar in the same isoform having different states of protein; however, a significant difference was observed between different isoforms. Moreover, oxidation of GRX-I introduced an extra α-helix increasing the destabilizing interactions within the protein. The study of frustrated contacts on oxidized and reduced GRX and with bound and unbound Glutathione indicates its potential application in activating and regulating the behavior of GRXs.

The inhibitory and anticancer properties of Annona squamosa L. seed extracts

Although Annona squamosa Linn. (Annonaceae) has been used in traditional medicine and is known to have several pharmacological properties, its impact on EGFR kinase has not been fully investigated. An assay (biochemical) was used to govern the potential of different A. squamosa seed extracts to scavenge free radicals in petroleum ether, acetone, ethanol, and methanol. We also tested A. squamosa leaf extracts for their ability to inhibit the growth of HEK 293, MCF7, and HepG2 cell lines. The PSE, ASE, ESE, and MSE all contained anti-cancer substances like anethole, cyclopentane, 1,1,3-trimethyl, and phosphonate oxide tributyl, according to phytochemical analysis. ESE extracts from A. squamosa seeds have been selected based on free radical generation probabilities, cytotoxicity studies, and phytochemical analysis. Subsequent insilico studies have been conducted, and the results have shown that interactions between compounds present in ESE extracts and the EGFR kinase are what give these compounds their inhibitory effects. Preliminary phytochemical and pharmacological activities were studied and reported. A. squamosa ESE extracts inhibited the growth of MCF7 cells, and a pharmacokinetic study showed that the compounds anethole, cyclopentane, 1,1,3-trimethyl, and phosphonium oxide tributyl had few undesirable side effects. These substances can be used to both prevent and treat cancer diseases.

Pirfenidone Alleviates Features of Well-Established Chronic Pancreatitis in Mouse Models

Introduction/Objective

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a fibro-inflammatory disease of pancreas with no targeted therapy and is considered irreversible. Antifibrotic agent pirfenidone is FDA approved for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

However, exact molecular mechanism of its action is not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate pirfenidone as a therapeutic agent for CP.

Methods

Caerulein-CP was induced in C57BL/6 mice by caerulein injections (50ug/kgx7, i.p., hourly x twice weekly x10 weeks). At 11 weeks, animals were randomized and assigned to either saline or pirfenidone group (400 mg/kg/d by oral gavage for 5 weeks). Mice were euthanized at 17 weeks. L-arginine induced CP was induced by i.p. injections of L-arginine (4.5g/kg x2 hourly, once a week x 4) and treatment was started after 5 weeks of start. Mice were sacrificed at early time-points after starting treatment. Single-cell suspension of pancreata were used for flow- cytometry. Pancreatic atrophy, histology, fibrosis and cytokine mRNA profile were evaluated. In vitro studies were done on stellate cells.

Results

The treated caerulein-CP mice had improvement in pancreas/mouse weight ratio, (7.03±0.41 vs. 4.75±0.28; p<0.0001). Histology scores and fibrosis markers were reduced. Pancreatic atrophy and histology scores showed significant improvement by day 14 of treatment in L-arginine CP. Flow cytometry showed that by day 7 of treatment there was significant reduction in macrophage infiltration (1.09 ± 0.18 % vs 3.26 ± 0.4 %; p<0.001) and pro-fibrotic M2 macrophage markers [IL-4 (1.5 ± 0.1 % vs 2.8 ± 0.2%; p=0.007)], while M1 marker (MHC II) did not change. mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines decreased, and of anti-inflammatory cytokines increased. In vitro study on stellate cells showed reduction in mRNA levels of pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as fibrosis markers in treatment group.

Conclusion

Pirfenidone ameliorates well-established CP in mouse models by altering immune cells.