Targeted pH-responsive delivery of rosmarinic acid via phenylboronic acid functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles for liver and lung cancer therapy.

Currently, chemotherapy is one of the most practiced approaches for the treatment of cancers. However, existing chemotherapeutic drugs have poor aqueous solubility, poor selectivity, higher systematic toxicity, and poor target accumulation. In this study, we designed and synthesized a boronic acid/ester-based pH-responsive nano-valve that specifically targets the microenvironment in cancer cells. The nano-valve comprises phenylboronic acid-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (B-MSN) loaded with polyphenolic compound Rosmarinic acid (ROS-B-MSN). The nano-valve was further coated with lignin (LIG) to achieve our desired LIG-ROS-BMSN nano-valve for targeted chemotherapy against Hep-G2 and NCI-H460 cell lines. The structure and properties of NPs were characterized by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in combination with EDX, and Dynamic light scattering (DLS). The outcomes revealed that the designed LIG-ROS-BMSN were in the nanorange (144.1 ± 0.70 nm), had negative Zeta potential (-15.7 ± 0.46 mV) and had a nearly spherical morphology. In vitro, drug release investigations showed a controlled pH-dependent release profile under mild acidic conditions that could enhance the targeted chemotherapeutic response against cancer in mild acidic environments. The obtained LIG-ROS-BMSN nano valve achieved significantly lower IC50 values of (1.70 ± 0.01 µg/mL and 3.25 ± 0.14 µg/mL) against Hep-G2 and NCI-H460 cell lines as compared to ROS alone, which was (14.0 ± 0.7 µg/mL and 29.10 ± 0.25 µg/mL), respectively. The cellular morphology before and after treatment was further confirmed via inverted microscopy. The outcomes of the current study imply that our designed LIG-ROS-BMSN nanovalve is a potential carrier for cancer chemotherapeutics.

Inhibition of Advanced Glycation End-Products by Tamarindus indica and Mitragyna inermis Extracts and Effects on Human Hepatocyte and Fibroblast Viability.

Tamarindus indica and Mitragyna inermis are widely used by herbalists to cure diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibitory potential of aqueous and various organic solvent fractions from both plants and some isolated compounds against advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). For this purpose, an in vitro BSA-fructose glycation model was used to evaluate the inhibition of AGE formation. Furthermore, the effects of the fractions on mouse fibroblast (NIH-3T3) and human hepatocyte (HepG2) survival were evaluated. The leaf, stem, and root fractions of both plants exhibited significant inhibition of AGEs formation. The IC50 values appeared to be less than 250 µg/mL; however, all fractions presented no adverse effects on NIH-3T3 up to 500 µg/mL. Otherwise, our phytochemical investigation afforded the isolation of a secoiridoid from the Mitragyna genus named secoiridoid glucoside sweroside (1), along with three known quinovic acid glycosides: quinovic acid-3ß-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (2), quinovic acid-3-O-ß-d-6-deoxy-glucopyranoside, 28-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl ester (3), and quinovic acid 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(4→1)-ß-d-glucopyranoside (4). In particular, 1-3 are compounds which have not previously been described in Mitragyna inermis roots. However, the isolated compounds did not exhibit AGE inhibitory activity. Further investigation on these potent antiglycation fractions may allow for the isolation of new antidiabetic drug candidates.

Clerodane Furanoditerpenoids from Tinospora bakis (A.Rich.) Miers (Menispermaceae).

Tinospora bakis (A.Rich.) Miers (Menispermaceae) has traditionally been used to alleviate headaches, rheumatism, mycetoma, and diabetes, among others. Despite its extensive use, the active components of the plant have never been investigated. In this work, a series of furanoditerpenoids (1-18) and five compounds from other classes (19-23) were isolated from T. bakis. Notably, two new compounds were discovered and named: tinobakisin (1) and tinobakiside (10). Their molecular structures were elucidated with NMR, MS, UV, IR, and ECD spectra. Additionally, known compounds (2-9 and 11-23) were corroboratively identified through spectral comparisons with previously reported data, while highlighting and addressing some inaccuracies in the prior literature. Remarkably, compounds 6, 7, 13, and 17 exhibited a superior anti-glycation effect, outperforming established agents like rutin and quercetin in a lab model of protein glycation with glucose. The overall findings suggest that furanoditerpenoids play a crucial role in the antidiabetic properties of T. bakis. This research marks the first comprehensive phytochemical investigation of T. bakis, opening the door for further investigation into furanoditerpenoids and their biological mechanisms.

Clarithromycin Exerts an Antibiofilm Effect against Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium rdar Biofilm Formation and Transforms the Physiology towards an Apparent Oxygen-Depleted Energy and Carbon Metabolism.

Upon biofilm formation, production of extracellular matrix components and alteration in physiology and metabolism allows bacteria to build up multicellular communities which can facilitate nutrient acquisition during unfavorable conditions and provide protection toward various forms of environmental stresses to individual cells. Thus, bacterial cells within biofilms become tolerant against antimicrobials and the immune system. In the present study, we evaluated the antibiofilm activity of the macrolides clarithromycin and azithromycin. Clarithromycin showed antibiofilm activity against rdar (red, dry, and rough) biofilm formation of the gastrointestinal pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 14028 (Nalr) at a 1.56 µM subinhibitory concentration in standing culture and dissolved cell aggregates at 15 µM in a microaerophilic environment, suggesting that the oxygen level affects the activity of the drug. Treatment with clarithromycin significantly decreased transcription and production of the rdar biofilm activator CsgD, with biofilm genes such as csgB and adrA to be concomitantly downregulated. Although fliA and other flagellar regulon genes were upregulated, apparent motility was downregulated. RNA sequencing showed a holistic cell response upon clarithromycin exposure, whereby not only genes involved in the biofilm-related regulatory pathways but also genes that likely contribute to intrinsic antimicrobial resistance, and the heat shock stress response were differentially regulated. Most significantly, clarithromycin exposure shifted the cells toward an apparent oxygen- and energy-depleted status, whereby the metabolism that channels into oxidative phosphorylation was downregulated, and energy gain by degradation of propane 1,2-diol, ethanolamine and l-arginine catabolism, potentially also to prevent cytosolic acidification, was upregulated. This analysis will allow the subsequent identification of novel intrinsic antimicrobial resistance determinants.

Preclinical study of the medicinal plants for the treatment of malignant melanoma.

Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer and originates from pigment-containing cells called melanocytes. The incidence of melanoma has been increasing worldwide. In the current study, the cytotoxic and photo-cytotoxic activities of different medicinal plants from Lamiaceae (Salvia cedronella, Salvia chionantha, and Salvia adenophylla), Asteraceae (Klasea kurdica, Klasea bornmuelleri, and Achillea millefolium), Apiaceae (Cuminum cyminum, and Anethum graveolens), and Polygonaceae (Rumex crispus) families were studied against HT 144 (Human malignant melanoma) cancer cell lines. The activities were performed by employing the MTT assay. Moreover, the apoptotic effects of the plant extracts were investigated by flow cytometry with annexin V/PI dual staining technique. The production of intracellular ROS by DCFH-DA technique and the effects of TNF-α secretion on apoptosis were also investigated. All plant extracts exhibited cytotoxic, and photo-cytotoxic effects against HT 144 cancer cells. Salvia species and Klasea species induced apoptosis via intracellular ROS generation secreted by TNF-α. On the other hand, A. millefolium, C. cyminum, A. graveolens, and R. crispus extracts induced apoptosis due to the intracellular generation of ROS, but, via the different pathway. In conclusion, this study indicates that the tested medicinal plant extracts have the potential in the treatment of melanoma.

The anticancer activity of visnagin, isolated from Ammi visnaga L., against the human malignant melanoma cell lines, HT 144.

Melanoma is a cancer of melanocyte cells and has the highest global incidence. There is a need to develop new drugs for the treatment of this deadly cancer, which is resistant to currently used treatment modalities. We investigated the anticancer activity of visnagin, a natural furanochromone derivative, isolated from Ammi visnaga L., against malignant melanoma (HT 144) cell lines. The singlet oxygen production capacity of visnagin was determined by the RNO bleaching method while cytotoxic activity by the MTT assay. Further, HT 144 cells treated with visnagin were also exposed to visible light (λ ≥ 400 nm) for 25 min to examine the illumination cytotoxic activity. The apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry with annexin V/PI dual staining technique. The effect of TNF-α secretion on apoptosis was also investigated. In standard MTT assay, visnagin (100 µg/mL) exhibited 80.93% inhibitory activity against HT 144 cancer cell lines, while in illuminated MTT assay at same concentration it showed lesser inhibitory activity (63.19%). Visnagin was induced apoptosis due to the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and showed an apoptotic effect against HT 144 cell lines by 25.88%. However, it has no effect on TNF-α secretion. Our study indicates that visnagin can inhibit the proliferation of malignant melanoma, apparently by inducing the intracellular oxidative stress.

First report on the synthesis and structural studies of trans-Phakellistatin 18: a rotamer of marine natural product phakellistatin 18.

Phakellistatin peptides from marine organisms are the sources of proline-rich cyclic peptides with reported significant antitumor activities. Phakellistatin 18 (1), reported from marine sponge Phakellia fusca, contains three proline-peptide linkages in cis form. We attempted the total synthesis of natural product 1 through solution-phase macrocyclization approach, as a result, the synthetic cyclic peptide 2 was obtained as a rotamer of natural product having all three proline residues in trans-conformation. Here, we describe the synthesis, structural, and cytotoxicity studies of trans-Phakellistatin 18 (2), and its analog [Ala1,3,6]-Phakellistatin 18 (3). Detailed NMR studies were carried out to characterize the synthesized peptides, and anti-cancer screening was performed by using MTT assay. The synthetic trans-Phakellistatin 18 (2) (IC50=67.5 ± 2.938 µM) showed comparable cytotoxicity against HepG2 cancer cell line with standard drug doxorubicin (IC50=63.88 ± 6.48 µM). Here, the first synthetic and structural studies on trans-Phakellistatin 18 (2), and its anticancer screening against HepG2 cell line was reported.

A new sesquiterpene, prosoterpene, from Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) Taub.

A new sesquiterpene (Prosoterpene, 1) and eleven reported compounds (2-12) of several classes, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and long-chain alcohols, were isolated from the BuOH extract of Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) Taub. Compounds 2-10 were reported for the first time from this plant. Isomers 11 and 12 were separated for the first time. Extensive spectroscopic techniques and literature comparisons were used to characterise their structures. Furthermore, compounds 3, 5-8, and 10-12 were performed for anti-glycation and cytotoxicity activities. Compound 3 (quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside) exhibited moderate anti-glycation activity. All tested compounds were non-cytotoxic against MCF-7 (breast cancer), NCI-H460 (lung cancer), Hela (cervical cancer), and BJ (normal human fibroblast) cell lines.

Suppression of COX-2/PGE2 levels by carbazole-linked triazoles via modulating methylglyoxal-AGEs and glucose-AGEs - induced ROS/NF-κB signaling in monocytes.

Chronic hyperglycemia favours the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which are responsible of many diabetic vascular complications. Keeping in view the medicinal properties of the1,2,3-triazole-conjugated analogs, the present study was designed to evaluate the possible effect of carbazole-linked 1,2,3-triazoles 2-16 against glucose- and methylglyoxal-AGEs-induced inflammation in human THP-1 monocytes. In vitro antiglycation, and metabolic assays were used to determine antiglycation, and cytotoxicity activities. DCFH-DA, immunostaining, immunoblotting, and ELISA techniques were employed to study the ROS and levels of proinflammatory mediators in THP-1 monocytes. Among all the synthesized carbazole-linked 1,2,3 triazoles, compounds 2, 7, 8, and 11-16 showed antiglycation activity in glucose- and MGO-modified bovine serum albumin models, whereas parent compound 1 only exhibited activity in glucose-BSA model. The metabolic assay demonstrated the non-toxic profile of compounds 1-2, 11-13, and 15 up to 100 µM concentration in both HepG2 and THP-1 cell lines. We found that compounds 11-13, and 15 attenuated AGEs-induced ROS formation (P < 0.001), and halted NF-ĸB translocation (P < 0.001), likewise standard drugs, PDTC, rutin, and quercetin, in THP-1 monocytes. Among the derivatives, compounds 12, and 13 also suppressed the AGEs-induced elevation of COX-2 (P < 0.001) and PGE2 (P < 0.001). Our data show that the carbazole-linked triazoles 12, and 13 hampering the formation of glycation products, prevent the activation of AGEs-ROS-NF-κB signaling pathway, and limit the proinflammatory COX-2 protein, and PGE2 induction in human THP-1 monocytes. Both these compounds can thus serve as leads for further studies towards the treatment and prevention of diabetic vascular complications.

Indole-linked 1,2,3-triazole derivatives efficiently modulate COX-2 protein and PGE2 levels in human THP-1 monocytes by suppressing AGE-ROS-NF-kß nexus.

AIMS: AGEs augment inflammatory responses by activating inflammatory cascade in monocytes, and hence lead to vascular dysfunction. The current study aims to study a plausible role and mechanism of a new library of indole-tethered 1,2,3-triazoles 2-13 in AGEs-induced inflammation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Initially, the analogs 2-13 were synthesized by cycloaddition reaction between prop-2-yn-1-yl-2-(1H-indol-3-yl) acetate (1) and azidoacetophenone (1a). In vitro glycation, and metabolic assays were employed to investigate antiglycation and cytotoxicity activities of new indole-triazoles. DCFH-DA, immunostaining, Western blotting, and ELISA techniques were used to study the reactive oxygen species (ROS), and pro-inflammatory mediators levels. KEY FINDINGS: Among all the synthesized indole-triazoles, compounds 1-3, and 9-13, and their precursor molecule 1 were found to be active against AGEs production in in vitro glucose- and methylglyoxal (MGO)-BSA models. Compounds 1-2, and 11-13 were also found to be nontoxic against HEPG2, and THP-1 cells. Our results show that pretreatment of THP-1 monocytes with selected lead compounds 1-2, and 11-13, particularly compounds 12, and 13, reduced glucose- and MGO-derived AGEs-mediated ROS production (P < 0.001), as compared to standards, PDTC, rutin, and quercetin. They also significantly (P < 0.001) suppressed NF-ĸB translocation in THP-1 monocytes. Moreover, compounds 12, and 13 attenuated the AGEs-induced COX-2 protein levels (P < 0.001), and PGE2 production (P < 0.001) in THP-1 monocytes. SIGNIFICANCE: Our data revealed that the indole-triazoles 12, and 13 can significantly attenuate the AGEs-induced proinflammatory COX-2 levels, and associated PGE2 production by suppressing AGE-ROS-NF-Kß nexus in THP-1 monocytes. These compounds can thus serve as leads for further evaluation as treatment to delay early onset of diabetic complications.

Innovative Strategies to Overcome Antimicrobial Resistance and Tolerance.

Antimicrobial resistance and tolerance are natural phenomena that arose due to evolutionary adaptation of microorganisms against various xenobiotic agents. These adaptation mechanisms make the current treatment options challenging as it is increasingly difficult to treat a broad range of infections, associated biofilm formation, intracellular and host adapted microbes, as well as persister cells and microbes in protected niches. Therefore, novel strategies are needed to identify the most promising drug targets to overcome the existing hurdles in the treatment of infectious diseases. Furthermore, discovery of novel drug candidates is also much needed, as few novel antimicrobial drugs have been introduced in the last two decades. In this review, we focus on the strategies that may help in the development of innovative small molecules which can interfere with microbial resistance mechanisms. We also highlight the recent advances in optimization of growth media which mimic host conditions and genome scale molecular analyses of microbial response against antimicrobial agents. Furthermore, we discuss the identification of antibiofilm molecules and their mechanisms of action in the light of the distinct physiology and metabolism of biofilm cells. This review thus provides the most recent advances in host mimicking growth media for effective drug discovery and development of antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents.

Peptide conjugates of 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid as potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase and AGEs-induced oxidation.

18ß-Glycyrrhetinic acid (18ß-GA) is known for several biological activities, and has been the focus of extensive research for the development of therapeutic agents. In the current study, 18ß-GA-peptide conjugates 2-11 were evaluated for their in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory and antiglycation activities. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) established and molecular interactions of active bioconjugates with the enzyme's binding sites were predicted through molecular modeling approach. In tripeptide moiety of conjugates 2-11, peptide residue at position 1 was found to have a significant role on α-glucosidase inhibition. The most active 18ß-GA-peptide conjugates 5 (18ß-GA-Cys1-Tyr2-Gly3), and 8 (18ß-GA-Pro1-Tyr2-Gly3) exhibited several-fold potent α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 values 20-28 µM), as compared to standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 875.8 ± 2.10 µM). Kinetic studies of potent compounds, 4-8 revealed that conjugate 5 exhibits competitive-type of inhibition, while conjugates 6-8 showed a non-competitive type of inhibition. The simulation studies also supported the kinetic results that conjugate 5 (18ß-GA-Cys1-Tyr2-Gly3) inhibits the α-glucosidase enzyme by blocking its substrate binding site. AGEs-induced NO• inhibitors play an important role in controlling the inflammation associated with diabetes mellitus. The peptide conjugates 2-11 were also evaluated in vitro for AGEs-induced NO• inhibition using RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Our data revealed that conjugates 7-10 were the more potent AGEs-induced NO• inhibitors, comparable to standards rutin, and PDTC. The peptide conjugate 5 (a competitive inhibitor of α-glucosidase) also exhibited a strong inhibitory activity against AGEs-induced NO• production. Furthermore, peptide conjugates 2-11 were found non-cytotoxic to mouse fibroblast NIH-3T3, and murine macrophages RAW 264.7 cell lines. In conclusion, our data demonstrates that besides possessing strong α-glucosidase inhibition, the newly synthesized peptide conjugates also alleviated the AGEs-induced NO• production in RAW macrophages. Dual inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme, and AGEs-induced NO• production by 18ß-GA-peptide conjugates qualify them for further research in anti-diabetic drug discovery.

Gliclazide alters macrophages polarization state in diabetic atherosclerosis in vitro via blocking AGE-RAGE/TLR4-reactive oxygen species-activated NF-kß nexus.

Hyperglycemic milieu in diabetes mellitus stimulates macrophages for exaggerated pro-inflammatory cytokine response, particularly IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. Although hyperglycemia causes macrophages to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, AGEs (advanced glycation end products) active inflammation, produced as a result of chronic hyperglycemia, inducers cause polarization of macrophages into pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype. AGEs in diabetes accelerate atherosclerotic plaque initiation and progression via promoting macrophages polarization towards pro-inflammatory state. Gliclazide (Glz) is a well known antidiabetic drug with excellent safety profile. Its repurposing in the management of diabetes-associated late complications has tremendous merit. The present study demonstrated that Glz retards diabetic atherosclerotic progression, and cytokines storm in a concentration dependent manner over a concentration range of 1-100 µM than those of AGEs (200 µg/ml)-treated cells through a mechanism that alters macrophage M1 polarization state. Glz exerted these beneficial effects, independent of its antidiabetic effect. Glz pretreatment significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the AGEs-induced pro-inflammatory mediators (NO•, reactive oxygen species, i-NOS), and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. It also significantly (P < 0.05) promoted the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-ß) in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. Glz pretreatment also effectively abated the AGEs-induced RAGE (~2-fold decrease), and CD86 surface marker expressions (P < 0.001 at 100 µM) on macrophages by inhibiting the NF-kß activation in a concentration dependent manner (1-100 µM) (P < 0.001). In conclusion, our data demonstrates that Glz alleviates the diabetic atherosclerosis progression by ameliorating the AGEs-mediated M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype via blocking AGE-RAGE/TLR4-reactive oxygen species -activated NF-kß nexus in macrophages.

Isolation, characterization, and hepatoprotective properties of betulinic acid and ricinine from Tetracarpidium conophorum seeds (Euphorbiaceae).

The present study is to isolate and characterize betulinic acid and ricinine from T. conophorum seeds. Phytochemical investigation on hexane fraction of T. conophorum seeds led to the isolation of two compounds, Betulinic acid (1), and Ricinine (2). Betulinic acid and ricinine were screened against HepG2 cells and tested in vivo in CCl4 -induced experimental rats model. Results from this study showed that the compounds had hepatoprotective and cytotoxic activities. It was observed that betulinic acid inhibited HepG2 cell with percentage inhibition of 54% compared with standard doxorubicin (64%), while ricinine was inactive against HepG2 cell lines. Furthermore, molecular docking was carried out on betulinic acids and ricinine, with binding energies of -11.2 kcal/mol and -5.4 kcal/mol, respectively, indicating strong binding sites and interactions with Hepatitis B Virus DNA polymerase. Therefore, findings from this study suggest that betulinic acid possess cytotoxic and hepatoprotective properties, while ricinine exhibited hepatoprotection in CCl4 -induced liver damage. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Medicinal plants contain unrestricted ability to make compounds that intrigue researchers in the quest for novel phyto-therapeutic drugs. The continuous exploration of new compounds in the medicinal plant is an auspicious strategy for the prevention of diseases. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to evaluate the cytotoxic and hepatoprotective compounds (betulinic acid and ricinine) isolated from T. conophorum seeds.

Anthranilic Acid Derivatives: Novel Inhibitors of Protein Glycation and the Associated Oxidative Stress in the Hepatocytes.

BACKGROUND: Anthranilic acid derivatives are important pharmacophores in drug discovery. Several of them are currently being used, such as mefenamic acid and meclofenamates, possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities. Some anthranilic acid-based scaffolds have also been reported for the management of metabolic disorders. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to investigate the antiglycation potential of 2-anilino benzoic acid derivatives against (N-phenylanthranilic acid) fructose- human serum albumin (HSA) glycation. The study also analyzed the effects of newly identified antiglycation inhibitors on AGEs-mediated intracellular reactive oxygen species production, and associated impaired proliferation of the hepatocytes. METHODS: The present study focuses on the antiglycation activity of 2- anilinobenzoic acid derivatives 1-18 in in-vitro human serum albumin (HSA)- fructose model. These derivatives were also identified as non-toxic to 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell-line using metabolic assay. The effect of the most promising derivative 1, 2- (2, 4- dinitroanilino)benzoic acid, was studied in a dose dependent manner, co-incubated with fructose-derived AGEs (0- 200 µg/mL), on rat hepatocytes proliferation and associated intracellular generation of ROS via MTT assay and DCFH-DA technique, respectively. RESULTS: We found that derivative 1 ameliorates the elevated intracellular oxidative stress and associated diminished proliferation of the hepatocytes in response to AGEs. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we identify novel 2- anilino benzoic acid derivatives as antiglycation agents through in-vitro and cellular-based models.

Effect of Sideritis leptoclada against HT-144 human malignant melanoma.

Sideritis leptoclada O. Schwarz et P.H. Davis extracts were evaluated for its singlet oxygen production capacity using spectrophotometric method. The extracts producing singlet oxygen were then evaluated for cytotoxicity against malignant melanoma cancer (HT-144) and fibroblast (3T3) cell lines using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The photocytotoxicity against the HT-144 human melanoma cell line in the presence of illumination (∼≥400 nm) was also evaluated. In the standard MTT assay, the ethanol extract of S. leptoclada (100 µg/ml) showed 83.49±3.33% inhibition of HT-144 cancer cells, whereas in the illuminated MTT assay, it showed 77.46±1.97% inhibition of HT-144 cancer cells. The effects of ethanol extract on reactive oxygen species production, apoptosis, and tumor necrosis factor-α secretion were also evaluated on HT-144 cell lines. The extract triggered an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species production and tumor necrosis factor-α secretion compared with the respective controls. Thus, the ethanol extract may cause apoptosis. The LC-MS/MS analyses of S. leptoclada ethanolic extract showed that it has quinic acid (137213±11.25 µg/g extract), malic acid (1468±0.16 µg/g extract), chlorogenic acid (881.7±0.06 µg/g extract), and apigetrin (223.2±0.13 µg/g extract) as major constituents. The ethanolic extract of S. leptoclada should be further investigated as a potential treatment for malignant melanoma cancer.

Insulinotropic action of 2, 4-dinitroanilino-benzoic acid through the attenuation of pancreatic beta-cell lesions in diabetic rats.

Beta cell destruction plays a key role in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. It has also been argued that beta-cell mass is compromised in some cases of type 2 diabetes, although this is still debated. Currently, the failure of oral antidiabetic insulin secretagogue drugs to properly manage type 2 diabetes demands novel approaches for the treatment of this condition. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic effect in STZ-induced diabetic rats, and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) safety of novel anthranilic acid derivative, 2, 4-dinitroanilino-benzoic acid (1). Anthranilic acid derivative 1 was also evaluated for insulinotropic action on STZ-mediated pancreatic beta-cell lesions in diabetic rats. During an eight week study, oral glucose tolerance test, fasting blood glucose, and serum insulin levels, and pancreatic insulin contents were measured in four different groups of Wistar rats; control, STZ-induced diabetic, gliclazide-treated, and anthranilic acid derivative-treated diabetic rats. Beta-cell number and islet area were also quantified, and immunohistochemical study was performed. In vitro studies in cells showed that 2, 4-dinitroanilino-benzoic acid (1) did not adversely effect the cells viability. We found that the derivative 1 significantly improved the glucose tolerance, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c levels, serum insulin levels, and pancreatic insulin contents (P < 0.05), comparable to gliclazide-treated group. The derivative 1 exhibited a significant insulinotropic action on diabetic pancreas, and caused an increased immunoreactivity for insulin, as compared to gliclazide-treated group. Together these results suggest that treatment of diabetic rats with 2, 4-dinitroanilino-benzoic acid (1) improved the glucose tolerance, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c levels most probably by restoring the functional activities of the pancreas via its insulinotropic action. This indicates that the derivative 1 can serve as lead for the treatment of diabetes caused by low insulin levels.

Derivatives of 6-Nitrobenzimidazole Inhibit Fructose-Mediated Protein Glycation and Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species Production.

BACKGROUND: Benzimidazoles are important pharmacophores in drug discovery, and currently its derivatives such as flubendazole, omeprazole, and astemizole are used for the treatment of anthelmintic, ulcerative, and histaminic diseases, respectively. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to investigate the antiglycation activity of nitrobenzimidazole derivatives against fructose-mediated human serum albumin (HSA) glycation. The study was also aimed at investigating the effects of newly identified antiglycation inhibitors on AGEsinduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and associated impaired proliferation of the hepatocytes. METHODS: The present study focuses on the antiglycation activity of 6-nitrobenzimidazole derivatives 1-13 in in-vitro human serum albumin (HSA)- fructose model. These derivatives were also identified as non-toxic against 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell-line in MTT-based assay. The effect of the most promising derivative 5, 4-(6-nitro-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-1,2,3-benzenetriol, was studied in a dose dependent manner, co-incubated with fructose-derived AGEs (0- 200 µg/mL) on rat hepatocytes proliferation and associated intracellular generation of ROS via MTT-based assay and DCFHDA technique, respectively. RESULTS: We found that derivative 5 ameliorates the elevated intracellular oxidative stress and associated diminished proliferation of the hepatocytes in response to AGEs. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we identified novel 6-nitrobenzimidazole derivatives as antiglycation agents through in-vitro, and cell-based models.

Glycation, carbonyl stress and AGEs inhibitors: a patent review.

INTRODUCTION: The glycation process, comprising a series of reactions, results in the formation of heterogeneous adducts, known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs are involved in several pathologies, including diabetes-associated late complications, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and inflammatory arthritis. Several inhibitors of AGEs and/or reactive carbonyl species have been identified from various sources, including natural products and synthetic molecules, and have been investigated for their mechanism of action. AREAS COVERED: This review covers the literature on AGEs inhibitors published as patents between 2001 and 2014. Initially, the earlier reported molecules with AGEs inhibitory properties, their mechanism of actions and reported adverse effects are discussed. The main focus has been on the chemical structures, methods for evaluation of the activity, modes of action, pharmacokinetics and therapeutic outcomes. The potential of these AGEs inhibitors in the treatment and management of a number of diseases are also discussed in this review. EXPERT OPINION: The reactive carbonyl species and AGEs have recently emerged as novel therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of several diseases. Currently, the major concerns with the use of AGEs inhibitors as therapeutic agents are low effectiveness, poor pharmacokinetics and undesirable side effects. Many of the AGEs inhibitors reviewed here possess potent antiglycation activity and are devoid of undesirable side effects. These small molecules inhibitors can, therefore, serve as scaffolds for the development and designing of new AGEs inhibitors as clinical agents.

Synthesis of 2,4,6-trichlorophenyl hydrazones and their inhibitory potential against glycation of protein.

2,4,6-Trichlorophenyl hydrazones 1-35 were synthesized and their in vitro antiglycation potential was evaluated. Compounds 14 (IC50 = 27.2 ± 0.00 µM), and 18 (IC50 = 55.7 ± 0.00 µM) showed an excellent activity against glycation of protein, better than the standard (rutin, IC50 = 70 ± 0.50 µM). This study thus identified a novel series of antiglycation agents. A structure-activity relationship has been studied, and all the compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques.