RESUMO
The fortification of flour with folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTD) is currently mandated in over eighty countries worldwide, hence compelling its consumption by the greater part of the world's population. Notwithstanding its beneficial impact on rates of NTD, pervasive folic acid supplementation has invariably led to additive daily intakes reaching well beyond their original target, resulting in the circulation of unmetabolized folic acid. Associated idiopathic side-effects ranging from allergies to cancer have been suggested, albeit inconclusively. Herein, we hypothesize that their inconsistent detection and elusive etiology are linked to the in vivo generation of the immunosuppressive folic acid metabolite 6-formylpterin, which interferes with the still emerging and varied functions of Major Histocompatibility Complex-related molecule 1 (MR1)-restricted T cells. Accordingly, we predict that fortification-related adverse health outcomes can be eliminated by substituting folic acid with the bioequivalent folate vitamer 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, which does not break down into 6-formylpterin.
Assuntos
Efeitos Colaterais e Reações Adversas Relacionados a Medicamentos , Defeitos do Tubo Neural , Farinha , Ácido Fólico/efeitos adversos , Alimentos Fortificados/efeitos adversos , Antígenos de Histocompatibilidade Classe I , Humanos , Antígenos de Histocompatibilidade Menor , Defeitos do Tubo Neural/induzido quimicamente , Defeitos do Tubo Neural/epidemiologia , Defeitos do Tubo Neural/prevenção & controleRESUMO
Phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) is a promising target for new anticancer treatment. Herein, we report our work in the discovery of novel drug-like PC-PLC inhibitors. Virtual screening led to the identification of promising hits from four different structural series that contain the molecular scaffold of benzenesulphonamides (10), pyrido[3,4-b]indoles (22), morpholinobenzoic acid (84) and benzamidobenzoic acid (80). 164 structural analogues were tested to investigate the chemical space around the hit series and to generate preliminary structurally activity relationships (SAR). Two of the pyrido[3,4-b]indoles (22_10 and 22_15) had comparable or better potency as D609, an established but non-drug-like PC-PLC inhibitor. Furthermore, three morpholinobenzoic acids (84, 84_4 and 84_5) had superior potency than D609. Therefore, this study paves the way towards the development of drug-like PL-PLC inhibitors as potential anticancer agents.
