Sulphated Fucooligosaccharide from Sargassum Horneri: Structural Analysis and Anti-Alzheimer Activity.

In the present study, sulfated polysaccharides were obtained by digestion of Sargassum horneri and preparation with enzyme-assisted extraction using three food-grade enzymes, and their anti- Alzheimer's activities were investigated. The results demonstrated that the crude sulfated polysaccharides extracted using AMGSP, CSP and VSP dose-dependently (25-100 µg·mL- 1) raised the spontaneous alternating manner (%) in the Y maze experiment of mice and reduced the escape latency time in Morris maze test. AMGSP, CSP and VSP also exhibited good anti-AChE and moderate anti-BuChE activities. CSP displayed the best inhibitory efficacy against AChE. with IC50 values of 9.77 µM. And, CSP also exhibited good inhibitory selectivity of AChE over BuChE. Next, CSP of the best active crude extract was separated by the preparation type high performance liquid phase to obtain the sulphated fucooligosaccharide section: SFcup (→3-α-L-fucp(2-SO3-)-1→4-α-L-fucp(2,3-SO3-)-1→section), SFcup showed a best inhibitory efficacy against AChE with IC50 values of 4.03 µM. The kinetic research showed that SFcup inhibited AChE through dual binding sites. Moreover, the molecular docking of SFcup at the AChE active site was in accordance with the acquired pharmacological results.

Benzothiazole-Propanamide Linker Pyrrolidine (Morpholine) as Monoamine Oxidase-B and Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitors.

According to the fusion technique create effective multi-target-directed ligands, in this study, we designed and synthesized a series of benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl) or 3-(morph- olino-1-yl)propanamide derivatives, and evaluated their inhibitory potency against MAOs, AChE, BuChE by in vitro enzyme effect assays. Based on activity results, we found that derivatives N-(5-methylbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanamide (2 c) and N-(6-bromobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanamide (2 h) showed good inhibitory potency against BuChE with IC50 values of 15.12 µM and 12.33 µM, respectively. Besides, 2 c and 2 h also exhibited selective MAO-B inhibitory effects with inhibition rates of 60.10 % and 66.30 % at 100 µM, respectively. In contrast, all designed derivatives were poor active against AChE and MAO-A at a concentration of 100 µM. The toxicity analysis in vitro by MTT and AO/EB fluorescence staining confirmed that 2 c and 2 h were nontoxic up to 100 µM. Molecular modeling studies showed that 2 c and 2 h could bind to the active site of BuChE. This research paves the way for further study aimed at designing MAO-B and BuChE inhibitors for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

(S)-N-Benzyl-1-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoqunoline-2(1H)-carboxamide Derivatives, Multi-Target Inhibitors of Monoamine Oxidase and Cholinesterase: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity.

A series of (S)-1-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline-2(1H)-carboxamide derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for inhibitory activity against monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A and-B, acetylcholine esterase (AChE), and butyrylcholine esterase (BChE). Four compounds (2i, 2p, 2t, and 2v) showed good inhibitory activity against both MAO-A and MAO-B, and two compounds (2d and 2j) showed selective inhibitory activity against MAO-A, with IC50 values of 1.38 and 2.48 µM, respectively. None of the compounds showed inhibitory activity against AChE; however, 12 compounds showed inhibitory activity against BChE. None of the active compounds showed cytotoxicity against L929cells. Molecular docking revealed several important interactions between the active analogs and amino acid residues of the protein receptors. This research paves the way for further study aimed at designing MAO and ChE inhibitors for the treatment of depression and neurodegenerative disorders.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity of Chalcone Analogs Containing 4-Phenylquinolin and Benzohydrazide.

A series of chalcone derivatives (3a-3m) containing 4-phenylquinoline and benzohydrazide were designed and synthesized, and their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antidepressant activities were evaluated. Using the classic antidepressant model, except for compounds 3a and 3d, 11 compounds all showed certain antidepressant activity at a dose of 100 mg/kg, among which compounds 3f, 3h, and 3m showed good antidepressant activity (inhibition rate, respectively 63.0 %, 73.2 %, and 76.4 %), which was equivalent to the positive control fluoxetine (inhibition rate of 70.0 %). Secondly, the inhibitory activity of these compounds on mouse MAOA was evaluated. At 10 mM, compounds 3f and 3j showed a certain selective inhibitory effect on mouse MAOA , while compounds 3b, 3d, 3g, 3i, and 3m had a good inhibitory effect on mouse MAOA (inhibition rate is 42.3-71.4 %). The mouse ear edema model was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 3a-3m. At 30 mg/kg, compounds 3b, 3c, 3e, 3f, 3g, and 3m showed certain anti-inflammatory effects (inhibition rate of 51.5-99.9 %), which was equivalent to the positive control indomethacin (inhibition rate of 69.7 %). Results of the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test showed that, at 30 mg/kg, excepted for compounds 3a, 3b and 3d, all the other 10 compounds can show certain analgesic activity (inhibition rate 67-99.9 %). The use of Auto dock Vina (simina) to simulate molecular target docking shows that the development of quinoline and benzohydrazide groups is of great significance to MAOA inhibitors.

Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, and Analgesic Activities and Mechanisms of Quinolines, Indoles and Related Derivatives.

Quinoline, isoquinoline, and indoles are common heterocyclic compounds. They have many biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-virus, anti-rheumatism, immunity regulation, expectorant, and analgesic. Over the past few centuries, traditional natural products have made great contributions to the discovery and development of new therapeutic agents. Many important drugs have been found from these three classes of compounds. In this mini-review, we mainly cover the research progress on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic activities of quinoline, isoquinoline, and indole compounds over the past 20 years (2000- 2019). We aim to explore new characteristic groups or structures in the search for active lead compounds and provide a basis for rational drug design.

Synthesis and evaluations of selective COX-2 inhibitory effects: Benzo[d]thiazol analogs.

A series of benzo[d]thiazole analogs were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Using an ear edema model, except for compounds 2k, 2m-2q and 3a, other compounds showed the anti-inflammatory effects. Among them, compounds 2c, 2d, and 2g showed the best anti-inflammatory activity (inhibition rate: 86.8%, 90.7% and 82.9%, respectively). By the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test, except for compounds 2e, 2l, 2m, 2o, 2p and 3a, other compounds showed the analgesic effects with inhibition rate values of 51.9-100% (2a-2r) and 68.6-100% (3a-3g). Next, compounds 2c, 2d, 2g, 3d, 3f, 3g that displayed the excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities were evaluated for their inhibitory effect against ovine COX-1 and COX-2. Compounds 2c, 2d, 2g, 3d, 3f, 3g were weak inhibitors of the COX-1 isozyme but exhibited the moderate COX-2 isozyme inhibitory effects IC50 from 0.28 to 0.77 µM and COX-2 selectivity indexes (SI: 18.6 to 7.2). This benzo[d]thiazole moiety will be proved to be of great significance for developing more potent COX-2 inhibitors.

Screening of chalcone analogs with anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and COX-2-inhibiting effects.

A group of 2-methyl-4-phenylquinoline-chalcone analogs (2a-2x) was synthesized and investigated for anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects as cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors. Pharmacological experiments identified 24 analogs that exhibited anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities. In particular, compounds 2c, 2k, and 2w markedly shortened immobility times and exhibited the most anti-depressant activity. In addition, the mechanisms of action of the analogs 2c, 2k, and 2w were likely related to increased serotonin levels in the central nervous system. Compounds 2c, 2k, and 2w displayed reasonable cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory effects (IC50 values from 0.21 to 0.29 µmol/L) similar to celecoxib (IC50: 0.19 µmol/L) in vitro. A molecular docking study of compound 2k also was conducted.

Biological evaluation of 2,3-dioxoindolin-N-phenylacetamide derivatives as potent CDC25B and PTP1B phosphatase inhibitors

A series of 2,3-dioxoindolin-N-phenylacetamide derivatives was evaluated for inhibitory activity against CDC25B and PTP1B enzymes. Most of the derivatives showed inhibitory activity against CDC25B (IC50 = 3.2-23.2 µg/mL) and PTP1B (IC50 = 2.9-21.4 µg/mL). Compound 2h showed the most inhibitory activity in vitro with IC50 values of 3.2 and 2.9 µg/mL against CDC25B and PTP1B, respectively, compared with the reference drugs Na3VO4 (IC50 = 2.7 µg/mL) and oleanolic acid (IC50 = 2.3 µg/mL). The results of selectivity experiments showed that the 2,3-dioxoindolin-N-phenylacetamide derivatives were selective inhibitors against CDC25B and PTP1B. Enzyme kinetic experiments demonstrated that compound 2h was a specific inhibitor with the typical characteristics of a mixed inhibitor. In cytotoxic activity assays compound 2h had potent activity against A549, HeLa, and HCT116 cell lines. In addition, compound 2h showed potent tumor inhibitory activity in a colo205 xenograft model in vivo.

Chalcone derivatives bearing chromen or benzo[f]chromen moieties: Design, synthesis, and evaluations of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, selective COX-2 inhibitory activities.

Thirty-eight chalconederivatives bearing a chromen or benzo[f]chromen moiety were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Using an ear edema model, anti-inflammatory activities were observed for compounds 3a-3s (ear inflammation: 1.75-3.71 mg) and 4a-4s (ear inflammation: 1.71-4.94 mg). All compounds also displayed analgesic effects with inhibition values of 66.7-100% (3a-3s) and 96.2-100% (4a-4s). The 12 compounds that displayed excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were tested for their inhibitory activity against ovine COX-1 and COX-2. Six compounds bearing a chromen moiety were weak inhibitors of the COX-1 isozyme but showed moderate COX-2 isozyme inhibitory effects (IC50s from 0.37 µM to 0.83 µM) and COX-2 selectivity indexes (SI: 22.49-9.34). Those bearing a benzo[f]chromen moiety were more selective toward COX-2 than those bearing a chromen moiety with IC50s from 0.25 µM to 0.43 µM and COX-2 selectivity indexes from SI: 31.08 to 20.67.

Antidepressant-like Effect of a Chalcone Compound, DHIPC and Its Possible Mechanism.

DHIPC (2,4-dichloro-2´-hydroxyl-4´,6´-diisoprenyloxychalcone) is a new chalcone compound. In this study, its antidepressant-like activity of compound DHIPC was evaluated by the forced swimming test and the tail suspension test in mice. The results showed that DHIPC significantly reduced the immobility time for 2 h after treatment through the oral administration at dose of 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg in the forced swimming test and the tail suspension test, indicating a significant antidepressant-like effect. The maximal effect was obtained at 30 mg/kg, which is similar to the positive control fluoxetine. The main monoamine neurotransmitters and their metabolites in rat brain were also simultaneously determined. It was found that DHIPC significantly increased the concentrations of the main neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenalin, and also significantly increased 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid contents in hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cortex in brain part. So, the probable mechanism of action of DHIPC is thought to be related to increase in serotonin and noradrenalin in the brain.

Mutation of IFNLR1, an interferon lambda receptor 1, is associated with autosomal-dominant non-syndromic hearing loss.

Background Hereditary sensorineural hearing loss is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. Objectives This study was designed to explore the genetic etiology of deafness in a large Chinese family with autosomal dominant, nonsyndromic, progressive sensorineural hearing loss (ADNSHL). Methods Whole exome sequencing and linkage analysis were performed to identify pathogenic mutation. Inner ear expression of Ifnlr1 was investigated by immunostaining in mice. ifnlr1 Morpholino knockdown Zebrafish were constructed to explore the deafness mechanism. Results We identified a cosegregating heterozygous missense mutation, c.296G>A (p.Arg99His) in the gene encoding interferon lambda receptor 1 (IFNLR1) - a protein that functions in the Jak/ STAT pathway- are associated with ADNSHL Morpholino knockdown of ifnlr1 leads to a significant decrease in hair cells and non-inflation of the swim bladder in late-stage zebrafish, which can be reversed by injection with normal Zebrafish ifnlr1 mRNA. Knockdown of ifnlr1 in zebrafish causes significant upregulation of cytokine receptor family member b4 (interleukin-10r2), jak1, tyrosine kinase 2, stat3, and stat5b in the Jak1/STAT3 pathway at the mRNA level. ConclusionIFNLR1 function is required in the auditory system and that IFNLR1 mutations are associated with ADNSHL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study implicating an interferon lambda receptor in auditory function.

Synthesis, potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities study of (S)-N-substituted-1-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline-2(1H)-carboxamides.

A series of (S)-N-substitued-1-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline-2(1H)-carboxamide derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in vivo. Among the synthesized compounds 2a and 2n showed the best anti-inflammatory activity (inhibition rate: 95% and 92.7%, respectively) and analgesic effect (inhibition rate: 100% and 100%, respectively), which was greater than that or nearly equivalent to that of indomethacin. Compounds 2a and 2n were selected to test their inhibitory effects against ovine COX-1 and COX-2 using the cyclooxygenase inhibition assay in vitro. Compounds 2a and 2n are weak inhibitors of COX-1 isozyme but displayed moderate COX-2 isozyme inhibitory effects (IC50=0.47µM and 1.63µM, respectively) and COX-2 selectivity indexes (SI=11.5 and 4.8). Furthermore, compound 2a was more inhibitors of COX-2 isozyme active than the reference drug celecoxib.

Antidepressant-like effects and mechanisms of flavonoids and related analogues.

Flavonoids, possessing a basic phenylbenzopyrone core, are important components of the human diet, and are found in many medicinal plants. Flavonoids include chalcones, flavanones and their derivatives. Synthetic and natural isolated flavonoids display an enormous number of biological activities such as antitumor, antiplatelet, anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and anticonvulsant properties. This review article focuses on the antidepressant-like effect, structure-activity relationship and mechanism of action of total flavonoid extracts isolation from natural sources, flavonoid compounds and their related analogues.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Phenyliminoindolin-Containing Phenylacetamide Derivatives with the Antidepressant and Anticonvulsant Effects.

BACKGROUND: To discover a novel antidepressant-like effect and anticonvulsant compound, seventeen new 2-oxo-3-phenyliminoindolin-1-Nphenylacetamide compounds were synthesized and screened for the antidepressant activity and anticonvulsant effects. METHOD: 2-oxo-3-phenyliminoindolin-1-N-phenylacetamide derivatives were synthesized with indoline-2, 3-dione as the starting material, through a nucleophilic substitution reaction and a nucleophilic addition-elimination reaction. The target derivatives 2a-2q were evaluated the antidepressant-like activity using the FST, TST, and evaluated anticonvulsant effect by MES test. The main monoamine neurotransmitters and their metabolites in mouse brain regions were also simultaneously determined by HPLC-ECD. RESULTS: It was observed that 13 compounds showed significant reductions in the immobility time in the FST at a concentration of 50 mg/kg. Compound 2b was found to have the most potent antidepressant activity in the FST and the TST for 30 min after treatment. Compound 2b significantly increased the concentrations of the main neurotransmitters 5-HT, NE and the metabolite (5-HIAA, suggesting that the effects of compound 2b may be mediated through these neurotransmitters. As assessed using maximal electroshock, 13 compounds showed the anticonvulsant effects administered at the concentration levels of 100 or 300 mg/kg. Compound 2b showed anticonvulsant effect. Compound 2b could potentially be used as adjuncts of the antidepressants to treat depression in patients with epilepsy. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, compound 2b produced significant antidepressant-like activity and the mechanism of action may be due to increased 5-HT and NE in the mouse. Compound 2b showed more anticonvulsant effect. Compound 2b could potentially be used as adjuncts of the antidepressants to treat depression in patients with epilepsy.

Design, Synthesis, and Potential Antidepressant-like Activity of 7-prenyloxy-2,3-dihydroflavanone Derivatives.

A series of 7-prenyloxy-2, 3-dihydroflavanone derivatives were synthesized and screened for their antidepressant-like activity. Among them, it was observed that compounds 5j and 5k were found to be the most antidepressant-like activity. In addition, it was found that compounds 5j and 5k significantly increased the concentrations of the main neurotransmitters 5-HT and NE in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cortex. Compounds 5j and 5k also significantly increased the contents of 5-HIAA in the hippocampus and cortex, shut down 5-HT metabolism compared with mice treated with stress vehicle. These results suggested that compounds 5j and 5k displayed potent antidepressant-like properties that were mediated via neurochemical systems.

3,4-DHQLO and Triazole and Its Related Analogues with Anticonvulsant Effects.

The derivatives of quinolinone and triazole exhibit antitumor, antiplatelet, antidepressant, and anticonvulsant properties in diverse experimental systems. In the past decades, we have developed increasingly potent anticonvulsant agents by the structural modification of compounds derived from 3,4-DHQLO, triazole, and their analogs. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a new series of 3,4-DHQLO and triazole and their derivatives; their anticonvulsant activity was evaluated. Moreover, we also reviewed the anticonvulsant activity of 3,4-DHQLO and triazole and their derivatives and new approaches.

Practical Synthesis, Antidepressant, and Anticonvulsant Activity of 3-Phenyliminoindolin-2-one Derivatives.

Herein, a series of 3-phenyliminoindolin-2-one derivatives were designed, synthesized, and screened for their antidepressant and anticonvulsant activities. The IR spectra of the compounds afforded NH stretching (3340-3346 cm(-1)) bands and C=O stretching (1731-1746 cm(-1)). In the (1)H-NMR spectra of the compounds, N-H protons of indoline ring were observed at 10.65-10.89 ppm generally as broad bands, and (13)C-NMR spectra of the compounds C=O were seen at 161.72-169.27 ppm. Interestingly, compounds 3o, 3p and 3r significantly shortened immobility time in the The forced swimming test (FST) and The tail suspension test (TST) at 50 mg/kg dose levels. In addition, compound 3r exhibited higher levels of efficacy than the reference standard fluoxetine but had no effect on locomotor activity in the open-field test. Compound 3r significantly increased serotonin and norepinephrine and the metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in mouse brain, suggesting that the effects of compound 3r may be mediated through these neurotransmitters. In the seizure screen, 15 compounds showed some degree against PTZ-induced seizure at a dose of 100 mg/kg, and the tested compounds did not show any neurotoxicity at a dose of 300 mg/kg in the rotarod test.

New naphthopyrones from marine-derived fungus Aspergillus niger 2HL-M-8 and their in vitro antiproliferative activity.

A new cytotoxic dimeric naphthopyrone, aurasperone H (1), together with eight related known polyketides (2-9) was isolated from a marine-derived fungus Aspergillus niger 2HL-M-8. The structure of new compound 1 was elucidated on the basis of its spectroscopic data (1D, 2D NMR and CD). Compound 1 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 and the human leukaemia HL-60 cell lines. Compound 5 displayed significant in vitro antiproliferative activity against HL-60 cell line with an IC50 value of 0.8 µM.

Fucosterol, a sterol extracted from Sargassum fusiforme, shows antidepressant and anticonvulsant effects.

We previously showed that extracts of Sargassum fusiforme significantly reduce immobility time in the forced swim test and tail suspension test, suggesting that these extracts possess antidepressant-like effects. Here, fucosterol extracted from S. fusiforme was evaluated for antidepressant and anticonvulsant activities in mice. Fucosterol (10, 20, 30 and 40mg/kg) significantly shortened immobility time in the forced swim test and tail suspension test for30min after treatment but had no effect on locomotor activity in the open field test. Fucosterol significantly increased serotonin, norepinephrine and the metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in mouse brain, suggesting that the effects of fucosterol may be mediated through these neurotransmitters. As assessed using maximal electroshock, fucosterol (20, 40, 100mg/kg) possessed anticonvulsant activity, whereas rotarod toxicity test results indicated that fucosterol did not induce neurotoxicity at the same dose levels in mice. Thus, fucosterol may be a useful antidepressant adjunct candidate for treating depression in patients with epilepsy. A significant increase in hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels was found in the fucosterol 20mg/kg group (P<0.05). Our findings suggested that fucosterol may possess an antidepressant-like effect, which may be mediated by increasing central BDNF levels.

Acupuncture for Vascular Dementia: A Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial.

In this trial, patients who agreed to random assignment were allocated to a randomized acupuncture group (R-acupuncture group) or control group. Those who declined randomization were assigned to a nonrandomized acupuncture group (NR-acupuncture group). Patients in the R-acupuncture group and NR-acupuncture group received up to 21 acupuncture sessions during a period of 6 weeks plus routine care, while the control group received routine care alone. Cognitive function, activities of daily living, and quality of life were assessed by mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADL), and dementia quality of life questionnaire (DEMQOL), respectively. All the data were collected at baseline, after 6-week treatment, and after 4-week follow-up. No significant differences of MMSE scores were observed among the three groups but pooled-acupuncture group had significant higher score than control group. Compared to control group, ADL score significantly decreased in NR-acupuncture group and pooled-acupuncture group. For DEMQOL scores, no significant differences were observed among the three groups, as well as between pooled-acupuncture group and control group. Additional acupuncture to routine care may have beneficial effects on the improvements of cognitive status and activities of daily living but have limited efficacy on health-related quality of life in VaD patients.