Discovery of non-peptide GLP-1r natural agonists for enhancing coronary safety in type 2 diabetes patients.

This study explores the computational discovery of non-peptide agonists targeting the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor (GLP-1R) to enhance the safety of major coronary outcomes in individuals affected by Type 2 Diabetes. The objective is to identify novel compounds that can activate the GLP-1R pathway without the limitations associated with peptide agonists. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality, which is attributed to the accumulation of fat in organs, including the heart. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are frequently used to manage T2DM and could potentially offer cardiovascular benefits. Therefore, this study examines non-peptide agonists of GLP-1R to improve coronary safety in type 2 diabetes patients. After rigorous assessments, two standout candidates were identified, with natural compound 12 emerging as the most promising. This study represents a notable advancement in enhancing the management of coronary outcomes among individuals with type 2 diabetes. The computational methodology employed successfully pinpointed potential GLP-1R natural agonists, providing optimism for the development of safer and more effective therapeutic interventions. Although computational methodologies have provided crucial insights, realizing the full potential of these compounds requires extensive experimental investigations, crucial in advancing therapeutic strategies for this critical patient population.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Applications of palladium-catalyzed C-N cross-coupling reactions in pharmaceutical compounds.

C-N cross-coupling bond formation reactions have become valuable approaches to synthesizing anilines and their derivatives, known as important chemical compounds. Recent developments in this field have focused on versatile catalysts, simple operation methods, and green reaction conditions. This review article presents an overview of C-N cross-coupling reactions in pharmaceutical compound synthesis reports. Selected examples of N-arylation reactions of various nitrogen-based compounds and aryl halides are defined for preparing pharmaceutical molecules.

Prediction of dual NF-κB/IκB inhibitors using an integrative in-silico approaches.

Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the NF-κB signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis; activation of NF-κB in cancer increases cell proliferation and suppresses apoptosis, both of which define tumor mass development. Inhibiting NF-κB leads to tumor suppression by blocking the IKK-α/ß enzymes, thus inhibiting its translocation. Furthermore, protecting p65 from acetylation and phosphorylation inhibits NF-κB through its active site. Some small molecules are assumed to inhibit NF-κB and IκB function separately. This study took one of the previously reported NF-κB inhibitors (compound D4) as a promising lead and predicted some dual NF-κB and IκB inhibitors. We performed a virtual screening (VS) workflow on a library with 186,146 compounds with 75% similarity to compound D4 on both NF-κB and IκB proteins. A total of 186 compounds were extracted from three steps of VS 36 were common in both proteins. These compounds were subjected to the quantum polarized ligand docking to elect potent compounds with the highest binding affinity for NF-κB and IκB proteins. The MM-GBSA method calculates the lowest binding free energy for eight selected compounds. These analyses found three top-ranked compounds for each protein with suitable pharmacokinetics properties and higher in-silico inhibitory ability. In the last screening, compound CID_4969 was introduced to a molecular dynamics (MDs) simulation study as a common inhibitor for both proteins. The MDs confirmed the main interactions between the final elected compound and NF-κB/IκB proteins. Consequently, the presented computational approaches could be used for designing promising anti-cancer agents.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Heterocyclic Compounds as Hsp90 Inhibitors: A Perspective on Anticancer Applications.

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) have garnered special attention in cancer therapy as molecular chaperones with regulatory/mediatory effects on folding, maintenance/stability, maturation, and conformation of proteins as well as their effects on prevention of protein aggregation. Hsp90 ensures the stability of various client proteins needed for the growth of cells or the survival of tumor cells; therefore, they are overexpressed in tumor cells and play key roles in carcinogenesis. Accordingly, Hsp90 inhibitors are recognized as attractive therapeutic agents for investigations pertaining to tumor suppression. Natural Hsp90 inhibitors comprising geldanamycin (GM), reclaimed analogs of GM including 17-AAG and DMAG, and radicicol, a natural macrocyclic antifungal, are among the first potent Hsp90 inhibitors. Herein, recently synthesized heterocyclic compounds recognized as potent Hsp90 inhibitors are reviewed along with the anticancer effects of heterocyclic compounds, comprising purine, pyrazole, triazine, quinolines, coumarin, and isoxazoles molecules.

Design and synthesis of novel phe-phe hydroxyethylene derivatives as potential coronavirus main protease inhibitors.

In response to the current pandemic caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2, we design new compounds based on Lopinavir structure as an FDA-approved antiviral agent which is currently under more evaluation in clinical trials for COVID-19 patients. This is the first example of the preparation of Lopinavir isosteres from the main core of Lopinavir conducted to various heterocyclic fragments. It is proposed that main protease inhibitors play an important role in the cycle life of coronavirus. Thus, the protease inhibition effect of synthesized compounds was studied by molecular docking method. All of these 10 molecules, showing a good docking score compared. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations also confirmed the stability of the best-designed compound in Mpro active site.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity evaluation of some new 1, 3, 4-oxadiazole, 1, 3, 4-thiadiazole and 1, 2, 4- triazole derivatives attached to phthalimide.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In the last few decades, nitrogen-rich heterocyclic compounds such as 1, 3, 4-thiadiazoles, 1, 2, 4-triazoles and 1, 3, 4-oxadiazoles have received considerable attention because of their notable biological properties, especially cytotoxic effects. The small molecules of mentioned azole derivatives revealed very intensive antitumor activity. In addition, phthalimide-thiadiazole and naphthalimide-triazole hybrid derivatives have shown remarkable cytotoxic effects. According to these observations, some of the hybrid derivatives containing the phthalimide-five-membered azoles were prepared in three steps in this research. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The thiol group of azoles was treated with ethyl chloroacetate which was followed by a reaction with hydrazine hydrate to provide acid hydrazide derivatives. Subsequently, the corresponding acid hydrazides were utilized to prepare the final derivatives through the reaction with phthalic anhydride. Cytotoxic activity of final compounds was evaluated against MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines using MTT assay. FINDINGS/RESULTS: Compound 3d containing two phthalimide moieties in its structure showed a significant improvement in cytotoxic activity with an IC50 value of 29 µM against HeLa cell line. Compounds 3a-3c showed less cytotoxic effects against both cell lines. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The combination of the thiadiazole nucleus with two phthalimide structures increased the cytotoxic activity against the HeLa cell line. This increase in cytotoxic activity is probably due to its being more lipophilic characteristic and interaction of this derivative with the biological targets of two directions.

Design and synthesis of novel quinazolinone-pyrazole derivatives as potential α-glucosidase inhibitors: Structure-activity relationship, molecular modeling and kinetic study.

In this study, a new series of quinazolinone-pyrazole hybrids were designed, synthesized and screened for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The results of the in vitro screening indicated that all the molecular hybrids exhibited more inhibitory activity (IC50 values ranging from 60.5 ± 0.3 µM-186.6 ± 20 µM) in comparison to standard acarbose (IC50 = 750.0 ± 10.0 µM). Limited structure-activity relationship suggested that the variation in the inhibitory activities of the compounds affected by different substitutions on phenyl rings of diphenyl pyrazole moiety. The enzyme kinetic studies of the most potent compound 9i revealed that it inhibited α-glucosidase in a competitive mode with a Ki of 56 µM. Molecular docking study was performed to predict the putative binding interaction. As expected, all pharmacophoric moieties used in the initial structure design playing a pivotal role in the interaction with the binding site of the enzyme. In addition, by performing molecular dynamic investigation and MM-GBSA calculation, we investigated the difference in structural perturbation and dynamic behavior that is observed over α-glycosidase in complex with the most active compound and acarbose relative to unbound α-glycosidase enzyme.

Biotin-Targeted Nanomicellar Formulation of an Anderson-Type Polyoxomolybdate: Synthesis and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Evaluations.

This study is aimed at developing a micellar carrier for an Anderson-type manganese polyoxomolybdate (TRIS-MnPOMo) to improve the potency and reduce the general toxicity. The biotin-targeted stearic acid-polyethylene glycol (SPB) polymeric conjugate was selected for the first time as a micelle-forming basis for the delivery of TRIS-MnPOMo to breast cancer cells. The cytotoxicity of TRIS-MnPOMo and its nanomicellar form (TRIS-MnPOMo@SPB) was evaluated against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer cell lines), and HUVEC (normal cell line) in vitro using the MTT assay. The quantity of cellular uptake and apoptosis level were studied properly using standard methods. The hydrodynamic size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index of the prepared micelles were 140 nm, -15.6 mV, and 0.16, respectively. The critical micelle concentration was about 30 µg/mL, which supports the colloidal stability of the micellar dispersion. The entrapment efficiency was interestingly high (about 82%), and a pH-responsive release of TRIS-MnPOMo was successfully achieved. The micellar form showed better cytotoxicity than the free TRIS-MnPOMo on cancer cells without any significant heme and normal cell toxicity. Biotin-targeted nanomicelles internalized into the MDA-MB-231 cells interestingly better than nontargeted micelles and TRIS-MnPOMo, most probably via the endocytosis pathway. Furthermore, at the same concentration, micelles remarkably increased the level of induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, TRIS-MnPOMo@SPB could profoundly improve potency, safety, and cellular uptake; these results are promising for further evaluations in vivo.

Identification of New Hsp90 Inhibitors: Structure Based Virtual Screening, Molecular Dynamic Simulation, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Heat shock protein90 (Hsp90) is overexpressed in tumor cells, thus the inhibition of the Hsp90 ATPase activity would be a meaningfully effective strategy in cancer therapy. OBJECTIVE: The present work was aimed at four steps: designing new Hsp90 inhibitors as anti-cancer by a virtual screening study; synthesize designed compounds; biological evaluation of them and finally molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of best compounds. METHODS: A virtual screening study was performed on a library (100 compounds) of the ZINC database with benzimidazole scaffold; then an extracted compound and two derivatives were synthesized. The anti-proliferative and ATPase inhibitory activities of these compounds were evaluated by MTT and ATPase inhibition assays, respectively. The western blot analysis was performed to the evaluation of the expression level of Hsp70 and Her2 proteins. Finally, 200 ns molecular dynamic simulation was carried out to confirm the stability of the strongest synthesized compound in Hsp90 active site. RESULTS: ZINC00173501 compound with an aminobenzimidazole scaffold was chosen by the virtual screening study. ZINC00173501 compound and two of its derivatives were synthesized. ATPase inhibitory activity of three synthesized compounds shown that ZINC00173501 compound was the most potent inhibitor (IC50= 8.6 µM) with the anti-proliferative activity 14.41 µM, 19.07 µM and more than 100 µM against MCF-7, HeLa and HUVEC cell lines, respectively. The high level of Hsp70 expression and low level of Her2 expression confirmed ZINC00173501 as an Hsp90 inhibitor. Finally, molecular dynamics simulation showed that ZINC00173501 was stable in Hsp90 active site during 200 ns simulation. CONCLUSION: The biological evaluation results show that 2-aminobenzimidazole scaffold could be suggested as a lead for inhibition of Hsp90.

MTX-Loaded Dual Thermoresponsive and pH-Responsive Magnetic Hydrogel Nanocomposite Particles for Combined Controlled Drug Delivery and Hyperthermia Therapy of Cancer.

In recent years, the exploitation of magnetic nanoparticles in smart polymeric matrices have received increased attention in several fields as site-specific drug delivery systems. Here, ultrasonic-assisted emulsion copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and 2-(N,N-diethylaminoethyl) methacrylate (DEAEMA) in the presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was employed to prepare pH- and temperature-responsive magnetite nanocomposite particles (MNCPs). The obtained MNCPs were fully characterized by TEM, DSC, FT-IR, VSM, and XRD techniques. They had an average particle size of 70 nm with a lower critical solution temperature of 42 °C and superparamagnetic properties. In addition, MNCPs were loaded with methotrexate (MTX) as an anticancer drug, and their in vitro drug release was studied in different pH values and temperatures and in the presence of an alternating magnetic field. Noteworthy that the highest rate of MTX release was observed at pH 5.5 and 42 °C. Cell viability of the treated MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line with free MTX, MNCPs, and MTX-loaded MNCPs or in combination with magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) and water-based hyperthermia was comparatively studied. The obtained results showed about 17% higher antiproliferative activity for the MTX-loaded MNCPs accompanied by MHT relative to that of free MTX.

An In-silico Screening Strategy to the Prediction of New Inhibitors of COVID-19 Mpro Protein.

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) was first recognized in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread worldwide. Between all proposed research guidelines, inhibition of the main protease (Mpro) protein of the virus will be one of the main strategies for COVID-19 treatment. The present work was aimed to perform a computational study on FDA-approved drugs, similar to piperine scaffold, to find possible Mpro inhibitors. Firstly, virtual screening studies were performed on a library of FDA-approved drugs (43 medicinal compounds, similar to piperine scaffold). Among imported 43 drugs to virtual screening, 34 compounds were extracted. Four top-ranked drugs in terms of the highest interactions and the lowest binding energy were selected for the IFD study. Among these selections, lasofoxifene showed the lowest IFD score (-691.743 kcal mol-1). The stability of lasofoxifene in the COVID-19 Mpro protein active site was confirmed with 100 ns MD simulation. Lasofoxifene binding free energy was obtained -107.09 and -173.97 kcal mol-1, using Prime MM-GBSA and g_mmpbsa methods, respectively. The identified lasofoxifene by the presented computational approaches could be a suitable lead for inhibiting Mpro protein and COVID-19 treatment.

Design and synthesis of novel pyrazole-phenyl semicarbazone derivatives as potential α-glucosidase inhibitor: Kinetics and molecular dynamics simulation study.

A series of novel pyrazole-phenyl semicarbazone derivatives were designed, synthesized, and screened for in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Given the importance of hydrogen bonding in promoting the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, pharmacophore modification was established. The docking results rationalized the idea of the design. All newly synthesized compounds exhibited excellent in vitro yeast α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 values in the range of 65.1-695.0 µM) even much more potent than standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 750.0 µM). Among them, compounds 8o displayed the most potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 65.1 ± 0.3 µM). Kinetic study of compound 8o revealed that it inhibited α-glucosidase in a competitive mode (Ki = 87.0 µM). Limited SAR suggested that electronic properties of substitutions have little effect on inhibitory potential of compounds. Cytotoxic studies demonstrated that the active compounds (8o, 8k, 8p, 8l, 8i, and 8a) compounds are also non-cytotoxic. The binding modes of the most potent compounds 8o, 8k, 8p, 8l and 8i was studied through in silico docking studies. Molecular dynamic simulations have been performed in order to explain the dynamic behavior and structural changes of the systems by the calculation of the root mean square deviation (RMSD) and root mean square fluctuation (RMSF).

Human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells-derived secretome could inhibit breast cancer growth in vitro and in vivo.

OBJECTIVES: Controversial results have been reported regarding the anti-tumor properties of extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The present study was conducted to evaluate whether secretome derived from Human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJMSCs) may stimulate or inhibit breast cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MTT assays was performed to determine anti-tumor effects of hWJMSCs-secretome on both MCF-7 and 4T1 tumor cells in vitro. Afterward, 4T1 breast tumors were established in different groups of Balb/C mice (12 mice/group). The tumor sizes were monitored in different treatment groups and at day 30 post-tumor inoculation (PTI), blood samples were obtained and 6 mice of each group were sacrificed for hematological and histopathological assays. The rest of the mice in each group (n=6) were left alive up to day 120 PTI to determine survival rate. RESULTS: We found that hWJMSCs-secretome can inhibit growth of MCF-7 and 4T1 tumor cell lines in vitro. Moreover, intratumoral administration of hWJMSCs-secretome resulted in significant tumor growth inhibition and improvement of hematological indices in vivo and prolonged survival rate of tumor bearing mice. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, hWJMSCs-secretome could be considered a potent anti-tumor agent, however, further investigation should be done on other cancer models.

Cycloarta-23-ene-3beta,25-diol a pentacyclic steroid from Euphorbia spinidens, as COX inhibitor with molecular docking, and in vivo study of its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in male swiss mice and wistar rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Euphorbia is a large genus of flowering plants. In Iran, some plants of this family have been used in the treatment of inflammatory disorders and also to relieve back pain. Euphorbia spinidens is a rich source of Cycloarta-23-ene-3beta,25-diol. Cycloartane structures are the starting material for the synthesis of plant steroids, and the aim of this study is to demonstrate COX inhibitory activity, molecular docking and in vivo approach of anti-inflammatory activity of cycloartane compound isolated from Euphorbia spinidens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Plant material was extracted with acetone-chloroform and submitted to column chromatography for fractionation. Based on preliminary 1H-NMR spectra, cycloartane fraction was selected and purified by repeated recycle HPLC system. The structure and purity of compound were determined by 1H and 13C-NMR, HPTLC, and mass spectra. Inhibitory activities of the tested compounds on COX-1 and COX-2 were evaluated by a colorimetric COX (ovine) inhibitor screening method. Vero cells were used to assess the toxicity against the normal cells, and calculate the selectivity index. COX inhibitory activity results were evaluated and confirmed by molecular docking experiments. In the in vivo approach, analgesic activity was assessed by acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and formalin tests. Croton oil-induced ear edema in mice and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema in rats were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity. Pain tests were carried out on male Swiss mice (25-35 g). Male Wistar rats (160-200 g) were used for the carrageenan test. RESULTS: Cycloart-23-ene-3ß,25-diol showedin vitro cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 inhibitory activities with more selectivity for COX-2. Molecular docking by predicting binding energies in COX protein receptors confirmed in vitro COX inhibitory results, and determined the best position for ligand in COX receptors along with its residue interactions in receptor pockets, which must be considered for designing of their inhibitors. In the in vivo studies, cycloartane inhibited significantly acetic acid-induced abdominal contractions and formalin-induced licking behavior at a dose of 200 mg/kg. The same dose reduced croton oil ear edema in mice and carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. CONCLUSION: Therefore, according to these findings, cycloart-23-ene-3beta,25-diol showed promising analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects with low toxicity against normal cells and can be suggested as a template lead for designing anti-inflammatory compounds with good selectivity index, and potency for COX-2 inhibitory activity.

An injectable carboxymethyl chitosan-methylcellulose-pluronic hydrogel for the encapsulation of meloxicam loaded nanoparticles.

Hydrogel scaffolds have been frequently utilized due to their ability to absorb water and develop similar body cell conditions. Specific drug delivery to the tissues ensures less adverse side effects and more efficiency. In the present study, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC)-methylcellulose (MC)-pluronic (P) and zinc chloride hydrogels containing meloxicam loaded into nanoparticles were developed and characterized. Nanoparticles were incorporated at 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5% (w/v). Hydrogels containing the same amounts of the meloxicam solution were also prepared. Gelation time, swelling and degradation of the hydrogels were investigated. Hydrogels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, and rheological analysis. Meloxicam release, chondrocytes attachment and growth on the hydrogels were also studied. Gelation time, swelling and the degradation rate of the hydrogels were found to be decreased by nanoparticles and increased with the addition of the meloxicam solution. SEM images also showed three-dimensional networks. The ATR-FTIR bands were shifted to the lower wave numbers in the hydrogels containing nanoparticles and shifted to the upper ones in the hydrogels containing meloxicam solution. Storage (G') and loss (G″) modulus were increased by the nanoparticles and reduced by the meloxicam solution. 100% of meloxicam was released from the hydrogels containing the meloxicam solution within 20 days, but it was released slowly from the hydrogels containing nanoparticles in 37days. Chondrocytes metabolic activity was increased on the 6th and 10th days for all hydrogels. Hydrogel containing nanoparticles showed good biocompatibility, bioadhesion, cell growth and expansion. The hydrogel could be, therefore, suitable as a new composite biomaterial for the regeneration of articular cartilage and meloxicam delivery to control the pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis.

New heat shock protein (Hsp90) inhibitors, designed by pharmacophore modeling and virtual screening: synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular dynamics studies.

Inhibition of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is known to be a significantly effective strategy in cancer therapy. Here, pyrazolopyranopyrimidine derivatives were characterized as new Hsp90 inhibitors. The molecules' key structure (ZINC02819805) was determined by utilizing a pharmacophore model virtual screening workflow. Structural optimization was then carried out on compound ZINC02819805, pyrazolopyranopyrimidine derivatives were designed and six chosen derivatives were synthesized. The inhibition of Hsp90 ATPase activity of synthesized compounds revealed that para methylphenyl derivative of pyrazolopyranopyrimidine (HM3) was the most potent inhibitor (IC50 = 5.5 µM). The anti-proliferative activity of this compound was evaluated against a panel of cell lines including MCF-7, HeLa and HUVEC (IC50 = 1.28 µM, IC50 = 1.74 µM and IC50 = 61.48 µM respectively) by MTT method. The western blot analysis of treated MCF-7 cells with compound HM3 showed that the expression level of Hsp70 and Her2 proteins changed. The high level of Hsp70 expression and low level of Her2 expression suggest that compound HM3 exhibits inhibitory effect on Hsp90. Finally, the key interactions between HM3 and Hsp90 protein were studied by molecular dynamics simulation and showed that compound HM3 was stable in Hsp90 active cite during 200 ns simulation. AbbreviationsHsp90Heat shock protein 90MTT3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromideATPadenosine triphosphateMDmolecular dynamics simulationRMSDroot-mean-square deviationRMSFroot-mean-square fluctuationRggyration radiusm-SABNPsboehmite nanoparticles-supported sulfamic acidCommunicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In Vitro Assessment of Cytokine Expression Profile of MCF-7 Cells in Response to hWJ-MSCs Secretome.

Purpose: Several attempts have been made to identify the mechanisms by which mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived secretome exert anti-tumor or tumorigenic effects, but still further investigations are needed to explore this subject. Thus, in this study we want to examine the expression of different cytokines in secretome of hWJ-MSCs and their effects on cytokine expression profile of the MCF-7 tumor cells. Methods: The hWJ-MSCs were isolated and characterized according to the International Society for Cellular Therapy criteria. Then, secretome of hWJ-MSCs was collected and freeze-dried, and 20 mg/mL of the freeze-dried secretome was used to treat MCF-7 cancer cells for 48 hours. Afterwards, the expression levels of 12 cytokines including IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17A, TNFα, IFNγ and GM-CSF in secretome of hWJ-MSCs alone as well as in supernatant of tumor cells before and after treatment with hWJ-MSCs secretome were evaluated. Results: Our results indicate that MCF-7 cells express significant amount of IL-6 and IL-8. Moreover, significant amounts of IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-8, IL-6 and GM-CSF were detected in secretome of hWJ-MSCs. Furthermore, IL-1a, IL-2 and IL-4 were expressed significantly by MCF-7 cells after their treatment with hWJ-MSCs-derived secretome. Conclusion: According to our findings, the hWJ-MSCs derived secretome contains different cytokines which can exert either anti-tumor or tumorigenic effects.

Synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of some quinazolinone- 5-(4-chlorophenyl) 1, 3, 4-oxadiazole conjugates.

1, 3, 4- Oxadiazoles and quinazolinones are privileged structures with extensive biological activities. On account of reported anticancer activity of them, in this study, a multi-step reaction procedure has been developed for the synthesis of some quinazolinone-1, 3, 4-oxadiazole derivatives. Reaction of the synthesized 3-amino-4(3H) quinazolinone derivatives with chloroacetyl chloride in the presence of dichloromethane/triethylamine yielded 2-chloro -N-(4-oxo-2-quinazolin3 (3H)-yl) acetamide derivatives as intermediate. Treatment of the resultants with 5- (4-chlorophenyl) 1, 3, 4-oxadiazole-2-thiol in dry acetone and potassium carbonate gave coupled derivatives of quinazolinone-1, 3, 4-oxadiazole. The cytotoxic effect of final compounds was tested against MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines using MTT assay. Compound 2-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-ylthio) N-(4-oxo-2-propylquinazolin)3(4H)acatamide 6a exhibited remarkable cytotoxic activity at 10 and 100 µM against HeLa cell line. The alteration of substituents on C2 of quinazolinone ring revealed that the introduction of propyl moeity improved cytotoxic activity against HeLa cell line.

Synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of some derivatives of triazole-quinazolinone hybrids.

Triazoles and quinazolinones are important heterocyclic structures with diverse biological properties including cytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal and anticonvulsant activities. Due to valuable cytotoxic effects of both triazole and quinazoline derivatives, in this study a series of quinazolinone-triazole hybrids were synthesized in a multiple-step reaction procedure. 3-Amino-quinazolinone derivatives were treated with chloroacetyl chloride in the presence of dichloromethane/triethylamine to afford 2-chloro -N-(4-oxo-2- quinazolin3 (3H)-yl) acetamide derivatives. The reaction of resultants with 4-mehyl-4-H-1, 2, 4-triazole-3- thiol in dry acetone and potassium carbonate led to the formation of final products. Synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 and Hela cell lines using MTT colorimetric assay. Amongst tested compounds, 6a showed the highest cytotoxic activity against MCF7 cell line at all tested concentrations while compounds 6b and 6c indicated mild cytotoxic effects against Hela cell line at highest tested concentration reducing cell viability about 40%. The IC50 values of tested compounds revealed that the MCF-7 is more susceptible to the compound 6a.

An anticancer effect of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell secretome on the breast cancer cell line.

Nowadays, Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become one of the most attractive tools for treating tumors, due to their specific characteristics, the most prominent of which are tropism toward tumor. These cells will exert their effects through their secretion. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the anti-cancer effect of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal cells (UCMSC) secretome, on MCF-7 tumor cells. MSCs were extracted from the umbilical cord of mothers, having normal delivery or cesarean section. After culture, the supernatants of these cells were collected and freeze-dried. The cytotoxic effect of freeze-dried secretome was examined at different concentrations on MCF-7 and the optimum concentrations (IC50) were calculated, using MTT assay. These results were confirmed by BrdU assay. The effect of induction of apoptosis of the MSC secretome on MCF-7 was determined, using annexin V/PI method by flow cytometry. The results of our study indicate that the isolation and growth time of UCMSCs of mothers who were naturally delivered was lower than those who received cesarean section. Co-culture studies showed that MSCs had cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cells. The MSC secretome also showed cytotoxic effects on the MCF-7 cell line, this effect was mediated by induction of apoptosis, which was dose-dependent with an IC50 of 10 mg/mL.