Di-2-picolylamine triggers caspase-independent apoptosis by inducing oxidative stress in human liver hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Di-2-picolylamine (DPA) is an organic compound that has been shown to possess antioxidant properties when conjugated to form a metal complex. The basis of this study was to determine the effects of DPA on the proliferation and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and elucidate the possible mechanisms. The methylthiazol tetrazolium assay served to measure cell viability and generated an IC50 of 1591 µM. Luminometry was used to investigate caspase activity and ATP concentration. It was observed that the decreased cell viability was associated with reduced ATP levels. Despite increased Bax and caspase 9 activity, cell death was caspase independent as indicated by the reduction in caspase 3/7 activity. This was associated with the downregulation poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage (Western blotting). However, the Hoescht assay depicted nuclear condensation and apoptotic body formation with elevated DPA levels suggesting DNA damage in HepG2 cells. DNA damage assessed by the comet assay confirmed an increased comet tail formation. The presence of oxidative stress was investigated by quantifying reactive species (malondialdehyde and nitrates concentration) and Western blotting to confirm the expression of antioxidant proteins. The DPA increased lipid peroxidation (RNS), a marker of oxidative stress, consequently causing cell death. The accompanying upregulation of stress-associated proteins superoxide dismutase (SOD2), nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), and Hsp70 verifies oxidative stress.

Toxicogenicity and mechanistic pathways of aflatoxin B1 induced renal injury.

The study investigated the toxicogenic effects, molecular mechanisms and proteomic assessment of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1 ) on human renal cells. Hek293 cells were exposed to AFB1 (0-100 µM) for 24 h. The effect on cell viability was assessed using the methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay, which also produced the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) used in subsequent assays. Free radical production was evaluated by quantifying malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrate concentration, while DNA fragmentation was determined using the single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay and DNA gel electrophoresis. Damage to cell membranes was ascertained using the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. The concentration of ATP, reduced glutathione (GSH), necrosis, annexin V and caspase activity was measured by luminometry. Western blotting and quantitative PCR was used to assess the expression of proteins and genes associated with apoptosis and oxidative stress. The MTT assay revealed a reduction in cell viability of Hek293 cells as the AFB1 concentration was increased, with a half maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) of 32.60 µM. The decreased viability corresponded to decreased ATP concentration. The upregulation of Hsp70 indicated that oxidative stress was induced in the AFB1 -treated cells. While this implies an increased production of free radicals, the accompanying upregulation of the antioxidant system indicates the activation of defense mechanisms to prevent cellular damage. Thus, membrane damage associated with increased radical formation was prevented as indicated by the reduced LDH release and necrosis. In addition, cytotoxic effects were evident as AFB1 activated the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis with corresponding increased DNA fragmentation, p53 and Bax upregulation and increased caspase activity, but externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS), a major hallmark of apoptosis, did not occur in AFB1 treated renal cells. The results suggest that AFB1 induced oxidative stress leading to cell death by the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in renal cells.

Influenza Viruses: Harnessing the Crucial Role of the M2 Ion-Channel and Neuraminidase toward Inhibitor Design.

As a member of the Orthomyxoviridae family of viruses, influenza viruses (IVs) are known causative agents of respiratory infection in vertebrates. They remain a major global threat responsible for the most virulent diseases and global pandemics in humans. The virulence of IVs and the consequential high morbidity and mortality of IV infections are primarily attributed to the high mutation rates in the IVs' genome coupled with the numerous genomic segments, which give rise to antiviral resistant and vaccine evading strains. Current therapeutic options include vaccines and small molecule inhibitors, which therapeutically target various catalytic processes in IVs. However, the periodic emergence of new IV strains necessitates the continuous development of novel anti-influenza therapeutic options. The crux of this review highlights the recent studies on the biology of influenza viruses, focusing on the structure, function, and mechanism of action of the M2 channel and neuraminidase as therapeutic targets. We further provide an update on the development of new M2 channel and neuraminidase inhibitors as an alternative to existing anti-influenza therapy. We conclude by highlighting therapeutic strategies that could be explored further towards the design of novel anti-influenza inhibitors with the ability to inhibit resistant strains.

The molecular effect of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane on oxidative stress parameters in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells.

Antibiotic resistance poses a great threat to human, animal and environmental health. ß-Lactam antibiotics have been successful in combating bacterial infections. However, the overuse, inappropriate prescribing, unavailability of new antibiotics and regulation barriers have exacerbated bacterial resistance to these antibiotics. 1,4,7-Triazacyclononane (TACN) is a cyclic organic tridentate inhibitor with strong metal-chelating abilities that has been shown to inhibit ß-lactamase enzymes and may represent an important breakthrough in the treatment of drug-resistant bacterial strains. However, its cytotoxicity in the liver is unknown. This study aimed to determine the effect of TACN on oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. The HepG2 cells were treated with 0 to 500 µM TACN for 24 hours to obtain an IC50 for use in subsequent assays. Free radicals were measured using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and nitric oxide synthase assays, respectively, while antioxidant levels were assessed using luminometry (glutathione [GSH] and adenosine triphosphate [ATP]) and Western blot analysis (SOD, catalase, GPx-1, HSP70 and Nrf2). Percentage survival fluctuated as TACN concentration increased with a calculated IC50 of 545 µM. A slight increase in HSP70 and Nrf2 expression indicated the presence of stress and a response against it, respectively. However, free radical production was not increased as indicated by decreased malondialdehyde levels and reactive nitrogen species. Glutathione levels increased slightly, while ATP levels were marginally altered. The results suggest that TACN does not induce oxidative stress in HepG2 cells and can be exploited as a potential inhibitor.

Molecular Insights Into Di(2-Picolyl) Amine-Induced Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis in Human Kidney (HEK293) Cells.

Di(2-picolyl) amine (DPA) is a pyridine derivative known to chelate metal ions and thus has potential anticancer properties; however, its effect on normal cells remains unchartered necessitating further research. This study, therefore, investigated the mechanistic effects of DPA-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in the HEK293 cell line. Methods required that an half the maximum inhibition concentration (IC50) was derived using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Analyses aimed to assess oxidative stress, membrane damage, and DNA fragmentation by means of biochemical assays were performed. Luminometry analysis was carried out to understand the mechanism of apoptosis induction by determining the levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the activities of caspase-8, -9, and -3/7. Western blotting was used to ascertain the expression of apoptotic and stress-related proteins. An IC50 of 1,079 µM DPA was obtained. Antioxidant effect correlated with a minimum increase in reactive oxygen species induced lipid peroxidation. The increase in initiator caspase-8 and -9 and executioner caspase-3/7 activities by DPA-induced apoptosis albeit prompting a decline in the levels of ATP. Furthermore, DPA brought about the following consequences on HEK293 cells: markedly elevated tail lengths of the comets, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 cleavage, and apoptotic body formation observed in the late stages. The cytotoxic effects of DPA in HEK293 cells may be mediated by induction of apoptosis via the caspase-dependent mechanism.

Understanding the Hsp90 N-terminal Dynamics: Structural and Molecular Insights into the Therapeutic Activities of Anticancer Inhibitors Radicicol (RD) and Radicicol Derivative (NVP-YUA922).

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a crucial component in carcinogenesis and serves as a molecular chaperone that facilitates protein maturation whilst protecting cells against temperature-induced stress. The function of Hsp90 is highly dependent on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding to the N-terminal domain of the protein. Thus, inhibition through displacement of ATP by means of competitive binding with a suitable organic molecule is considered an attractive topic in cancer research. Radicicol (RD) and its derivative, resorcinylic isoxazole amine NVP-AUY922 (NVP), have shown promising pharmacodynamics against Hsp90 activity. To date, the underlying binding mechanism of RD and NVP has not yet been investigated. In this study, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the binding mechanism of RD and NVP, from an atomistic perspective. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations enabled the analyses of the compounds' electronic properties and results obtained proved to be significant in which NVP was predicted to be more favorable with solvation free energy value of -23.3 kcal/mol and highest stability energy of 75.5 kcal/mol for a major atomic delocalization. Molecular dynamic (MD) analysis revealed NVP bound to Hsp90 (NT-NVP) is more stable in comparison to RD (NT-RD). The Hsp90 protein exhibited a greater binding affinity for NT-NVP (-49.4 ± 3.9 kcal/mol) relative to NT-RD (-28.9 ± 4.5 kcal/mol). The key residues influential in this interaction are Gly 97, Asp 93 and Thr 184. These findings provide valuable insights into the Hsp90 dynamics and will serve as a guide for the design of potent novel inhibitors for cancer treatment.

Mechanistic Insights into Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis Mediated by Tannic Acid in Human Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells.

The study investigated the cytotoxic effect of a natural polyphenolic compound Tannic acid (TA) on human liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells and elucidated the possible mechanisms that lead to apoptosis and oxidative stress HepG2 cell. The HepG2 cells were treated with TA for 24 h and various assays were conducted to determine whether TA could induce cell death and oxidative stress. The cell viability assay was used to determine the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), caspase activity and cellular ATP were determined by luminometry. Microscopy was employed to determine deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) integrity, while thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) assays were used to elucidate cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), respectively. Western blotting was used to confirm protein expression. The results revealed that tannic acid induced caspase activation and increased the presence of cellular ROS and RNS, while downregulating antioxidant expression. Tannic acid also showed increased cell death and increased DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, TA was able to induce apoptosis by DNA fragmentation via caspase-dependent and caspase-independent mechanism. It was also able to induce oxidative stress, consequently contributing to cell death.

Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) Inhibitors as Anticancer Medicines: A Review on the Computer-Aided Drug Discovery Approaches over the Past Five Years.

Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells in different anatomic sites. In 2018, it was predicted that the worldwide cancer burden would rise to 18.1 million new cases and 9.6 million deaths. Anticancer compounds, often known as chemotherapeutic medicines, have gained much interest in recent cancer research. These medicines work through various biological processes in targeting cells at various stages of the cell's life cycle. One of the most significant roadblocks to developing anticancer drugs is that traditional chemotherapy affects normal cells and cancer cells, resulting in substantial side effects. Recently, advancements in new drug development methodologies and the prediction of the targeted interatomic and intermolecular ligand interaction sites have been beneficial. This has prompted further research into developing and discovering novel chemical species as preferred therapeutic compounds against specific cancer types. Identifying new drug molecules with high selectivity and specificity for cancer is a prerequisite in the treatment and management of the disease. The overexpression of HSP90 occurs in patients with cancer, and the HSP90 triggers unstable harmful kinase functions, which enhance carcinogenesis. Therefore, the development of potent HSP90 inhibitors with high selectivity and specificity becomes very imperative. The activities of HSP90 as chaperones and cochaperones are complex due to the conformational dynamism, and this could be one of the reasons why no HSP90 drugs have made it beyond the clinical trials. Nevertheless, HSP90 modulations appear to be preferred due to the competitive inhibition of the targeted N-terminal adenosine triphosphate pocket. This study, therefore, presents an overview of the various computational models implored in the development of HSP90 inhibitors as anticancer medicines. We hereby suggest an extensive investigation of advanced computational modelling of the three different domains of HSP90 for potent, effective inhibitor design with minimal off-target effects.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the renoprotective effects of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane: a ßeta-lactamase inhibitor.

Broad-spectrum ß-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin are routinely used against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. However, bacteria that produce ß-lactamase have developed resistance against these antibiotics by cleaving the ß-lactam ring and rendering the antibiotic inactive. To combat this effect, 1,4,7- Triazacyclononane (TACN), a cyclic organic compound derived from cyclononanes has been shown to preserve the activity of ß-lactam antibiotics by inhibiting ß-lactamase. However, its cytotoxic effects require elucidation. Given that the cytotoxic target for many therapeutics is the kidney, this study investigated the effects of TACN on human embryonic kidney cells (Hek293) cells. Hek293 cells were treated with TACN (0-500 µM) for 24 h and the cytotoxicity was assessed (MTT and LDH assay). Apoptosis was luminometrically detected by measuring phosphatidylserine externalisation and caspase activity and fluorescently detecting necrosis. DNA fragmentation was visualised using fluorescent microscopy. Expression of the apoptosis-related protein were determined by western blot. The results generated indicate that TACN does not initiate necrosis as LDH was decreased. Likewise, decreased apoptosis was supported by the decreased phosphatidylserine, caspases, Bax, cleaved PARP, IAP and NF-kB. However, increased DNA fragmentation was associated with increased p53. Therefore, effects of TACN at the nucleus, produced a p53 response to initiate DNA repair and did not culminate in cell death. The findings show that TACN is not cytotoxic to Hek293 cells via the apoptotic route. Since TACN did not induce cell death, its potential as a metallo-ß-lactamase inhibitor (MBLI) may be exploited to counteract the effect of MBL-producing bacteria. Restoring ß-lactam activity will curb the global menace of antibiotic resistance.

Genomic Investigation into the Virulome, Pathogenicity, Stress Response Factors, Clonal Lineages, and Phylogenetic Relationship of Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Meat Sources in Ghana.

Escherichia coli are among the most common foodborne pathogens associated with infections reported from meat sources. This study investigated the virulome, pathogenicity, stress response factors, clonal lineages, and the phylogenomic relationship of E. coli isolated from different meat sources in Ghana using whole-genome sequencing. Isolates were screened from five meat sources (beef, chevon, guinea fowl, local chicken, and mutton) and five areas (Aboabo, Central market, Nyorni, Victory cinema, and Tishegu) based in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. Following microbial identification, the E. coli strains were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Comparative visualisation analyses showed different DNA synteny of the strains. The isolates consisted of diverse sequence types (STs) with the most common being ST155 (n = 3/14). Based Upon Related Sequence Types (eBURST) analyses of the study sequence types identified four similar clones, five single-locus variants, and two satellite clones (more distantly) with global curated E. coli STs. All the isolates possessed at least one restriction-modification (R-M) and CRISPR defence system. Further analysis revealed conserved stress response mechanisms (detoxification, osmotic, oxidative, and periplasmic stress) in the strains. Estimation of pathogenicity predicted a higher average probability score (Pscore ≈ 0.937), supporting their pathogenic potential to humans. Diverse virulence genes that were clonal-specific were identified. Phylogenomic tree analyses coupled with metadata insights depicted the high genetic diversity of the E. coli isolates with no correlation with their meat sources and areas. The findings of this bioinformatic analyses further our understanding of E. coli in meat sources and are broadly relevant to the design of contamination control strategies in meat retail settings in Ghana.

Fumonisin B1 induces oxidative stress in oesophageal (SNO) cancer cells.

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a ubiquitous contaminant of maize that is epidemiologically linked to oesophageal cancer (OC) in South Africa. FB1-induced oxidative stress mediates toxicity in animals and human cell lines, but the effects relating to OC are limited. Given the species-specific effects of FB1, this study investigated FB1-mediated toxicity and oxidative stress in spindle-shaped N-cadherin (+) CD45 (-) osteoblastic (SNO) cells. Following exposure to FB1 (0-20 µM) for 48 h, mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) were measured (flow cytometry). Malondialdehyde concentration (lipid peroxidation) was determined spectrophotometrically. ATP and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations were quantified using luminometry, gene expression of SOD2 by qPCR and protein expression of SOD2, GPx1, Nrf2 and HSP70 by western blotting. Mitochondrial depolarization increased at 10 µM and 20 µM FB1, with a concomitant reduction in ATP, iROS and GSH at both concentrations. Lipid peroxidation increased at 10 µM FB1 exposure. While transcript levels of SOD2 were significantly increased, protein levels decreased. Protein expression of GPx1, Nrf2 and HSP70 increased. In contrast to the 10 µM and 20 µM FB1 treatment, mitochondrial depolarization decreased at 1.25 µM FB1. Intracellular ROS and ATP were decreased and lipid peroxidation increased. Decreased GSH was accompanied by a decrease in GPx1 protein levels, and increased HSP70 and Nrf2. SOD2 expression and protein levels were significantly increased. Overall these results indicate that FB1 caused increased ROS that were counteracted by engaging the antioxidant defense. Furthermore, the peculiar response at 1.25 µM FB1 is noteworthy, as compared to the other two concentrations tested.