A comprehensive overview of selective and novel fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors as a potential anticancer modality.

The arrival of comprehensive genome sequencing has accelerated the understanding of genetically aberrant advanced cancers and target identification for possible cancer treatment. Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) gene alterations are frequent findings in various rare and advanced cancers refractive to mainstay chemo-therapy or surgical interventions. Several FGFR inhibitors have been developed for addressing these genetically altered FGFR-harboring malignancies, and some have performed well in clinical trials. In contrast, others are still being investigated in different phases of clinical trials. FDA has approved four anticancer agents such as erdafitinib, pemigatinib, infigratinib, and futibatinib, for clinical use in oncogenic FGFR-driven malignancies. These include cholangiocarcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and myeloid/lymphoid malignancies. Pemigatinib is the only FGFR inhibitor globally approved (USA, EU, and Japan) and available as a targeted therapy for two types of cancer, including FGFR2 fusion or other rearrangements harboring cholangiocarcinoma and relapsed/refractory myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with FGFR1 rearrangements. Myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm is the latest area of application added to the therapeutic armamentarium of FGFR inhibitors. Furthermore, futibatinib is the first-in-class covalent or irreversible pan-FGFR inhibitor that has received FDA approval for locally advanced or metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma harboring FGFR2 gene aberrations. This review highlights the current clinical progress concerning the safety and efficacy of all the approved FGFR-TKIs (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) and their ongoing investigations in clinical trials for other oncogenic FGFR-driven malignancies.

Integrating network pharmacology with molecular docking to rationalize the ethnomedicinal use of Alchornea laxiflora (Benth.) Pax & K. Hoffm. for efficient treatment of depression.

Background: Alchornea laxiflora (Benth.) Pax & K. Hoffm. (A. laxiflora) has been indicated in traditional medicine to treat depression. However, scientific rationalization is still lacking. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the antidepressant potential of A. laxiflora using network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. Materials and methods: The active compounds and potential targets of A. laxiflora and depression-related targets were retrieved from public databases, such as PubMed, PubChem, DisGeNET, GeneCards, OMIM, SwissTargetprediction, BindingDB, STRING, and DAVID. Essential bioactive compounds, potential targets, and signaling pathways were predicted using in silico analysis, including BA-TAR, PPI, BA-TAR-PATH network construction, and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Later on, with molecular docking analysis, the interaction of essential bioactive compounds of A. laxiflora and predicted core targets of depression were verified. Results: The network pharmacology approach identified 15 active compounds, a total of 219 compound-related targets, and 14,574 depression-related targets with 200 intersecting targets between them. SRC, EGFR, PIK3R1, AKT1, and MAPK1 were the core targets, whereas 3-acetyloleanolic acid and 3-acetylursolic acid were the most active compounds of A. laxiflora with anti-depressant potential. GO functional enrichment analysis revealed 129 GO terms, including 82 biological processes, 14 cellular components, and 34 molecular function terms. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis yielded significantly enriched 108 signaling pathways. Out of them, PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways might have a key role in treating depression. Molecular docking analysis results exhibited that core targets of depression, such as SRC, EGFR, PIK3R1, AKT1, and MAPK1, bind stably with the analyzed bioactive compounds of A. laxiflora. Conclusion: The present study elucidates the bioactive compounds, potential targets, and pertinent mechanism of action of A. laxiflora in treating depression. A. laxiflora might exert an antidepressant effect by regulating PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. However, further investigations are required to validate.

Synthesis, molecular docking, and in vivo antidiabetic evaluation of new benzylidene-2,4-thiazolidinediones as partial PPAR-γ agonists.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) partial agonists or antagonists, also termed as selective PPAR-γ modulators, are more beneficial than full agonists because they can avoid the adverse effects associated with PPAR-γ full agonists, such as weight gain and congestive heart disorders, while retaining the antidiabetic efficiency. In this study, we designed and synthesized new benzylidene-thiazolidine-2,4-diones while keeping the acidic thiazolidinedione (TZD) ring at the center, which is in contrast with the typical pharmacophore of PPAR-γ agonists. Five compounds (5a-e) were designed and synthesized in moderate to good yields and were characterized using spectral techniques. The in vivo antidiabetic efficacy of the synthesized compounds was assessed on streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice using standard protocols, and their effect on weight gain was also studied. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies were performed to investigate the binding interactions of the title compounds with the PPAR-γ receptor and to establish their binding mechanism. Antidiabetic activity results revealed that compounds 5d and 5e possess promising antidiabetic activity comparable with the standard drug rosiglitazone. No compound showed considerable effect on the body weight of animals after 21 days of administration, and the findings showed statistical difference (p < 0.05 to p < 0.0001) among the diabetic control and standard drug rosiglitazone groups. In molecular docking study, compounds 5c and 5d exhibited higher binding energies (- 10.1 and - 10.0 kcal/mol, respectively) than the native ligand, non-thiazolidinedione PPAR-γ partial agonist (nTZDpa) (- 9.8 kcal/mol). MD simulation further authenticated the stability of compound 5c-PPAR-γ complex over the 150 ns duration. The RMSD, RMSF, rGyr, SASA, and binding interactions of compound 5c-PPAR-γ complex were comparable to those of native ligand nTZDpa-PPAR-γ complex, suggesting that the title compounds have the potential to be developed as partial PPAR-γ agonists.

Therapeutic implications of current Janus kinase inhibitors as anti-COVID agents: A review.

Severe cases of COVID-19 are characterized by hyperinflammation induced by cytokine storm, ARDS leading to multiorgan failure and death. JAK-STAT signaling has been implicated in immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 infection under different stages such as viral entry, escaping innate immunity, replication, and subsequent inflammatory processes. Prompted by this fact and prior utilization as an immunomodulatory agent for several autoimmune, allergic, and inflammatory conditions, Jakinibs have been recognized as validated small molecules targeting the rapid release of proinflammatory cytokines, primarily IL-6, and GM-CSF. Various clinical trials are under investigation to evaluate Jakinibs as potential candidates for treating COVID-19. Till date, there is only one small molecule Jakinib known as baricitinib has received FDA-approval as a standalone immunomodulatory agent in treating critical COVID-19 patients. Though various meta-analyses have confirmed and validated the safety and efficacy of Jakinibs, further studies are required to understand the elaborated pathogenesis of COVID-19, duration of Jakinib treatment, and assess the combination therapeutic strategies. In this review, we highlighted JAK-STAT signalling in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and clinically approved Jakinibs. Moreover, this review described substantially the promising use of Jakinibs and discussed their limitations in the context of COVID-19 therapy. Hence, this review article provides a concise, yet significant insight into the therapeutic implications of Jakinibs as potential anti-COVID agents which opens up a new horizon in the treatment of COVID-19, effectively.

Structural Complementarity of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase and Its Inhibitors for Implication in B-Cell Malignancies and Autoimmune Diseases.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a critical component in B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling and is also expressed in haematogenic and innate immune cells. Inhibition of BTK hyperactivity is implicated in B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. This review derives the structural complementarity of the BTK-kinase domain and its inhibitors from recent three-dimensional structures of inhibitor-bound BTK in the protein data bank (PDB). Additionally, this review analyzes BTK-mediated effector responses of B-cell development and antibody production. Covalent inhibitors contain an α, ß-unsaturated carbonyl moiety that forms a covalent bond with Cys481, stabilizing αC-helix in inactive-out conformation which inhibits Tyr551 autophosphorylation. Asn484, located two carbons far from Cys481, influences the stability of the BTK-transition complex. Non-covalent inhibitors engage the BTK-kinase domain through an induced-fit mechanism independent of Cys481 interaction and bind to Tyr551 in the activation kink resulting in H3 cleft, determining BTK selectivity. Covalent and non-covalent binding to the kinase domain of BTK shall induce conformational changes in other domains; therefore, investigating the whole-length BTK conformation is necessary to comprehend BTK's autophosphorylation inhibition. Knowledge about the structural complementarity of BTK and its inhibitors supports the optimization of existing drugs and the discovery of drugs for implication in B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases.

Benchmarked molecular docking integrated molecular dynamics stability analysis for prediction of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease inhibition by olive secoiridoids.

Objectives: We performed a virtual screening of olive secoiridoids of the OliveNetTM library to predict SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibition. Benchmarked molecular docking protocol that evaluated the performance of two docking programs was applied to execute virtual screening. Molecular dynamics stability analysis of the top-ranked olive secoiridoid docked to PLpro was also carried out. Methods: Benchmarking virtual screening used two freely available docking programs, AutoDock Vina 1.1.2. and AutoDock 4.2.1. for molecular docking of olive secoiridoids to a single PLpro structure. Screening also included benchmark structures of known active and decoy molecules from the DEKOIS 2.0 library. Based on the predicted binding energies, the docking programs ranked the screened molecules. We applied the usual performance evaluation metrices to evaluate the docking programs using the predicted ranks. Molecular dynamics of the top-ranked olive secoiridoid bound to PLpro and computation of MM-GBSA energy using three iterations during the last 50 ps of the analysis of the dynamics in Desmond supported the stability prediction. Results and discussions: Predictiveness curves suggested that AutoDock Vina has a better predictive ability than AutoDock, although there was a moderate correlation between the active molecules rankings (Kendall's correlation of rank (τ) = 0.581). Interestingly, two same molecules, Demethyloleuropein aglycone, and Oleuroside enriched the top 1 % ranked olive secoiridoids predicted by both programs. Demethyloleuropein aglycone bound to PLpro obtained by docking in AutoDock Vina when analyzed for stability by molecular dynamics simulation for 50 ns displayed an RMSD, RMSF<2 Å, and MM-GBSA energy of -94.54 ± 6.05 kcal/mol indicating good stability. Molecular dynamics also revealed the interactions of Demethyloleuropein aglycone with binding sites 2 and 3 of PLpro, suggesting a potent inhibition. In addition, for 98 % of the simulation time, two phenolic hydroxy groups of Demethyloleuropein aglycone maintained two hydrogen bonds with Asp302 of PLpro, specifying the significance of the groups in receptor binding. Conclusion: AutoDock Vina retrieved the active molecules accurately and predicted Demethyloleuropein aglycone as the best inhibitor of PLpro. The Arabian diet consisting of olive products rich in secoiridoids benefits from the PLpro inhibition property and reduces the risk of viral infection.

Formulation, biopharmaceutical evaluation and in-vitro screening of polyherbal phytosomes for breast cancer therapy.

Saudi Arabia has a rich culture of folk medicines and three such common herbs used by Saudi people for therapy of breast cancer are Turmeric (Kurkum) Curcuma longa, Chamomile (Babunaj) Matricaria chamomilla, and Aswaghantha (Aswaghadh) Withania somnifera. Hence, the present study aims to develop a polyherbal phytosome formulation by thin film hydration technique with a synergistic anti-cancer effect for the treatment of breast cancer. The phytosomes were standardized for their phytoconstituents by HPTLC and showed the best optimal properties with a mean vesicle diameter of less than 200 nm, zeta potential in the range of -24.43 to -35.70 mV, and relatively integrated structure with fairly uniform size on TEM. The in vitro MTT assay on MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and MDA MB 231 breast adenocarcinoma cell lines was carried out. MTT assay on MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines indicated that plant extract-loaded phytosomes exhibited enhanced cytotoxic effects at IC50 values. of 55, 50, 45, 52, 42, 44, and 20 µg/mL compared to the extracts of C. longa, M. chamomilla, W. somnifera, and their combined extracts (80, 82, 74, 60, 70, 60, and 35 µg/mL respectively). Moreover, intracellular reactive oxygen species production was found to be higher for phytosomes treated cells at respective IC50 concentrations when compared to extracts. Overall, the developed polyherbal phytosomes were found to be effective and afford synergistic effects for breast cancer therapy.

Pharmacophore model-aided virtual screening combined with comparative molecular docking and molecular dynamics for identification of marine natural products as SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease inhibitors.

Targeting SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease using inhibitors is a suitable approach for inhibition of virus replication and dysregulation of host anti-viral immunity. Engaging all five binding sites far from the catalytic site of PLpro is essential for developing a potent inhibitor. We developed and validated a structure-based pharmacophore model with 9 features of a potent PLpro inhibitor. The pharmacophore model-aided virtual screening of the comprehensive marine natural product database predicted 66 initial hits. This hit library was downsized by filtration through a molecular weight filter of ≤ 500 g/mol. The 50 resultant hits were screened by comparative molecular docking using AutoDock and AutoDock Vina. Comparative molecular docking enables benchmarking docking and relieves the disparities in the search and scoring functions of docking engines. Both docking engines retrieved 3 same compounds at different positions in the top 1 % rank, hence consensus scoring was applied, through which CMNPD28766, aspergillipeptide F emerged as the best PLpro inhibitor. Aspergillipeptide F topped the 50-hit library with a pharmacophore-fit score of 75.916. Favorable binding interactions were predicted between aspergillipeptide F and PLpro similar to the native ligand XR8-24. Aspergillipeptide F was able to engage all the 5 binding sites including the newly discovered BL2 groove, site V. Molecular dynamics for quantification of Cα-atom movements of PLpro after ligand binding indicated that it exhibits highly correlated domain movements contributing to the low free energy of binding and a stable conformation. Thus, aspergillipeptide F is a promising candidate for pharmaceutical and clinical development as a potent SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibitor.

Strategies to Improvise Organ Donor Pool: A Study on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Performance of Higher Secondary School Teachers Towards the Organ Donation.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess higher secondary school teachers' knowledge, attitude, and performance levels towards organ transplantation and donation (OTD). Teachers have an essential role in giving knowledge to children and teenagers, and they can influence their views. Organ transplantation offers re-life to many patients, yet organ shortages are a global issue. Teachers who influence students' future attitudes regarding organ donation must have a favorable attitude and genuine knowledge. Materials and Methods: The research method was descriptive and cross-sectional. The sample size was 372 school teachers in Villupuram district of Tamilnadu, India, selected using a convenient sampling method. A survey questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and attitude about OTD, the reason for donating/not donating organs. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify critical variables affecting intent to practice. Results: The teachers' mean scores with SD on knowledge, attitude, and performance were 7.61 ± 2.74, 8.81 ± 2.08, and 0.38 ± 0.11, respectively. The linear regression analysis showed that the knowledge (p < 0.001) and attitude (p < 0.05) of the participants were positively associated with organ donation performance. A significant relationship was also observed between gender (p < 0.036), age (p < 0.01), and education status (p < 0.001) with the performance of the teachers. Lack of family support was the most spelt reason for unwillingness for organ donation. Conclusion: The positive linear correlations underline that having more information may lead to a more optimistic mindset and, as a result, to better practices. Teachers should be provided with overall health teaching campaigns to increase the number of possible organ donors. Teachers serve as role models for students, families, and society by changing their attitudes.

Human Growth Hormone Fragment 176-191 Peptide Enhances the Toxicity of Doxorubicin-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Against MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells.

Introduction: Numerous drugs with potent toxicity against cancer cells are available for treating malignancies, but therapeutic efficacies are limited due to their inefficient tumor targeting and deleterious effects on non-cancerous tissue. Therefore, two improvements are mandatory for improved chemotherapy 1) novel delivery techniques that can target cancer cells to deliver anticancer drugs and 2) methods to specifically enhance drug efficacy within tumors. The loading of inert drug carriers with anticancer agents and peptides which are able to bind (target) tumor-related proteins to enhance tumor drug accumulation and local cytotoxicity is a most promising approach. Objective: To evaluate the anticancer efficacy of Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with human growth hormone hGH fragment 176-191 peptide plus the clinical chemotherapeutic doxorubicin in comparison with Chitosan loaded with doxorubicin alone. Methods: Two sets of in silico experiments were performed using molecular docking simulations to determine the influence of hGH fragment 176-191 peptide on the anticancer efficacy of doxorubicin 1) the binding affinities of hGH fragment 176-191 peptide to the breast cancer receptors, 2) the effects of hGH fragment 176-191 peptide binding on doxorubicin binding to these same receptors. Further, the influence of hGH fragment 176-191 peptide on the anticancer efficacy of doxorubicin was validated using viability assay in Human MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Results: In silico analysis suggested that addition of the hGH fragment to doxorubicin-loaded Chitosan nanoparticles can enhance doxorubicin binding to multiple breast cancer protein targets, while photon correlation spectroscopy revealed that the synthesized dual-loaded Chitosan nanoparticles possess clinically favorable particle size, polydispersity index, as well as zeta potential. Conclusion: These dual-loaded Chitosan nanoparticles demonstrated greater anti-proliferative activity against a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) than doxorubicin-loaded Chitosan. This dual-loading strategy may enhance the anticancer potency of doxorubicin and reduce the clinical side effects associated with non-target tissue exposure.

Polymeric Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticles (PLNs) as Emerging Drug Delivery Platform-A Comprehensive Review of Their Properties, Preparation Methods, and Therapeutic Applications.

Polymeric lipid hybrid nanoparticles (PLNs) are core-shell nanoparticles made up of a polymeric kernel and lipid/lipid-PEG shells that have the physical stability and biocompatibility of both polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes. PLNs have emerged as a highly potent and promising nanocarrier for a variety of biomedical uses, including drug delivery and biomedical imaging, owing to recent developments in nanomedicine. In contrast with other forms of drug delivery systems, PLNs have been regarded as seamless and stable because they are simple to prepare and exhibit excellent stability. Natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic polymers have been used to make these nanocarriers. Due to their small scale, PLNs can be used in a number of applications, including anticancer therapy, gene delivery, vaccine delivery, and bioimaging. These nanoparticles are also self-assembled in a reproducible and predictable manner using a single or two-step nanoprecipitation process, making them significantly scalable. All of these positive attributes therefore make PLNs an attractive nanocarrier to study. This review delves into the fundamentals and applications of PLNs as well as their formulation parameters, several drug delivery strategies, and recent advancements in clinical trials, giving a comprehensive insight into the pharmacokinetic and biopharmaceutical aspects of these hybrid nanoparticles.

The Spectrum of Thiazolidinediones against Respiratory Tract Pathogenic Bacteria: An In Vitro and In Silico Approach.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Drug design strategies to develop novel broad-spectrum antibacterial agents for the treatment of respiratory tract infections that can combat bacterial resistance are currently gaining momentum. 2,4-thiazolidinedione is a structural scaffold that contains pharmacophores similar to ß-lactam and non- ß-lactam antibiotics. The objective of the study was to synthesize newer 3,5-Disubstituted-2,4-Thiazolidinediones (DTZDs) and subject them to in vitro antibacterial screening against bacterial pathogens. Also, we performed in silico docking of selected compounds to penicillin-binding proteins and beta-lactamases. METHODS: Intermediate Schiff bases were prepared by the reaction between 2,4-thiazolidinedione and an appropriate aldehyde followed by acylation of the ring nitrogen with 3-brompropanoyl chloride resulting in DTZDs. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined against few bacteria infecting the respiratory tract by the broth tube dilution method. Zones of inhibitions against the bacteria were also determined using agar well diffusion technique. Molecular docking of the compounds to all types of Penicillin-Binding Proteins (PBPs) and ß-lactamases was also carried out. RESULTS: Compounds DTZD12 and DTZD16 exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the compounds were 175µg/100µL. Measurements of the zones of inhibitions indicated that compound DTZD12 was more active than DZTD16. E. coli was the most susceptible organism. Docking results established that both the compounds were able to interact with PBPs and ß-lactamases through strong hydrogen bonds, especially the unique interaction with active serine residue of the PBP for inhibition of cell wall synthesis. CONCLUSION: DTZD12 and DTZD16 can be developed into antibacterial drugs for respiratory tract infections to oppose bacterial resistance, or can also be used as leads for repurposing the existing 2,4- thiazolidinediones.

Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Aided Virtual Search of OliveNet™ Directory for Secoiridoids to Combat SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Associated Hyperinflammatory Responses.

Molecular docking and molecular dynamics aided virtual search of OliveNet™ directory identified potential secoiridoids that combat SARS-CoV-2 entry, replication, and associated hyperinflammatory responses. OliveNet™ is an active directory of phytochemicals obtained from different parts of the olive tree, Olea europaea (Oleaceae). Olive oil, olive fruits containing phenolics, known for their health benefits, are indispensable in the Mediterranean and Arabian diets. Secoiridoids is the largest group of olive phenols and is exclusive to the olive fruits. Functional food like olive fruits could help prevent and alleviate viral disease at an affordable cost. A systematized virtual search of 932 conformers of 78 secoiridoids utilizing Autodock Vina, followed by precision docking using Idock and Smina indicated that Nüzhenide oleoside (NZO), Oleuropein dimer (OED), and Dihydro oleuropein (DHO) blocked the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein-ACE-2 interface; Demethyloleuropein (DMO), Neo-nüzhenide (NNZ), and Nüzhenide (NZE) blocked the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the NZO-S-protein-ACE-2 complex by Desmond revealed stability during 50 ns. RMSD of the NZO-S-protein-ACE-2 complex converged at 2.1 Å after 20 ns. During MD, the interaction fractions confirmed multiple interactions of NZO with Lys417, a crucial residue for inhibition of S protein. MD of DMO-Mpro complex proved its stability as the RMSD converged at 1.6 Å. Analysis of interactions during MD confirmed the interaction of Cys145 of Mpro with DMO and, thus, its inhibition. The docking predicted IC50 of NZO and DMO was 11.58 and 6.44 µM, respectively. Molecular docking and dynamics of inhibition of the S protein and Mpro by NZO and DMO correlated well. Docking of the six-hit secoiridoids to IL1R, IL6R, and TNFR1, the receptors of inflammatory cytokines IL1ß, IL6, and TNFα, revealed the anti-inflammatory potential except for DHO. Due to intricate structures, the secoiridoids violated Lipinski's rule of five. However, the drug scores of secoiridoids supported their use as drugs. The ADMET predictions implied that the secoiridoids are non-toxic and pose low oral absorption. Secoiridoids need further optimization and are a suitable lead for the discovery of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics. For the moment, olive secoiridoids presents an accessible mode of prevention and therapy of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Risk-based exposure assessment for multiple toxic elements encountered by children in school playgrounds and parks in the southwest region of Saudi Arabia.

Children are in direct contact with surface soil and may inadvertently ingest and inhale toxic contaminants while playing; hence, special attention should be given to playgrounds regarding toxic contaminants. The concentrations of ten toxic metals were determined in soil samples collected from school playgrounds and children's parks from the southwest region of Saudi Arabia. The soils were moderately alkaline (pH 7.6-8.8), the texture was dominated by sand particles (54-88%), and the organic matter was in the range of 2.06 to 4.82%. Analytical solutions were prepared by microwave-digestion using a HNO3/H2O2 mixture, and the concentrations of toxic elements were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Metal concentrations were recorded in the range of 0.014-0.087, 1.14-3.54, 0.85-23.29, 0.77-36.32, 312.6-2065.7, 285.3-822.6, 75.4-240.8, 0.00-53.12, 0.52-6.80, and 1.25-92.12 mg/kg dry soil for Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn, respectively. The levels of heavy metals in the studied playgrounds were below the permissible limits, indicating insignificant influence of anthropogenic activities and can be considered as unpolluted soil. Values of the enrichment coefficient (EC) and contamination factor (CF) were found to be less than one, suggesting that the source of these elements is mainly the local soil, with the exception of Ni and Zn in certain playgrounds (CF > 1), which indicates a possible contamination from external sources. The non-carcinogenic hazard index calculated for all of the metals was below one, indicating that the exposure to heavy metal through playground soil is unlikely to produce any adverse health effect in children playing in the playgrounds.

Critical Insight into the Design of PPAR-γ Agonists by Virtual Screening Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Design of novel PPAR-γ modulators with better binding efficiency and fewer side effects to treat type 2 diabetes is still a challenge for medicinal chemists. Cost and time efficient computational methods have presently become an integral part of research in nuclear receptors and their ligands, enabling hit to lead identification and lead optimization. This review will focus on cutting-edge technologies used in most recent studies on the design of PPAR- γ agonists and will discuss the chemistry of few molecules which emerged successful. METHODS: Literature review was carried out in google scholar using customized search from 2011- 2017. Computer-aided design methods presented in this article were used as search terms to retrieve corresponding literature. RESULTS: Virtual screening of natural product libraries is an effective strategy to harness nature as the source of ligands for PPARs. Rigid and induced fit docking and core hopping approach in docking are rapid screening methods to predict the PPAR- γ and PPAR-α/ γ dual agonistic activity. Onedimensional drug profile matching is one of the recent virtual screening methods by which an antiprotozoal drug, Nitazoxanide was identified as a PPAR- γ agonist. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that to achieve a convincing and reliable design of PPAR-γ agonist by virtual screening techniques, customized workflow comprising of appropriate models is essential in which methods may be applied either sequentially or simultaneously.

An anti-inflammatory molecular mechanism of action of α-mangostin, the major xanthone from the pericarp of Garcinia mangostana: an in silico, in vitro and in vivo approach.

α-Mangostin (αMN) is a xanthone present in the pericarp of Garcinia mangostana Linn. which is mentioned in Ayurveda and is a widely used functional food supplement. However, its anti-inflammatory mechanism is not well studied. Hence, we used in silico, in vitro and in vivo models to provide information of the mechanism on how αMN could prevent inflammation. Firstly, molecular docking was used to find out the binding energy of αMN with NFκB and COX proteins. Secondly, LPS induced RAW 264.7 cells were used to measure the production of cytokines, the prevention of translocation of NFκB and the inhibition of COX-1 and -2 enzymes. Finally, carrageenan-induced peritonitis was used in vivo to check cytokine release, leukocyte migration and vascular permeability. The in silico modelling had showed that αMN has the lowest binding energy with COX-2 and NFκB proteins. αMN has been found to inhibit the production of PGE2 and nitric oxide, and iNOS protein expression. TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines were inhibited significantly (p < 0.05) at 8 and 14 µg ml-1 concentration. αMN at higher doses inhibits the translocation of NFκB together with suppressing the COX-2 enzymes, but not COX-1. αMN inhibited the total leukocyte migration, predominantly, neutrophils in vivo. The level of TNFα and IL-1ß was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the peritoneal fluids as measured by ELISA analysis. Taken together, these results demonstrate that αMN acts well as an anti-inflammatory agent via inhibiting the hallmark mechanisms of inflammation. It can be considered as a potential alternative lead compound. In addition, the current results support the traditional use of this fruit pericarp as a functional food.

Targeting Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors Using Thiazolidinediones: Strategy for Design of Novel Antidiabetic Drugs.

Thiazolidinediones are a class of well-established antidiabetic drugs, also named as glitazones. Thiazolidinedione structure has been an important structural domain of research, involving design and development of new drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Extensive research on the mechanism of action and the structural requirements has revealed that the intended antidiabetic activity in type 2 diabetes is due to their agonistic effect on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) belonging to the nuclear receptor super family. Glitazones have specific affinity to PPARγ, one of the subtypes of PPARs. Certain compounds under development have dual PPARα/γ agonistic activity which might be beneficial in obesity and diabetic cardiomyopathy. Interesting array of hybrid compounds of thiazolidinedione PPARγ agonists exhibited therapeutic potential beyond antidiabetic activity. Pharmacology and chemistry of thiazolidinediones as PPARγ agonists and the potential of newer analogues as dual agonists of PPARs and other emerging targets for the therapy of type 2 diabetes are presented. This review highlights the possible modifications of the structural components in the general frame work of thiazolidinediones with respect to their binding efficacy, potency, and selectivity which would guide the future research in design of novel thiazolidinedione derivatives for the management of type 2 diabetes.

Structure-based design, synthesis and molecular modeling studies of thiazolyl urea derivatives as novel anti-parkinsonian agents.

Synthesis of 1-(substituted aryl)-3-(thiazol-2-yl)urea derivatives was undertaken as our efforts to discover novel antiparkinsonian agents with improved pharmacological profile in haloperidol-induced catalepsy and oxidative stress in mice. Furfuryl, 2- and/or 3-methoxy substituted phenyl derivatives emerged as potent agents. With exception of 2-chloro,5-trifluoromethyl substituted analog, halogen substituted derivatives exhibited moderate antiparkinsonian activity. The results of biochemical investigations from brain homogenate of mice outline the importance of neuroprotective/antioxidant therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD), supporting the notion that the oxidative stress may play a significant role in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PD. Molecular docking studies of these compounds with adenosine A(2A) receptor exhibited very good binding interactions and warrants further studies to confirm their binding with human A(2A) receptor for the design and development of potent antagonists. Parameters for Lipinski's rule of 5 were calculated computationally because pharmacokinetic and metabolic behaviors in the body often are linked to the physical properties of a compound. None of the synthesized compounds violated Lipinski's rule, making them suitable drug candidate for the treatment of PD.

Targeting oxidative stress component in the therapeutics of epilepsy.

The role of free radical-mediated reactions in human neuropathology continues to attract significant interest. Oxidative injury produced by free radicals may play a role in the initiation and progression of epilepsy and, therapies aimed at reducing oxidative stress may ameliorate tissue damage and favorably alter the clinical course. The prevalence of epilepsy increases with age, and mitochondrial oxidative stress is a leading mechanism of aging and age-related degenerative disease, signifying a further involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in seizure generation. Oxidative stress occurs when the generation of reactive oxygen species in a system exceeds the body's ability to neutralize and eliminate them, thus creating an imbalance or over abundance of free radicals. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain oxidative balance and control in the brain, and this is tightly regulated by antioxidants. In the last two decades, there has been an explosive interest in the role of antioxidants or neuroprotectants in clinical as well as experimental models of epilepsy. In this regard, the present review is intended to discuss the current state of knowledge pertaining to neuroprotection in epileptic conditions by employing diverse chemical agents including conventional as well as novel anti-epileptic drugs, and to highlight the efficacy of distinct neuroprotective strategies for preventing or treating epilepsy.

Molecular docking studies of 1-(substituted phenyl)-3-(naphtha [1, 2-d] thiazol-2-yl) urea/thiourea derivatives with human adenosine A(2A) receptor.

Computational assessment of the binding interactions of drugs is an important component of computer-aided drug design paradigms. In this perspective, a set of 30 1-(substituted phenyl)-3-(naphtha[1, 2-d] thiazol-2-yl) urea/thiourea derivatives showing antiparkinsonian activity were docked into inhibitor binding cavity of human adenosine A(2A) receptor (AA2AR) to understand their mode of binding interactions in silico. Lamarckian genetic algorithm methodology was employed for docking simulations using AutoDock 4.2 program. The results signify that the molecular docking approach is reliable and produces a good correlation coefficient (r(2) = 0.483) between docking score and antiparkinsonian activity (in terms of % reduction in catalepsy score). Potent antiparkinsonian agents carried methoxy group in the phenyl ring, exhibited both hydrophilic and lipophilic interactions with lower energy of binding at the AA(2A)R. These molecular docking analyses should, in our view, contribute for further development of selective AA(2A)R antagonists for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.