Congenital Hyperlipidemia in Infants for Congenital Cardiac Surgery.

Infants with concurrent severe hypertriglyceridemia and complex congenital heart disease are a rare occurrence and can have life-threatening consequences when undergoing surgical intervention. This case series outlines two instances involving infants undergoing total anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair and surgical closure of a ventricular septal defect. The study explores troubleshooting the effects of hypertriglyceridemia on perioperative outcomes.

Validating Fractalkine receptor as a target and identifying candidates for drug discovery against type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases employing abnormal levels of insulin. Enhancing the insulin production is greatly aided by the regulatory mechanisms of the Fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) system in islet ß-cell function. However, elements including a high-fat diet, obesity, and ageing negatively impact the expression of CX3CR1 in islets. CX3CL1/CX3CR1 receptor-ligand complex is now recognized as a novel therapeutic target. It suggests that T2DM-related ß-cell dysfunction may result from lower amount of these proteins. We analyzed the differential expression of CX3CR1 gene samples taken from persons with T2DM using data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Homology modeling enabled us to generate the three-dimensional structure of CX3CR1 and a possible binding pocket. The optimized CX3CR1 structure was subjected to rigorous screening against a massive library of 693 million drug-like molecules from the ZINC15 database. This screening process led to the identification of three compounds with strong binding affinity at the identified binding pocket of CX3CR1. To further evaluate the potential of these compounds, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted over a 50 ns time scale to assess the stability of the protein-ligand complexes. These simulations revealed that ZINC000032506419 emerged as the most promising drug-like compound among the three potent molecules. The discovery of ZINC000032506419 holds exciting promise as a potential therapeutic agent for T2D and other related metabolic disorders. These findings pave the way for the development of effective medications to address the complexities of T2DM and its associated metabolic diseases.

Exploring antiviral potency of N-1 substituted pyrimidines against HIV-1 and other DNA/RNA viruses: Design, synthesis, characterization, ADMET analysis, docking, molecular dynamics and biological activity.

A novel series of pyrimidine derivatives, bearing modified benzimidazoles at N-1 position, has been designed, synthesized and screened as NNRTIs against HIV and as broad-spectrum antiviral agents. The molecules were screened against different HIV targets using molecular docking experiment. The docking results indicated that the molecules interacted well with the residues Lys101, Tyr181, Tyr188, Trp229, Phe227 and Tyr318 present in NNIBP of HIV-RT protein, formed quite stable complexes and, thus, behaved as probable NNRTIs. Among these compounds, 2b and 4b showed anti-HIV activity with IC50 values as 6.65 µg/mL (SI = 15.50) and 15.82 µg/mL (SI = 14.26), respectively. Similarly, compound 1a showed inhibitory property against coxsackie virus B4 and compound 3b against different viruses. Molecular dynamics simulation results unequivocally demonstrated the higher stability of the complex HIV-RT:2b than the HIV-RT:nevirapine complex. The MM/PBSA-based binding free energy (-) 114.92 kJ/mol of HIV-RT:2b complex in comparison to that of HIV-RT:nevirapine complex (-) 88.33 kJ/mol, further demonstrated the higher binding strength of 2b and thus, established the potential of compound 2b as a lead molecule as an HIV-RT inhibitor.

Hydroxyalkynyl uracil derivatives as NNRTIs against HIV-1: in silico predictions, synthesis, docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies.

To improve rationally the efficacy of the non-nucleoside human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) inhibitors, it is important to have a precise and detailed understanding of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and inhibitor interactions. For the 1-[(2-hydroxyethoxy) methyl]-6-(phenylthio) thymine (HEPT) type of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), the H-bond between the N-3H of the inhibitor and the backbone carbonyl group of K101 represents the major hydrophilic interaction. This H-bond contributes to the NNRTI binding affinity. The descriptor analyses of different uracil derivatives proved their good cell internalization. The bioactivity score reflected higher drug likeness score and the ligands showed interesting docking results. All molecules were deeply buried and stabilized into the allosteric site of HIV-1 RT. For majority of molecules, residues Lys101, Lys103, Tyr181 and Tyr188 were identified as key protein residues responsible for generation of H-bond and major interactions were similar to all known NNRTIs while very few molecules interacted with residues Phe227 and Tyr318. The TOPKAT protocol available in Discovery Studio 3.0 was used to predict the pharmacokinetics of the designed uracil derivatives in the human body. The molecular dynamics (MD) and post-MD analyses results reflected that the complex HIVRT:5 appeared to be more stable than the complex HIVRT:HEPT, where HEPT was used as reference. Different uracil derivatives have been synthesized by using uracil as starting material and commercially available propargyl bromide. The N-1 derivative of uracil was further reacted with sodamide and different aldehydes/ketones bearing alkyl and phenyl ring to obtain hydroxyalkynyl uracil derivatives as NNRTIs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

V-set domain containing T-cell activation inhibitor-1 (VTCN1): A potential target for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmunity eventuates when the immune system attacks self-molecules as a result of the breakdown in immune tolerance. Targeting autoimmune diseases via immunomodulation has become an essential strategy in today's era. A B7 superfamily member immune checkpoint, the V-set domain containing T-cell activation inhibitor-1 (VTCN1), also known as B7-H4, B7S1, and B7x, is involved in negatively regulating T-cell activation. VTCN1 transcript has been reported in various lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues, but its protein expression is restricted, indicating its translational regulation. Dysregulation of VTCN1 has resulted in the exacerbation of various autoimmune diseases. Moreover, increased soluble form of VTCN1 in the patient's sera positively correlates with the disease progression and severity. The current review summarizes all the reports till date, unfolding the role of VTCN1 in various autoimmune diseases and its therapeutic potential.

Altered Levels of Negative Costimulatory Molecule V-Set Domain-Containing T-Cell Activation Inhibitor-1 (VTCN1) and Metalloprotease Nardilysin (NRD1) are Associated with Generalized Active Vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is characterized by depigmented macules on the skin caused due to autoimmune destruction of melanocytes. V-set domain-containing T-cell activation inhibitor-1 (VTCN1) is a negative costimulatory molecule that plays a vital role in suppressing autoimmunity and tuning immune response. Nardilysin (NRD1), a metalloproteinase, cleaves membrane-tethered VTCN1 resulting in the shedding of soluble-VTCN1 (sVTCN1). However, the role of VTCN1 and NRD1 in vitiligo pathogenesis is unexplored. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: This study was aimed to (i) Investigate the association of VTCN1 intronic polymorphisms (rs10923223 T/C and rs12046117 C/T) with vitiligo susceptibility in Gujarat population by using Polymerase Chain Reaction- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) (ii) Estimate VTCN1 & NRD1 transcript levels from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and skin samples of vitiligo patients by real-time PCR, (iii) Estimate sVTCN1 and NRD1 protein levels from plasma by ELISA and (iv) Estimate VTCN1 protein levels in the skin samples of vitiligo patients by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The analysis revealed increased VTCN1 and NRD1 transcript levels in the skin (p = .039, p = .021 respectively), increased sVTCN1 and NRD1 levels (p = .026, p = .015 respectively) in the plasma, and decreased VTCN1 protein levels (p = .0002) in the skin of vitiligo patients as compared to healthy controls. The genetic analysis revealed no significant association of VTCN1 intronic polymorphisms rs10923223 T/C and rs12046117 C/T with vitiligo susceptibility in Gujarat population (p = .359, p = .937, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed altered VTCN1 and NRD1 expressions in the blood and skin of vitiligo patients, suggesting their potential role in the development and progression of Vitiligo.

A Significant Role of Chemistry in Drug Development: A Systematic Journey from Traditional to Modern Approaches with Anti-HIV/AIDS Drugs as Examples.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, various plant extracts having interesting biological properties were the main source of new drugs. In the last 30 years, the role of chemistry in combination with new technologies, like various computational techniques in chemistry, has witnessed a major upsurge in drug discovery and targeted drug delivery. OBJECTIVE: This article provides a succinct overview of recent techniques of chemistry that have a great impact on the drug development process in general and also against HIV/AIDS. It focuses on new methods employed for drug development with an emphasis on in silico studies, including identifying drug targets, especially the proteins associated with specific diseases. METHODS: The rational drug development process starts with the identification of a drug target as the first phase, which helps in the computer-assisted design of new drug molecules. Synthetic chemistry has a major impact on the drug development process because it provides new molecules for future study. Natural products based semisynthesis or microwave assisted synthesis is also involved in developing newly designed drug molecules. Further, the role of analytical chemistry involves extraction, fractionation, isolation and characterization of newly synthesized molecules. RESULTS: Chemistry plays a key role in drug discovery and delivery by natural process or with the help of synthetic nanoparticles or nanomedicines. So, nanochemistry is also deeply involved in the development of new drugs and their applications. CONCLUSION: The previous era of drug discovery was dominated only by chemistry, but the modern approaches involve a comprehensive knowledge of synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry and the concerned biological phenomenon.

Characterization and low-cost preservation of Chromobacterium violaceum strain TRFM-24 isolated from Tripura state, India.

BACKGROUND: Chromobacterium species, through their bioactive molecules, help in combating biotic and abiotic stresses in plants and humans. The present study was aimed to identify, characterize and preserve in natural gums the violet-pigmented bacterial isolate TRFM-24 recovered from the rhizosphere soil of rice collected from Tripura state. RESULTS: Based on morphological, biochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the isolate TFRM-24 was identified as Chromobacterium violaceum (NAIMCC-B-02276; MCC 4212). The bacterium is saprophytic, free living and Gram negative. The strain was found positive for production of IAA, cellulase, xylanase and protease, and showed tolerance to salt (2.5%) and drought (-1.2 MPa). However, it showed poor biocontrol activity against soil-borne phytopathogens and nutrient-solubilizing abilitiets. C. violaceum strain TRFM-24 did not survive on tryptic soya agar (TSA) beyond 12 days between 4 and 32 °C temperature hence a method of preservation of this bacterium was attempted using different natural gums namely Acacia nilotica (babul), Anogeissus latifolia (dhavda), Boswellia serrata (salai) and Butea monosperma (palash) under different temperature regime (6-32 °C). The bacterium survived in babul gum (gum acacia), dhavda and salai solution at room temperature beyond a year. CONCLUSION: Based on polyphasic approach, a violet-pigmented isolate TRFM-24 was identified as Chromobacterim violaceum which possessed some attributes of plant and human importance. Further, a simple and low-cost preservation method of strain TRFM-24 at room temperature was developed using natural gums such as babul, dhavda and salai gums which may be the first report to our knowledge.

Alkylated benzimidazoles: Design, synthesis, docking, DFT analysis, ADMET property, molecular dynamics and activity against HIV and YFV.

A series of alkylated benzimidazole derivatives was synthesized and screened for their anti-HIV, anti-YFV, and broad-spectrum antiviral properties. The physicochemical parameters and drug-like properties of the compounds were assessed first, and then docking studies and MD simulations on HIV-RT allosteric sites were conducted to find the possible mode of their action. DFT analysis was also performed to confirm the nature of the hydrogen bonding interaction of active compounds. The in silico studies indicated that the molecules behaved like possible NNRTIs. The nature - polar or non-polar and position of the substituent present at fifth, sixth, and N-1 positions of the benzimidazole moiety played an important role in determining the antiviral properties of the compounds. Among the various compounds, 2-(5,6-dibromo-2-chloro-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol (3a) showed anti-HIV activity with an appreciably low IC50 value as 0.386 × 10-5µM. Similarly, compound 2b, 3-(2-chloro-5-nitro-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl) propan-1-ol, showed excellent inhibitory property against the yellow fever virus (YFV) with EC50 value as 0.7824 × 10-2µM.

Synthesis, docking, ADMET prediction, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of oxathiadiazole derivatives.

A series of molecules bearing oxathiadiazole, a five membered heterocyclic ring has been designed, synthesized and screened for antimicrobial activity. Molecules, 1a, 1b, 1d, 3a-b and 4a-b were found to be highly active (MIC value upto 1.5 µg/mL) against different human pathogens, namely S. aureus, B. cerus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Some of the compounds, 1a, 1b and 1d have also shown the antifungal activity (MIC value upto 6.2 µg/mL) against Candida albicans, Candida glubrate and Candida crusei. During in vitro cytotoxicity study, the oxathiadiazole derivatives showed less toxicity than the reference used against PBM, CEM and Vero (African green monkey kidney) cell lines. Docking studies suggested that all designed ligands interacted well within active site of PDF enzyme (PDB ID: 1G2A). Oxathiadiazole ring of all ligands formed H-bond with amino acid Leu91 at a distance ranging between 2.5-2.8 Å and also exhibited π - + and π - π interactions with amino acid residues Arg97 and His132, respectively. In silico ADMET evaluations of compounds showed more than 90% intestinal absorption for all compounds except 4b (87.45%), which too was greater than the reference drugs sulfamethoxazole (76.46%) and chloramphenicol (69.94%). TOPKAT results also supported the lower cytotoxicity of all compounds.

Linear epitope prediction in HPV type 16 E7 antigen and their docked interaction with human TMEM 50A structural model.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) HPV type 16 E7 antigen is a known target in cervical cancer. We report the predicted potential epitopes in the E7 antigen. We further describe the subsequent interaction of these linear epitope peptides with the human TMEM 50 A structural model using molecular docking. This data finds application in the development of components towards HPV associated disease prevention.

Molecular modeling, synthesis and biological evaluation of N-heteroaryl compounds as reverse transcriptase inhibitors against HIV-1.

Different N-heteroaryl compounds bearing pyrimidine and benzimidazole moieties have been designed in silico using Discovery studio 2.5 software, synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity as reverse transcriptase inhibitors against HIV-1 replication using laboratory adapted strains HIV-1IIIB (X4, subtype B) and HIV-1Ada5 (R5, subtype B), and the primary isolates HIV-1UG070 (X4, subtype D) and HIV-1VB59 (R5, subtype C). Cell-based assay showed that compounds were active at 1.394 µm concentrations (Selectivity Index: 1.29-38.39). The studies on structure-activity relationship clearly suggested anti-HIV activity of pyrimidine and benzimidazole derivatives and these findings were consistent with the in vitro cell-based experimental data. The results of molecular modeling and docking confirmed that all compounds assumed a butterfly-like conformation and showed H-bond, 'π-π' and 'π-+' and hydrophobic interactions within flexible non-nucleoside inhibitor binding pocket of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, similar to known non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, such as nevirapine. In view of the results obtained, it can be said that the chemical skeletons of N, N'-bis-(pyridin-2-yl)-succinamide (14 and 15) and 1, 4-bis-benzoimidazol-1-yl-butane-1, 4-dione (16 and 17) may be used for developing potent inhibitors of HIV-1 replication, with suitable structure/pharmacophore modifications.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on moderate to severe bronchial asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To define the therapeutic role of vitamin D in children with moderate to severe bronchial asthma as an adjunct to standard treatment. METHODS: Hundred asthmatic children of either sex, attending the respiratory and asthma clinic were enroled in the study. Diagnosis was made on the basis of history and clinical examination. Randomization was done using sealed opaque envelop method. In addition to the treatment as per GINA guidelines, one group received oral vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60,000 IU per month for 6 mo and the other group received placebo powder in the form of glucose sachet with a double blinded design. Monthly follow up of every patient was done and during every visit change in severity, level of control, Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), steroid dosage, number of exacerbations and number of emergency visits were assessed. RESULTS: Monthly doses of 60,000 IU vitamin D significantly reduced the number of exacerbations as compared to placebo (p = 0.011). PEFR significantly increased in the treatment group (p = 0.000). Monthly doses of vitamin D significantly reduced the requirement of steroids (p = 0.013) and emergency visits (p = 0.015). Control of asthma was achieved earlier in patients who received monthly vitamin D. Vitamin D significantly reduced the level of severity of asthma patients over 6 mo of treatment (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D has a definite role in the management of moderate to severe persistent bronchial asthma as an adjunct to standard treatment.

Molecular modeling, dynamics studies and virtual screening of Fructose 1, 6 biphosphate aldolase-II in community acquired- methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA).

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has recently emerged as a nosocomial pathogen to the community which commonly causes skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs). This strain (MW2) has now become resistant to the most of the beta-lactam antibiotics; therefore it is the urgent need to identify the novel drug targets. Recently fructose 1,6 biphosphate aldolase-II (FBA) has been identified as potential drug target in CA-MRSA. The FBA catalyses the retro-ketolic cleavage of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) to yield dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P) in glycolytic pathway. In the present research work the 3D structure of FBA was predicted using the homology modeling method followed by validation. The molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) of the predicted model was carried out using the 2000 ps time scale and 1000000 steps. The MDS results suggest that the modeled structure is stable. The predicted model of FBA was used for virtual screening against the NCI diversity subset-II ligand databases which contain 1364 compounds. Based on the docking energy scores, it was found that top four ligands i.e. ZINC01690699, ZINC13154304, ZINC29590257 and ZINC29590259 were having lower energy scores which reveal higher binding affinity towards the active site of FBA. These ligands might act as potent inhibitors for the FBA so that the menace of antimicrobial resistance in CA-MRSA can be conquered. However, pharmacological studies are required to confirm the inhibitory activity of these ligands against the FBA in CA-MRSA.

2 D - QSAR studies on CYP26A1 inhibitory activity of 1-[benzofuran-2-yl-(4-alkyl/aryl-phenyl)-methyl]- 1 H-triazoles.

The Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) study is performed over a set of 15, 4-alkyl/aryl-substituted 1- [benzofuran-2-yl-phenylmethyl]-1 H-triazoles derivatives. This study is based on the application of physicochemical parameters in QSAR. The parameters include (MR (molar refractivity), MW (molecular weight), Pc (parachor), St (surface tension), D (density), Ir (index of refraction) and log P (partition coefficient). The parameters describing physiochemical properties are used as independent variables and the biological activity (IC(50)) is considered as dependent variable in multiple regression analysis. Different models were generated with high co-efficient of determination (R(2)). The 2D-QSAR study identified compounds capable of inhibiting the metabolic breakdown of the retinoid (trans-retinoic acid (ATRA)) involved in the activation of specific nuclear Retinoic acid receptors (RARs). This study identifies R115866 as a potential inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) mediated metabolism with increased RA levels for retinoid actions.