A Series of Ferulic Acid Amides Reveals Unexpected Peroxiredoxin 1 Inhibitory Activity with in†vivo Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Effects.

Insulin resistance is a major pathophysiological feature in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Ferulic acid is known for attenuating the insulin resistance and reducing the blood glucose in T2DM rats. In this work, we designed and synthesized a library of new ferulic acid amides (FAA), which could be considered as ring opening derivatives of the antidiabetic PPARγ agonists Thiazolidinediones (TZDs). However, since these compounds displayed weak PPAR transactivation capacity, we employed a proteomics approach to unravel their molecular target(s) and identified the peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) as a direct binding target of FAAs. Interestingly, PRDX1, a protein with antioxidant and chaperone activity, has been implied in the development of T2DM by inducing hepatic insulin resistance. SPR, mass spectrometry-based studies, docking experiments and in vitro inhibition assay confirmed that compounds VIe and VIf bound PRDX1 and induced a dose-dependent inhibition. Furthermore, VIe and VIf significantly improved hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA)-induced diabetic rats as confirmed by histopathological examinations. These results provide guidance for developing the current FAAs as new potential antidiabetic agents.

Synthesis and Evaluation of a Series of 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: In an attempt to develop potent antitumor agents, the synthesis of a series of N-(6-substituted benzothiazol-2-yl)-2-[(5-(arylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)thio]acetamides (1-14) was described and their cytotoxic effects on A549 human lung adenocarcinoma, MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma, HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma and NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cell lines were investigated using MTT assay. RESULTS: Phenyl-substituted compounds (8-14) were found to be more effective than naphthyl-substituted compounds (1-7) on cancer cells. Compounds 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 14 were identified as the most potent anticancer agents on MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines and therefore their effects on DNA synthesis and apoptosis/necrosis in MCF-7 cell line were evaluated. Among these compounds, N-(6-methoxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-2-[(5- (phenylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)thio]acetamide (13) was the most selective anticancer agent against MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines with a SI value of 100. On the other hand, compounds 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 14 inhibited DNA synthesis in MCF-7 cell line in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometric analyses clearly indicated that the compounds showed significant anticancer activity against MCF-7 cell line via the induction of apoptosis dose dependently. CONCLUSION: According to in vitro assays, compounds 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 14 stand out as promising candidates for further studies.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Heterocycles Based Chalcone Derivatives as Antiproliferative Agents.

BACKGROUND: The lack of selectivity and development of drug-resistance encourage researchers to search for novel, more efficient and multi-targeted agents with less toxicity. OBJECTIVE: In this paper, a series of novel chalcone derivatives bearing diverse heterocycles have been synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against A549 (Human Lung Adenocarcinoma) and C6 (Rat Brain Glioma) cells. METHOD: Structures of the title compounds (3-18) were verified by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS spectral data and elemental analyses. Antiproliferative activities of the compounds were evaluated using MTT assay, BrdU method, and flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS: Compounds 9 and 15 were revealed as the most promising cytotoxic agents due to their selectivity towards A549 cells with lower IC50 values (IC50=0.05 µM and IC50=0.0316 µM) than cisplatin (IC50=0.06 µM). Flow cytometric analysis of compounds 9 and 15 showed that they affected lung cancer cells by the apoptotic pathway. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that this study will contribute to the research of novel antiproliferative agents.

A New Series of Pyrrole-Based Chalcones: Synthesis and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity, Cytotoxicity, and Genotoxicity.

In an effort to develop new potent antimicrobial and anticancer agents, new pyrrole-based chalcones were designed and synthesized via the base-catalyzed Claisen-Schmidt condensation of 2-acetyl-1-methylpyrrole with 5-(aryl)furfural derivatives. The compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial effects on pathogenic bacteria and Candida species using microdilution and ATP luminescence microbial cell viability assays. MTT assay was performed to determine the cytotoxic effects of the compounds on A549 human lung adenocarcinoma, HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma, C6 rat glioma, and NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cell lines. 1-(1-Methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-3-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)furan-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (7) and 1-(1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-3-(5-(2,5-dichlorophenyl)furan-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (9) were found to be the most potent antifungal agents against Candida krusei and therefore these compounds were chosen for flow cytometry analysis and Ames MPF assay. ATP bioluminescence assay indicated that the antifungal activity of compounds 7 and 9 against C. krusei was significantly higher than that of other compounds and the reference drug (ketoconazole), whereas flow cytometry analysis revealed that the percentage of dead cells treated with compound 7 was more than that treated with compound 9 and ketoconazole. According to Ames MPF assay, compounds 7 and 9 were found to be non-genotoxic against TA98 and TA100 with/without metabolic activation. MTT assay indicated that 1-(1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-3-(5-(2-nitrophenyl)furan-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (3) showed more selective anticancer activity than cisplatin against the HepG2 cell line. On the other hand, 1-(1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-3-(5-(4-nitrophenyl)furan-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (1) was found to be more effective and selective on the A549 cell line than cisplatin.

Synthesis and Evaluation of New Oxadiazole, Thiadiazole, and Triazole Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents Targeting MMP-9.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important proteases involved in tumor progression including angiogenesis, tissue invasion, and migration. Therefore, MMPs have been reported as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in many types of cancer. New oxadiazole, thiadiazole, and triazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer effects on A549 human lung adenocarcinoma and C6 rat glioma cell lines. In order to examine the relationship between their anticancer activity and MMP-9, the compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on MMPs. N-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2-{[5,[5-(((5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)oxy)methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]thio}acetamide (8) and N-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2-[(5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)thio]acetamide (9) revealed promising cytotoxic effects on A549 and C6 cell lines similar to cisplatin without causing any toxicity towards NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line. Compounds 8 and 9 were also the most effective MMP-9 inhibitors in this series. Moreover, docking studies pointed out that compounds 8 and 9 had good affinity to the active site of the MMP-9 enzyme. The molecular docking and in vitro studies suggest that the MMP-9 inhibitory effects of compounds 8 and 9 may play an important role in lung adenocarcinoma and glioma treatment.

Cytotoxic, Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Effects of Perillyl Alcohol and Its Biotransformation Metabolite on A549 and HepG2 Cancer Cell Lines.

BACKGROUND: A monoterpene, perillyl alcohol, has attracted attention in medicinal chemistry since it exhibited chemo-preventive and therapeutic properties against a variety of cancers. OBJECTIVE: In the present work, it was aimed to obtain derivatives of perillyl alcohol through microbial biotransformation and investigate their anticancer activities against A549 and HepG2 cancer cell lines. METHOD: Biotransformation studies were carried out in a α-medium for 7 days at 25oC. XTT assay was performed to investigate the anticancer activities of perillyl alcohol and its biotransformation metabolite, dehydroperillic acid, against A549 and HepG2 cell lines and their selectivity using healthy cell line, NIH/3T3. Cell proliferation ELISA, BRDU (colorimetric) assay was used for measurement of proliferation in replicative cells in which DNA synthesis occurs. Flow cytometric analyses were also carried out for measuring apoptotic cell percentages, caspase 3 activation and mitochondrial membrane potential. RESULTS: Biotransformation of perillyl alcohol with Fusarium culmorum yielded dehydroperillic acid in a yield of 20.4 %. In in vitro anticancer studies, perillyl alcohol was found to exert cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line with an IC50 value of 409.2 µg/mL. However, this effect was not found to be selective because of its higher IC50 (250 µg/mL) value against NIH/3T3 cell line. On the other hand, dehydroperillic acid was found to be effective and also selective against A549 cell line with an IC50 value of 125 µg/mL and a selectivity index (SI) value of 400. Apoptosis inducing effects of dehydroperillic acid was better in A549 cell line. CONCLUSION: Dehydroperillic acid may be a good candidate for therapy of lung adenocarcinoma and may show this anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis.

Sertraline-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats: evaluation of possible underlying mechanisms.

This study was conducted to clarify the toxic effects of sertraline (SRT) on the reproductive system of male rats and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Rats were treated orally with SRT at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg kg-1 for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the treatment period, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm morphology were investigated by computer-assisted sperm analysis system whereas sperm DNA damage was detected by comet assay. The oxidative status of the testes was investigated, and a histopathological examination was conducted. Serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured to determine the effects of SRT on the spermatogenesis process. One-way ANOVA, post-hoc Dunnett's T3 test for the sperm comet assay, and post-hoc Tukey's test for the others were performed for statistical analysis. The results showed that SRT caused an increase in sperm DNA damage and induced histopathological lesions in all groups treated with SRT. There was abnormal sperm morphology and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) in the 10 mg kg-1 treatment group. More dramatic changes were observed in the 20 mg kg-1 treatment group. Decreased sperm count was accompanied by a significant increase in abnormal sperm morphology, DNA damage, and degeneration in cellular-tubular structures. Serum LH and testosterone levels were elevated in the 20 mg kg-1 treatment group. Decreased glutathione (GSH) and increased MDA were signs of enhanced oxidative stress (OS). In conclusion, SRT induced testicular toxicity in a dose-dependent manner and OS is suggested as a crucial mechanism.

Synthesis and Evaluation of A New Series of Thiazole Derivatives as Potential Antitumor Agents and MMP Inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the relationship between overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tumor invasion/metastasis has prompted researchers to develop MMP inhibitors as anticancer drugs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to design and synthesize new thiazole-based anticancer agents targeting MMPs. METHOD: New thiazole derivatives were synthesized and investigated for their cytotoxic effects on A549 human lung adenocarcinoma, MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma and NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cell lines using MTT assay. The potential inhibitory effects of the best candidates on gelatinases (MMP-2, MMP-9), and collagenases (MMP-1, MMP-8, MMP-13) were evaluated. RESULTS: Ethyl 2-[2-((4-amino-5-(phenoxymethyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)acetamido]-4-methylthiazole-5-carboxylate (3) was found to be the most promising anticancer agent against MCF-7 cell line due to its selective inhibitory effect on MCF-7 cells with an IC50 value of 20.6±0.3 µg/mL when compared with cisplatin (IC50= 35.31±0.51 µg/mL). Compound 3 also showed multiple MMP (MMP-1, MMP-8 and MMP-9) inhibitory activity (10.56±1.70, 20 and 7.28±1.49%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The notable anticancer activity and selectivity of compound 3 on MCF-7 cell line can be attributed to multiple MMP inhibition potential.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of new naphthalene substituted thiosemicarbazone derivatives as potent antifungal and anticancer agents.

New thiosemicarbazone derivatives (1-10) were obtained via the reaction of 4-(naphthalen-1-yl)thiosemicarbazide with fluoro-substituted aromatic aldehydes. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antifungal effects against pathogenic yeasts and molds using broth microdilution assay. Ames and umuC assays were carried out to determine the genotoxicity of the most effective antifungal derivatives. Furthermore, all compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects on A549 human lung adenocarcinoma and NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cell lines using XTT test. Among these derivatives, 4-(naphthalen-1-yl)-1-(2,3-difluorobenzylidene)thiosemicarbazide (1) and 4-(naphthalen-1-yl)-1-(2,5-difluorobenzylidene)thiosemicarbazide (3) can be identified as the most promising antifungal derivatives due to their notable inhibitory effects on Candida species and no cytotoxicity against NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line. According to Ames and umuC assays, compounds 1 and 3 were classified as non-mutagenic compounds. On the other hand, 4-(naphthalen-1-yl)-1-(2,4-difluorobenzylidene)thiosemicarbazide (2) can be considered as the most promising anticancer agent against A549 cell line owing to its notable inhibitory effect on A549 cells with an IC50 value of 31.25 µg/mL when compared with cisplatin (IC50 = 16.28 µg/mL) and no cytotoxicity against NIH/3T3 cells.

A novel series of thiazolyl-pyrazoline derivatives: synthesis and evaluation of antifungal activity, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.

In the current work, new thiazolyl-pyrazoline derivatives (1-22) were synthesized and evaluated for their antifungal effects against pathogenic yeasts and molds using a broth microdilution assay. Ames assay was carried out to determine the genotoxicity of the most effective antifungal derivatives. The cytotoxicity of the compounds (1-22) was also investigated against A549 human lung adenocarcinoma and NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. Among these derivatives, 2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-4-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)thiazole (18) can be identified as the most promising anticandidal derivative due to its notable inhibitory effect on Candida zeylanoides with a MIC value of 250 µg/mL when compared with ketoconazole (MIC = 250 µg/mL), low cytotoxicity against NIH/3T3 cells and non-mutagenic effect. On the other hand, 2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(5-chlorothiophen-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-4-(4-bromophenyl)thiazole (4) can be considered as the most promising anticancer agent against A549 cancer cells owing to its notable inhibitory effect on A549 cells with an IC50 value of 62.5 µg/mL when compared with cisplatin (IC50 = 45.88 µg/mL) and low cytotoxicity against NIH/3T3 cells.

In vitro antitumor activity evaluation of some 1,2,4-triazine derivatives bearing piperazine amide moiety against breast cancer cells.

A series of 1,2,4-triazine derivatives bearing piperazine amide moiety has been synthesized and investigated for their potential anticancer activities. 1-[4-(5,6-Bis(4-subtituted phenyl)-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-[4-(3-substituted phenyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethanone derivative (1-32) compounds were synthesized by a four step synthetic procedure. The activity studies were evaluated using XTT method, BrdU method and flow cytometric analysis on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and NIH/3T3 (mouse embryonic fibroblast cells) healthy cells. Compounds 5 with 3-chlorophenyl and compound 7 with 4-chlorophenyl substitutions were found to be promising antiproliferative agents comparing with an effective anticancer drug, cisplatin.

Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of new nitro-substituted thiazolyl hydrazone derivatives as anticandidal and anticancer agents.

Fourteen new thiazolyl hydrazone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anticandidal activity using a broth microdilution assay. Among the synthesized compounds, 2-[2-((5-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)furan-2-yl)methylene)hydrazinyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazole and 2-[2-((5-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)furan-2-yl)methylene) hydrazinyl]-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)thiazole were found to be the most effective antifungal compounds against Candida utilis, with a MIC value of 250 µg/mL, when compared with fluconazole (MIC=2 µg/mL). Additionally, the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic effects on the MCF-7 and NIH/3T3 cell lines. As a result, 2-[2-((5-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)furan-2-yl)methylene)hydrazinyl]-4-(4-chlorophenyl)thiazole was identified as the most promising anticancer compound against MCF-7 cancer cells due to its inhibitory effects (IC50=125 µg/mL) and relatively low toxicity towards the NIH/3T3 cell line (IC50>500 µg/mL).

Synthesis and biological evaluation of some hydrazone derivatives as new anticandidal and anticancer agents.

New hydrazone derivatives were synthesized via the nucleophilic addition-elimination reaction of 2-[(1-methyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)thio)]acetohydrazide with aromatic aldehydes/ketones. The compounds were tested in vitro against various Candida species and compared with ketoconazole. Genotoxicity of the most effective anticandidal compounds was evaluated by umuC and Ames assays. All compounds were also investigated for their cytotoxic effects on NIH3T3 and A549 cell lines. Compound 8 was the most effective antifungal derivative against C. albicans (ATCC-90028) with a MIC value of 0.05 mg/mL. Compound 5 can be identified as the most promising anticancer agent against A549 cancer cell lines due to its inhibitory effect on A549 cell lines and low toxicity to NIH3T3 cells.

[Indoor electric burns in children]. / Cocuklarda ev içi elektrik yaniklari.

BACKGROUND: Electric burns are serious public health problems that comprise 3.5% of the burns that refer to the hospital. By biting and sucking the electric cords, mouth and lip burns occur in the children. The mortality rate is 90% in the children who had cardiac arrest before coming to the hospital. In this study, the electric burns that were followed-up in our clinic were reported. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four cases with electric burns followed-up in our clinic between September 2002 February 2003; were assessed. The cases were called back to control one and six months after the burn incident and the indoor precautions required were appraised. RESULTS: The mean ages of two male and two female children were respectively 23.6+/-10.6 months (10 - 36 months). Two of the four cases with burns had played with electric plugs and the other two had bitten the cords. The indoor precautions had still not been taken at the first and six months of the follow up period. CONCLUSIONS: House visits are important since the preventive measures are not usually taken at home. In consideration of higher incidence of exposure to indoor accidents during childhood, the best way to avoid accidents is to take preventive measures against them.

Serum leptin level in children with atopic dermatitis-treated topical steroids.

Leptin, the obese gene product, is a 16-kDa peptide hormone secreted by adiposities. Systemic administration of exogenous glucocorticoids has been found to increase circulating leptin levels. In this study, we aimed to assess serum leptin in children with atopic dermatitis (AD)-treated with local steroids. Twenty children with AD were included during the 2001-2002 time period. The study was conducted prospectively. Atopy was defined as the presence of at least one aeroallergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody. Serum leptin was determined using a commercially available radioimmunoassay kit with 3.4-8.3% intra-assay and 3.0-6.2% interassay coefficients of variation, and 0.5 ng/ml sensitivity. Fourteen boys and six girls with AD, the mean age of the patients was 3.1 +/- 2.2. Forty-three percentage of the family histories for atopy were positive, 60% of the cases passive smoking histories were positive. In seven patients the aeroallergen-specific IgE were positive. All 20 patients treated clobetasone 17-butirate (0.05%). There was no significant difference in serum leptin between patients (mean +/- s.d.: 4.6 +/- 3.8), and controls (mean +/- s.d.: 6.2 +/- 3.6) (p > 0.05). Local steroid does not influence circulating leptin levels, suggesting that regulation of body weight is unaffected.