Novel variants in the LRP4 underlying Cenani-Lenz Syndactyly syndrome.

Cenani-Lenz syndrome (CLS) is a rare autosomal-recessive congenital disorder affecting development of distal limbs. It is characterized mainly by syndactyly and/or oligodactyly, renal anomalies, and characteristic facial features. Mutations in the LRP4 gene, located on human chromosome 11p11.2-q13.1, causes the CLS. The gene LRP4 encodes a low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-4, which mediates SOST-dependent inhibition of bone formation and Wnt signaling. In the study, presented here, three families of Pakistani origin, segregating CLS in the autosomal recessive manner were clinically and genetically characterized. In two families (A and B), microsatellite-based homozygosity mapping followed by Sanger sequencing identified a novel homozygous missense variant [NM_002334.3: c.295G>C; p.(Asp99His)] in the LRP4 gene. In the third family C, exome sequencing revealed a second novel homozygous missense variant [NM_002334.3: c.1633C>T; p.(Arg545Trp)] in the same gene. To determine the functional relevance of these variants, we tested their ability to inhibit canonical WNT signaling in a luciferase assay. Wild type LRP4 was able to inhibit LRP6-dependent WNT signaling robustly. The two mutants p.(Asp99His) and p.(Arg545Trp) inhibited WNT signaling less effectively, suggesting they reduced LRP4 function.

In vitro antiglycation and antioxidant properties of benzophenone thiosemicarbazones.

Fifteen benzophenone thiosemicarbazones were synthesized and their in vitro antiglycation activity was evaluated. The most active compound 2 (IC50 = 118.15±2.41µM) showed two folds potent activity than the standard, rutin (IC50 = 294.5±1.5µM). Compounds 1 and 3-7 showed good to moderate antiglycation activity in the range of 204.14 - 488.54µM. These compounds were also evaluated for antioxidant activity. Their structure-activity relationships have been developed. The results reveal the potential of these compounds as leads for further studies towards the development of antidiabetic drugs.

Sequence Variants in the WNT10B Underlying Non-Syndromic Split-Hand/Foot Malformation.

Introduction: Split hand and foot malformation (SHFM) or ectrodactyly is a rare limb deformity characterized by median cleft of the hand and foot with impaired or missing central rays. It can occur as an isolated anomaly or in association with abnormalities of other body parts. Methods: After delineating the clinical features of two families (A-B), with non-syndromic SHFM, exome and Sanger sequencing were employed to search for the disease-causing variants. Results: Analysis of exome and Sanger sequencing data revealed two causative variants in the WNT10B gene in affected members of the two families. This included a novel missense change [c.338G>C; p.(Gly113Ala)] in family A and a previously reported frameshift variant [c.884-896delTCCAGCCCCGTCT; p.(Phe295Cysfs*87)] in family B. Conclusion: Our findings add a novel variant in WNT10B gene as the underlying cause of SHFM. The finding adds to the growing body of knowledge about the genetic basis of developmental disorders and provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms that regulate limb development.

Characterisation of the essential oil from Iphiona grantioides and investigation of its antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Iphiona grantioides (Boiss) Anderb. is a medicinal plant featuring several traditional uses. Nevertheless, this plant has not been widely investigated by modern medicinal chemistry yet, as also the properties of its extracts.In this study, we report the extraction of the essential oil by hydrodistillation from the leaves of I. grantioides. This was characterised by GC-MS analysis and ten chemical constituents were identified.Our findings demonstrate that the essential oil is effective in inhibiting the growth of bacterial strains, and of Klebsiela pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus in particular. Additionally, its antioxidant properties were evaluated, and it showed radical scavenging activity in vitro.

Novel mutations in natriuretic peptide receptor-2 gene underlie acromesomelic dysplasia, type maroteaux.

BACKGROUND: Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are peptide hormones that exert their biological actions by binding to three types of cell surface natriuretic peptide receptors (NPRs). The receptor NPR-B binding C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) acts locally as a paracrine and/or autocrine regulator in a wide variety of tissues. Mutations in the gene NPR2 have been shown to cause acromesomelic dysplasia-type Maroteaux (AMDM), an autosomal recessive skeletal disproportionate dwarfism disorder in humans. METHODS: In the study, presented here, genotyping of six consanguineous families of Pakistani origin with AMDM was carried out using polymorphic microsatellite markers, which are closely linked to the gene NPR2 on chromosome 9p21-p12. To screen for mutations in the gene NPR2, all of its coding exons and splice junction sites were PCR amplified from genomic DNA of affected and unaffected individuals of the families and sequenced. RESULTS: Sequence analysis of the gene NPR2 identified a novel missence mutation (p.T907M) in five families, and a splice donor site mutation c.2986 + 2 T > G in the other family. CONCLUSION: We have described two novel mutations in the gene NPR2. The presence of the same mutation (p.T907M) and haplotype in five families (A, B, C, D, E) is suggestive of a founder effect.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Euphorbia wallichii Extract and Assessment of their Bio-functionalities.

BACKGROUND: Silver nanoparticles synthesized by the bio-green method have been applied to various biomedical applications. These procedures are simple, eco-friendly and serve as an alternative to complex chemical methods for the preparation of nanomaterials. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles, to examine their antioxidant potential, toxic effects towards bacterial-, fungal-strains, brine shrimp nauplii and cancer cells was focused. METHODS: Methanolic extract of Euphorbia wallichii roots was used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The synthesis was monitored and confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectrometric analysis, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD). RESULTS: The synthesized particles were average 63±8 nm in size. Involvement of phenolic (46.7±2.4 µg GAE/mg) and flavonoid (11.7±1.2 µg QE/mg) compounds as capping agents was also measured. Nanoparticles showed antioxidant properties in terms of free radical scavenging potential (59.63±1.0 %), reducing power (44.52±1.34 µg AAE/mg) and total antioxidant capacity (60.48±2.2 µg AAE/mg). The nanoparticles showed potent cytotoxic effects against brine shrimp nauplii (LD50 66.83 µg/ml), proliferation and cell death of HeLa cells as determined by MTT (LD50 0.3923 µg/ml) and TUNEL assays, respectively. Antimicrobial results revealed that silver nanoparticles were found to be more potent against pathogenic fungal (maximum active against A. fumigatus, MIC 15 µg/disc) and bacterial strains (maximum active against S. aureus, MIC 3.33 µg/disc) than the E. wallichii extract alone. CONCLUSION: These results support the advantages of using an eco-friendly and cost-effective method for synthesis of nanoparticles with antioxidant, cytotoxic and antimicrobial potential.

Benzothiazole derivatives: novel inhibitors of methylglyoxal mediated glycation of proteins in vitro.

This manuscript describes the protein anti-glycation activity of thirty-three (33) benzothiazoles, out of which twenty-seven were the newly synthesized benzothiazoles. Compound 1 (IC50= 187 ± 2.6 µM) was found to be the most active, while compounds 2 (IC50= 219 ± 3.6 µM), 3 (IC50= 224 ± 1.9 µM), 4 (IC50= 223 ± 3.3 µM), 5 (IC50= 238 ± 2.2 µM), 7 (IC50= 266 ± 5.4 µM), 17 (IC50= 226 ± 1.6 µM) and 18 (IC50= 274 ± 2.4 µM) were significantly active, when compared with the standard rutin (IC50= 294 ± 1.5 µM). This study identified potential inhibitors of methylglyoxal mediated glycation of proteins, which is the pathophysiology of late diabetic complications.

Antiglycation activity of quinoline derivatives- a new therapeutic class for the management of type 2 diabetes complications.

We report here a new class of compounds, quinoline derivatives, as potential inhibitors of in vitro bovine serum albumin-methylglyoxal glycation. Among compounds 1-19, compound 14 was found to be the most active analog with IC50 of 282.98 ± 8.4 µM. Compounds 12 (IC50 = 661.78 ± 8.7 µM) and 15 (IC50 = 629.43 ± 7.85 7 µM) were also identified as modest inhibitors, in comparison to the standard inhibitor, rutin (IC50 = 294.50 ± 1.5 µM). When evaluated for antioxidant activity through in vitro DPPH radical scavenging assay, compounds 3 (IC50 = 2.19 ± 0.27 µM), 6 (IC50 = 7.35 ± 2.27 µM), 11 (IC50 = 8.96 ± 0.56 µM), and 12 (IC50 = 10.11 ± 2.03 µM), and 15 (IC50 = 7.01 ± 3.87 µM) were found to be more active than the standard i.e. gallic acid (IC50 = 23.34 ± 0.43 µM). These compounds were also evaluated for cytotoxicity against rat fibroblast cell line (3T3 cell line). All compounds were found to be non-toxic in cellular model. This study identifies quinoline derivatives as a new class of inhibitors of protein glycation in vitro, along with antioxidant and non-toxic nature. These properties make them interesting leads for further studies as potential anti-diabetic agents.