Unmasking the Antifungal Activity of Anacardium occidentale Leaf Extract against Candida albicans.

Invasive fungal disease causes high morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients. Resistance to conventional antifungal drugs and the toxicity associated with high doses highlight the need for effective antifungal therapies. In this study, the antifungal potential of the ethanolic extract of Anacardium occidentale (Cashew Leaf) leaves were evaluated against Candida albicans and C. auris. The antifungal activity was tested by the broth microdilution method and growth kinetic test. To further explore its antifungal action mode, spectrofluorophotometry, confocal microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were performed. Additionally, heterozygous knockout strains associated with resistance to oxidative stress were included in the study. We found that A. occidentale could inhibit the proliferation and growth of C. albicans at concentrations of 62.5 and 125 µg/mL. The doubling time was also drastically affected, going from 2.8 h to 22.5 h, which was also observed in C. auris. The extract induced the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, while it did not show cytotoxicity or hemolytic activity at the concentrations evaluated. Our work preliminarily elucidated the potential mechanisms of A. occidentale against C. albicans on a cellular level, and might provide a promising option for the design of a new treatment for invasive candidiasis.

Virtual screening indicates potential inhibitors of the P2X7 receptor.

Anti-inflammatory agents can be synthetic or natural compounds and are often used to attenuate different levels of inflammation. Inflammatory diseases, due to the involvement of multiple systems, are becoming difficult to treat, involve long durations of therapy where applicable, have a high cost of management and have a deleterious impact on public health. The search for natural and synthetic compounds with anti-inflammatory activity is an important strategy in drug design. Bioactive synthetic drugs may be repurposed for other pharmacological applications, and natural product chemical structures offer unlimited opportunities for new drug discoveries due to the unparalleled availability of chemical diversity. Virtual screening of 2774 molecules on the mouse P2X7 protein showed that potential ligands are composed of five flavonoids (narirutin, diosmin, complanatuside, hesperidin, and oroxin B) and other drugs such as velpatasvir, itacitinib and lifitegrast. In vitro studies in mouse cells confirmed the inhibitory activity of the indicated ligands on the P2X7 receptor by applying virtual screening. The behavior of protein bonded to the ligands was verified by analysis of the molecular dynamic simulation trajectories for four of the most potent inhibitor compounds, indicating that the ligands velpatasvir, itacitinib, lithospermic acid and narirutin remained in the binding site indicated by molecular docking.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modeling studies of novel 1,2,3-triazole-linked menadione-furan derivatives as P2X7 inhibitors.

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is an ion channel that promotes the passage of ions through the membrane through brief stimulation once activated by ATP, its endogenous opener. However, prolonged stimulation with ATP, which occurs in pathological processes, opens a nonselective pore in the plasma membrane, allowing the passage of large molecules and leading to cytokine release or even cell death. In this sense, the search for new inhibitors for this receptor has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. Considering the booming of biomass upgrading reactions in recent years and the continued efforts to synthesize biologically active molecules containing the 1,2,3-triazole ring, in the present work, we aimed to investigate whether triazole-linked menadione-furan derivatives could present P2X7R inhibitory activity. The novel compounds were tested for their inhibitory activity on ATP-induced dye uptake in peritoneal macrophages. Some have shown promising results, having displayed IC50 values lower than that of the P2X7R inhibitor BBG. Molecular docking studies also indicated that the active compounds bind to an allosteric site on P2X7R, presenting potential P2X7R inhibition.

Eugenia sulcata (Myrtaceae) Nanoemulsion Enhances the Inhibitory Activity of the Essential Oil on P2X7R and Inflammatory Response In Vivo.

P2X7R is a purinergic receptor with broad expression throughout the body, especially in immune system cells. P2X7R activation causes inflammatory mediators to release, including interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), the processing and release of which are critically dependent on this ion channel activation. P2X7R's therapeutic potential augments the discovery of new antagonistic compounds. Thus, we investigated whether the Eugenia sulcata essential oil could block P2X7R activity. The essential oil (ESO) dose-dependently inhibited ATP-promoted PI uptake and IL-1ß release with an IC50 of 113.3 ± 3.7 ng/mL and 274 ± 91 ng/mL, respectively, and the essential oil nanoemulsion (ESON) improved the ESO inhibitory effect with an IC50 of 81.4 ± 7.2 ng/mL and 62 ± 2 ng/mL, respectively. ESO and ESON reversed the carrageenan-activated peritonitis in mice, and ESON exhibited an efficacy higher than ESO. The majority substance from essential oil, ß-caryophyllene, impaired the ATP-evoked PI uptake and IL-1ß release with an IC50 value of 26 ± 0.007 ng/mL and 97 ± 0.012 ng/mL, respectively. Additionally, ß-caryophyllene reduced carrageenan-induced peritonitis, and the molecular modeling and computational simulation predicted the intermolecular interactions in the P2X7R situs. In silico, results indicated ß-caryophyllene as a potent allosteric P2X7R antagonist, although this substance may present toxic effects for humans. These data confirm the nanoemulsion of essential oil from E. sulcata as a promisor biotechnology strategy for impaired P2X7R functions and the inflammatory response.

Synthesis and in vitro and in silico studies of 1H- and 2H-1,2,3-triazoles as antichagasic agents.

1,2,3-triazole heterocycles stand out in medicinal chemistry for having great structural diversity and bioactivities. In this study, two series of triazoles were synthesized. One was obtained by the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between ethyl cyanoacetate and several phenyl azides forming 1H-1,2,3-triazoles and the other by rearrangement of Dimroth forming and 2H-1,2,3-triazoles. Both series were shown to be active against the epimastigote form of Trypanosoma cruzi. The 1,2,3-triazoles 16d (S.I. between 100 and 200), 17d and 16f (S.I. > 200) were the most active compounds and capable of breaking the plasma membrane of trypomastigotes acting on CYP51 and inhibiting ergosterol synthesis. Candidate 16d exhibited the best and most favorable profile when interacting with CYP51.

The potential involvement of P2X7 receptor in COVID-19 pathogenesis: A new therapeutic target?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis remains under investigation. Growing evidence indicates the establishment of a hyperinflammatory response, characterized by sustained production of cytokines, such as IL-1ß. The release and maturation of this cytokine are dependent on the activation of a catalytic multiprotein complex, known as "inflammasome". The most investigated is the NLRP3 inflammasome, which can be activated by various stimuli, such as the recognition of extracellular ATP by the P2X7 receptor. Based on the recent literature, we present evidence that supports the idea that the P2X7R/NLRP3 axis may be involved in the immune dysregulation caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Molecular dynamic simulations of full-length human purinergic receptor subtype P2X7 bonded to potent inhibitors.

Among the members of purinergic receptors, the family P2X of ionotropic proteins has the ion channel subtype P2X7 that show in studies to be an important molecular target for new drugs. The activity of human P2X7 receptor (hP2X7r) in the body, due to its pro-inflammatory function, can trigger physiological disorders related to chronic inflammatory processes, leading to neural degeneration, neuropathic pain and chronic pain. Recently, two series of promising new inhibitors of the hP2X7r ion channel have been reported. One series consisted of naphthoquinone derivatives and the other composed of triazole derivatives. The main objective of this study was to understand the binding mode differences between the hit compounds of each series and compare them to the native ligand ATP. The hP2X7r ion channel and membrane lipid models were prepared in order to allow study the appropriate protein molecular dynamics. Molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulation approaches were applied in order to obtain atomistic and molecular details that are involved in intermolecular interactions. Both compounds AN-04 and 9d seem to have affinity to binding in the hP2X7r pore area according to molecular dynamics simulations results. The naphthoquinone derivative AN-04 demonstrated a binding free energy 7.68 fold larger than triazole derivative 9d and 3.8 fold lower than native ligand ATP. These results indicate that compound AN-04 might be a promising lead compound for the development of a novel selective hP2X7r inhibitor.

Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Modeling Studies of New Thiadiazole Derivatives as Potent P2X7 Receptor Inhibitors.

Twenty new 2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole analogs were synthetized to develop P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) inhibitors. P2X7R inhibition in vitro was evaluated in mouse peritoneal macrophages, HEK-293 cells transfected with hP2X7R (dye uptake assay), and THP-1 cells (IL-1ß release assay). The 1-(5-phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-5-amine derivatives 9b, 9c, and 9f, and 2-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole (11c) showed inhibitory effects with IC50 values ranging from 16 to 122 nM for reduced P2X7R-mediated dye uptake and 20 to 300 nM for IL-1ß release. In addition, the in vitro ADMET profile of the four most potent derivatives was determined to be in acceptable ranges concerning metabolic stability and cytotoxicity. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies of the molecular complexes human P2X7R/9f and murine P2X7R/9f indicated the putative intermolecular interactions. Compound 9f showed affinity mainly for the Arg268, Lys377, and Asn266 residues. These results suggest that 2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole analogs may be promising novel P2X7R inhibitors with therapeutic potential.

Capsaicin inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced adrenal steroidogenesis by raising intracellular calcium levels.

INTRODUCTION: Glucocorticoid release by adrenals has been described as significant to survive sepsis. The activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) inhibited ACTH-induced glucocorticoid release by adrenal glands in vitro. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate if capsaicin, an activator of TRPV1, would prevent LPS-induced glucocorticoid production by adrenals. METHODS: Male Swiss-Webster mice were treated with capsaicin intraperitoneally (0.2 or 2 mg/kg) 30 min before LPS injection. All analyses were performed 2 h after the LPS stimulation, including plasma corticosterone and peritoneal IL-1ß and TNF-α levels. Furthermore, murine adrenocortical Y1 cells were used to assess the effects of capsaicin on LPS-induced corticosterone production in vitro. RESULTS: Capsaicin (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced plasma corticosterone levels and adrenal hypertrophy induced by LPS without alter the levels of pro-steroidogenic cytokines IL-1ß and TNF-α in peritoneal cavity of mice, while the dose of 0.2 mg/kg of capsaicin did not interfere with adrenal steroidogenesis, attested by RIA and ELISA, respectively. Y1 cells express TRPV1, measured by immunofluorescence and western blot, and capsaicin decreased LPS-induced corticosterone production by these cells in vitro. Capsaicin also induces calcium mobilization in Y1 cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that capsaicin inhibits corticosterone production induced by LPS by acting directly on adrenal cells producing glucocorticoids, in a mechanism probably associated with induction of a cytoplasmic calcium increase in these cells.

Synthesis and Evaluation of the Anticancer and Trypanocidal Activities of Boronic Tyrphostins.

Molecules containing an (cyanovinyl)arene moiety are known as tyrphostins because of their ability to inhibit proteins from the tyrosine kinase family, an interesting target for the development of anticancer and trypanocidal drugs. In the present work, (E)-(cyanovinyl)benzeneboronic acids were synthesized by Knoevenagel condensations without the use of any catalysts in water through a simple protocol that completely avoided the use of organic solvents in the synthesis and workup process. The in vitro anticancer and trypanocidal activities of the synthesized boronic acids were also evaluated, and it was discovered that the introduction of the boronic acid functionality improved the activity of the boronic tyrphostins. In silico target fishing with the use of a chemogenomic approach suggested that tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1a (DYRK1A) was a potential target for some of the designed compounds.

P2X7 receptor large pore signaling in avian Müller glial cells.

ATP is a pleiotropic molecule that promotes extra- and intracellular signaling to regulate numerous functions. This nucleotide activates purine and pyrimidine receptors at the plasma membrane, categorized as ionotropic P2X or G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) P2Y receptors. P2X are ligand-gated ion channel receptors, expressed in both retinal neurons and Müller cells leading to neuron-glia communication, calcium waves and neurovascular coupling. However, how P2X pore is formed upon ATP activation and how signaling pathways regulates the complex is still a matter of controversy. Here we studied the properties of the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) using electrophysiology, single cell Ca2+ imaging, and dye uptake assay in purified avian Müller glia in culture. Our data show that ATP (or benzoyl-benzoyl ATP, BzATP) evoked large inward currents in patch-clamp studies while addition of P2X7R antagonist such as brilliant Blue G (BBG), abolished these currents. Ruthenium red (RU-2), a general transient receptor potential (TRP) inhibitor, reduced currents induced by ATP. Our data also point to the involvement of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Ca2+-calmodulin kinase II (CAMKII), microtubules or protein kinase C (PKC) modulating ATP-induced ionic current in Müller cells. We show that ATP induced Ca2+ influx, partially inhibited by P2X7R antagonists (oxidized ATP or BBG), and totally inhibited by blockers of other pores such as transient receptor potential (TRPs) or connexin hemichannel. Additionally, MAPK, PKC, PI3K or CAMKII inhibitors also are involved in the modulation of intracellular calcium signaling. Finally, ATP induced 80-90% of dye uptake in Muller glia cells, while oxidized ATP (oATP), BBG or A740003 inhibited this effect. We conclude that large conductance channel and other P2XRs are not involved in the ATP-induced dye uptake, but signaling pathways such as MAPK, PI3-K, microtubules or PKC are involved in pore formation.

Temporizin and Temporizin-1 Peptides as Novel Candidates for Eliminating Trypanosoma cruzi.

Tropical diseases caused by parasitic infections continue to cause socioeconomic distress worldwide. Among these, Chagas disease has become a great concern because of globalization. Caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, there is an increasing need to discover new, more effective methods to manage infections that minimize disease onset. Antimicrobial peptides represent a possible solution to this challenge. As effector molecules of the innate immune response against pathogens, they are the first line of defense found in all multi-cellular organisms. In amphibians, temporins are a large family of antimicrobial peptides found in skin secretions. Their functional roles and modes of action present unique properties that indicate possible candidates for therapeutic applications. Here, we investigated the trypanocide activity of temporizin and temporizin-1. Temporizin is an artificial, hybrid peptide containing the N-terminal region of temporin A, the pore-forming region of gramicidin and a C-terminus consisting of alternating leucine and lysine. Temporizin-1 is a modification of temporizin with a reduction in the region responsible for insertion into membranes. Their activities were evaluated in a cell permeabilization assay by flow cytometry, an LDH release assay, electron microscopy, an MTT assay and patch clamp experiments. Both temporizin and temporizin-1 demonstrated toxicity against T. cruzi with temporizin displaying slightly more potency. At concentrations up to 100 µg/ ml, both peptides exhibited low toxicity in J774 cells, a macrophage lineage cell line, and no toxicity was observed in mouse primary peritoneal macrophages. In contrast, the peptides showed some toxicity in rat adenoma GH3 cells and Jurkat human lymphoma cells with temporizin-1 displaying lower toxicity. In summary, a shortened form of the hybrid temporizin peptide, temporizin-1, was efficient at killing T. cruzi and it has low toxicity in wild-type mammalian cells. These data suggest that temporizin-1 might be a candidate for Chagas disease therapy.

Glutathione-Induced Calcium Shifts in Chick Retinal Glial Cells.

Neuroglia interactions are essential for the nervous system and in the retina Müller cells interact with most of the neurons in a symbiotic manner. Glutathione (GSH) is a low-molecular weight compound that undertakes major antioxidant roles in neurons and glia, however, whether this compound could act as a signaling molecule in neurons and/or glia is currently unknown. Here we used embryonic avian retina to obtain mixed retinal cells or purified Müller glia cells in culture to evaluate calcium shifts induced by GSH. A dose response curve (0.1-10 mM) showed that 5-10 mM GSH, induced calcium shifts exclusively in glial cells (later labeled and identified as 2M6 positive cells), while neurons responded to 50 mM KCl (labeled as ßIII tubulin positive cells). BBG 100 nM, a P2X7 blocker, inhibited the effects of GSH on Müller glia. However, addition of DNQX 70 µM and MK-801 20 µM, non-NMDA and NMDA blockers, had no effect on GSH calcium induced shift. Oxidized glutathione (GSSG) at 5 mM failed to induce calcium mobilization in glia cells, indicating that the antioxidant and/or structural features of GSH are essential to promote elevations in cytoplasmic calcium levels. Indeed, a short GSH pulse (60s) protects Müller glia from oxidative damage after 30 min of incubation with 0.1% H2O2. Finally, GSH induced GABA release from chick embryonic retina, mixed neuron-glia or from Müller cell cultures, which were inhibited by BBG or in the absence of sodium. GSH also induced propidium iodide uptake in Müller cells in culture in a P2X7 receptor dependent manner. Our data suggest that GSH, in addition to antioxidant effects, could act signaling calcium shifts at the millimolar range particularly in Müller glia, and could regulate the release of GABA, with additional protective effects on retinal neuron-glial circuit.

P2X7R large pore is partially blocked by pore forming proteins antagonists in astrocytes.

The ATP-gated P2X7R (P2X7R) is a channel, which is involved in events, such as inflammation, cell death, and pain. The most intriguing event concerning P2X7R functions is the phenomenon of pore dilation. Once P2X7R is activated, the permeability of the plasma membrane becomes higher, leading to the permeation of 1000 Da-weight solutes. The mechanisms involved in this process remain unclear. Nevertheless, this event is not exclusively through P2X7R, as other proteins may form large pores in the plasma membrane. Recent evidence concerning pore formation reveals putative P2X7R and other pores-associated protein complexes, revealing cross-interactive pharmacological and biophysical issues. In this work, we showed results that corroborated with cross-interactive aspects with P2X7R and pores in astrocytes. These cells expressed most of the pores, including P2X7R. We discovered that different pore types open with peculiar characteristics, as both anionic and cationic charged solutes permeate the plasma membrane, following P2X7R activation. Moreover, we showed that both synergic and additive relationships are found within P2X7, cationic, and anionic large pores. Therefore, our data suggest that other protein-related pores are assembled following the formation of P2X7R pore.

JM25-1, a Lidocaine Analog Combining Airway Relaxant and Antiinflammatory Properties: Implications for New Bronchospasm Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Inhaled lidocaine antagonized bronchospasm in animal models and patients, but adverse effects limited its efficacy. This study evaluated the antibronchospasm potential of the analog JM25-1, exploring in vitro mechanisms and translation to an animal model. METHODS: The effectiveness of JM25-1 was assessed in GH3 cells, rat tracheal rings, mouse lymphocytes, and human eosinophil systems in vitro, assessing changes in Na current, contraction, proliferation, and survival, respectively. Lung function and inflammatory changes were studied in ovalbumin-sensitized mice. RESULTS: The efficacy of JM25-1 was higher than lidocaine in inhibiting carbachol-induced and calcium-induced tracheal contractions (maximum effect inhibition at 1 mM [%]: 67 ± 10 [JM25-1] vs. 41 ± 11 [lidocaine] [P < 0.001] for carbachol; 100 ± 3 [JM25-1] vs. 36 ± 26 [lidocaine] [P < 0.001] for Ca; mean ± SD; n = 9 each) but lower in Na current (50% inhibitory concentration = 151.5, n = 8 vs. 0.2 mM; n = 5; P < 0.001). JM25-1 also inhibited eosinophil survival (dead cells [%]: 65 ± 6; n = 4; P < 0.001 at 1 mM) and lymphocyte proliferation (cells in phase S + G2 [%]: 94 ± 10; n = 6; P < 0.001) at 0.6 mM. Aerosolized JM25-1 (1%) decreased lung eosinophil numbers from 13.2 ± 2.4 to 1.7 ± 0.7 × 10/µm (n = 6; P < 0.001) and neutrophils from 1.9 ± 0.4 to 0.2 ± 0.1 × 10/µm (n = 7; P < 0.001). Other parameters, including airway hyperreactivity, cytokines, mucus, and extracellular matrix deposition, were also sensitive to aerosolized JM25-1. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the potential of JM25-1, emphasizing its putative value in drug development for clinical conditions where there is bronchospasm.

Effect of Rheedia longifolia leaf extract and fractions on the P2X7 receptor in vitro: novel antagonists?

Recently, the P2X(7) receptor has been reported to be associated with chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Because Rheedia longifolia extract has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, we evaluated the in vitro inhibitory potential of methanol extract and fractions from its leaves on the P2X(7) purinergic receptor. The activity of P2X(7) was studied with a dye uptake assay and with the whole-cell patch clamp technique in mouse peritoneal macrophages treated with methanol extract of R. longifolia leaves and fractions. The dye uptake was evaluated by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The R. longifolia extract and some fractions showed an inhibitory effect on the P2X(7) purinergic receptor in a dose-dependent manner. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the most potent inhibitory effects. The methanol extract and the butanol fraction showed the same inhibitory effects, despite their lower potency compared with the other fractions. The R. longifolia extract and some of its fractions may be anti-inflammatory because of their inhibitory effect on the P2X(7) receptor. Further investigation is needed to determine the pattern of inhibition and selectivity. Chromatographic analysis indicated the presence of bisflavonoids in the methanol extract fractions. A member of this chemical family is the most probable active compound responsible for the P2X(7) inhibitory effects present in the R. Longifolia extract and fractions.