Antiproliferative effect of indeno[1,2-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine analogues on IL-6 mediated STAT3 and role of the apoptotic pathway in albino Wistar rats of ethyl carbamate-induced lung carcinoma: In-silico, In-vitro, and In-vivo study.

Lung cancer (LC) ranks second most prevalent cancer in females after breast cancer and second in males after prostate cancer. Based on the GLOBOCAN 2020 report, India represented 5.9% of LC cases and 8.1% of deaths caused by the disease. Several clinical studies have shown that LC occurs because of biological and morphological abnormalities and the involvement of altered level of antioxidants, cytokines, and apoptotic markers. In the present study, we explored the antiproliferative activity of indeno[1,2-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine analogues against LC using in-vitro, in-silico, and in-vivo models. In-vitro screening against A549 cells revealed compounds 9B (8-methoxy-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-5,6-dihydroindeno[1,2-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine) and 12B (5-(4-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydroindeno[1,2-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine) as potential pyrimidine analogues against LC. Compounds 9B and 12B were docked with different molecular targets IL-6, Cyt-C, Caspase9, and Caspase3 using AutoDock Vina 4.1 to evaluate the binding affinity. Subsequently, in-vivo studies were conducted in albino Wistar rats through ethyl-carbamate (EC)- induced LC. 9B and 12B imparted significant effects on physiological (weight variation), and biochemical (anti-oxidant [TBAR's, SOD, ProC, and GSH), lipid (TC, TG, LDL, VLDL, and HDL)], and cytokine (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-1ß) markers in EC-induced LC in albino Wistar rats. Morphological examination (SEM and H&E) and western blotting (IL-6, STAT3, Cyt-C, BAX, Bcl-2, Caspase3, and caspase9) showed that compounds 9B and 12B had antiproliferative effects. Accordingly, from the in-vitro, in-silico, and in-vivo experimental findings, we concluded that 9B and 12B have significant antiproliferative potential and are potential candidates for further evaluation to meet the requirements of investigation of new drug application.

Antiproliferative, apoptotic and anti-inflammatory potential of 5H-benzo[h]thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazoline analogues: Novel series of anticancer compounds.

Lung cancer (LC) is the most common cancer in males. As per GLOBOCAN 2020, 8.1 % of deaths and 5.9 % of cases of LC were reported in India. Our laboratory has previously reported the significant anticancer potential of 5H-benzo[h]thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazoline analogues. In this study, we have explored the anticancer potential of 7A {4-(6,7-dihydro-5H-benzo[h]thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazolin-7-yl)phenol} and 9A {7-(4-chlorophenyl)-9-methyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-benzo[h]thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazoline}by using in-vitro and in-vivo models of LC. In this study, we investigated the antiproliferative potential of quinazoline analogues using A549 cell line to identify the best compound of the series. The in-vitro and molecular docking studies revealed 7A and 9A compounds as potential analogues. We also performed acute toxicity study to determine the dose. After that, in-vivo studies using urethane-induced LC in male albino Wistar rats carried out further physiological, biochemical, and morphological evaluation (SEM and H&E) of the lung tissue. We have also evaluated the antioxidant level, inflammatory, and apoptotic marker expressions. 7A and 9A did not demonstrate any signs of acute toxicity. Animals treated with urethane showed a significant upregulation of oxidative stress. However, treatment with 7A and 9A restored antioxidant markers near-normal levels. SEM and H&E staining of the lung tissue demonstrated recovered architecture after treatment with 7A and 9A. Both analogues significantly restore inflammatory markers to normal level and upregulate the intrinsic apoptosis protein expression in the lung tissue. These experimental findings demonstrated the antiproliferative potential of the synthetic analogues 7A and 9A, potentially due to their anti-inflammatory and apoptotic properties.

Vinpocetine mitigates DMH-induce pre-neoplastic colon damage in rats through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently recognized as the third most prevalent cancer worldwide. Vinpocetine is a synthetic derivative of the vinca alkaloid vincamine. It has been found effective in ameliorating the growth and progression of cancerous cells. However, its pharmacological effect on colon damage remains elusive. Hence, in this study, we have shown the role of vinpocetine in DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis. At first, male albino Wistar rats were administered with DMH consistently for four weeks to induce pre-neoplastic colon damage. Afterward, animals were treated with vinpocetine (4.2 and 8.4 mg/kg/day p.o.) for 15 days. Serum samples were collected to assess the physiological parameters, including ELISA and NMR metabolomics. Colon from all the groups was collected and processed separately for histopathology and western blot analysis. Vinpocetine attenuated the altered plasma parameters; lipid profile and showed anti-proliferative action as evidenced by suppressed COX-2 stimulation and decreased levels of IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10. Vinpocetine is significantly effective in preventing CRC which may be associated with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. Accordingly, vinpocetine could serve as a potential anticancer agent for CRC treatment and thus be considered for future clinical and therapeutic research.

A Comprehensive Review on PCSK9 as Mechanistic Target Approach in Cancer Therapy.

PCSK9 is a strongly expressed protein in the liver and brain that binds to the LDLR and regulates cholesterol in the liver effectively. Other receptors with which it interacts include VLDLR, LRP1, ApoER2, and OLR1. PCSK9 gain-of-function results in lysosomal degradation of these receptors, which may result in hyperlipidemia. PCSK9 deficiency results in a lower amount of cholesterol, which reduces cholesterol's accessibility to cancer cells. PCSK9 regulates several proteins and signaling pathways in cancer, including JNK, NF-κВ, and the mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathway. In the liver, breast, lungs, and colon tissue, PCSK9 initiates and facilitates cancer development, while in prostate cancer cells, it induces apoptosis. PCSK9 has a significant impact on brain cancer, promoting cancer cell survival by manipulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and exhibiting apoptotic activity in neurons by influencing the NF-κВ, JNK, and caspase-dependent pathways. The PCSK9 impact in cancer at different organs is explored in this study, as well as the targeted signaling mechanisms involved in cancer growth. As a result, these signaling mechanisms may be aimed for the development and exploration of anti-cancer drugs in the immediate future.

Three 'D's: Design approach, dimensional printing, and drug delivery systems as promising tools in healthcare applications.

The development of pharmaceutical drug products is required for the treatment of disease, which has resulted in an increasing number of approvals by regulatory agencies across the globe. To establish a hassle-free manufacturing process, the systematic use of a quality-by-design (QbD) approach combined with process analytical technology (PAT) and printing techniques can revolutionize healthcare applications. Printing technology has been emerged in various dimensions, such as 3D, 4D, and 5D printing, with respect to their production capabilities, durability, and accuracy of pharmaceutical manufacturing, which can efficiently deliver novel patient-centric healthcare products with holistic characteristics. In this review, we provide current trends in pharmaceutical product development using a design approach and high-quality printing techniques.

Author Correction: Novel Indole-fused benzo-oxazepines (IFBOs) inhibit invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting IL-6 mediated JAK2/STAT3 oncogenic signals.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Novel 1,3,4-thiadiazoles inhibit colorectal cancer via blockade of IL-6/COX-2 mediated JAK2/STAT3 signals as evidenced through data-based mathematical modeling.

We attempted a preclinical study using DMH-induced CRC rat model to evaluate the antitumor potential of our recently synthesized 1,3,4-thiadiazoles. The molecular insights were confirmed through ELISA, qRT-PCR and western blot analyses. The CRC condition was produced in response to COX-2 and IL-6 induced activation of JAK2/STAT3 which, in turn, was due to the enhanced phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3. The treatment with 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives (VR24 and VR27) caused the significant blockade of this signaling pathway. The behavior of STAT3 populations in response to IL-6 and COX-2 stimulations was further confirmed through data-based mathematical modeling using the quantitative western blot data. Finally, VR24 and VR27 restored the perturbed metabolites associated to DMH-induced CRC as evidenced through 1H NMR based serum metabolomics. The tumor protecting ability of VR24 and VR27 was found comparable or to some degree better than the marketed chemotherapeutics, 5-flurouracil.

Novel Indole-fused benzo-oxazepines (IFBOs) inhibit invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting IL-6 mediated JAK2/STAT3 oncogenic signals.

Inspired by the well-documented tumor protecting ability of paullones, recently, we synthesized novel paullone-like scaffolds, indole-fused benzo-oxazepines (IFBOs), and screened them against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) specific Hep-G2 cells. Three of the synthesized compounds significantly attenuated the progression of HCC in vitro. By computational studies, we further discovered that IFBOs exhibited a stable binding complex with the IL-6 receptor. In this context, we investigated in vivo study using the nitrosodiethyl amine (NDEA)-induced HCC model, which strengthened our previous findings by showing the blockade of the IL-6 mediated JAK2/STAT3 oncogenic signaling pathway. Treatment with IFBOs showed remarkable attenuation of cellular proliferation, as evidenced through a decrease in the number of nodules, restoration of body weight, oxidative stress parameters, liver marker enzymes and histological architecture. Interestingly, using a metabolomic approach we further discovered that IFBOs can restore the perturbed metabolic profile associated with the HCC condition to normalcy. Particularly, the efficacy of compound 6a for an anti-HCC response was significantly better than the marketed chemotherapeutic drug, 5-fluorouracil. Altogether, these remarkable findings open up possibilities of developing IFBOs as novel future candidate molecules for plausible alternatives for HCC treatment.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-loaded nanoparticles of betulinic acid for improved treatment of hepatic cancer: characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluations.

PURPOSE: The application of betulinic acid (B), a potent antineoplastic agent, is limited due to poor bioavailability, short plasma half-life and inappropriate tissue distribution. Thus, we aimed to prepare novel 50:50 poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-loaded B nanoparticles (BNP) and to compare its anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) activity with parent B. METHODS: BNP were synthesized and characterized using different methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry and particle size analyses. Particle size of BNP was optimized through the application of the stabilizer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The anti-HCC response was evaluated through in vitro cell line study using Hep-G2 cells, confocal microscopy, in vivo oral pharmacokinetics and animal studies. Further, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was conducted to observe the changes in the expression of specific genes. RESULTS: Particle size of BNP was optimized through the application of the stabilizer, polyvinyl alcohol. Physicochemical characterization exhibited particle size of 257.1 nm with zeta potential -0.170 mV (optimized batch B, BNP). SEM and FTIR analyses of BNP showed that cylindrical particles of B converted to spherical particles in BNP and there were no interaction between B and used polymers. The release study of optimized BNP was highest (≥80%) than any other formulation. Later, in vitro cell culture analysis using Hep-G2 cells and confocal microscopy studies revealed that BNP had the highest inhibition and penetration properties than parent B. Oral pharmacokinetics studies using albino Wistar rats at single 100 mg dose again exhibited BNP had the higher 50% of plasma concentration (t1/2), a higher maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and took longer to reach the maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) than parent B. Next, our in vivo study using nitrosodiethyl amine (NDEA)-induced HCC model documented BNP decreased in number of nodules, restored body weight, oxidative stress parameters, liver marker enzymes and histological architecture than parent B. Lastly, qRT-PCR studies further demonstrated that anti-HCC properties of BNP may be due to over expression of antiapoptotic caspases i.e., caspase 3 and 8. CONCLUSION: The prepared BNP showed a better therapeutic response against HCC and could be attributed as future candidate molecule for HCC treatment.

6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid attenuates colon carcinogenesis via blockade of IL-6 mediated signals.

In this study, we investigated the in vivo antiproliferative activity of 6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (M1) in dimethylhydrazine (DMH) induced colorectal carcinoma (CRC) using albino Wistar rats. M1 was administered to DMH induced CRC rats at 10 and 25 mg/kg doses for 15 days. Various physiological, oxidative parameters, histopathology, ELISA, gene and protein expression studies were conducted to evaluate the anti-CRC potential of M1. The histopathology and biochemical tests indicated the protective action of M1 in DMH-induced colon cancer. ELISA confirms that M1 reduced the increased concentration of IL-6 more prominently than those of IL-2 and COX-2. Gene expression analysis revealed that M1 attenuated the increased mRNA over-expression of IL-6, JAK2 and STAT3. The result obtained from quantitative western blot analysis demonstrated that the CRC condition was produced by the IL-6 induced activation/phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 and further down-regulated with M1 treatment. This evidence was supported well with the application of data-based mathematical modeling. Applying the fitted model, we predicted the quantitative behavior of STAT3 populations not accessible to experimental measurement. Later, 1H NMR based serum metabolic profiling was carried out using rat sera to investigate the impact of M1 on CRC-induced metabolic alterations. M1 showed its ability to restore the perturbed metabolites in CRC condition. Altogether, our study provided the first time evidence that M1 exhibits anti-CRC potential through the blockade of IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 oncogenic signaling.

Discovery of Novel 2-Amino-5-(Substituted)-1,3,4-Thiadiazole Derivatives: New Utilities for Colon Cancer Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is one of the most widespread disease, the mortality rate is high due to cancer metastasis and the development of drug resistance. In this regards, new chemotherapeutic agents with specific mechanisms of action and significant effect on patient's survival are the new era for the colon cancer drug development. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of present study was to design, synthesize of a novel series of 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives (VR1 to VR35) and screen them against HT-29 human colon cancer cell line. METHOD: Newly 1,3,4-thiadiazole scaffold were designed, synthesized and further, characterized by FTIR, NMR (1H and 13C), MS and elemental analyses. Before the synthesis, molecular dynamic simulation and ADME studies were performed to find out the most potent lead compounds. Later, SRB assay using HT-29 cells and ELISA assays were performed to explore activity and molecular targets of VR24 and VR27 and find out whether in silico data had a similar pattern in the molecular level. RESULTS: The results of docking study revealed that both VR24 and VR27 had interaction energy >-5 kcal/mol with various assigned molecular targets and the ligand-protein complexes were found to be stable with IL-6. The computational analysis of molecules showed good ADMET profiling. Later, the in vitro anticancer study was conducted where VR24 and VR27 were found to be active against HT-29 cells (GI50<10 µM). Finally, ELISA assays revealed that both the compounds had higher inhibition properties to various biomarker of colon cancer like IL-6 and COX-2. CONCLUSION: Collectively, these result suggested that VR24 and VR27 inhibited the assigned molecular targets, imparting their ameliorative effects against colon cancer. Due to these encouraging results, we concluded that both VR24 and VR27 may be effective against colon cancer therapy in future.

Isolated mangiferin and naringenin exert antidiabetic effect via PPARγ/GLUT4 dual agonistic action with strong metabolic regulation.

In this study, we isolated two compounds from the leaves of Salacia oblonga (SA1, mangiferin and SA2, naringenin), and their structures were confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. SA1 and SA2 were orally administered to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats at 50 and 100 mg/kg daily for 15 days. Blood glucose level, serum lipid profile, oxidative stress parameters, histopathology, docking, molecular parameters, and NMR-based metabolic perturbation studies were performed to investigate the pharmacological activities of SA1 and SA2. Results suggested that both compounds reduced blood glucose level, restored body weight, and normalized lipid concentrations in the serum and oxidative stress biomarkers in the liver and pancreas. In addition, the docking study on several diabetes-associated targets revealed that both compounds had a strong binding affinity towards peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4). Further real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses were performed to confirm the gene and protein expression levels of PPARγ and GLUT4 in the pancreatic tissues. Data obtained from the molecular studies showed that both compounds exhibited antidiabetic effects through dual activation of PPARγ/GLUT4 signaling pathways. Finally, the NMR-based metabolic studies showed that both compounds normalized the diabetogenic metabolites in the serum. Altogether, we concluded that SA1 and SA2 might be potential antidiabetic lead compounds for future drug development.

Novel 1,4-benzothazines obliterate COX-2 mediated JAK-2/STAT-3 signals with potential regulation of oxidative and metabolic stress during colorectal cancer.

1,4-benzothiazines have ameliorative effects through inhibition of COX-2 mediated STAT-3 pathways at G-protein couple receptor site. As per this scenario, we recently prepared and tested novel 1,4-benzothiazine derivatives against HT-29 human colon cancer cell line. Two compounds namely AR13 and AR15 showed higher inhibitions among all the synthesized compounds. In the present context, we conducted the in vivo antiproliferative action and identified the molecular mechanism associated to cytotoxic action of AR13 and AR15 in dimethylhydrazine (DMH) induced colorectal carcinoma (CRC) model. Various physiological, oxidative stress, histopathology, ELISA, qRT-PCR, western blot and NMR-based metabolomics were accomplished to evaluate the anticancer effect of titled compounds. Both compounds were subjected to histological and biochemical tests to observe the protective action of the compounds. ELISA showed potential role of these compounds to normalize increased levels of IL-2, IL-6 and COX-2 mediators. This action was more pronounced for COX-2 rather than IL-2 and IL-6. Gene expression analyses further revealed that both of them attenuated the over-expressed COX-2 gene. Furthermore, it was confirmed that these compounds exerted antitumor potential via preventing COX-2 induced JAK-2 and STAT-3 phosphorylation. This action was substansiated by immunohistochemistry using JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3 and p-STAT3 targets in colon tissue. Finally, score plots of PLS-DA models exhibited significant metabolic discriminations between the treated and CRC groups, and both compounds showed ability to restore the imbalance of multiple metabolites during CRC. In conclusion, our study provided the evidence towards better antiproliferative effect of AR13 and AR15 in DMH-induced CRC through the blockade of COX-2/JAK-2/STAT-3 signal transduction pathway and could be demonstrated as useful anti-CRC candidate molecules for future anticancer therapy.

5H-benzo[h]thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazolines ameliorate NDEA-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis in rats through IL-6 downregulation along with oxidative and metabolic stress reduction.

5H-benzo[h]thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazoline scaffold is known to have an antitumor effect on certain types of malignancies; however, its effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Previously, we reported p-toluenesulfonic acid-promoted syntheses, molecular modeling and in vitro antitumor activity of 5H-benzo[h]thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazoline against human hepatoma (Hep-G2) cells where compounds 4A and 6A were found to be potent inhibitors among the series. In continuation to our previous effort to develop novel therapeutic strategies for HCC treatment, here we investigated the in vivo antitumor activity and the mechanism underlying the effects of 4A and 6A in N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced HCC using male Wistar rats. NDEA was administered weekly intraperitoneally at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 6 weeks. Various physiological and morphological changes, oxidative parameters, liver marker enzymes and cytokines were assessed to evaluate the antitumor effect of 4A and 6A. In addition, proton nuclear magnetic resonance-based serum metabolomics were performed to analyze the effects of 4A and 6A against HCC-induced metabolic alterations. Significant tumor incidences with an imbalance in carcinogen metabolizing enzymes and cellular redox status were observed in carcinogenic rats. Tumor inhibitory effects of 4A and 6A were noted by histopathology and biochemical profiles in NDEA-induced hepatic cancer. Compounds 4A and 6A had a potential role in normalizing the elevated levels of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10. At molecular level, the real-time quantitative reverse-transcribed polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that 4A and 6A attenuated the IL-6 gene overexpression in hepatic cancer. Further, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis scores plot demonstrated a significant separation of 4A and 6A-treated groups from carcinogen control group. Both the compounds have potential to restore the imbalanced metabolites due to HCC, signifying promising hepatoprotective activities. All these findings suggested that 4A and 6A could be potential drug candidates to treat HCC.

Novel Mannich-bases as Potential Anticonvulsants: Syntheses, Characterization and Biological Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Mannich bases are known to be an important pharmacophore or bioactive leads in the synthesis of various potential agents that have a variety of therapeutic activities like anticancer, antipsychotic, anticonvulsant, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and so forth. Thus, in the present research, conjugation of moieties like 1,5-benzoxazepines and 1,5-benzothiazepines with secondary amines like piperazine, methyl piperazine and morpholine was carried out in a Mannich base with an anticipation of good anticonvulsant activity. OBJECTIVE: Synthesis, characterization, structure activity relationship and anticonvulsant activity of the Mannich bases of 1,5-benzothiazepine and 1,5-benzoxazepine derivatives. METHODS: All the derivatives were synthesized in three steps. In the first step, substituted 4-hydroxy chalconylbenzene was synthesized by the reaction of 4-hydroxyacetophenone and substituted benzaldehyde, in the presence of potassium hydroxide. In the second step, 2,3-dihydro- 1,5- benzothiazepines and 2,3-dihydro-1,5-benzoxazepines were synthesized by the reaction of 2- thio/aminophenol with chalcones in the presence of glacial acetic acid. In the third step, these compounds finally underwent Mannich reaction with different secondary amines to the respective title compounds. All the synthesized derivatives were characterised and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity using MES (Maximal Electroshock Induced Seizure) and INH (Isoniazide Induced Convulsion) models. RESULTS: The synthesized derivatives were found to be more active in the MES model than INH model, with phenytoin and diazepam being the standards respectively. Accordingly, the mode of action of the synthesized compounds may be similar to phenytoin. The methyl piperazine containing compound, at a dose of 30 mg/kg., was found to be the most active and promising compound in the series. CONCLUSION: The benzothiazepine derivatives showed better anticonvulsant activity than the benzoxazepines derivatives.

p-TSA-promoted syntheses of 5H-benzo[h] thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazoline and indeno[1,2-d] thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine analogs: molecular modeling and in vitro antitumor activity against hepatocellular carcinoma.

In our efforts to address the rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we have made a commitment to the synthesis of novel molecules to combat Hep-G2 cells. A facile and highly efficient one-pot, multicomponent reaction has been successfully devised utilizing a p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TSA)-catalyzed domino Knoevenagel/Michael/intramolecular cyclization approach for the synthesis of novel 5H-benzo[h]thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazoline and indeno[1,2-d] thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine analogs bearing a bridgehead nitrogen atom. This domino protocol constructed one new ring by the concomitant formation of multiple bonds (C-C, C-N, and C=N) involving multiple steps without the use of any metal catalysts in one-pot, with all reactants effi-ciently exploited. All the newly synthesized compounds were authenticated by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, together with elemental analysis, and their antitumor activity was evaluated in vitro on a Hep-G2 human cancer cell line by sulforhodamine B assay. Computational molecular modeling studies were carried out on cancer-related targets, including interleukin-2, interleukin-6, Caspase-3, and Caspase-8. Two compounds (4A and 6A) showed growth inhibitory activity comparable to the positive control Adriamycin, with growth inhibition of 50% <10 µg/mL. The results of the comprehensive structure-activity relationship study confirmed the assumption that two or more electronegative groups on the phenyl ring attached to the thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazoline system showed the optimum effect. The in silico simulations suggested crucial hydrogen bond and π-π stacking interactions, with a good ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) profile and molecular dynamics, in order to explore the molecular targets of HCC which were in complete agreement with the in vitro findings. Considering their significant anticancer activity, 4A and 6A are potential drug candidates for the management of HCC.

Pharmacophore, 3D-QSAR Models and Dynamic Simulation of 1,4-Benzothiazines for Colorectal Cancer Treatment.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: Interleukin-6 has become an attractive protein target. This is found in the progression of colon cancer. It performs various functions in the colon cancer cells such as inflammation, activates various cell types signaling and also promotes proliferation in colon cancer cells. It is a valid target to develop anticolon cancer drug. The purpose of our study is to develop the Three-dimensional Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (3D-QSAR) models, pharmacophore modeling and docking study as well as MD simulation to find out the novel potent inhibitors that bind with Interleukin-6 in colon cancer treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, common pharmacophore models and atom-based 3D-QSAR studies were carried out by using 1,4-benzothiazine derivatives with their experiential GI50values towards HT-29 human colon cancer cell line. RESULTS: The common pharmacophore model (ADHR26) was developed and the survival score was found to be 3.828. The generated pharmacophore-based alignment was used to develop a predictive atom-based 3D-QSAR model by using Partial Least Square (PLS) method. Phase predictable activity and LogGI50 also exhibited the most significant atomic position in the backbone structure of ligands for anticolon cancer activity. Molecular dynamic and docking studies for the IL-6 target provide key framework of ligand for the anticolon cancer activity. CONCLUSION: Finally, results generated from the work data, that exhibited the pharmacophore models and 3D-QSAR hypothesis might be a path of milestone in the area of medicinal chemistry to researchers for further design of new and potent IL-6 inhibitors.

Indole-fused benzooxazepines: a new structural class of anticancer agents.

AIM: A new series of compounds (1a-16a) bearing indole-fused benzooxazepine was synthesized, characterized and evaluated for anticancer activity. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this study, all the synthesized compounds were screened via in vitro anticancer testing on Hep-G2 cancer cell line. A computational study was carried out on cancer-related targets including IL-2, IL-6, COX-2 Caspase-3 and Caspase-8. RESULTS: Some of the synthesized compounds effectively controlled the growth of cancerous cells. CONCLUSION: The most active compounds - 6a, 10a, 13a, 14a and 15a - exemplify notable anticancer profile with GI50 <10 µg/ml. Preliminary structure-activity relationship among the tested compounds can produce an assumption that the electronegative groups at phenyl ring attached with indole-fused benzooxazepine are instrumental for the activity. Molecular docking study showed crucial hydrogen bond and π-π stacking interactions, with good ADMET profiling and molecular dynamic simulation.

Ameliorative effects of pyrazinoic acid against oxidative and metabolic stress manifested in rats with dimethylhydrazine induced colonic carcinoma.

Pyrazinoic acid (PA) is structurally similar to nicotinic acid which acts on G-protein-coupled receptor (GPR109A). GPR109A expresses in colonic and intestinal epithelial sites, and involves in DNA methylation and cellular apoptosis. Therefore, it may be assumed that PA has similar action like nicotinic acid and may be effective against colorectal carcinoma (CRC). CRC was produced via subcutaneous injection of dimethylhydrazine (DMH) at 40 mg/kg body weight once in a week for 4 weeks. After that, PA was administered orally at 2 doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg daily for 15 d to observe the antiproliferative effect. Various physiologic, oxidative stress, molecular parameters, histopathology, RT-PCR and NMR based metabolomics were performed to evaluate the antiproliferative potential of PA. Our results collectively suggested that PA reduced body weight, tumor volume and incidence no. to normal. It restored various oxidative stress parameters and normalized IL-2, IL-6, and COX-2 as compared with carcinogen control. In molecular level, overexpressed IL-6 and COX-2 genes became normal after PA administration. Again, normal tissue architecture was prominent after PA administration. Score plots of PLS-DA models exhibited that PA treated groups were significantly different from CRC group. We found that CRC rat sera have increased levels of acetate, glutamine, o-acetyl-glycoprotein, succinate, citrulline, choline, o-acetyl choline, tryptophan, glycerol, creatinine, lactate, citrate and decreased levels of 3-hydroxy butyrate, dimethyl amine, glucose, maltose, myoinositol. Further the PA therapy has ameliorated the CRC-induced metabolic alterations, signifying its antiproliferative properties. In conclusion, our study provided the evidence that PA demonstrated good antiproliferative effect on DMH induced CRC and thus demonstrated the potential of PA as a useful drug for future anticancer therapy.

Bridgehead Nitrogen Thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine: A Privileged Structural Framework in Drug Discovery.

BACKGROUND: Thiazolopyrimidine derivatives containing bridgehead nitrogen atom are nowa- days attracting the attention of many medicinal chemists throughout the world to explore this framework for its potential. This biologically important scaffold is formed by the fusion of two aromatic rings, thiazole and pyrimidine, in such a way that one carbon atom at the ring junction is replaced by a nitrogen atom and is, therefore, being common for both the heterocyclic rings. One of the most common example of this type of fusion is thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine which is being used perpetually with tremendous success in various fields of therapeutic applications. METHOD: Despite the outstanding researches on thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines in the literature, hardly there is a comprehensive review on the chemistry and medicinal values of present scaffold. This review is, therefore, to endow with highlights on assorted progress made over the recent past on the basis of the development of new synthetic strategies, structure of various synthesized molecules and their promising medicinal attributes. CONCLUSION: In addition, we have undertaken various scientific reports in depth, to explain spectral characterization (UV, IR, Mass, NMR and X-ray crystallography) and stereochemistry, particularly of thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines.