Bergamot Byproducts: A Sustainable Source to Counteract Inflammation.

Chronic inflammation is the result of an acute inflammatory response that fails to eliminate the pathogenic agent or heal the tissue injury. The consequence of this failure lays the foundations to the onset of several chronic ailments, including skin disorders, respiratory and neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome, and, eventually, cancer. In this context, the long-term use of synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs to treat chronic illnesses cannot be tolerated by patients owing to the severe side effects. Based on this, the need for novel agents endowed with anti-inflammatory effects prompted to search potential candidates also within the plant kingdom, being recognized as a source of molecules currently employed in several therapeutical areas. Indeed, the ever-growing evidence on the anti-inflammatory properties of dietary polyphenols traced the route towards the study of flavonoid-rich sources, such as Citrus bergamia (bergamot) and its derivatives. Interestingly, the recent paradigm of the circular economy has promoted the valorization of Citrus fruit waste and, in regard to bergamot, it brought to light new evidence corroborating the anti-inflammatory potential of bergamot byproducts, thus increasing the scientific knowledge in this field. Therefore, this review aims to gather the latest literature supporting the beneficial role of both bergamot derivatives and waste products in different models of inflammatory-based diseases, thus highlighting the great potentiality of a waste re-evaluation perspective.

Design, Synthesis, and in Vitro Evaluation of 4-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)piperazine-Based Compounds Targeting Tyrosinase.

Melanin biosynthesis is enzymatically regulated by tyrosinase (TYR, EC 1.14.18.1), which is efficiently inhibited by natural and synthetic phenols, demonstrating potential therapeutic application for the treatment of several human diseases. Herein we report the inhibitory effects of a series of (4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)arylmethanone derivatives, that were designed, synthesised and assayed against TYR from Agaricus bisporus (AbTYR). The best inhibitory activity was predominantly found for compounds bearing selected hydrophobic ortho-substituents on the aroyl moiety (IC50 values in the range of 1.5-4.6 µM). They proved to be more potent than the reference compound kojic acid (IC50 =17.8 µM) and displayed competitive mechanism of inhibition of diphenolase activity of AbTYR. Docking simulation predicted their binding mode into the catalytic cavities of AbTYR and the modelled human TYR. In addition, these compounds displayed antioxidant activity combined with no cytotoxicity in MTT tests. Notably, the best inhibitor affected tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells, thus demonstrating anti-melanogenic activity.

The chorioallantoic membrane: A novel approach to extrapolate data from a well-established method.

The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the chicken embryo is a highly vascularized extra-embryonic structure that has been widely used as an in vivo model for the evaluation of angiogenesis. This study was designed to optimize data extrapolation from the most exploited experimental protocol to improve its efficiency and the reliability of the obtainable results. In our study, we followed the most common procedure for CAM assay, employing retinoic acid and vascular endothelial growth factor as standards. CAMs were photographed at t0 , t24 , and t48 ; then, the main parameters of the predefined vascular network/area were evaluated. Subsequently, their variations in each CAM were calculated comparing them within the same CAM over the course of the whole treatment (t24 and t48 ), also comparing the treated CAMs respect to the untreated ones. Thus, we provide a novel approach aimed at extrapolating data from CAM assay that allows to (i) have a greater reliability and richness of data; (ii) better estimate the potential pro- and anti-angiogenic activity of new candidate drugs; (iii) save both eggs and time for the experiments.

The Second Life of Citrus Fruit Waste: A Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds.

Citrus fruits (CF) are among the most widely cultivated fruit crops throughout the world and their production is constantly increasing along with consumers' demand. Therefore, huge amounts of waste are annually generated through CF processing, causing high costs for their disposal, as well as environmental and human health damage, if inappropriately performed. According to the most recent indications of an economic, environmental and pharmaceutical nature, CF processing residues must be transformed from a waste to be disposed to a valuable resource to be reused. Based on a circular economy model, CF residues (i.e., seeds, exhausted peel, pressed pulp, secondary juice and leaves) have increasingly been re-evaluated to also obtain, but not limited to, valuable compounds to be employed in the food, packaging, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. However, the use of CF by-products is still limited because of their underestimated nutritional and economic value, hence more awareness and knowledge are needed to overcome traditional approaches for their disposal. This review summarizes recent evidence on the pharmacological potential of CF waste to support the switch towards a more environmentally sustainable society.

Evaluation of 4-(4-Fluorobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl]-Based Compounds as Competitive Tyrosinase Inhibitors Endowed with Antimelanogenic Effects.

There is a considerable attention for the development of inhibitors of tyrosinase (TYR) as therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders in humans. Continuing in our efforts to identify TYR inhibitors, we describe the design, synthesis and pharmacophore exploration of new small molecules structurally characterized by the presence of the 4-fluorobenzylpiperazine moiety as key pharmacophoric feature for the inhibition of TYR from Agaricus bisporus (AbTYR). Our investigations resulted in the discovery of the competitive inhibitor [4-(4-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl]-(3-chloro-2-nitro-phenyl)methanone 26 (IC50 =0.18 µM) that proved to be ∼100-fold more active than reference compound kojic acid (IC50 =17.76 µM). Notably, compound 26 exerted antimelanogenic effect on B16F10 cells in absence of cytotoxicity. Docking analysis suggested its binding mode into AbTYR and into modelled human TYR.

Short-Term Use of Dexamethasone/Netilmicin Fixed Combination in Controlling Ocular Inflammation After Uncomplicated Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the short-term anti-inflammatory effect of dexamethasone/netilmicin fixed combination in the management of ocular inflammation after cataract surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Open-label, randomized, active-controlled, clinical study conducted in 6 sites in Italy; 238 patients were randomized 2:1 to dexamethasone/netilmicin (dexa/net, n=158) or betamethasone/chloramphenicol (beta/chl, n=80). Treatment started the day of surgery and continued 4 times daily for 7 days. The primary efficacy parameter was the anterior chamber (AC) flare. The percentage of patients displaying none or mild (ie, only barely detectable) AC flare was defined as "efficacy rate", whereas the percentage of patients showing a decrease of AC flare score from baseline was defined as "percentage of responders". Additional parameters evaluated were AC cells, conjunctival hyperaemia, corneal and lid oedema, symptoms of ocular discomfort, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure. Dexa/net was considered effective if the efficacy rate was not inferior (by means of 97.5% confidence interval) to that of beta/chl. RESULTS: After 7 days of treatment, no AC flare was observed in 92.8% (dexa/net) and 92.3% (beta/chl) of patients, whereas no AC cells were observed in 91.5% (dexa/net) and 93.6% (beta/chl) of patients, respectively. The "efficacy rate" was 100% in both groups, whereas the "percentage of responders" was 94.1% in the dexa/net and 93.6% in the beta/chl group. The p-value to reject the null hypothesis of inferiority was <0.001. Other efficacy parameters confirmed both treatments as highly effective, despite their difference in steroid content (2 mg/mL for beta/chl vs 1 mg/mL for dexa/net). IOP and visual acuity at the end of the study were comparable. Two cases of allergic conjunctivitis were considered adverse events and were both related to dexa/net. CONCLUSION: Short-term use of dexa/net fixed combination is safe and effective in the control of post-operative inflammation following uncomplicated cataract surgery.

Dexamethasone/Netilmicin Eye Drops and Eye Gel for the Treatment of Ocular Inflammation After Micro-Incisional Vitreoretinal Surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of dexamethasone/netilmicin (dexa/net) fixed combination in the treatment of ocular inflammation after sutureless micro-incisional vitreoretinal surgery (MIVS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This multicenter, open, randomized, active-controlled, parallel-group, clinical trial was run in 6 sites in Italy. Treatment started the day of surgery and continued 4 times daily for 14 days. Patients were 1:1 randomized to dexa/net (eyedrops solution and eye gel) or dexamethasone/tobramycin (dexa/tobra) eyedrops suspension and ointment. Viscous formulations (gel or ointment) were used alone during the early post-operative phase; afterwards, a combination of eye drops during daytime and viscous formulations at bedtime was adopted. The primary efficacy parameter evaluated was bulbar conjunctival hyperemia. Additional efficacy and safety parameters (palpebral conjunctival hyperemia, anterior chamber flare and cells, symptoms of ocular discomfort and ocular tolerance, adverse events and intraocular pressure) were also evaluated. Control visits were performed at day 1, day 4 and day 14 after surgery; the endpoint of the study was set at 14±2 days after surgery. RESULTS: A complete resolution of bulbar conjunctiva hyperaemia at the study end point was reached in 92.9% of patients treated with dexa/net and 75.0% of those treated with dexa/tobra (p=0.02, Fisher's exact test). No differences were observed between treatments for other efficacy parameters. Statistically significant differences in favour of dexa/net (p< 0.0001, ANOVA) were observed for most of subjective tolerance variables examined (blurred vision, foreign body sensation, stickiness, burning) starting day 1 after surgery when only the viscous formulations were used. No increase in intraocular pressure or adverse events was observed during the study. CONCLUSION: The combination dexa/net is safe and effective in the treatment of post-operative inflammation following sutureless MIVS. In particular, the use of eye gel formulation is characterized by a great tolerability.

4-Fluorobenzylpiperazine-Containing Derivatives as Efficient Inhibitors of Mushroom Tyrosinase.

Tyrosinase is a type-3 copper protein involved in the biosynthesis of melanin pigments; therefore, the inhibition of its enzymatic activity represents a promising strategy for the treatment of hyperpigmentation-related disorders. To address this point, we previously designed a class of 4-(4-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl-based compounds, which proved to be more active inhibitors against tyrosinase from mushroom Agaricus bisporus than the positive control kojic acid. Herein, we report the synthesis of further series of 4-(4-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl analogues bearing a (hetero)aromatic fragment as key feature to improve protein affinity. The newly synthesized compounds were assayed in vitro and proved to be potent inhibitors in the low-micromolar range. The active 2-thienyl and 2-furyl derivatives were selected for further modification to allow their binding mode to be analyzed by docking studies and to give satisfactory safety profiles.

Discovery of a new potent inhibitor of mushroom tyrosinase (Agaricus bisporus) containing 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl moiety.

Tyrosinase (TYR, EC 1.14.18.1) plays a pivotal role in mammalian melanogenesis and enzymatic browning of plant-derived food. Therefore, tyrosinase inhibitors (TYRIs) can be of interest in cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries as depigmentation compounds as well as anti-browning agents. Starting from 4-benzylpiperidine derivatives that showed good inhibitory properties toward tyrosinase from Agaricus bisporus (TyM), we synthesized a new series of TYRIs named 3-(4-benzyl-1-piperidyl)-1-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)propan-1-one and 2-(4-benzyl-1-piperidyl)-1-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethanone derivatives. Among them, compound 4b proved to be the most potent inhibitor (IC50 = 3.80 µM) and it also showed a good antioxidant activity. These new data furnished additional information about the SAR for this class of TYRIs.

A Combination of Pharmacophore and Docking-based Virtual Screening to Discover new Tyrosinase Inhibitors.

Melanogenesis controls the formation of melanin pigment whose overproduction is related to various hyperpigmentary disorders in humans. Tyrosinase is a type-3 copper enzyme involved in the rate limiting step of melanin synthesis, therefore its inhibition could represent an efficient way for the development of depigmenting agents. In this work, a combination of pharmacophore and docking-based studies has been employed to screen two in-house 3D compound databases containing about 2,000 molecules from natural and synthetic sources. As result we selected two "hit compounds" which proved to inhibit tyrosinase activity showing IC50 values in the micromolar range.

Exploiting the 1-(4-fluorobenzyl)piperazine fragment for the development of novel tyrosinase inhibitors as anti-melanogenic agents: Design, synthesis, structural insights and biological profile.

The development of Tyrosinase inhibitors (TYRIs) could represent an efficacious strategy for pharmacological intervention on skin pathologies related to aberrant production of melanin. Based on in silico studies we designed and tested a library of twenty-four compounds bearing the 4-(4-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl]-fragment. As result, we identified several compounds with excellent inhibit effects at low micromolar concentration against TYR from Agaricus bisporus (TyM). Among them, compound 25 (IC50 = 0.96 µM) proved to be ∼20-fold more potent than the reference compound kojic acid (IC50 = 17.76 µM) having wide applications in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. The mode of interaction of active inhibitor 25 was deciphered by means of crystallography as well as molecular docking and these results were consistent with kinetic experiments. Moreover, the identified compound 25 exhibited no considerable cytotoxicity and showed anti-melanogenic effects on B16F10 melanoma cells. Therefore, a combination of computational and biochemical approaches could represent a rational guidelines for further structural modification of this class of compounds as future anti-melanogenic agents.

Anti-angiogenic activity of iridoids from Galium tunetanum

ABSTRACT The phytochemical study of Galium tunetanum Lam., Rubiaceae, leaves led to the isolation of 13 compounds from the chloroform-methanol and the methanol extracts, including six iridoid glycosides, one non-glycoside iridoid, two p-coumaroyl iridoid glycosides, two phenolic acids, and two flavonoid glycosides. The structural determination of the isolated compounds was performed by mono- and bidimensional NMR spectroscopic data, as well as ESI-MS experiments. All compounds were isolated from this species for the first time. The anti-angiogenic effects of the isolated iridoids were also reported on new blood vessels formation using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane as in vivo model. Results showed that among the isolated iridoids tested at the dose of 2 µg/egg, asperuloside (1), geniposidic acid (2), and iridoid V1 (3) reduced microvessel formation of the chorioallantoic membrane on morphological observations using a stereomicroscope. The anti-angiogenic effects of the active compounds, expressed as percentages of inhibition versus control, were 67% (1), 59% (2), and 54% (3), respectively. In addition, the active compounds were able to inhibit angiogenesis in the chorioallantoic membrane assay, in a dose-dependent manner (0.5-2 µg/egg) as compared to the standard retinoic acid.

Targeting Tyrosinase: Development and Structural Insights of Novel Inhibitors Bearing Arylpiperidine and Arylpiperazine Fragments.

The inhibition of tyrosinase (Ty, EC 1.14.18.1) represents an efficient strategy of decreasing melanogenesis and skin hyperpigmentation. A combination of crystallographic and docking studies on two different tyrosinases, that from Bacillus megaterium (TyBm) and that from a mushroom (TyM), has contributed to increasing our knowledge about their structural information and translating that information to the most druggable human Ty (TyH) isozyme. In particular, we designed and synthesized a series of 1-(4-fluorobenzyl)piperazine and 1-(4-fluorobenzyl)piperidine derivatives showing inhibitory activities on TyM at micromolar ranges and more potency than that of the reference compound, kojic acid. The crystal structures of TyBm with inhibitor 3 (IC50 value of 25.11 µM) and 16 (IC50 value of 5.25 µM) were solved, confirming the binding poses hypothesized by in silico studies and revealing the main molecular determinants for the binding recognition of the inhibitors.

Chemical exploration of 4-(4-fluorobenzyl)piperidine fragment for the development of new tyrosinase inhibitors.

Tyrosinase is involved in the production of melanin through the hydroxylation of monophenols to o-diphenols. The role of this enzyme was extensively studied in order to identify new therapeutics preventing skin pigmentation and melanoma. In this work we initially identified the 3-(4-benzylpiperidin-1-yl)-1-(1H-indol-3-yl)propan-1-one (1a) as promising mushroom tyrosinase inhibitor (IC50 = 252 µM). Then, several chemical modifications were performed and new analogues related to compound 1a were synthesized. Biochemical assays demonstrated that several obtained compounds proved to be effective inhibitors showing IC50 values lower both than "lead compound" 1a and reference inhibitor kojic acid, as a well-known tyrosinase inhibitor. The inhibition kinetics analyzed by Lineweaver-Burk plots revealed that compounds 2 a-c and 10b act as non-competitive inhibitors while the most active inhibitor 2d (IC50 = 7.56 µM) is a mixed-type inhibitor. Furthermore, experimental and computational structural studies were performed in order to clarify the binding mode of the derivative 2d.

Searching for indole derivatives as potential mushroom tyrosinase inhibitors.

Tyrosinase is a copper-containing enzyme widely distributed in nature, involved in the biosynthesis of melanin whose role is to protect the skin from ultraviolet damage. A great interest has been shown on the melanin involvement in malignant melanoma and other carcinogenetic processes. These phenomena have encouraged the research of tyrosinase inhibitors useful in therapeutic field as well as in foods and cosmetics to prevent browning. The idea was to screen our "in house" database to select suitable lead compounds for the discovery of potential drug-inhibiting enzyme. The obtained biological results demonstrated that compounds containing 4-fluorobenzyl moiety at N - 1 position of indole system showed the best activity. In addition, the role of the portion linked to the carbonyl group at C - 3 was discussed. A Lineweaver-Burk kinetic analysis of the most active indoles, CHI 1043 and derivative 4, showed a mixed-type inhibition in the presence of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) as substrate.

Anti-angiogenic activity of Entada africana root.

Entada africana roots are used in African traditional medicine for various diseases including inflammation. This application may be mediated through anti-angiogenic effects. Thus, in this study the anti-angiogenic activity of E. africana root extracts (n-hexane, chloroform, chloroform/methanol and methanol) was preliminarily evaluated by the quantitative determination of endogenous alkaline phosphatase in zebrafish embryos. A bioactivity-guided fractionation of chloroform/methanol extract yielded apigenin and robinetin as the main constituents from the most active fractions. In addition, a marked reduction on capillary formation was evidenced in chick chorioallantoic membrane after treatment with the active fractions or isolated compounds. Results obtained in this study suggest that the anti-angiogenic effects of E. africana root may account for its use in inflammatory diseases and other related pathological conditions.

Bioassay-guided isolation of proanthocyanidins with antiangiogenic activities.

The proangiogenic members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and related receptors play a central role in the modulation of pathological angiogenesis. In order to identify plant compounds able to interfere in the VEGFs/VEGFR-1 (Flt-1) recognition by VEGF family members, the extracts of the aerial parts of Campsiandra guayanensis and Feretia apodanthera were screened by a competitive ELISA-based assay. By using this bioassay-oriented approach five proanthocyanindins, including the new natural compounds (2S)-4',5,7-trihydroxyflavan-(4ß→8)-afzelechin (1) and (2S)-4',5,7-trihydroxyflavan-(4ß→8)-epiafzelechin (2) and the known geranin B (3), proanthocyanidin A2 (4), and proanthocyanidin A1 (5), were isolated. The study of the antiangiogenic activities of compounds 1-5 using ELISA and SPR assays showed compound 1 as being the most active. The antiangiogenic activity of 1 was also confirmed in vivo by the chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay. Our results indicated 1 as a new antiangiogenic compound inhibiting the interaction between VEGF-A or PlGF and their receptor VEGRF-1.

Betula pendula Roth leaves: gastroprotective effects of an HPLC-fingerprinted methanolic extract.

In this study, a methanolic extract of Betula pendula leaves (BLE) was investigated for its gastroprotective effects against 90% ethanol-induced ulcer in rats. Oral pretreatment of rats with BLE (100, 200 and 400 mg kg(- 1)) significantly reduced the incidence of gastric lesions induced by ethanol administration as compared with misoprostol (0.50 mg kg(- 1)). Furthermore, BLE inhibited the increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and prevented depletion of total sulhydryl and non-protein sulhydryl groups in rat stomach homogenate when compared with ethanol group. With regard to the effect of lipid peroxidation in vitro, BLE showed the ability to reduce methyl linoleate autoxidation. Chemical characterisation of the main biologically active constituents of BLE was also achieved by means of high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array and mass spectrometry detection, showing the presence of myricetin-3-O-galactoside, quercetin glycosides, kaempferol glycosides.

Characterization of the polyphenolic fraction of Morus alba leaves extracts by HPLC coupled to a hybrid IT-TOF MS system.

Infusions or dried leaves from Morus alba (L., Moraceae) have long been used in folk medicine for the prevention or treatment of several diseases. Despite the great interest in determining the role of phytonutrients as potential therapeutic agents, and the rising demand of natural sources with nutraceutic benefits, the antioxidant content of many foodstuffs is unknown, making accurate estimation for human dietary consumption and the correlation to human diseases difficult. The high content in polyphenols mainly accounts for in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from this plant, and it is responsible for their preventive and therapeutic roles in a number of human diseases. In this study, we achieved full characterization and quantitation of flavonoids and other phenolic components extracted from lyophilized mulberry leaves, by maceration with ethanol. To tackle such a task, an RPLC-diode array detector-MS system was optimized, employing a partially porous octadecylsilica column as stationary phase. Identification of mulberry leaves constituents was carried out on the basis of the complementary information obtained from their migration times, diode array spectra, MS ions, and MS/MS fragments. The employment of the hybrid (IT-TOF) mass spectrometer further allowed the structural assignment of a series of structural isomers. To the best of our knowledge, 11 out of 22 identified compounds are being reported in mulberry leaves for the first time, and the relative amounts determined, in the two cultivars analyzed.