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1.
Res Social Adm Pharm ; 2024 May 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38734512

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a lung complication of COVID-19 that requires intensive care and ventilation. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body that can modulate metabolism and inflammation in immune cells and lung tissues. We hypothesized that oral BHB could alleviate COVID-19 related ARDS by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: We randomized 75 patients with mild (as per Berlin criteria) ARDS symptoms to receive oral 25 g twice daily or placebo for five days. The primary outcome was the change in pro-inflammatory cytokines (Interleukin-1ß, Interleukin-6, interleukin-18, tumour necrosis factor-alpha) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-10) from baseline to day 5. The secondary outcomes were the change in BHB levels from baseline to day 5, the number of hospitalization days, and the occurrence of adverse events. RESULTS: Treatment with formulated BHB resulted in a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines; Interleukin-1ß (p = 0.0204), Interleukin-6 (p = 0.0309), interleukin-18 (p = 0.0116), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (p = 0.0489) and increase in interleukin-10 (p = 0.0246) compared treatment with placebo. Importantly, higher BHB levels (p = 0.0001) were observed after supplementation; additionally, patients who underwent this approach were hospitalized for fewer days. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Beta-hydroxybutyrate, an oral adjunct therapy, has shown promising results in ameliorating symptoms of ARDS. This includes reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and decreased patient fatigue levels. Further study with a large sample size is warranted to assess the potential of BHB therapy's effectiveness in reducing the development of severe illness. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: (http://ctri.nic.in/CTRI/2021/03/031790).

2.
Food Chem Toxicol ; 189: 114747, 2024 May 18.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38768937

Chronic exposure to lead (Pb) induces neurodegenerative changes in animals and humans. Drugs with strong antioxidant properties are effective against Pb-mediated neurotoxicity. In a prior study, we identified 5,7-dihydroxy-3',4',5'-trimethoxyflavone (TMF) from Ocimum basilicum L. leaves as a potent antioxidant and neuroprotective compound. This research explores TMF's neuroprotective effects against Pb-induced brain toxicity in rats to establish it as a therapeutic agent. Rats received lead acetate (100 mg/kg, orally, once daily) for 30 days to induce brain injury, followed by TMF treatment (5 and 10 mg/kg, oral, once daily) 30 min later. Cognitive and motor functions were assessed using Morris Water Maze and horizontal bar tests. Lead, monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B enzymes, reduced glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-6 levels were measured in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Pb exposure impaired cognitive and motor functions, increased Pb, TBARS, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels, and compromised MAO A & B and GSH levels. TMF reversed Pb-induced memory and motor deficits and normalized biochemical anomalies. TMF's neuroprotective effects against lead involve chelating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and monoaminergic properties, suggesting its potential as a treatment for metal-induced brain injury.

3.
Molecules ; 29(6)2024 Mar 21.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38543042

SARS-CoV, an RNA virus, is contagious and displays a remarkable degree of adaptability, resulting in intricate disease presentations marked by frequent genetic mutations that can ultimately give rise to drug resistance. Targeting its viral replication cycle could be a potential therapeutic option to counter its viral growth in the human body leading to the severe infectious stage. The Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 is a promising target for therapeutic development as it is crucial for viral transcription and replication. The derivatives of ß-diketone and coumarin have already been reported for their antiviral potential and, thus, are considered as a potential scaffold in the current study for the computational design of potential analogs for targeting the viral replication of SARS-CoV-2. In our study, we used novel diketone-hinged coumarin derivatives against the SARS-CoV-2 MPro to develop a broad-spectrum antiviral agent targeting SARS-CoV-2. Through an analysis of pharmacokinetics and docking studies, we identified a list of the top 10 compounds that demonstrated effectiveness in inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 MPro virus. On the basis of the pharmacokinetics and docking analyses, the top 5 novel coumarin analogs were synthesized and characterized. The thermodynamic stability of compounds KS82 and KS94 was confirmed by their molecular dynamics, and the stability of the simulated system indicated their inhibitory nature. Molecules KS82 and KS94 were further evaluated for their anti-viral potential using Vero E6 cells followed by RT-PCR assay against SARS-CoV-2. The test compound KS82 was the most active with the potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero E6 cells. These data indicate that KS82 prevents the attack of the virus and emerges as the primary candidate with promising antiviral properties.


COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , Coumarins/pharmacology , Biological Assay , Ketones , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Molecular Docking Simulation , Protease Inhibitors , Molecular Dynamics Simulation
4.
Molecules ; 28(20)2023 Oct 10.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37894484

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, pose a significant global health challenge, emphasizing the need for novel neuroprotective agents. Basil (Ocimum spp.) has been recognized for its therapeutic potential, and numerous studies have reported neuroprotective effects. In this manuscript, we present a computational protocol to extricate the underlying mechanism of action of basil compounds in neuroprotective effects. Molecular docking-based investigation of the chemical interactions between selected bioactive compounds from basil and key neuroprotective targets, including AChE, GSK3ß, γ-secretase, and sirtuin2. Our results demonstrate that basil compound myricerone caffeoyl ester possesses a high affinity of -10.01 and -8.85 kcal/mol against GSK3ß and γ-secretase, respectively, indicating their potential in modulating various neurobiological processes. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to explore the protein-ligand complexes' stability and to analyze the bound basil compounds' dynamic behavior. This comprehensive computational investigation enlightens the putative mechanistic basis for the neuroprotective effects of basil compounds, providing a rationale for their therapeutic use in neurodegenerative disorders after further experimental validation.


Neurodegenerative Diseases , Neuroprotective Agents , Ocimum basilicum , Ocimum basilicum/chemistry , Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta , Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology , Neuroprotective Agents/therapeutic use , Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases/metabolism , Molecular Docking Simulation , Neurodegenerative Diseases/drug therapy , Neurodegenerative Diseases/metabolism
5.
Biomedicines ; 11(10)2023 Oct 13.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37893156

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is caused by plaque agglomeration and entanglement in several areas of the neural cells, which leads to apoptosis. The main etiology of AD is senile dementia, which is linked to amyloid-beta (Aß) deregulation and tau perivascular pathogeny. Hyperphosphorylated tau has a propensity for microtubules, which elevate the instability and tau-protein congregates, leading to accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Tau hyperphosphorylation is susceptible to GSK-3, which has led to an emerging hypothesis regarding the pathogenesis of AD. Accordingly, attempts have been made to conduct investigations and achieve further advancements on new analogues capable of inhibiting the GSK-3 protein, which are currently in the clinical trials. In this analysis, we have evaluated certain GSK-3 inhibitor variants utilising scaffolding and framework devised techniques with pharmacological characteristics, accompanied by computational screenings (pharmacokinetics and docking). The structure-based designed analogues interacted effectively with the active amino acids of GSK-3ß target protein. The in silico pharmacokinetic studies revealed their drug-like properties. The analogues with best interactions and binding scores will be considered in the future to completely demonstrate their potential relevance as viable GSK-3 inhibitors.

6.
Molecules ; 28(18)2023 Sep 12.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37764355

No drug on the market, as a single entity, participates in different pathways involved in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. The current study is aimed at the exploration of multifunctional chalcone derivatives which can act on multiple targets involved in Alzheimer's disease. A series of novel aminoethyl-substituted chalcones have been developed using in silico approaches (scaffold morphing, molecular docking, and ADME) and reported synthetic methods. The synthesized analogs were characterized and evaluated biologically using different in vitro assays against AChE, AGEs, and radical formation. Among all compounds, compound PS-10 was found to have potent AChE inhibitory activity (IC50 = 15.3 nM), even more than the standard drug (IC50 = 15.68 nM). Further, the in vivo evaluation of PS-10 against STZ-induced dementia in rats showed memory improvement (Morris Water Maze test) in rats. Also, PS-10 inhibited STZ-induced brain AChE activity and oxidative stress, further strengthening the observed in vitro effects. Further, the molecular dynamic simulation studies displayed the stability of the PS-10 and AChE complex. The novel aminoethyl-substituted chalcones might be considered potential multifunctional anti-Alzheimer's molecules.


Alzheimer Disease , Chalcone , Chalcones , Animals , Rats , Chalcones/pharmacology , Chalcones/therapeutic use , Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy , Molecular Docking Simulation , Molecular Dynamics Simulation , Pain
7.
Chem Biol Drug Des ; 102(5): 1155-1175, 2023 Nov.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37599098

The series of N-methylpiperazinyl and piperdinylalkyl-O-chalcone derivatives as potential polyfuctional agents against Alzheimer's disease that have been designed, synthesized and then evaluated biologically using in vitro assays for the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, AGEs, and free radical formation. The majority of synthesized compounds inhibited AChE & AGEs with additional free radical scavenging activities at nanomolar concentrations. Among these, compound 5k was found to have potent AChE inhibitory activity (IC50 = 11.6 nM), superior than the reference compound donepezil (15.68 nM) along with the good anti-AGEs and free radical formation effect. Its potency was justified by docking studies that revealed its dual binding characteristic with both catalytic active site and peripheral anionic site of AChE, simultaneously. Furthermore, the in vivo evaluation of 5k against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced dementia in rats also showed improvement of memory functions (Morris water maze test) in animals. Also, 5k inhibited STZ-inudced brain AChE activity and oxidative stress which further strengthen the observed in vitro effects. The stability of the ligand-protein complex was then analyzed using a simulation-based interaction protocol. The results revealed that these N-methylpiperazinyl and piperdinylalkyl-O-chalcone derivatives could be considered for potential polyfunctional anti-Alzheimer's molecules.

8.
Molecules ; 28(16)2023 Aug 12.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37630283

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the prime cause of 65-80% of dementia cases and is caused by plaque and tangle deposition in the brain neurons leading to brain cell degeneration. ß-secretase (BACE-1) is a key enzyme responsible for depositing extracellular plaques made of ß-amyloid protein. Therefore, efforts are being applied to develop novel BACE-1 enzyme inhibitors to halt plaque build-up. In our study, we analyzed some Elenbecestat analogues (a BACE-1 inhibitor currently in clinical trials) using a structure-based drug design and scaffold morphing approach to achieve a superior therapeutic profile, followed by in silico studies, including molecular docking and pharmacokinetics methodologies. Among all the designed compounds, SB306 and SB12 showed good interactions with the catalytic dyad motifs (Asp228 and Asp32) of the BACE-1 enzyme with drug-likeliness properties and a high degree of thermodynamic stability confirmed by the molecular dynamic and stability of the simulated system indicating the inhibitory nature of the SB306 and SB12 on BACE 1.


Alzheimer Disease , Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases , Humans , Molecular Docking Simulation , Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy , Amyloid beta-Peptides , Plaque, Amyloid
9.
Life Sci ; 320: 121568, 2023 May 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36925061

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder with progressive dementia and cognitive impairment. AD poses severe health challenge in elderly people and become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It possesses complex pathophysiology with several hypotheses (cholinergic hypothesis, amyloid hypothesis, tau hypothesis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction etc.). Several attempts have been made for the management of multifactorial AD. Acetylcholinesterase is the only target has been widely explored in the management of AD to the date. The current review set forth the chalcone based natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic compounds in the search of potential anti-Alzheimer's agents. The main highlights of current review emphasizes on chalcone target different enzymes and pathways like Acetylcholinesterase, ß-secretase (BACE1), tau proteins, MAO, free radicals, Advanced glycation end Products (AGEs) etc. and their structure activity relationships contributing in the inhibition of above mentioned various targets of AD.


Alzheimer Disease , Chalcones , Humans , Aged , Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy , Alzheimer Disease/metabolism , Acetylcholinesterase/metabolism , Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases/metabolism , Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases , Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism , Ligands
12.
Small ; 19(11): e2206726, 2023 Mar.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36599644

The development of trifunctional electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with deeply understanding the mechanism to enhance the electrochemical performance is still a challenging task. In this work, the distorted metastable hybrid-phase induced 1T'/1T Co,PSnS2 nanosheets on carbon cloth (1T'/1T Co,PSnS2 @CC) is prepared and examined. The density functional theoretical (DFT) calculation suggests that the distorted 1T'/1T Co,PSnS2 can provide excellent conductivity and strong hydrogen adsorption ability. The electronic structure tuning and enhancement mechanism of electrochemical performance are investigated and discussed. The optimal 1T'/1T Co,PSnS2 @CC catalyst exhibits low overpotential of ≈94 and 219.7 mV at 10 mA cm-2 for HER and OER, respectively. Remarkably, the catalyst exhibits exceptional ORR activity with small onset potential value (≈0.94 V) and half-wave potential (≈0.87 V). Most significantly, the 1T'/1T Co,PSnS2 ||Co,PSnS2 electrolyzer required small cell voltages of ≈1.53, 1.70, and 1.82 V at 10, 100, and 400 mA cm-2 , respectively, which are better than those of state-of-the-art Pt-C||RuO2 (≈1.56 and 1.84 V at 10 and 100 mA cm-2 ). The present study suggests a new approach for the preparation of large-scalable, high performance hierarchical 3D next-generation trifunctional electrocatalysts.

13.
Curr Drug Targets ; 24(4): 320-331, 2023.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36658702

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, millions of people are affected by liver disorders and issues, and the successful treatment of patients seems challenging even after many treatment strategies. Presently, doctors are left with treatments like liver transplantation and resection. Researchers found it challenging to target the liver due to various drawbacks such as opsonization, mechanical entrapment, and RES uptake. METHODS: Literature (from the past ten years) on different research data on the treatment of liver diseases and study reports on the development of various nanocarriers targeting the liver have been collected using multiple search engines such as ScienceDirect, j-gate, google scholar, PubMed, scihub, etc. and data have been compiled accordingly. RESULTS: The basics of liver anatomy and various liver cells and pathophysiology of liver diseases, and liver targeting have been mentioned better to understand the further treatment of various liver disorders. Various Liver diseases such as hepatitis B, liver fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, acute liver failure, and liver cirrhosis have been detailed in multiple research studies related to their treatment. Various strategies for active and passive liver targeting have also been overviewed. Several advanced reported nanocarriers (liposomes, polymeric micelles, nanoparticles, micro and nanoemulsions, and phytosomes) are mentioned and their potential in treating liver disorders has been summarized by compiling research reports related to these nanocarriers. CONCLUSION: The fabrication of nanomedicine incorporating nanocarriers and biomaterials for treating liver diseases is a big challenge. Understanding various aspects of liver anatomy and liver cells is the prime requirement while designing successful liver-targeted nano/microcarriers. Also, the choice of advanced or modified polymeric material in liver targeting is very crucial for their specific liver cell targeting, for their biocompatibility and biodegradability point of view.


Liver Diseases , Nanoparticles , Humans , Nanotechnology , Liver Diseases/therapy , Liposomes , Drug Delivery Systems , Nanomedicine , Drug Carriers
14.
Neurochem Res ; 48(1): 13-25, 2023 Jan.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35987974

Finding an effective cure for Alzheimer's disease has eluded scientists despite intense research. The disease is a cause of suffering for millions of people worldwide and is characterized by dementia accompanied by cognitive and motor deficits, ultimately culminating in the death of the patient. The course of the disease progression has various underlying contributing pathways, with the first and foremost factor being the development and accumulation of aberrant and misfolded proteins exhibiting neurotoxic functions. The impairment of cellular clearance mechanisms adds to their accumulation, resulting in neuronal death. This is where the PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) technology comes into play, bringing the UPS degradation machinery in the proximity of the target protein for initiating its degradation and clearing abnormal protein debris with unparalleled precision demonstrating an edge over traditional protein inhibitors in many respects. The technology is widely explored in cancer research and utilized in the treatment of various tumors and malignancies, and is now being applied in treating AD. This review explores the application of PROTAC technology in developing lead compounds for managing this deadly disease along with detailing the pieces of evidence justifying its utility and efficacy.


Alzheimer Disease , Neoplasms , Humans , Alzheimer Disease/metabolism , Proteolysis Targeting Chimera , Proteins/metabolism , Proteolysis , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/metabolism
15.
Curr Drug Saf ; 18(2): 143-158, 2023.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35422227

Skin cancer is a life-threatening disease and has caused significant loss to human health across the globe. Its prevalence has been increasing every year and is one of the common malignancies in the case of organ transplant recipients, of which 95% constitute basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. The prime factor causing skin cancer is UV radiation. Around the 20th century, sunlight was the primary cause of skin cancer. A novel hypothesis by US scientists stated that cutaneous melanoma was mainly due to recurrent exposure to the sun, whereas keratinocyte cancer occurred due to progressive accumulation of sun exposure. Management of skin cancer is done via various approaches, including cryotherapy, radiotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. Post-discovery of X-rays, radiotherapy has proven to treat skin cancers to some extent, but the indications are uncertain since it depends upon the type of tumour and surgical treatment required for the patient. Due to various limitations of skin cancer treatment and increased severity, there is a requirement for cost-effective, novel, and efficient treatment. Various nanocarriers such as SLNs, magnetic nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, etc., are the potential carriers in the management and prognosis of both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer. Various research and review databases and patent reports have been studied, and information compiled to extract the results. The review also discusses the role of various nanocarriers in treating and diagnosing skin cancer.


Melanoma , Metal Nanoparticles , Nanotubes, Carbon , Skin Neoplasms , Humans , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/epidemiology , Skin Neoplasms/etiology , Melanoma/diagnosis , Melanoma/epidemiology , Melanoma/therapy , Gold , Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
16.
Nutrients ; 14(21)2022 Nov 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36364899

Nutraceuticals are the nourishing components (hybrid of nutrition and pharmaceuticals) that are biologically active and possess capability for maintaining optimal health and benefits. These products play a significant role in human health care and its endurance, most importantly for the future therapeutic development. Nutraceuticals have received recognition due to their nutritional benefits along with therapeutic effects and safety profile. Nutraceuticals are globally growing in the field of services such as health care promotion, disease reduction, etc. Various drug nutraceutical interactions have also been elaborated with various examples in this review. Several patents on nutraceuticals in agricultural applications and in various diseases have been stated in the last section of review, which confirms the exponential growth of nutraceuticals' market value. Nutraceuticals have been used not only for nutrition but also as a support therapy for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, such as to reduce side effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Diverse novel nanoformulation approaches tend to overcome challenges involved in formulation development of nutraceuticals. Prior information on various interactions with drugs may help in preventing any deleterious effects of nutraceuticals products. Nanotechnology also leads to the generation of micronized dietary products and other nutraceutical supplements with improved health benefits. In this review article, the latest key findings (clinical studies) on nutraceuticals that show the therapeutic action of nutraceutical's bioactive molecules on various diseases have also been discussed.


Dietary Supplements , Nutritional Status , Humans
17.
Int J Biol Macromol ; 223(Pt B): 1653-1666, 2022 Dec 31.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36354078

Multifunctional cotton fabric was prepared through a two-step layer-by-layer spray coating method, where the first layer of the coating comprising chitosan and ammonium phytate provided fire retardancy, and the second one with PDMS-ZnO composite imparted hydrophobicity to the fabric. A molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study was carried out to calculate interfacial adhesion of different components of the coating, based on which the sequencing of the coating layers was determined and used to prepare coated samples. The coated fabric demonstrated a significant improvement in fire retardancy through an increase in LOI from 18 % in control to 30 %, a reduction in char length from 30 cm to 7 cm, and a decrease in peak and total heat release rate values by 75 % and 33 %, respectively. The hydrophobicity of coated fabric was tested via water drop test where coated sample maintained a contact angle of 148° for up to 120 s, while the control sample showed 0°.


Chitosan , Flame Retardants , Textiles , Chitosan/chemistry , Phytic Acid/chemistry , Hot Temperature
18.
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev ; 23(7): 2407-2413, 2022 Jul 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35901348

BACKGROUND: The standard treatment for cervical cancer is chemoradiation therapy. Pelvic radiation is associated with higher dose to bone marrow (BM) causing interrupted treatment due to haematologic toxicity with inferior outcomes. This study aims to evaluate rapid arc technique in sparing pelvic BM and dosimetric parameters for pelvis V5GY, V10GY, V20GY, V30GY, and V40GY dose. METHOD: Twenty one cervical cancer patients were selected for the analysis. Planning target volume (PTV) contours, total pelvic BM and surrounding structures contours were standardised. Two rapid arc based procedures were designed for individual patient. One was done using bone marrow sparing (BMS) constraints while other was performed without BMS constraints. Data for both plans was calculated with regard to PTV, normal structures and pelvic BM. Difference in dose distribution in both groups was analysed using Wilcoxon and Friedman ANOVA test. RESULTS: In the presence of BM constraint a significant changes in pelvic BM dose for values of V10GY (p=0.002), V20GY (p=0.002) and V40GY (p=0.025) was observed. The coverage of PTV was found to be unaffected by adding BM constraint. CONCLUSION: The BM is radiosensitive structure so dosage is linked with haemtological toxicity. Increased dose is associated with higher grade of haematological toxicity in pelvic radiotherapy. The study suggests that adding BM constraint in plans reduced the pelvic BM dose while not affecting PTV coverage and dose to bowel, bladder and rectum. Bone marrow constraint in pelvic radiotherapy can be considered for better treatment toleration and to determine its role in decreasing haematological toxicity.


Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Bone Marrow , Female , Humans , Radiotherapy Dosage , Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/methods , Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated/adverse effects , Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated/methods , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/etiology , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/radiotherapy
19.
J Ethnopharmacol ; 295: 115438, 2022 Sep 15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35671863

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditionally, Ocimum basilicum L. leaves (OB) are recommended for various brain disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: Scientific evidence highlights the cognition improvement capacity of Ocimum basilicum L. leave extract (OBE), however, the compound(s) responsible for this effect and the associated mechanism was not reported. The present study was, thus, designed to isolate and identify the compound responsible for memory improvement effects of OB and to delineate the associated mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In-vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory (Ellman method) and antioxidant (DPPH scavenging) assays guided fractionation was employed to isolate the bioactive compounds from OBE. The isolated compounds were characterised using spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, NMR and MS). In-silico and in-vivo [mouse model of scopolamine (SCOP) induced amnesia] investigations were used to substantiate the memory improvement effects of isolated compounds and to understand their mechanism of action. RESULTS: AChE and DPPH assays guided fractionation of OBE lead to isolation of two pure compounds namely, 5,7-dihydroxy-3',4',5'-trimethoxyflavone (S1) and 3-hydroxy-3',4',5'-trimethoxyflavone (S2). Both S1 and S2 mitigated the cognitive impairment due to SCOP in mice by reducing brain AChE activity, TBARS, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and caspase-3 concentrations and elevating reduced glutathione and IL-10 levels; together with amelioration of brain hippocampus histopathological aberration (H and E staining). Moreover, the molecular docking of S1 and S2 at the active pockets of AChE and caspase-3 has shown good interactions with vital amino acid residues. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that trimethoxy flavones are responsible for the memory improvement effect of OBE due to their anticholinergic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. These maybe developed as valuable alternatives for management of cognitive disorders.


Ocimum basilicum , Acetylcholinesterase , Animals , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Caspase 3 , Memory, Long-Term , Mice , Molecular Docking Simulation , Plant Leaves , Scopolamine
20.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 29(40): 60542-60557, 2022 Aug.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35420347

When diabetes neuropathy occurs, the oxidative stress caused by chronic hyperglycemia may result in chronic neuronal damage. To mitigate the effects of hyperglycemia-induced neuronal damage, it may be beneficial to address oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. The current study evaluated the neuroprotective efficacy of Thuja occidentalis in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NAD)-induced diabetic neuropathy in male Wistar rats. A single dose of STZ (65 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce diabetic neuropathy in Wistar rats. Serum insulin, glucose, hyperalgesia, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and histopathology of the sciatic nerve were evaluated for neuropathy. Wistar rats were treated with varying doses of hydroalcoholic extracts of Thuja occidentalis (HAETO) and gabapentin for 30 days. Thuja occidentalis considerably corrected the levels of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress caused by hyperglycemia; also, it led to the restoration of neuronal functions, indicating that it is effective in treating diabetic neuropathy. Furthermore, the molecular docking of thujone at the active pockets of various inflammatory mediators (IL-1ß, IL-6, TGF-ß1, and TNF-α) has shown good interactions with critical amino acid residues. These findings indicate that the hydroalcoholic extract of Thuja occidentalis effectively inhibits the development of diabetic neuropathy. The hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-hyperalgesia, and anti-inflammatory properties of Thuja occidentalis are thought to be responsible for the neuroprotective benefit.


Diabetes Mellitus , Diabetic Neuropathies , Hyperglycemia , Thuja , Animals , Diabetic Neuropathies/chemically induced , Diabetic Neuropathies/drug therapy , Diabetic Neuropathies/metabolism , Glycation End Products, Advanced , Hyperglycemia/drug therapy , Male , Molecular Docking Simulation , Oxidative Stress , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
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