Cell surface expression of Ribophorin I, an endoplasmic reticulum protein, over different cell types.

Ribophorin-1 serves as one of the subunits of the oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) complex located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Until now, RPN-1 was considered an ER protein. However, our findings reveal that a minor fraction of RPN-1 escapes from the lumen of the ER and is ectopically expressed on the surface of different cell lines. The precise mechanism of protein translocation is unknown. The expression of RPN-1 was demonstrated through the isolation of membrane proteins using surface biotinylation and sucrose density gradient techniques. The confirmation of RPN-1 was obtained through surface staining using a specific antibody, revealing its expression on various cell lines. Additionally, we examined the expression of RPN-1 in different populations of PBMCs and observed a differential regulation of RPN-1 within PBMC subpopulations. Notably, there was a significant expression of RPN-1 on monocytes and B cells, but there was little to no population of T cells expressing RPN-1. We confirmed the expression of RPN-1 on THP-1, U937, and Jurkat cells. We also confirmed their surface expression through si-RNA knockdown. Our study shows RPN-1 expression on various cell surfaces, suggesting varied regulation among cell types. In the future, we may uncover its roles in immune function, signaling, and differentiation/proliferation.

Interaction between gastric enzyme pepsin and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide in presence of sodium electrolytes: Exploration of micellization behavior.

Pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme used in the treatment of digestive disorders. In this study, we investigated the physicochemical properties of the tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) and pepsin protein mixture in various sodium salt media within a temperature range of 300.55-320.55 K with 5 K intervals. The conductometric study of the TTAB+pepsin mixture revealed a reduction in the critical micelle concentration (CMC) in electrolyte media. The micellization of TTAB was delayed in the presence of pepsin. The CMC of the TTAB + pepsin mixture was found to depend on the concentrations of electrolytes and protein, as well as the temperature variations. The aggregation of the TTAB+pepsin mixture was hindered as a function of [pepsin] and increasing temperatures, while micellization was promoted in aqueous electrolyte solutions. The negative free energy changes (∆Gm0) indicated the spontaneous aggregation of the TTAB+pepsin mixture. Changes in enthalpy, entropy, molar heat capacities, transfer properties, and enthalpy-entropy compensation variables were calculated and illustrated rationally. The interaction forces between TTAB and pepsin protein in the experimental solvents were primarily hydrophobic and electrostatic (ion-dipole) in nature. An analysis of molecular docking revealed hydrophobic interactions as the main stabilizing forces in the TTAB-pepsin complex.

Prevalence of the medical student syndrome among health professions students and its effects on their academic performance.

Medical student syndrome (MSS) is health-related anxiety while studying a specific disease that leads to stress and anxiety. The study aims to determine the prevalence of MSS among health professions students to identify its effect on the student academic performance and to recognize the awareness of MSS among health professions students. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study where 544 students from King Saud University health colleges were included and filled in a self-reported designed questionnaire. We used validated scale of short health anxiety inventory closed-ended items to measure the prevalence of MSS. All statistical analyses were performed using the statistical package for social sciences statistical software package. The results showed that 8.5% of the health colleges students were affected by MSS. The students with the medical syndrome had higher levels of anxiety (anxiety-odd ratio [OR] = 1.3, P = .35; anxiety-OR = 1.57, P = .27) and hypochondriac issues (hypochondria-OR = 2.93, P = .03; hypochondria-OR = 2.61, P = .14) than other students. Concerning to MSS negative consequences, students who experienced medical syndrome most of the time and always were 1.43 and 1.45 times more likely to experience anxiety. As a result of the medical syndrome, students with a grade point average decrease of <0.20 are 3.37 times more likely to develop a hypochondriac problem than students with no grade point average decrease (OR = 3.37; P = .04). Third-year students reported more anxiety and hypochondria symptoms than other-year students. In conclusion, MSS is a growing problem in health colleges. This study showed that, academic performance was affected for the students who have MSS. The prevention of this phenomenon may be greatly enhanced by reassurance and discussions about this syndrome.

Deregulation of apoptotic proteins by induction of Dendropthae falcata (L.f.) Ettingsh plant extract in breast cancer cells: A proteome-wide analysis.

Objectives: The present study evaluated the protein-based analysis to unravel the role and mechanism behind the Dendropthae falcata plant extract treatment in breast cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The protein sample was extracted from the cancer cells after treatment with the plant extract and subjected to two-dimensional electrophoresis for protein separation. Further, the proteins that were differentially regulated among the samples which were treated and non-treated were selected and processed further for protein identification using a tandem mass spectrometry approach. Results: Using these strategies, we identified 16 potential candidates which were showing remarkable changes in treated samples. All the candidates were analyzed further for gene ontology analysis, and it was observed that all proteins were involved in multiple pathways pertaining to the carcinogenesis process. Specifically, apoptotic pathway proteins including BAD, BIK, BID, CASP8, MCL1, BCL2, and BAK1 were highly impacted by treatment with D. falcata plant extract. All these protein hits were further taken for validation experiments using RT PCR analysis. Conclusion: Initiation of these apoptotic proteins by D. falcata plant extract treatment in breast cancer cells shows a positive direction toward nature-based alternative medicine.

Exploring recombinant secretory proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis to develop a serological platform for tuberculosis diagnosis.

The lack of a sensitive diagnostic tool for tuberculosis (TB) is the main reason for increasing cause of death in many developing countries. The routine diagnostic tests are either time-consuming or equivocal in terms of results. Hence, there is a need for quicker and accurate diagnostic tests. Certain studies have documented the usage of proteins secreted by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in developing a sensitive tool for diagnosing TB. The study aimed to employ PPE41, MPT53, LPQH, CFP10, ESAT6 and TB18.5 proteins and analyze their usage as early diagnostic markers. The proteins were cloned, expressed, purified and applied in ELISA platforms in separate as well as combined systems to assess their early diagnostic features. The results of our study revealed that a cocktail of all six antigen combinations was identified in the maximum number of TB cases. Thus, proteins such as PPE41, MPT53, LPQH, CFP10, ESAT6, and TB18.5 incorporated detection tools could be optimized for an improvised early detection of MTB infections. Moreover, the results suggested that 95.7 % of the MTB-positive serum samples reacted with all the selected antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while the control serum samples did not react with those antigens. The hexavalent antigen system yielded a novel ELISA platform for better diagnosing MTB infections. Our study yielded a novel technology to diagnose TB, which warrants testing in clinical settings.

Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of crude extracts of Anisomeles malabarica and Coldenia procumbens.

The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical profile, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of crude aqueous leaf extracts of Anisomeles malabarica and Coldenia procumbens. The predominant components present in these crude extracts of test plants identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis in both plant extracts were phytochemicals including flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and phenols. The antibacterial activity of crude extracts of these plants against bacterial pathogens including Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Shigella sp., Salmonella paratyphi A and B, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas sp. Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus were examined. Data demonstrated that the extracts of A. malabarica and C. procumbens exhibited significant antibacterial activity against B.subtilis and P.vulgaris at the concentration of 50 mg/ml. A. malabarica aqueous extract displayed significant antioxidant activity on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazl (DPPH), fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) free radicals at the concentration of 90 mg/ml. The antioxidant activity was significantly higher with A. malabarica than extract of C. procumbens. Evidence indicates that both plant extracts may possess significant pharmaceutical potential as antibacterial and antioxidant agents.

HPTLC and GC-MS finger-printing of two potential multifunctional siddha tailams: Mathan and maha megarajanga tailam.

The Siddha system of medicine is an ancient medical lineage that is practiced primarily in the southern part of India. Siddha system of medicine has been in practice for thousands of years with documented evidence dating back to the 6th century BCE. According to siddha system of medicine's basic fundamental principle, the human body is made up of 96 thathuvam (primary components), which encompass physical, physiological, psychological, and intellectual aspects. Medicine (marunthu) is classified as a wide range of internal and external medicines. The major components of its medical formulations include plant parts, minerals and animal products. Various methods were carried out for the purification process to eliminate the toxins. Choornam, Guligai, Tailam, Parpam, Chendooram, Kattu, Pasai and Poochu are the most common medicines used in Siddha system of medicine for the treatment of various diseases. The pathophysiological classification of diseases is elaborated in detail in the classical Siddha literature. Siddha system of medicine plays an important role in protecting people from diseases such as COVID-19 by providing immune-protecting and immune-boosting medicines in today's world. Mathan tailam and maha megarajanga tailam are the two unique preparations used widely for various skin diseases including chronic wounds and burns. Scientific validation of both medicines will help in understanding their effectiveness against a typical wound condition. In the present study physio-chemical and phytochemical, HPTLC, and GC-MS analyses were carried out and discussed in detail on the multifunctional properties exhibited in the patient communities.

Corrigendum: Anti-viral drug discovery against monkeypox and smallpox infection by natural curcumin derivatives: a computational drug design approach.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1157627.].

Development of Curcumin and Piperine-Loaded Bio-Active Self-Nanoemulsifying Drugs and Investigation of Their Bioactivity in Zebrafish Embryos and Human Hematological Cancer Cell Lines.

Purpose: Curcumin (CUR) and piperine (PP) are bioactive compounds with prominent pharmacological activities that have been investigated for the treatment of various diseases. The aim of the present study is to develop Bio-SNEDDS for CUR and PP as a combined delivery system for cancer therapy. Methods: CUR and PP loaded Bio-SNEDDSs with varying compositions of bioactive lipid oils, surfactants, and cosolvents were prepared at room temperature. Bio-SNEDDSs were characterized using a Zetasizer Nano particle size analyzer and further examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for morphology. The in vivo toxicity of the preparations of Bio-SNEDDS was investigated in wild-type zebrafish embryos and cytotoxicity in THP-1 (human leukemia monocytic cells), Jurkat (human T lymphocyte cells) and HUVEC (non-cancerous normal) cells. Results: Bio-SNEDDSs were successfully developed with black seed oil, Imwitor 988, Transcutol P and Cremophor RH40 at a ratio of 20/20/10/50 (%w/w). The droplet size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of the optimized Bio-SNEDDS were found to be 42.13 nm, 0.59, and -19.30 mV, respectively. Bio-SNEDDS showed a spherical structure evident by TEM analysis. The results showed that Bio-SNEDDS did not induce toxicity in zebrafish embryos at concentrations between 0.40 and 30.00 µg/mL. In TG (fli1: EGFP) embryos treated with Bio-SNEDDS, there was no change in the blood vessel structure. The O-dianisidine staining of Bio-SNEDDS treated embryos at 48 h post-fertilization also showed a significant reduction in the number of blood cells compared to mock (DMSO 0.1% V/V) treated embryos. Bio-SNEDDS induced significant levels of cytotoxicity in the hematological cell lines THP-1 and Jurkat, while low toxicity in normal HUVEC cell lines was observed with IC50 values of 18.63±0.23 µg/mL, 26.03 ± 1.5 µg/mL and 17.52 ± 0.22 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Bio-SNEDDS exhibited enhanced anticancer activity and could thus be an important new pharmaceutical formulation to treat leukemia.

Anti-viral drug discovery against monkeypox and smallpox infection by natural curcumin derivatives: A Computational drug design approach.

Background: In the last couple of years, viral infections have been leading the globe, considered one of the most widespread and extremely damaging health problems and one of the leading causes of mortality in the modern period. Although several viral infections are discovered, such as SARS CoV-2, Langya Henipavirus, there have only been a limited number of discoveries of possible antiviral drug, and vaccine that have even received authorization for the protection of human health. Recently, another virial infection is infecting worldwide (Monkeypox, and Smallpox), which concerns pharmacists, biochemists, doctors, and healthcare providers about another epidemic. Also, currently no specific treatment is available against Monkeypox. This research gap encouraged us to develop a new molecule to fight against monkeypox and smallpox disease. So, firstly, fifty different curcumin derivatives were collected from natural sources, which are available in the PubChem database, to determine antiviral capabilities against Monkeypox and Smallpox. Material and method: Preliminarily, the molecular docking experiment of fifty different curcumin derivatives were conducted, and the majority of the substances produced the expected binding affinities. Then, twelve curcumin derivatives were picked up for further analysis based on the maximum docking score. After that, the density functional theory (DFT) was used to determine chemical characterizations such as the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), softness, and hardness, etc. Results: The mentioned derivatives demonstrated docking scores greater than 6.80 kcal/mol, and the most significant binding affinity was at -8.90 kcal/mol, even though 12 molecules had higher binding scores (-8.00 kcal/mol to -8.9 kcal/mol), and better than the standard medications. The molecular dynamic simulation is described by root mean square deviation (RMSD) and root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF), demonstrating that all the compounds might be stable in the physiological system. Conclusion: In conclusion, each derivative of curcumin has outstanding absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) characteristics. Hence, we recommended the aforementioned curcumin derivatives as potential antiviral agents for the treatment of Monkeypox and Smallpox virus, and more in vivo investigations are warranted to substantiate our findings.

Assessment of the Anticancer Effect of Chlorojanerin Isolated from Centaurothamnus maximus on A549 Lung Cancer Cells.

The goal of this study was to assess the anticancer efficacy of chlorojanerin against various cancer cells. The effects of chlorojanerin on cell cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, and cell apoptosis were examined using MTT assay, propidium iodide staining, and FITC Annexin V assay. RT-PCR was employed to determine the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes. Furthermore, docking simulations were utilized to further elucidate the binding preferences of chlorojanerin with Bcl-2. According to MTT assay, chlorojanerin inhibited the proliferation of all tested cells in a dose-dependent manner with a promising effect against A549 lung cancer cells with an IC50 of 10 µM. Cell growth inhibition by chlorojanerin was linked with G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in A549 treated cells. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that the proliferation inhibition effect of chlorojanerin was associated with apoptosis induction in A549 cells. Remarkably, chlorojanerin altered the expression of many genes involved in apoptosis initiation. Moreover, we determined that chlorojanerin fit into the active site of Bcl-2 according to the molecular docking study. Collectively, our results demonstrate that chlorojanerin mediated an anticancer effect involving cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death and, therefore, could potentially serve as a therapeutic agent in lung cancer treatment.

Revisiting the Flora of Saudi Arabia: Phytochemical and Biological Investigation of the Endangered Plant Species Euphorbia saudiarabica.

Euphorbia plants have a significant place in traditional medicine due to their numerous therapeutic properties, including their anti-tumor effects, which have been observed in several species. In the current study, a phytochemical investigation of Euphorbia saudiarabica methanolic extract led to the isolation and characterization of four secondary metabolites from the chloroform (CHCl3) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fractions, which are reported for the first time in this species. One of the constituents, saudiarabicain F (2), is a rare C-19 oxidized ingol-type diterpenoid that has not been previously reported. The structures of these compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic (HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR) analyses. The anticancer properties of the E. saudiarabica crude extract, its fractions and its isolated compounds were examined against several cancer cells. The active fractions were evaluated for their effects on cell-cycle progression and apoptosis induction using flow cytometry. Furthermore, RT-PCR was employed to estimate the gene-expression levels of the apoptosis-related genes. It was demonstrated that the E. saudiarabica CHCl3 and EtOAc fractions suppressed the proliferation of the cancer cells. The MCF-7 cells were the most sensitive to both fractions, with IC50 values of 22.6 and 23.2 µg/mL, respectively. Notably, both fractions caused cell-cycle arrest in the G2/M phase of the treated MCF-7 cells. The inhibition of the MCF-7 cells' proliferation was also linked with apoptosis induction by flow-cytometry analysis. Additionally, the activation of apoptosis by both fractions was demonstrated by an increase in the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2, with an increase in the expression of caspase-7. Among the isolated compounds, glutinol (1) showed potent activity against the MCF-7 cell line, with an IC50 value of 9.83 µg/mL. Our findings suggest that E. saudiarabica has apoptosis-inducing effects and shows promise as a potential source of new chemotherapeutic drugs.

Cytotoxic and genotoxic properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized by ethanolic extract of Salacia chinensis.

In this study, in vitro and in vivo methods were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity properties of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) made from a crude ethanolic extract of Salacia chinensis. The test Ag-NPs had no cytotoxicity on the fibroblast cell line at a concentration of 100 µg/mL, according to the MTT assay results. The Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line treated with varied concentrations of test Ag-NPs, with a maximum concentration of 200 µg/mL, did not exhibit any appreciable genotoxic activity, either by comparing the results with positive controls of genotoxicity caused by Methyl methane sulfonate and Benzo (a) pyrene at the concentration of 20 µg/mL, the lack of genotoxicity was established. An in vivo study in Swiss albino mice using various concentrations (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) of test Ag-NPs, which were compared with positive controls, further confirmed this in vitro result pattern. Contrary to the genotoxicity caused by the positive control, mouse bone marrow micronucleus testing findings revealed the absence of genotoxicity. These findings imply that at the measured doses, the Ag-NPs produced from the crude ethanolic extract of Salacia chinensis do not exhibit any cytotoxicity or genotoxicity.

Chemical profile, antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities of essential oils of Pulicaria arabica against A549 lung cancer cell line.

Pulicaria arabica has been traditionally utilized in folk medicine for various purposes such as ulcer treatments as well as antidiarrheal agent. Herein, the chemical profiles of Pulicaria arabica essential oils (PAEOs) and the in vitro antiproliferative effect of PAEOs were investigated. Hydrodistillation was employed to prepare PAEOs which were then characterized by GC/MS, while the antiproliferative effects were investigated by MTT assay as well as flow cytometric and RT-PCR analysis. Sixty-four (99.99 %) constituents were recognized from PAEOs. Carvotanacetone (36.97 %), (-)-carvomenthone (27.20 %) and benzene, 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,4-dimethoxy- (6.92 %) were the main components. PAEOs displayed IC50 values ranging from 30 to 50 µg/mL. DNA content analysis revealed that A549 cells exposed to PAEOs exhibited an increase in G1 cells population. The flow cytometry analysis results also showed that the PAEOs antiproliferative effect was mediated via apoptosis induction. Furthermore, a modulation in the pro-apoptotic markers (caspase-3 and Bax) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) was also observed. In conclusion, PAEOs exhibited a moderate anti-proliferative effect on A549 cells through modulating the cell cycle progression and apoptosis initiation. These findings could offer a potential therapeutic use of PAEOs in lung cancer treatment.

Penicillactonin and preaustinoid C, lactone-containing metabolites from a hot spring sediment Penicillium sp.

Phytochemical investigation of Penicillium sp. RO-11 strain, collected from the sediments of a hydrothermal spring located in the southwestern area of Saudi Arabia, afforded, along with previously isolated compounds, the undescribed polyketides penicillactonin (1), penipyranicin D (4) and isopyrenulin B (5) and the undescribed meroterpenoid preaustinoid C (7). The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on data from mass spectrometry, 1D and 2D NMR, and comparison between experimental and calculated ECD spectra. Penicillactonin and preaustinoid C bring unprecedented structural features, for which a biosynthetic rationale is proposed, further extending the chemodiversity associated to Penicillium fungi. Preaustinoid C showed significant activity against LPS-induced NO production and selective effect on IL-2 and IFN-γ gene regulation in activated Jurkat cells.

Effect of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) Phytochemicals on Aß1-40 Amyloid Formation: An in-silico Analysis.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease and the most prevalent form of dementia. The generation of oxygen free radicals and oxidative damage is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of AD. It has been suggested that date palm, a plant rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, can provide an alternative treatment to fight memory loss and cognitive dysfunction due to its potent antioxidant activity. Thus, we studied the effect of flavonoids present in date palm on Aß1-40 amyloid formation using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. AutoDock. Myricetin was used as a positive control drug. The flavonoids Diosmetin, Luteolin, and Rutin were found to be potent inhibitors of aggregation (docking energies ≤ -8.05 kcal mol-1) targeting Aß1-40 fibrils (both 2LMO and 6TI5), simultaneously. Further screening by physicochemical properties and drug-likeness analysis suggested that all flavonoids except Rutin followed Lipinski's rule of five. Rutin was, thus, taken as a negative control (due to its violation of Lipinski's rule) to compare its dynamics with Diosmetin. Diosmetin exhibited the highest positive scores for drug likeness. Since Luteolin exhibited moderate drug-likeness and better absorption properties, it was also included in molecular dynamics simulation. Molecular dynamics of shortlisted compounds (Rutin, Diosmetin, and Luteolin) were performed for 200 ns, and the results were analyzed by monitoring root mean square deviations (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) analysis, the radius of gyration (Rg), and solvent accessible surface area (SASA). The results proved the formation of a stable protein-compound complex. Based on binding energies and non-bonded interactions, Rutin and Luteolin emerged as better lead molecules than Diosmetin. However, high MW (610.5), lowest absorption rate (16.04%), and more than one violation of Lipinski's rule make Rutin a less likely candidate as an anti-amyloidogenic agent. Moreover, among non-violators of Lipinski's rule, Diosmetin exhibited a greater absorption rate than Luteolin as well as the highest positive scores for drug-likeness. Thus, we can conclude that Diosmetin and Luteolin may serve as a scaffold for the design of better inhibitors with higher affinities toward the target proteins. However, these results warrant in-vitro and in-vivo validation before practical use.

Purification, biochemical characterization, and DPP-IV and α-amylase inhibitory activity of Berberine from Cardiospermum halicacabum.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has spread across the globe, increasing the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other comorbidities. Despite substantial research into the development of diabetic treatments that are effective in lowering blood glucose levels, their efficiency is short-lived due to unpleasant side effects such as weight gain and hypoglycemia. The discovery of secondary metabolites in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications has an incentive to take interest in plant-based medications, and enzyme inhibitors have the potential to aid in the treatment and management of DM. This study aims to isolate, characterize, and analyse the influence of berberine-like alkaloids from alcoholic Cardiospermum halicacabum extract in vitro and in silico, as a possible inhibitor of Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and α-amylase, two essential enzymes involved in diabetes. The alkaloid from C. halicacabum was identified as berberine, with an m/z of 336.1263. Purified berberine inhibits DPP-IV with an IC50 of 16.328 ± 1.344 µM and inhibits α-amylase by 72% at 10 µg/mL. In-silico studies demonstrated that berberine was found to bind to the active site of both DPP-IV and α-amylase. The precise mechanism underlying the observation has to be researched further in order to investigate C. halicacabum's anti-diabetic effects and argue for its possible application as alternative medicine.

Cytotoxicity of Newly Synthesized Quinazoline-Sulfonamide Derivatives in Human Leukemia Cell Lines and Their Effect on Hematopoiesis in Zebrafish Embryos.

Many quinazoline derivatives with pharmacological properties, such as anticancer activity, have been synthesized. Fourteen quinazoline derivatives bearing a substituted sulfonamide moiety (4a-n) were previously synthesized and fully characterized. These compounds exerted antiproliferative activity against cell lines derived from solid tumors. Herein, the antileukemic activities of these compounds (4a-n) against two different leukemia cell lines (Jurkat acute T cell and THP-1 acute monocytic) were investigated. Our investigation included examining their activity in vivo in a zebrafish embryo model. Remarkably, compounds 4a and 4d were the most potent in suppressing cell proliferation, with an IC50 value range of 4-6.5 µM. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that both compounds halted cell progression at the G2/M phase and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses also showed that both compounds effectively induced apoptosis by upregulating the expression of proapoptotic factors while downregulating that of antiapoptotic factors. In vivo animal toxicity assays performed in zebrafish embryos indicated that compound 4d was more toxic than compound 4a, with compound 4d inducing multiple levels of teratogenic phenotypes in zebrafish embryos at a sublethal concentration. Moreover, both compounds perturbed the hematopoiesis process in developing zebrafish embryos. Collectively, our data suggest that compounds 4a and 4d have the potential to be used as antileukemic agents.

Unprecedented Insights on Chemical and Biological Significance of Euphorbia cactus Growing in Saudi Arabia.

Euphorbia cactus Ehrenb ex Boiss. is a plant species reported from central Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula, belonging to the family of Euphorbiaceae. The plant has ethnobotanical values and is well-known for its milky latex, which has been turned into medicine to treat various ailments. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no literature reports available on phytochemical constituents and antiproliferative mechanism of E. cactus. In the current study, the phytochemical investigation of E. cactus methanolic extract (ECME) resulted in the isolation and characterization of four secondary metabolites, which are reported for the first time from this plant species. In addition, the results of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and ferrous ion chelating (FIC) assays expressed maximum antioxidant activity by ECME and the isolated phytochemicals. Furthermore, ECME exerted a promising antiproliferative effect against different cancer cell lines, and the A549 lung cancer cells were the most sensitive with an IC50 value of 20 µg/mL. The antiproliferative action of ECME in A549 cells was associated with cell accumulation in the G2/M phase and an increase in early and late apoptosis. In addition, RT-PCR and western blot analysis revealed that ECME decreased the anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) expression, while the expression of pro-apoptotic (Bax) and caspase-3 were increased. This study provides the first insight into the phytochemical constituents and the antiproliferative mechanism of ECME, implying that it could be exploited as a promising natural source for developing new cancer therapies. Further preclinical research is warranted to support the current results.

The Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Effects of a Novel Quinazoline Carrying Substituted-Sulfonamides: In Vitro and Molecular Docking Study.

In order to investigate for a new effective and safe anticancer drug, we synthesized a novel series of quinazoline containing biologically active substituted-sulfonamide moiety at 3- position 4a-n. The structure of the newly prepared compounds was proved by microanalysis, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and mass spectral data. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity in numerous cancer cell lines including A549, HepG-2, LoVo and MCF-7 and normal HUVEC cell line. The two most active compounds 4d and 4f were then tested for their apoptosis induction using DNA content and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Moreover, apoptosis initiation was also confirmed using RT-PCR and Western blot. To further understand the binding preferences of quinazoline sulfonamides, docking simulations were used. Among the fourteen new synthesized compounds, we found that compounds 4d and 4f exerted the strongest cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells with an IC50 value of 2.5 and 5 µM, respectively. Flow cytometry data revealed the ability of compounds 4d and 4f to mediate apoptosis and arrest cell cycle growth at G1 phase. Furthermore, RT-PCR and Western blot results suggested that both 4d and 4f activates apoptotic cell death pathway in MCF-7 cells. Molecular docking assessments indicated that compounds 4d and 4f fit perfectly into Bcl2's active site. Based on the biological properties, we conclude that both compounds 4d and 4f could be used as a new type of anticancer agent, which provides a scientific basis for further research into the treatment of cancer.