Synthesis and Investigation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity of New Thiourea Derivatives of Naproxen.

The aim of the study was a synthesis and investigation of the dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect of new thiourea derivatives of naproxen with selected aromatic amines and esters of aromatic amino acids. The results of the in vivo study indicate that derivatives of m-anisidine (4) and N-methyl tryptophan methyl ester (7) showed the most potent anti-inflammatory activity four hours after injection of carrageenan, with the percentage of inhibition of 54.01% and 54.12%, respectively. In vitro assays of COX-2 inhibition demonstrated that none of the tested compounds achieved 50% inhibition at concentrations lower than 100 µM. On the other hand, the aromatic amine derivatives (1-5) accomplished significant inhibition of 5-LOX, and the lowest IC50 value was observed for compound 4 (0.30 µM). High anti-edematous activity of compound 4 in the rat paw edema model, together with potent inhibition of 5-LOX, highlight this compound as a promising anti-inflammatory agent.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Investigation of Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activities of Novel Thiourea Derivatives of Naproxen.

The objective of this study was to synthesize seven novel thiourea derivatives of naproxen (8-14), examine the anti-inflammatory activity of the newly synthesized compounds, investigate the cytotoxic potential of both sets of synthesized compounds (1-7 and 8-14), and select the most promising anti-inflammatory and antitumor drug candidates. The results of the in vivo anti-inflammatory study clearly showed that compounds 8 and 9 were capable of decreasing paw edema, as evident from a high percentage of inhibition (44.83% and 49.29%, respectively). In addition, the results of in vitro enzyme inhibition assays demonstrated that neither of the newly synthesized compounds reached 50% inhibition of 5-LOX at concentrations lower than 100 µM. In terms of antitumor potential, derivatives 3 and 8 exhibited strong cytotoxic effects on the HeLa cell line, suggesting the involvement of the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. According to the overall results obtained for both sets of synthesized molecules, derivatives 4 and 8 can be underlined as molecules with the strongest anti-inflammatory activity, while derivatives 3 and 8 are the most promising cytotoxic agents.

Differences in antioxidant potential of chalcones in human serum: In vitro study.

INTRODUCTION: An imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in favour of oxidants, potentially leading to damage, is termed oxidative stress. Antioxidants (AO), either enzymatic or non-enzymatic, are the ones that can reduce diverse effects of pro-oxidants such as DNA, proteins and lipids damage. Chalcones (1,3-diaryl-2-propen-1-ones) are open chain flavonoids that are widely biosynthesized in plants. Aim of this study was to test antioxidative potency of 15 chalcones (Chs) in in vitro model in serum (native conditions), so as with exogenously induced oxidative stress. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Oxidative stress was induced in serum samples of healthy individuals with 0.25 mmol/L terc-buthyl-hydroperoxide (TBH), and then we monitored the effects of various concentrations of chalcones on oxidative stress parameters: total antioxidative status (TAS), total oxidative status (TOS), total concentration of sulfhydryl group (SHG) and prooxidative-antioxidative balance (PAB), and calculated prooxidative score, antioxidative score, and oxy score (OS). Nonparametric repeated measures ANOVA (Friedman's test) was used for comparison of antioxidative potency of samples with 15 different chalcones, in a native state and upon TBH influence. Spearman's nonparametric correlation analysis was used for estimation of relation between different parameters. RESULTS: Negative Oxy Score (OS) values for Chs11-15 showed significantly stronger antioxidative potency compared to other investigated chalcones (p < 0.05). Ch11, Ch13 and Ch14 remained with negative OS even after TBH addition, whereas OS of Ch12 and Ch15 became positive, with small nominal values. Samples with Ch11 and Ch13 showed significant negative correlation between TAS and TOS (p < 0.05 for both), but in Ch14 sample the negative correlation existed between TAS and PAB (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Lower value of OS (i.e. better antioxidative potency) was noticed in samples with Ch11-Ch15. Electron-donor effects of substituent groups as a structural part of these chalcones could explain its antioxidative capability. Phenolic and methyl groups are responsible for antioxidative ability enhancement of five chalcones with the best activity.

Molecular Docking, Synthesis and anti-HIV-1 Protease Activity of Novel Chalcones.

BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, 75 million people have been infected with the HIV and about 32 million people have died of AIDS. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms critical to the HIV replication cycle led to the identification of potential drug targets for AIDS therapy. One of the most important discoveries is HIV-1 protease, an enzyme that plays an essential role in the replication cycle of HIV. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to synthesize and investigate anti-HIV-1 protease activity of some chalcone derivatives with the hope of discovering new lead structure devoid drug resistance. METHODS: 20 structurally similar chalcone derivatives were synthesized and their physico-chemical characterization was performed. Binding of chalcones to HIV-1 protease was investigated by fluorimetric assay. Molecular docking studies were conducted to understand the interactions. RESULTS: The obtained results revealed that all compounds showed anti-HIV-1 protease activity. Compound C1 showed the highest inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 0.001 µM, which is comparable with commercial product Darunavir. CONCLUSION: It is difficult to provide general principles of inhibitor design. Structural properties of the compounds are not the only consideration; ease of chemical synthesis, low molecular weight, bioavailability, and stability are also of crucial importance. Compared to commercial products the main advantage of compound C1 is the ease of chemical synthesis and low molecular weight. Furthermore, compound C1 has a structure that is different to peptidomimetics, which could contribute to its stability and bioavailability.

What Do We Find Attractive about the Face?: Survey Study with Application to Aesthetic Surgery.

The appearance of the face is one of the most important factors influencing our perception of beauty. However, few studies have attempted to quantitate what one perceives as beauty. Therefore, this study was conducted with the goal of providing physicians with anatomical data that demonstrate which facial traits most influence our perception of one's attractiveness. In the first phase of the study, faces of 60 participants (30 males and 30 females) were photographed. Next, the photographs were shown to another group of 120 study members (60 males and 60 females), who evaluated the facial features using a Visual Analogue Scale. The highest rated facial parts were then measured using the ImageJ program. In men, the most attractive parts of the face were Type 1:2 lips, a Type IV nose of medium width, blue eyes, brown hair, and a very narrow face. Among females, the most attractive parts of the face were Type 2:1 lips, Type III and V noses of medium width, dark brown eyes, blonde hair, and a narrow face. This is the first study in which the most aesthetically important facial parts have been comprehensively examined. The results obtained in our study show a higher degree of representativeness compared to other studies due to a different methodological approach and can be used as an aesthetic guide and can help in the planning of aesthetic surgery such as lip augmentation and rhinoplasty. Clin. Anat. 33:214-222, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The role of artichoke leaf tincture (Cynara scolymus) in the suppression of DNA damage and atherosclerosis in rats fed an atherogenic diet.

CONTEXT: Polyphenols and flavonoids in artichoke leaf tincture (ALT) protect cells against oxidative damage. OBJECTIVES: We examined ALT effects on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and lipid profiles in rat plasma and gene expression in rat aorta [haemeoxygenase-1 (HO1), haemeoxygenase-2 (HO2), NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX-4), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)]. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups (n = 6/group): The control group (CG) was fed with standard pellet chow for 11 weeks; the AD group was fed for a similar period of time with pellet chow supplemented with 2% cholesterol, 3% sunflower oil and 1% sodium cholate. The ADA group was fed with pellet chow (for 1 week), the atherogenic diet (see above) for the following 4 weeks and then with ALT (0.1 mL/kg body weight) and atherogenic diet for 6 weeks. According to HPLC analysis, the isolated main compounds in ALT were chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, isoquercitrin and rutin. RESULTS: Normalized HO-1 [0.11 (0.04-0.24)] and MCP-1 [0.29 (0.21-0.47)] mRNA levels and DNA scores [12.50 (4.50-36.50)] were significantly lower in the ADA group than in the AD group [0.84 (0.35-2.51)], p = 0.021 for HO-1 [0.85 (0.61-3.45)], p = 0.047 for MCP-1 and [176.5 (66.50-221.25)], p = 0.020 for DNA scores. HO-1 mRNA was lower in the ADA group than in the CG group [0.30 (0.21-0.71), p = 0.049]. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with ALT limited the effects of the atherogenic diet through reduced MCP-1 expression, thereby preventing oxidative damage.

Application of biopartitioning micellar chromatography and QSRR modeling for prediction of gastrointestinal absorption and design of novel ß-hydroxy-ß-arylalkanoic acids.

Gastrointestinal absorption of thirteen novel ß-hydroxy-ß-arylalkanoic acids (HAA) with anti-inflammatory activity was predicted by use of biopartitioning micellar chromatography and compared to ibuprofen. All tested HAA have lower retention factors (k) and lower expected gastrointestinal absorption than ibuprofen, whereas derivatives with the highest values of k are 1C, 2APTF and 2C. Quantitative structure-retention relationship (QSRR) analysis was performed in order to identify molecular descriptors with the highest influence on k and ANN(k) model was selected as optimal. Descriptors which form this model (nBM, P_VSA_LogP_8 and Eta_L) indicate that replacement of phenyl ring with a saturated or partially unsaturated one, as well as presence of halogens and nitro group should positively affect k values. On the basis of these conclusions, six novel HAA were designed and selected QSRR model was used for the prediction of their k values.

Effects of atorvastatin and artichoke leaf tincture on oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic rats.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUNG/AIM: Since combining conventional drugs with herbal medicinal products is in current research focus and possible of great interest as therapy improvement way, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of well-established antiatherosclerotic drug atorvastatin (CAS number 134523-00-5) and commercially available artichoke leaf tincture (ALTINC), used as combined therapy, as well as to compare effects of these two treatments separately. METHODS: Experimental animals were divided into five groups: the group I (the control group of rats fed with standard diet during 11 weeks), and the remaining 4 groups of rats (II, III, IV and V) fed with standard diet during the first week and then with hypercholesterolemic diet during the next 10 weeks. The group II of rats were left without treatment, while in the groups III, IV and V were rats treated per os with atorvastatin (1.15 mg/kg body weight--b.w.), ALTINC (0.1 mL/kg b.w.) and their combination in same doses, respectively, for the last six weeks. RESULTS: The cholesterol rich diet led to pronounced hyperlipidemia which could not be overcame with the therapy. However, the therapy showed positive effects on abdominal aorta wall thickness and parameters of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde--MDA, proxidative-antioxidative balance--PAB) and antioxidative protection (reduced glutathione--GSH, paraoxanase 1--PON1, superoxide dismutase--SODA SH groups), especially ALTINC was successful in oxidative status improvement. CONCLUSION: Separate treatments comparison showed that artichoke leaf tincture is very potent antioxidant with beneficial effects in early stages of atherosclerosis. Since atorvastatin and constituents of ALTINC probably have different mechanisms of action, simultaneous use of both therapies could be beneficial but should be further investigated since our results showed that ALTINC is less effective when used in combination with atorvastatin.

Direct UV Spectrophotometry and HPLC Determination of Triton X-100 in Split Virus Influenza Vaccine.

One of the most commonly used surfactants in the production of split virus influenza vaccine is nonionic surfactant Triton X-100. After splitting of the virus is accomplished, Triton X-100 is removed from the vaccine by subsequent production steps. Because of toxicity of Triton X-100, which remains in the vaccine in residual amounts, a sufficiently sensitive method for its detection and quantification needs to be defined. Two methods for determination of Triton X-100 residuals were developed: the UV-spectrophotometry and HPLC methods. For both methods, preparation of vaccine samples and removal of proteins and virus particles were crucial: samples were treated with methanol (1:1) and then centrifuged at 25 000 × g for 30 min. After such treatment, the majority of vaccine components that interfered in the UV region were removed, and diluted samples could be directly measured. The chromatographic system included C18 column, step methanol gradient, and detection at 225 nm with a single peak of Triton X-100 at 12.6 min. Both methods were validated and gave satisfactory results for accuracy, precision, specificity, linearity, and robustness. LOQ was slightly lower for the HPLC method. Hence, it was shown that both methods are suitable for analysis of residual amounts of Triton X-100, with the advantages of the UV method being its simplicity and availability in most laboratories.

Radioprotectors - the evergreen topic.

To protect organisms from ionizing radiation (IR), and to reduce morbidity or mortality, various agents, called radioprotectors, have been utilized. Because radiation-induced cellular damage is attributed primarily to the harmful effects of free radicals, molecules with radical-scavenging properties are particularly promising as radioprotectors. Early development of such agents focused on thiol synthetic compounds, known as WR protectors, but only amifostine (WR-2721) has been used in clinical trials as an officially approved radioprotector. Besides thiol compounds, various compounds with different chemical structure were investigated, but an ideal radioprotector has not been found yet. Plants and natural products have been evaluated as promising sources of radioprotectors because of their low toxicity, although they exhibit an inferior protection level compared to synthetic thiol compounds. Active plant constituents seem to exert the radioprotection through antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activities. Our research established that plants containing polyphenolic compounds (raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, grape, etc.) exhibit antioxidative activities and protect genetic material from IR.

An improved HPLC method with the aid of a chemometric protocol: simultaneous determination of atorvastatin and its metabolites in plasma.

The aim of the present study was to optimize a chromatographic method for the analysis of atorvastatin (acid and lactone forms), ortho- and para-hydroxyatorvastatin by using an experimental design approach. Optimization experiments were conducted through a process of screening and optimization. The purpose of a screening design is to identify the factors that have significant effects on the selected chromatographic responses, and for this purpose a full 23 factorial design was used. The location of the true optimum was established by applying Derringer's desirability function, which provides simultaneously optimization of all seven responses. The ranges of the independent variables used for the optimization were content of acetonitrile in mobile phase (60-70%), temperature of column (30-40 °C) and flow rate (0.8-1.2 mL min⁻¹). The influences of these independent variables were evaluated for the output responses: retention time of first peak (p-hydroxyatorvastatin) and of last peak (atorvastatin, lactone form), symmetries of all four peaks and relative retention time of p-hydroxyatorvastatin. The primary goal of this investigation was establishing a new simple and sensitive method that could be used in analysis of biological samples. The method was validated and successfully applied for determination of atorvastatin (acid and lactone forms) and its metabolites in plasma.

Simultaneous analysis of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide: an improved HPLC method with the aid of a chemometric protocol.

Experimental design method was used for HPLC determination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide in combined dosage forms. The traditional approach for optimization of experiments is time-consuming, involves a large number of runs and does not allow establishing the multiple interacting parameters. The main advantages of the experimental design method include the simultaneous screening of a larger number of factors affecting response and the estimation of possible interactions. On the basis of preliminary experiments, three factors-independent variables were selected as inputs (methanol content, pH of the mobile phase and temperature) and as dependent variables, five responses (resolution, symmetry of irbesartan peak, symmetry of hydrochlorothiazide peak, retention factor of irbesartan and retention factor of hydrochlorothiazide) were chosen. A full 23 factorial design, where factors were examined at two different levels ("low" and "high") was used to determine which factors had an effect on the studied response. Afterwards, experimental design was used to optimize these influent parameters in the previously selected experimental domain. The novelty of our method lies in the optimization step accomplished by Derringer's desirability function. After optimizing the experimental conditions a separation was conducted on a Supelcosil C(18) (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 mm particle size) column with a mobile phase consisting of methanol-tetrahydrofuran-acetate buffer 47:10:43 v/v/v, pH 6.5 and a column temperature of 25 °C. The developed method was successfully applied to the simultaneous separation of these drug-active compounds in their commercial pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Effects of rutin and hesperidin and their Al(III) and Cu(II) complexes on in vitro plasma coagulation assays.

Two flavonoids, rutin and hesperidin, were investigated in vitro for anticoagulant activity through coagulation tests: activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT) and thrombin time (TT). Only an ethanolic solution of rutin at the concentration of 830 µM prolonged aPTT, while TT and PT were unaffected. In order to evaluate whether the prolongation of aPTT was due to the decrease of coagulation factors, the experiment with deficient plasma was performed, showing the effects on factors VIII and IX. Since pharmacological activity of flavonoids is believed to increase when they are coordinated with metal ions, complexes of these flavonoids with Al(III) and Cu(II) ions were also tested. The results showed that complexes significantly prolonged aPTT and had no effects on PT and TT. Assay with deficient plasma (plasma having the investigated factor at less then 1%) revealed that complexes could bind to the coagulation factors, what may lead to a non-specific inhibition and aPTT prolongation. An effort was made to correlate stability of complexes with their anticoagulant properties.

Isocratic RP-HPLC method for rutin determination in solid oral dosage forms.

A rapid and sensitive assay for quantitative determination of rutin in oral dosage forms based on isocratic reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was developed and validated. Using a C(18) reverse-phase analytical column, the following conditions were chosen as optimal: mobile phase methanol-water 1:1 (v/v), pH 2.8 (adjusted with phosphoric acid), flow rate=1 mL min(-1) and temperature T=40.0 degrees C. Linearity was observed in the concentration range 8-120 microg mL(-1) with a correlation coefficient of 0.99982 and the limit of detection (LOD)=2.6 microg mL(-1), and limit of quantification (LOQ)=8.0 microg mL(-1). Intra- and inter-day precision were within acceptable limits. Robustness test indicated that the mobile phase composition and pH influence mainly the separation. The proposed method allowed direct determination of rutin in pharmaceutical dosage forms in the presence of excipients, but is not suitable for preparations where compounds structurally/chemically related to rutin may be present.