Synthesis and Evaluation of New Phytotoxic Fluorinated Chalcones as Photosystem II and Seedling Growth Inhibitors.

The development of novel phytotoxic compounds has been an important aim of weed control research. In this study, we synthesized fluorinated chalcone derivatives featuring both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups. These compounds were evaluated both as inhibitors of the photosystem II (PSII) electron chain as well as inhibitors of the germination and seedling growth of Amaranthus plants. Chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence assay was employed to evaluate their effects on PSII, while germination experiments were conducted to assess their impact on germination and seedling development. The results revealed promising herbicidal activity for (E)-3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (7 a) and (E)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (7 e). Compounds 7 a and 7 e exhibited a reduction in Chl a parameters associated with performance indexes and electron transport per reaction center. This reduction suggests a decrease in PSII activity, attributed to the blockage of electron flow at the quinone pool. Molecular docking analyses of chalcone derivatives with the D1 protein of PSII revealed a stable binding conformation, wherein the carbonyl and fluorine groups interacted with Phe265 and His215 residues, respectively. Additionally, at a concentration of 100 µM, compound 7 e demonstrated pre- and post-emergent herbicidal activity, resulting in a reduction of the seed germination index, radicle and hypocotyl lengths of Amaranthus weeds.

Interleukin-6 Family of Cytokines in Cancers.

Nine soluble ligands [interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-11 (IL-11), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), oncostatin M (OSM), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), cardiotrophin-like cytokine, interleukin-27 (IL-27), and interleukin-31] share the ubiquitously expressed transmembrane protein-glycoprotein-130 beta-subunit (gp130) and thus form IL-6 family cytokines. Proteins that may be important for cancerogenesis, CT-1, IL-11, IL-27, LIF, OSM, and CNTF, belong to the superfamily of IL-6. Cytokines such as IL-6, IL-11, and IL-27 are better investigated in comparison with other members of the same family of cytokines, eg, CT-1. Gp130 is one of the main receptors through which these cytokines exert their effects. The clinical implication of understanding the pathways of these cytokines in oncology is that targeted therapy to inhibit or potentiate cytokine activity may lead to remission in some cases.

Allelochemical root-growth inhibitors in low-molecular-weight cress-seed exudate.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cress seeds release allelochemicals that over-stimulate the elongation of hypocotyls of neighbouring (potentially competing) seedlings and inhibit their root growth. The hypocotyl promoter is potassium, but the root inhibitor was unidentified; its nature is investigated here. METHODS: Low-molecular-weight cress-seed exudate (LCSE) from imbibed Lepidium sativum seeds was fractionated by phase partitioning, paper chromatography, high-voltage electrophoresis and gel-permeation chromatography (on Bio-Gel P-2). Fractions, compared with pure potassium salts, were bioassayed for effects on Amaranthus caudatus seedling growth in the dark for 4 days. KEY RESULTS: The LCSE robustly promoted amaranth hypocotyl elongation and inhibited root growth. The hypocotyl inhibitor was non-volatile, hot acid stable, hydrophilic and resistant to incineration, as expected for K+. The root inhibitor(s) had similar properties but were organic (activity lost on incineration). The root inhibitor(s) remained in the aqueous phase (at pH 2.0, 6.5 and 9.0) when partitioned against butan-1-ol or toluene, and were thus hydrophilic. Activity was diminished after electrophoresis, but the remaining root inhibitors were neutral. They became undetectable after paper chromatography; therefore, they probably comprised multiple compounds, which separated from each other, in part, during fractionation. On gel-permeation chromatography, the root inhibitor co-eluted with hexoses. CONCLUSIONS: Cress-seed allelochemicals inhibiting root growth are different from the agent (K+) that over-stimulates hypocotyl elongation and the former probably comprise a mixture of small, non-volatile, hydrophilic, organic substances. Abundant components identified chromatographically and by electrophoresis in cress-seed exudate fitting this description include glucose, fructose, sucrose and galacturonic acid. However, none of these sugars co-chromatographed and co-electrophoresed with the root-inhibitory principle of LCSE, and none of them (in pure form at naturally occurring concentrations) inhibited root growth. We conclude that the root-inhibiting allelochemicals of cress-seed exudate remain unidentified.

AUM302, a novel triple kinase PIM/PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, is a potent in vitro pancreatic cancer growth inhibitor.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths, with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) being the most common subtype. Advanced stage diagnosis of PDAC is common, causing limited treatment opportunities. Gemcitabine is a frequently used chemotherapeutic agent which can be used as a monotherapy or in combination. However, tumors often develop resistance to gemcitabine. Previous studies show that the proto-oncogene PIM kinases (PIM1 and PIM3) are upregulated in PDAC compared to matched normal tissue and are related to chemoresistance and PDAC cell growth. The PIM kinases are also involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to promote cell survival. In this study, we evaluate the effect of the novel multikinase PIM/PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, AUM302, and commercially available PIM inhibitor, TP-3654. Using five human PDAC cell lines, we found AUM302 to be a potent inhibitor of cell proliferation, cell viability, cell cycle progression, and phosphoprotein expression, while TP-3654 was less effective. Significantly, AUM302 had a strong impact on the viability of gemcitabine-resistant PDAC cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that AUM302 exhibits antitumor activity in human PDAC cells and thus has the potential to be an effective drug for PDAC therapy.

Amino-terminal proteolytic fragment of the axon growth inhibitor Nogo-A (Rtn4A) is upregulated by injury and promotes axon regeneration.

After adult mammalian central nervous system injury, axon regeneration is extremely limited or absent, resulting in persistent neurological deficits. Axon regeneration failure is due in part to the presence of inhibitory proteins, including NogoA (Rtn4A), from which two inhibitory domains have been defined. When these inhibitory domains are deleted, but an amino-terminal domain is still expressed in a gene trap line, mice show axon regeneration and enhanced recovery from injury. In contrast, when there is no amino-terminal Nogo-A fragment in the setting of inhibitory domain deletion, then axon regeneration and recovery are indistinguishable from WT. These data indicated that an amino-terminal Nogo-A fragment derived from the gene trap might promote axon regeneration, but this had not been tested directly and production of this fragment without gene targeting was unclear. Here, we describe posttranslation production of an amino-terminal fragment of Nogo-A from the intact gene product. This fragment is created by proteolysis near amino acid G214-N215 and levels are enhanced by axotomy. Furthermore, this fragment promotes axon regeneration in vitro and acts cell autonomously in neurons, in contrast to the inhibitory extracellular action of other Nogo-A domains.Proteins interacting with the amino-terminal Nogo-A fragment by immunoprecipitation include HSPA8 (HSC70, HSP7C). Suppression of HSPA8 expression by shRNA decreases axon regeneration from cerebral cortical neurons and overexpression increases axon regeneration. Moreover, the amino-terminal Nogo-A fragment increases HSPA8 chaperone activity. These data provide an explanation for varied results in different gene-targeted Nogo-A mice, as well as revealing an axon regeneration promoting domain of Nogo-A.

Artichoke as a melanoma growth inhibitor.

Melanoma is the most lethal malignancy in skin cancers. About 97,610 new cases of melanoma are projected to occur in the United States (US) in 2023. Artichoke is a very popular plant widely consumed in the US due to its nutrition. In recent years, it has been shown that artichoke shows powerful anti-cancer effects on cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, and leukemia. However, there is little known about its effect on melanoma. This study was designed to investigate if artichoke extract (AE) has any direct effect on the growth of melanoma. Clonogenic survival assay, cell proliferation, and caspase-3 activity kits were used to evaluate the effects AE has on cell survival, proliferation, and apoptosis of the widely studied melanoma cell line HTB-72. We further investigated the possible molecular mechanisms using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The percentage of colonies of HTB-72 melanoma cells decreased significantly after treated with AE. This was paralleled with the decrease in the optic density (OD) value of cancer cells after treatment with AE. This was further supported by the decreased expression of PCNA mRNA after treated with AE. Furthermore, the cellular caspase-3 activity increased after treated with AE. The anti-proliferative effect of AE on melanoma cells correlated with increased p21, p27, and decreased CDK4. The pro-apoptotic effect of AE on melanoma cells correlated with decreased survivin. Artichoke inhibits growth of melanoma by inhibition of proliferation and promotion of apoptosis. Such a study might be helpful to develop a new promising treatment for melanoma.

Colletotriauxins A-D, New Plant Growth Inhibitors from the Phytopathogenic Fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

Four undescribed plant growth inhibitory indole derivatives, colletotriauxins A-D (1-4), along with two known analogues indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (5) and its amide indole-3-acetamide (6), were isolated from the phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides NRRL 45420. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS analyses. 1 and 2 are rhamnosides of indole-3-ethanol (tryptophol) and its methylated derivative, respectively. In the structures of 3 and 4, the two terminal hydroxyl groups of hexitol and pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol are connected with indole-3-(2-methyl)-acetyl and acetyl moieties. Compounds 1-6 inhibit Lepidium sativum seedling growth. The inhibition activities of colletotriauxins for stem growth were even stronger than IAA, with compounds 3 and 4 as the most active ones. These results suggested that colletotriauxins could serve as potential candidates as herbicides.

High Molecular Weight Polyproline as a Potential Biosourced Ice Growth Inhibitor: Synthesis, Ice Recrystallization Inhibition, and Specific Ice Face Binding.

Ice-binding proteins (IBPs) from extremophile organisms can modulate ice formation and growth. There are many (bio)technological applications of IBPs, from cryopreservation to mitigating freeze-thaw damage in concrete to frozen food texture modifiers. Extraction or expression of IBPs can be challenging to scale up, and hence polymeric biomimetics have emerged. It is, however, desirable to use biosourced monomers and heteroatom-containing backbones in polymers for in vivo or environmental applications to allow degradation. Here we investigate high molecular weight polyproline as an ice recrystallization inhibitor (IRI). Low molecular weight polyproline is known to be a weak IRI. Its activity is hypothesized to be due to the unique PPI helix it adopts, but it has not been thoroughly investigated. Here an open-to-air aqueous N-carboxyanhydride polymerization is employed to obtain polyproline with molecular weights of up to 50000 g mol-1. These polymers were found to have IRI activity down to 5 mg mL-1, unlike a control peptide of polysarcosine, which did not inhibit all ice growth at up to 40 mg mL-1. The polyprolines exhibited lower critical solution temperature behavior and assembly/aggregation observed at room temperature, which may contribute to its activity. Single ice crystal assays with polyproline led to faceting, consistent with specific ice-face binding. This work shows that non-vinyl-based polymers can be designed to inhibit ice recrystallization and may offer a more sustainable or environmentally acceptable, while synthetically scalable, route to large-scale applications.

Efficacy of quorum sensing and growth inhibitors alone and in combination against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli infection in chickens.

Avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC), a causative agent of colibacillosis, is associated with high mortality and morbidity which results in severe economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. APEC can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated poultry products. The limited effect of the current vaccines and the advent of drug-resistant strains have necessitated the development of alternative therapies. Previously, we identified 2 small molecules (SMs; [quorum sensing inhibitor; QSI-5] and [growth inhibitor; GI-7]) with high efficacy in vitro and in chickens subcutaneously challenged with APEC O78. Here, we optimized the oral challenge dose of APEC O78 in chickens to mimic the infection in the natural settings, evaluated the efficacy of the GI-7, QSI-5, and combination of GI-7 and QSI-5 (GI7+ QSI-5) in chickens orally infected with APEC, and compared their efficacy to sulfadimethoxine (SDM), an antibiotic currently used to treat APEC. Using the optimized dose of each SM in drinking water, GI-7, QSI-5, GI7+ QSI-5, and SDM were evaluated in chickens challenged with the optimized dose of APEC O78 (1 × 109 CFU/chicken; orally; d 2 of age) and grown on built-up floor litter. Reduction in mortality was 90, 80, 80, and 70% in QSI-5, GI-7+QSI-5, GI-7, and SDM treated groups compared to the positive control (PC), respectively. GI-7, QSI-5, GI-7+QSI-5, and SDM reduced the APEC load in the cecum by 2.2, 2.3, 1.6, and 0.6 logs and in the internal organs by 1.3, 1.2, 1.4, and 0.4 logs compared to PC (P < 0.05), respectively. The cumulative pathological lesions scores were 0.51, 0.24, 0.0, 0.53, and 1.53 in GI-7, QSI-5, GI-7+QSI-5, SDM, and PC groups, respectively. Overall, GI-7 and QSI-5 individually have promising effects as a potential antibiotic-independent approach to control APEC infections in chickens.

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis after intravitreal vascular growth factor inhibitor injections: A case report and review of the literature.

Systemic administration of agents that inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and therefore vascular proliferation is often used to treat various cancers. However, these agents are associated with a number of side effects, including proteinuria and renal injury. Intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents has become the cornerstone of macular disease treatment. Since these agents cross the blood-retina barrier and enter the circulation, systemic side effects have been reported. We report the novel case of a 57-year-old patient who presented with macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion, underwent three monthly loading-dose injections with the anti-VEGF agent ranibizumab, and 2 weeks after the second injection presented with biopsy-verified membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Twelve weeks after presenting with renal failure and 10 weeks after his last anti-VEGF injection, the patient demonstrated spontaneous recovery of his kidney function. The patient had a history that promoted renal fragility, including hypertension, liver transplantation 6 years earlier for alcohol-related cirrhosis and new-onset diabetes mellitus after transplant. Our literature review and case suggest that although adverse renal events after intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are very rare, ophthalmologists and nephrologists should be aware of this risk.

Identification of novel polymorphism in mammary-derived growth inhibitor gene of water buffalo and its expression analysis in the mammary gland.

Mammary-derived growth inhibitor (MDGI), a member of the lipophilic family of fatty acid-binding proteins, plays an important role in the development, regulation, and differentiation of the mammary gland. The aim of the study was to identify polymorphism in the MDGI gene and its expression analysis in the mammary gland at various stages of lactation, in Indian buffalo. Nucleotide sequence analysis of MDGI gene in different breeds of riverine and swamp buffaloes revealed a total of 16 polymorphic sites and one Indel. Different transcription factor binding sites were predicted for buffalo MDGI gene promoter sequence, using online tools and in-silico analysis indicating that the SNPs in this region can impact the gene expression regulation. Phylogenetic analysis exhibited the MDGI of buffalo being closer to other ruminants like cattle, yak, sheep, and goats. Further, the expression analysis revealed that buffalo MDGI being highly expressed in well-developed mammary glands of lactating buffalo as compared to involution/non-lactating and before functional development to start the milk production stage in heifers. Stage-specific variation in expression levels signifies the important functional role of the MDGI gene in mammary gland development and milk production in buffalo, an important dairy species in Southeast Asia.

Leukemia inhibitory factor, a double-edged sword with therapeutic implications in human diseases.

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) superfamily. LIF was initially discovered as a factor to induce the differentiation of myeloid leukemia cells and thus inhibit their proliferation. Subsequent studies have highlighted the multi-functions of LIF under a wide variety of physiological and pathological conditions in a highly cell-, tissue-, and context-dependent manner. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that LIF plays an essential role in the stem cell niche, where it maintains the homeostasis and regeneration of multiple somatic tissues, including intestine, neuron, and muscle. Further, LIF exerts a crucial regulatory role in immunity and functions as a protective factor against many immunopathological diseases, such as infection, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and graft-verse-host disease (GVHD). It is worth noting that while LIF displays a tumor-suppressive function in leukemia, recent studies have highlighted the oncogenic role of LIF in many types of solid tumors, further demonstrating the complexities and context-dependent effects of LIF. In this review, we summarize the recent insights into the roles and mechanisms of LIF in stem cell homeostasis and regeneration, immunity, and cancer, and discuss the potential therapeutic options for human diseases by modulating LIF levels and functions.

Discovery of Demurilactone A: A Specific Growth Inhibitor of L-Form Bacillus subtilis.

Metabolic profiling of the extracts from a library of actinobacteria led to the identification of a novel polyketide, demurilactone A, produced by Streptomyces strain DEM21308. The structure of the compound was assigned based on a detailed investigation of 1D/2D NMR spectra and HR-MS. Whole genome DNA sequencing, followed by bioinformatics analysis and insertional mutagenesis, identified type I polyketide synthases encoded by the dml gene cluster to direct the biosynthesis of this polyene macrolide. While the number of modules is consistent with the carbon backbone of the assigned structure, some discrepancies were identified in the domain organization of five modules. Close investigation of the amino acid sequences identified several mutations in the conserved motifs of nonfunctional domains. Furthermore, the absolute configuration of hydroxy-bearing stereocenters was proposed based on analyses of the ketoreductase domains. Remarkably, although demurilactone A has little detectable activity against normal-walled bacteria, it specifically inhibits the growth of cell wall-deficient "L-form" Bacillus subtilis at a minimum inhibitory concentration value of 16 µg/mL. Time-lapse microscopy analyses revealed that demurilactone affects membrane dynamics, probably by reducing membrane fluidity. This compound could be a powerful reagent for studying long-standing questions about the involvement of L-forms in recurrent infection.

Uncovering the promiscuous activity of IL-6 proteins: A multi-dimensional analysis of phylogeny, classification and residue conservation.

The IL-6 family of cytokines, known for their pleiotropic behavior, share binding to the gp130 receptor for signal transduction with the necessity to bind other receptors. Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor is triggered by the IL-6 family proteins: leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), oncostatin-M (OSM), cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1). Besides the conserved binding sites to the receptor, not much is known in terms of the diversity and characteristics of these proteins in different organisms. Herein, we describe the sequence analysis of LIF, OSM, and CT-1 from several organisms, and m17, a LIF ortholog found in fishes, regarding its phylogenetics, intrinsic properties, and the impact of conserved residues on structural features. Sequences were identified in seven classes of vertebrates, showing high conservation values in binding site III, but protein-dependent results on binding site II. GRAVY, isoelectric point, and molecular weight parameters were relevant to differentiate classes in each protein and to enable, for the first time and with high fidelity, the prediction of both organism class and protein type just using machine learning approaches. OSM sequences from primates showed an increased BC loop when compared to the remaining mammals, which could influence binding to OSM receptor and tune signaling pathways. Overall, this study highlights the potential of sequence diversity analysis to understand IL-6 cytokine family evolution, showing the conservation of function-related motifs and evolution of class and protein-dependent characteristics. Our results could impact future medical treatment of disorders associated with imbalances in these cytokines.

Enhanced tolerance of Cupriavidus necator NCIMB 11599 to lignocellulosic derived inhibitors by inserting NAD salvage pathway genes.

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a bio-based, biodegradable and biocompatible plastic that has the potential to replace petroleum-based plastics. Lignocellulosic biomass is a promising feedstock for industrial fermentation to produce bioproducts such as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). However, the pretreatment processes of lignocellulosic biomass lead to the generation of toxic byproducts, such as furfural, 5-HMF, vanillin, and acetate, which affect microbial growth and productivity. In this study, to reduce furfural toxicity during PHB production from lignocellulosic hydrolysates, we genetically engineered Cupriavidus necator NCIMB 11599, by inserting the nicotine amide salvage pathway genes pncB and nadE to increase the NAD(P)H pool. We found that the expression of pncB was the most effective in improving tolerance to inhibitors, cell growth, PHB production and sugar consumption rate. In addition, the engineered strain harboring pncB showed higher PHB production using lignocellulosic hydrolysates than the wild-type strain. Therefore, the application of NAD salvage pathway genes improves the tolerance of Cupriavidus necator to lignocellulosic-derived inhibitors and should be used to optimize PHB production.

Pathogenesis of Tobacco-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Is Closely Coupled with Changes in the Gut and Lung Microbiomes.

Microbial dysbiosis has emerged as a modulator of oncogenesis and response to therapy, particularly in lung cancer. Here, we investigate the evolution of the gut and lung microbiomes following exposure to a tobacco carcinogen. We performed 16S rRNA-Seq of fecal and lung samples collected prior to and at several timepoints following (nicotine-specific nitrosamine ketone/NNK) exposure in Gprc5a-/- mice that were previously shown to exhibit accelerated lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) development following NNK exposure. We found significant progressive changes in human-relevant gut and lung microbiome members (e.g., Odoribacter, Alistipes, Akkermansia, and Ruminococus) that are closely associated with the phenotypic development of LUAD and immunotherapeutic response in human lung cancer patients. These changes were associated with decreased short-chain fatty acids (propionic acid and butyric acid) following exposure to NNK. We next sought to study the impact of Lcn2 expression, a bacterial growth inhibitor, given our previous findings on its protective role in LUAD development. Indeed, we found that the loss of Lcn2 was associated with widespread gut and lung microbiome changes at all timepoints, distinct from those observed in our Gprc5a-/- mouse model, including a decrease in abundance and diversity. Our overall findings apprise novel cues implicating microbial phenotypes in the development of tobacco-associated LUAD.

Sesquiterpenoids with Phytotoxic and Antifungal Activities from a Pathogenic Fungus Aspergillus alabamensis.

Five new carotane sesquiterpenoids (asperalacids A-E (1-5)), one new tricyclic sesquiterpenoid (4-hydroxy-5(6)-dihydroterrecyclic acid A (6)), and two known analogues (7-8) were obtained from a seagrass-derived fungus Aspergillus alabamensis, which was speculated to be a phytopathogenic fungus, isolated from the necrotic leaves of Enhalus acoroides. The structures of 1-6 were established by a combination of spectroscopic methods, including comprehensive NMR analysis, mass spectrometry, conformational analysis, NMR computational methods, and ECD calculations. Compound 4, with higher inhibitory activity on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) root and shoot elongation than the positive control terbutryn, a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide, is a new natural plant growth inhibitor. Compound 5, belonging to the rare glycosylated sesquiterpenoid class, represents the first example of glycosylated carotane sesquiterpenoid whose sugar moiety was identified as α-d-glucose. Compounds 1-4 and 6 displayed weak to potent antimicrobial activity against the plant pathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium graminearum, and Penicillium italicum and the Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus.

From DC18 to MR07: A Metabolically Stable 4,4'-Oxybisbenzoyl Amide as a Low-Nanomolar Growth Inhibitor of P. falciparum.

To improve the metabolic stability of a 4,4'-oxybisbenzoyl-based novel and potent (nanomolar-range IC50 ) antiplasmodial agent previously described by us, in silico-guided structure-activity relationship (SAR) campaigns have been conducted to substitute its peptide decorations with more metabolically stable residues. The effects of the various structural modifications were then correlated with the antiplasmodial activity in vitro in phenotypic assays. Among the several derivatives synthetized and compared with the 3D-pharmacophoric map of the original lead, a novel compound, characterized by a western tert-butyl glycine residue and an eastern 1S,2S-aminoacyclohexanol, showed low-nanomolar-range antiplasmodial activity, no signs of cross-resistance and, most importantly, 47-fold improved Phase I metabolic stability when incubated with human liver microsomes. These results highlight the efficacy of in silico-guided SAR campaigns which will allow us to further optimize the structure of the new lead aiming at testing its efficacy in vivo using different routes of administration.

Effects of Vitamin C Combined with Growth Inhibitors on Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Cirrhosis.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin C combined with growth inhibitors on serum miR-130a, nitric oxide (NO), and hemostasis in the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in cirrhosis. Eighty patients with cirrhosis UGIB treated in our hospital from March 2021 to March 2022 were selected and divided into two groups using the random number table method. The control group received growth inhibitor treatment, while the observation group was given vitamin C combined with growth inhibitor treatment for 3 d. The hemostatic effect, serum laboratory indexes (miR-130a, NO), liver function indexes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT)), adverse effects, and 24 h hemostasis rate were compared between the two groups. The hemostasis time in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group, and the blood transfusion volume was lower than that in the control group. There was no statistical difference regarding the portal blood flow, miR-130a, NO, AST, and ALT indexes between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the portal blood flow, miR-130a, NO, AST, and ALT indexes in both groups were lower than those before treatment, and all of them were lower in the observation group than in the control group. Adverse reactions showed no significant difference between the two groups of patients with cirrhosis UGIB,, while the 24 h hemostasis rate in the observation group (97.50%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (77.50%). Vitamin C combined with growth inhibitor was effective in the treatment of cirrhotic UGIB, which could effectively shorten the hemostasis time, reduce the transfusion volume and portal blood flow, and improve miR-130a, NO, and liver function levels of patients, with higher safety, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Identification of Potential Insect Growth Inhibitor against Aedes aegypti: A Bioinformatics Approach.

Aedes aegypti is the main vector that transmits viral diseases such as dengue, hemorrhagic dengue, urban yellow fever, zika, and chikungunya. Worldwide, many cases of dengue have been reported in recent years, showing significant growth. The best way to manage diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti is to control the vector with insecticides, which have already been shown to be toxic to humans; moreover, insects have developed resistance. Thus, the development of new insecticides is considered an emergency. One way to achieve this goal is to apply computational methods based on ligands and target information. In this study, sixteen compounds with acceptable insecticidal activities, with 100% larvicidal activity at low concentrations (2.0 to 0.001 mg·L−1), were selected from the literature. These compounds were used to build up and validate pharmacophore models. Pharmacophore model 6 (AUC = 0.78; BEDROC = 0.6) was used to filter 4793 compounds from the subset of lead-like compounds from the ZINC database; 4142 compounds (dG < 0 kcal/mol) were then aligned to the active site of the juvenile hormone receptor Aedes aegypti (PDB: 5V13), 2240 compounds (LE < −0.40 kcal/mol) were prioritized for molecular docking from the construction of a chitin deacetylase model of Aedes aegypti by the homology modeling of the Bombyx mori species (PDB: 5ZNT), which aligned 1959 compounds (dG < 0 kcal/mol), and 20 compounds (LE < −0.4 kcal/mol) were predicted for pharmacokinetic and toxicological prediction in silico (Preadmet, SwissADMET, and eMolTox programs). Finally, the theoretical routes of compounds M01, M02, M03, M04, and M05 were proposed. Compounds M01−M05 were selected, showing significant differences in pharmacokinetic and toxicological parameters in relation to positive controls and interaction with catalytic residues among key protein sites reported in the literature. For this reason, the molecules investigated here are dual inhibitors of the enzymes chitin synthase and juvenile hormonal protein from insects and humans, characterizing them as potential insecticides against the Aedes aegypti mosquito.