Drug Repurposing Approach in Developing New Furosemide Analogs as Antimicrobial Candidates and Anti-PBP: Design, Synthesis, and Molecular Docking.

Multidrug-resistant microorganisms have become a global health problem, prompting research into new antimicrobials. Drug repurposing is a new technique in drug discovery used to improve drug development success. As a well-studied medication with a sulfonamide moiety, furosemide was chosen to study its antimicrobial effect on different microbial strains. In addition, a new family of furosemide analogs was investigated for their antimicrobial efficacy. According to the obtained results, the majority of the examined molecules exhibited potential antimicrobial activity. Compounds 3b and 4a had the best anti-MRSA results, with an MIC = 7.81 µg/mL. They also demonstrated potent anti-gram-negative activity against E. coli (MIC = 1.95 µg/mL and 3.91 µg/mL, respectively). A time-killing kinetics study against E. coli and MRSA showed bactericidal actions of 3b and 4a within 120-150 min. Moreover, an anti-PBP activity and an in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation were performed. Furosemide decreased the PBP2a levels in MRSA by 21.5% compared to the control. However, the furosemide analogs 3b and 4a demonstrated superior anti-PBP activity (55.9 and 57.1 % reduction in the expression of PBP2a, respectively). In addition, compound 4a was nearly nontoxic to normal WI-38 cells (IC50 = 248.60 µg /mL) indicating its high safety profile. Finally, the ability of furosemide and compounds 3b and 4a to bind to the target PBP2a enzyme has also been supported by molecular docking research.

GC/MS Analysis, Cytotoxicity, and Antiviral Activities of Annona glabra Hexane Extract Supported by In Silico Study.

Annona glabra Linn is employed in conventional medicine to treat a number of human disorders, including cancer and viruses. In the present investigation, the significant phytochemical components of Annona glabra hexane extract were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Three major compounds were identified in the hexane extract: tritriacontane (30.23%), 13, 17-dimethyl-tritriacontane (22.44%), and limonene (18.97%). MTT assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of the extract on six human cancer cell lines including liver (HepG-2), pancreas (PANC-1), lung (A-549), breast (MCF-7, HTB-22), prostate (PC-3), and colon (CACO-2, ATB-37). The extract exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against both CACO-2 and A-549 cancer cell lines (IC50 = 47 ± 0.74 µg/mL and 56.82 ± 0.92 µg/mL) in comparison with doxorubicin (IC50 = 31.91 ± 0.81 µg/mL and 23.39 ± 0.43 µg/mL) and of SI of 3.8 and 3.1, respectively. It also induced moderate-to-weak activities against the other cancerous cell lines: PC-3, PANC-1, MCF-7, and HepG-2 (IC50 = 81.86 ± 3.26, 57.34 ± 0.77, 80.31 ± 4.13, and 57.01 ± 0.85 µg/mL) in comparison to doxorubicin (IC50 = 32.9 ± 1.74, 19.07 ± 0.2, 15.48 ± 0.84 and 5.4 ± 0.22 µg/mL, respectively) and SI of 2.2, 3.1, 2.2, and 3.1, respectively. In vitro anti-HSV1 (Herpes simplex 1 virus) and HAV (Hepatitis A virus) activity was evaluated using MTT colorimetric assay with three different protocols to test protective, anti-replicative, and anti-infective antiviral activities, and three separate replications of each experiment were conducted. The plant extract showed promising protective and virucidal activity against HSV1 with no significant difference with acyclovir (79.55 ± 1.67 vs. 68.44 ± 7.62 and 70.91 ± 7.02 vs. 83.76 ± 5.67), while it showed mild protective antiviral activity against HAV (48.08 ±3.46) with no significant difference vs. acyclovir (36.89 ± 6.61). The selected main compounds were examined for their bioactivity through in silico molecular docking, which exhibited that limonene could possess the strongest antiviral properties. These findings support Annona glabra's conventional use, which is an effective source of antiviral and anticancer substances that could be used in pharmaceuticals.

Chemical Profile, Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, and Antiviral Activities of Pulicaria crispa Most Potent Fraction: An In Vitro and In Silico Study.

Infectious diseases caused by viruses and bacteria are a major public health concern worldwide, with the emergence of antibiotic resistance, biofilm-forming bacteria, viral epidemics, and the lack of effective antibacterial and antiviral agents exacerbating the problem. In an effort to search for new antimicrobial agents, this study aimed to screen antibacterial and antiviral activity of the total methanol extract and its various fractions of Pulicaria crispa (P. crispa) aerial parts. The P. crispa hexane fraction (HF) was found to have the strongest antibacterial effect against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including biofilm producers. The HF fraction reduced the expression levels of penicillin binding protein (PBP2A) and DNA gyrase B enzymes in Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. Additionally, the HF fraction displayed the most potent antiviral activity, especially against influenza A virus, affecting different stages of the virus lifecycle. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of the HF fraction identified 27 compounds, mainly belonging to the sterol class, with ß-sitosterol, phytol, stigmasterol, and lupeol as the most abundant compounds. The in silico study revealed that these compounds were active against influenza A nucleoprotein and polymerase, PBP2A, and DNA gyrase B. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the chemical composition and mechanism of action of the P. crispa HF fraction, which may lead to the development of more effective treatments for bacterial and viral infections.

Development of novel cyanopyridines as PIM-1 kinase inhibitors with potent anti-prostate cancer activity: Synthesis, biological evaluation, nanoparticles formulation and molecular dynamics simulation.

Recently, inhibition of PIM-1 enzyme is found as an effective route in the fight against proliferation of cancer. Herein, new cyano pyridines that target PIM-1 kinase were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated. Two prostate cell lines were used to examine each of the new compounds in vitro for anticancer activity, namely, PC-3 and DU-145. The cyanopyridine derivatives 2b, 3b, 4b, and 5b with an N,N-dimethyl phenyl group at the pyridine ring's 4-position showed considerable antitumor effect on the tested cell lines. Additionally, the high selectivity index revealed that these compounds were less cytotoxic to normal WI-38 cells. Furthermore, they exhibited strong inhibitory effect on PIM-1 having IC50 = 0.248, 0.13, 0.326 and 0.245 µM, respectively. The most powerful derivatives2b, 3b, 4b, and 5b, were chosen for further examination of their inhibitory potential on both kinases (PIM-2 and PIM-3). Interestingly, upon loading compound 3b in a cubosomes formulation with nanometric size, improvements in cytotoxicity and inhibitory effect on PIM-1 kinase were observed. In silico ADME parameters study revealed that compound 3b is orally bioavailable without penetration to the blood-brain barrier. Further, the docking simulations revealed the ability of our potent compounds to well accommodate the PIM-1 kinase active site forming stable complexes. In a 150 ns MD simulation, the most powerful PIM-1 inhibitor 3b produced stable complex with the PIM-1 enzyme (RMSD = 1.76). Furthermore, the 3b-PIM-1 complex has the low binding free energy (-242.2 kJ/mol) according to the MM-PBSA calculations.

Development of fluorinated nicotinonitriles and fused candidates as antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and enzyme inhibitors.

The antimicrobial assessments of two new series of nicotinonitriles and pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines were performed using amoxicillin and nystatin as reference standards. Outstanding antifungal activities were achieved by some target compounds; for instance, compounds 7 and 9 displayed a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 1.95 µg/ml toward Candida albicans, compound 11 showed a potent anti-Rhizopus effect (MIC 1.95 µg/ml) and compound 14 elicited remarkable antifungal effects against both Aspergillis niger and C. albicans (MIC 1.95 µg/ml). However, pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines 12, 14, and 16 showed moderate antibacterial activities against some gram-negative bacteria. The antibiofilm results of these compounds against resistant strains of Proteus mirabilis were better than those of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Docking studies of these hits at the DNA gyrase active site revealed affinity and docking scores comparable to that of the reference standards. Gyrase-inhibitory activities revealed that 14 (IC50 = 0.31 µM) is the most potent hit as DNA gyrase A inhibitor; it exhibited 1.66-fold the activity of ciprofloxacin (IC50 = 0.50 µM) and it was a 44.3 times more potent gyrase B inhibitor (IC50 = 0.04 µM) than novobiocin (IC50 = 1.77 µM). Regarding its antifungal activity, it displayed 0.78% of the fluconazole activity as a 14α-demethylase inhibitor. The cytotoxicity of 12, 14, and 16 on human diploid lung fibroblasts (WI38 cells) ensured their safety. Moreover, they are orally bioavailable with no permeation of the blood-brain barrier.

In Vivo and In Silico Investigation of the Anti-Obesity Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Combined with Chia Seeds, Green Tea, and Chitosan in Alleviating Hyperlipidemia and Inflammation.

The increasing prevalence of obesity has become a demanding issue in both high-income and low-income countries. Treating obesity is challenging as the treatment options have many limitations. Recently, diet modification has been commonly applied to control or prevent obesity and its risks. In this study, we investigated novel therapeutic approaches using a combination of a potential probiotic source with prebiotics. Forty-eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and divided into seven groups (eight rats per group). The first group was fed a high-fat diet, while the second group was a negative control. The other five groups were orally administered with a probiotic, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum), and potential prebiotics sources (chia seeds, green tea, and chitosan) either individually or in combination for 45 days. We collected blood samples to analyze the biochemical parameters and dissected organs, including the liver, kidney, and pancreas, to evaluate obesity-related injuries. We observed a more significant decrease in the total body weight by combining these approaches than with individual agents. Moreover, treating the obese rats with this combination decreased serum catalase, superoxide dismutase, and liver malondialdehyde levels. A histopathological examination revealed a reduction in obesity-related injuries in the liver, kidney, and pancreas. Further docking studies indicated the potential role of chia seeds and green tea components in modulating obesity and its related problems. Therefore, we suggest that the daily administration of a pre- and probiotic combination may reduce obesity and its related problems.

Discovery of Some Heterocyclic Molecules as Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP-2)-Inducible Kinase Inhibitors: Virtual Screening, ADME Properties, and Molecular Docking Simulations.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are growth factors that have a vital role in the production of bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Tumors' upregulation of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their receptors are key features of cancer progression. Regulation of the BMP kinase system is a new promising strategy for the development of anti-cancer drugs. In this work, based on a careful literature study, a library of benzothiophene and benzofuran derivatives was subjected to different computational techniques to study the effect of chemical structure changes on the ability of these two scaffolds to target BMP-2 inducible kinase, and to reach promising candidates with proposed activity against BMP-2 inducible kinase. The results of screening against Lipinski's and Veber's Rules produced twenty-one outside eighty-four compounds having drug-like molecular nature. Computational ADMET studies favored ten compounds (11, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 34, 35, 65, and 72) with good pharmacokinetic profile. Computational toxicity studies excluded compound 34 to elect nine compounds for molecular docking studies which displayed eight compounds (26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 35, 65, and 72) as promising BMP-2 inducible kinase inhibitors. The nine fascinating compounds will be subjected to extensive screening against serine/threonine kinases to explore their potential against these critical proteins. These promising candidates based on benzothiophene and benzofuran scaffolds deserve further clinical investigation as BMP-2 kinase inhibitors for the treatment of cancer.

New cyanopyridine-based scaffold as PIM-1 inhibitors and apoptotic inducers: Synthesis and SARs study.

Two novel series of 6-(4-benzamido-/4-phthalimido)-3-cyanopyridine derivatives were designed and synthesized as inhibitors of PIM-1 kinase. Based on cytotoxicity results via MTT assay against prostate carcinoma PC3, human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 and breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cell lines, the most potent cytotoxic cyanopyridine hits, 6, 7, 8, 12 and 13 were 1.5-3.3 times more inhibitor of cell proliferation than the reference standard, 5-FU. Selectivity profile of the latter compounds on normal human cells (WI-38), was executed, indicating that they are highly selective (IC50 > 145 µM) in their cytotoxic effect. The promising compounds were further evaluated as PIM-1 kinase inhibitors. These compounds elicited remarkable inhibition of PIM-1 kinase (76.43-53.33%). Extensive studies on apoptosis were conducted for these compounds; they enhanced caspase-3 and boosted the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio 27-folds in comparison to the control. Molecular docking study of the most potent compound, 13 in PIM-1 kinase active site was consistent with the in vitro activity. Finally, prediction of chemo-informatic properties released compound 13 as the most promising ligand.

Apoptosis: A target for anticancer therapy with novel cyanopyridines.

One of the many methods of treating cancer is to terminate the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. So, aiming the apoptotic pathway is an exciting approach to finding new anticancer agents. A novel series of cyanopyridines was designed and synthesized for antiproliferative evaluation. 2-Amino-6-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-4-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl) nicotinonitrile 10f was the most potent inhibitor against the growth of PC-3, and HepG-2 cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 2.04 uM (selectivity index, SI = 78.63, 43, respectively). Also, 10f was safe against the growth of normal human diploid lung fibroblasts cell line (WI-38) with an IC50 value of 160.04 uM. Its analogs, 10b, 10d, 10g, and 11b, were also active against the growth of PC-3, and HepG-2 while against MCF-7 cell line, they displayed good cytotoxic activity compared to the reference standard 5-FU. Remarkably, mechanistic studies indicated that compounds 10b, 10d, 10f, 10g, and 11b stimulated the level of active caspase 3 and boosted the BAX/BCL2 ratio 20-95 folds in comparison to the control. Our results have also indicated that 10b, 10d, 10f, 10g, and 11b exhibited a very potent inhibitory activity against PIM-1 kinase enzyme, where the IC50 values unraveled very potent molecules in the micromolar range (0.47-1.27 µM). Further investigations have shown that 10f, the most potent PIM-1 kinase inhibitor, induced a cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Moreover, in silico evaluation of ADME properties indicated that all the cyanopyridine compounds are orally bioavailable with no permeation to the blood brain barrier.

Anti-Helicobacter pylori, anti-biofilm activity, and molecular docking study of citropten, bergapten, and its positional isomer isolated from Citrus sinensis L. leaves.

Introduction: Citrus sinensis L. is a candidate plant with promising antimicrobial potential. In the current study, the phytochemical investigation of C. sinensis leaf extract led to the isolation of three coumarins, namely bergapten, xanthotoxin, and citropten. Methods: The chemical structures of the isolated coumarins were elucidated using NMR and ESI-MS techniques. The total aqueous ethanol leaf extract and the isolated coumarins were evaluated for their antimicrobial effects against Helicobacter pylori using the MTT-micro-well dilution method and its anti-biofilm activity using MBEC assay, as compared to clarithromycin. Results: The results showed that citropten scored the lowest MIC value at 3.9 µg/mL and completely inhibited the planktonic growth of H. pylori. In addition, it completely suppressed H. pylori biofilm at 31.25 µg/mL. These findings have been supported by molecular docking studies on the active sites of the H. pylori inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (HpIMPDH) model and the urease enzyme, showing a strong binding affinity of citropten to HpIMPDH with seven hydrogen bonds and a binding energy of -6.9 kcal/mol. Xanthotoxin and bergapten showed good docking scores, both at -6.5 kcal/mol for HpIMPDH, with each having four hydrogen bondings. Furthermore, xanthotoxin showed many hydrophobic interactions, while bergapten formed one Pi-anion interaction. Concerning docking in the urease enzyme, the compounds showed mild to moderate binding affinities as compared to the ligand. Thus, based on docking results and good binding scores observed with the HpIMPDH active site, an in-vitro HpIMPDH inhibition assay was done for the compounds. Citropten showed the most promising inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 2.4 µM. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that C. sinensis L. leaves are a good source for supplying coumarins that can act as naturally effective anti-H. pylori agents.

Evaluation of MMP-13 and Micro RNA-138 as prognostic biomarkers for breast cancer in Egyptian women patients.

BACKGROUND: Elevated serum levels of MMP-13 are linked to tumor growth and metastasis, while miR-138 dysregulation is observed in breast cancer cases. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of miR-138 and MMP-13 levels as potential biomarkers for the prognosis of breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHOD: In this retrospective case-control study, 119 female subjects were recruited and divided into three groups. MMP-13 level was measured using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), while real-time PCR technique was employed to quantify miR-138 expression. RESULTS: Both non-metastatic and metastatic groups showed significantly higher levels of serum MMP-13 compared to other groups. MMP-13 levels are significantly increased among patients with advanced tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and triple-negative breast cancer cases. An inverse significant association between MMP-13 levels and response to treatment was observed. Expression of miR-138 underwent a significant down-regulation in breast cancer patients, and a statistically significant association was established between miR-138 expression and triple-negative breast cancer cases. A positive association was detected between the increase in miR-138 expression and the good response to treatment. The expression of miR-138 was inversely correlated with the MMP-13 levels. CONCLUSION: MMP-13 levels were significantly higher in breast cancer, especially in advanced cases, suggesting its role in promoting tumor invasion and metastasis. MiR-138 was down-regulated in breast cancer, especially in triple-negative breast cancer patients, rendering it a promising biomarker for triple-negative breast cancer. Modulation of miR-138 expression and MMP-13 levels may represent therapeutic targets for breast cancer.

The Effect of a Tribulus-Based Formulation in Alleviating Cholinergic System Impairment and Scopolamine-Induced Memory Loss in Zebrafish (Danio rerio): Insights from Molecular Docking and In Vitro/In Vivo Approaches.

Tribulus terrestris L. (Tt) has been recently gaining attention for its pharmacological value, including its neuroprotective activities. In this study, we explore the neuroprotective effects of a Tribulus terrestris extract in a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of scopolamine (SCOP)-induced memory impairment and brain oxidative stress. SCOP, an anticholinergic drug, was employed to replicate fundamental aspects of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in animal models. The fish were treated with ethanolic leaf extract (ELE) from Tt (1, 3, and 6 mg/L) for 15 days. SCOP (100 µM) was administered 30 min before behavioral tests were conducted. Molecular interactions of the major compounds identified via UPLC-PDA/MS in Tt fractions with the active site of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were explored via molecular docking analyses. Terrestrosin C, protodioscin, rutin, and saponin C exhibited the most stable binding. The spatial memory performance was assessed using the Y-maze test, and memory recognition was examined using a novel object recognition (NOR) test. Tt extract treatment reversed the altered locomotion patterns that were caused by SCOP administration. Biochemical analyses also verified Tt's role in inhibiting AChE, improving antioxidant enzyme activities, and reducing oxidative stress markers. The present findings pave the way for future application of Tt as a natural alternative to treat cognitive disorders.

Design, synthesis, and anti-hepatocellular carcinoma of thiopyrimidine/chalcone hybrids as dual STAT3/STAT5 inhibitors.

Among the promising therapeutic targets for treating cancer are the continuously active STAT proteins, which are important in the progression of many malignancies. Here, we detail the STAT3/5 inhibitory action and thiopyrimidine/chalcone hybrid design, production, and anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity. The prepared hybrids were assessed for their cytotoxic effect on HepG2 and Huh7 liver cancer cells. The most active compounds 5e and 5h (IC50 range from 0.55 to 2.58 µM) were further evaluated against normal THLE cells to examine their safety profiles. The hybrids 5e and 5h were additionally tested for their potential to inhibit STAT3 and STAT5a. They showed dual inhibitory action, with a decrease in the level of STAT3 by 65 and 87 times, respectively, and a decrease in the level of STAT5 by 60 and 79.5 times, respectively, compared to the control. Additionally, western blot analysis of compound 5h revealed inhibition of STAT3 and STAT5 phosphorylation at Tyr705 and Tyr694, respectively, with only a slight decrease in the total expression of STAT3 and STAT5 proteins. And lastly, molecular docking research provided additional insight on the 5h binding mechanism in the STAT3 and STAT5 SH2 domains.

Soluble CD163 impact as a prognostic biomarker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a malignant blood disorder in which there is an excess of white blood cells (lymphocytes) in blood and lymphoid tissues. CLL patients experience different clinical behaviors with diversity in disease course and outcome. Accordingly, prognostic markers are crucial for employing appropriate therapy protocols. CD163 (cluster of differentiation 163) is a monocyte/macrophage receptor. Soluble CD163 (sCD163) is an emerging prognostic player in the field of hematopoietic neoplasms. This study aimed to assess the prognostic potential of sCD163 as a serological marker in CLL. The study included 41 CLL patients and 44 apparently normal healthy volunteers as controls. Expression of CD38 and cytoplasmic ZAP 70 in CLL cells was assessed using flow cytometry. Beta 2 microglobulin (B2M), sCD23, and sCD163 serological markers were measured by ELISA. Serum levels of sCD163 were statistically significantly higher in CLL cases compared to controls (p=0.000). sCD163 levels were positively correlated with absolute lymphocyte count, sCD23, and B2M levels (p= 0.027, p=0.01, and p=0.004, respectively). In conclusion, levels of sCD163 in CLL is a promising prognostic tool for evaluating disease progression.

Hesitancy for influenza vaccine among healthcare workers and mothers of preschool children: A cross-sectional study in Zagazig, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Vaccine hesitancy is a worldwide issue. To intensify our efforts to find a solution to this problem, we need to comprehend its magnitude and underlying causes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of influenza vaccine hesitancy and the reasons for it among healthcare workers (HCWs) and mothers of preschool children attending Zagazig Maternal and Child Healthcare (MCH) Center, Sharqia Governorate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Zagazig MCH Center involving 77 HCWs and 210 mothers of preschool children. Two validated questionnaires (one for HCWs and one for mothers of preschool children) were used to collect data on hesitancy to influenza vaccine. Data analysis perfomed using SPSS v 25.0. For quantitative variables, statistical significance was determined using t-test, whereas Chi-square test was employed for quantitative variables. Poisson regression model was used to determine the independent predictors of influenza vaccine hesitancy. P < 0.05 was used as a level of statistical significance. RESULTS: The prevalence of hesitancy to the influenza vaccine was 46.8% among HCWs and 54.3% among mothers of preschool children. Fear of side effects (42.9%) and doubt in the usefulness of the vaccine (42.1%) were the most frequent barriers. Hesitancy was significantly more prevalent in the negative-attitude HCWs (62.0%) than positive-attitude HCWs (18.5%). According to Poisson regression analysis, the age of the index child, the mothers' source of information, and the frequency of vaccination were the critical indicators of influenza vaccine hesitancy in the studied mothers. CONCLUSION: Influenza vaccine hesitancy among the studied sample is high (46.8% among HCWs, and 54.3% among mothers of preschool children). Periodic health education campaigns to increase awareness and change the negative attitude about the influenza vaccine are recommended.

LC/MS analysis of Viscum cruciatum Sieber ex Boiss. extract with anti-proliferative activity against MCF-7 cell line via G0/G1 cell cycle arrest: An in-silico and in-vitro study.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Viscum cruciatum Sieb is a well-known medicinal plant in Jordan containing various secondary metabolites. It has traditionally been used to treat many ailments, most notably cancer. However, there is a significant gap between scientific research and its value in traditional medicine. AIM OF THE WORK: To evaluate the antiproliferative activity of different V. cruciatum extracts against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and recognize the affected cell cycle phase. Besides, identifying the bioactive components present in the active extract using LC/MS technique. Also, to determine the possible mechanism of action by in silico and in-vitro study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: V. cruciatum was extracted using solvents with increasing polarity. The antiproliferative effects of the extracts against MCF-7 cell lines were evaluated using SRB assay. Further, flow cytometry was used to identify the inhibited phase of the cell cycle, while LC/MS-MS technique was used to analyze the chemical composition of the most active extract. After that, the putative mechanism of action was investigated through in-silico docking, molecular dynamic simulation for compounds with the highest docking scores, and Western blot analysis of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK2/4/6). RESULTS: The chloroform/methanol 90/10 (ChMe) extract showed the most potent antiproliferative effect against MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 23.8 µg/mL), and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1phase. Furthermore, LC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of several polyphenolics belonging to the flavonoids and phenolic acids classes. Additionally, quercetin-4'-glucoside, 3, 5, 7-trihydroxy-4'-methoxy flavone, and hesperetin-7-O-neohesperidoside demonstrated the highest docking binding scores and stable complexes against CDK2 and CDK4/6. Moreover, RMSD (root-mean-square deviation), RMSF (root-mean-square fluctuation), Rg (radius of gyration), and energy analysis during molecular dynamic simulation indicated the stable binding of the studied complexes. These results were supported by Western blot analysis, which revealed the downregulation of CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6 protein expression in MCF-7 cell lines. CONCLUSION: These findings emphasized the potential breast anticancer activity of the V. cruciatum ChMe extract by arresting the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, which could be related to its flavonoid content. Moreover, the results provided experimental support for the traditional anticancer activity of V. cruciatum, and its ChMe extract might be a source of chemoprotective or chemotherapeutic isolates.

Identification of Novel Cyanopyridones and Pyrido[2,3-D]Pyrimidines as Anticancer Agents with Dual VEGFR-2/HER-2 Inhibitory Action: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies.

In the current work, we designed and synthesized three families of non-fused and fused compounds based on cyanopyridone: derivatives of 6-amino-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile (5a-f) and 3,4,7,8-tetrahydro pyrimidine-6-carbonitrile (6a-b and 7a-e). The newly synthesized compounds' structure were determined using a variety of techniques, including 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectrum, infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The developed compounds were tested for the ability to inhibit the growth of breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and hepatic adenocarcinoma (HepG2) cell lines using MTT assay. Some of the synthesized compounds were more effective towards the cancer cell lines than the standard treatment taxol. The best antiproliferative activities were demonstrated by non-fused cyanopyridones 5a and 5e against the MCF-7 cell line (IC50 = 1.77 and 1.39 µM, respectively) and by compounds 6b and 5a against the HepG2 cell line (IC50 = 2.68 and 2.71 µM, respectively). We further explored 5a and 5e, the two most potent compounds against the MCF-7 cell line, for their ability to inhibit VEGFR-2 and HER-2. Finally, docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed as part of the molecular modeling investigation to elucidate the molecular binding modes of the tested compounds, allowing for a more thorough comprehension of the activity of compounds 5a and 5e.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in chronic kidney disease Egyptian children: effect on biochemical markers of bone mineral disorders.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the association between four vitamin D receptor (VDR) single nucleotide polymorphisms BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232), FokI (rs2228570) and TaqI (rs731236) and the susceptibility to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Egyptian children and to evaluate their association with mineral status in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The current study included 305 patients with CKD and 100 apparently healthy children. We measured the serum vitamin D (VD), para-thyroid hormone (PTH) level and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) levels by ELISA method. The genotyping of the four VDR gene variants was carried out by PCR-RFLP technique. RESULTS: The TaqI AG & the BsmI TT genotypes were associated with a significantly higher risk of CKD. The expression of 25-OH D serum level was decreased in patients with TaqI GG & AG genotypes groups and in patients with BsmI TT genotype group The expression of PTH serum level was increased in patients with BsmI CT genotype group. The expression of FGF-23 serum level was increased in patients with Taq1 AG genotype group. We found 3 specific haplotypes; AGCA, AGCC and GGCA for healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed an association between VDR TaqI, BsmI polymorphisms and the susceptibility to CKD. The existence of VDR vari-ants affected the protein expression of VD, FGF-23 and PTH. The AGCA, AGCC and GGCA haplotypes were considered as protec-tive factors against the development of renal nephropathy in our population.

Prevalence, phenomenology and personality characteristics of premenstrual dysphoric disorder among female students at Zagazig University, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a female psychiatric disorder affecting the behaviour, cognitive abilities, mental health status and academic performance of female students. It includes: mood symptoms, behaviour symptoms and physical symptoms. AIM: To assess phenomenology, measure the prevalence of PMDD among university students and assess the relationship between PMDD and socio-demographic and personality characteristics. SETTING: This study was conducted at Zagazig University, Sharqia Governorate, Egypt. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to December 2020. It included 755 university students. They filled several questionnaires covering Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose PMDD, socio-demographic, menstrual factors, physical activity and personality traits. RESULTS: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder was found in 159 out of 755 students (21.1%). Overall, the most frequently reported premenstrual symptoms were overeating/food cravings (84.2%), fatigue/lack of energy (83.6%), depressed mood/hopelessness (82.0%) and hypersomnia (78.9%). Binary logistic regression model revealed that significantly related PMDD risk factors include: being a medical student, having a duration of menstrual bleeding ≥ 7 days, the average length of one cycle ˂ 28 days, high menstrual blood loss, presence of dysmenorrhea and positive family history of premenstrual syndrome (sister/mother). Regarding personality traits, low extroversion and agreeableness, and high neuroticism were also significant PMDD risk factors. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of PMDD was high among university students, especially medical students, and it can have a detrimental effect on both academic life and educational accomplishments, quality of life and daily living activities.

Role of some serum biomarkers in the early detection of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

AIM: To assess the role of serum biomarkers in early prediction of diabetic cardiomyopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants were three groups of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients having diastolic dysfunction (DM-DD), systolic dysfunction (DM-SD) and normal echocardiography (DM-N) with two control groups: non-DM diastolic dysfunction patients (DD) and healthy controls. AGEs, TNF-α, IL-6, IGFBP-7, creatinine and insulin were assessed. RESULTS: TNF-α, AGEs, creatinine and insulin panel had area under the curve (AUC) of 0.913 in distinguishing DM-DD from DM-N (78.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity). IL-6 and AGEs panel had AUC 0.795 for differentiating DM-SD from DM-DD (90.6% sensitivity). IL-6, TNF-α and AGEs panel had AUC 0.924 for differentiating diabetic cardiomyopathy from DM-N (85% sensitivity and specificity). CONCLUSION: A panel of AGEs, IL-6, TNF-α, insulin and creatinine might be used for early detection of DM-DD among T2DM patients.