Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure of novel bis-thiomethylcyclohexanone derivatives and their inhibitory properties against some metabolic enzymes

Establishing a link between the chemical composition and biological activities of Gladiolus italicus Mill. from the Turkish flora utilizing in vitro, in silico and network pharmacological methodologies

OBJECTIVES

Five solvent extracts (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, ethanol/water (70%), and water) of Gladiolus italicus Mill. from Turkey were evaluated for chemical and biological properties.

METHODS

Antioxidant activities, inhibitory properties against key enzymes involved in the etiology of chronic diseases were tested, as well as cytotoxic effects on different cell lines. Chemical characterization was also carried out to determine the most abundant compounds of each extract.

RESULTS

The highest total phenolic content (TPC) was observed in the water extract while highest TFC in ethanol/water extract. The most abundant compounds in the extracts were hyperoside (69041.06 mg kg-1), isoquercitrin (46239.49 mg kg-1), delphindin-3,5-diglucoside (42043.81 mg kg-1), myricetin (21486.61 mg kg-1), and kaempferol-3-glucoside (21199.76 mg kg-1). Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations confirmed the structural stability and dynamic conformational integrity of these complexes over a period of 100 ns. In network pharmacology, A total of 657 unique target genes were screened: 52 associated with programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), 85 with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2), and 130 with fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR2), identifying crucial gene interactions for these proteins. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted, revealing significant interactions and pathways such as the advanced glycation end products (AGE) and their receptors (RAGE) signaling pathway in diabetic complications and T- helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation, among others. This elucidation of complex networks involving key genes like AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1 (AKT1), MYC proto-oncogene (MYC), tumor protein 53 (TP53), Interleukin 6 (IL6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) provides a promising foundation for the development of targeted therapies in the treatment of non-communicable diseases.

CONCLUSION

These results show that G. italicus could be a natural source of potent antioxidants and enzyme inhibitors which need to be further explored for the development of biopharmaceuticals.

A multidimensional study for design of phytochemical profiling, antioxidant potential, and enzyme inhibition effects of ışgın (Rheum telianum) as an edible plant

The present study reveals in vitro antioxidant properties and the phytochemical content of a novel Rheum species (Rheum telianum), which grows in Southeastern Anatolia. To perform the analysis, dried leaves and seeds of the plants were ground and extracted with ethanol to obtain plant secondary metabolites and antioxidant activity. Then, dried extracts were subjected to in vitro DPPH scavenging and Cupric reducing (CUPRAC), Fe3+, and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). In addition to the antioxidant capacity assays, quantitative phenolic, flavonoid, and secondary metabolite were determined through spectrophotometric and LC-MS/MS chromatographic methods. IC50 values showed that both leaves and the seeds of the R. telianum have high inhibitory properties over DPPH radicals with 20.79 and 5.67 μg/mL, respectively. The samples' dominant secondary metabolites were evaluated through the LC-MS/MS analysis results. The inhibition effects of both leaves and the seeds of the R. telianum extracts on acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, α-glycosidase and human carbonic anhydrases II isoenzyme enzymes, which associated with some global diseases including Alzheimer's disease, type-2 diabetes mellitus and glaucoma were determined. In conclusion, the extracts' contents and functional relationship and the plants' possible usage in the food, medicine, and cosmetic industries was revealed.

Synthesis of N-substituted 4-phenyl-2-aminothiazole derivatives and investigation of their inhibition properties against hCA I, II, and AChE enzymes

In this study, thiazole derivatives containing sulphonamide, amide, and phenyl amino groups were synthesized to protect the free amino groups of 5-methyl-4-phenyl-2-aminothiazole and 4-phenyl-2-aminothiazole. Halogenated reactions of N-protected thiazole derivatives have been investigated. LCMS, FT-IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy techniques were used to elucidate the structures of the synthesized compounds. Inhibition effects of the N-protected thiazole derivatives against human carbonic anhydrase I, II (hCA I, hCA II), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were investigated. The best results among the synthesized N-protected thiazole derivatives showed Ki values in the range of 46.85-587.53 nM against hCA I, 35.01-578.06 nM against hCA II, and in the range of 19.58-226.18 nM against AChE. Furthermore, in silico studies with the target enzyme of the thiazole derivatives (9 and 11), which showed the best results experimentally, have examined the binding interactions of the related compounds at the enzyme active site.

Enzyme Engineering Strategies for the Bioenhancement of L-Asparaginase Used as a Biopharmaceutical

Over the past few years, there has been a surge in the industrial production of recombinant enzymes from microorganisms due to their catalytic characteristics being highly efficient, selective, and biocompatible. L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) is an enzyme belonging to the class of amidohydrolases that catalyzes the hydrolysis of L-asparagine into L-aspartic acid and ammonia. It has been widely investigated as a biologic agent for its antineoplastic properties in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The demand for L-ASNase is mainly met by the production of recombinant type II L-ASNase from Escherichia coli and Erwinia chrysanthemi. However, the presence of immunogenic proteins in L-ASNase sourced from prokaryotes has been known to result in adverse reactions in patients undergoing treatment. As a result, efforts are being made to explore strategies that can help mitigate the immunogenicity of the drug. This review gives an overview of recent biotechnological breakthroughs in enzyme engineering techniques and technologies used to improve anti-leukemic L-ASNase, taking into account the pharmacological importance of L-ASNase.

Synthesis, Biological Activity Evaluation and Molecular Docking of Imidazole Derivatives Possessing Hydrazone Moiety

In an attempt to identify potential active anticancer agents with low cytotoxic properties and CA inhibitors, a new series of hybrid compounds incorporating imidazole ring and hydrazone moiety as part of their structure were synthesized by aza-Michael addition reaction followed by intramolecular cyclization. The structure of synthesized compounds was elucidated using various spectral techniques. Synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro anticancer (prostate cell lines; PC3) and CA inhibitory (hCA I and hCA II) activity. Among them, some compound displayed remarkable anticancer activity and CA inhibitory activity with Ki values in range of 17.53±7.19-150.50±68.87 nM against cytosolic hCA I isoform associated with epilepsy, and 28.82±14.26-153.27±55.80 nM against dominant cytosolic hCA II isoforms associated with glaucoma. Furthermore, the theoretical parameters of the bioactive molecules were calculated to establish their drug-likeness qualities. The proteins used for the calculations are prostate cancer protein (PDB ID: 3RUK and 6XXP). ADME/T analysis was carried out to examine the drug properties of the studied molecules.

Determination of Antioxidant, Anti-Alzheimer, Antidiabetic, Antiglaucoma and Antimicrobial Effects of Zivzik Pomegran-ate (Punica granatum)—A Chemical Profiling by LC-MS/MS)

Zivzik pomegranate (Punica granatum) has recently sparked considerable interest due to its nutritional and antioxidant properties. To evaluate the antioxidant capacities of P. granatum juice, ethanol (EEZP), and water (WEZP) extracts from peel and seed, the antioxidant methods of 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical (ABTS•+) scavenging, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH•) scavenging, Fe3+-2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-S-triazine (TPTZ) reducing, Fe3+ reducing, and Cu2+ reducing methods were used. The antioxidant capacities of samples were compared with the most commonly used synthetic antioxidants, i.e., BHA, BHT, α-tocopherol, and Trolox. In terms of setting an example, the IC50 values of EEZP for ABTS•+ and DPPH• scavenging activities were found to be lower than standards, at 5.9 and 16.1 μg/mL, respectively. The phenolic and flavonoid contents in EEZP peel were 59.7 mg GAE/g and 88.0 mg QE/g, respectively. Inhibition of α-glycosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, and human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) enzymes was also investigated. EEZP demonstrated IC50 values of 7.3 μg/mL against α-glycosidase, 317.7 μg/mL against α-amylase, 19.7 μg/mL against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and 106.3 μg/mL against CA II enzymes. A total of 53 phenolic compounds were scanned, and 30 compounds were determined using LC-MS/MS. E. coli and S. aureus bacteria were resistant to all four antibiotics used as standards in hospitals.

Bis-chalcones: A review of synthetic methodologies and anti-inflammatory effects

Chalcones are bioactive molecules of natural and synthetic sources, whose physicochemical properties, reactivity, and biological activities are well-known among the scientific community. However, there are many molecules strictly related to chalcones with significantly less recognition like bis-chalcones. Several studies indicated that bis-chalcones have advantages over chalcones in specific bioactivities like anti-inflammatory activity. This review article describes the chemical structure and chemical properties of bis-chalcones, as well as the methods reported in the literature for the synthesis of these compounds highlighting the most recent developments. Finally, the anti-inflammatory activity of bis-chalcones is described, emphasizing the active structures found in literature and their mechanisms of action.

Vinyl functionalized 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazolium salts: Synthesis and biological activities

A series of vinyl functionalized 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazolium salts are synthesized. All compounds were fully characterized by elemental analyses, MS, ¹ H-NMR, ¹³ C-NMR, and IR spectroscopy techniques. Enzyme inhibition is a very active area of research in drug design and development. In this study, the synthesized novel benzimidazolium salts were evaluated toward the human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase I (hCA I), and II (hCA II) isoenzymes, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. They demonstrated highly potent inhibition ability against hCA I with K_i values of 484.8 ± 62.6-1389.7 ± 243.2 nM, hCA II with K_i values of 298.9 ± 55.7-926.1 ± 330.0 nM, α-glycosidase with K_i values of 170.3 ± 27-760.1 ± 269 μM, AChE with K_i values of 27.1 ± 3-77.6 ± 1.7 nM, and BChE with K_i values of 21.0 ± 5-61.3 ± 15 nM. As a result, novel vinyl functionalized 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazolium salts (1a-g) exhibited effective inhibition profiles toward studied metabolic enzymes. Therefore, we believe that these results may contribute to the development of new drugs particularly to treat some global disorders including glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes.

Comprehensive Metabolite Profiling of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Leaf Oil Using LC-HR/MS, GC/MS, and GC-FID: Determination of Antiglaucoma, Antioxidant, Anticholinergic, and Antidiabetic Profiles

In this study, for the first time, the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of the essential oil from cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) leaves were evaluated and investigated using various bioanalytical methods. In addition, the inhibitory effects of cinnamon oil on carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and α-amylase, which are associated with various metabolic diseases, were determined. Further, the phenolic contents of the essential oil were determined using LC-HRMS chromatography. Twenty-seven phenolic molecules were detected in cinnamon oil. Moreover, the amount and chemical profile of the essential oils present in cinnamon oil was determined using GC/MS and GC-FID analyses. (E)-cinnamaldehyde (72.98%), benzyl benzoate (4.01%), and trans-Cinnamyl acetate (3.36%) were the most common essential oils in cinnamon leaf oil. The radical scavenging activities of cinnamon oil were investigated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH•), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and (ABTS•+) bioanalytical scavenging methods, which revealed its strong radical scavenging abilities (DPPH•, IC50: 4.78 μg/mL; and ABTS•+, IC50: 5.21 μg/mL). Similarly, the reducing capacities for iron (Fe3+), copper (Cu2+), and Fe3+-2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-S-triazine (TPTZ) were investigated. Cinnamon oil also exhibited highly effective inhibition against hCA II (IC50: 243.24 μg/mL), AChE (IC50: 16.03 μg/mL), and α-amylase (IC50: 7.54μg/mL). This multidisciplinary study will be useful and pave the way for further studies for the determination of antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibition profiles of medically and industrially important plants and their oils.

Phthalimide-tethered imidazolium salts: Synthesis, characterization, enzyme inhibitory properties, and in silico studies

A series of new imidazolium salts were prepared in good yield by the reaction between 1-alkylimidazole and a variety of alkyl halides. The structures of the compounds were identified by FT-IR, ¹ H NMR, and ¹³ C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. The crystal structure of 1b was determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. The phthalimide-tethered imidazolium salts exhibited inhibition abilities toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs) I and II, with K_i values in the range of 24.63 ± 3.45 to 305.51 ± 35.98 nM for AChE, 33.56 ± 3.71 to 218.01 ± 25.21 nM for hCA I and 17.75 ± 0.96 to 308.67 ± 13.73 nM for hCA II. The results showed that the new imidazolium salts can play a key role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, and leukemia, which is related to their inhibition abilities of hCA I, hCA II, and AChE. Molecular docking and in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity studies were used to look into how the imidazolium salts interacted with the specific protein targets. To better visualize and understand the binding positions and the influence of the imidazolium salts on hCA I, hCA II, and AChE conformations, each one was subjected to molecular docking simulations.

Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Anticholinergic, and Antiglaucoma Effects of Magnofluorine

Magnofluorine, a secondary metabolite commonly found in various plants, has pharmacological potential; however, its antioxidant and enzyme inhibition effects have not been investigated. We investigated the antioxidant potential of Magnofluorine using bioanalytical assays with 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+), N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (DMPD•+), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) scavenging abilities and K3[Fe(CN)6] and Cu2+ reduction abilities. Further, we compared the effects of Magnofluorine and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), α-Tocopherol, and Trolox as positive antioxidant controls. According to the analysis results, Magnofluorine removed 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals with an IC50 value of 10.58 μg/mL. The IC50 values of BHA, BHT, Trolox, and α-Tocopherol were 10.10 μg/mL, 25.95 μg/mL, 7.059 μg/mL, and 11.31 μg/mL, respectively. Our results indicated that the DPPH· scavenging effect of Magnofluorine was similar to that of BHA, close to that of Trolox, and better than that of BHT and α-tocopherol. The inhibition effect of Magnofluorine was examined against enzymes, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), α-glycosidase, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II), which are linked to global disorders, such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and glaucoma. Magnofluorine inhibited these metabolic enzymes with Ki values of 10.251.94, 5.991.79, 25.411.10, and 30.563.36 nM, respectively. Thus, Magnofluorine, which has been proven to be an antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticholinergic in our study, can treat glaucoma. In addition, molecular docking was performed to understand the interactions between Magnofluorine and target enzymes BChE (D: 6T9P), hCA II (A:3HS4), AChE (B:4EY7), and α-glycosidase (C:5NN8). The results suggest that Magnofluorine may be an important compound in the transition from natural sources to industrial applications, especially new drugs.

The palladium-based complexes bearing 1,3-dibenzylbenzimidazolium with morpholine, triphenylphosphine, and pyridine derivate ligands: synthesis, characterization, structure and enzyme inhibitions

The palladium-based complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand have long attracted attention as active catalysts for many catalytic reactions. Recently, the biological activities of these complexes, which are stable to air and moisture, have also been wondered. With the aim, we report the synthesis of a series of (NHC)Pd(Br2)(L) complexes (NHC: 1,3-dibenzylbenzimidazolium, L: morpholine, triphenylphosphine, pyridine, 3-chloropyridine, and 2-aminopyridine). All complexes were characterized by NMR (1H and 13C), FTIR spectroscopic and elemental analysis techniques. In addition, the single crystal structures of the complex 3, 4, and 6 were determined through single crystal x-ray crystallographic method. Furthermore, the carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes (hCAs) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition effects of these palladium-based complexes bearing NHC ligand were investigated. They showed highly potent inhibition effect with Ki values are between 10.06 ± 1.49-68.56 ± 11.53 nM for hCA I isoenzyme, 7.74 ± 0.66 to 49.39 ± 6.50 nM for hCA II isoenzyme and 22.83 ± 3.21 to 64.09 ± 9.05 nM for AChE enzyme.

Purification, biochemical characterization and fibrinolytic potential of proteases produced by bacteria of the genus Bacillus: a systematic literature review

Thrombosis is a hematological disorder characterized by the formation of intravascular thrombi, which contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Fibrinolytic enzymes are proteases that promote the hydrolysis of fibrin, promoting the dissolution of thrombi, contributing to the maintenance of adequate blood flow. The characterization of new effective, safe and low-cost fibrinolytic agents is an important strategy for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis. However, the development of new fibrinolytics requires the use of complex methodologies for purification, physicochemical characterization and evaluation of the action potential and toxicity of these enzymes. In this context, microbial enzymes produced by bacteria of the Bacillus genus are promising and widely researched sources to produce new fibrinolytics, with high thrombolytic potential and reduced toxicity. Thus, this review aims to provide a current and comprehensive understanding of the different Bacillus species used for the production of fibrinolytic proteases, highlighting the purification techniques, biochemical characteristics, enzymatic activity and toxicological evaluations used.

Enzyme Inhibition Properties and Molecular Docking Studies of 4-Sulfonate Containing Aryl α-Hydroxyphosphonates Based Hybrid Molecules

In this study, a series of new hybrid molecules containing two important functional groups on the same skeleton were designed. 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde and its two different derivatives were converted into their respective sulphonates by interacting with tosylchloride and methanesulfonyl chloride. Then, the desired molecules were synthesized by adding diethoxyphosphonate to the aldehyde group. Also, novel synthesis of hybrid compounds (4a-c and 5a-c) were tested toward some metabolic enzymes like carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes (hCA I and hCA II) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme. The synthesis of hybrid compounds (4a-c and 5a-c) showed K_i values of in range of 25.084±4.73-69.853±15.19 nM against hCA I, 32.325±1.67-82.761±22.73 nM against hCA II and 1.699±0.25 and 3.500±0.91 nM against AChE. For these compounds, compound 4c showed maximum inhibition effect against hCA I and hCA II isoenzymes and compound 5b showed maximum inhibition effect against AChE enzyme. By performing docking studies of the most active compounds for their binding modes and interactions were determined.

Emerging trends in environmental and industrial applications of marine carbonic anhydrase: a review

Biocatalytic conversion of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into commercial products is one of the promising key approaches to solve the problem of climate change. Microbial enzymes, including carbonic anhydrase, NAD-dependent formate dehydrogenase, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase, and methane monooxygenase, have been exploited to convert atmospheric gases into industrial products. Carbonic anhydrases are Zn²⁺-dependent metalloenzymes that catalyze the reversible conversion of CO₂ into bicarbonate. They are widespread in bacteria, algae, plants, and higher organisms. In higher organisms, they regulate the physiological pH and contribute to CO₂ transport in the blood. In plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria carbonic anhydrases are involved in photosynthesis. Converting CO₂ into bicarbonate by carbonic anhydrases can solidify gaseous CO2, thereby reducing global warming due to the burning of fossil fuels. This review discusses the three-dimensional structures of carbonic anhydrases, their physiological role in marine life, their catalytic mechanism, the types of inhibitors, and their medicine and industry applications.

New Pd(II) complexes of the bisthiocarbohydrazones derived from isatin and disubstituted salicylaldehydes: Synthesis, characterization, crystal structures and inhibitory properties against some metabolic enzymes

Pd(II) complexes (Pd1, Pd2, and Pd3) were synthesized for the first time using asymmetric isatin bisthiocarbohydrazone ligands and PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂. All complexes were characterized by a range of spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The molecular structures of Pd1 and Pd3 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The complexes are diamagnetic and exhibit square planar geometry. The asymmetric isatin bisthiocarbohydrazone ligands coordinate to Pd(II) ion in a tridentate manner, through the phenolic oxygen, imine nitrogen and thiol sulfur, forming five- and six-membered chelate rings within their structures. The fourth coordination site in these complexes is occupied by PPh₃ (triphenylphosphine). The free ligands and their Pd(II) complexes were evaluated for their carbonic anhydrase I, II (hCAs) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor activities. They showed a highly potent inhibition effect on AChE and hCAs. K_i values are in the range of 9 ± 0.6 - 30 ± 5.4 nM for AChE, 7 ± 0.5 - 16 ± 2.2 nM for hCA I and 3 ± 0.3-24 ± 1.9 nM for hCA II isoenzyme. The results clearly demonstrated that the ligands and their Pd(II) complexes effectively inhibited the used enzymes.

Selenourea and thiourea derivatives of chiral and achiral enetetramines: Synthesis, characterization and enzyme inhibitory properties

A series of chiral and achiral cyclic seleno- and thiourea compounds bearing benzyl groups on N-atoms were prepared from enetetramines and appropriate Group VI elements in good yields. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and the molecular and crystal structures of (R,R)-4b and (R,R)-5b were confirmed by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. These assayed for their activities against metabolic enzymes acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and α-glycosidase. These selenourea and thiourea derivatives of chiral and achiral enetetramines effectively inhibit AChE and BChE with IC₅₀ values in the range of 3.32-11.36 and 1.47-9.73 µM, respectively. Also, these compounds inhibited α-glycosidase enzyme with IC₅₀ values varying between 1.37 and 8.53 µM. The results indicated that all the synthesized compounds exhibited excellent inhibitory activities against mentioned enzymes as compared with standard inhibitors. Representatively, the most potent compound against α-glycosidase enzyme, (S,S)-5b, was 12-times more potent than standard inhibitor acarbose; 7b and 8a as most potent compounds against cholinesterase enzymes, were around 5 and 13-times more potent than standard inhibitor tacrine against achethylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), respectively.

Synthesis and some enzyme inhibition effects of isoxazoline and pyrazoline derivatives including benzonorbornene unit

Four new and four known isoxazoline derivatives were synthesized from the reactions of benzonorbornadiene with nitrile oxides formed from the corresponding benzaldehydes. Three new and one known pyrazoline derivatives were also synthesized from the reactions of the benzonorbornadiene with nitrile imines formed from the corresponding compounds. The synthesized nitrogen-based novel heterocyclic compounds were evaluated against the human carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes I and II (hCA I and hCA II), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. The synthesized nitrogen-based novel heterocyclic compounds showed IC₅₀ values in the range of 2.69-7.01 against hCA I, 2.40-4.59 against hCA II, 0.81-1.32 µM against AChE, and 20.83-1.70 µM against BChE enzymes. On the contrary, nitrogen-based novel heterocyclic compounds demonstrated K_i values between 2.93 ± 0.59-8.61 ± 1.39 against hCA I, 2.05 ± 0.62-4.97 ± 0.95 against hCA II, 0.34 ± 0.02-0.92 ± 0.17 nM against AChE, and 0.50 ± 0.04-1.20 ± 0.16 µM against BChE enzymes. The synthesized nitrogen-based novel heterocyclic compounds exhibited effective inhibition profiles against both indicated metabolic enzymes. These results may contribute to the development of new drugs particularly to treat some disorders, which are widespread in the world including glaucoma and Alzheimer's diseases.

Cholinesterases, carbonic anhydrase inhibitory properties and in silico studies of novel substituted benzylamines derived from dihydrochalcones

A series of novel urea, sulfamide and N,N-dipropargyl substituted benzylamines were synthesized from dihydrochalcones. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cholinesterases and carbonic anhydrase inhibitory actions. The known dihydrochalcones were converted into four new benzylamines via reductive amination. N,N-Dipropargylamines, ureas and sulfamides were synthesized following the reactions of benzylamines with propargyl bromide, N,N-dimethyl sulfamoyl chloride and N,N-dimethyl carbamoyl chloride. The novel substituted benzylamines derived from dihydrochalcones were evaluated against some enzymes such as human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes (hCA I and hCA II), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). The novel substituted benzylamines derived from dihydrochalcones exhibited K_i values in the range of 0.121-1.007 nM on hCA I, and 0.077-0.487 nM on hCA II closely related to several pathological processes. On the other hand, K_i values were found in the range of 0.112-0.558 nM on AChE, 0.061-0.388 nM on BChE. As a result, novel substituted benzylamines derived from dihydrochalcones showed potent inhibitory profiles against indicated metabolic enzymes. In addition, Induced-Fit Docking (IFD) simulations and ADME prediction studies have also been carried out to elucidate the inhibition mechanisms and drug-likeness of the synthesized compounds. Therefore, these results can make significant contributions to the treatment of some global diseases, especially Alzheimer's diseases and glaucoma, and the development of new drugs.

Benzenesulfonamide derivatives as potent acetylcholinesterase, α-glycosidase, and glutathione S-transferase inhibitors: biological evaluation and molecular docking studies

Sulfonamide derivatives exhibit a wide biological activity and can function as potential medical molecules in the development of a drug. Studies have reported that the compounds have an effect on many enzymes. In this study, the derivatives of amine sulfonamide (1i-11i) were prepared with reduced imine compounds (1-11) with NaBH4 in methanol. The synthesized compounds were fully characterized by spectral data and analytical. The effect of the synthesized derivatives on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and α-glycosidase (α-GLY) enzymes were determined. For the AChE and α-GLY, the most powerful inhibition was observed on 10 and 10i series with KI value in the range 2.26 ± 0.45-3.57 ± 0.97 and 95.73 ± 13.67-102.45 ± 11.72 µM, respectively. KI values of the series for GST were found in the range of 22.76 ± 1.23-49.29 ± 4.49. Finally, the compounds have a stronger inhibitor in lower concentrations by the attachment of functional electronegative groups such as two halogens (-Br and -CI), -OH to the benzene ring and -SO2NH2. The crystal structures of AChE, α-GLY, and GST in complex with selected derivatives 4 and 10 show the importance of the functional moieties in the binding modes within the receptors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Dimeric Drugs

This review intends to summarize the structures of an extensive number of symmetrical-dimeric drugs, having two monomers linked via a bridging entity while emphasizing the large versatility of biologically active substances reported to possess dimeric structures. The largest number of classes of these compounds consist of anticancer agents, antibiotics/antimicrobials, and anti-AIDS drugs. Other symmetrical-dimeric drugs include antidiabetics, antidepressants, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, anticholesterolemics, estrogenics, antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors, anti-Parkisonians, laxatives, antiallergy compounds, cannabinoids, etc. Most of the articles reviewed do not compare the activity/potency of the dimers to that of their corresponding monomers. Only in limited cases, various suggestions have been made to justify unexpected higher activity of the dimers vs. the corresponding monomers. These suggestions include statistical effects, the presence of dimeric receptors, binding of a dimer to two receptors simultaneously, and others. It is virtually impossible to predict which dimers will be preferable to their respective monomers, or which linking bridges will lead to the most active compounds. It is expected that the extensive number of articles summarized, and the large variety of substances mentioned, which display various biological activities, should be of interest to many academic and industrial medicinal chemists.

Design, Synthesis, and Antitumor Activity of Novel Dispiro[oxindole-cyclohexanone]-pyrrolidines

BACKGROUND

Spirooxindoles are privileged scaffolds in medicinal chemistry and were identified through Wang's pioneering work as inhibitors of MDM2-p53 interactions.

OBJECTIVE

To design and synthesize 2,6-diarylidenecyclohexanones and dispiro[oxindole-cyclohexanone]-pyrrolidines of potential antitumor effect.

METHOD

Dispiro[oxindole-cyclohexanone]-pyrrolidines 6a-h were synthesized in a regioselective manner via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of 2,6-diarylidenecyclohexanones 3a-h, isatin, and sarcocine. Compounds 6a-h were alkylated to give (7-10) a,b. All compounds were evaluated in vitro for their antitumor activity and cytotoxic selectivity against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231), breast fibrosis cell line (MCF10a) and placental cancer cell line (JEG-3). Molecular modeling inside the MDM2 binding site was performed using AutoDock4.2.

RESULTS

Synthesized compounds showed antitumor activity comparable to tamoxifen, and compounds 3a,b,f,g, and 9a,b showed selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells but reduced toxicity toward MCF-10a cells. Molecular modelling shows that both classes of synthesized compounds are predicted to fit the deep hydrophobic cleft on the surface of MDM2 and mimic the interactions between p53 and MDM2.

CONCLUSION

The synthesized compounds have antitumor activity against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and JEG-3. Few compounds showed a selective cytotoxic effect and may have the potential to inhibit MDM2 and stimulate p53. Future medicinal chemistry optimization and mechanistic study will be conducted to enhance the inhibition effect of identified compounds and elucidate their mechanism of action.

Synthesis, biological activity and docking calculations of bis-naphthoquinone derivatives from Lawsone

Some metabolic enzyme inhibitors can be used as Multi-target-Directed-Ligands (MTDL) in Medicinal chemistry therefore, synthesis and determination of alternative inhibitors are essential. In this study, novel bis-napthoquinone derivatives (5a-o) were synthesized through a multi-component cascade reaction of two molecules of 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone with an aromatic aldehyde in basic media using triethylamine as a catalyst. This novel heterocyclic derivatives (5a-o) are applied to inhibit the carbonic anhydrase (hCA I and hCA II) isoform in low levels of nano molecules with Ki values exist between 4.62 ± 1.01 to 70.45 ± 9.03 nM for hCA I and for hCA II which is physiologically dominant K_is values are in the range of 5.61 ± 1.04 to 73.26 ± 10.25 nM. Further these novel derivatives (5a-o) efficiently inhibit AChE with Ki values in the range of 0.13 ± 0.02 to 3.16 ± 0.56 nM. The compounds are also applied for BChE with Ki values varying between 0.50 ± 0.10 to 9.23 ± 1.15 nM. For α-glycosidase, the most efficient Ki values of 5e and 5f are 76.14 ± 9.60 and 95.27 ± 12.55 nM respectively. Finally, molecular docking calculations against enzymes (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and the human carbonic anhydrase I and II) are compared using biological activities of heterocyclic derivatives. After these calculations, an ADME/T analysis is performed to study the future medicinal use of heterocyclic derivatives from lawsone.

Fatty acid composition, enzyme inhibitory effect, antioxidant and anticancer activity of extract from Saponaria prostrata WILLD. subsp. anatolica HEDGE

This study attempts to evaluate the antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and anticancer properties as well as fatty acid compositions of endemic Saponaria prostrata WILLD. subsp. anatolica HEDGE. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to determine the fatty acid content of methanol: dichloromethane extract from S. prostrata subsp. anatolica (SPA). Enzymatic activity was measured against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity and Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) were conducted to antioxidant properties. The anticancer effect of SPA on human MCF-7 breast cancer and human HCT116 colorectal cancer cell line was evaluated by WST-1 cell viability assay, colony formation assay and wound healing assay. In addition, human VEGF Elisa method was used to determine the anti-angiogenic effect, and the quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) method on p53, Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA levels were used to evaluate apoptosis. While high amounts of palmitic acid (40.8%), linoleic acid (17.75%) and α-linolenic acid (16.84%) were detected in the SPA, the total amount of unsaturated fatty acid (51.34%) was higher than the total amount of saturated fatty acid (48.66%). SPA displayed the most promising acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) and α-glycosidase (AG) inhibitory activities (AChE: IC₅₀: 18.03 µg/mL, BuChE: IC₅₀: 44.24 µg/mL and AG: IC₅₀: 210.85 µg/mL). The half maximum inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of SPA in MCF-7 and HCT116 cells was determined as 259.79 µg/mL and 97.24 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, it was determined that SPA suppresses colony formation and wound closure, and suppresses angiogenesis as well as triggering apoptosis at a significant level. It is true that endemic S. prostrata subsp. anatolica is a potential source of functional food ingredients, but more analytical and in vivo experiments are needed to explore further secondary metabolite diversity and pharmacological properties.

Examination of aggregation-induced enhanced emission in a propeller-shaped chiral nonconjugated blue emitter from restricted intramolecular rotation and J-type ππ stacking interactions

Herein, to get rid of aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) in the solid phase, which is generally observed in π-conjugated planar molecules, a new chiral nonconjugated molecule with the propeller-shaped blue emitter property was prepared and characterized, and its photoluminescence behavior in the solid and solution phases were investigated through single crystal X-ray crystallography and photophysical studies. To further understand the aggregation-induced enhanced emission process (AIEE), concentration effect and solvent effect on the fluorescence properties of the solution phase and fluorescence quantum yield measurements in the solid and solution states were performed. In addition, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), cyclic voltammogram measurements (CV) and theoretical analysis of the molecule were carried out. According to the results of the experimental work done, the molecule showed aggregation-induced enhanced blue emission (AIEE) in the crystal state, which arose from the strong J-type ππ stacking interactions between the adjacent rings of the molecules, and the restricted intramolecular rotation process (RIR). The solvent polarity-dependent emission also verified the AIEE process. Therefore, combining the advantages of nonconjugation and chirality properties in the synthesis of the molecule afforded a new, unusual AIEE material and provided a new way for the design of a nonconjugated chiral fluorescent optoelectronic material.

New quinoxalin-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives: Synthesis, characterization, in vitro biological evaluations, and molecular modeling studies

A new series of quinoxalin-1,3,4-oxadiazole (10a-l) derivatives was synthesized and evaluated against some metabolic enzymes including human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) isoenzymes I and II (carbonic anhydrases I and II), cholinesterase (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase), and α-glucosidase. Obtained data revealed that all the synthesized compounds were more potent as compared with the used standard inhibitors against studied target enzymes. Among the synthesized compounds, 4-fluoro derivative (10f) against hCA I, 4-chloro derivative (10i) against hCA II, 3-fluoro derivative (10e) against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, and 3-bromo derivative (10k) against α-glucosidase were the most potent compounds with inhibitory activity around 1.8- to 7.37-fold better than standard inhibitors. Furthermore, docking studies of these compounds were performed at the active site of their target enzymes.

Synthesis of novel tris-chalcones and determination of their inhibition profiles against some metabolic enzymes

In this study, we report the synthesis of novel tris-chalcones and testing of human carbonic anhydrase I, and II isoenzymes (hCA I, and hCA II), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and α-glycosidase (α-Gly) inhibitors for the development of novel chalcone structures towards for treatment of some diseases. The compounds demonstrated K_i values between 13.6 ± 1.1 and 50.0 ± 17.1 nM on hCA I, 9.9 ± 0.8 and 39.5 ± 15.1 nM on hCA II, 3.1 ± 0.2 and 20.1 ± 1.9 nM on AChE, 4.9 ± 0.4 and 14.7 ± 5.2 nM on BChE and 3.9 ± 0.2 and 22.4 ± 10.7 nM on α-Gly enzymes. The results revealed that novel tris-chalcones can have promising drug potential for glaucoma, leukaemia, epilepsy; Alzheimer's disease that was associated with the high enzymatic activity of hCA I, hCA II, AChE, and BChE enzymes.

Aspects and Recent Trends in Microbial α-Amylase: a Review

α-Amylases are the oldest and versatile starch hydrolysing enzymes which can replace chemical hydrolysis of starch in industries. It cleaves the α-(1,4)-D-glucosidic linkage of starch and other related polysaccharides to yield simple sugars like glucose, maltose and limit dextrin. α-Amylase covers about 30% shares of the total enzyme market. On account of their superior features, α-amylase is the most widely used among all the existing amylases for hydrolysis of polysaccharides. Endo-acting α-amylase of glycoside hydrolase family 13 is an extensively used biocatalyst and has various biotechnological applications like in starch processing, detergent, textile, paper and pharmaceutical industries. Apart from these, it has some novel applications including polymeric material for drug delivery, bioremediating agent, biodemulsifier and biofilm inhibitor. The present review will accomplish the research gap by providing the unexplored aspects of microbial α-amylase. It will allow the readers to know about the works that have already been done and the latest trends in this field. The manuscript has covered the latest immobilization techniques and the site-directed mutagenesis approaches which are readily being performed to confer the desirable property in wild-type α-amylases. Furthermore, it will state the inadequacies and the numerous obstacles coming in the way of its production during upstream and downstream steps and will also suggest some measures to obtain stable and industrial-grade α-amylase.

Evaluation and docking of indole sulfonamide as a potent inhibitor of α-glucosidase enzyme in streptozotocin -induced diabetic albino wistar rats

We have synthesized new hybrid class of indole bearing sulfonamide scaffolds (1-17) as α-glucosidase inhibitors. All scaffolds were found to be active except scaffold 17 and exhibited IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.60 to 51.20 µM in comparison with standard acarbose (IC₅₀ = 42.45 µM). Among the synthesized hybrid class scaffolds 16 was the most potent analogue with IC₅₀ value 1.60 μM, showing many folds better potency as compared to standard acarbose. Whereas, synthesized scaffolds 1-15 showed good α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. Based on α-glucosidase inhibitory effect, Scaffold 16 was chosen due to highest activity in vitro for further evaluation of antidiabetic activity in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The Scaffold 16 exhibited significant antidiabetic activity. All analogues were characterized through ¹H, ¹³CNMR and HR MS. Structure-activity relationship of synthesized analogues was established and confirmed through molecular docking study.