1
|
Li K, Liu Y, Liu Y, Li Q, Guo L, Xie J. The reactivation kinetic analysis, molecular docking, and dynamics of oximes against three V-type nerve agents inhibited four human cholinesterases. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 396:111061. [PMID: 38763347 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Nerve agents pose significant threats to civilian and military populations. The reactivation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is critical in treating acute poisoning, but there is still lacking broad-spectrum reactivators, which presents a big challenge. Therefore, insights gained from the reactivation kinetic analysis and molecular docking are essential for understanding the behavior of reactivators towards intoxicated AChE. In this research, we present a systematic determination of the reactivation kinetics of three V agents-inhibited four human ChEs [(AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)) from either native or recombinant resources, namely, red blood cell (RBC) AChE, rhAChE, hBChE, rhBChE) reactivated by five standard oximes. We unveiled the effect of native and recombinant ChEs on the reactivation kinetics of V agents ex vitro, where the reactivation kinetics characteristic of Vs-inhibited BChE was reported for the first time. In terms of the inhibition type, all of the five oxime reactivators exhibited noncompetitive inhibition. The inhibition potency of these reactivators would not lead to the difference in the reactivation kinetics between native and recombinant ChE. Despite the significant differences between the native and recombinant ChEs observed in the inhibition, aging, and spontaneous reactivation kinetics, the reactivation kinetics of V agent-inhibited ChEs by oximes were less differentiated, which were supported by the ligand docking results. We also found differences in the reactivation efficiency between five reactivators and the phosphorylated enzyme, and molecular dynamic simulations can further explain from the perspectives of conformational stability, hydrogen bonding, binding free energies, and amino acid contributions. By Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) calculations, the total binding free energy trends aligned well with the experimental kr2 values.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Li
- Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Yulong Liu
- Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Yanqin Liu
- Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Li
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China.
| | - Jianwei Xie
- Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Voros C, Dias J, Timperley CM, Nachon F, Brown RCD, Baati R. The risk associated with organophosphorus nerve agents: from their discovery to their unavoidable threat, current medical countermeasures and perspectives. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 395:110973. [PMID: 38574837 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The first organophosphorus nerve agent was discovered accidently during the development of pesticides, shortly after the first use of chemical weapons (chlorine, phosgene) on the battlefield during World War I. Despite the Chemical Weapons Convention banning these substances, they have still been employed in wars, terrorist attacks or political assassinations. Characterised by their high lethality, they target the nervous system by inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme, preventing neurotransmission, which, if not treated rapidly, inevitably leads to serious injury or the death of the person intoxicated. The limited efficacy of current antidotes, known as AChE reactivators, pushes research towards new treatments. Numerous paths have been explored, from modifying the original pyridinium oximes to developing hybrid reactivators seeking a better affinity for the inhibited AChE. Another crucial approach resides in molecules more prone to cross the blood-brain barrier: uncharged compounds, bio-conjugated reactivators or innovative formulations. Our aim is to raise awareness on the threat and toxicity of organophosphorus nerve agents and to present the main synthetic efforts deployed since the first AChE reactivator, to tackle the task of efficiently treating victims of these chemical warfare agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Voros
- Ecole de Chimie Polymère et Matériaux ECPM, Université de Strasbourg, ICPEES UMR CNRS 7515, 25 rue Becquerel, F-67087, Strasbourg, France.
| | - José Dias
- Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, F-91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Christopher M Timperley
- Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) Division, Dstl, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JQ, UK.
| | - Florian Nachon
- Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, F-91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Richard C D Brown
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
| | - Rachid Baati
- Ecole de Chimie Polymère et Matériaux ECPM, Université de Strasbourg, ICPEES UMR CNRS 7515, 25 rue Becquerel, F-67087, Strasbourg, France; OPGS Pharmaceuticals, Paris BioTech Santé, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, F-75014, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Blom TL, Wingelaar TT. Current Perspectives on the Management of Patients Poisoned With Novichok: A Scoping Review. Mil Med 2024; 189:e1381-e1389. [PMID: 38035754 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nerve agents have emerged as a global threat since their discovery in the 1930s, posing severe risks due to their inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and the subsequent accumulation of acetylcholine in nerve synapses. Despite the enforcement of the Chemical Weapon Convention to control chemical weapons, including nerve agents, recent events, such as the Novichok attacks on Sergei Skripal and Alexei Navalny, have highlighted the persistent threat. Novichok, a distinct class of nerve agents, raises specific concerns regarding its management due to limited understanding. This article aims to comprehensively analyze existing literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS A scoping review was employed to comprehensively assess the current state of knowledge on managing patients poisoned with Novichok. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, relevant literature was identified in peer-reviewed journals covering symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, decontamination, and long-term effects. Searches were conducted on February 1, 2023, across four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science) using "Novichok" as a keyword. No restrictions were applied, and additional studies were sought from the references of identified papers. Eligible papers included discussions on Novichok or its specific properties impacting management, regardless of study type, language, or publication date, while those unrelated to the study's conceptual framework were excluded. RESULTS A total of 170 records were identified from the initial database search, with 86 studies screened after removing duplicates. Among these, 28 publications met the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. An additional relevant study was identified from the citation lists of included studies, bringing the total to 29. The review encompasses studies published from 2018 onwards, indicating the growing interest in this topic. While most studies are reviews on Novichok or nerve agents in general, several theoretical and experimental investigations were also found. CONCLUSION This review highlights the significant uncertainties and knowledge gaps surrounding the management of patients poisoned with Novichok. While some aspects align with other nerve agents, limited research likely due to safety and ethical challenges leads to assumptions and uncertainties in patient care. The review identifies areas with ongoing research, such as decontamination and biomarker recognition, while other aspects remain understudied. The possible inefficacy of current treatment options and the need for further research on oximes, bioscavengers, and long-term effects emphasize the necessity for increased research to optimize patient outcomes. More studies are essential to clarify the actual threat and toxicity of Novichok. Moreover, raising awareness among medical staff is crucial for early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and safety. This review offers valuable insights into managing Novichok-poisoned patients and calls for increased research and awareness in this critical area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tess L Blom
- Diving and Submarine Medical Center, Royal Netherlands Navy, Den Helder, CA 1780, the Netherlands
| | - Thijs T Wingelaar
- Diving and Submarine Medical Center, Royal Netherlands Navy, Den Helder, CA 1780, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Opravil J, Pejchal J, Finger V, Korabecny J, Rozsypal T, Hrabinova M, Muckova L, Hepnarova V, Konecny J, Soukup O, Jun D. A-agents, misleadingly known as "Novichoks": a narrative review. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:2587-2607. [PMID: 37612377 PMCID: PMC10475003 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03571-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
"Novichok" refers to a new group of nerve agents called the A-series agents. Their existence came to light in 2018 after incidents in the UK and again in 2020 in Russia. They are unique organophosphorus-based compounds developed during the Cold War in a program called Foliant in the USSR. This review is based on original chemical entities from Mirzayanov's memoirs published in 2008. Due to classified research, a considerable debate arose about their structures, and hence, various structural moieties were speculated. For this reason, the scientific literature is highly incomplete and, in some cases, contradictory. This review critically assesses the information published to date on this class of compounds. The scope of this work is to summarize all the available and relevant information, including the physicochemical properties, chemical synthesis, mechanism of action, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and medical countermeasures used to date. The environmental stability of A-series agents, the lack of environmentally safe decontamination, their high toxicity, and the scarcity of information on post-contamination treatment pose a challenge for managing possible incidents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Opravil
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Pejchal
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Finger
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Korabecny
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Rozsypal
- Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Institute, University of Defence, Vita Nejedleho 1, 682 03 Vyskov, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Hrabinova
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lubica Muckova
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Vendula Hepnarova
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Konecny
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Jun
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kitagawa DAS, Dos Santos MC, Kuča K, França TCC, Cavalcante SFDA. In vitro comparison of the acetylcholinesterase inhibition caused by V- and A-series nerve agents' surrogates. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 383:110678. [PMID: 37595776 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Nerve agents (NA) pose as a great risk in the modern world. NA from the V-series, such as VX, are currently recognized as the most toxic among those compounds. However, the emergence of new classes of toxicants recently included in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), such as the A-series NA, a class of organophosphorus compounds related to phosphoramidates, pose a new source of concern due to the lack of information. In order advance in the investigation on the toxicity of such toxic chemicals, we performed in vitro studies to compare representatives of the V- and A-series using affordable surrogates. Results suggest a similar inhibition potency between both agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A S Kitagawa
- Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMACBD), Military Institute of Engineering (IME), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo C Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMACBD), Military Institute of Engineering (IME), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Kamil Kuča
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, 50003, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| | - Tanos C C França
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMACBD), Military Institute of Engineering (IME), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, 50003, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| | - Samir F de A Cavalcante
- Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, 50003, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vieira LA, Almeida JSFD, De Koning MC, LaPlante SR, Borges I, França TCC. Molecular modeling of Mannich phenols as reactivators of human acetylcholinesterase inhibited by A-series nerve agents. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 382:110622. [PMID: 37442286 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The A-series is the most recent generation of chemical warfare nerve agents (CWA) which act directly on the inhibition of the human acetylcholinesterase (HssAChE) enzyme. These compounds lack accurate experimental data on their physicochemical properties, and there is no evidence that traditional antidotes effectively reactivate HssAChE inhibited by them. In the search for potential antidotes, we employed virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for the theoretical assessment of the performance of a library of Mannich phenols as potential reactivators of HssAChE inhibited by the Novichok agents A-230, A-232, and A-234, in comparison with the commercial oximes pralidoxime (2-PAM), asoxime (HI-6), trimedoxime (TMB-4), and obidoxime. Following the near-attack conformation (NAC) approach, our results suggest that the compounds assessed would face difficulties in triggering the proposed nucleophilic in-line displacement mechanism. Despite this, it was observed that certain Mannich phenols presented similar or superior results to those obtained by reference oximes against A-232 and A-234 model, suggesting that these compounds can adopt more favourable conformations. Additional binding energy calculations confirmed the stability of the model/ligands complexes and the reactivating potential observed in the molecular docking and MD studies. Our findings indicate that the Mannich phenols could be alternative antidotes and that their efficacy should be evaluated experimentally against the A-series CWA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leandro A Vieira
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, 22290-270, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Joyce S F D Almeida
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, 22290-270, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Martijn C De Koning
- TNO Department CBRN Protection, Lange Kleiweg 137, 2288GJ, Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Steven R LaPlante
- Université du Québec, INRS-Centre Armand Frappier Santé et Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Itamar Borges
- Department of Chemistry, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-270, Brazil
| | - Tanos C C França
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, 22290-270, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Université du Québec, INRS-Centre Armand Frappier Santé et Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
França TCC, Valle da Silva JA, Dos Santos MC, Cavalcante SFDA, Kuca K. Applications of the Near Attack Conformation (NAC) approach in the search for Acetylcholinesterase reactivators. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 382:110619. [PMID: 37406983 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
The Near Attack Conformation (NAC) approach states that the efficiency of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction depends on the prior attainment of optimal conditions for substrate atom organization and positioning for bond formation. These conditions are prerequisites for the transition state (TS) in which the involved atoms are within the van der Waals range of contact and positioned at an angle similar to that achieved after bond formation. The successful application of this approach to investigate the reactivation mechanism of acetylcholinesterase inhibited by nerve agents has contributed to a better understanding of this mechanism and demonstrated consistent corroboration with experimental data. In this article, we summarize the accomplishments achieved thus far and outline future perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanos Celmar Costa França
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, 50003, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| | - Jorge Alberto Valle da Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Carneiro Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Samir Frontino de Almeida Cavalcante
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, 50003, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, 50003, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Charejoo A, Arabfard M, Jafari A, Nourian YH. A complete, evidence-based review on novichok poisoning based on epidemiological aspects and clinical management. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 4:1004705. [PMID: 36762227 PMCID: PMC9905702 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.1004705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The whole world has learned about the existence of a highly toxic neuro-paralytic substance called Novichok. A wide range of neuro-paralytic toxins were used during the wars of decades ago, which also had harmful and irreversible effects. Fortunately, the establishment of conventions prohibiting the use of these weapons prevented the adverse clinical consequences of these compounds. What we did in the present study was to evaluate the clinical features of Novichok, how to manage exposure to it, and to evaluate the prognostic aspects associated with this poisoning agent. Methods: The manuscript especial databases including Medline, Web of knowledge, Google scholar, and Scopus were deeply searched by the two blinded investigators for all eligible studies based on the considered keywords. Initially 98 articles were initially collected by database searching that considering eligibility criteria, 83 articles were finally eligible for the final assessment. There is a lack of clinical trials and case-cohort studies on general population about treatment and side effects when it comes to human nerve agents and most of the data in our search is based on animal studies. Results: In evaluating various clinical, auto physiological and prognostic aspects of exposure to these substances, special attention was necessary to the following points. First, Novichok agents are considered more potent than other toxic agents. Pathophysiologically, these agents irreversibly bind acetylcholinesterase and produce a rapid cholinergic toxidrome which is responsible for the clinical manifestations as well as the potential dangerous and life threatening side effects caused by these agents. Uniquely, these agents are thought to also target every neuron in the central and peripheral nervous system. As a managerial and therapeutic approach, early and timely treatment of its related complication along with prevents massive exposure and decontamination in addition to rapid resuscitation can prohibit debilitating neuropathy and death due to facing it. Conclusion: The present review highlights the importance of recognizing the potential acute toxic effects of Novichok agents, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches (life-saving antidotal therapy) to complications and ultimately the application of guidelines to improve the prognosis of exposure to these agents for both victims and medical community.
Collapse
|
9
|
França TCC, Botelho FD, Drummond ML, LaPlante SR. Theoretical Investigation of Repurposed Drugs Potentially Capable of Binding to the Catalytic Site and the Secondary Binding Pocket of Subunit A of Ricin. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:32805-32815. [PMID: 36120038 PMCID: PMC9476511 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recently, we reported a library of 82 compounds, selected from different databanks through virtual screening and docking studies, and pointed to 6 among them as potential repurposed dual binders to both the catalytic site and the secondary binding pockets of subunit A of ricin (RTA). Here, we report additional molecular modeling studies of an extended list of compounds from the original library. Rounds of flexible docking followed by molecular dynamics simulations and further rounds of MM-PBSA calculations using a more robust protocol, enabled a better investigation of the interactions of these compounds inside RTA, the elucidation of their dynamical behaviors, and updating the list of the most important residues for the ligand binding. Four compounds were pointed as potential repurposed ricin inhibitors that are worth being experimentally investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanos C. C. França
- Université
de Québec, INRS—Centre Armand-Frappier Santé
Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec H7V 1B7, Canada
- Laboratory
of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University
of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho
62, Hradec Kralove 50003, Czech Republic
| | - Fernanda D. Botelho
- Laboratory
of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil
| | | | - Steven R. LaPlante
- Université
de Québec, INRS—Centre Armand-Frappier Santé
Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec H7V 1B7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Santos MC, Botelho FD, Gonçalves AS, Kitagawa DAS, Borges CVN, Carvalho-Silva T, Bernardo LB, Ferreira CN, Rodrigues RB, Ferreira Neto DC, Nepovimova E, Kuča K, LaPlante SR, Lima ALS, França TCC, Cavalcante SFA. Are the current commercially available oximes capable of reactivating acetylcholinesterase inhibited by the nerve agents of the A-series? Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:2559-2572. [PMID: 35666269 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03316-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The misuse of novichok agents in assassination attempts has been reported in the international media since 2018. These relatively new class of neurotoxic agents is claimed to be more toxic than the agents of the G and V series and so far, there is no report yet in literature about potential antidotes against them. To shed some light into this issue, we report here the design and synthesis of NTMGMP, a surrogate of A-242 and also the first surrogate of a novichok agent useful for experimental evaluation of antidotes. Furthermore, the efficiency of the current commercial oximes to reactivate NTMGMP-inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was evaluated. The Ellman test was used to confirm the complete inhibition of AChE, and to compare the subsequent rates of reactivation in vitro as well as to evaluate aging. In parallel, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and MM-PBSA studies were performed on a computational model of the human AChE (HssAChE)/NTMGMP complex to assess the reactivation performances of the commercial oximes in silico. Experimental and theoretical studies matched the exact hierarchy of efficiency and pointed to trimedoxime as the most promising commercial oxime for reactivation of AChE inhibited by A-242.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo C Santos
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernanda D Botelho
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Arlan S Gonçalves
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Espírito Santo - Units Vila Velha and Vitória, Vitória, ES, Brazil.,Federal University of Espírito Santo, Unit Goiabeiras, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Daniel A S Kitagawa
- Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Caio V N Borges
- Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Chemical Engineering Department, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Taynara Carvalho-Silva
- Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Chemical Engineering Department, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leandro B Bernardo
- Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Chemical Engineering Department, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cíntia N Ferreira
- Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafael B Rodrigues
- Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Denise C Ferreira Neto
- Chemical Engineering Department, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Kuča
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Steven R LaPlante
- Université de Québec, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Antonio L S Lima
- Chemical Engineering Department, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tanos C C França
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. .,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic. .,Université de Québec, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, H7V 1B7, Canada.
| | - Samir F A Cavalcante
- Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. .,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|