QSAR modeling and molecular docking studies of 2-oxo-1, 2-dihydroquinoline-4- carboxylic acid derivatives as p-glycoprotein inhibitors for combating cancer multidrug resistance

Explanation of the potential mechanism of Sophora flavescens Ait and processed products treating ulcerative colitis based on the analysis method of "chemical composition characterization-target prediction"

Processing is often used to prepare decoctions of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with reduced toxicity and enhanced efficacy. While Sophora flavescens Ait (SFA) is often used directly, processing with rice-washed water (RSFA) was performed in ancient times, and processing with wheat bran (WSFA) is a more modern method. Processing has been shown to enhance the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of SFA, though the mechanisms underlying this change are unclear. In this study, a total of 106 active components of SFA, RSFA, and WSFA, mostly alkaloid and flavonoid derivatives, were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and a total of 159 potential molecular targets in the treatment of ulcerative colitis were identified by network pharmacology. Relationships among key targets, including epidermal growth factor receptor, heat shock protein 90, SRC, and p100α, were identified through development of a protein-protein interaction network. GO enrichment indicated that peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation, peptidyl-tyrosine modification, and cellular response to chemical stress are important in the action of SFA against ulcerative colitis, and KEGG enrichment showed that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT signaling pathway is another key target. Molecular docking showed that the active components have strong affinities for phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha and protein kinase C alpha. In vitro cell experiments have demonstrated that five active components in SFA can exert anti-inflammatory effects by modulating IL-6 and IL-10. We found that processing results in changes in the chemical composition of SFA that influence the treatment of UC. This study provides a reference for further research into the pharmacodynamic basis for the enhanced efficacy of processed SFA in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Novel D-Ribofuranosyl Tetrazoles: Synthesis, Characterization, In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity, and Computational Studies

The goal of this study was to synthesize and evaluate new antimicrobial compounds. We specifically focused on the development of 2,5-disubstituted tetrazole derivatives containing the O-methyl-2,3-O-isopropylidene-(D)-ribofuranoside groups through N-alkylation reactions. The synthesized compounds were characterized using 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Their antibacterial activity was tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus fasciens, and Staphylococcus aureus. Density functional theory (DFT) was applied to examine the electronic properties, including the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-least unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) gap, hardness, softness, density of states (DOS), and molecular electrostatic potential. Additionally, crystal structure modeling of protein 7AZ5 was performed to study the binding affinities through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out for 100 ns and OPLS_2005 force field re performed to investigate the stability of 3c and 5c into 7AZ5 binding site. Root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), and intermolecular interactions analysis showed that these two compounds may gave relative stability into the 7AZ5 binding site. Several of the N-ribofuranosyl tetrazole derivatives synthesized displayed a strong antibacterial activity. Compounds 1c and 5c were particularly effective, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 15.06 μM and 13.37 μM, respectively, against E. coli and S. aureus both surpassing the efficacy of chloramphenicol (19.34 μM) and ampicillin (28.62 μM). These compounds also displayed the highest binding energies in protein modeling, indicating strong interactions with the DNA polymerase sliding clamp of E. coli. Compounds 1c and 5c show promise as potent antibacterial agents with notable chemical stability and favorable binding profiles. These findings suggest that these derivatives may serve as valuable leads for the development of new antimicrobial drugs.

QSAR modeling for cytotoxicity of sulfur-containing Shikonin oxime derivatives targeting HCT-15, MGC-803, BEL-7402, and MCF-7 cell lines

Targeting cancer cells through drug-based treatment or combination therapy protocols involving chemical compounds can be challenging due to multiple factors, including their resistance to bioactive compounds and the potential of drugs to damage healthy cells. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the structure of novel sulfur-containing shikonin oxime compounds and the corresponding cytotoxicity against four cancer types, namely colon, gastric, liver, and breast cancers, through computational chemistry tools. This investigation is suggested to help build insights into how the structure of the compounds influences their activity and understand the mechanisms behind it and subsequently might be used in multi-cancer drug design process to propose novel optimized compounds that potentially exhibit the desired activity. The findings showed that the cytotoxic activity against the four cancer types was accurately predictable (R2 > 0.7, NRMSE <20%) by a combination of search and machine learning algorithms, based on the information on the structure of the compounds, including their lipophilicity, surface area, and volume. Overall, this study is supposed to play a crucial role in effective multi-cancer drug design in cancer research areas.

An Investigation of Novel Series of 2-Thioxo-1,3-dithiol-carboxamides as Potential Antispasmodic Agents: Design, Synthesis via Coupling Reactions, Density Functional Theory Calculations, and Molecular Docking

This study reports the synthesis of 2-thioxo-1,3-dithiol-carboxamides (TDTCAs) under mild conditions at room temperature using HBTU as a coupling agent, which significantly improved amide bond formation. The synthesized compounds were characterized using several analytical techniques, including 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and HRMS, confirming their intended structures and structural integrity. A DFT computational study at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level was conducted on the four synthesized compounds to compare their electronic properties and molecular structures. The results showed that these compounds demonstrated antispasmodic effects on jejunum contractions. Molecular docking revealed that compounds c and d displayed the highest docking scores on potassium and voltage-gated calcium channels and adrenergic receptors. In summary, compounds c and d exhibit antispasmodic effects, potentially blocking alpha-adrenergic receptors and calcium channels, thus providing a scientific basis for their potential use in treating gastrointestinal disorders.

The intricate dance of tumor evolution: Exploring immune escape, tumor migration, drug resistance, and treatment strategies

Recent research has unveiled fascinating insights into the intricate mechanisms governing tumor evolution. These studies have illuminated how tumors adapt and proliferate by exploiting various factors, including immune evasion, resistance to therapeutic drugs, genetic mutations, and their ability to adapt to different environments. Furthermore, investigations into tumor heterogeneity and chromosomal aberrations have revealed the profound complexity that underlies the evolution of cancer. Emerging findings have also underscored the role of viral influences in the development and progression of cancer, introducing an additional layer of complexity to the field of oncology. Tumor evolution is a dynamic and complex process influenced by various factors, including immune evasion, drug resistance, tumor heterogeneity, and viral influences. Understanding these elements is indispensable for developing more effective treatments and advancing cancer therapies. A holistic approach to studying and addressing tumor evolution is crucial in the ongoing battle against cancer. The main goal of this comprehensive review is to explore the intricate relationship between tumor evolution and critical aspects of cancer biology. By delving into this complex interplay, we aim to provide a profound understanding of how tumors evolve, adapt, and respond to treatment strategies. This review underscores the pivotal importance of comprehending tumor evolution in shaping effective approaches to cancer treatment.