Unveiling potent Schiff base derivatives with selective xanthine oxidase inhibition: In silico and in vitro approach

Screening potential anti-osteoarthritis compounds using molecular docking based on MAPK and NFκB pathways and validating their anti-osteoarthritis effect

Osteoarthritis is an extremely common disease. However, it lacks effective nonsurgical treatments. Molecular docking has been widely used in drug discovery. However, no studies focus on screening anti-osteoarthritis compounds using molecular docking. This study aimed to screen potential anti-osteoarthritis compounds using molecular docking and validate their anti-osteoarthritis effect. Molecular dockings between 51 compounds inhibiting the MAPK and NFκB pathways but have not been used to treat osteoarthritis and 5 core human proteins in the MAPK and NFκB pathways were performed. Corilagin, Apigetrin, Protopine, 5-methoxyflavone, and 7,3',4'-trihydroxyisoflavone were selected. The drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics, bioactivity, and toxicity of the selected compounds were analyzed. The cytotoxicity and anti-osteoarthritis effect of the selected compounds were tested on mouse chondrocytes. This study found that molecular docking based on the MAPK and NFκB pathways can be used to screen potential anti-osteoarthritis compounds, providing a perspective on drug discovery through pathway-based screening. ERK2, JNK2, and p38 showed similar binding sites commonly interacting with the compounds. The theoretical drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics, bioactivity, and toxicity were largely consistent with the empirical cytotoxicity and anti-osteoarthritis effect. Additionally, Protopine, 5-methoxyflavone, and 7,3',4'-trihydroxyisoflavone showed strong anti-osteoarthritis potential and can be considered for future studies to test their anti-osteoarthritis effect in animal models, explore molecular mechanisms, and improve their solubility.

Determining the optimal antioxidant strategy: a comparative analysis of extraction methods in Cistus villosus L. extracts revealed by LC-HRMS and computational modeling

Background/aim

Cistus villosus L., a beloved tea herb, contains a treasure trove of potent antioxidants. Our research unveils this ancient ally's potential to shield against oxidative stress, a modern health threat.

Materials and methods

Antioxidant assays were conducted to evaluate the potency of ethyl acetate extract. IC50 values were determined for the extract in various antioxidant assays. Furthermore, molecular docking was employed for the examination of the 22 compounds analyzed through LC-HRMS. Additionally, ADMET and PASS investigations were conducted to evaluate their capability as antioxidants and inhibitors of oxidant formation.

Results

Each identified compound boasts a history of antioxidant prowess, building the natural defense arsenal of C. villous. Antioxidant assays showed the potency of the ethyl acetate fraction with an IC50 value of 5.30 mg/L in the DPPH• test, which is better than that of the studied standard, α-tocopherol (36.35 mg/L). The pharmacokinetic profiles demonstrated good properties for the identified compounds. The PASS study unveiled their potential as antioxidants, and molecular docking showed their effectiveness as inhibitors of oxidant formation in the human body by blocking the studied targets.

Conclusion

This herb, a timeless testament to nature's bounty, stands poised to become a powerful weapon in our fight against oxidative stress, promising a future of natural well-being.