Comparative evaluation of anti-angiogenic effects of noscapine derivatives

Design, synthesis, molecular modeling, and biological evaluations of novel chalcone based 4-Nitroacetophenone derivatives as potent anticancer agents targeting EGFR-TKD

A series of chalcone-based 4-Nitroacetophenone derivatives were designed and synthesized by the single-step condensation method. These compounds were identified by 1H NMR,13C NMR, MS, and FTIR analysis. Further, the derivatives were evaluated against four cancer cell lines H1299, MCF-7, HepG2, and K526. The IC50 value of potent compounds NCH-2, NCH-4, NCH-5, NCH-6, NCH-8, and NCH-10 was 4.5-11.4 μM in H1299, 4.3-15.7 μM in MCF-7, 2.7-4.1 μM in HepG2 and 4.9-19.7 μM in K562. To assess the toxicity against healthy cells all potent molecules were evaluated against the HEK-293T cell line, and IC50 values exhibited by NCH-2, and NCH-3 were 77.8, 74.3, and other molecules showed IC50 values > 100 μM. The EGFR expression was determined by using rabbit anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody and significant EGFR expression was knocked down observed in H1299 treated with NCH-10 as well as erlotinib. The underlying mechanism behind cell death was investigated through bioinformatics. First, the molecules were optimized and docked to the binding site of the EGFR kinase domain. The best complexes were simulated for 100-ns and compounds NCH-2, NCH-4, and NCH-10 achieved stability similar to the erlotinib bound kinase domain. The free energy binding (ΔGbind) of NCH-10 was found to be more negative -226.616 ± 2.148 kJ/mol calculated by Molecular Mechanics Poisson Boltzmann's Surface Area (MM-PBSA) method. Both in vitro and in silico results conclude that the present class of chalcone-based 4-Nitroacetophenone derivatives are potent anti-cancer agents targeting EGFR-TKD and are 39 folds more effective against H1299, MCF-7, HepG2, and K562 carcinoma cell lines than healthy HEK-293T cell lines.

Phytochemical profiling, in vitro analysis for anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory activities, structural elucidation and in silico evaluation of potential selective COX-2 and TNF-α inhibitor from Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle

Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle is a perennial aquatic plant, which exhibits nutritional as well as therapeutic properties. The present study has been carried out to evaluate anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities along with in silico evaluation of potential selective COX-2 and TNF-α inhibitors from methanolic extract of H. verticillata (L.f.) Royle. The potential therapeutic compounds have been identified by high-resolution GC-MS analysis. Its capacity to inhibit inflammatory responses using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells has been explored. The anti-inflammatory properties of the plant extract were investigated by inhibiting inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase and reduced NO generation driven by LPS on stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Further investigation for the underlying molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of plant extract has been carried out by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation approaches with COX-2 and TNF-α inhibitors ability against the most potent phytocompound phytol from the plant extract. To evaluate whether the extract causes any toxicity, the cytotoxicity test has been carried out with the Human embryonic kidney cell line (Hek-293), Mouse fibroblast (L929), human mesenchyme stem cells (hMSCs) and human breast epithelial cell line (MCF-10a). Ultimately, our findings suggest that the plant extract have great potential to reduce inflammation without causing any toxicity to normal cell.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In silico and in vitro investigation of dual targeting Prima-1MET as precision therapeutic against lungs cancer

This study emphasizes the explorations of binding of Prima-1MET with two targets, p53 a tumor suppressor protein, and tyrosine kinase of epidermal growth factor receptor. In silico investigations reveal that Prima-1MET showed robust binding with both targets. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated the binding affinity of Prima-1MET with p53 and tyrosine kinase was found to be -38.601 kJ/mol and -38.976 kJ/mol. In addition, the stability of Prima-1MET was explored by molecular dynamics simulation. Prima-1MET attains stability in the binding site of the respective protein till the simulation period is over. Moreover, the free binding energy ΔGbind was calculated by the molecular mechanics Poisson Boltzmann surface area method. The ΔGbind of Prima-1MET with tyrosine kinase was found to be -58.585 ± 0.327 kJ/mol and with p53 it was -35.910 ± 0.335 kJ/mol. Next, cytotoxicity of the Prima-1MET was evaluated using multiple cancer cell lines and the IC50 value were ranging between 4.5 and 30 μM. The cell death was identified by apoptosis assay. Further, the p53 and tyrosine kinase expression was monitored using immunofluorescence techniques, it was found Prima-1MET induces the expression of p53 protein and mimics the level of tyrosine kinase oncogenic target. Also, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and membrane potential activity of Prima-1MET was evaluated by using a lung cancer cell line. A significant decrease in intracellular ROS was observed and resulted in disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. This study uncovers the underlying mechanism of Prima-1MET and could be helpful to design further leads against lung cancers.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Noscapine modulates hypoxia-induced angiogenesis and hemodynamics: Insights from a zebrafish model investigation

We investigated the angiogenesis-modulating ability of noscapine in vitro using osteosarcoma cell line (MG-63) and in vivo using a zebrafish model. MTT assay and the scratch wound healing assay were performed on the osteosarcoma cell line (MG-63) to analyze the cytotoxic effect and antimigrative ability of noscapine, respectively. We also observed the antiangiogenic ability of noscapine on zebrafish embryos by analyzing the blood vessels namely the dorsal aorta, and intersegmental vessels development at 24, 48, and 72 h postfertilization. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the hypoxia signaling molecules' gene expression in MG-63 cells and zebrafish embryos. The findings from the scratch wound healing demonstrated that noscapine stopped MG-63 cancer cells from migrating under both hypoxia and normoxia. Blood vessel development and the heart rate in zebrafish embryos were significantly reduced by noscapine under both hypoxia and normoxia which showed the hemodynamics impact of noscapine. Noscapine also downregulated the cobalt chloride (CoCl2) induced hypoxic signaling molecules' gene expression in MG-63 cells and zebrafish embryos. Therefore, noscapine may prevent MG-63 cancer cells from proliferating and migrating, as well as decrease the formation of new vessels and the production of growth factors linked to angiogenesis in vivo under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions.

Preparation and characterization of solid lipid nanoparticles encapsulated noscapine and evaluation of its protective effects against imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by thickening the epidermis with erythema, scaling, and proliferation. Noscapine (NOS) has several anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-fibrotic effects, but its low solubility and large size results in its lower efficacy in the clinic. In this regard, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) encapsulated NOS (SLN-NOS) were fabricated using the well-known response surface method based on the central composite design and modified high-shear homogenization and ultrasound method. As a result, Precirol® was selected as the best lipid base for the SLN formulation based on Hildebrand-Hansen solubility parameters, in which SLN-NOS 1 % had the best zeta potential (-35.74 ± 2.59 mV), average particle size (245.66 ± 17 nm), polydispersity index (PDI, 0.226 ± 0.09), high entrapment efficiency (89.77 %), and ICH-based stability results. After 72 h, the SLN-NOS 1 % released 83.23 % and 58.49 % of the NOS at pH 5.8 and 7.4, respectively. Moreover, Franz diffusion cell's results indicated that the skin levels of NOS for SLN and cream formulations were 46.88 % and 13.5 % of the total amount, respectively. Our pharmacological assessments revealed that treatment with SLN-NOS 1 % significantly attenuated clinical parameters, namely ear thickness, length, and psoriasis area and severity index, compared to the IMQ group. Interestingly, SLN-NOS 1 % reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-17, tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-β, while elevating IL-10, compared to the IMQ group. Histology studies also showed that topical application of SLN-NOS 1 % significantly decreased parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and inflammation compared to the IMQ group. Taken together, SLN-NOS 1 % showed a high potential to attenuate skin inflammation.

Molecular modeling and simulations of some antiviral drugs, benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, and coumarin molecules to investigate the effects on Mpro main viral protease inhibition

Background

SARS-CoV-2 is a deadly viral disease and uncounted deaths occurs since its first appearance in the year 2019. The antiviral drugs, benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, and coumarin molecules were searched using different online engines for drug repurposing with SARS-CoV-2 and to investigate the effects on main viral protease (Mpro) upon their bindings.

Methods

A database composed of antiviral drugs, benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, and Coumarin molecules was screened through a molecular docking strategy to uncover the interactions of collected molecules with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Further, molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) were implemented for 100 ns to calculate the stability of the best complexed molecular scaffold with Mpro. The conformations of the simulated complexes were investigated by using principal component analysis (PCA) and Gibbs energy landscape (FEL) and DSSP together. Next, free binding energy (ΔG_bind) was calculated using the mmpbsa method.

Results

Molecular docking simulations demonstrate 17 molecules exhibited better binding affinity out of 99 molecules present in the database with the viral protease Mpro, followed ADMET properties and were documented. The Coumarin-EM04 molecular scaffold exhibited interactions with catalytical dyad HIS41, CYS145, and neighboring amino acids SER165 and GLN189 in the catalytical site. The crucial factor RMSD was calculated to determine the orientations of Coumarin-EM04. The Coumarin-EM04 complexed with Mpro was found stable in the binding site during MDS. Furthermore, the free energy binding ΔG_bind of Coumarin-EM04 was found to be −187.471 ± 2.230 kJ/mol, and for Remdesivir ΔG_bind was −171.926 ± 2.237 kJ/mol with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro^.

Conclusion

In this study, we identify potent molecules that exhibit interactions with catalytical dyad HIS41 and CYS145 amino acids and unravel Coumarin-EM04 exhibited ΔG_bind higher than Remdesivir against Mpro and thus may serve better antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2.

Integration of phytotherapy and chemotherapy: Recent advances in anticancer molecular pathways

Cancer is a disease characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells, leading to invasion and metastasis to other tissues. Chemotherapy drugs are some of the primary treatments for cancer, which could detrimentally affect the cancer cells by various molecular mechanisms like apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. These treatment lines have always aligned with side effects and drug resistance. Due to their anticancer effects, medicinal herbs and their active derivative compounds are being profoundly used as complementary treatments for cancer. Many studies have shown that herbal ingredients exert antitumor activities and immune-modulation effects and have fewer side effects. On the other hand, combining phytotherapy and chemotherapy, with their synergistic effects, has gained much attention across the medical community. This review article discussed the therapeutic effects of essential herbal active ingredients combined with chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer therapy. To write this article, PubMed and Scopus database were searched with the keywords "Cancer," "Combination," "Herbal," "Traditional," and "Natural." After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, 110 articles were considered. The study shows the anticancer effects of the active herbal ingredients by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells, especially with a chemotherapeutic agent. This study also indicates that herbal compounds can reduce side effects and dosage, potentiate anticancer responses, and sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs.

Noscapine, an Emerging Medication for Different Diseases: A Mechanistic Review

Noscapine is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from poppy extract, used as an antitussive since the 1950s, and has no addictive or euphoric effects. Various studies have shown that noscapine has excellent anti-inflammatory effects and potentiates the antioxidant defences by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) metabolites and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increasing total glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, noscapine has indicated antiangiogenic and antimetastatic effects. Noscapine induces apoptosis in many cancerous cell types and provides favourable antitumour activities and inhibitory cell proliferation in solid tumours, even drug-resistant strains, via mitochondrial pathways. Moreover, this compound attenuates the dynamic properties of microtubules and arrests the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Noscapine can reduce endothelial cell migration in the brain by inhibiting endothelial cell activator interleukin 8 (IL-8). In fact, this study aimed to elaborate on the possible mechanisms of noscapine against different disorders.

Natural Products: A Promising Therapeutics for Targeting Tumor Angiogenesis

Tumor-associated angiogenesis is a key target for anti-cancer therapy. The imbalance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic signals elicited by tumor cells or tumor microenvironment always results in activating "angiogenic switch". Tumor angiogenesis functions in multi-aspects of tumor biology, including endothelial cell apoptosis, tumor metastasis, and cancer stem cell proliferation. Numerous studies have indicated the important roles of inexpensive and less toxic natural products in targeting tumor angiogenesis-associated cytokines and apoptotic signaling pathways. Our current knowledge of tumor angiogenesis is based mainly on experiments performed on cells and animals, so we summarized the well-established models for angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we classified and summarized the anti-angiogenic natural agents (Polyphenols, Polysaccharides, Alkaloids, Terpenoids, Saponins) in targeting various tumor types according to their chemical structures at present, and discussed the mechanistic principles of these natural products on regulating angiogenesis-associated cytokines and apoptotic signaling pathways. This review is to help understanding the recent progress of natural product research for drug development on anti-tumor angiogenesis.

A review of research progress of antitumor drugs based on tubulin targets

Microtubules exist in all eukaryotic cells and are one of the critical components that make up the cytoskeleton. Microtubules play a crucial role in supporting cell morphology, cell division, and material transport. Tubulin modulators can promote microtubule polymerization or cause microtubule depolymerization. The modulators interfere with the mitosis of cells and inhibit cell proliferation. Tubulin mainly has three binding domains, namely, paclitaxel, vinca and colchicine binding domains, which are the best targets for the development of anticancer drugs. Currently, drugs for tumor therapy have been developed for these three domains. However, due to its narrow therapeutic window, poor selectivity, and susceptibility to drug resistance, it has severely limited clinical applications. The method of combined medication, the change of administration method, the modification of compound structure, and the research and development of new targets have all changed the side effects of tubulin drugs to a certain extent. In this review, we briefly introduce a basic overview of tubulin and the main mechanism of anti-tumor. Secondly, we focus on the application of drugs which developed based on the three domains of tubulin to various cancers in various fields. Finally, we further provide the development progress of tubulin inhibitors currently in clinical trials.