Neuroprotective Efficacy of Phytoconstituents of Methanolic Shoots Extract of Calligonum polygonoides L. in Hypercholesterolemia-associated Neurodegenerations

BACKGROUND

Small molecule phytocompounds can potentially ameliorate degenerative changes in cerebral tissues. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective efficacy of phytocompounds of methanolic shoots extract of Calligonum polygonoides L. (MSECP) in hypercholesterolemia-associated neurodegenerations.

METHODS

Phytochemical screening of the extract was made by LCMS/MS and validated by a repository of the chemical library. The hypercholesterolemia was induced through the intraperitoneal administration of poloxamer-407 with a high-fat diet. The in-silico assessments were accomplished by following the molecular docking, ADME and molecular dynamics. MMPBSA and PCA (Principal Component Analysis) analyzed the molecular dynamics simulations. Consequently, in-vivo studies were examined by lipid metabolism, free radical scavenging capabilities and histopathology of brain tissues (cortex and hippocampus).

RESULTS

22 leading phytocompounds were exhibited in the test extract, as revealed by LCMS/ MS scrutiny. Molecular docking evaluated significant interactions of apigenin triacetate with target proteins (HMGCR (HMG-CoA reductase), (AChE-Acetylcholinesterase) and (BuChE- Butyrylcholinesterase). Molecular dynamics examined the interactions through assessments of the radius of gyration, RSMD, RSMF and SASA at 100 ns, which were further analyzed by MMPBSA (Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann) and PCA (Principal Component Analysis). Accordingly, the treatment of test extract caused significant alterations in lipid profile, dyslipidemia indices, antioxidant levels and histopathology of brain tissues.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that apigenin triacetate is a potent phytoconstituent of MSEPC and can interact with HMGCR, AChE, and BuChE, which resulted in improved hypercholesterolemia along with neuroprotective ameliorations in the cortex and hippocampus.

Prospective Randomized Pilot Trial on the Effects of Mild Hypercapnia on Cerebral Oxygen Saturation in Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

A single-center prospective randomized controlled study was conducted to assess the effect of targeted mild hypercapnia (TMH) on cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A prospective randomized controlled study involving 100 patients undergoing off-pump CABG at U. N. Mehta Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

INTERVENTION

Patients were randomized to either the TMH (PaCO2 45-55 mmHg) or the targeted normocapnia (TN; PaCO2 35-45 mmHg) group, containing 50 patients in each group.

MEASUREMENTS

Monitoring of rSO2, heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), PaCO2, and peripheral oxygen saturation was done at baseline, after induction, after left internal mammary artery harvesting, at each grafting (distal and proximal), after protamine, and after shifting to the intensive care unit. The standardized minimental-state examination (SMMSE) was performed preoperatively and at 8, 12, and 24 hours postextubation. Data were analyzed using an independent sample t test.

RESULTS

The TMH group had higher MAP during grafting (p < 0.001) and higher rSO2 on both sides during distal and proximal grafting (p < 0.001) and after protamine (p < 0.05), as compared to the TN group. Compared to preoperative values, SMMSE scores in the TN group were significantly lower at 12 and 24 hours postextubation (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

TMH during grafting increased the cerebral blood flow and rSO2 when hemodynamic instability was very common. It has a protective role on the brain and helps maintain cognition postoperatively.

DPP-4 inhibition mediated antidiabetic potential of phytoconstituents of an aqueous fruit extract of Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal: in-silico, in-vitro and in-vivo assessments

The DPP-4 inhibition is an interesting target for the development of antidiabetic agents which promotes the longevity of GPL-1(Glucagon-like peptide 1). The current study was intended to assess DPP-4(Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4) inhibition mediated antidiabetic effect of phytocompounds of an aqueous fruit extract of Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal by in-vitro, in-silico and in-vivo approaches. The phytoconstituents screening was executed by LCMS (Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry). The in-vitro and in-vivo, DPP-4 assays were performed by using available kits. The in-vitro DPP-4 activity was inhibited up to 68.3% by the test extract. Accordingly, in-silico determinations of molecular docking, molecular dynamics and pharmacokinetics were performed between the target enzyme DPP-4 and leading phytocompounds. The molecular dynamics authenticated the molecular docking data by crucial parameters of cytosolic milieu by the potential energy, RSMD (Root Mean Square Deviation), RSMF (Root Mean Square Fluctuation), system density, NVT (Number of particles at fixed volume, ensemble) and NPT (Number of particles at fixed pressure, ensemble). Accordingly, ADMET predictions assessed the druggability profile. Subsequently, the course of the test extract and the sitagliptin (positive control), instigated significant (p ≤ 0.001) ameliorations in HOMA indices and the equal of antioxidants in nicotinamide-streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic animal model. Compassionately, the histopathology represented increased pancreatic cellular mass which caused in restoration of histoarchitectures. It has been concluded that phytoconstituents in W. coagulans aqueous fruit extract can regulate DPP-4, resulting in improved glucose homeostasis and enhanced endocrinal pancreatic cellular mass.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Ameliorations in dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic plaque by the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and antioxidant potential of phytoconstituents of an aqueous seed extract of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd in rabbits

The assigned work was aimed to examine the capability of phytoconstituents of an aqueous seed extract of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and regression of the atherosclerotic plaque. The chemical fingerprinting of the test extract was assessed by LC-MS/MS. Consequently, the analyses of in-vitro, in-vivo, and in-silico were executed by using the standard protocols. The in-vitro assessment of the test extract revealed 74.1% inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase. In-vivo assessments of the test extract indicated that treated hypercholesterolemic rabbits exhibited a significant (P≤0.001) amelioration in the biomarker indices of the dyslipidaemia i.e., atherogenic index, Castelli risk index(I&II), atherogenic coefficient along with lipid profile. Subsequently, significant reductions were observed in the atherosclerotic plaque and antioxidant levels. The in-silico study of molecular docking shown interactions capabilities of the leading phytoconstituents of the test extract i.e., eicosanoic acid, linoleic acid, and flavan-3-ol with target protein of HMG-CoA reductase. The values of RSMF and potential energy of top docked complexes were show significant interactions. Accordingly, the free energy of solvation, interaction angle, radius of gyration and SASA were shown significant stabilities of top docked complex. The cumulative data of results indicate phytoconstituents of an aqueous seed extract of Acacia senegal have capabilities to inhibit the HMG-CoA reductase and improve the levels of antioxidants.

Molecular docking and MD: mimicking the real biological process

In the processes of molecular docking and simulation studies; the computational techniques have a vast and significant role in drug discovery process. The rigid view in the binding of both target and ligand is the basis of modeling strategy process. More evolution to such processes with the time has lead in revealing the path of understanding the dynamic nature of binding processes. In this chapter we have focused on molecular docking along with dynamic studies in reference to biological processes.

Astaxanthin: A super antioxidant from microalgae and its therapeutic potential

Astaxanthin is a ketocarotenoid, super antioxidant molecule. It has higher antioxidant activity than a range of carotenoids, thus has applications in cosmetics, aquaculture, nutraceuticals, therapeutics, and pharmaceuticals. Naturally, it is derived from Haematococcus pluvialis via a one-stage process or two-stage process. Natural astaxanthin significantly reduces oxidative and free-radical stress as compared to synthetic astaxanthin. The present review summarizes all the aspects of astaxanthin, including its structure, chemistry, bioavailability, and current production technology. Also, this paper gives a detailed mechanism for the potential role of astaxanthin as nutraceuticals for cardiovascular disease prevention, skin protection, antidiabetic and anticancer, cosmetic ingredient, natural food colorant, and feed supplement in poultry and aquaculture. Astaxanthin is one of the high-valued microalgae products of the future. However, due to some risks involved or not having adequate research in terms of long-term consumption, it is still yet to be explored by food industries. Although the cost of naturally derived astaxanthin is high, it accounts for only a 1% share in total astaxanthin available in the global market. Therefore, scientists are looking for ways to cut down the cost of natural astaxanthin to be made available to consumers.

In-silico Analysis of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) of Livestock, Pet and Poultry Animals to Determine its Susceptibility to SARS-CoV- 2 Infection

BACKGROUND

Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. It was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and despite the tremendous efforts to control the disease, it has now spread almost all over the world. The interaction of SARSCoV- 2spike protein and its acceptor protein ACE2 is an important issue in determining viral host range and cross-species infection, while the binding capacity of spike protein to ACE2 of different species is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The present study has been conducted to determine the susceptibility of livestock, poultry and pets to SARS-CoV-2.

METHODS

We evaluated the receptor-utilizing capability of ACE2s from various species by sequence alignment, phylogenetic clustering and protein-ligand interaction studies with the currently known ACE2s utilized by SARS-CoV-2.

RESULT

In-silico study predicted that SARS-CoV-2 tends to utilize ACE2s of various animal species with varied possible interactions. The probability of the receptor utilization will be greater in horse and poor in chicken, followed by ruminants.

CONCLUSION

Present study predicted that SARS-CoV-2 tends to utilize ACE2s of various livestock and poultry species with greater probability in equine and poor in chicken. The study may provide important insights into the animal models for SARS-CoV-2 and animal management for COVID- 19 control.

In-silico immunoinformatic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 virus for the development of putative vaccine construct

COVID-19 (CoronaVirus disease 2019) is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2). SARS-CoV-2 virus is highly contagious and affects the human respiratory tract resulting in symptoms such as high fever, body ache, cough, dysfunctions of tastebuds and smelling sense of body. The objective of the present study involves immunoinformatic analysis to predict COVID-19 protein for vaccine construct based on the genomic information SARS-CoV-2 virus. At present, as per WHO estimates, around 133 COVID-19 novel vaccines under development. Three amino acid sequences of SARS-CoV-2 were retrieved from the NCBI database for the analysis of vaccine construct. This study involves computational and immunoinformatic methods. The Immunoinformatic tools used in the present study are NetCTL server, IFN epitope server, Toxin PRED, BCPred, CTL + HTL + ADJUVANTS + LINKERS, AlgPredserver, VaxiJenserver, ProtParam to predict vaccine construct. The secondary and tertiary structure prediction is done by PSIPRED, I-TASSER, Galaxy refine, prosA + Ramachandran. Finally, docking of the vaccine constructs and ligand was done with the help of Cluspro 2.0. C-ImmSimm webserver to simulate the potential vaccine construct. The present study demonstrated three potential Vaccine constructs for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which were docked with TLR8 (Toll-likereceptor8). Interestingly from these, all constructs one having a high potential for the inhibition effect of the SARS-CoV-2virus. Immunological simulation data shows significant elevated amount of memory B cell; also, the high response was seen in TH(Helper) and TC(cytotoxic) cell population from the vaccine construct proposed in the current study. Hence, these constructs are suitable vaccine candidates that might be useful in developing a novel vaccine.

A comparative molecular dynamic simulation study on potent ligands targeting mTOR/FRB domain for breast cancer therapy

Our study aimed to develop and find out the best drug candidate against the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR/FRB) domain having a critical role in the aetiology of breast cancer. The FKBP12-rapamycin-binding (FRB) domain in the essential phosphoinositide 3 kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway has been a vital player in the disease progression in breast cancer. By using structure-based drug designing , the best possible targets have been identified and developed. The three-dimensional structure of the target protein was generated using I-TASSER. The ligands were generated against the most suitable target active site using standard tools for active site identification. Furthermore, the seed molecule was drawn using Chemsketch, which was then grown into the pocket using Ligbuilder. The obtained ligands were further validated using online programs for bioavailability and toxicity, followed by molecular dynamic simulations. The study concludes that the equilibrated NVT-NPT complexes indicate LIG2 stability over LIG3. RMSD and RMSF have shown that the complex of LIG2 is more stable than LIG3. LIG2 has the potential antagonistic properties to target the mTOR/FRB domain and has therapeutic implications for breast cancer.

Identification of phytochemicals as potential therapeutic agents that binds to Nsp15 protein target of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that are capable of inhibiting virus replication

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) playing havoc across the globe caused 585,727 deaths and 13,616,593 confirmed cases so far as per World Health Organization data released till 17th July 2020. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV- 2) is responsible for causing this pandemic across different continents. It is not only impacting the world economy but also quarantined millions of people in their homes or hospitals.

PURPOSE

At present, there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved drug or vaccine available to treat this disease. Still, people are trying various pre-existing medicines that are known to have anti-viral or anti-parasitic effects. In view of this, the present study aimed to study the binding potential of various phytochemicals present in multiple natural plant extract as a secondary metabolite to non-structural protein 15 (Nsp15) protein, a drug target known to play a crucial role in virulence of coronavirus.

METHOD

Nsp15 protein was selected because it shows 89% similarity to the other SARS-CoV, which caused the earlier outbreak. The assumption is that inhibition of Nsp15 slowdowns the viral replication. Phytochemicals are selected as these are present in various plant parts (seed, flower, roots, etc.), which are used in different food cuisines in different geographical regions across the globe. The molecular docking approach was performed using two different software, i.e., Autodock, and Swissdock, to study the interaction of various phytochemicals with Nsp15 protein. Hydroxychloroquine is used as a positive control as it is used by medical professionals showing some positive effects in dealing with coronavirus.

RESULTS

The present study demonstrated the binding potential of approximately 50 phytochemicals with Nsp15 and capable of inhibiting the viral replication, although in vitro and in vivo tests are required to confirm these findings.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the present study successfully demonstrated the binding of phytochemicals such as sarsasapogenin, ursonic acid, curcumin, ajmalicine, novobiocin, silymarin and aranotin, piperine, gingerol, rosmarinic acid, and alpha terpinyl acetate to Nsp15 viral protein and they might play a key role in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication.

Functional Characterization and Structural Modelling of Peptidoglycan Degrading β-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase from a Dental Isolate of Serratia marcescens

INTRODUCTION

Enzymatic degradation of peptidoglycan, a structural cell wall component of Gram-positive bacteria, has attracted considerable attention being a specific target for many known antibiotics.

METHODS

Peptidoglycan hydrolases are involved in bacterial lysis through peptidoglycan degradation. β-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase, a peptidoglycan hydrolase, acts on O-glycosidic bonds formed by N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetyl muramic acid residues of peptidoglycan. Aim of present study was to study the action of β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other Gram-negative bacteria.

RESULTS

We investigated its dynamic behaviour using molecular dynamics simulation and observed that serine and alanine residues are involved in catalytic reaction in addition to aspartic acid, histidine, lysine and arginine residues. When simulated in its bound state, the RMSD values were found lesser than crystal form in the time stamp of 1000 picoseconds revealing its stability. Structure remained stably folded over 1000 picoseconds without undergoing any major change further confirming the stability of complex.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that enzymes belonging to this category can serve as a tool in eradicating Gram-positive pathogens and associated infections.

A polystyrene based membrane electrode for cadmium(II) ions

A polystyrene based membrane of 3,4:12,13-dibenzo-2,5,11,14-tetraoxo- 1,6,10,15-tetraazacyclooctade-cane shows a Nernstian response to Cd(II) ions over a wide concentration range (3.16 x 10(-6) - 1.00 x 10(-1) mol L(-1) with a Nernstian slope of 29.8 mV/decade of concentration, between pH 2.0 and 6.0. This electrode has been found to be chemically inert and of adequate stability with a response time of 20s. The electrode gives reproducible results with a lifetime of 130 days. The membrane works satisfactorily in a partially non-aqueous medium up to a maximum 35% (v/v) content of methanol and ethanol. The practical utility of the proposed chemical sensor has been observed by using it as end-point indicator in the titration of Cd(II) ions with EDTA. The potentiometric selectivity coefficient values indicate that the membrane sensor is highly selective for Cd(II) ions over a number of cations. Small amounts of surfactants do not disturb the functioning of the sensor. This electrode has also been used to estimate cadmium ions in real samples.