Novel Stable Protease Inhibitor from Phoenix dactylifera(L.) Flowers with Antimicrobial and Antitumoral Activities

A novel protease inhibitor isolated from date palm Phoenix dactylifera(L.) flowers (PIDF) was purified and characterized. A heat and acidic treatment step followed by ethanol precipitation and reverse-phase high-performance chromatography was applied to purify this natural protease inhibitor to homogeneity with a single band of about 19 kDa. The stability study depicted that PIDF was fully stable at 40 °C and retained 65% of its initial activity after heating at 50 °C for 24 h. Its thermal stability at 70 °C was markedly enhanced by adding calcium, bovine serum albumin, and sorbitol as well as by metal divalent cations, especially Mg2+ and Hg2+. This protease inhibitor showed high inhibitory activity against therapeutic proteases, including pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and collagenase, and acted as a potent inhibitor of some commercial microbial proteases from Aspergillus oryzae, Bacillus. sp, and Bacillus licheniformis. Moreover, a potent antibacterial spectrum against Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacterial strains and an efficient antifungal effect were observed. Its cytotoxicity toward human colorectal cancer cell LoVo and HCT-116 lines suggested that PIDF could serve as a new therapeutic target inhibiting human colorectal cancer.

Computational analysis of dimer G6PD structure to elucidate pathogenicity of G6PD variants

An inherent genetic enzyme disorder in humans, known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, arises due to specific mutations. While the prevailing approach for investigating G6PD variants involves biochemical analysis, the intricate structural details remain limited, impeding a comprehensive understanding of how different G6PD variants of varying classes impact their functionality. This study 22 examined the dynamic properties of G6PD wild types and six G6PD variants from 23 different classes using molecular dynamic simulation (MDS). The wild-type and variant 24 G6PD structures unveil high fluctuations within the amino acid range of 274-515, the structural NADP+ binding site, pivotal for enzyme dimerization. Specifically, two variants, G6PDZacatecas (R257L) and G6PDDurham (K238R), demonstrate compromised structural stability at the dimer interface, attributable to the disruption of a salt bridge involving Glu 206 and Lys 407, along with the disturbance of hydrogen bonds formed by Asp 421 at the βN-βN sheets. Consequently, this impairment cascades to affect the binding affinity of crucial interactions, such as Lys 171-Glucose-6-Phosphate (G6P) and Lys 171-catalytic NADP+, leading to diminished enzyme activity. This study underscores the utility of computational in silico techniques in predicting the structural alterations and flexibility of G6PD variants. This insight holds promise for guiding future endeavors in drug development targeted at mitigating the impacts of G6PD deficiency.

Urtica pilulifera leaves extract mitigates cadmium induced hepatotoxicity via modulation of antioxidants, inflammatory markers and Nrf-2 signaling in mice

Introduction: Cadmium (Cd) is a harmful heavy metal that results in many toxic issues. Urtica pilulifera showed potential pharmaceutical applications. This study investigated the possible ameliorative mechanism of Urtica pilulifera leaves extract (UPLE) against hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in mice. Methods: In vitro phytochemical screening and the metal-chelating activity of UPLE were ascertained. Four groups of forty male mice were used (n = 10) as follows; Group 1 (G1) was a negative control. G2 was injected i.p., with UPLE (100 mg/kg b. wt) daily. G3 was injected i.p., with Cd (5 mg/kg b. wt) daily. G4 was injected with Cd as in G3 and with UPLE as in G2. On day 11, the body weight changes were evaluated, blood, and serum samples were collected for hematological and biochemical assessments. Liver tissues were used for biochemical, molecular, and histopathological investigations. Results: The results showed that UPLE contains promising secondary metabolites that considerably lessen the negative effects of Cd on liver. Furthermore, UPLE inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation; restored antioxidant molecules; and promoted nuclear-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) expression. Also, UPLE improved the histopathological alterations induced by Cd. Discussion: This study explored the beneficial role of UPLE treatment in Cd-induced liver injury through enhancing Nrf-2 signaling and antioxidant enzyme gene expression in the liver of mice. Therefore, UPLE could have valuable implications against hepatotoxicity induced by environmental cadmium exposure. Which can be used as a chelating agent against Cd.

Biophysical and in-silico studies on the structure-function relationship of Brugia malayi protein disulfide isomerase

Human Lymphatic filariasis is caused by parasitic nematodes Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), a redox-active enzyme, helps to form and isomerize the disulfide bonds, thereby acting as a chaperone. Such activity is essential for activating many essential enzymes and functional proteins. Brugia malayi protein disulfide isomerase (BmPDI) is crucial for parasite survival and an important drug target. Here, we used a combination of spectroscopic and computational analysis to study the structural and functional changes in the BmPDI during unfolding. Tryptophan fluorescence data revealed two well-separated transitions during the unfolding process, suggesting that the unfolding of the BmPDI is non-cooperative. The binding of the fluorescence probe 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid dye (ANS) validated the results obtained by the pH unfolding. The dynamics of molecular simulation performed at different pH conditions revealed the structural basis of BmPDI unfolding. Detailed analysis suggested that under different pH, both the global structure and the conformational dynamics of the active site residues were differentially altered. Our multiparametric study reveals the differential dynamics and collective motions of BmPDI unfolding, providing insights into its structure-function relationship.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In vitro and in silico analysis of Solanum torvum fruit and methyl caffeate interaction with cholinesterases

Oxidative stress along with dysfunction in cholinergic neurotransmission primarily underlies cognitive impairment. A significant approach to mitigate cognitive dysfunction involves the inhibition of cholinesterases, namely acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Exploring the potential antioxidant and anticholinesterase effects of edible plants holds promise for their utilization as botanicals to enhance cognition. Solanum torvum fruit with vast biological properties are used as food. In the present study, butanolic extract of S. torvum fruits (BESTF) was prepared. Additionally, the study investigated into the properties of methyl caffeate (MC), a compound present in S. torvum, obtained in its pure form. In vitro antioxidant and anticholinesterases activity of BESTF and MC were determined. BESTF and MC showed potent antioxidant property. BESTF and MC dose-dependently inhibited AChE (IC50 values: 166.6 µg/ml and 680.6 µM, respectively) and BChE (IC50 values: 161.55 µg/ml and 413 µM, respectively). BESTF and MC inhibited AChE and BChE in competitive mode. Active site gorge of AChE/BChE was occupied by MC which formed interaction with amino acids present in catalytic site and PAS in in silico. Further, molecular dynamics simulations followed by free energy calculation, principal component analysis and dynamic cross-correlation matrix provided the compelling evidence that that MC maintained stable interactions during MD simulation with AChE and BChE. Collectively, the results from the present study underlines the cognitive-enhancing effect of BESTF and MC.

Functional Characterization and Anti-Tumor Effect of a Novel Group II Secreted Phospholipase A2 from Snake Venom of Saudi Cerastes cerates gasperetti

Secreted phospholipases A2 are snake-venom proteins with many biological activities, notably anti-tumor activity. Phospholipases from the same snake type but different geographical locations have shown similar biochemical and biological activities with minor differences in protein sequences. Thus, the discovery of a new phospholipase A2 with unique characteristics identified in a previously studied venom could suggest the origins of these differences. Here, a new Group II secreted phospholipase A2 (Cc-PLA2-II) from the snake venom of Saudi Cerastes cerastes gasperetti was isolated and characterized. The purified enzyme had a molecular weight of 13.945 kDa and showed high specific activity on emulsified phosphatidylcholine of 1560 U/mg at pH 9.5 and 50 °C with strict calcium dependence. Interestingly, stability in extreme pH and high temperatures was observed after enzyme incubation at several pH levels and temperatures. Moreover, a significant dose-dependent cytotoxic anti-tumor effect against six human cancer cell lines was observed with concentrations of Cc-PLA2 ranging from 2.5 to 8 µM. No cytotoxic effect on normal human umbilical-vein endothelial cells was noted. These results suggest that Cc-PLA2-II potentially has angiogenic activity of besides cytotoxicity as part of its anti-tumor mechanism. This study justifies the inclusion of this enzyme in many applications for anticancer drug development.

Combined immobilized lipases for effective biodiesel production from spent coffee grounds

This work describes the enzymatic transesterification of the oil extracted from SCGs for synthesis of biodiesel as a promising alternative to diesel fuels based on petroleum. Biocatalysts from various sources were tested for biodiesel synthesis using coffee oil among which CaCO3- immobilized Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus stearothermophilus showed the highest conversion yields (61 ± 2.64% and 64.3 ± 1.53%, respectively) in 4 h. In further optimizing reaction parameters, methanol to oil molar ratio, biocatalyst quantity, water content, as well as incubation time and temperature markedly improved oil-to-biodiesel conversion up to 99.33 ± 0.57 % in a solvent free reaction after 12 h at 55 °C. A mixture of inexpensive CaCO3-immobilized bacterial lipases at a 1:1 ratio was the best environment-friendly catalyst for biofuel synthesis as well as the ideal trade-off between conversion and cost. Obtained coffee biodiesel remained stable beyond 40 days at ambient storage conditions and its chemical characteristics were comparable to those of other known biodiesels according to the European requirements (EN14214). Collectively, SCGs, after oil extraction, could be an ideal substrate for the production of an environment-friendly biodiesel by using appropriate mixture of CaCO3-immobilized lipases.

Unveiling sex-based differences in developing propionic acid-induced features in mice as a rodent model of ASD

Background

Males are more likely to develop autism as a neurodevelopmental disorder than females are, although the mechanisms underlying male vulnerability are not fully understood. Therefore, studying the role of autism etiologies considering sex differences in the propionic acid (PPA) rodent model of autism would build greater understanding of how females are protected from autism spectrum disorder, which may be used as a treatment strategy for males with autism.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the sex differences in oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and gut microbiota impairment as etiological mechanisms for many neurological diseases, with specific reference to autism.

Method

Forty albino mice were divided into four groups of 10 animals each with two control and two treated groups of both sexes received only phosphate-buffered saline or a neurotoxic dose of PPA (250 mg/kg body weight) for 3 days, respectively. Biochemical markers of energy metabolism, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and excitotoxicity were measured in mouse brain homogenates, whereas the presence of pathogenic bacteria was assessed in mouse stool samples. Furthermore, the repetitive behavior, cognitive ability, and physical-neural coordination of the animals were examined.

Results

Collectively, selected variables related to oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and gut bacteria were impaired concomitantly with altered behavior in PPA-induced rodent model, with males being more susceptible than females.

Conclusion

This study explains the role of sex in the higher vulnerability of males to develop autistic biochemical and behavioral features compared with females. Female sex hormones and the higher detoxification capacity and higher glycolytic flux in females serve as neuroprotective contributors in a rodent model of autism.

A computational study of structural analysis of Class I human glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) variants: Elaborating the correlation to chronic non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia (CNSHA)

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common human enzyme defect that affects more than 500 million people worldwide. Individuals affected with G6PD deficiency may occasionally suffer mild-to-severe chronic hemolytic anemia. Chronic non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia (CNSHA) is a potential result of the Class I G6PD variants. This comparative computational study attempted to correct the defect in variants structure by docking the AG1 molecule to selected Class I G6PD variants [G6PD^Nashville (Arg393His), G6PD^Alhambra (Val394Leu), and G6PD^Durham (Lys238Arg)] at the dimer interface and structural NADP⁺ binding site. It was followed by an analysis of the enzyme conformations before and after binding to the AG1 molecule using the molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) approach, while the severity of CNSHA was determined via root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF), hydrogen bonds, salt bridges, radius of gyration (Rg), solvent accessible surface area analysis (SASA), and principal component analysis (PCA). The results revealed that G6PD^Nashville (Arg393His) and G6PD^Durham (Lys238Arg) had lost the direct contact with structural NADP⁺ and salt bridges at Glu419 - Arg427 and Glu206 - Lys407 were disrupted in all selected variants. Furthermore, the AG1 molecule re-stabilized the enzyme structure by restoring the missing interactions. Bioinformatics approaches were also used to conduct a detailed structural analysis of the G6PD enzyme at a molecular level to understand the implications of these variants toward enzyme function. Our findings suggest that despite the lack of treatment for G6PDD to date, AG1 remains a novel molecule that promotes activation in a variety of G6PD variants.

Bee Pollen and Probiotics' Potential to Protect and Treat Intestinal Permeability in Propionic Acid-Induced Rodent Model of Autism

Rodent models may help investigations on the possible link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gut microbiota since autistic patients frequently manifested gastrointestinal troubles as co-morbidities. Thirty young male rats were divided into five groups: Group 1 serves as control; Group 2, bee pollen and probiotic-treated; and Group 3, propionic acid (PPA)-induced rodent model of autism; Group 4 and Group 5, the protective and therapeutic groups were given bee pollen and probiotic combination treatment either before or after the neurotoxic dose of PPA, respectively. Serum occludin, zonulin, lipid peroxides (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase, and gut microbial composition were assessed in all investigated groups. Recorded data clearly indicated the marked elevation in serum occludin (1.23 ± 0.15 ng/mL) and zonulin (1.91 ± 0.13 ng/mL) levels as potent biomarkers of leaky gut in the PPA- treated rats while both were normalized to bee pollen/probiotic-treated rats. Similarly, the high significant decrease in catalase (3.55 ± 0.34 U/dL), GSH (39.68 ± 3.72 µg/mL), GST (29.85 ± 2.18 U/mL), and GPX (13.39 ± 1.54 U/mL) concomitant with a highly significant increase in MDA (3.41 ± 0.12 µmoles/mL) as a marker of oxidative stress was also observed in PPA-treated animals. Interestingly, combined bee pollen/probiotic treatments demonstrated remarkable amelioration of the five studied oxidative stress variables as well as the fecal microbial composition. Overall, our findings demonstrated a new approach to the beneficial use of bee pollen and probiotic combination as a therapeutic intervention strategy to relieve neurotoxic effects of PPA, a short-chain fatty acid linked to the pathoetiology of autism.

SDS induces amorphous, amyloid-fibril, and alpha-helical structures in the myoglobin in a concentration-dependent manner

Amyloid fibrils have been linked to a number of diseases. Surfactants imitate plasma membrane lipids and induce amyloid fibrils. This study examined the effects of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at pH 4.5 on equine skeletal muscle myoglobin (E-Mb). To analyze the effect of SDS on aggregation and amyloid-fibril formation to E-Mb, we used various spectroscopic techniques (turbidity, light scattering, intrinsic fluorescence, ThT fluorescence, and circular dichroism (CD)), electrophoretic, and microscopic techniques. Turbidity, SDS-PAGE, and light scattering all indicated the formation of E-Mb aggregates at SDS concentrations ranging from 0.2 mM to 1.0 mM. In the presence of 0.4 mM SDS, far-UV CD and TEM data indicate that E-MB forms amorphous aggregates. ThT binding, Far-UV CD, and TEM findings indicate that E-Mb forms amyloid-like structures in the presence of 0.6-1.0 mM SDS. However, no aggregation was seen at SDS concentrations above 1 mM. In the presence of high SDS concentrations (> 1 mM), the E-Mb exhibited native-like α-helical structure. As a result, SDS exhibited three distinct behaviors: amorphous aggregates, amyloid-fibrils, and helix-inducer. These findings also shed light on how amyloid fibrils are formed when anionic surfactants are introduced, which is a significant takeaway.

Prenatal SSRI Exposure Increases the Risk of Autism in Rodents via Aggravated Oxidative Stress and Neurochemical Changes in the Brain

The mechanisms underlying selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use during pregnancy as a major autism risk factor are unclear. Here, brain neurochemical changes following fluoxetine exposure and in an autism model were compared to determine the effects on autism risk. The study was performed on neonatal male western albino rats which were divided into Groups one (control), two (propionic acid [PPA]-induced autism model), and three (prenatal SSRI-exposed newborn rats whose mothers were exposed to 5 mg/kg of fluoxetine over gestation days 10-20). SSRI (fluoxetine) induced significant neurochemical abnormalities in the rat brain by increasing lipid peroxide (MDA), Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and caspase-3 levels and by depleting Glutathione (GSH), Glutathione S-transferases (GST), Catalase, potassium (K+), and Creatine kinase (CK) levels, similarly to what has been discovered in the PPA model of autism when compared with control. Prenatal fluoxetine exposure plays a significant role in asset brain damage in newborns; further investigation of fluoxetine as an autism risk factor is thus warranted.

Association between inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, clinical laboratory parameters, disease severity and in-hospital mortality in critical and mild COVID-19 patients without comorbidities or immune-mediated diseases

There are limited data on inflammatory cytokines and chemokines; the humoral immune response; and main clinical laboratory parameters as indicators for disease severity and mortality in patients with critical and mild COVID-19 without comorbidities or immune-mediated diseases in Saudi Arabia. We determined the expression levels of major proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines; C-reactive protein (CRP); procalcitonin; SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibody and twenty-two clinical laboratory parameters and assessed their usefulness as indicators of disease severity and in-hospital death. Our results showed a significant increase in the expression levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibody; IL1-β; IL-6; IL-8; TNF-α and CRP in critical COVID-19 patients; neutrophil count; urea; creatinine and troponin were also increased. The elevation of these biomarkers was significantly associated and positively correlated with in-hospital death in critical COVID-19 patients. Our results suggest that the levels of IL1-β; IL-6; IL-8; TNF-α; and CRP; neutrophil count; urea; creatinine; and troponin could be used to predict disease severity in COVID-19 patients without comorbidities or immune-mediated diseases. These inflammatory mediators could be used as predictive early biomarkers of COVID-19 disease deterioration; shock and death among COVID-19 patients without comorbidities or immune-mediated diseases.

Biochemical, Kinetic and Biological Properties of Group V Phospholipase A2 from Dromedary

Secretory group V phospholipase A2 (PLA₂-V) is known to be involved in inflammatory processes in cellular studies, nevertheless, the biochemical and the enzymatic characteristics of this important enzyme have been unclear yet. We reported, as a first step towards understanding the biochemical properties, catalytic characteristics, antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of this PLA₂, the production of PLA₂-V from dromedary. The obtained DrPLA₂-V has an absolute requirement for Ca²⁺ and NaTDC for enzymatic activity with an optimum pH of 9 and temperature of 45 °C with phosphatidylethanolamine as a substrate. Kinetic parameters showed that K_cat/Km_app is 2.6 ± 0.02 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹. The enzyme was found to display potent Gram-positive bactericidal activity (with IC50 values of about 5 µg/mL) and antifungal activity (with IC50 values of about 25 µg/mL)in vitro. However, the purified enzyme did not display a cytotoxic effect against cancer cells.

Psychobiotics improve propionic acid-induced neuroinflammation in juvenile rats, rodent model of autism

This study aimed to evaluate the protective and therapeutic potency of bee pollen and probiotic mixture on brain intoxication caused by propionic acid (PPA) in juvenile rats. Five groups of six animals each, were used: the control group only receiving phosphate-buffered saline; the bee pollen and probiotic-treated group receiving a combination of an equal quantity of bee pollen and probiotic (0.2 kg/kg body weight); the PPA group being treated for 3 days with an oral neurotoxic dose of PPA (0.25 kg/kg body weight); the protective and therapeutic groups receiving bee pollen and probiotic mixture treatment right before and after the neurotoxic dose of PPA, respectively. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor α, and interferon γ (IFN-γ) were investigated to evaluate the neuroinflammatory responses in brain tissues from different animal groups. The much higher IL-1β, IL-8, and IFN-γ, as pro-inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.001), together with much lower IL-10, as anti-inflammatory cytokine (P < 0.001) compared to controls clearly demonstrated the neurotoxic effects of PPA. Interestingly, the mixture of bee pollen and probiotics was effective in alleviating PPA neurotoxic effects in both therapeutic and protective groups demonstrating highly significant changes in IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, and IFN-γ levels together with non-significant reduction in IL-6 levels compared to PPA-treated rats. Overall, our findings demonstrated a new approach to the beneficial use of psychobiotics presenting as bee pollen and probiotic combination in neuroinflammation through cytokine changes as a possible role of glial cells in gut–brain axis.

Synthesis, Biological, and Molecular Docking Studies on 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene Derivatives and Their Nanoparticles Targeting Colorectal Cancer

Initiation of colorectal carcinogenesis may be induced by chromosomal instability caused by oxidative stress or indirectly by bacterial infections. Moreover, proliferating tumor cells are characterized by reprogrammed glucose metabolism, which is associated with upregulation of PDK1 and LDHA enzymes. In the present study, some 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene derivatives in addition to Fe₃O₄ and Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) supported with a new Schiff base were synthesized for biological evaluation as PDK1 and LDHA inhibitors as well as antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic agents on LoVo and HCT-116 cells of colorectal cancer (CRC). The results showed that compound 1b is the most active as PDK1 and LDHA inhibitor with IC₅₀ values (μg/mL) of 57.10 and 64.10 compared to 25.75 and 15.60, which were produced by the standard inhibitors sodium dichloroacetate and sodium oxamate, respectively. NPs12a,b and compound 1b exhibited the strongest antioxidant properties with IC₅₀ values (μg/mL) of 80.0, 95.0, and 110.0 μg/mL, respectively, compared to 54.0 μg/mL, which was produced by butylated hydroxy toluene. Moreover, NPs12a and carbamate derivative 3b exhibited significant cytotoxic activities with IC₅₀ values (μg/mL) of 57.15 and 81.50 (LoVo cells) and 60.35 and 71.00 (HCT-116 cells). Thus, NPs12a and compound 3b would be considered as promising candidates suitable for further optimization to develop new chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents against these types of CRC cell lines. Besides, molecular docking in the colchicine binding site of the tubulin (TUB) domain revealed a good binding affinity of 3b to the protein; in addition, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) analyses showed its desirable drug-likeness and oral bioavailability characteristics.

Inflammatory Cytokines Correlate with Dry Eye Indexes Estimated by Keratograph in Healthy Subjects

Background:

Inflammation plays a major role in dry eye diseases and is the prime target in clinical treatments of the disease.

Objective:

To determine whether the inflammatory cytokines in the tear film of patients with dry eye correlate with parameters such as Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) and Tear Meniscus Height (TMH) and could be used together as predictive biomarkers of disease severity.

Methods:

This study included 58 eyes (29 female subjects; age, 19–25 years) comprising 20 normal eyes (control), 20 eyes (level 1 dryness), and 18 eyes (level 2 dryness). Dryness level 1 or 2 is keratographic diagnosis according to the tear break-up time cut-off value obtained. After ophthalmic examinations, including determination of non-invasive TBUT average and first second and TMH using Keratograph 4 (to measure dryness level), tears of all participants were collected. Five cytokines, including interleukin 6, 10, 12, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α, were measured using ELISA.

Results:

Significant changes were observed in all measured cytokines and these changes correlated with eye dryness severity scores. Both groups (levels 1 & 2) showed remarkable changes related to ocular surface alterations in clinical examinations. Significantly, shorter TBUT and TMH were recorded in both groups and were positively correlated with the dryness severity.

Conclusion:

Cytokines could be used as predictive markers for pre-clinical diagnosis of dry eye diseases and as prognostic markers to monitor treatment effectiveness.

The anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects of probiotic on induced neurotoxicity in juvenile hamsters

Brain inflammation and apoptosis play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of various neurodevelopmental disorders. Probiotics have been shown to confer protection against many stresses, including apoptosis and inflammation, by modulating the gut function. The short-chain fatty acid, propionic acid (PPA), plays an important intermediate of cellular metabolism. Although PPA exhibits numerous beneficial biological effects, its accumulation is neurotoxic. This study focused on the therapeutic potency of probiotics against PPA-induced apoptosis and neuroinflammation in hamsters. Five groups of male golden Syrian hamsters were treated as follows: Group I as control; Group II as PPA-treated with three doses of 250 mg PPA/kg/day; Group III as clindamycin-treated with a single dose of 30 mg clindamycin/kg; Group IV as PPA-probiotic; and Group V as clindamycin-probiotic were two therapeutic groups which were treated with the same doses of PPA and clindamycin, respectively, followed by treatment with 0.2 g kg-1 d-1 of probiotic (ProtexinR, Probiotics International Limited) for three weeks. Proapoptotic markers, such as caspases 3 and 7; neuroinflammation markers, such as interleukins 1β and 8; and heat shock protein 70 were measured in the brain. Significant increase of all measured markers (p ˂ .001) was observed in PPA and clindamycin-treated hamsters compared with controls. Probiotics significantly reduced the damages and ameliorated all the test markers in both therapeutic groups compared with the control. Our results confirmed that probiotics can be utilized as a feasible strategy for managing apoptotic and inflammation-related stresses in brain disorders by retaining the gut function.

Testing the combined effects of probiotics and prebiotics against neurotoxic effects of propionic acid orally administered to rat pups

The present study investigated the combined effects of mixed probiotic and bee pollen on brain intoxication induced by propionic acid (PPA) in rat pups. Thirty western albino rats were divided into five groups, six animals each: (1) Control group receiving phosphate-buffered saline; (2) Probiotic and bee pollen-treated group being administered at the same dose with 200 mg/kg body weight; (c) PPA-treated group receiving a neurotoxic dose 250 mg/kg body weight of PPA for 3 days; (d) Therapeutic group being administered the neurotoxic dose of PPA followed by probiotic and bee pollen treatment 200 mg/kg body weight; (e) Protective group receiving probiotic and bee pollen mixture treatment followed by neurotoxic dose of PPA. Selected biochemical parameters linked to oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and neurotransmission were investigated in brain homogenates from all the five groups. PPA treatment showed an increase in oxidative stress markers like lipid peroxidation coupled with a significant decrease in glutathione level. Impaired energy metabolism was ascertained via the alteration of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities. Dramatic increase of Na+ and K+ concentrations together with a decrease of GABA and IL-6 and an elevation of glutamate levels in PPA-treated rat's pups confirmed the neurotoxicity effect of PPA. Interestingly, the mixed probiotic and bee pollen treatment were effective in restoring the levels of glutamate, GABA, and IL-6 in addition to normalizing the levels of lipid peroxidation and glutathione and the activities of CK and LDH. The present study indicates that mixed probiotic and bee pollen treatment can improve poor detoxification, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation as mechanisms implicated in the etiology of autism.

Sinapic Acid Suppresses SARS CoV-2 Replication by Targeting Its Envelope Protein

SARS CoV-2 is still considered a global health issue, and its threat keeps growing with the emergence of newly evolved strains. Despite the success in developing some vaccines as a protective measure, finding cost-effective treatments is urgent. Accordingly, we screened a number of phenolic natural compounds for their in vitro anti-SARS CoV-2 activity. We found sinapic acid (SA) selectively inhibited the viral replication in vitro with an half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 2.69 µg/mL with significantly low cytotoxicity (CC50 = 189.3 µg/mL). Subsequently, we virtually screened all currently available molecular targets using a multistep in silico protocol to find out the most probable molecular target that mediates this compound's antiviral activity. As a result, the viral envelope protein (E-protein) was suggested as the most possible hit for SA. Further in-depth molecular dynamic simulation-based investigation revealed the essential structural features of SA antiviral activity and its binding mode with E-protein. The structural and experimental results presented in this study strongly recommend SA as a promising structural motif for anti-SARS CoV-2 agent development.