Co-production of metallo-β-lactamase and OXA-type β-lactamases in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates in North East India

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii poses a significant threat to public health globally, especially due to its ability to produce multiple carbapenemases, leading to treatment challenges. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance pattern of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates collected from different clinical settings in North East India, focusing on their genotypic and phenotypic resistance profiles. A total of 172 multidrug-resistant A. baumannii isolates were collected and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Various phenotypic tests were performed to detect extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), metallo-β-lactamase (MBL), class C AmpC β-lactamase (AmpC), and carbapenem hydrolyzing class D β-lactamase (CHDL) production among the isolates. Overexpression of carbapenemase and cephalosporinase genes was detected among the isolates through both phenotypic and genotypic investigation. The antibiotic resistance profile of the isolates revealed that all were multidrug-resistant; 25% were extensively drug-resistant, 9.30% were pan-drug-resistant, whereas 91.27% were resistant to carbapenems. In the genotypic investigation, 80.81% of isolates were reported harbouring at least one metallo-β-lactamase encoding gene, with blaNDM being the most prevalent at 70.34%, followed by blaIMP at 51.16% of isolates. Regarding class D carbapenemases, blaOXA-51 and blaOXA-23 genes were detected in all the tested isolates, while blaOXA-24, blaOXA-48, and blaOXA-58 were found in 15.11%, 6.97%, and 1.74% isolates respectively. Further analysis showed that 31.97% of isolates co-harboured ESBL, MBL, AmpC, and CHDL genes, while 31.39% of isolates co-harboured ESBL, MBL, and CHDL genes with or without ISAba1 leading to extensively drug-resistant or pan drug-resistant phenotypes. This study highlights the complex genetic profile and antimicrobial-resistant pattern of the isolates circulating in North East India, emphasizing the urgent need for effective infection control measures and the development of alternative treatment strategies to combat these challenging pathogens.

Identification of Potential Inhibitors of Three NDM Variants of Klebsiella Species from Natural Compounds: A Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, and MM-PBSA Study

BACKGROUND

Klebsiella species have emerged as well-known opportunistic pathogens causing nosocomial infections with β-lactamase-mediated resistance as a prevalent antibiotic resistance mechanism. The discovery and emergence of metallo-β-lactamases, mainly new- Delhi metallo-β-lactamases (NDMs), have increased the threat and challenges in healthcare facilities.

OBJECTIVE

A computational screening was conducted using 570 natural compounds from Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical data to discover promising inhibitors for NDM-6, NDM-9, and NDM-23 of the Klebsiella species.

METHODS

Using homology modeling on the Raptor-X web server, the structures of the three NDM variants were predicted. The structures were validated using various computational tools and MD simulation for 50 ns. Lipinski - Vebers' Filter and ADMET Screening were used to screen 570 compounds, followed by docking in Biovia Discovery Studio 2019 using the CDOCKER module. GROMACS was used to simulate the compounds with the highest scores with the proteins for 50 ns. Using the MM-PBSA method and g_mmpbsa tool, binding free energies were estimated and per-residue decomposition analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

The three structures predicted were found stable after the 50 ns MD Simulation run. The compounds Budmunchiamine-A and Rhamnocitrin were found to have the best binding energy towards NDM-6, NDM-9, and NDM-23, respectively. From the results of MD Simulation, MM-PBSA binding free energy calculations, and per-residue decomposition analysis, the Protein-ligand complex of NDM-6 with Budmunchiamine A and NDM-9 with Rhamnocitrin was relatively more stable than the complex of NDM-23 and Rhamnocitrin.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that Budmunchiamine-A and Rhamnocitrin are potential inhibitors of NDM-6 and NDM-9, respectively, and may pave a path for in-vivo and in-vitro studies in the future.

Anti-diabetic and anti-urease inhibition potential of Amomum dealbatum Roxb. seeds through a bioassay-guided approach

Using HPLC-PDA and HRMS analysis, five compounds p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, quercetin, trans-ferulic and gallic acid were identified in seeds of Amomum dealbatum Roxb. The GC-MS analysis identified 1-dodecanol, phenol, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl), Oleic Acid and 1-Heptacosanol which possess anti-diabetic properpties. A bioassay-guided technique was used to determine the degree of inhibition that A. dealbatum seeds crude methanol extract and its most active sub-fraction had against the α-glucosidase and Helicobacter pylori urease enzymes. In the Rat L6 myoblast cell line, glucose absorption through the GLUT4 transporter of most active subfraction (EASF80) was examined. According to a molecular docking investigation, these compounds strongly interacted with the GLUT4 transporter, H pylori and α-glucosidase enzyme. Sinapic acid interacted most strongly with the H. pylori urease enzyme while gallic acid interacted with both the α-glucosidase enzyme and the GLUT4 transporter. Additionally, a molecular docking simulation study was carried out to recognise the stability of the complexes.

Prevalence and distribution pattern of AmpC β-lactamases in ESBL producing clinical isolates of Klebsiella spp. in parts of Assam, India

The production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC β-lactamases is the most common explanation of multidrug resistance in clinical isolates of Klebsiella spp. In the present study, a total of 160 isolates of Klebsiella spp. were procured from the DBT-NER project with ethical clearance no. DU/Dib/ECBHR(Human)/2021-22/02). These were collected from various health settings of Assam and identified as drug-resistant. The isolates were screened for antibiotic susceptibility and phenotypic tests were performed on multidrug resistant isolates to confirm ESBL and AmpC β-lactamases production. The distribution pattern of ESBL and AmpC β-lactamase genotype was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results showed that among 107 multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates of Klebsiella spp., 67.28% of isolates were ESBL producers and 56.07% were potential AmpC producers. The PCR results revealed that blaCTX-M was the most prevalent ESBL genotype. Among the ESBL producers, 11.11% of isolates showed co-occurrence with plasmid-mediated AmpC β lactamases genotype which indicated the high prevalence of ESBL and AmpC co-producers in K. pneumoniae and K. oxytoca, suggesting the possibility of serious public health concerns. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly monitor the spread of multidrug resistance among clinical isolates.

Anti-diabetic and anti-urease potential of Osbeckia nutans Wall. leaves

A study was conducted to investigate the anti-diabetic and anti-urease potential of Osbeckia nutans leaves (ONL). Six compounds, i.e. quercetin-3-O-glucoside, myricetin, shikimic acid, catechin, trans-ferulic acid and luteolin were identified from the butanol sub-fraction, BE2 and the ethyl acetate sub-fraction, EA5 of ONL. BE2 inhibited α-glucosidase and Jack bean urease with IC50 values of 0.036 μg/mL (437.46 μg/mL for acarbose) and 0.327 mg/mL (0.039 mg/mL for thiourea), respectively. In the glucose uptake experiment, BE2 (0.05 mg/mL) treatment resulted in a substantial increase in glucose uptake in free fatty acid (FFA)-treated cells at a concentration 10 times lower than that seen in EA5 (0.5 mg/mL) treated cells. The binding energies of quercetin-3-O-glucoside with α-glucosidase, glucose transporter GLUT4 and H. pylori urease were found to be -94.2585, -219.8271 and -254.391 kcal/mol, respectively. This study revealed that ONL has anti-diabetic and anti-urease abilities and further in-depth research may unveil its full potential.

Antidiabetic potential of Amomum dealbatum Roxb. flower and isolation of three bioactive compounds with molecular docking and in vivo study

Amomum dealbatum Roxb. parts have been traditionally used as remedies for joint pain, diabetes, muscular rheumatism, antiseptic, and abscesses in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Tripura. Ethyl acetate sub-fraction E3 had significantly inhibited the α-glucosidase (IC50 5.385 μg/mL). The molecular docking revealed quercetin-3-O-galactoside to be the most potent α-glucosidase inhibitor (binding energy -43.214 kcal/mol). Using the QSAR model, the pIC50 values of myricetin, gallic acid, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, and acarbose were predicted to be 5.65235, 4.39858, 5.65235, and 6.03058, respectively. For the first time, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, myricetin, and gallic acid have been isolated from the flowers of A. dealbatum (ADF). E3 decreased blood glucose level to a near-normal concentration (100.60 ± 2.94 mg/dL) in comparison to diabetic control rats (575.20 ± 24.80 mg/dL). The results have strongly suggested the potential of ADF in treating diabetes. This lesser-known plant has the potential to uncover its full medicinal properties through further in-depth research.

Influence of silylated nano cellulose reinforcement on the mechanical, water resistance, thermal, morphological and antibacterial properties of soy protein isolate (SPI)-based composite films

The aim of this research work is to improve the mechanical and water-resistance properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) biofilm. In this work, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) coupling agent modified nanocellulose was introduced into the SPI matrix in the presence of citric acid cross-linker. The presence of amino groups in APTES facilitated to form cross-linked structures with soy protein. The incorporation of a citric acid cross-linker made the cross-linking process more productive, and the surface smoothness of the film was confirmed by a Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM). From the study of the mechanical and thermal properties and water resistance of the film, it was confirmed that the results were highly satisfactory for the modified nanocellulose incorporated film compared to the non-modified one. Additionally, coating of citral essential oil onto SPI nanocomposite film displayed antimicrobial properties due to the presence of various phenolic groups in the citral oil. The Tensile Strength and Young's Modulus of silane-modified nanocellulose containing film were enhanced by ~119 % and ~ 112 %, respectively on incorporation of 1 % APTES-modified nanocellulose. Consequently, this work is expected to offer an effective way for silylated nano-cellulose reinforcing soy protein isolate (SPI) based bio nanocomposite films for packaging applications. As an example, we have demonstrated one of the application as wrapping films for packing black grapes.

Design and Synthesis of Quinazolinone-Triazole Hybrids as Potent Anti-Tubercular Agents

A straightforward and convenient methodology has been developed for the reaction of 2-aminobenzamide and carbonyls affording 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones using aqueous solution of [C12Py][FeCl3Br]. The developed methodology was applied for the synthesis of 25 quinazolinone-triazole hybrids followed by evaluation of their in vitro anti-tubercular (TB) activity. The results revealed that 8 quinazolinone-triazole hybrids displayed promising activity having MIC values of 0.78-12.5 μg/mL. The compound 3if with MIC 0.78 μg/mL was found to be the lead nominee among the series, better than Ethambutol, a first line anti-TB drug and comparable with Rifampicin. The active compounds with MIC values ≤ 6.25 μg/mL were subjected to in vitro cytotoxicity and found nontoxic. In drug-drug interaction, compounds 3ia and 3ii interacted synergistically with all the three anti-TB drugs, INH, RFM, and EMB. Other 3 compounds interacted either in synergistic or additive manners. Important information on the binding interaction of the target compounds with the active sites of 1DQY Antigen 85C from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Enoyl acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA) enzymes was obtained from molecular docking studies. Screening of the drug-likeness properties and bioactivity score indicates that synthesized molecules could be projected as potential drug candidates. Based on the current study, quinazolinone-triazole hybrids framework can be useful in drug development for TB.

Phenolic compounds of Zanthoxylum armatum DC as potential inhibitors of urease and SARS-CoV2 using molecular docking approach and with simulation study

The anti-urease effects of active extract and three isolated phenolic compounds viz., chlorogenic acid, trans-ferulic acid, and gallic acid of leaves of Zanthoxylum armatum DC were evaluated. The compounds were identified based on HPLC-PDA, HR-MS, and NMR analysis. Molecular docking analysis revealed that these compounds significantly interacted with Helicobacter pylori urease and SARS-CoV2 vital proteins. Chlorogenic acid was found to show the strongest interaction with the H. pylori urease and coronavirus main protease (M^pro, also called 3CLpro), while gallic acid with five spike proteins (Cathepsin L) of SARS-CoV2. The compounds were checked for their drug-likeliness character and were found to pass the Lipinski filter and abide by Veber's rule and passed through ADMET. Chlorogenic acid was simulated for 50 ns using GROMACS. The study shows that chlorogenic acid isolated from Z. armatum could be a significant antagonist of the H. pylori urease.

Arenga westerhoutii Griff.: bioactive constituents, nutraceuticals, antioxidant and anti-diabetic potential of stem extract and an insight into molecular docking analysis

Herein, we reported a systematic scientific study of Arenga westerhoutii Griff. by evaluating its bioactive components, nutraceuticals, antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. Three major bioactive compounds were identified using HPLC and HRMS. Quantification of the components through HPLC yielded the presence of 75.67 ± 0.05, 38.19 ± 0.10 and 13.11 ± 0.02 µg/mL of chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid and epicatechin respectively in 1 mg/ml of the extract. 50% MeOH hydro-alcoholic extract was found to show lowest IC₅₀ value in both in-vitro antioxidant (IC₅₀ = 2.925 ± 0.12 µg/mL, DPPH assay) and anti-diabetic assays (IC₅₀ = 18.03 ± 0.18 µg/mL, α-glucosidase assay). Further analysis by molecular docking study suggested the interaction of components towards α-glucosidase enzyme.

Bioassay-guided isolation of potent α-glucosidase inhibitory compounds from the fruit of Piper mullesua Buch-Ham ex D Don. and their in silico screening

Two bioactive compounds caffeic and sinapic acid were isolated from the fruit of the Piper mullesua Buch-Ham ex D Don using bioassay guided approach. These compounds were isolated from water fraction using column chromatography followed by semi preparative HPLC. These compounds showed very potent anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities. The molecular docking was carried out to predict the mode of interaction of the isolated compounds with α-glucosidase. The in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of caffeic and sinapic acid was determined, and their IC₅₀ values were found 0.67 and 0.82 µg/ml, respectively. A QSAR equation was generated with an R² value of 84.81%, which is suitable enough for predicting the IC₅₀ values of test molecules. The aforementioned finding confirms the isolated compounds show very significant anti-diabetic potential which is supported by the molecular docking and QSAR study. So, it has ample scope for drug development with further in vivo and clinical study.

Identification of potential plant-based inhibitor against viral proteases of SARS-CoV-2 through molecular docking, MM-PBSA binding energy calculations and molecular dynamics simulation

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has recently emerged as a pandemic. Here, an attempt has been made through in-silico high throughput screening to explore the antiviral compounds from traditionally used plants for antiviral treatments in India namely, Tea, Neem and Turmeric, as potential inhibitors of two widely studied viral proteases, main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) of the SARS-CoV-2. Molecular docking study using BIOVIA Discovery Studio 2018 revealed, (−)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (ECG), a tea polyphenol has a binding affinity toward both the selected receptors, with the lowest CDocker energy − 46.22 kcal mol⁻¹ for SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and CDocker energy − 44.72 kcal mol⁻¹ for SARS-CoV-2 PLpro, respectively. The SARS-CoV-2 Mpro complexed with (−)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate, which had shown the best binding affinity was subjected to molecular dynamics simulations to validate its binding affinity, during which, the root-mean-square-deviation values of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro–Co-crystal ligand (N3) and SARS-CoV-2 Mpro- (−)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate systems were found to be more stable than SARS-CoV-2 Mpro system. Further, (−)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate was subjected to QSAR analysis which predicted IC₅₀ of 0.3281 nM against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Overall, (−)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate showed a potential binding affinity with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and could be proposed as a potential natural compound for COVID-19 treatment.

Klebsiella oxytoca and Emerging Nosocomial Infections

Klebsiella oxytoca is rising as a significant opportunistic pathogen causing nosocomial infections in neonates as well as adults. This pathogen's prevalence varies from 2 to 24%, but outbreaks of infections due to multidrug-resistant strains can be fatal in immunocompromised individuals with comorbidities. Klebsiella oxytoca is responsible for a wide range of ailments from colitis to infective endocarditis, other than the common urinary and respiratory tract infections. The microbe's pathogenicity has been attributed to cytotoxins' production- Tilivalline and Tilimycin, in some intestinal disorders. Klebsiella oxytoca is reported to be resistant to a wide range of antibiotics. Here, we have tried to showcase a brief overview of the emergence of Klebsiella oxytoca in healthcare facilities and the nature of resistance in this species of Klebsiella.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of β-lactamase producers and fluoroquinolone resistant clinical isolates from North East India

INTRODUCTION

The rapid emergence and variations of antibiotic resistance among common gram negative bacteria cause a significant concern specially in India and all over the world because of high mortality and morbidity rates.

METHODS

In our study, we screened 189 bacterial isolates from Assam Medical College & Hospital, Dibrugarh for antibiotic resistance pattern and tried to identify the resistant genes causing responsible for β-lactam and fluoroquinolones resistance.

RESULTS

More than 80% and 45% strains were resistant to all the 3rd generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones respectively. Among the 3rd generation cephalosporin resistant strains, 38% and 24% isolates were only ESBL and MBL producers respectively and 11% were reported to have both ESBL and MBL genes. The ESBL positive isolates have shown the dominance of CTX-M3 gene. VIM-1 gene was mostly reported in MBL producers. Our study probably for the first time reporting SIM-1 and SPM-1 MBL gene from India. Mutations in QRDR is found to be the primary cause of fluoroquinolone resistance along with efflux pump and PMQR presence.

CONCLUSION

The study represents the first detailed study on antibiotic resistance from NE India this could help to take control measures for the emerging antibiotic resistance in hospital and community based infections in North East India.

Virtual high-throughput screening and simulation studies of compounds from selected traditionally important medicinal plants for the identification of potential inhibitors of AcrB

One of the significant human health concerns today is the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria and their propagation worldwide, rendering all available treatment options useless. One of the molecular mechanisms behind the evolution and dissemination of multidrug-resistant species is the overexpression of efflux pumps. AcrB is a major component of the AcrAB-TolC efflux pump belonging to the RND division and responsible for the extrusion of antibiotics from the bacterial cell leading to resistance. In this study, we applied the reverse chemogenomics technique to find inhibitors of AcrB to combat the issue of drug resistance. A total of 102 compounds from five different plants having medicinal properties were passed through Lipinski filter and ADMET screening was done to check their drug likeliness before docking against the AcrB protein and based on the -cDocker energy scores and toxicity analysis report, the compounds with best values were analyzed. A comparison was made between them and known inhibitors as well as antibiotics. Heat maps, frequency histograms, 2 D diagrams were generated, and the molecules were simulated for 60 ns using GROMACS. From the study, we have found Dihydrocapsaicin and Garcinexanthone-A to be a potential efflux pump inhibitors having all the characters of a promising drug candidate.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In Silico Docking, ADMET and QSAR Study of few Antimalarial Phytoconstituents as Inhibitors of Plasmepsin II of P. falciparum Against Malaria

Background:

Malaria is endemic in various parts of India particularly in the North- Eastern states with Plasmodium falciparum-the most prevalent human malaria parasite. Plantderived compounds have always received tremendous importance in the area of drug discovery and development and scientific study of traditional medicinal plants are of great importance to mankind.

Objective:

The present work deals with the computational study of some antimalarial compounds obtained from a few medicinal plants used by the tribal inhabitants of the North-Eastern region of India for treating malaria.

Methods:

In silico methodologies were performed to study the ligand-receptor interactions. Target was identified based on the pharmacophore mapping approach. A total of 18 plant-derived compounds were investigated in order to estimate the binding energies of the compounds with their drug target through molecular docking using Autodock 4.2. ADMET filtering for determining the pharmacokinetic properties of the compounds was done using Mobyle@RPBS server. Subsequent Quantitative-Structure Activity Relationship analysis for bioactivity prediction (IC50) of the compounds was done using Easy QSAR 1.0.

Results:

The docking result identified Salannin to be the most potent Plasmepsin II inhibitor while the QSAR analysis identified Lupeol to have the least IC50 value. Most of the compounds have passed the ADME/Tox filtration.

Conclusion:

Salannin and Lupeol were found to be the most potent antimalarial compounds that can act as successful inhibitors against Plasmepsin II of P. falciparum. The compounds Salannin and Lupeol are found in Azadirachta indica and Swertia chirata plants respectively, abundantly available in the North-Eastern region of India and used by many inhabiting tribes for the treatment of malaria and its symptoms.

Screening of Natural Products and Derivatives for the Identification of RND Efflux Pump Inhibitors

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

Overexpression of efflux pumps belonging to the Resistance Nodulation cell Division (RND) family is the most important intrinsic resistance mechanism of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Hence, it is imperative to identify suitable efflux pump inhibitors (EPI) that can lead to increased intracellular concentration of antibiotics by blocking the pump. This study was undertaken to identify a putative plant based efflux pump inhibitor for RND efflux pump of P. aeruginosa.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Using molecular docking approach, 328 secondary plant metabolites have been screened for their inhibitory activity against cytoplasmic exporter protein MexB of MexAB-OprM efflux pump of P. aeruginosa. After the initial in silico screening, the shortlisted compounds were subjected to in vitro test for efflux pump inhibitory activity using double disc synergy test. A combinatorial library of 1000 molecules was generated from active p-coumaric acid and docked with MexB protein to find a suitable EPI with better binding efficacy compared to the p-coumaric acid.

RESULTS

Preliminary screening resulted in five plant-based natural products with significant docking score and were subsequently subjected to double disc synergy test. p-Coumaric acid , amongst the five, was found to potentiate activity of ciprofloxacin in MexAB-OprM overexpressing P. aeruginosa strain. Library compound 482, i.e 4-(4-((Z)-2-carboxy-2-((Z)-2,3-dihydrobenzo[e][1,4]diazepin-1-yl)-1-(4- hydroxyphenyl)vinylamino) phenylsulfonamido)-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, a derivative of p-coumaric acid exhibited the highest docking score of -42.1030 Kcal/mol, which was much higher than parent compound (-17.9403 Kcal/mol) and also known EPI, MC-207,110 (-28.0960 Kcal/mol).

CONCLUSION

p-Coumaric acid and its derivative, 4-(4-((Z)-2-carboxy-2-((Z)-2,3-dihydrobenzo[e][1,4] diazepin-1-yl)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)vinylamino)phenylsulfonamido)-2-hydroxybenzoic acid may be used as potential lead molecules for effective RND efflux pump inhibition in P. aeruginosa.

RND efflux pump mediated antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a major issue worldwide

Therapeutic failures against diseases due to resistant Gram-negative bacteria have become a major threat nowadays as confirmed by surveillance reports across the world. One of the methods of development of multidrug resistance in Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is by means of RND efflux pumps. Inhibition of these pumps might help to combat the antibiotic resistance problem, for which the structure and regulation of the pumps have to be known. Moreover, judicious antibiotic use is needed to control the situation. This paper focuses on the issue of antibiotic resistance as well as the structure, regulation and inhibition of the efflux pumps present in Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

NoSQL data model for semi-automatic integration of ethnomedicinal plant data from multiple sources

INTRODUCTION

Sharing traditional knowledge with the scientific community could refine scientific approaches to phytochemical investigation and conservation of ethnomedicinal plants. As such, integration of traditional knowledge with scientific data using a single platform for sharing is greatly needed. However, ethnomedicinal data are available in heterogeneous formats, which depend on cultural aspects, survey methodology and focus of the study. Phytochemical and bioassay data are also available from many open sources in various standards and customised formats.

OBJECTIVE

To design a flexible data model that could integrate both primary and curated ethnomedicinal plant data from multiple sources.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The current model is based on MongoDB, one of the Not only Structured Query Language (NoSQL) databases. Although it does not contain schema, modifications were made so that the model could incorporate both standard and customised ethnomedicinal plant data format from different sources.

RESULTS

The model presented can integrate both primary and secondary data related to ethnomedicinal plants. Accommodation of disparate data was accomplished by a feature of this database that supported a different set of fields for each document. It also allowed storage of similar data having different properties.

CONCLUSION

The model presented is scalable to a highly complex level with continuing maturation of the database, and is applicable for storing, retrieving and sharing ethnomedicinal plant data. It can also serve as a flexible alternative to a relational and normalised database.

Computational validation of 3-ammonio-3-(4-oxido- 1H-imidazol-1-ium-5-yl) propane-1, 1-bis (olate) as a potent anti-tubercular drug against mt-MetAP

The advent of Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) necessitated search for new drug targets for the bacterium. It is reported that 3.3% of all new tuberculosis cases had multidrug resistance (MDR-TB) in 2009 and each year, about 0.44 million MDR-TB cases are estimated to emerge and 0.15 million people with MDR-TB die. Keeping such an alarming situation under consideration we wanted to design suitable anti tubercular molecules for new target using computational tools. In the work Methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was considered as target and three non-toxic phenolic=ketonic compounds were considered as ligands. Docking was done with Flex X and AutoDock 4.2 separately. Ten proven inhibitors of MetAP were collected from literature with their IC50 and were correlated using EasyQSAR to generate QSAR model. Activity of ligands in question was predicted from QSAR. Pharmacophore for each docking was generated using Ligandscout 3.0. Toxicity of the ligands in question was predicted on Mobyle@rpbs portal and Actelion property explorer. Molecular docking with target showed that of all three ligands, 3-ammonio-3-(4-oxido-1H-imidazol-1-ium-5-yl) propane-1, 1-bis (olate) has highest affinity (- 37.5096) and lowest IC50 (4.46 µM). We therefore, propose that -3-ammonio-3-(4-oxido-1H-imidazol-1-ium-5-yl) propane-1,1- bis(olate) as a potent MetAP inhibitor may be a new anti-tubercular drug particularly in the context of Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

Atherogenic effect of Arecoline: A computational study

There are over 600 million people worldwide covering Asian and Oceanic countries including India have the habit of chewing areca nut as masticator in different forms. Arecoline (C(8)H(13)NO(2)) has been reported as one of the abundant constituents of areca nut. A good number of scientific publications have made Arecoline responsible for oral cancer. Based on observation from clinical situation in North East India, one of the most betel quid chewing region of the country, we suspected a link between consumption of areca nut and Cerebro Vascular Disease like stroke. Therefore, we considered Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) receptor as target and Arecoline as ligand and studied ligand -target interaction using computational tools. Also we considered High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) receptor as another target to see if Arecoline has any binding potential with it over and above LDL receptor. Docking result indicated that Arecoline and Cholesterol both, have affinity towards extracellular domain of Human LDL receptor but affinity of Arecoline is much higher (-12.3560.) than that of Cholesterol(-0.1810). Docking of Arecoline and 1, 2-Hexyl-1- cyclopentanone thiosemicarbazone (thiosemicarbazone) with Bovine HDL receptor showed that Arecoline also has the potential (Score, -6.2690Kcal/Mol) to block HDL receptor though its potential is less than that (score, -10.0509 Kcal/Mol) of control (thiosemicarbazone). We, therefore, suggest that by inhibiting endocytosis of LDL cholesterol because of blocking LDL receptor function and also by preventing LDL cholesterol uptake by liver from blood because of interference with HDL receptor, Arecoline may contribute to atherosclerosis. The study therefore, indicates a positive correlation between chewing of betel quid and Cerebro Vascular Disease.