Synthesis and biological evaluation of carboxamide and quinoline derivatives as P2X7R antagonists

P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) has a key role in different pathological conditions, importantly overexpressed and activated in cancers. We explored the structure activity relationship (SAR) of three novel pyrazines, quinoline-carboxamide and oxadiazole series. Their selective inhibitory potency in Ca2+ mobilization assay using h-P2X7R-MCF-7 cells improved with phenyl ring substitutions (-OCF3, -CF3, and -CH3) in carboxamide and oxadiazole derivatives, respectively. However, highly electronegative fluoro, chloro, and iodo substitutions enhanced affinity. 1e, 2f, 2e, 1d, 2 g and 3e were most potent and selective toward h-P2X7R (IC50 values 0.457, 0.566, 0.624, 0.682, 0.813 and 0.890 µM, respectively) and were inactive at h-P2X4R, h-P2X2R, r-P2Y6R, h-P2Y2R, t-P2Y1R expressed in MCF-7 and 1321N1 astrocytoma cells. Cell viability (MTT assay at 100 µM, cell line) for 3e was 62% (HEK-293T), 70% (1321N1 astrocytoma) and 85% (MCF-7). >75% cell viability was noted for 2 g and >80% for 2e and 1d in all non-transfected cell lines. Anti-proliferative effects, compared to control (Bz-ATP), of selective antagonists (10 µM) were 3e (11%) 1d, (19%) 1e, (70%, P = 0.005) and 2f, (24%), indicating involvement of P2X7R. Apoptotic cell death by flow cytometry showed 1e to be most promising, with 35% cell death (PI positive cells), followed by 2e (25%), 2f (20%), and 1d (19%), compared to control. Fluorescence microscopic analysis of apoptotic changes in P2X7R-transfected cell lines was established. 1e and 2f at 1X and 2X IC50 increased cellular shrinkage, nuclear condensation and PI/DAPI fluorescence. In-silico antagonist modeling predicted ligand receptor interactions, and all compounds obeyed Lipinski rules. These results suggest that pyrazine, quinoline-carboxamide and oxadiazole derivatives could be moderately potent P2X7R antagonists for in vivo studies and anti-cancer drug development.

Influence of access to clean fuels and technology, food production index, consumer price index, and income on greenhouse gas emissions from food system: evidence from developed countries

Sustainable development objectives heavily promote the advancement of cleaner production technologies to reduce emissions and conserve the average world temperature. For the years 1990-2020, the USA, China, Japan, Russia, Germany, and Australia are studied by using the panel fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS). The results show that clean fuels and technologies and a consumer price index are helpful to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food system which reduce environmental degradation. Contrarily, increased income and food production contribute to environmental deterioration. There are bidirectional Dumitrescu-Hurlin causal relationships between access to clean fuels and technology and greenhouse gas emissions from food system; real income and greenhouse gas emissions from food system; income and access to clean fuels and technology; income and consumer price index; and income and food production index. This research also revealed a unidirectional causation between the consumer price index and greenhouse gas emissions from food system; food production index and greenhouse gas emissions from food system; access to clean fuels and technology and the consumer price index; and access to clean fuels and technology and the food production index. These findings provide policymakers with relevant content: to promote the goal of green growth, the government should implement consistent measures to subsidize the food industry. Incorporating carbon pricing into food system emissions models would serve to lower production of polluting foods, which would enhance air quality indicators. Finally, a consumer price index should be controlled by controlling prices of green technologies in environmental modeling to improve sustainable development globally and reduce environmental pollution.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Amide and Thiourea Derivatives as Carbonic Anhydrase (CA) Inhibitors

Series of sulfonamide-substituted amide (9-11), benzamide (12-15), and 1,3-disubstituted thiourea (17-26) derivatives were synthesized from a common precursor, i.e., substituted benzoyl chlorides. Structures of all of the synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques (¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR),¹³C NMR, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)). All of the amide (9-15) and thiourea (17-26) derivatives were screened against human carbonic anhydrases, hCA-II, hCA IX, and hCA-XII. Sulfonamide-substituted amides 9, 11, and 12 were found to be excellent selective inhibitors with IC₅₀ values of 0.18 ± 0.05, 0.17 ± 0.05, and 0.58 ± 0.05 μM against hCA II, hCA IX, and hCA XII, respectively. Compound 9 was found to be highly selective for hCA II and about 6-fold more potent as compared to the standard antagonist, acetazolamide. Safe toxicity profiling of the most potent and selective compounds was determined against normal BHK-21 and HEK-293 T cells. Molecular docking studies were performed, which described the type of interactions between the synthesized compounds and enzyme proteins. In addition, in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies were performed, which showed that all of the synthesized molecules fulfilled the druggability criteria.

Determination of possible contraceptive potential of methanolic leaf extract of Mentha longifolia L. in adult male rats: a biochemical and histological study

Mentha longifolia L (ML) is locally used as an herbal contraceptive. We aim to assess the toxicity profile and validate the antifertility effects of its leaves in male rats. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 10 animals/group) were divided into four groups. The Control group received .9% saline, while groups II, III, and IV received 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg/day ML doses for 28 days. ML induced a dose-dependent decrease in percent fertility as well as the number of pups born in ML preexposed pairs, with maximum change observed in the ML3 group (60%, 3.75 ± 1.25) as compared to control (100%, 8.75 ± .48) group. A significant (P < .01) decrease in the rate of daily sperm production was observed in the ML3 group (.86 ± .16) in contrast to the control (2.93 ± .05). The levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase declined significantly in treatment groups (ML1-P < .001, ML2-P < .05, and ML3-P < .01). A significant increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (P < .001) was found in all treatment groups. The concentrations of LH (P < .001), FSH (P < .001), and testosterone (P < .001) were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner among ML-treated groups. Decreases in spermatogonial populations, mature spermatids, seminiferous tubule diameter, lumen diameter, and epithelial height were noticed at higher doses. The reversibility study depicted a reduction in both pregnancy outcomes and litter size. Besides contraceptive effects, M. longifolia L usage is associated with oxidative stress; therefore, it is important to consume this herb appropriately and its excessive usage should be prohibited.

Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of multiply substituted 2H-chromene derivatives as P2Y6 receptor antagonists

P2Y6 receptor (P2Y6R) antagonists represent potential drugs for treating cancer, pain, neurodegeneration, asthma, diabetes, colitis and other disorders. However, there are few chemical classes of known competitive antagonists. We recently explored the structure activity relationship (SAR) of 2H-chromene derivatives as P2Y6R antagonists of moderate affinity. New analogues in this series modified at five positions were synthesized and shown to antagonize Ca2+ transients induced by the native agonist UDP in human (h) P2Y6R-expressing (but not turkey P2Y1R-, hP2Y2R- or hP2Y4R-expressing) astrocytoma cells. Alternatives to the reported 2-(trifluoromethyl)- and 3-nitro- substitutions of this scaffold were not identified. However, 6‑fluoro 11 and 6‑chloro 12 analogues displayed enhanced potency compared to other halogens, although still in the 1 - 2 µM range. Similar halogen substitution at 5, 7 or 8 positions reduced affinity. 5- or 8‑Triethylsilylethynyl extension maintained hP2Y6R affinity, with IC50 0.46 µM for 26 (MRS4853). The 6,8‑difluoro analogue 27 (IC50 2.99 µM) lacked off-target activities among 45 sites examined, unlike earlier analogues that bound to biogenic amine receptors. 11 displayed only one weak off-target activity (σ2). Mouse P2Y6R IC50s of 5, 25, 26 and 27 were 4.94, 17.6, 6.15 and 17.8 µM, respectively, but most other analogues had reduced affinity (>20 µM) compared to the hP2Y6R. These analogues are suitable for evaluation in in vivo inflammation and cancer models, which will be performed in the future studies.

AB0235 TREAT TO TARGET PATHWAY (T2T) IN INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS-DESIRABLE RESULTS? AND IF CERTAIN GROUPS RESPOND TO TREATMENT BETTER?

Background

There is established evidence that treat to target strategy in inflammatory arthritis helps achieve early remission rates or low disease activity. This approach is more effective for improved outcomes at no additional costs and more likely to achieve rapid and sustained disease control. It is important to aim for early diagnosis to limit the structural damage that occurs with prolonged inflammation. Commencing disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) therapy and glucocorticoids as early as possible and titrating therapy as appropriate improves clinical outcomes.

Objectives

Aim of this study was to analyse ACR20 response within different subgroups of inflammatory Arthritis patients enrolled in Treat to Target program.

Methods

Data collection was performed by assessing electronic medical records of 374 inflammatory arthritis patients who participated in Treat to Target pathway for inflammatory arthritis between 2014 to 2020.

In total 374 patients were enrolled in treat to target inflammatory pathway led by Rheumatology ANP with consultant supervision. Majority of the patients had diagnosis of Rheumatoid arthritis as per ACR/Eular criteria. 213(51%) were seropositive RF+, 83(19.9%) were seronegative RF-, 44(10.5%) were diagnosed as psoriatic arthritis, and 34(8.1%) were labelled as undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis. In terms of age and gender, 158(42%) were under 50, and 216(58%) were aged 50 and over, majority females 207(55%). Smoking status 118(32%) current, 211(56%) never, 45(12%) ex-smokers. DMARD started at baseline was Methotrexate only and Starting dose was 15mg for all patients. 326(88%) were on oral methotrexate and only 48(12%) were on SC form between weeks 1-20. ACR 20,50,70 responses were analysed for these subgroups with majority (61%) seen at week 6 for their visit 1 after starting T2T pathway while all patients seen by week 20.

Results

ACR 20,50 and 70 responses were calculated for all subgroups enrolled in T2T program. The results showed that ACR 20 response rate was same among patients aged under and over 50(67% responders), ACR 50 (38.3%) responders and ACR 70 (20.1%) responders. There was no significant difference in ACR 20 response among females and males (66.9% response) both groups. In terms of seropositivity, 75% responded to treatment in RF+ group vs 60% in RF-group. Higher response rates were seen among not current smokers vs active smokers(70%vs65%). ACR 20 response was greater in patients on Sc form of methotrexate. Overall, 65 % achieved remission within 15 months of starting T2T pathway while remaining achieved low disease activity. Further analysis and discussion will follow.

Conclusion

Treat to target strategy in inflammatory arthritis are consistent with real world data in achieving early response rates with methotrexate (ACR responses) and specific subgroups within T2T cohort respond better to treatment.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Bridged Piperidine Analogues of a High Affinity Naphthalene-Based P2Y14R Antagonist

High affinity phenyl-piperidine P2Y₁₄R antagonist 1 (PPTN) was modified with piperidine bridging moieties to probe receptor affinity and hydrophobicity. Various 2-azanorbornane, nortropane, isonortropane, isoquinuclidine, and ring-opened cyclopentylamino derivatives preserved human P2Y₁₄R affinity (fluorescence binding assay), and their pharmacophoric overlay was compared. Enantiomeric 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one precursors assured stereochemically unambiguous, diverse products. Pure (S,S,S) 2-azanorbornane enantiomer 15 (MRS4738) displayed higher affinity than 1 (3-fold higher affinity than enantiomer 16) and in vivo antihyperallodynic and antiasthmatic activity. Its double prodrug 143 (MRS4815) dramatically reduced lung inflammation in a mouse asthma model. Related lactams 21-24 and dicarboxylate 42 displayed intermediate affinity and enhanced aqueous solubility. Isoquinuclidine 34 (IC₅₀ 15.6 nM) and isonortropanol 30 (IC₅₀ 21.3 nM) had lower lipophilicity than 1. In general, rigidified piperidine derivatives did not lower lipophilicity dramatically, except those rings with multiple polar groups. P2Y₁₄R molecular modeling based on a P2Y₁₂R structure showed stable and persistent key interactions for compound 15.

The burden and high prevalence of hypertension in Pakistani adolescents: a meta-analysis of the published studies

Background

Hypertension has been recognized as a global health concern for developing countries and is scarcely described in many of these countries. In Pakistan, few population-based surveys evaluated the prevalence of hypertension and there is no current nationally representative study (the latest nationwide survey was conducted more than two decades ago). Objective: The goal of the current study was to estimate the pooled prevalence of hypertension in Pakistani population using meta-analysis approach.

Methods

We searched the published literature using PubMed, Google and Scopus supplemented by a manual search of bibliographies of retrieved articles for population studies providing estimates on the prevalence of hypertension between 1990 and 2017. Studies were included if they defined hypertension as ≥140/90 mmHg and conducted in adults (≥15 years). From the extracted results, the heterogeneity index of the studies was determined using Chi-squared I2 tests and on the basis of heterogeneity, a fixed or random effect model was used to estimates the pooled prevalence of hypertension. Meta-regression was performed to determine those factor of generating heterogeneity.

Results

Of a total of 1240 articles, 18 studies comprising 42,618 participants met the eligibility criteria. The overall pooled prevalence of hypertension was 26.34% (25.93%, 26.75%). Subgroup analysis showed higher urban prevalence 26.61% (21.80%, 31.42%) than the rural dwellers 21.03% (10.18%, 31.87%). The prevalence by decade in 1990s was 19.55% (18.07%, 21.05%), in 2000s 23.95% (16.60%, 31.30%) and in 2010s 29.95% (24.13%, 35.77%). Similarly, the pooled prevalence was 24.99% (19.70%, 30.28%) in males and 24.76% (16.76%, 32.76%) in females. We recorded high burden of hypertension among the adult Pakistanis when compared to the data published in local and international journals 23.32% (18.9%, 27.74%) and 27.44% (20.97%, 33.91%). We also found differences in the prevalence of hypertension among small, medium and large studies.

Conclusion

Comparing data from previous studies in Pakistan, we found a higher prevalence in urban areas and among males. The prevalence over time is likely to increase faster, further our results underscore the importance of good quality long-term studies that will help to understand hypertension better and implement effective prevention and management programs.

Obstetric outcome after one previous caesarean section

OBJECTIVE

A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the outcome of trial of labour (TOL) after one previous cesarean section.

METHODS

A total of 2,447 deliveries were conducted during this study period over 22 months. Out of these patients 167 women had one previous cesarean birth, 112 (67.1%) of whom underwent trial of labour.

RESULTS

Seventy-two (64.28%) of these patients achieved vaginal delivery. This success rate would be much higher if fixed protocol could be applied to all the patients. Fourty-six point fifteen percent of patients with past indication for cesarean section due to cephalopelvic disproportion also delivered vaginally. This advocates that each patient should be selected on individual merits and the past indication for cesarean section should be reviewed. One maternal death occurred in this study which was due to anaesthetic complication while the perinatal mortality rate in this group was slightly higher as compared to national perinatal mortality rate, reason discussed in the text.

CONCLUSION

It is safe to offer TOL provided patient is carefully selected and monitored.

Family structure and the mental health of Pakistani Muslim mothers and their children living in Britain

The relationship between family structure and mental health was examined in a British Pakistani Muslim community. Mothers completed an inventory of psychological symptoms of depression and anxiety while a teacher rated their children's behavioural adjustment. Mothers living in extended families reported feeling more depressed and anxious than those in nuclear families; their children, however, were better adjusted. The significance and reasons for the different patterns of association between family structure and psychological well-being for mothers and children are discussed.