Antimicrobial activity of Geranyl acetate against cell wall synthesis proteins of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus using molecular docking and simulation

Incidences of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing skin and soft tissue infections are becoming more prevalent due to repeated mutations and changes in the environment. Coriandrum sativum, a well-known Indian herbal medicinal plant, is shown to have antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activity. This comparative study focuses on the molecular docking (PyRx v0.9.8) of ligand binding domains of WbpE Aminotransferase involved in O-antigen assembly in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3NU7) and Beta-Lactamase found in Staphylococcus aureus (1BLC) with selected phytocompounds of Coriandrum sativum along with a known binder and a clinical reference drug. This was followed by molecular dynamics simulation studies (GROMACS v2019.4) for the docked complexes (with Geranyl acetate) with the best binding affinities (-23.4304 kJ/mol with Beta-Lactamase and -28.4512 kJ/mol with WbpE Aminotransferase) and maximum hydrogen bonds. Molecular dynamics simulation studies for both the proteins demonstrated that the complex with Geranyl acetate showed stability comparable to the complex with reference drug observed via Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD), Root Mean Square Fluctuation (RMSF) and H-bond analyses. Changes in the secondary structural elements indicated that Geranyl acetate could possibly cause improper functioning of WbpE Aminotransferase leading to disrupted cell wall formation. Further, MM/PBSA analyses showed significant binding affinity of Geranyl acetate with WbpE Aminotransferase and Beta-Lactamase. This study aims to provide rationale for further studies of Coriandrum sativum as an antimicrobial, and to contextualise the results in the current scenario of growing antimicrobial resistance. HIGHLIGHTSPhytoconstituents present in Coriandrum sativum show significant binding affinity to the proteins in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.Geranyl acetate exhibited the highest binding affinity with WbpE Aminotransferase involved in O-antigen assembly in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PDB ID:3NU7) and Beta-Lactamase found in Staphylococcus aureus (PDB ID: 1BLC)Molecular dynamics simulation analyses show that the phytoconstituent, Geranyl acetate has an effect similar to the clinical reference drug, thus exhibiting potential antibacterial activity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Neuroanatomical zones of human traumatic brain injury reveal significant differences in protein profile and protein oxidation: Implications for secondary injury events

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes significant neurological deficits and long-term degenerative changes. Primary injury in TBI entails distinct neuroanatomical zones, i.e., contusion (Ct) and pericontusion (PC). Their dynamic expansion could contribute to unpredictable neurological deterioration in patients. Molecular characterization of these zones compared with away from contusion (AC) zone is invaluable for TBI management. Using proteomics-based approach, we were able to distinguish Ct, PC and AC zones in human TBI brains. Ct was associated with structural changes (blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, neuroinflammation, axonal injury, demyelination and ferroptosis), while PC was associated with initial events of secondary injury (glutamate excitotoxicity, glial activation, accumulation of cytoskeleton proteins, oxidative stress, endocytosis) and AC displayed mitochondrial dysfunction that could contribute to secondary injury events and trigger long-term degenerative changes. Phosphoproteome analysis in these zones revealed that certain differentially phosphorylated proteins synergistically contribute to the injury events along with the differentially expressed proteins. Non-synaptic mitochondria (ns-mito) was associated with relatively more differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) compared to synaptosomes (Syn), while the latter displayed increased protein oxidation including tryptophan (Trp) oxidation. Proteomic analysis of immunocaptured complex I (CI) from Syn revealed increased Trp oxidation in Ct > PC > AC (vs. control). Oxidized W272 in the ND1 subunit of CI, revealed local conformational changes in ND1 and the neighboring subunits, as indicated by molecular dynamics simulation (MDS). Taken together, neuroanatomical zones in TBI show distinct protein profile and protein oxidation representing different primary and secondary injury events with potential implications for TBI pathology and neurological status of the patients.

Mitochondrial Complex I Inhibition in Dopaminergic Neurons Causes Altered Protein Profile and Protein Oxidation: Implications for Parkinson's disease

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are critical to neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). Mitochondrial dysfunction in PD entails inhibition of the mitochondrial complex I (CI) in the dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra. The events contributing to CI inhibition and downstream pathways are not completely elucidated. We conducted proteomic analysis in a dopaminergic neuronal cell line exposed individually to neurotoxic CI inhibitors: rotenone (Rot), paraquat (Pq) and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺). Mass spectrometry (MS) revealed the involvement of biological processes including cell death pathways, structural changes and metabolic processes among others, most of which were common across all models. The proteomic changes induced by Pq were significantly higher than those induced by Rot and MPP⁺. Altered metabolic processes included downregulated mitochondrial proteins such as CI subunits. MS of CI isolated from the models revealed oxidative post-translational modifications with Tryptophan (Trp) oxidation as the predominant modification. Further, 62 peptides in 22 subunits of CI revealed Trp oxidation with 16 subunits common across toxins. NDUFV1 subunit had the greatest number of oxidized Trp and Rot model displayed the highest number of Trp oxidation events compared to the other models. Molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) of NDUFV1 revealed that oxidized Trp 433 altered the local conformation thereby changing the distance between the Fe-S clusters, Fe-S 301(N1a) to Fe-S 502 (N3) and Fe-S 802 (N4) to Fe-S 801 (N5), potentially affecting the efficiency of electron transfer. The events triggered by the neurotoxins represent CI damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration in PD.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the mating-responsive genes in the male accessory glands of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

BACKGROUND

Mating elicits significant changes in gene expression and leads to subsequent physiological and behavioural modifications in insects. The reproductive success of both sexes is contributed immensely by the male accessory gland (MAG) proteins that are transferred along with sperms to the female reproductive tract during mating where they facilitate several processes that modify the post-mating behaviour. The mating-responsive genes in the MAGs have been identified and reported in many insects but have not been well-characterized in the important agricultural pest Spodoptera litura. Here, we present RNA sequencing analysis to identify mating-responsive genes from the accessory glands of virgin males and males interrupted during mating.

RESULTS

Overall, 91,744 unigenes were generated after clustering the assembled transcript sequences of both samples, while the total number of transcripts annotated was 48,708 based on sequence homology against the non-redundant (NR) database. Comparative transcriptomics analysis revealed 16,969 genes that were differentially expressed between the two groups, including 9814 up-regulated and 7155 down-regulated genes. Among the top 80 genes that were selected for heat map analysis, several prominent genes including odorant binding protein, cytochrome P450, heat shock proteins, juvenile hormone binding protein, carboxypeptidases and serine protease were differentially expressed.

CONCLUSIONS

The identified genes are known or predicted to promote several processes that modify the female post-mating behaviour. Future studies with the individual MAG protein or in combination will be required to recognize the precise mechanisms by which these proteins alter female physiology and reproductive behaviour. Thus, our study provides essential data to address fundamental questions about reproduction within and among insects and also paves way for further exploration of the functions of these proteins in female insects.

In silico screening of phytochemical compounds and FDA drugs as potential inhibitors for NSP16/10 5' methyl transferase activity

The recent global pandemic associated with the highly contagious novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has led to an unpredictable loss of life and economy worldwide, and the discovery of antiviral drugs is an urgent necessity. For the discovery of new drug leads and for the treatment of various diseases, natural products and purified photochemical from medicinal plants are used. The RNA cap was methylated by two S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferases of SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), catalyzed by NSP16 2'-O-Mtase. Natural substrate SAM, 128 Phytocompounds retrieved from the Phytocompounds database, and 11 standard FDA-approved HIV drugs reclaimed from the PubChem database are subjected to docking analysis. The docking study was done using AutoDock Vina. Further, admetSAR and DruLiTO servers are used to analyze the drug-likeness properties. The NSP16/10 structure and natural substrate SAM, Phytocompounds Withanolide (WTL), and HIV standard drug Dolutegravir (DLT) as hit compounds were identified by molecular dynamics using the Gromacs GPU-enabled package. To examine the effectiveness of the identified drugs versus COVID-19, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Computational study for identifying promising therapeutic agents of hydroxychloroquine analogues against SARS-CoV-2

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and its derivatives have recently gained tremendous attention as a probable medicinal agent in the COVID-19 outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2. An efficient agent to act directly in inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 replication is yet to be achieved. Thus, the goal is to investigate the dynamic nature of HCQ derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 main protease and spike proteins. Molecular docking studies were also performed to understand their binding affinity in silico methods using the vital protein domains and enzymes involved in replicating and multiplying SARS-CoV-2, which were the main protease and spike protein. Molecular Dynamic simulations integrated with MM-PBSA calculations have identified In silico potential inhibitors ZINC05135012 and ZINC59378113 against the main protease with -185.171 ± 16.388, -130.759 ± 15.741 kJ/mol respectively, ZINC16638693 and ZINC59378113 against spike protein -141.425 ± 22.447, -129.149 ± 11.449 kJ/mol. Identified Hit molecules had demonstrated Drug Likeliness features, PASS values and ADMET predictions with no violations. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Virtual Screening of Native Variants of Focal Adhesion Kinase - A QSAR, Molecular Docking and Dynamic Simulation Study

Objective:

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytosolic tyrosine kinase that controls integrin and growth factor signalling pathways. FAK is a promising therapeutic target for cellular adhesion related disorders, such as cancer.

Methods:

In this study, in silico techniques like quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR), Molecular Docking, and Dynamic Simulation were used to study the interactions between small molecules and FAK.

Results:

The constructed QSAR model showed good statistical parameters (Q2=0.8040 and R2=0.8499), indicating that it is stable and reliable. Based on this model, several new compounds were screened from small molecule databases and their inhibitory activities were validated by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. Pharmacokinetic parameters were checked using in silico ADME testing.

Conclusion:

Results show that the protein-ligand complexes are stable during the simulation and the compounds would be considered as potential inhibitors of Focal Adhesion Kinase.

Delivery of Ursolic Acid by Polyhydroxybutyrate Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy: in silico and in vitro Studies

Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid and a phytochemical, is a potent inhibitory agent against proliferation of various tumors. Polyhydroxybutyrate nanoparticles (PHB NPs) are preferred in therapeutics due to their drug-stabilizing property and enhanced biological activity. In this study, PHB NPs were utilized to deliver and enhance the bioavailability of UA against cancer cells (HeLa). Further, molecular docking and dynamic studies were conducted to calculate the binding affinity and stability of UA at the active site of target protein (epidermal growth factor receptor-EGFR). The PHB NPs revealed the average size as 150-200 nm in TEM, which were used in subsequent experiments. The cytoplasmic uptake of nanoparticles was confirmed by florescent microscopy. The encapsulation potential of PHB NPs with UA was assessed by UV-visible spectrophotometer as 54%. Besides, the drug release behavior, cytotoxicity and the regulation of apoptosis were investigated in vitro. The cytotoxicity results revealed that the maximum efficiency of drug delivery was at 96th hour.

Investigation of the reactivity properties of a thiourea derivative with anticancer activity by DFT and MD simulations

Spectroscopic analysis of 1-(2-fluorophenyl)-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]thiourea (FPTT) is reported. Experimental and theoretical analyses of FPTT, with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, are reported for finding different parameters like identification of suitable excipients, interactions with water, and sensitivity towards autoxidation. Molecular dynamics and docking show that FPTT can act as a potential inhibitor for new drug. Additionally, local reactivity, interactivity with water, and compatibility of FPTT molecule with frequently used excipients have been studied by combined application of density functional theory (DFT) and MD simulations. Analysis of local reactivity has been performed based on selected fundamental quantum-molecular descriptors, while interactivity with water was studied by calculations of radial distribution functions (RDFs). Compatibility with excipients has been assessed through calculations of solubility parameters, applying MD simulations. Graphical abstract Reactive sites identified.

In silico screening of therapeutic potentials from Strychnos nux-vomica against the dimeric main protease (Mpro) structure of SARS-CoV-2

The novel coronavirus also referred to as SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19 and became global epidemic since its initial outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Research efforts are still been endeavoured towards discovering/designing of potential drugs and vaccines against this virus. In the present studies, we have contributed to the development of a drug based on natural products to combat the newly emerged and life-threatening disease. The main protease (M^Pro) of SARS-CoV-2 is a homodimer and a key component involved in viral replication, and is considered as a prime target for anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug development. Literature survey revealed that the phytochemicals present in Strychnos nux-vomica possess several therapeutic activities. Initially, in the light of drug likeness laws, the ligand library of phytoconstituents was subjected to drug likeness analysis. The resulting compounds were taken to binding site-specific consensus-based molecular docking studies and the results were compared with the positive control drug, lopinavir, which is a main protease inhibitor. The top compounds were tested for ADME-Tox properties and antiviral activity. Further molecular dynamics simulations and MM-PBSA-based binding affinity estimation were carried out for top two lead compounds' complexes along with the apo form of main protease and positive control drug lopinavir complex, and the results were comparatively analysed. The results revealed that the two analogues of same scaffold, namely demethoxyguiaflavine and strychnoflavine, have potential against M^pro and can be validated through clinical studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In-silico strategies of some selected phytoconstituents from Melissa officinalis as SARS CoV-2 main protease and spike protein (COVID-19) inhibitors

Melissa officinalis (Lamiaceae) was used to treat multiple human afflictions. Literary works demonstrated that it has many biological activities. Today’s research aims to recognise Melissa officinalis phyto-derived anti-viral compounds against main protease and spike protein of COVID-19, to gain insight into the molecular interactions. In the current study, 12 molecules taken from Melissa officinalis were analysed through docking, which is derived from the PubMed database. Docking experiments were conducted with Autodock tool. AdmetSAR and Data warrior servers were eventually used for drug-like prediction. Our research shows that three phytoconstituents from Melissa officinalis, namely, Luteolin-7-glucoside-3′-glucuronide, Melitric acid-A and Quadranoside-III have exhibited better binding affinity and stability with the targets of COVID-19 main protease and spike protein. The identified substances can be further extended for in vitro and in vivo studies to assess their effectiveness against COVID-19.

Formulation and evaluation of rutin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for the treatment of brain tumor

The primary requirement for curing cancer is the delivery of essential drug load at the cancer microenvironment with therapeutic efficacy. Considering this, the present study aims to formulate "Rutin"-encapsulated solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for effective brain delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Rutin-loaded SLNs were fabricated by oil-in-water microemulsion technique and were characterized for their physicochemical properties. The in vivo biodistribution study of rutin-loaded SLNs was studied using Rattus norvegicus rats. Subsequently, in silico molecular docking and dynamic calculations were performed to examine the binding affinity as well as stability of rutin at the active site of target protein "epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)." Formulated rutin-loaded SLNs were predominantly spherical in shape with an average particle diameter of 100 nm. Additionally, the biocompatibility and stability have been proved in vitro. The presence and biodistribution of rutin in vivo after 54 h of injection were observed as 15.23 ± 0.32% in the brain, 8.68 ± 0.63% in the heart, 4.78 ± 0.28% in the kidney, 5.04 ± 0.37% in the liver, 0.92 ± 0.04% in the lung, and 11.52 ± 0.65% in the spleen, respectively. Molecular docking results revealed the higher binding energy of - 150.973 kJ/mol of rutin with EGFR. Molecular dynamic simulation studies demonstrated that rutin with EGFR receptor complex was highly stable at 30 ns. The observed results exemplified that the formulated rutin-loaded SLNs were stable in circulation for a period up to 5 days. Thus, rutin-encapsulated SLN formulations can be used as a promising vector to target tumors across BBB. Graphical abstract.

Nephroprotective effect of Combretum micranthum G. Don in nicotinamide-streptozotocin induced diabetic nephropathy in rats: In-vivo and in-silico experiments

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Combretum micranthum G. Don (CM) is extensively used in traditional medicine throughout West Africa and commonly known as "long-life herbal tea" or "plant to heal". Further, traditional healers frequently use the title plant to mitigate of renal disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the nephroprotective property of standardised hydroalcoholic extract of Combretum micranthum in nicotinamide-streptozotocin induced diabetic nephropathy in rats. In addition, in-silico computational experiments were performed with bioactive compounds of the title plant against PPARα and PPARγ.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Male rats were made diabetic by a single intraperitoneal (ip) injection of STZ (50 mg/kg), 15 min after ip administration of NA (100 mg/kg) dissolved in normal saline. The diabetic rats received CM extract (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o.) daily, for eight weeks. Body weights and blood glucose (non-fasting and fasting) of rats were measured weekly. Daily food and water consumption were also measured. After 8 weeks of treatment, urine biochemical parameters such as N-Acetyl-β-D-Glucosaminidase (NAG), urea (UR), uric acid (UA), creatinine (CRE), and serum markers of diabetes, kidney damage and liver damage such as insulin, lipid parameters), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γGT), albumin (Alb), magnesium (Mg²⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), phosphorus (P), were estimated. Blood glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1_C) were also estimated. kidney and liver were used for biochemical estimation of oxidative stress markers such as lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. The kidney and pancreas were used for histopathological study. Further, HPLC chemoprofiling of CM extract and in-silico molecular simulation experiments were performed.

RESULTS

At the end of eight weeks, renal damage induced by the consequence of prolong diabetic condition was confirmed by altered levels of serum and urine kidney and liver function markers, oxidative stress markers and histopathological variations in kidney. Treatment with CM extract ameliorated the diabetes mellitus-induced renal biochemical parameters and histopathological changes. Further, HPLC-UV & MS experiments revealed that CM extract contains several bioactive compounds including hyperozide (62.35 μg/mg of extract) and quercitrin (19.07 μg/mg of extract). In-silico experiment exhibited cianidanol (-17.133), epicatechin (-15.107) exhibited higher docking score against PPARα and luteoforol (-11.038), epigallocatechin (-10.736) against PPARγ. Based on docking and drug likeness score, four bioactive compounds were selected for molecular dynamic experiments. Cianidanol and epigallocatechin out of the 30 compounds are concluded as a potential candidate for the treatment of DN through activating PPARα and PPARγ target protein.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the present study provided the scientific footage for the traditional use of Combretum micranthum.

Targeting Imd pathway receptor in Drosophila melanogaster and repurposing of phyto-inhibitors: structural modulation and molecular dynamics

Dysbiosis is a major cause of disease in an individual, generally initiated in the gastrointestinal tract. The gut, also known as the second brain, constitutes a major role in immune signaling. To study the immunity cascade, the Drosophila model was considered targeting the Imd pathway receptor (2F2L) located in the midgut. This receptor further initiates the immune signaling mechanism influenced by bacteria. To inhibit the Imd pathway, the crystal structure of Imd with PDB: 2F2L was considered for the screening of suitable ligand/inhibitor. In light of our previous studies, repurposing of anti-diabetic ligands from the banana plant namely lupeol (LUP), stigmasterol (STI), β-sitosterol (BST) and umbelliferone (UMB) were screened. This study identifies the potential inhibitor along with the tracheal toxin (TCT), a major peptidoglycan constituent of microbes. The molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation of complexes 2F2L-MLD, 2F2L- CAP, 2F2L-LUP, 2F2L-BST, 2F2L-STI and 2F2L-UMB elucidates the intermolecular interaction into the inhibitory property of ligands. The results of this study infer LUP and UMB as better ligands with high stability and functionality among the screened candidates. This study provides insights into the dysbiosis and its amelioration by plant-derived molecules. The identified drugs (LUP & UMB) will probably act as an inhibitor against microbial dysbiosis and other related pathogenesis (diabetes and diabetic neuropathy). Further, this study will widen avenues in fly biology research and which could be used as a therapeutic model in the rapid, reliable and reproducible screening of phytobiologics in complementary and alternative medicine for various lifestyle associated complications.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In silico identification of potential inhibitors from Cinnamon against main protease and spike glycoprotein of SARS CoV-2

Cinnamon has been utilized to remedy a lot of afflictions of humans. Literary works illustrate that it possesses numerous biological activities. Our research study is intended to recognize the phyto-derived antiviral substances from Cinnamon against COVID-19 main protease enzyme and to understand the in silico molecular basis of its activity. In the present study, 48 isolates compounds from Cinnamon retrieved from the PubMed database, are subjected to docking analysis. Docking study was performed using Autodock vina and PyRx software. Afterwards, admetSAR, as well as DruLiTo servers, were used to investigate drug-likeness prophecy. Our study shows that the nine phytochemicals of Cinnamon are very likely against the main protease enzyme of COVID-19. Further MD simulations could identify Tenufolin (TEN) and Pavetannin C1 (PAV) as hit compounds. Utilizing contemporary strategies, these phyto-compounds from a natural origin might establish a reliable medication or support lead identification. Identified hit compounds can be further taken for in vitro and in vivo studies to examine their effectiveness versus COVID-19.

Design and Molecular dynamic Investigations of 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone Derivatives as Potential Neuroprotective Agents Against Alpha-synuclein

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder caused due to loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta, which occurs the presence of Lewy bodies made up of Alpha-synuclein (ASN) aggregation resulting in neuronal death. This study aims to identify potent 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (DHF) derivatives to inhibit the ASN aggregation from in silico analysis. Molecular docking study reveals that carbamic ester derivatives of DHF [DHF-BAHPC (8q), DHF-BAHPEC (8s), DHF-BAHEC (8p), DHF-BDOPC (8c), DHF-BAPEC (8n) and DHF-BAMC (8h)] have good binding affinity towards ASN, when compared with DHF and L-DOPA; their docking score values are -16.3120, -16.1875, -15.2223, -14.3118, -14.2893, -14.2810, -14.0383, and -9.1560 kcal/mol respectively. The in silico pharmacological evaluation shows that these molecules exhibit the drug-likeness and ADMET properties. Molecular dynamics simulation confirms the stability of the molecules with ASN. The intermolecular interaction analyzed under the dynamic condition, allows to identify the candidate which potentially inhibits ASN aggregation. Hence, we propose that DHF derivatives are the potential lead drug molecules and preclinical studies are needed to confirm the promising therapeutic ability against PD.

Nephroprotective activity of Combretum micranthum G. Don in cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in rats: In-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico experiments

Nephrotoxicity is known to be a major complication during cisplatin chemotherapy in cancer patients. In the present study, the protective effect of a hydroalcoholic extract of Combretum micranthum (CM) against cisplatin (CP)-induced renal damage was evaluated using in-vitro human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells and in-vivo experiments. Further, in-silico molecular docking and dynamic experiments were carried out with bioactive compounds of the title plant against nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Incubation of HEK-293 cells with cisplatin resulted in a significant increase in cell death with changes in normal cellular morphology. Co-treatment of HEK-293 cells with CP and CM extract at varying concentrations resulted in significant enhancement of cell growth compared to CP treatment indicating the cytoprotective activity of CM with an EC₅₀ 8.136 μg/mL. In vivo nephroprotective activity was evaluated by administering CM (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o) to rats for 10 days followed by single intraperitonial injection of CP (7.5 mg/kg) on the 5th day of the experiment. Nephrotoxicity induced by CP was apparent by elevated levels of serum and urine kidney function markers, transaminases, oxidative stress markers and histopathological alterations in kidney. Pre-treatment with CM normalized the renal function at both the doses by ameliorating the CP-induced renal damage markers, oxidative stress and histopathological variations. In-silico studies showed that, out of the thirty bioactive compounds, isovitexin and gallic acid exhibited a higher docking score of -22.467, -21.167 kcal/mol against NF-κB. Cianidanol and epicatechin exhibited a higher docking score of -14.234, -14.209 kcal/mol against sEH. The protective effect of CM extract in CP-induced nephrotoxicity might be attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting NF-κB and sEH upregulation.

Prediction of deleterious single nucleotide polymorphisms and their effect on the sequence and structure of the human CCND1 gene

Objective

The CCND1 gene expresses a protein, G1/S-specific cyclin, that regulates the G1/S transition in the cell cycle and also inhibits retinoblastoma (RB) proteins. Overexpression or rearrangements of this gene can result in various tumours. This study aimed to identify possible deleterious non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP's) of CCND1 using computational methods.

Methods

SNPs in the human CCND1 gene were retrieved from dbSNP. These SNPs were screened by the Sorting Intolerant From Tolerant (SIFT) algorithm and the PredictSNP classification. Mutants with deleterious SNPs were built using Discovery Studio 3.5, and dynamics studies were performed on native and mutant varieties.

Results

In Homo sapiens, 1194 SNPs were found, of which 94 were missense and 2 were nonsense SNPs. Three SNPs were found to be deleterious. Molecular dynamics and trajectory analysis showed that there was a significant deviation of the root mean square deviation (RMSD) values in the N216K mutant from the values of the native protein.

Conclusion

Based on this study, we propose that the SNP with SNP ID rs112525097 (NM_053056.2:c.648C>G) might cause aberrations in CCND1, which might lead to a change in the function of the G1/S-specific cyclin protein. This, in turn, may lead to the development of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Primary retrovesical hydatidosis causing chronic renal failure

Hydatidosis is an endemic, widely distributed zoonosis, which involves the liver, lung and other organs. Isolated retrovesical involvement is an uncommon location of occurrence, which may rarely cause chronic renal failure. We profile the presentation, management and outcome of three such cases.