Curcumin and its Derivatives Targeting Multiple Signaling Pathways to Elicit Anticancer Activity: A Comprehensive Perspective

The uncontrolled growth and spread of aberrant cells characterize the group of disorders known as cancer. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 analysis of cancer patients in either developed countries or developing countries the main concern cancers are breast cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer which may rise eventually. Natural substances with dietary origins have gained interest for their low toxicity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. The evaluation of dietary natural products as chemopreventive and therapeutic agents, the identification, characterization, and synthesis of their active components, as well as the enhancement of their delivery and bioavailability, have all received significant attention. Thus, the treatment strategy for concerning cancers must be significantly evaluated and may include the use of phytochemicals in daily lifestyle. In the present perspective, we discussed one of the potent phytochemicals, that has been used over the past few decades known as curcumin as a panacea drug of the "Cure-all" therapy concept. In our review firstly we included exhausted data from in-vivo and in-vitro studies on breast cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer which act through various cancer-targeting pathways at the molecular level. Now, the second is the active constituent of turmeric known as curcumin and its derivatives are enlisted with their targeted protein in the molecular docking studies, which help the researchers design and synthesize new curcumin derivatives with respective implicated molecular and cellular activity. However, curcumin and its substituted derivatives still need to be investigated with unknown targeting mechanism studies in depth.

Multiple Protein Biomarkers and Different Treatment Strategies for Colorectal Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Prospective

In this review, we emphasized important biomarkers, pathogenesis, and newly developed therapeutic approaches in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). This includes a complete description of small-molecule inhibitors, phytopharmaceuticals with antiproliferative potential, monoclonal antibodies for targeted therapy, vaccinations as immunotherapeutic agents, and many innovative strategies to intervene in the interaction of oncogenic proteins. Many factors combine to determine the clinical behavior of colorectal cancer and it is still difficult to comprehend the molecular causes of a person's vulnerability to CRC. It is also challenging to identify the causes of the tumor's onset, progression, and responsiveness or resistance to antitumor treatment. Current recommendations for targeted medications are being updated by guidelines throughout the world in light of the growing number of high-quality clinical studies. So, being concerned about the aforementioned aspects, we have tried to present a summarized pathogenic view, including a brief description of biomarkers and an update of compounds with their underlying mechanisms that are currently under various stages of clinical testing. This will help to identify gaps or shortfalls that can be addressed in upcoming colorectal cancer research.

Structural Perspective of Benzophenones Targeting Tubulin as Anticancer Agents

Cancer is the leading cause of death and the most significant determinant of life expectancy in almost every country in this twenty-first century. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is responsible for the leading cause of death globally. Benzophenone derivatives are found in a variety of naturally occurring compounds which are known to be pharmacologically efficacious against a variety of diseases, including cancer. Microtubules are thought to be a good target for cancer chemotherapies. Microtubule polymerization and depolymerization are induced by a variety of natural, synthetic, and semisynthetic chemicals having a benzophenone nucleus, affecting tubulin dynamics. Several medications that affect microtubule dynamics are in various stages of clinical trials, including Combretastatins (phase II), Vincristine (clinically approved), Paclitaxel (in clinical usage), and epothilone (phase III), and only a few have been patented. Benzophenone derivatives target the colchicine binding site of microtubules, damage them and cause cell cycle arrest in the G2-M phase. Belonging to this class of molecules, phenstatin, a potent inhibitor of tubulin polymerization, has shown strongly inhibit cancer cell growth and arrest the G2/M phase of the cell cycle by targeting the colchicine binding site of microtubules. In the present manuscript, we described the benzophenone as tubulin polymerization inhibitors, their Structure-Activity Relationships (SARs) and molecular docking studies that reveal its binding affinity with the colchicine binding site.

Structural Insight on GPR119 Agonist as Potential Therapy for Type II Diabetes: A Comprehensive Review

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a long-term metabolic condition that is characterized by excessive blood glucose. DM is the third most death-causing disease, leading to retinopathy, nephropathy, loss of vision, stroke, and cardiac arrest. Around 90% of the total cases of diabetic patients have Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Among various approaches for the treatment of T2DM. G proteincoupled receptors (GPCRs) 119 have been identified as a new pharmacological target. GPR119 is distributed preferentially in the pancreas β-cells and gastrointestinal tract (enteroendocrine cells) in humans. GPR119 receptor activation elevates the release of incretin hormones such as Glucagon-Like Peptide (GLP1) and Glucose Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) from intestinal K and L cells. GPR119 receptor agonists stimulate intracellular cAMP production via Gαs coupling to adenylate cyclase. GPR119 has been linked to the control of insulin release by pancreatic β-cells, as well as the generation of GLP-1 by enteroendocrine cells in the gut, as per in vitro assays. The dual role of the GPR119 receptor agonist in the treatment of T2DM leads to the development of a novel prospective anti-diabetic drug and is thought to have decreased the probability of inducing hypoglycemia. GPR119 receptor agonists exert their effects in one of two ways: either by promoting glucose absorption by β-cells, or by inhibiting α-cells' ability to produce glucose. In this review, we summarized potential targets for the treatment of T2DM with special reference to GPR119 along with its pharmacological effects, several endogenous as well as exogenous agonists, and its pyrimidine nucleus containing synthetic ligands.

Structural Insights into N-heterocyclic Moieties as an Anticancer Agent against Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Exhaustive Perspective

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rapidly spreading around the world with a high mortality rate. In the low- and middle-income nations most impacted by HCV and HBV infections, HCC places a significant strain on the healthcare system and leaches productive capability. An extensive study on HCC to create novel therapeutic approaches was motivated by the lack of adequate preventive or curative therapy methods. Several medications have been put forward and some drug molecules are under investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of HCC. However, these therapeutic choices fall short of the ideal due to toxicity and the rapid rise in drug resistance which decreases the efficacy of these therapeutics and leads to the severity of hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, concerning these problems, there is a critical need for novel systemic combination therapies as well as novel molecular entities that target various signalling pathways, reducing the likelihood that cancer cells may develop treatment resistance. In this review, we discuss the conclusions of several studies suggesting that the N-heterocyclic ring system is a key structural component of many synthetic drugs with a diverse range of biological activities. Following nuclei, such as pyridazine, pyridine, and pyrimidines, along with benzimidazole, indole, acridine, oxadiazole, imidazole, isoxazole, pyrazole, quinolines, and quinazolines, have been included to provide a general overview of the link between structure and activity between heterocyclics and their derivatives against hepatocellular carcinoma. A comprehensive investigation of the structure-activity relationship between the series may be done by the direct comparison of anticancer activities with the reference.

Discovery of novel ALK2 inhibitors of pyrazolo-pyrimidines: A computational study

ALK2 is a serine/threonine kinase, involved in different signaling pathways and associated with cell proliferation and differentiation. The present study includes development of pharmacophore, 3-D QSAR, docking and virtual screening studies on 30 different pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives. The pharmacophore study provides ARRR_2 hypothesis with four different features essential for ALK2 kinase inhibitory activity. The 3 D-QSAR study determined the statistically significant model by using partial least-square regression (PLS) method with R² value of 0.9711 and Q² value of 0.6846. Validation of 3 D-QSAR has been performed by LOO cross-validation method where with R²CV value of 0.56. The virtual screening study on ZINC database provides compounds such as ZINC66091638, ZINC43524105, ZINC19458227 and ZINC72441013 involved good binding interactions (docking scores -8.91, -7.40, -8.43, and -9.47, respectively) with ALK2 kinase (PDB ID: 3Q4U). The docking study of pyrazolo-pyrimidines derivatives found potent compounds, 7i, 13r, 13d, and 21 with docking scores -9.83, -9.75, -9.76, and -9.75, respectively. The important interactions with amino acid residues were HID 286, ASN341. ADME properties further assist to provide important structural features of ALK2 kinase. The present study may be help to medicinal scientists in the direction to develop potent inhibitors against ALK2 kinase.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Synthesis and ex vivo evaluation of PLGA chitosan surface modulated double walled transdermal Pluronic nanogel for the controlled delivery of Temozolomide

A surface modulated biodegradable transdermal strategy has been exploited for improving the biopharmaceutical properties of Temozolomide augmented in Poly Lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) chitosan double walled nanogel (PCNGL). The PCNGL was synthesized by dual approach methodology showing consistent nanosize particle range of 210 nm and PDI 0.325 ± 0.43 with cationic zeta potential values +29.34 ± 0.79 mV. The PCNGL showed qualitative endothermic & exothermic temperature dependent degradation peaks by thermogravimetry analysis. Blood hemolysis and coagulation assay showed 3.37 ± 0.19 as hemolytic ratio, validating biologically safe margin for transdermal delivery. The in vitro drug release showed 85% transdermal release at slightly acidic pH mimicking skin microenvironment. The ex vivo studies displayed noteworthy penetration potential validated by concentration depth assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy, exhibiting 80% Temozolomide uptake in porcine epidermal tissue. The current research demonstrated the biodegradable controlled delivery of chemotherapeutic Temozolomide leading to biologically safe transdermal therapy.

Exploring siRNA Umpired Nanogels: A Tale of Barrier Combating Carrier

Potential short interfering RNAs (siRNA) modulating gene expression have emerged as a novel therapeutic arsenal against a wide range of maladies and disorders containing cancer, viral infections, bacterial ailments and metabolic snags at the molecular level. Nanogel, in the current medicinal era, displayed a comprehensive range of significant drug delivery prospects. Biodegradation, swelling and de-swelling tendency, pHsensitive drug release and thermo-sensitivity are some of the renowned associated benefits of nanogel drug delivery system. Global researches have also showed that nanogel system significantly targets and delivers the biomolecules including DNAs, siRNA, protein, peptides and other biologically active molecules. Biomolecules delivery via nanogel system explored a wide range of pharmaceutical, biomedical engineering and agro-medicinal application. The siRNAs and DNAs delivery plays a vivacious role by addressing the hitches allied with chronic and contemporary therapeutic like generic possession and low constancy. They also incite release kinetics approach from slow-release while mingling to rapid release at the targets will be beneficial as interference RNAs delivery carriers. Therefore, in this research, we focused on the latest improvements in the delivery of siRNA loaded nanogels by enhancing the absorption, stability, sensitivity and combating the hindrances in cellular trafficking and release process.

Nanoemulsion: A Novel Eon in Cancer Chemotherapy

Cancer refers to an assemblage of lethal diseases characterized by abnormal growth of cells. The most celebrated adverse effects accredited to the cytotoxic class of anticancer agents are constructed owing to their inability to differentiate between the abnormally multiplying cancerous cell mass and the rapidly dividing healthy cells of the human body. Consequently, unknown targets chemotherapy for cancer play host to a multitude of adverse effects ranging from nausea, alopecia to torturous ages associated with the current treatment etiquette. Nano-pharmaceuticals constitute the advanced scale drug targeting technologies. Nanoemulsion is an important tool in the nano-technological arena designed for clinical and therapeutic application. Currently among different nano-carriers, nanoemulsions are extensively envisaged as efficient drug delivery systems for the targeted delivery of lipophilic cytotoxic antineoplastic agents. Beauties of nanoemulsion include optical clarity, biocompatibility, non-immunogenic, biodegradable, drug encapsulation, sustained and controlled release, nanometric size, large surface area, ease of preparation and thermodynamic stability. After excessive delving, the research fraternity has acknowledged nanoemulsions as proficient nanocarriers capable of effectively addressing the low bioavailability and noncompliance issues associated with the conventional anticancerous chemotherapeutic dosage forms. This review attempts to shed new light on the current status of nanoemulsion in the cancer therapeutics, and commercial field on the basis of morphology, formulation, characteristics and characterization parameters.

Comprehensive review on various strategies for antimalarial drug discovery

The resistance of malaria parasites to existing drugs carries on growing and progressively limiting our ability to manage this severe disease and finally lead to a massive global health burden. Till now, malaria control has relied upon the traditional quinoline, antifolate and artemisinin compounds. Very few new antimalarials were developed in the past 50 years. Among recent approaches, identification of novel chemotherapeutic targets, exploration of natural products with medicinal significance, covalent bitherapy having a dual mode of action into a single hybrid molecule and malaria vaccine development are explored heavily. The proper execution of these approaches and proper investment from international agencies will accelerate the discovery of drugs that provide new hope for the control or eventual eradication of this global infectious disease. This review explores various strategies for assessment and development of new antimalarial drugs. Current status and scientific value of previous approaches are systematically reviewed and new approaches provide a pragmatic forecast for future developments are introduced as well.

Hepatoprotective activity of Leptadenia reticulata stems against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic and aqueous extract of stems of Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight. and Arn. in carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The toxicant CCl(4) was used to induce hepatotoxicity at a dose of 1.25 ml/kg as 1 : 1 mixture with olive oil. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of L. reticulata stems were administered in the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg/day orally for 7 days. Silymarin (50 mg/kg) was used as standard drug. The hepatoprotective effect of these extracts was evaluated by the assessment of biochemical parameters such as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, serum protein, and histopathological studies of the liver.

RESULTS

Treatment of animals with ethanolic and aqueous extracts significantly reduced the liver damage and the symptoms of liver injury by restoration of architecture of liver as indicated by lower levels of serum bilirubin and protein as compared with the normal and silymarin-treated groups. Histology of the liver sections confirmed that the extracts prevented hepatic damage induced by CCl(4) showing the presence of normal hepatic cords, absence of necrosis, and fatty infiltration.

CONCLUSION

The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of stems of L. reticulata showed significant hepatoprotective activity. The ethanolic extract is more potent in hepatoprotection in CCl(4)-indiced liver injury model as compared with aqueous extract.