Azoles display promising anticonvulsant effects through possible PPAR-α activation

Azoles such as nafimidone, denzimol and loreclezole are known for their clinical efficacy against epilepsy, and loreclezole acts by potentiating γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic currents. In the current study, we report a series of azole derivatives in alcohol ester and oxime ester structure showing promising anticonvulsant effects in 6 Hz and maximal electro shock (MES) models with minimal toxicity. The most promising of the series, 5f, was active in both 6 Hz and MES tests with a median effective dose (ED50) of 118.92 mg/kg in 6 Hz test and a median toxic dose (TD50) twice as high in mice. The compounds were predicted druglike and blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrant in silico. Contrary to what was expected, the compounds showed no in vitro affinity to GABAA receptors (GABAARs) in radioligand binding assays; however, they were found structurally similar to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha (PPAR-α) agonists and predicted to show high affinity and agonist-like binding to PPAR-α in molecular docking studies. As a result, 5f emerged as a safe azole anticonvulsant with a wide therapeutic window and possible action through PPAR-α activation.

How real estate bubbles affect the systemic risk of financial institutions in the United Arab Emirates

The paper addresses a crucial gap in the literature by examining the interplay between real estate price bubbles and systemic risk in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 2006 to 2022. The paper employs a three-step testing procedure: bubble detection using the bootstrapped GSADF test, measuring systemic risk using Delta-CoVaR and MES measures, and assessing the impact of real estate bubbles on bank risk through panel data regression. Utilizing a sample of 17 conventional banks operating in the UAE, the study demonstrates that the interplay between real estate price bubbles and systemic risk is influenced by the specific characteristics of banks. Higher levels of loan growth, leverage, and bank size heighten the systemic risk faced by banks during asset price bubbles. Interestingly, the results also indicate that banks with a greater degree of income diversification contribute less to systemic risk during periods characterized by real estate bubbles. The results from this study are useful for policymakers in designing and implementing regulations to stabilize and prevent the UAE's banking sector from being affected by real estate price bubbles.

Application of deep learning in the diagnosis and evaluation of ulcerative colitis disease severity

Background

Achieving endoscopic and histological remission is a critical treatment objective in ulcerative colitis (UC). Nevertheless, interobserver variability can significantly impact overall assessment performance.

Objectives

We aimed to develop a deep learning algorithm for the real-time and objective evaluation of endoscopic disease activity and prediction of histological remission in UC.

Design

This is a retrospective diagnostic study.

Methods

Two convolutional neural network (CNN) models were constructed and trained using 12,257 endoscopic images and biopsy results sourced from 1124 UC patients who underwent colonoscopy at a single center from January 2018 to December 2022. Mayo Endoscopy Subscore (MES) and UC Endoscopic Index of Severity Score (UCEIS) assessments were conducted by two experienced and independent reviewers. Model performance was evaluated in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and positive predictive value. The output of the CNN models was also compared with the corresponding histological results to assess histological remission prediction performance.

Results

The MES-CNN model achieved 97.04% accuracy in diagnosing endoscopic remission of UC, while the MES-CNN and UCEIS-CNN models achieved 90.15% and 85.29% accuracy, respectively, in evaluating endoscopic severity of UC. For predicting histological remission, the CNN models achieved accuracy and kappa values of 91.28% and 0.826, respectively, attaining higher accuracy than human endoscopists (87.69%).

Conclusion

The proposed artificial intelligence model, based on MES and UCEIS evaluations from expert gastroenterologists, offered precise assessment of inflammation in UC endoscopic images and reliably predicted histological remission.

Correlation of ex vivo cytokine secretion profiles with scoring indices in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

In ulcerative colitis, the complexity of mucosal cytokine secretion profiles and how they correlate with endoscopic and clinical scores is still unclear.

METHODS

In this study, we collected fresh biopsies from UC patients to investigate which cytokines are produced in ex vivo culture conditions, a platform increasingly used for testing of novel drugs. Then, we correlated cytokine production with several scoring indices commonly used to assess the severity of the disease.

RESULTS

Increased levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, TNFα and IFNɣ were produced by biopsies of UC patients compared to non-IBD controls. Our results show a better correlation of cytokine levels with Mayo Endoscopic Subscore (MES) and Mayo score, than the more complex Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS). Out of 10 measured cytokines, eight correlated with MES, six with Mayo score and only three with UCEIS, due to the partial increase in cytokine secretion observed in donors with UCEIS = 7-8. When we analysed individual subscores within the UCEIS, Vascular Network subscore showed a correlation similar to MES (7/10 cytokines), while Bleeding as well as Erosions and Ulcers subscores correlated with only 3/10 cytokines, similarly to the total UCEIS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that choosing biopsies from donors with MES = 2-3 and UCEIS = 2-6 from areas with no bleeding and no superficial and/or deep ulcers could enable a deeper insight into the cytokine profile of the inflamed tissue and represent a better tool for studying potential therapeutic targets and evaluation of novel therapies.

Analysis of Variables Associated with Positive Micro-Embolic Signals Detected by Transcranial Doppler in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Their Predictive Value for Embolic Risk

Objective

This study examined the factors associated with positive micro-embolic signals (MES) on transcranial Doppler monitoring in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), as well as the predictive value of MES for the risk of embolism in AF.

Methods

Sixty-six patients who had micro emboli with AF were included in the positive group, and 75 patients who did not have micro emboli with AF served as the control group. The clinical data, congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 (doubled), diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (doubled), vascular disease, age 65-74, female (CHA2DS2-VASc) score, D-dimer (D-d) level, echocardiography results, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between positive micro emboli with CHA2DS2-VASc score, D-d, left atrial anteroposterior diameter (LAD), and silent cerebral ischemia (SCI) occurrence.

Results

The CHA2DS2-VASc score, D-d level, and LAD were significantly higher in the positive group than in the control group (P < 0.05) and were accompanied by a higher detection rate of SCI by brain MRI (P < 0.01). Elevated D-d levels, increased LAD, and the detection rate of SCI were all highly positively correlated with positive micro emboli. Also, CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2 showed a significant positive correlation with positive micro emboli, and the higher CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with a stronger correlation. The multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that positive micro-embolic was independently associated with SCI and a CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥ 4.

Conclusion

Positive micro emboli in patients with persistent AF are consistent with an increased risk of embolism, and are independently associated with a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score and SCI, which can be used as an indicator of individual embolic risk in patients with AF.

Comparative Analysis of Anticonvulsant Activity of Trans and Cis 5,5'-Diphenylhydantoin Schiff Bases

Recently, the four 5,5'-diphenylhydantoin Schiff bases, possessing different aromatic species (SB1-Ph, SB2-Ph, SB3-Ph and SB4-Ph) were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity in combination with phenytoin. In the present study, the SB1-Ph and SB4-Ph compounds were selected, based on their anticonvulsant potency, and compared with their cis isomers, prepared after a one-hour exposure to the UV source, for their anticonvulsant potency in the maximal electroshock (MES) test and the kainate (KA)-induced status epilepticus (SE) test in mice. In the MES test, the cisSB1-Ph compound exhibited superior to phenytoin and trans isomer activity in the three tested doses, while the cisSB4-Ph compound entirely suppressed the electroshock-induced seizure spread at the highest dose of 40 mg/kg. Pretreatment with the cisSB1-Ph compound and the cisSB4-Ph at the doses of 40 mg/kg, respectively, for seven days, significantly attenuated the severity of KA SE compared to the matched control group pretreated with a vehicle, while phenytoin was ineffective in this test. The cisSB4-Ph but not the cisSB1-Ph demonstrated an antioxidant effect against the KA-induced SE in the hippocampus. Our results suggest that trans-cis conversion of 5,5'-diphenylhydantoin Schiff bases has potential against seizure spread in the MES test and mitigated the KA-induced SE. The antioxidant potency of cisSB4-Ph might be associated with its efficacy in mitigating the SE.

An electrical stimulation intervention protocol to prevent disuse atrophy and muscle strength decline: an experimental study in rat

BACKGROUND

Skeletal muscle is negatively impacted by conditions such as spaceflight or prolonged bed rest, resulting in a dramatic decline in muscle mass, maximum contractile force, and muscular endurance. Electrical stimulation (ES) is an essential tool in neurophysiotherapy and an effective means of preventing skeletal muscle atrophy and dysfunction. Historically, ES treatment protocols have used either low or high frequency electrical stimulation (LFES/HFES). However, our study tests the use of a combination of different frequencies in a single electrical stimulation intervention in order to determine a more effective protocol for improving both skeletal muscle strength and endurance.

METHODS

An adult male SD rat model of muscle atrophy was established through 4 weeks of tail suspension (TS). To investigate the effects of different frequency combinations, the experimental animals were treated with low (20 Hz) or high (100 Hz) frequency before TS for 6 weeks, and during TS for 4weeks. The maximum contraction force and fatigue resistance of skeletal muscle were then assessed before the animals were sacrificed. The muscle mass, fiber cross-sectional area (CSA), fiber type and related protein expression were examined and analyzed to gain insights into the mechanisms by which the ES intervention protocol used in this study regulates muscle strength and endurance.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks of unloading, the soleus muscle mass and fiber CSA decreased by 39% and 58% respectively, while the number of glycolytic muscle fibers increased by 21%. The gastrocnemius muscle fibers showed a 51% decrease in CSA, with a 44% decrease in single contractility and a 39% decrease in fatigue resistance. The number of glycolytic muscle fibers in the gastrocnemius also increased by 29%. However, the application of HFES either prior to or during unloading showed an improvement in muscle mass, fiber CSA, and oxidative muscle fibers. In the pre-unloading group, the soleus muscle mass increased by 62%, while the number of oxidative muscle fibers increased by 18%. In the during unloading group, the soleus muscle mass increased by 29% and the number of oxidative muscle fibers increased by 15%. In the gastrocnemius, the pre-unloading group showed a 38% increase in single contractile force and a 19% increase in fatigue resistance, while in the during unloading group, a 21% increase in single contractile force and a 29% increase in fatigue resistance was observed, along with a 37% and 26% increase in the number of oxidative muscle fibers, respectively. The combination of HFES before unloading and LFES during unloading resulted in a significant elevation of the soleus mass by 49% and CSA by 90%, with a 40% increase in the number of oxidative muscle fibers in the gastrocnemius. This combination also resulted in a 66% increase in single contractility and a 38% increase in fatigue resistance.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that using HFES before unloading can reduce the harmful effects of muscle unloading on the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. Furthermore, we found that combining HFES before unloading with LFES during unloading was more effective in preventing muscle atrophy in the soleus and preserving the contractile function of the gastrocnemius muscle.

Comparison of The Toronto IBD Global Endoscopic Reporting (TIGER) score, Mayo endoscopic score (MES), and ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS) in predicting the need for ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Total proctocolectomy (TPC) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has been accepted as a radical surgery for refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). We aimed to assess the predictive value of several novel and widely used endoscopic core systems, The Toronto IBD Global Endoscopic Reporting (TIGER) score, Mayo endoscopic score (MES), and ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS) in guiding the need for IPAA.

METHODS

Data on patients with UC from June 1986 and June 2022 at our institute were collected. The endoscopic evaluation was recorded according to the first colonoscopy after hospitalization. Primary outcome was the need for IPAA during admission and follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 313 patients with a median follow-up time and a median TIGER score of 12.0 years (interquartile range (IQR): 6.0-17.0) and 212.0 (IQR: 7.0-327.0) were enrolled. IPAA was conducted in 110 (35.1%) patients, which significantly improved the long-term quality of life. TIGER score had the biggest area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.810 with a sensitivity of 75.0% and specificity of 87.1% at the cut-off value of 315 (p < 0.001). TIGER score ≥ 315 was an independent risk factor with the highest odds ratio for the need for IPAA and associated with the shortest IPAA-free survival time compared with UCEIS and MES.

CONCLUSION

TIGER score was superior to UCEIS and MES in predicting the need for IPAA. For colorectal surgeons, three or more segments with moderate-to-severe endoscopic activity should be considered as a threshold value for decision-making for IPAA.

Industrial Shared Wireless Communication Systems-Use Case of Autonomous Guided Vehicles with Collaborative Robot

Dedicated fieldbuses were developed to provide temporal determinisms for industrial distributed real-time systems. In the early stages, communication systems were dedicated to a single protocol and generally supported a single service. Industrial Ethernet, which is used today, supports many concurrent services, but usually only one real-time protocol at a time. However, shop-floor communication must support a range of different traffic from messages with strict real-time requirements such as time-driven messages with process data and event-driven security messages to diagnostic messages that have more relaxed temporal requirements. Thus, it is necessary to combine different real-time protocols into one communication network. This raises many challenges, especially when the goal is to use wireless communication. There is no research work on that area and this paper attempts to fill in that gap. It is a result of some experiments that were conducted while connecting a Collaborative Robot CoBotAGV with a production station for which two real-time protocols, Profinet and OPC UA, had to be combined into one wireless network interface. The first protocol was for the exchange of processing data, while the latter integrated the vehicle with Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and Transport Management System (TMS). The paper presents the real-time capabilities of such a combination-an achievable communication cycle and jitter.

Evaluation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and modified sclerotherapy in preventing rebleeding of esophageal and gastric varices

Esophageal and gastric varices are complications of decompensated portal hypertension due to cirrhosis, and gastrointestinal bleeding and can seriously trigger major bleeding and crisis life. Seriously endangers patients' physical and mental health and attracts great attention in the clinic. To compare the efficacy and safety of MES (combined with lauromacrogol and tissue adhesive) and TIPS in the treatment of esophageal and gastric varices. The 62 cases of esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into the MES group and TIPS group according to the treatment method. The rebleeding rate, complications, 2-year birth rate, treatment cost, and hospitalization time within 2 years after operation were compared between the two groups. Among the 62 patients, there were 32 in the MES group and 30 in the TIPS group. The rebleeding rate within 1 year after operation in the MES group was higher than that in the TIPS group, but the difference was not statistically significant. The rebleeding rate within 2 years after operation in the MES group was 40.63%, significantly higher than 13.33% in the TIPS group (P < 0. 05). In the MES group, the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy after the operation was 9.38%, significantly lower than 33.33% in TIPS group (P < 0. 05). The survival rate within 2 years after operation in MES group (81.25%) and TIPS group (83.33), the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in hospital stay between the MES group and TIPS group (P > 0.05). The treatment cost of the MES group was lower than that of the TIPS group (P < 0.05). MES is more suitable for development and promotion in grass-roots hospitals, but TIPS treatment should be carried out as soon as possible for patients with poor efficacy of endoscopic treatment.

Connecting telomere maintenance and regulation to the developmental origin and differentiation states of neuroblastoma tumor cells

A cardinal feature that distinguishes clinically high-risk neuroblastoma from low-risk tumors is telomere maintenance. Specifically, neuroblastoma tumors with either active telomerase or alternative lengthening of telomeres exhibit aggressive growth characteristics that lead to poor outcomes, whereas tumors without telomere maintenance can be managed with observation or minimal treatment. Even though the need for cancer cells to maintain telomere DNA-in order to sustain cell proliferation-is well established, recent studies suggest that the neural crest origin of neuroblastoma may enforce unique relationships between telomeres and tumor malignancy. Specifically in neuroblastoma, telomere structure and telomerase activity are correlated with the adrenergic/mesenchymal differentiation states, and manipulating telomerase activity can trigger tumor cell differentiation. Both findings may reflect features of normal neural crest development. This review summarizes recent advances in the characterization of telomere structure and telomere maintenance mechanisms in neuroblastoma and discusses the findings in the context of relevant literature on telomeres during embryonic and neural development. Understanding the canonical and non-canonical roles of telomere maintenance in neuroblastoma could reveal vulnerabilities for telomere-directed therapies with potential applications to other pediatric malignancies.

Pyrrolopyridine and Isoindole as potential anticonvulsant agents: Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Phthalimide as the rigid form of ameltolide exhibits a phenytoin-like profile of drug-receptor interaction and is active in the MES model and inactive in the PTZ model as anti-epileptic agent. In this research, based on the isosteric replacement, we have reported the design, preparation, and antiepileptic activity of 13 new analogs of pyrrolopyridine and isoindole.

METHODS

The designed compounds were prepared by condensing 3, 4-pyridine dicarboxylic anhydride or 4-fluorophthalic anhydride with different respective aryl amines. MES and PTZ induced seizure models were done to evaluate the antiepileptic effect of the prepared ligands.

RESULTS

The prepared ligands have significantly affect both tonic and clonic seizures. In tonic seizures, the prepared compounds decrease mortality to a significant extent and in clonic seizures showed better frequency and latency significantly. Compounds 9, 12 and 13 were the most potent ligands that were more potent than phenytoin.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that the best distance between two aryl parts is two bonds and the substitution of the nitro group at the meta position of the phenyl ring is better than para position. Our research group has been investigating this concept for designing newer compounds with better anticonvulsant activity.

Synthesis, in silico, in vitro and in vivo evaluations of isatin aroylhydrazones as highly potent anticonvulsant agents

In this study, a series of new isatin aroylhydrazones (5a-e and 6a-e) was synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activities. The (Z)-configuration of compounds was confirmed by ¹H NMR. In vivo studies using maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) models of epilepsy in mice revealed that while most of compounds had no effect on chemically-induced seizures at the higher dose of 100 mg/kg but showed significant protection against electrically-induced seizures at the lower dose of 5 mg/kg. Certainly, N-methyl analogs 6a and 6e were found to be the most effective compounds, displaying 100% protection at the dose of 5 mg/kg. Protein binding and lipophilicity(logP) of the selected compounds (6a and 6e) were also determined experimentally. In silico evaluations of title compounds showed acceptable ADME parameters, and drug-likeness properties. Distance mapping and docking of the selected compounds with different targets proposed the possible action of them on VGSCs and GABA_A receptors. The cytotoxicity evaluation of 6a and 6e against SH-SY5Y and Hep-G2 cell lines indicated safety profile of compounds on the neuronal and hepatic cells.

L1CAM mutations in three fetuses diagnosed by medical exome sequencing

OBJECTIVE

The L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) gene, encodes the L1 cell adhesion molecule, is involved in the central nervous system development. Its mutations result in L1 syndrome which is associated with brain malformation and nervous developmental delay.

CASE REPORT

We presented three fetuses with hydrocephalus and agenesis of the corpus callosum detected by ultrasound, followed by medical exome sequencing (MES) test with L1CAM mutations: two known missense mutation c.551G > A (p. R184Q) and c.1354G > A (p. G452R), and a novel frameshift mutation c.1322delG which causes the early termination of translation (p. G441Afs∗72). By utilizing multiple computational analysis, all the variants were scored to be likely pathogenic.

CONCLUSION

Combined use of ultrasound and MES to identify the molecular etiology of fetal anomalies may contribute to expanding our knowledge of the clinical phenotype of L1 syndrome observed in the south Chinese population.

Synthesis of 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one derivatives with anticonvulsant activity and their binding to the GABAA receptor

In this study, a series of 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one derivatives were designed and synthesized using two experimental models, namely maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ), to test the anticonvulsant activity of the target compound in vivo (i.p. in Kunming mice). The neurotoxicity (NT) of the target compound was measured by the rotating rod method (i.p. in Kunming mice). Six compounds with potential activity were selected from the two experimental models to test the 50% effective dose (ED₅₀). In vitro binding experiments with the GABA_A receptor were also performed. The results of the pharmacological experiments showed that compound 7-((5-(pentylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methoxy)-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one (5b) showed the best anticonvulsant activity (MES, ED₅₀ = 10.1 mg/kg; scPTZ, ED₅₀ = 9.3 mg/kg), which was superior to activities shown by carbamazepine and ethosuximide, and it also exhibited the most potent binding affinity to GABA_A receptors (IC₅₀ = 0.12 μM). The GABA content in Wistar rat brains (i.p.) was also investigated, and the results showed that compound 5b may have a certain effect on the GABA system, as it increased the GABA concentration in the brain of rats. Molecular docking was used to study the binding mode of compound 5b and the GABA_A receptor. Compound 5b showed significant interactions with residues at the benzodiazepines binding site on the GABA_A receptor. The physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of the target compounds were predicted using Discovery Studio 2019 and ChemBioDraw Ultra 14.0.

Design, Synthesis and Biological Activity of Some 4, 5-Disubstituted-2, 4- Dihydro-3H-1, 2, 4- Triazole-3-Thione Derivatives

BACKGROUND

In the present study, 4, 5-disubstituted triazol-3-thione derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity along with neurotoxicity determination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The synthesized compounds were characterized using FTIR, 1H-NMR and MS. The anticonvulsant activity was assessed by Maximal Electroshock (MES) test and subcutaneous Pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) tests and neurotoxicity was assessed by rotarod test. Docking was also performed to study the interactions of compounds with LYS329 residue of gamma amino butyric acid aminotransferase (GABA-AT) using Autodock 4.2 software.

RESULTS

The compounds 7a and 9a with significant pharmacological activity were also found to interact with LYS329 residue of GABA-AT by H-bond with a docking score of -5.92 kcal/mol (Ki = 41.99 μM) and -5.87 kcal/mol (Ki = 49.83 μM) respectively.

CONCLUSION

Most of the compounds were found to be active in MES test but only seven showed protection in scPTZ test.

Sulfonate modified Lactoferrin nanoparticles as drug carriers with dual activity against HIV-1

Intriguing properties and structural dynamics of Lactoferrin have been exploited in numerous applications, including its use as self-assembling, pH sensitive nanoparticles to deliver intended cargo at the disease site. In this study, we explore the possibility of surface modification of Lactoferrin nanoparticles to hone its specificity to target HIV-1 infected cells. Existence of free cysteine groups on Lactoferrin nanoparticles available for reaction with external molecules facilitates conjugation on the surface with Sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (MES). Conjugation with MES is used to edge a negative charge that can mimic CCR5 and Heparan sulfate (initial point of contact of HIV-1 env to host cell surface) electrostatic charge (Sulfate group). A simple sono-chemical irradiation method was employed for self-assembly of Nanoparticles and for surface modification. The nanoparticles serve dual purpose to abrogate extracellular entry and to target viral enzymes, when loaded with ART drugs. The morphology and size distribution of the formed particles were explored using Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering. Raman SERS was employed to understand the difference in the protein upon surface modification. The anti-HIV property of the particles was confirmed in-vitro. The modified device demonstrated acceptable nanoparticle properties with controlled release and higher effective concentration in the area of infection.

Screening of Some Novel 4, 5 Disubstituted 1, 2, 4-Triazole-3-thiones for Anticonvulsant Activity

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we synthesized fifteen 4, 5-disubstituted 1, 2, 4-triazol- 3-thione derivatives and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity with neurotoxicity determination.

METHODS

The synthesized compounds were characterized using FTIR, 1H-NMR and MS. The molecular docking study was also performed to study the interactions of compounds with LYS329 residue of gamma amino butyric acid aminotransferase (GABA-AT) using Autodock 4.2 software. The anticonvulsant activity was assessed by maximal electroshock (MES) test and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol (scPTZ) tests. The neurotoxicity was assessed by rotarod ataxia test.

RESULTS

In MES test, compounds 5a, 8a and 9a were found active at 100 mg/kg and five compounds were found active at 300 mg/kg dose after 1 hr of administration. After 4 hr of drug administration, only two compounds 8a and 9a exhibited protection at 100 mg/kg. In scPTZ test, three compounds 2a, 6a and 8a were found active at 100 mg/kg and 7a was active at 300 mg/kg after 1 hr of test drug administration. Most of the compounds were found active in MES test with 8a and 9a being the most active among all. In docking study, 2a was found to be best compound based on the binding energy of -6.5 kcal/mol and estimated inhibition constant of 17.2 µM.

CONCLUSION

Majority of synthesized compounds were found active in MES test, whereas only few were found to possess anti scPTZ activity. Among all compounds, only 14a caused motor coordination impairment in rotarod ataxia test at 300 mg/kg 1 hr duration.

SMAD2 overexpression rescues the TGF-β3 null mutant mice cleft palate by increased apoptosis

During palatal development, medial edge epithelium (MEE) disappearance is one of the crucial steps in the process of fusion. The fate of these cells is still debated, and controversies remain. During secondary palate fusion, TGF-β3 signaling mediated in the cell through the SMAD2 protein plays an important role and leads to the disappearance of the midline epithelial seam (MES) and the confluence of the palatal mesenchyme. In mice, TGF-β3 knock-out is lethal and mice are born with a cleft in the secondary palate. This phenotype has been rescued by targeted overexpression of SMAD2 in the medial edge epithelium (MEE). The goal of this research was to understand the mechanism of palatal fusion in the rescue mice.

METHODS

The heads of embryos with four different genotypes (wild-type, K14-SMAD2/TGF-β3^(-/-), K14-SMAD2/TGF-β3^(±), and TGF-β3 null) were collected at embryonic day E14.5, genotyped, fixed and embedded in paraffin. Serial sections were studied for detection of apoptosis and epithelial mesenchymal transition using immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

TGF-β3 null mice developed a cleft in the secondary palate while both mice with K14-SMAD2 overexpression had fusion of the secondary palate. The MEE of both the rescue mice and K14-SMAD2 overexpression had a much higher ratio of apoptotic cells than wild-type mice. The increase in apoptosis was correlated with increased phospho-SMAD2 in the MEE.

CONCLUSION

SMAD2 overexpression rescued the cleft in the secondary palate by increasing apoptosis in the medial edge epithelium.

Validated animal models for antiseizure drug (ASD) discovery: Advantages and potential pitfalls in ASD screening

Since 1993, over 20 new anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) have been identified in well-established animal seizure and epilepsy models and subsequently demonstrated to be clinically effective in double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with focal onset seizures. All clinically-available ASDs on the market today are effective in at least one of only three preclinical seizure and epilepsy models: the acute maximal electroshock (MES), the acute subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol (scPTZ) test, or the kindled rodent with chronic evoked seizures. Thus, it reasons that preclinical ASD discovery does not need significant revision to successfully identify ASDs for the symptomatic treatment of epilepsy. Unfortunately, a significant need still persists for more efficacious and better tolerated ASDs. This is particularly true for those patients whose seizures remain drug resistant. This review will focus on the continued utility of the acute MES and scPTZ tests, as well as the kindled rodent for current and future ASD discovery. These are the only "clinically validated" rodent models to date and been heavily used in the search for novel and more efficacious ASDs. This is to say that promising ASDs have been brought to the clinic on the basis of efficacy in these particular seizure and epilepsy models alone. This review also discusses some of the inherent advantages and limitations of these models relative to existing and emerging preclinical models. It then offers insight into future efforts to develop a preclinical model that will advance a truly transformative therapy for the symptomatic treatment of difficult to treat focal onset epilepsy. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'New Epilepsy Therapies for the 21st Century - From Antiseizure Drugs to Prevention, Modification and Cure of Epilepsy'.

Synthesis, Computational Studies and Anticonvulsant Activity of Novel Benzothiazole Coupled Sulfonamide Derivatives

We report herein the synthesis of ¾ substituted benzene sulfonamides linked via phenyl ring to a benzothiazole moiety. The title compounds in the two series namely N-(4-(benzothiazole-2-yl) phenyl) 4- substituted benzene sulfonamides and N-(4-(benzothiazole-2-yl) phenyl) 3- substituted benzene sulfonamides were synthesized by condensing 2-(3/4-aminophenyl) benzothiazole with various substituted sulfonyl chlorides. The synthesized compounds were subjected to neurotoxicity screening, computational studies, and evaluation of their anticonvulsant potential. Amongst all the synthesized compounds, compound 9 emerged as the most potent anticonvulsant agent in maximal electroshock (MES) model (standard: phenytoin) in mice and showed three hydrogen bond interactions with the nicotinic acetylcholine ion gated receptors (PDB ID: 2BG9). Interestingly, compound 13 showed five hydrogen bond interactions with the target protein and thus excellent binding affinity upon computational analysis but was found to be neurotoxic.

Identification of 2-(2'-fluoro-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-yl)acetamide as a Sodium Valproate-like broad spectrum anti-epileptic drug candidate

By further optimizing compound A [2'-fluoro-N-methyl-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-sulfonamide], we identified DSP-0565 [2-(2'-fluoro-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-yl)acetamide, 17a] as a strong, broad-spectrum anti-epileptic drug (AED) candidate. Our efforts mainly focused on finding an alternative polar group for the sulfonamide in order to improve ADME profile of compound A including good metabolic stability and no reactive metabolic production. This led to the identification of biphenyl acetamide as a new scaffold for development of broad-spectrum AED candidates. DSP-0565 showed anti-convulsant activity in various models (scPTZ, MES, 6 Hz and amygdala kindling) with good safety margin, and was therefore selected as a clinical candidate.

Recent developments on triazole nucleus in anticonvulsant compounds: a review

Epilepsy is one of the common diseases seriously threatening life and health of human. More than 50 million people are suffering from this condition and anticonvulsant agents are the main treatment. However, side effects and intolerance, and a lack of efficacy limit the application of the current anticonvulsant agents. The search for new anticonvulsant agents with higher efficacy and lower toxicity continues to be the focus and task in medicinal chemistry. Numbers of triazole derivatives as clinical drugs or candidates have been frequently employed for the treatment of various types of diseases, which have proved the importance of this heterocyclic nucleus in drug design and discovery. Recently many endeavours were made to involve the triazole into the anticonvulsants design, which have brought lots of active compounds. This work is an attempt to systematically review the research of triazole derivatives in the design and development of anticonvulsant agents during the past two decades.

Synthesis, Molecular Docking and Evaluation of 3-{4-[2-amino-4-(substitutedphenyl)-2H-[1, 3] oxazin/thiazin-6-yl} 2-phenyl-3H-quinazolin-4-one Derivatives for their Anticonvulsant Activity

BACKGROUND

According to the WHO, around 50 million people worldwide are suffering from epilepsy. It is due to the repeated occurring of seizures. These seizures are caused by sudden which may vary from a brief lapse of attention or muscle jerks, to severe and prolonged convulsions.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present work was to synthesize 2-phenyl substituted quinazolinone derivatives and to evaluate them for anticonvulsant and neurotoxic activity.

METHODS

A series of novel 3-{4-[2-amino-4-(substitutedphenyl)-2H-[1.3] oxazin/thiazin-6-yl} 2- phenyl-3H-quinazolin-4-one derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity. The structures of the compound have been confirmed by spectral analysis. The molecular docking was performed for all the synthesized compounds to assess their binding mode to Gamma- aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor in order to rationalize their anticonvulsant activities in a qualitative way. Anticonvulsant activities of compounds were screened by using (Maximal electroshock) MES induced seizures and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) induced seizure models in Wistar rats of either sex. None of the compounds demonstrated any sign of neurotoxicity.

RESULT

Compounds 3-{4-[2-amino-4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-2H-[1, 3] oxazin-6-yl} 2-phenyl-3H-quinazolin- 4-one (5a) have shown significant activity against tonic seizure by the MES model and 3-{4-[2-amino- 4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-2H-[1, 3] thiazin-6-yl} 2-phenyl-3H-quinazolin-4-one (5d) against clonic seizure by scPTZ induced seizure model.

CONCLUSION

All the newly synthesized compounds had significant anticonvulsant activity. The same two compounds 5a and 5d showed promising activity, while the other compounds have moderate activity. The proposed work is to effort towards the development and identification of novel molecules as anticonvulsant agents by the synthesis of some novel quinazolinone derivatives with improved biological activity.

Discovery of potent anti-convulsant carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: Design, synthesis, in vitro and in vivo appraisal

We report the design, synthesis and pharmacological assessment of novel benzenesulfonamide derivatives acting as effective carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibitors. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their CA inhibitory action against four isoforms of human origin (h), i.e. hCA I, hCA II, hCA VII and hCA IX. In-vitro carbonic anhydrase inhibition studies have shown that first series, 4-(2-(4-(4-substitutedpiperazin-1-yl)benzylidene)hydrazinyl)benzenesulfonamides (4a- 4i) bestowed low nanomolar range to medium nanomolar range inhibitors against hCA II and hCA VII, effectively involved in epileptogenesis. Furthermore, compounds belonging to the second series, 4-(2-(4-(4-substitutedpiperazin-yl)benzylidene)hydrazinecarbonyl)benzenesulfonamides (8a-8k) showed effective inhibition against hCA VII, being less effective against other hCA isoforms. Inspiring with obtained CA inhibition results, we have chosen some of the potent hCA II and hCA VII inhibitors (4g, 4i and 8d) to test their anti-convulsant efficacy in MES and sc-PTZ seizure tests in Swiss Albino male mice. In result, these compounds significantly attenuated both electrical (MES) as well as chemical (sc-PTZ) induced seizures. Next, in advance anticonvulsant tests, compound 8d displayed long duration of action in time course study and successfully attenuated MES induced seizure in mice up to 6 h after drug administration without showing neurotoxicity in rotarod test. Moreover, this compound was also found to be orally active and effectively abolished generalized tonic-clonic seizures in male Wistar rats upon oral administration, being non-toxic in sub acute toxicity studies.

Design and Synthesis of 4-flurophthalimides as potential anticonvulsant agents

Anticonvulsant activity of phthalimide was discovered in 2000 by molecular hybridization of thalidomide and ameltolide. In our present research we report some new 4-substituted derivatives of phthalimide with good activity against the tonic and clonic seizures. A series of novel 4-flurophthalimides designed using bioisosteric replacement were synthesized by condensation of 4-flurophthalic anhydride with appropriate arylamines. The purity of these compounds was determined by TLC and the chemical structures were confirmed by IR and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. Anticonvulsant activity of prepared compounds was evaluated using MES and PTZ models. Some of the designed compounds significantly protected mice against the PTZ-induced seizure among which, compound 10 with lipophilic and flexible aromatic moiety was more potent than the reference drug phenytoin and was the most potent in this series of phthalimide derivatives. In the MES model, the prepared phthalimide did not show efficient activity. The prepared compounds are active in clonic seizure.

ISATIN: New Hope Against Convulsion

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is one in every of the foremost important chronic neurological disorders with high incidence worldwide. Several epileptic patients don't seem to be fully treated with currently available marketed medicines likewise so many drugs have shown unfavorable side effect and drug interaction. Therefore, there are continuing interests to seek out new anticonvulsant drugs.

METHODS

Literature search was carried out to indentify isatin containing derivatives as anticonvulsant drugs.

RESULTS

Common synthetic schemes were studied to design and develop isatin derives anticonvulsant agents. Various structural features essential for the design of isatin compounds were reported. Anticonvulsant activity is evaluated by different tests were identified and their results can be considered for the design of novel isatin derivatives as anticonvulsants.

CONCLUSION

In outline, isatin has been proved to be an excellent hybrid building the molecule with interesting biological activities. Among the prospect of derivatizing the N1, C2 and C3 positions, along with substitution on the aromatic ring, the synthetic modification for isatin is almost endless. Despite the fact that isatin derivatives are well-studied compounds, new derivatives are continually being discovered on the basis of known AEDs, isatin has been fused with other bioactive drug fragments and subsequently investigated as hybrid/dual action drugs and selectively targeted against convulsion.

Synthesis and evaluation of anticonvulsant activity of (Z)-4-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylideneamino)-N-phenylbenzamide derivatives in mice

Due to resistance of some epileptic patients to the current medications and the general incidence of severe side effects of these drugs, development and discovery of novel antiepileptic drugs is crucial. Isatin-based derivatives are promising compounds as antiepileptic agents. In this study a new series of isatin-containing derivatives were synthesized via the imine formation between isatin and p-aminobenzoic acid. Subsequently, the obtained acidic compound was utilized to prepare the final amidic derivatives (4a-4l) through the reaction with various aniline derivatives. Then, their anti-seizure activity was investigated using maximal electroshock seizure (MES) as well as pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) models in mice. Neurotoxicity of target compounds was also determined by rotarod test. Tested isatin-based derivatives exhibited a favorable protection in both MES and PTZ procedures with high safety levels in neurotoxicity test. The introduced derivatives have demonstrated remarkable activity in mice and could be suggested as potential anticonvulsant lead compounds. All methoxylated derivatives (4j, 4k, 4l) showed a significant anti-seizure activity in MES model. Compounds 4j (2-OCH₃) and 4l (4-OCH₃) also demonstrated a potent anti-seizure activity against PTZ. Compound 4k (m-OCH₃) did not induce protection towards PTZ-induced convulsion.

N-alkyl-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-sulfonamide derivatives as novel broad spectrum anti-epileptic drugs with efficacy equivalent to that of sodium valproate

In order to develop phenyl sulfonamides as a novel class of anti-epileptic drugs (AED) for both general and partial seizure, we initiated in vivo screening of our chemical library in the mice MES and sc-PTZ models and found compounds 1 and 2 as lead compounds. Optimization of 1 and 2 led to the discovery of compound 21, which showed potent anticonvulsant effect in MES, scPTZ and rat amygdala kindling models. These findings indicate that compound 21 could be a useful new broad spectrum AED like sodium valproate and provide an opportunity to struggle current therapy-resistant epilepsy.

Simple N,N-dimethyl phenylsulfonamides show potent anticonvulsant effect in two standard epilepsy models

Optimization of the previously reported benzothiazine analogue A led to the identification of compound 1, which showed anti-convulsant activity in two golden standard animal models of seizure, the MES and scPTZ models. Structure-activity relationship investigation of compound 1 revealed compounds 2, 6 and 19 as attractive anti-epileptic drug (AED) candidates with potent anticonvulsant effect in both the MES and scPTZ models. As these compounds are structurally different from existing AEDs, determination of their mechanism of actions could provide clues to understanding current therapy-resistant seizures. Moreover, these simple phenylsulfoneamide compounds could be good starting points for searching broad spectrum AEDs by such in vivo screening.

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to formate with Fe-C electrodes in anaerobic sludge digestion process

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) to useful chemicals is an attractive strategy to cut its emission in atmosphere. However, high overpotential and energy consumption required in the electrochemical reduction are the major barriers of this process. In this study, a new CO₂ reduction technique for production of formic acid was proposed from waste activated sludge digestion in a microbial electrosynthesis system (MES) with iron plate and carbon pillar as the electrodes. Compared with other reactors, methane production of the Fe-C MES reactor was slightly lower and CO₂ was undetectable. Instead, considerable formate (672.3 mg/L) and H₂ (45.8 mL) were produced in this Fe-C MES reactor, but not found in the other reactors. It should be ascribed to the reduction of CO₂ and H⁺ at cathode. The reduction of H⁺ resulted in a weak alkaline pH (9.3), which made the methanogenesis slightly lower in Fe-C MES.

Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of New 3,4-Dihydroisoquinolin Derivatives Containing Heterocycle as Potential Anticonvulsant Agents

Two novel series of 3,4-dihydroisoquinolin with heterocycle derivatives (4a–t and 9a–e) were synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity using maximal electroshock (MES) test and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure test. All compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and mass spectral data. Among them, 9-(exyloxy)-5,6-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]isoquinolin-3(2H)-one (9a) showed significant anticonvulsant activity in MES tests with an ED₅₀ value of 63.31 mg/kg and it showed wide margins of safety with protective index (PI > 7.9). It showed much higher anticonvulsant activity than that of valproate. It also demonstrated potent activity against PTZ-induced seizures. A docking study of compound 9a in the benzodiazepine (BZD)-binding site of γ-aminobutyric acid_A (GABA_A) receptor confirmed possible binding of compound 9a with the BZD receptors.

Structure-anticonvulsant activity studies in the group of (E)-N-cinnamoyl aminoalkanols derivatives monosubstituted in phenyl ring with 4-Cl, 4-CH3 or 2-CH3

A series of twenty two (E)-N-cinnamoyl aminoalkanols derivatives monosubstituted in phenyl ring with 4-Cl, 4-CH₃ or 2-CH₃ was designed, synthesized and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity in rodent models of seizures: maximal electroshock (MES) test, subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) test, and 6-Hz test. There were identified three most active compounds: S-(2E)-N-(1-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-3-(2-methylphenyl)prop-2-enamide (5) (ED₅₀ MES=42.56, ED₅₀ scPTZ=58.38, ED₅₀ 6-Hz 44mA=42.27mg/kg tested in mice after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration); R,S-(2E)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-(1-hydroxybutan-2-yl)prop-2-enamide (6) (ED₅₀ MES=53.76, ED₅₀ scPTZ=90.31, ED₅₀ 6-Hz 44mA=92.86mg/kg mice, i.p.); and R,S-(2E)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-(2-hydroxypropyl)prop-2-enamide (11) (ED₅₀ MES=55.58, ED₅₀ scPTZ=102.15, ED₅₀ 6-Hz 44mA=51.27mg/kg mice, i.p.). Their structures and configurations were confirmed by crystal X-ray diffraction method. The structure-activity studies among the tested series showed that chlorine atom in position para or methyl group in position ortho of phenyl ring were beneficial for anticonvulsant activity. Methyl group in position para of phenyl ring decreased anticonvulsant activity in reported series of cinnamamide derivatives.

Design, physico-chemical properties and biological evaluation of some new N-[(phenoxy)alkyl]- and N-{2-[2-(phenoxy)ethoxy]ethyl}aminoalkanols as anticonvulsant agents

A series of thirty N-(phenoxy)alkyl or N-{2-[2-(phenoxy)ethoxy]ethyl}aminoalkanols has been designed, synthesized and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity in MES, 6Hz test, and pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. Among the title compounds, the most promising seems R-(-)-2N-{2-[2-(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethyl}aminopropan-1-ol hydrochloride (22a) with proved absolute configuration with X-ray analysis and enantiomeric purity. The compound is effective in MES test with ED50=12.92 mg/kg b.w. and its rotarod TD50=33.26 mg/kg b.w. The activity dose is also effective in a neurogenic pain model-the formalin test. Within high throughput profile assay, among eighty one targets, the strongest affinity of the compound is observed towards σ receptors and 5-HT transporter and the compound does not bind to hERG. It also does not exhibit mutagenic properties in the Vibrio harveyi test. Moreover, murine liver microsomal assay and pharmacokinetics profile (mice, iv, p.o., ip) indicate that the liver is the primary site of biotransformation of the compound, suggesting that both 22a and its metabolite(s) are active, compensating probably low bioavailability of the parent molecule.

Discovery of benzothiazine derivatives as novel, orally-active anti-epileptic drug candidates with broad anticonvulsant effect

In order to develop novel anti-epileptic drugs that are effective for both general and partial seizure, we conducted in vivo screening of our chemical library in the mice MES and sc-PTZ models and found the benzothiazine 1 as lead compound. Optimization of this compound led to the discovery of compound 7b, which showed potent anticonvulsant effect in the MES, scPTZ and rat amygdala kindling models. Since the chemical structure of 7b is different from that of any existing AED, it is suggested that 7b may have unique mechanism of action for relieving both partial and generalized epilepsy.

Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel Benzenesulfonamide Derivatives as Potential Anticonvulsant Agents

A novel series of benzenesulfonamide derivatives containing 4-aminobenzenesul-fonamide and α-amides branched valproic acid or 2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid moieties were synthesized and screened for their anticonvulsant activities in mice maximal electroshock seizure (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) test. The activity experimental study showed that 2,2-dipropyl-N¹-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)malonamide (18b) had the lowest median effective dose (ED50) of 16.36 mg/kg in MES test, and 2,2-dimethyl-N-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxamide (12c) had the lowest ED50 of 22.50 mg/kg in scPTZ test, which resulted in the protective indexe (PI) of 24.8 and 20.4, respectively. These promising data suggest the new compounds have good potential as new class of anticonvulsant agents with high effectiveness and low toxicity for the treatment of epilepsy.

N-[(2,6-Dimethylphenoxy)alkyl]aminoalkanols-their physicochemical and anticonvulsant properties

Twenty four new N-[(dimethylphenoxy)alkyl]aminoalkanols have been synthesized and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity in a series of in vivo tests: the maximum electroshock (MES), 6 Hz, and subcutaneous metrazole (ScMet). The compounds were also evaluated for possible neurotoxicity in the rotarod test. The majority of the achieved compounds exhibit quantified anticonvulsant activity. The most active compound 4: R-(-)-2N-[(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)ethyl]aminopropan-1-ol is active in MES with ED50=5.34 (male mice, ip), 22.28 (female mice, ip), 51.19 (male mice, po), 7.43 (rats, ip), and 28.60 (rats, po). Thermal analysis proved that its hydrochloride (4a) can exist in polymorphic forms. The compound binds to σ, 5-HT1A, and α2 receptors as well as 5-HT transporter and it does not exhibit mutagenic properties.

Effect of environmental and cultural conditions on medium pH and explant growth performance of Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii) shoot cultures

The medium pH level of plant tissue cultures has been shown to be essential to many aspects of explant development and growth. Sensitivity or tolerance of medium pH change in vitro varies according to specific requirements of individual species. The objectives of this study are to 1) determine medium pH change over time in storage conditions and with presence of explants, 2) evaluate the effects of medium pH change on explant growth performance and 3) assess the effects of adding a pH stabilizer, 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES) that is commonly used in Douglas-fir micropropagation medium. Vegetative buds were collected in the spring before breaking dormancy from juvenile and mature donor trees for conducting these evaluations. Medium, with or without MES, was pre-adjusted to five pH levels before adding MES, agar and autoclaving. Medium pH changes and explant growth parameters were measured at eight different incubation times. Overall, MES provided a more stable medium pH, relative to starting pH values, under both light and dark storage conditions as well as with presence of explants. A general trend of decreasing medium pH over time was found comparing explants from juvenile and mature donor genotypes. Explant height and weight growth increased over time, but differ among explants from juvenile and mature donor genotypes. Our findings suggest that a 21-day subculture practice may best sustain medium freshness, medium pH level and desirable explant growth.

Cell/tissue processing information system for regenerative medicine

When conducting clinical studies of regenerative medicine, compliance to good manufacturing practice (GMP) is mandatory, and thus much time is needed for manufacturing and quality management. It is therefore desired to introduce the manufacturing execution system (MES), which is being adopted by factories manufacturing pharmaceutical products. Meanwhile, in manufacturing human cell/tissue processing autologous products, it is necessary to protect patients' personal information, prevent patients from being identified and obtain information for cell/tissue identification. We therefore considered it difficult to adopt conventional MES to regenerative medicine-related clinical trials, and so developed novel software for production/quality management to be used in cell-processing centres (CPCs), conforming to GMP. Since this system satisfies the requirements of regulations in Japan and the USA for electronic records and electronic signatures (ER/ES), the use of ER/ES has been allowed, and the risk of contamination resulting from the use of recording paper has been eliminated, thanks to paperless operations within the CPC. Moreover, to reduce the risk of mix-up and cross-contamination due to contact during production, we developed a touchless input device with built-in radio frequency identification (RFID) reader-writer devices and optical sensors. The use of this system reduced the time to prepare and issue manufacturing instructions by 50% or more, compared to the conventional handwritten system. The system contributes to producing more large-scale production and to reducing production costs for cell and tissue products in regenerative medicine. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Identification of endogenously S-nitrosylated proteins in Arabidopsis plantlets: effect of cold stress on cysteine nitrosylation level

S-nitrosylation is a nitric oxide (NO)-based post-translational modification regulating protein function and signalling. We used a combination between the biotin switch method and labelling with isotope-coded affinity tag to identify endogenously S-nitrosylated peptides in Arabidopsis thaliana proteins extracted from plantlets. The relative level of S-nitrosylation in the identified peptides was compared between unstressed and cold-stress seedlings. We thereby detected 62 endogenously nitrosylated peptides out of which 20 are over-nitrosylated following cold exposure. Taken together these data provide a new repertoire of endogenously S-nitrosylated proteins in Arabidopsis with cysteine S-nitrosylation site. Furthermore they highlight the quantitative modification of the S-nitrosylation status of specific cysteine following cold stress.

Detoxification of cadmium (Cd) by a novel Cd-associated and Cd-induced molecule in the stem of common reed

Common reed (Phragmites australis) is a phytoremediator tolerant to heavy metals. In this study, we found that 70% of the cadmium (Cd) found in the stem of common reed exists in a soluble form, with more than half of the soluble Cd in the 10- to 50-kDa fraction. Based on an enzyme degradation assay, the major component of the Cd-associated molecule is assumed to be an amylopectin-like α-glucan. This molecule may associate with Cd via the carboxyl group, rather than the thiol group. The conditions required for the disengagement of Cd from the 10- to 50-kDa fraction indicated that disulfide bonds and other intramolecular interactions may contribute to maintaining the proper conformation of the molecule and to stabilizing its association with Cd. Accumulation of the Cd-associated molecule was induced by Cd stress, and the molecule was found to be also associated with Cu and Fe. Thus, we have identified a novel mechanism of Cd-pooling, namely, the association of Cd with an α-glucan-like molecule in reed stem.

Effect of sildenafil, a selective phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, on the anticonvulsant action of some antiepileptic drugs in the mouse 6-Hz psychomotor seizure model

Sildenafil, a selective phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5), has been recently reported to have both pro- and anticonvulsant action in various experimental models of seizures and epilepsy. Furthermore, it affects anticonvulsant action of some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in mice seizure tests and both pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions were noted. The present study was carried out to investigate influence of sildenafil on the threshold for 6 Hz-induced psychomotor seizures in mice. Effect of sildenafil on activity of some AEDs, i.e., phenobarbital (PB), clonazepam (CZP), ethosuximide (ETS), valproic acid (VPA), tiagabine (TGB), oxcarbazepine (OXC) and levetiracetam (LEV), in 6 Hz test was also examined. Moreover, combination of sildenafil with LEV was investigated in terms of influence on motor coordination (determined by the chimney test), muscular strength (evaluated in the grip-strength test) and long-term memory (assessed in the passive avoidance task) in mice. To determine the type of pharmacological interaction between sildenafil and LEV, free plasma and total brain concentrations of this AED were determined by LC-MS/MS method. Sildenafil at a dose ranging from 10 to 40 mg/kg statistically increased psychomotor seizure threshold in mice. Moreover, sildenafil enhanced the anticonvulsant action of all the studied AEDs in this test. Interactions between this PDE5 inhibitor and PB, CZP, ETS, TGB and OXC seem to be pharmacodynamic. Since sildenafil increased free plasma and total brain concentration of LEV, interactions between these drugs have pharmacokinetic nature. This kind of interaction was also noted between sildenafil and VPA. Neither LEV (2.32 mg/kg) nor its co-administration with sildenafil (40 mg/kg) produced any significant changes in motor coordination, muscular strength and long-term memory in mice.

Impaired leaf CO2 diffusion mediates Cd-induced inhibition of photosynthesis in the Zn/Cd hyperaccumulator Picris divaricata

Mechanisms of cadmium (Cd)-induced inhibition of photosynthesis in the Zn/Cd hyperaccumulator Picris divaricata were investigated using photosynthesis limitation analysis. P. divaricata seedlings were grown in nutrient solution containing 0, 5, 10, 25, 50, or 75 μM Cd for 2 weeks. Total limitations to photosynthesis (TL) increased from 0% at 5 μM Cd to 68.8% at 75 μM Cd. CO2 diffusional limitation (DL) made the largest contribution to TL, accounting for 93-98% of TL in the three highest Cd treatments, compared to just 2-7% of TL attributable to biochemical limitation (BL). Microscopic imaging revealed significantly decreased stomatal density and mesophyll thickness in the three highest Cd treatments. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters related to photosynthetic biochemistry (Fv/Fm, NPQ, ΦPSII, and qP) were not significantly decreased by increased Cd supply. Our results suggest that increased DL in leaves is the main cause of Cd-induced inhibition of photosynthesis in P. divaricata, possibly due to suppressed function of mesophyll and stomata. Analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence showed that Cd supply had little effect on photochemistry parameters, suggesting that the PSII reaction centers are not a main target of Cd inhibition of photosynthesis in P. divaricata.

Bioactivity assessment and toxicity of crocin: a comprehensive review

Since ancient times, saffron, the dried stigma of the plant Crocus sativus L. has been extensively used as a spice and food colorant; in folk medicine it has been reputed to be efficacious for the alleviation and treatment of ailments. In addition to the three founded major constituents including crocin, picrocrocin and safranal, presence of carotenoids, carbohydrates, proteins, anthocyanins, vitamins and minerals provide valuable insights into the health benefits and nutritional value of saffron. Of the carotenoids present in saffron, highly water-soluble crocin (mono and diglycosyl esters of a polyene dicarboxylic acid, named crocetin) is responsible for the majority of its color, and appears to possess various health-promoting properties, as an antioxidant, antitumor, memory enhancer, antidepressant, anxiolytic and aphrodisiac. It is also worth noting that the crocin principle of saffron exhibited high efficacy along with no major toxicity in experimental models. We would be remiss to not consider the great potential of saffron and crocin, which benefits the cuisine and health of human life throughout the world. The present study provides a comprehensive and updated report of empirical investigations on bioactivities and biological characteristics of crocin.

CNS depressant and anticonvulsant activities of the alcoholic extract of leaves of Ziziyphus nummularia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ziziyphus nummularia (family: Rhamnaceae) is a xerophyte, grows in the grazing lands of the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. Ziziyphus nummularia (ZN) is used as sedative in ethnomedicine. The objective of this study is to investigate the anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and sedative activities of the alcoholic extract of leaves of Ziziyphus nummularia (EZN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anticonvulsant effect of the EZN (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) was evaluated in mice using the pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock induced seizure models. Its anxiolytic activity was evaluated using the elevated plus maze, hole board and open field models board methods, while the pentobarbital induced sleep was used to evaluate the sedative activity. The acute toxicity and effect on motor coordination were also assessed.

RESULTS

EZN (100-300 mg/kg) protected the mice against the pentylenetetrazole induced convulsions; it causes a significant (P<0.05) dose dependent increase in latency of convulsion. Treatment with EZN reduced the duration of the tonic hind limb extension induced by electroshock. Mice treated with EZN preferred the open arm of the plus maze and were found to be devoid of open-arm avoidance. EZN potentiation the barbiturate induce sleep in mice, it causes a decrease in the sleep latency and increases the duration of sleep.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained from the experiments indicate that the EZN has CNS depressant and anticonvulsant activities.

NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium and reduced glutathione mitigate ethephon-mediated leaf senescence, H2O2 elevation and senescence-associated gene expression in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)

Ethephon, an ethylene releasing compound, promoted leaf senescence, H2O2 elevation, and senescence-associated gene expression in sweet potato. It also affected the glutathione and ascorbate levels, which in turn perturbed H2O2 homeostasis. The decrease of reduced glutathione and the accumulation of dehydroascorbate correlated with leaf senescence and H2O2 elevation at 72h in ethephon-treated leaves. Exogenous application of reduced glutathione caused quicker and significant increase of its intracellular level and resulted in the attenuation of leaf senescence and H2O2 elevation. A small H2O2 peak produced within the first 4h after ethephon application was also eliminated by reduced glutathione. Diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, delayed leaf senescence and H2O2 elevation at 72h, and its influence was effective only within the first 4h after ethephon treatment. Ethephon-induced senescence-associated gene expression was repressed by DPI and reduced glutathione at 72h in pretreated leaves. Leaves treated with l-buthionine sulfoximine, an endogenous glutathione synthetase inhibitor, did enhance senescence-associated gene expression, and the activation was strongly repressed by reduced glutathione. In conclusion, ethephon-mediated leaf senescence, H2O2 elevation and senescence-associated gene expression are all alleviated by reduced glutathione and NADPH oxidase inhibitor DPI. The speed and the amount of intracellular reduced glutathione accumulation influence its effectiveness of protection against ethephon-mediated effects. Reactive oxygen species generated from NADPH oxidase likely serves as an oxidative stress signal and participates in ethephon signaling. The possible roles of NADPH oxidase and reduced glutathione in the regulation of oxidative stress signal in ethephon are discussed.

Structural determinants of unique properties of human IgG4-Fc

Human IgG4, normally the least abundant of the four subclasses of IgG in serum, displays a number of unique biological properties. It can undergo heavy-chain exchange, also known as Fab-arm exchange, leading to the formation of monovalent but bispecific antibodies, and it interacts poorly with FcγRII and FcγRIII, and complement. These properties render IgG4 relatively “non-inflammatory” and have made it a suitable format for therapeutic monoclonal antibody production. However, IgG4 is also known to undergo Fc-mediated aggregation and has been implicated in auto-immune disease pathology. We report here the high-resolution crystal structures, at 1.9 and 2.35 Å, respectively, of human recombinant and serum-derived IgG4-Fc. These structures reveal conformational variability at the C_H3–C_H3 interface that may promote Fab-arm exchange, and a unique conformation for the FG loop in the C_H2 domain that would explain the poor FcγRII, FcγRIII and C1q binding properties of IgG4 compared with IgG1 and -3. In contrast to other IgG subclasses, this unique conformation folds the FG loop away from the C_H2 domain, precluding any interaction with the lower hinge region, which may further facilitate Fab-arm exchange by destabilisation of the hinge. The crystals of IgG4-Fc also display Fc–Fc packing contacts with very extensive interaction surfaces, involving both a consensus binding site in IgG-Fc at the C_H2–C_H3 interface and known hydrophobic aggregation motifs. These Fc–Fc interactions are compatible with intact IgG4 molecules and may provide a model for the formation of aggregates of IgG4 that can cause disease pathology in the absence of antigen.

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The first high-resolution crystal structures of IgG4-Fc have been solved.

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Arg409 adopts two conformations, each with a different effect on the C_H3–C_H3 interface.

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Crystal packing analysis reveals a novel Fc–Fc interface.

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The C_H2 domain FG loop adopts a unique conformation, affecting FcγR and C1q binding.

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The IgG4-Fc crystal structures explain unique biological properties of IgG4.

Calotropis gigantiea (L.) R. Br (Apocynaceae): a phytochemical and pharmacological review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Calotropis gigantiea (L.) R. Br (Apocynaceae) commonly called as "crown flower" or "giant milk weed" is a well-known weed to many cultures for treating various disorders related to central nervous system, skin diseases, digestive system, respiratory system, reproductive system etc. Indigenous groups made the plant as a part of their lives since they use the fruit fibre to make ropes, household items, for weaving clothes and flowers for garlands apart from usage for various indications. The study aims at far-reaching review on phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, ethnopharmacology, intellectual property transfer on pharmacological therapies, toxicity which aids to provide scientific evidence for the ethnobotanical claims and to identify gaps required to be conducted as a future research prerequisite.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using different databases such as Scopus, Science direct, PubMed and Sciverse with no timeline limit set during the search. All the available abstracts and full text articles were included in the systematic review.

RESULTS

Most of the folkloric uses were validated by the scientific studies such as analgesic, anti-arthritic, anti-asthmatic, anti-bacterial, anti-convulsant, anti-pyretic, central nervous system disorders, contraceptive, anti-ulcer and wound healing. In addition other studies such as anti-diabetic, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-helminthic, anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, cardio-protective studies, cytotoxicity, hepatoprotectivity, fibrinolytic, mosquitocidal, nerve muscle activity, vasodilation and skeletal muscle activities were also reported for the plant. Isolated compounds such as calotropin, frugoside and 4'-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl frugoside were tested for the cytotoxicity efficacy against both human and rat cell lines out of which calotropin showed potent activity (IC50-15 ng/ml). However there were no clinical trials reported on the plant which is one of the major lacunas.

CONCLUSIONS

This review article explores the ethnopharmacological, pharmacological activities phytochemistry and intellectual rights of Cg which gives the evidence of a potent and commercial drug which up on further research leads to the most viable drug for variety of treatments. However there is further need for in-vivo studies and clinical trials on isolated phytoconstituents which will help to commercialise.

Ethnomedicinal plants used for treating epilepsy by indigenous communities of sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Although many plants are claimed to possess anticonvulsant/antiepileptic (AC/AE) properties, but there is very little information available about plants used by various ethnic communities in different parts of India to treat epilepsy, one of the most common disorders of central nervous system (CNS); this communication provides significant ethnomedicinal information on the plants used by indigenous communities: Bhoxa, Tharu and nomadic Gujjars of sub-Himalayan region, Uttarakhand, India to treat epilepsy, so that it could be used as a baseline data for studying chemical constituents and biological activities of these promising plants.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To record herbal preparations used by the presently studied communities for treating epilepsy and discuss AC/AE properties of the recorded plants.

RESEARCH STRATEGY AND METHODS

Ninety one traditional healers (29 Bhoxa, 35 Tharu and 27 nomadic Gujjars) in sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India were interviewed to collect information on herbal preparations used by them for treating epilepsy. For each recorded species the use value (UV) and fidelity level (FL) was calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 24 plants belonging to 24 genera and 22 families were used by the presently studied communities in 26 formulations to treat epilepsy. According to FL and UV values, most preferred species for the treatment of epilepsy by Bhoxa community are Ricinus communis L. and Datura stramonium L.; by nomadic Gujjar community are Martynia annua L., Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. and Ricinus communis L.; and by Tharu community are Allium sativum L., Asparagus racemosus Willd. and Achyranthes aspera L. Eight plants viz., Allium sativum L., Boerhavia diffusa L., Cassia fistula L., Clerodendrum viscosum Vent., Datura stramonium L., Inula cappa DC., Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz and Pavetta indica L. recorded in the present survey have been reported for the first time in treatment of epilepsy by these indigenous communities in India. Five out of these eight newly reported plants viz., Cassia fistula L., Clerodendrum viscosum Vent., Inula cappa DC., Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz and Pavetta indica L. have not been pharmacologically evaluated yet for their possible AC/AE properties.

CONCLUSIONS

Detailed research on the listed plants and their derivatives may be undertaken to provide new alternative treatments and therapeutic uses for epilepsy or other diseases of CNS. We hope that this article will stimulate further investigations into natural products for new AC/AE agents from the recorded ethnomedicinal plants.

Advances in the studies of roles of Rho/Rho-kinase in diseases and the development of its inhibitors

RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway plays a pivotal role in numerous fundamental cellular functions including contraction, motility, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The pathway is also involved in the development of many diseases such as vasospasm, pulmonary hypertension, cancer and central nervous systems (CNS) disorders. The inhibitors of Rho kinase have been extensively studied since the Rho/Rho-kinase pathway was verified as a target for a number of diseases. Herein, we reviewed the advances in the studies of the roles of Rho/Rho-kinase in diseases and the development of Rho-kinase inhibitors in recent five years.