- Home
- A-Z Publications
- Current Chemical Biology
- Fast Track Listing
Current Chemical Biology - Online First
Description text for Online First listing goes here...
-
-
Echinochrome-A Attenuates Arterial Thrombosis Complications in the Liver and Kidney in Rats
Available online: 24 December 2024More LessBackgroundArterial thrombosis represents the most commonly feared consequence of cardiovascular disease and a leading cause of death globally. Cardiovascular disease, liver, and kidney are closely linked conditions, and disease in one organ can lead to dysfunction in the other.
ObjectiveThe current research aims to examine the therapeutic impact of Ech-A on arterial thrombosis induced by FeCl3 complications on liver and kidney function.
Materials and methodsTwenty-four rats were assigned into four sham groups (n= 6), and thrombotic model groups were orally administered 2% DMSO, while the other groups were treated with two dosages of Ech-A (1 and 10 mg/kg, body weight). After seven days of administration, the left common carotid arteries of all groups were exposed to 50% ferric chloride for 10 min, except those of the sham group rats exposed to normal saline.
ResultsThe oral administration of Ech-A caused a significant increase in partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, glutathione, catalase, nitric oxide, and glutathione S-transferase. While aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferase activities as well as creatinine, uric acid, urea, and malondialdehyde concentrations were significantly decreased (p< 0.05). The histological examination revealed a definite improvement in the liver and kidney tissues in the Ech-A groups.
ConclusionThe current investigation revealed that arterial thrombosis induced by FeCl3 in rats causes complications in the kidneys and liver. Additionally, it demonstrates the beneficial impact of Ech-A on coagulation parameters and liver and kidney function. Despite this, the current study has few limitations. Firstly, the molecular mechanism regarding the protective effect of Ech-A on liver and kidney complications caused by arterial thrombosis has not been investigated. Secondly, no reference drug has been utilised to compare with Ech-A.
-
-
-
Influence of Chromium(VI) on the Environment and Metabolic Processes in the Body
Authors: Bohdan Kotyk and Ruslana IskraAvailable online: 23 December 2024More LessCr(VI) is a heavy metal characterized by potent toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and prooxidant properties. Cr(VI) is one of the eight metals that are among the most toxic compounds and are of great concern to scientists due to the global risk to human health. In recent years, Cr(VI) has attracted the attention of environmental researchers due to the increased level of ecosystem contamination by Cr compounds in many countries. The toxic and carcinogenic effects of Cr(VI) in cells of living organisms are realized through the activation of three main mechanisms: oxidative stress, direct damage to cellular DNA, and disruption of epigenetic mechanisms of genome regulation. The review brings together updated data on the main mechanisms of Cr(VI) toxicity and the protective role of antioxidants in cells of living organisms poisoned by the corresponding heavy metal. The review also summarizes the currently available information on the negative impact of Cr(VI) compounds on the environment and Cr(VI)-induced disorders of pro/antioxidant status, hematological profile, and lipid and protein metabolism.
-
-
-
Integrating Deep Learning and Molecular Dynamics to Identify GPR17 Ligands for Glioblastoma Therapy
Available online: 17 December 2024More LessBackgroundGuanine Protein-coupled Receptor 17 (GPR17) plays pivotal roles in various physiological processes and diseases. However, the discovery of ligands binding to GPR17 remains an active area of research.
MethodsIn this study, we utilized our recently published GPCR-specific deep learning approach, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. Specifically, the DeepGPCR model, employing graph convolutional networks, was used to screen the extensive ZINC database for potential ligands.
ResultsThis computational pipeline identified three highly promising lead compounds, ZINC000044404209, ZINC000229938097, and ZINC000005158963. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of the protein-ligand complexes while binding free energy calculations highlighted the crucial molecular forces stabilizing these interactions. Notably, ZINC000229938097 exhibited particularly favorable binding energy values among the compounds assessed.
ConclusionOur study underscores the efficacy of computational methodologies in identifying potential drug candidates targeting GPR17. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying GPR17 activation holds significant promise for developing tailored therapies for Glioblastoma Multiforme.
-
-
-
Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties and Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Phytochemicals in Luffa acutangula Leaves
Authors: Shahzadi Bano, Jamal Akhtar Ansari, Farogh Ahsan and Abdul Rahman KhanAvailable online: 17 December 2024More LessBackgroundHyperlipidaemia, characterized by elevated triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood, is linked to premature aging and degenerative diseases, often driven by free radicals. Antioxidants can help address these issues by neutralizing free radicals. Luffa acutangula leaves are known for their antioxidant properties due to their content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to extract, fractionate, and analyze the phytochemical composition of Luffa acutangula leaves and to evaluate their antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activities across different fractions: ethyl acetate, chloroform, hexane, and methanol.
MethodsThe extraction was performed using 96% methanol and liquid-liquid fractionation with solvents n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and methanol. Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity assessments were conducted on the methanolic extract, with LC-MS/MS analysis revealing various phytoconstituents. Antioxidant activity was measured using standard methods, along with enzyme inhibition assays.
ResultsMethanol extraction yielded 19.73% of the extract, with the methanol fraction providing the highest dried extract (41.64%), followed by the ethyl acetate fraction at 14.09%. The methanolic extract contained flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and other phytoconstituents. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the lowest IC50 value (22.04, 115.2, and 69.74) for DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP, respectively, demonstrating the strongest antioxidant potential. The ethyl acetate fraction displayed maximum antihyperlipidemic potential (IC50-17.85 for HMG-CoA reductase). Each fraction exhibited varying yields and secondary metabolites, with the ethyl acetate fraction showing the most significant antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effects.
ConclusionThis study provided comprehensive information regarding the extraction, fractionation, and phytochemical composition of Luffa acutangula leaves, noting that the ethyl acetate fraction possesses significant antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic potential.
-
-
-
Intestinal Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Potential of Arthrospira platensis Aqueous Extract on DNBS-Induced Colitis in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Meriem Aziez, Noureddine Bribi, Mohamed Sofiane Merakeb, Riad Ferhat and Safia AffenaiAvailable online: 16 October 2024More LessBackgroundThe most common Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) affecting the gastrointestinal system are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. However, the usual therapies for them are associated with a multitude of side effects. The blue-green microalgae Arthrospira platensis is known for its safety profile, nutritional, and medicinal properties in the treatment of different inflammatory and gastrointestinal disorders.
ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the potential intestinal anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract derived from Arthrospira platensis (AAP) in a mouse model of DNBS-induced colitis.
MethodsGC-MS and FTIR-ATR were used to determine the different types of chemical compounds found in the AAP extract. BALB/c mice that received DNBS intrarectally were treated with three doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) of AAP for three days. The inflammatory status was assessed daily using a Disease Activity Index (DAI). Mice were sacrificed on the third day, and the extent of colonic damage was evaluated through both macroscopic and histological examinations. Finally, biochemical assays of different markers (MDA, NO, and GSH) were performed.
ResultsThe GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of eleven bioactive compounds, including 2-thiophenecarboxylic acid, 2-biphenyl ester, palmitic acid, 2-linoleoyl glycerol, ethyl isoallocholate, and methyl palmitate. In addition, FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of amino, hydroxyl, and glucosidic groups. The treatment of colitic mice with AAP decreased the severity of colitis, as demonstrated by the improvement in the clinical score and the reduction of colonic tissue damage, as well as the modulation of the local biochemical marker levels.
ConclusionThe AAP effectively improves DNBS-induced colitis, but its short treatment duration and focus on acute colitis highlight the need for further research on long-term and chronic effects.
-
-
-
In-vitro and In-silico α-amylase Inhibition Activity of Carlina Oxide and Aplotaxene Isolated From the Roots of Carthamus caeruleus and Rhaponticum acaule
Available online: 02 October 2024More LessBackgroundNumerous natural products have been successfully developed for clinical use in the treatment of human diseases in almost every therapeutic area.
ObjectivesThis work aimed to assess the in-vitro and in-silico α-amylase inhibition activities of carlina oxide and aplotaxene, isolated from the roots of Carthamus caeruleus and Rhaponticum acaule respectively.
MethodsThe essential oil from C. caeruleus roots was obtained using a Clevenger-type apparatus, and the hexanoic extract from the roots of R. acaule was obtained through maceration. Major components of each plant were separated via column chromatography. The in-vitro α-amylase inhibition activity was evaluated using porcine pancreatic α-amylase, while the molecular docking study was conducted using the Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) with three types of α-amylase: human salivary, pancreatic α-amylase and Aspergillus oryzae α-amylase (PDB: 1Q4N, 5EMY, 7P4W respectively).
ResultsThe in-vitro α-amylase inhibition results for the essential oil, the hexanoic extract, carlina oxide and aplotaxene showed that carlina oxide exhibited significant activity with IC50 of 0.42 mg/mL. However, the in-silico study showed no interaction between aplotaxene and the three α-amylase enzymes, whereas carlina oxide demonstrated one pi-cation interaction with 5EMY with the amino acid TYR 62 at a distance of 4.70 Å and two pi-H interactions with 7P4W with the amino acid LYS 383 at distances of 4.31 and 4 .03 Å.
ConclusionIn conclusion, carlina oxide has the potential to serve as an alternative agent for α-amylase inhibition, contributing to the reduction of postprandial hyperglycemia.
-