Do Toxoplasma gondii apicoplast proteins have antigenic potential? An in silico study

Toxoplasma gondii, one of the extensively studied Apicomplexan parasites, is prevalent worldwide in animals and humans. Apart from its nuclear genome, T. gondii contains an apicoplast genome in 35 kb length which is originated from a secondary endosymbiotic event. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antigenic potential of apicoplast genome encoded proteins (n:28) of T. gondii using in silico analysis. For this purpose, proteins were primarily predicted to reveal antigenic probability and then, several bioinformatics analyses were applied for all predicted antigenic apicoplast proteins to analyze physico-chemical parameters, subcellular localization and transmembrane domain. Also, further prediction analyses including structural, B cell and MHC-I/II epitope sites as well as post-translational modifications were performed for antigenic proteins that have a signal peptide or a high antigenicity value. Of the 28 apicoplast proteins, 19 were predicted as probable antigen. Among antigenic proteins, ribosomal protein S5, L11 and S2 were predicted to have signal peptide whereas ribosomal protein L36 and S17 were predicted to have a significantly high antigenicity value (P < 0.05). In addition, ribosomal protein S5, L11, S2, L36 and S17 were predicted to have a lot of epitopes which have low IC50 and percentile rank value indicating a strong binding among epitopes and MHC-I/II alleles, and post-translational modifications such as N-linked glycosylation, acetylation and phosphorylation. To the best of authors’ knowledge this is the first study to show the antigenic potential and other properties of apicoplast-derived proteins of T. gondii.     

Synthesis of new 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazole analogs as potent inhibitors of β-Glucuronidase and in silico study

New benzimidazole analogues (1–18) were synthesized and characterized through different spectroscopic techniques such as ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and HREI-MS. All analogues were screened for β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential. All analogues showed varied degree of inhibitory potentials with IC₅₀ values ranging between 1.10 ± 0.10 to 39.60 ± 0.70 μM when compared with standard _D-saccharic acid-1,4- lactone having IC₅₀ value 48.30 μM. Analogues 17, 11, 9, 6, 1 and 13 having IC₅₀ values 1.10 ± 0.10, 1.70 ± 0.10, 2.30 ± 0.10, 5.30 ± 0.20, 6.20 ± 0.20 and 8.10 ± 0.20 μM respectively, showed excellent β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential many folds better than the standard. All other analogues also showed good inhibitory potential better as compared to standard. Structure activity relationships (SAR) has been established for all compounds. The results from molecular docking studies supports the established SAR and developed a strong correlation with the results from in to vitro assay. The molecular docking results clearly highlighted how substituents like nitro and chloro affect the binding position of the active compounds in the active site. The docking results were also used to properly establish the effect of bulky substituents of least active compounds on reduced β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity. Compounds 1–18 were found non-toxic.     

New benzoxazole-based sulphonamide hybrids analogs as potent inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidase: Synthesis and in vitro evaluation along with in silico study

The development of drugs resistance in diabetes mellitus is a growing clinical problem, creates many challenges for patient. To overcome these problems, there is a serious deficiency of anti-diabetic agents, may be synthesized that inhibit alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase activity. Here, we have design and synthesized benzoxazole based sulphonamide derivatives and evaluated for their anti-diabetic activity. Twenty-two benzoxazole based sulphonamide derivatives were synthesized by reacting 2-aminophenol with carbon disulphide in the presence of base (Et3N) to obtained 2-marcapto benzoxazole which was further dissolved in ethanol by slow addition of different substituted phenacyl bromide in the presence of triethylamine, afforded varied S-substituted benzoxazole products. These products were dissolved in ethanol and hydrazine hydrate was added an excess in the presence of acetic acid to gives Schiff base. This Schiff base products were further dissolved in THF along with different substituted benzene sulphonyl chloride followed by addition of few drops of Et3N, yielded benzoxazole based sulphonamide derivatives (1–22). Moreover, SAR was established for the synthesized compounds and molecular docking studies were conducted for the potent moieties in order to explore the binding modalities of analogs. Among the tested series few analogues were found few folds better potential than standard drug but analog 1 (IC₅₀ = 1.10 ± 0.20 µM, 1.20 ± 0.30 µM), showed promising anti-diabetic activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase (11.12 ± 0.15 µM and 11.29 ± 0.07 µM respectively).     

Identification of novel oxadiazole-based benzothiazole derivatives as potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase and urease: Synthesis,in vitro bio-evaluation and their in silico molecular docking study

This research work represents a synthetic approach for the development of hybrids derivatives of oxadiazole-based benzothiazole (1–17) and diversity in derivatives was achieved using variety of aryl ring of S-substituted benzothiazole to see the effect on the biological activities. All the synthesized derivatives were evaluated for their in vitro α-glucosidase and urease inhibitory potential. The α-glucosidase and urease inhibition profile of the new derivatives represents moderate to good inhibitory potential with IC₅₀ values ranging from 4.60 ± 1.20 µM to 48.40 ± 7.70 µM (α-glucosidase) and 8.90 ± 2.80 to 57.30 ± 7.70 µM (urease) respectively. The results were compared to standard acarbose (38.60 ± 4.50 µM) and thiourea (58.70 ± 6.80 µM) drugs respectively. Among the synthesized series, the analogs 1 having IC₅₀ values of and 4.60 ± 1.20 (α-glucosidase), 8.90 ± 2.80 (urease) and 2 with IC₅₀ values of 5.60 ± 1.60 (α-glucosidase) and 10.90 ± 2.10(urease) were found to be significantly active against targeted α-glucosidase and urease enzymes. The structure of all the newly synthetics scaffolds were confirmed by using different types of spectroscopic techniques such as HREI-MS, ¹H- and ¹³C- NMR spectroscopy. The molecular docking studies of the synthesized derivatives showed good correlations with the experimental findings. The binding modes of active compounds and their interactions with active site residues revealed them as possible anti-diabetics and anti-urease leads. The degree of activity and docking studies displayed by the novel innovative structural hybrids of oxadiazole-based benzothiazole moieties make these compounds new active leads and promising candidates for the development of anti-diabetics and anti-urease agents.     

Novel benzoxazole-based thiosemicarbazide derivatives as new inhibitors of urease and β-Glucuronidase: Synthesis,in vivo anti-nematodal activity and ADMET prediction along with in silico study

Here, we discuss the synthesis of thiosemicarbazide derivatives based on benzoxazole. These compounds were obtained via sequence of reactions. The targeted products were confirmed using a number of spectroscopic methods, including NMR (1H and 13C) and EI-MS. After spectral confirmation all the synthesized compounds were evaluated for urease and β-Glucuronidase inhibitory activity in order to explore their biological significances in the presence of standard drug thiourea (IC₅₀ = 21.86 ± 0.40) and D-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC50 value 22.00 ± 1.10 µM) respectively. Among the evaluated series, compounds 14 and 15 (1.10 and 0.01 and 2.20 and 0.60) were shown to have slightly greater potential than standard drugs. Anti-nematodal activity was also employed to explore the cytotoxic nature of synthesized analogs. In order to establish the binding relationship with enzyme active sites, molecular docking experiments were done and directions for compound modification based on SAR features were addressed. In addition, ADMET prediction study also investigated to found drug like properties of the potential analogs.     

In silico exploratory study using structure–activity relationship models and metabolic information for prediction of mutagenicity based on the Ames test and rodent micronucleus assay

The mutagenic potential of chemicals is a cause of growing concern, due to the possible impact on human health. In this paper we have developed a knowledge-based approach, combining information from structure–activity relationship (SAR) and metabolic triggers generated from the metabolic fate of chemicals in biological systems for prediction of mutagenicity in vitro based on the Ames test and in vivo based on the rodent micronucleus assay. In the first part of the work, a model was developed, which comprises newly generated SAR rules and a set of metabolic triggers. These SAR rules and metabolic triggers were further externally validated to predict mutagenicity in vitro, with metabolic triggers being used only to predict mutagenicity of chemicals, which were predicted unknown, by SARpy. Hence, this model has a higher accuracy than the SAR model, with an accuracy of 89% for the training set and 75% for the external validation set. Subsequently, the results of the second part of this work enlist a set of metabolic triggers for prediction of mutagenicity in vivo, based on the rodent micronucleus assay. Finally, the results of the third part enlist a list of metabolic triggers to find similarities and differences in the mutagenic response of chemicals in vitro and in vivo.     

Investigating the potential of tetrahydropyridinyl chalcones as useful agents against breast carcinoma: An in vitro and in vivo study

N-Benzyltetrahydropyridinyl-4,6-dimethoxy phenyl-substituted 2′-hydroxychalcones SJC1–15 were synthesized using Claisen–Schmidt condensation, their structures confirmed by spectral analysis, and their anticancer activity evaluated. To support their biological activity, physicochemical parameters such as lipophilicity and oxidation potential were determined. To assess their relative cytotoxicity, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed using MCF-7, T-47D, MDA MB-231, HepG₂, and Vero cell lines. The cytotoxicity of the chalcones was found to vary with the nature of the ring B substituents. The lipophilicity of the cytotoxic compounds expressed in terms of distribution coefficient was found to lie in the range of 2.4–4.2. Further evaluation of their antioxidant potential revealed antioxidant activity by 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging assay and irreversible electrochemical reaction with oxidation potential in the range of 0.879–1.048 V. Of the 15 chalcones, SJC4, 5, 9 were selected for further in vitro studies using MCF-7. The compounds exhibited significant apoptotic effect and caused cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 and G2/M phase. Among them, two of the O-alkylated chalcones (SJC5, 9) showing promising activity against hormone-responsive breast cancer cells were evaluated for their in vivo anticancer activity using 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumor model. Three-week treatment with the test compounds at oral dosage of 100 mg kg^?1 per day significantly improved elevated tumor parameters compared with tumor control. Treatment with chalcone SJC5 (a 2,4,5-trimethoxy derivative) exhibited anticancer effects similar to those of doxorubicin (2 mg kg^?1 per week, i.p.) and was free from toxic effects observed with doxorubicin treatment.     

Novel sulfonamide-functionalized arylidene indolones as potent α-glucosidase inhibitors: Synthesis,characterization, and in vitro and in silico studies

3-Arylidene-1-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)indolones and in particular their 5-methylaminosulfonyl derivatives efficiently inhibit α-glucosidase enzyme. The results are corroborated by in silico docking studies which show the binding of aminosulfonyl derivatives to be more favorable due to additional hydrogen bonding. The most active compound of the series shows the IC₅₀ of 6.19 μm.     

Synthesis,in silico and in vitro Evaluation of Novel Oxazolopyrimidines as Promising Anticancer Agents

New potential bioactive oxazolopyrimidines have been synthesized using two main approaches: the pyrimidine ring annulation on a functionalized oxazole and the benzoyl bromide trimerization followed by rearrangement and formation of the oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine scaffold. The docking analyzes have shown that 7-piperazine substituted oxazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidines 8a – 8c could be potential VEGFR2 inhibitors with high free energy of ligand–protein complex formation (ΔG: −10.1, −9.6, −9.8 kcal/mol, respectively). In vitro antitumor assays confirmed theoretical predictions that oxazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidines 8a – 8c containing positively charged piperazine moiety should demonstrate significantly higher cytotoxic effects. 4-[5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-phenyl[1,3]oxazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]piperazin-1-ium trifluoroacetate ( 8c ) exhibited a slightly higher antiproliferative effect (IC₅₀=0.21 μm ) than doxorubicin (IC₅₀=0.36 μm ) on MDA-MB-231 cell line and has relatively good results on OVCAR-3 (IC₅₀=1.7 μm ) and HCT-116 (IC₅₀=0.24 μm ) cells.     

Design,synthesis, in vitro and in silico studies of naproxen derivatives as dual lipoxygenase and α-glucosidase inhibitors

A series of 28 novel naproxen derivatives (4a-f, 5a-f, 6a-d, 7a-f, and 8a-f) have been designed, synthesized, and characterized. The synthesized derivatives were assessed as dual inhibitors for 15-lipoxygenase (LOX) and α-glucosidase enzymes and checked for cytotoxicity and ADME studies. The inhibitory potential of naproxen derivatives for 15- LOX was checked through two different methods, the UV absorbance method and the Chemiluminescence method. The biological activities result revealed that through the UV absorbance method, compound 4f (IC₅₀ 21.31 ± 0.32 µM) was found potent among the series followed by compounds 4e (IC₅₀ 36.53 ± 0.51 µM) and 4d (IC₅₀ 49.62 ± 0.12 µM) against standard drug baicalein (IC₅₀ 22.46 ± 1.32 µM) and quercetin (IC₅₀ 2.34 ± 0.35 µM), while through chemiluminescence method tested compounds showed significant 15-LOX inhibition at the range of IC₅₀ 1.13 ± 0.62 µM ?123.47 ± 0.37 µM. Among these compounds, 4e (IC₅₀ 1.13 ± 0.62 µM), 5b (IC₅₀ 1.19 ± 0.43 µM), 8c (IC₅₀ 1.23 ± 0.35 µM) were found most potent inhibitors against quercetin (IC₅₀ 4.86 ± 0.14 µM), and baicalein (IC₅₀ 2.24 ± 0.13 µM). The chemiluminescence method was found more sensitive than the UV method to identify 15-LOX inhibitors. Interestingly all synthesized compounds showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 1.0 ± 1.13 µM ? 367.2 ± 1.23 µM) even better than the standard drug acarbose (IC₅₀ 375.82 ± 1.76 µM), while compound 6c (IC₅₀ 1.0 ± 1.13 µM) and 7c (IC₅₀ 1.1 ± 1.17 µM) were found most potent compounds among the series even many folds better than the standard drug. The cell viability results showed that all compounds were less toxic, maintained cellular viability at the range of 99.8 ± 1.3% to 63.7 ± 1.5%. ADME and molecular docking studies supported drug-likeness and binding interactions of compounds with the targeted enzymes.     

An experimental study on MWCNT–water nanofluids flow and heat transfer in double-pipe heat exchanger using porous media

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the heat transfer characteristics of multi-walled carbon nanotube aqueous...     

Application of hydroxyproline derivatives in enantioselective α-amination reactions in organic and aqueous environments: a structure-activity relationship study

We examined the activity of a series of L-hydroxyproline derivatives in enantioselective α-amination reaction between diethyl azodicarboxylate and propanal both in organic and aqueous media. In organic media most of the catalysts showed high activity and enantioselectivities comparable to that accessible with L-proline that is among the best catalysts in the reaction. The catalysts showed good activity under aqueous conditions as well; however, only low enantioselectivities were obtained in this case, primarily due to the racemisation of the product under the reaction conditions. Thus, the attempted achiral acid/base additive-driven stereocontrol was not feasible on a practical level.     

Dicyanoanilines as potential and dual inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes: Synthesis,characterization, in vitro,in silico,and kinetics studies

The present study comprised of the synthesis of dicyanoaniline derivatives of pyridine, thiophene, furan, and substituted phenyl 1–29. All synthetic derivatives were evaluated for their potential to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. The synthesized compounds are classified into three categories A, B, and C based on variable substituents at R₁ and R_2, and the structure–activity relationship was discussed accordingly. Amongst twenty-nine derivatives, 1–29, five compounds 2, 9, 18, 23, and 24 displayed excellent inhibition against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes with the IC₅₀ values ranging between 20.33 ± 0.02–25.50 ± 0.06 µM and 21.01 ± 0.12–27.75 ± 0.17 µM, respectively, while other compounds showed moderate to weak inhibition against both enzymes. Acarbose was used as the positive control in this study. The enzyme kinetic studies showed non-competitive and un-competitive types of inhibition mechanism against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, respectively. In silico studies have demonstrated the involvement of these molecules in numerous binding interactions within the active site of the enzyme.     

Towards rapid and simultaneous quantification of F,Li and Na in “as received” geological samples using PIGE technique

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - This work presents a method for simultaneous proton induced gamma-ray emission analysis of fluorine, lithium, and sodium in “as...     

Chromenone-based GSK-3β inhibitors as potential therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases: In silico study,molecular dynamics,and ADMET profiles

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) regulates glycogen metabolism and many different cellulars, including apoptosis, signaling, and neural. It is a crucial therapeutic receptor in heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's. In this study, using computational methods, flavonoid compounds were investigated for potential inhibitors against GSK-3β. Virtual screening was utilized to investigate flavonoid compounds obtained from the PubChem database. Structure of human heart mitochondria of GSK-3β receptor constructed by homology modeling. Best binding poses were discovered via in silico molecular docking simulation. We surveyed noncovalent interactions among amino acid residues involved in the active site of the modeled Protein and compounds via molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD).Moreover, ADMET characteristics of best docking conformers have been investigated. The obtained results revealed that compound 1 containing chromenone moiety with binding energy H-bond ?11.4 kcal/mol inhibited effectively binding pocket of the GSK-3β receptor. Moreover, MD simulation analysis (RMSD and radius of gyration indicated complex of the compound and GSK-3β receptor remained stable throughout 100 ns MD simulation, and also analysis of ADMET profiles revealed that selected compounds had good drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties. Hence, it was suggested that compounds with chromenone scaffold could potentially inhibit GSK-3β. Structural modification of the chromenone derivatives may result in the discovery of promising candidates for identifying novel drugs as GSK-3β inhibitors.