MicroRNA targeting: A novel therapeutic intervention for ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer, a perilous form of cancer affecting the female reproductive system, exhibits intricate communication networks that contribute to its progression. This study aims to identify crucial molecular abnormalities linked to the disease to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In particular, we investigate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as diagnostic biomarkers and explore their potential in treating ovarian cancer. By targeting miRNAs, which can influence multiple pathways and genes, substantial therapeutic benefits can be attained. In this review we want to shed light on the promising application of miRNA-based interventions and provide insights into the specific miRNAs implicated in ovarian cancer pathogenesis.

Pistagremic acid, a novel ß-secretase enzyme (BACE1) inhibitor from Pistacia integerrima Stewart.

A new triterpenic compound named pistagremic acid (PA) was once again isolated from Pistaciaintegerrima. The ß-secretase inhibition study was carried out. Compound PA was found significantly active against ß-secretase enzyme (BACE1) with IC50 value of 350 ± 2 nM in comparison to the standard inhibitors [Asn670, Sta671, Val672]-amyloid-ß/A4 precursor protein 770 fragment 662-675 (IC50 = 290.71 ± 1 nM). The selectivity of this compound was also evaluated against the acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes. Interestingly compound PA was found to be inactive against them and showed selectivity towards ß-secretase enzyme (BACE1).

Quinoxaline derivatives: novel and selective butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive brain disorder which occurs due to lower levels of acetylcholine (ACh) neurotransmitters, and results in a gradual decline in memory and other cognitive processes. Acetycholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) are considered to be primary regulators of the ACh levels in the brain. Evidence shows that AChE activity decreases in AD, while activity of BChE does not change or even elevate in advanced AD, which suggests a key involvement of BChE in ACh hydrolysis during AD symptoms. Therefore, inhibiting the activity of BChE may be an effective way to control AD associated disorders. In this regard, a series of quinoxaline derivatives 1-17 was synthesized and biologically evaluated against cholinesterases (AChE and BChE) and as well as against α- chymotrypsin and urease. The compounds 1-17 were found to be selective inhibitors for BChE, as no activity was found against other enzymes. Among the series, compounds 6 (IC50 = 7.7 ± 1.0 µM) and 7 (IC50 = 9.7 ± 0.9 µM) were found to be the most active inhibitors against BChE. Their IC50 values are comparable to the standard, galantamine (IC50 = 6.6 ± 0.38 µM). Their considerable BChE inhibitory activity makes them selective candidates for the development of BChE inhibitors. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) of this new class of selective BChE inhibitors has been discussed.

Molecular docking simulation studies on potent butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors obtained from microbial transformation of dihydrotestosterone.

BACKGROUND: Biotransformation is an effective technique for the synthesis of libraries of bioactive compounds. Current study on microbial transformation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (1) was carried out to produce various functionalized metabolites. RESULTS: Microbial transformation of DHT (1) by using two fungal cultures resulted in potent butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors. Biotransformation with Macrophomina phaseolina led to the formation of two known products, 5α-androstan-3ß,17ß-diol (2), and 5ß-androstan-3α,17ß-diol (3), while biotransformation with Gibberella fujikuroi yielded six known metabolites, 11α,17ß-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (4), androst-1,4-dien-3,17-dione (5), 11α-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3,17-dione (6), 11α-hydroxyandrost-1,4-dien-3,17-dione (7), 12ß-hydroxyandrost-1,4-dien-3,17-dione (8), and 16α-hydroxyandrost-1,4-dien-3,17-dione (9). Metabolites 2 and 3 were found to be inactive, while metabolite 4 only weakly inhibited the enzyme. Metabolites 5-7 were identified as significant inhibitors of BChE. Furthermore, predicted results from docking simulation studies were in complete agreement with experimental data. Theoretical results were found to be helpful in explaining the possible mode of action of these newly discovered potent BChE inhibitors. Compounds 8 and 9 were not evaluated for enzyme inhibition activity both in vitro and in silico, due to lack of sufficient quantities. CONCLUSION: Biotransformation of DHT (1) with two fungal cultures produced eight known metabolites. Metabolites 5-7 effectively inhibited the BChE activity. Cholinesterase inhibition is among the key strategies in the management of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The experimental findings were further validated by in silico inhibition studies and possible modes of action were deduced.