Hydrazide-hydrazones as Small Molecule Tropomyosin Receptor Kina se A (TRKA) Inhibitors: Synthesis, Anticancer Activities, In silico ADME and Molecular Docking Studies.

AIM: The aim of the study was to search for new anticancer agents as TRKA inhibitors. BACKGROUND: A series of new salicylic acid hydrazide hydrazones were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activities against lung (A549), ovarian (SK-OV-3), skin (SK-MEL-2), and colon (HCT15) cancer cell lines, and tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TRKA) inhibitory activities. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we focused on the synthesis and anticancer properties evaluation of salicylic acid hydrazide hydrazones as TRKA inhibitors. The in vitro anticancer activities of hydrazone analogs were measured against four cancer cell lines, and the TRKA inhibitory properties were investigated using an enzyme assay to determine their modes of action. In silico molecular docking was conducted using the crystal structure of the TRKA receptor to study the interactions and modes of binding at its active site, and ligand-based target predictions were used to identify putative secondary enzymatic targets of the synthesized compounds. Additionally, pharmacokinetic properties, toxicity effects, and drug scores of the studied molecules were also assessed. METHODS: A series of hydrazide hydrazones were prepared by means of a facile and straight-forward two-step reaction under soft reflux conditions from a methyl ester of substituted aromatic acids and hydrazine hydrate followed by the condensation with substituted aldehydes. In vitro cytotoxic properties of the synthesized compounds were screened against four human cancer cells using the SRB (sulforhodamine-B) colorimetric method. The TRKA inhibitory activity was measured by enzymatic assay. In silico ADME, drug score properties, docking studies, and ligand-based target prediction analyses were performed using Osiris Cheminformatics and AutoDock Vina, and SwissTargetPrediction bioinformatics software. RESULTS: In vitro bioassays revealed that compound 6 exhibited the most potent broad-spectrum anticancer activities with IC50 values of 0.144, <0.001, 0.019, and 0.022 µM against A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and HCT15 cancer cells, respectively, followed by compounds 11, 3a, and 9. In TRKA inhibitory assays, compounds 3e and 11 demonstrated the highest potency with IC50 values of 111 and 614 nM, respectively. The results of docking studies on 3e and 11 with the active site of the TRKA receptor revealed that both compounds interacted as previously reported TRKA inhibitors with high docking scores. CONCLUSION: New salicylic acid hydrazide hydrazones were synthesized, and the most active compounds exhibited significant anticancer properties against A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and HCT15 cancer cells, suggesting to be good candidates for in vivo studies. The results obtained in the present study would help in the design and preparation of new hydrazidehydrazone analogs as potential TRKA inhibitors for cancer treatment.

Inhibitory effect of Salvia plebeia leaf extract on ultraviolet-induced photoaging-associated ion channels and enzymes.

In traditional Korean/Asian medicine, Salvia plebeia R.Br. (S. plebeia) leaves are used to treat inflammatory diseases, including dermatitis, cough, asthma and toothache. Recently, S. plebeia leaves have been applied in skin care, as they promote skin lightening and elasticity. Therefore, the present study investigated the anti-aging effects of S. plebeia leaf methanolic extract and its fractions (dichloromethane, ethylacetate and n-butanol). The results of a whole-cell patch clamp analysis indicated that the methanolic extract mediated ultraviolet (UV)-induced photoaging-associated ion channels, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1 (ORAI1) channel activity in HEK293T cells overexpressing TRPV1 or ORAI1 and STIM1. Electrophysiological analysis revealed that the butanol fraction inhibited capsaicin-induced TRPV1 (84±8% at -60 mV/86±1% at 100 mV at 100 µg/ml) and ORAI1 (87±2% at -120 mV at 100 µg/ml) currents. Furthermore, the dichloromethane and hexane fractions inhibited tyrosinase activity by 32.4±0.69 and 22.6±0.96% at 330 µg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, the ethylacetate and butanol fractions inhibited elastase activity by 65.2±1.30 and 31.7±1.23% at 330 µg/ml, respectively. Tyrosinase and elastase, which are UV-induced photoaging-associated enzymes, regulate skin pigmentation and wrinkle formation, respectively. The results of the present study indicated that S. plebeia leaves may be a novel treatment for UV-induced photoaging.

13-Ethylberberine reduces HMGB1 release through AMPK activation in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells and protects endotoxemic mice from organ damage.

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a highly conserved non-histone DNA-binding protein, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Previously, the authors reported 13-ethylberberine (13-EBR) has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. However, the effect of 13-EBR on HMGB1 release was not investigated. In the present study, it was hypothesized 13-EBR might reduce HMGB1 release by activating AMPK under septic conditions. The results obtained showed 13-EBR significantly reduced HMGB1 release from LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells, and that this reduction was reversed by silencing p38, or AMPK, or by co-treating cells with p38 MAPKinase inhibitor. 13-EBR increased the phosphorylations of p38 and AMPK, and the phosphorylation of p38 by 13-EBR was inhibited by AMPK-siRNA, indicating AMPK acted upstream of p38. In the lung tissues of LPS-treated mice, 13-EBR administration significantly increased p-AMPK but reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein levels. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed 13-EBR significantly reduced LPS-induced lung and liver damage. In addition, 13-EBR inhibited NF-kB in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells, and in LPS-treated mice, 13-EBR administration significantly increased survival. Furthermore, co-administration of 13-EBR plus LPS prevented LPS-induced aortic rings hypocontractile response to phenylephrine in vitro. Taken together, these results indicate 13-EBR might offer a means of treating sepsis through AMPK activation.

Synthesis, anticancer, and docking studies of salicyl-hydrazone analogues: A novel series of small potent tropomyosin receptor kinase A inhibitors.

A series of novel salicyl-hydrazone analogues were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activities in five human cancer cell lines, namely, lung cancer (A549), ovarian cancer (SK-OV-3), skin cancer (SK-MEL-2), colon cancer (HCT15) and pancreatic cancer (MIA-PaCa-2) cells, and for their in vitro tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) inhibitory activities. Each of the compounds showed significant cytotoxicity against all cancer cells. Compound 3i was found to be most potent against all cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 2.46 (A549), 0.87 (SK-OV-3), 1.43 (SK-MEL-2), 0.89 (HCT15), and 0.48µM (MIA-PaCa-2), followed by compound 3l. Cytotoxicity of 3i was similar to that of doxorubicin (0.87µM) against HCT15 cells. Compounds 3i and 3l also showed highest TrkA inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 0.231 and 0.380µM, respectively. A SAR study of the series revealed that compounds with hydroxyl groups showed better cytotoxicity and TrkA inhibitory potency (in the following order 2,4-OH>2,3,4-OH>3,4-OH>4-OH) than compounds possessing electron donating or withdrawing groups on the benzylidenephenyl ring. Docking studies of compounds 3i and 3l conducted on the crystal structure of TrkA receptor (a promising target for anticancer agents) showed both had a high docking score and similar order of experimental TrkA inhibitory activities. The formation of several hydrogen bonds involving N and O containing moieties contributed most significantly to ligand binding and stabilization at the active site of the receptor. In addition, ligand-receptor complexes were further stabilized by π-cation, π-anion, amide-π stacked, and van der Waal's interactions. Conformational analyses showed ligand molecules adopted similar conformations at the receptor active site during interactions, but that the low energy optimized conformations of compounds 3i and 3l differed.

Foeniculum vulgare extract and its constituent, trans-anethole, inhibit UV-induced melanogenesis via ORAI1 channel inhibition.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet radiation exposure is the most important cause of extrinsic skin aging (photoaging), which causes skin wrinkling and hyperpigmentation. Although many factors are involved in the photoaging process, calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1 (ORAI1) has been reported to be involved in UV-induced melanogenesis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to find inhibitory effects of the extract of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) fruits on ORAI1 ion channels and UV-induced melanogenesis in melanoma cells and to identify its active constituents. METHODS: Active compounds were isolated and quantitatively analyzed. An electrophysiological assay was performed by using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Intracellular free calcium concentration was measured by Fura-2. Tyrosinase activity was evaluated by levodopa colorimetry. Effects of the most active compound on cell viability of murine B16F10 melanoma cells and inhibition of melanin content after UVB irradiation were determined. RESULTS: F. vulgare fruits extract and its hexane fraction strongly blocked ORAI1 currents and tyrosinase activity and significantly inhibited UV-induced melanogenesis. Of the 13 compounds isolated from the hexane fraction, trans-anethole (TA) exhibited inhibitory effects on ORAI1 (IC50=8.954±1.36µM) and increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentrations in response. TA inhibited UV-induced melanogenesis without affecting tyrosinase activity. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the fruits extract of F. vulgare and its active constituent, TA, provide a possible novel approach for treating and preventing UV-induced melanogenesis.

Inhibitory Effect of Valencene on the Development of Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions in NC/Nga Mice.

Valencene (VAL) isolated from Cyperus rotundus possesses various biological effects such as antiallergic and antimelanogenesis activity. We investigated the effect of VAL on atopic dermatitis (AD) skin lesions and their molecular mechanisms. We topically applied VAL to 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) sensitized NC/Nga mice. Modified scoring atopic dermatitis index, scratching behavior, and histological/immunohistochemical staining were used to monitor disease severity. RT-PCR, western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to determine the level of IgE, proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines production, and skin barrier proteins expression. Topical application of VAL significantly reduced AD-like symptoms and recovered decreased expression of filaggrin in DNCB-sensitized NC/Nga mice. The levels of serum IgE, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-13 in skin/splenic tissue were reduced. In vitro studies using TNF-α and IFN-γ treated HaCaT cells revealed that VAL inhibited the exaggerated expression of Th2 chemokines including TARC/CCL17, MDC/CCL22, and proinflammatory chemokines such as CXCL8, GM-CSF, and I-CAM through blockade of the NF-κB pathway. In addition, expression of the skin barrier protein, involucrin, was also increased by VAL treatment. VAL inhibited the production and expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. These results suggest that VAL may serve as a potential therapeutic option for AD.

13-Methylberberine reduces HMGB1 release in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells and increases the survival of septic mice through AMPK/P38 MAPK activation.

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a late phase cytokine of sepsis, is viewed as a potential target for the treatment of sepsis. The authors considered that 13-methylberberine (13-MB) might reduce circulating HMGB1 levels and increase survival in a mouse model of sepsis by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Western blot analysis and vascular contraction testing were performed using RAW264.7 cells and rat thoracic aorta, respectively. The mechanisms responsible were investigated using various signal inhibitors and small interfering RNA techniques. 13-MB significantly reduced HMGB1 release by LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells, and this was prevented by silencing AMPK or p38, or by pretreating cells with p38 MAPKinase inhibitor, suggesting that the activations of p38 and AMPK were responsible for the observed reduction in HMGB1 release. As was expected, 13-MB increased the phosphorylations of p38 and AMPK. Interestingly, phosphorylations of p38 by 13-MB were inhibited by AMPKsiRNA, indicating that AMPK lies upstream of p38. Furthermore, 13-MB concentration-dependently inhibited IκB phosphorylation in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells, and in aortic rings, co-treatment with 13-MB and LPS for 8h, in vitro, significantly restored the isometric contraction induced by phenylephrine. Importantly, 13-MB significantly increased the survival rate of LPS-induced endotoxemic mice. These results suggest 13-MB may be useful for treating diseases in which HMGB1 is viewed as a target.

Biological and quantitative-SAR evaluations, and docking studies of (E)-N -benzylidenebenzohydrazide analogues as potential antibacterial agents.

A series of 15 (E)-N'-benzylidenebenzohydrazide analogues were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against eleven pathogenic and food-borne microbes, namely, S. aureus (G(+)), L. monocytogenes (G(+)), B. subtilis (G(+)), K. pneumonia (G¯), C. sakazakii (G¯), C. freundii (G¯), S. enterica (G¯), S. enteritidis (G¯), E. coli (G¯), Y. pestis (G¯), and P. aeruginosa (G¯). Most of the compounds exhibited selective activity against some Gram-negative bacterial strains. Of the compounds tested (3a-o), 3b and 3g were most active against C. freundii (MIC = ~19 µg mL(-1)). Whereas, compounds 3d, 3i, 3k and 3n exhibited MIC values ranging from 37.5 to 75 µg mL(-1) against C. freundii, and compounds 3e, 3l and 3n had MIC values of ~75 µg mL(-1) against K. pneumonia. Quantitative structure-antibacterial activity relationships were studied using physicochemical parameters and a good correlation was found between calculated octanol-water partition coefficients (clogP; a lipophilic parameter) and antibacterial activities. In silico screening was also performed by docking high (3b and 3g) and low (3n) activity compounds on the active site of E. coli FabH receptor, which is an important therapeutic target. The findings of these in silico screening studies provide a theoretical basis for the design and synthesis of novel benzylidenebenzohydrazide analogues that inhibit bacterial FabH.

Skin protective effect of guava leaves against UV-induced melanogenesis via inhibition of ORAI1 channel and tyrosinase activity.

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is a major environmental factor affecting photoageing, which is characterized by skin wrinkle formation and hyperpigmentation. Although many factors are involved in the photoageing process, UV irradiation is thought to play a major role in melanogenesis. Tyrosinase is the key enzyme in melanin synthesis; therefore, many whitening agents target tyrosinase through various mechanisms, such as direct interference of tyrosinase catalytic activity or inhibition of tyrosinase mRNA expression. Furthermore, the highly selective calcium channel ORAI1 has been shown to be associated with UV-induced melanogenesis. Thus, ORAI1 antagonists may have applications in the prevention of melanogenesis. Here, we aimed to identify the antimelanogenesis agents from methanolic extract of guava leaves (Psidium guajava) that can inhibit tyrosinase and ORAI1 channel. The n-butanol (47.47%±7.503% inhibition at 10 µg/mL) and hexane (57.88%±7.09% inhibition at 10 µg/mL) fractions were found to inhibit ORAI1 channel activity. In addition, both fractions showed effective tyrosinase inhibitory activity (68.3%±0.50% and 56.9%±1.53% inhibition, respectively). We also confirmed that the hexane fraction decreased the melanin content induced by UVB irradiation and the ET-1-induced melanogenesis in murine B16F10 melanoma cells. These results suggest that the leaves of P. guajava can be used to protect against direct and indirect UV-induced melanogenesis.

Synthesis, spectroscopic and computational studies of 2-(thiophen-2-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-perimidine: An enzymes inhibition study.

The biologically relevant molecule; 2-(thiophen-2-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-perimidine was synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, UV, 1H and 13C NMR, MS, CHN microanalysis, X-ray crystallography as well as by theoretical, B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p), calculations. The vibrational bands appearing in the FT-IR were assigned with great accuracy using animated modes. Molecular properties like HOMO-LUMO analysis, chemical reactivity descriptors, MEP mapping, dipole moment and natural charges have been presented at the same level of theory. The theoretical results are found in good correlation with the experimental data obtained from the various spectral techniques. Moreover, the Hirshfeld analysis was performed to explore the secondary interactions and associated 2D fingerprint plots. Perimidine molecule displayed promising inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) as compared to the reference drug, tacrine. Molecular docking was carried out to ascertain the synthesized molecule into the X-ray crystal structures of acetylcholinesterase at the active site to find out the probable binding mode. The results of molecular docking admitted that perimidine may reveal enzyme inhibitor activity.

Potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: Synthesis, biological assay and docking study of nitro acridone derivatives.

The reaction of o-halobenzoic acid with aniline derivatives and their subsequent cyclization reaction yielded the acridone derivatives. The series of nitro acridone derivatives were prepared by Ullmann condensation in presence of copper as catalyst and were characterized by FTIR, (1)H, (13)C NMR and mass spectra. The structure of 5-nitro-(2-phenyl amino) benzoic acid (4) was confirmed by X-ray crystallography and was found to crystallize in P21/c space group. The in vitro efficacy of the compounds for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and antimicrobial inhibitory activities have been evaluated against the standard drugs Ampicillin and Gentamicin against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. 1,7-Dinitroacridone was found to be the most potent AChE inhibitor (IC50=0.22µM). Moreover, the compounds have been screened for their antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay. Also, docking study results were found to be in good agreement with the results obtained through in vitro experiments. The docking study further predicted possible binding conformation.

Synthesis, characterization, molecular docking and biological studies of self assembled transition metal dithiocarbamates of substituted pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde.

A series of self assembled 3d transition metal dithiocarbamate, M(pdtc) [where M=Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II)] have been synthesized and spectroscopically characterized. The bidentate dithiocarbamate ligand Na2pdtc (Disodium-1,4-phenyldiaminobis (pyrrole-1-sulfino)dithioate) was prepared by insertion reaction of carbondisulfide with Schiff base, N,N'-bis-(1H-pyrrol-2-ylmethylene)-benzene-1,4-diamine (L1) in basic medium. The simple substitution reaction between the metal halide and Na2pdtc yielded the title complexes in moderate yields. However, the in situ procedure gives high yield with the formation of single product as evident by TLC. Elemental analysis, IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra, UV-vis., magnetic susceptibility and conductance measurements were done to characterize the complexes, M(pdtc). All the evidences suggest that the complexes have tetrahedral geometry excepting Cu(II) which is found to be square planar. A symmetrical bidentate coordination of the dithiocarbamato moiety has been observed in all the complexes. The conductivity data show that the complexes are non-electrolyte in nature. The anti-oxidant activity of the ligand, Na2pdtc and its transition metal complexes, M(pdtc) have been carried out using DPPH and Cu(pdtc) was found to be most effective. The anti-microbial activity of the Na2pdtc and M(pdtc) complexes have been carried out and on this basis the molecular docking study of the most effective complex, Cu(pdtc) has also been reported.

Valencene from the Rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus Inhibits Skin Photoaging-Related Ion Channels and UV-Induced Melanogenesis in B16F10 Melanoma Cells.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation deeply penetrates skin and causes inflammation and pigmentary changes and triggers immune responses. Furthermore, accumulating evidence suggests that calcium ion channels, such as TRPV1 and ORAI1, mediate diverse dermatological processes including melanogenesis, skin wrinkling, and inflammation. The rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus have been used to treat inflammatory diseases including dermatitis. However, their effects on UV-induced photoaging-related ion channels remain unknown. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the antagonistic effects of C. rotundus extract and their constituents on TRPV1 and ORAI1 channels. Electrophysiological analysis revealed that valencene (1) isolated from the hexane fraction potently inhibited capsaicin-induced TRPV1 and ORAI1 currents at 90 µM (69 ± 15% and 97 ± 2% at -60 and -120 mV, respectively). The inhibitory effect of 1 on cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentrations in response to ORAI1 activation (85 ± 2% at 50 µM) was also confirmed. Furthermore, 1 concentration-dependently decreased the melanin content after UVB irradiation in murine B16F10 melanoma cells by 82.66 ± 2.14% at 15 µg/mL. These results suggest that C. rotundus rhizomes have potential therapeutic effects on UV-induced photoaging and indicate that the therapeutic and cosmetic applications of 1 are worth further investigation.

Physicochemical analyses of a bioactive 4-aminoantipyrine analogue - synthesis, crystal structure, solid state interactions, antibacterial, conformational and docking studies.

A novel Schiff base derivative of 4-aminoantipyrine, that is, (E)-4-(2-methoxybenzylideneamino)-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-one (MBA-dMPP), was synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and EI-MS. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data revealed MBA-dMPP adopts a trans configuration around its central C=N double bond, and forms orthorhombic crystals. XRD revealed that MBA-dMPP possess two different planes, in which the pyrazolone and benzylidene groups attached to C9 of the pyrazolone ring are almost coplanar and the phenyl ring connected to the N1 atom of the pyrazolone moiety lies in another plane. The intermolecular, host-guest C-H…O, C-H…N, and C-H…C van der Waals interactions were found to form a 3D network and confer stability to the MBA-dMPP crystal structure. The quantitative and qualitative solid state behaviors of MBA-dMPP were subjected to 3D Hirshfeld surface analysis and 2D fingerprint plotting. Reciprocal H…H contacts contributed most (52.9 %) to the Hirshfeld surface, followed by C…H/H…C contacts (30.2 %), whereas, O…H/H…O and N…H/H…N interactions contributed 15.5 % to the Hirshfeld surface. Electrostatic potentials were mapped over the Hirshfeld surface to analyze electrostatic complementarities within the MBA-dMPP crystal. In addition, geometrical descriptors were also analyzed to the extent of surface interactions. MBA-dMPP was also investigated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, and showed highest activity against Bacillus cereus (MIC = 12.5 µg mL-1) and Salmonellatythimurium (MIC = 50 µg mL-1). In silico screening was conducted by docking MBA-dMPP on the active site of S12 bacterial protein (an important therapeutic target of antibacterial agents) and its binding properties were compared with those of ciprofloxacin. Moreover, a field points map of MBA-dMPP ligand was studied to determine electrostatic and van der Waals forces, hydrophobic potentials, and positions involved in ligand-receptor interactions. Finally, the torsion energies of crystal structure and optimized and bioactive conformers of MBA-dMPP were compared to predict its bioactive conformation.

Synthesis, biological evaluation, drug-likeness, and in silico screening of novel benzylidene-hydrazone analogues as small molecule anticancer agents.

A series of fifteen benzylidene-hydrazone analogues (3a-o), including eight new compounds, were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxic activities in four human cancer cell lines and for their antioxidant activities using DPPH. Of the tested compounds 3e, which possesses two methoxy substituents in its benzylidene phenyl ring, was found to be potently cytotoxic to all cancer cell lines tested with IC50 values of 0.12 (lung), 0.024 (ovarian), 0.097 (melanoma), and 0.05 µM (colon), and these IC50 values were comparable to those of the doxorubicin standard (IC50 = 0.021, 0.074, 0.001, and 0.872 µM, respectively). DPPH assay showed compounds 3f, 3i, and 3g had IC50 values of 0.60, 0.99, and 1.30 µM, respectively, which were comparable to that of ascorbic acid (IC50 = 0.87 µM). Computational parameters such as, drug-likeness, ADME properties, toxicity effects, and drug scores were evaluated, and none of the fifteen compounds violated Lipinski's rule of five or Veber's rule, and thus they demonstrated good drug-likeness properties. In addition, all fifteen compounds had a higher drug score than the doxorubicin and BIBR1532. In silico screening was also conducted by docking of the active compounds on the active site of telomerase reverse transcriptase catalytic subunit, an important therapeutic target of anticancer agents, to determine the probable binding properties. The total binding energies of docked compounds are correlated well with cytotoxic potencies (pIC50) against lung, ovarian, melanoma, and colon cancer cell lines indicating that the benzylidene-hydrazones could use for the development of new anticancer agents as a telomerase inhibitor.

ß-Caryophyllene alleviates D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatic injury through suppression of the TLR4 and RAGE signaling pathways.

Agastache rugosa (A. rugosa, Labiatae), a perennial herb spread throughout Korean fields, is widely consumed as a wild edible vegetable and is used in folk medicine. This study examined the hepatoprotective mechanisms of ß-caryophyllene (BCP), a major bicyclic sesquiterpene of A. rugosa, against D-galactosamine (GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatic failure. Mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of BCP (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) 1 h before GalN (800 mg/kg)/LPS (40 µg/kg) injection and were killed 1 h or 6 h after GalN/LPS injection. GalN/LPS markedly increased mortality and serum aminotransferase activity, both of which were attenuated by BCP. BCP also attenuated increases in serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6, and high-mobility group protein B1 levels by GalN/LPS. GalN/LPS significantly increased toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) protein expression, extracellular signal-related kinase, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), early growth response protein-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 protein expression. These increases were attenuated by BCP. Furthermore, BCP suppressed increased TLR4 and RAGE protein expression and proinflammatory cytokines production in LPS-treated isolated Kupffer cells. Our findings suggest that BCP protects against GalN/LPS-induced liver injury through down-regulation of the TLR4 and RAGE signaling.

Effects of Lupenone, Lupeol, and Taraxerol Derived from Adenophora triphylla on the Gene Expression and Production of Airway MUC5AC Mucin.

BACKGROUND: Adenophora triphylla var. japonica is empirically used for controlling airway inflammatory diseases in folk medicine. We evaluated the gene expression and production of mucin from airway epithelial cells in response to lupenone, lupeol and taraxerol derived from Adenophora triphylla var. japonica. METHODS: Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with lupenone, lupeol or taraxerol for 30 minutes and then stimulated with tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) for 24 hours. The MUC5AC mucin gene expression and production were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Additionally, we examined whether lupenone, lupeol or taraxerol affects MUC5AC mucin production induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), the other 2 stimulators of airway mucin production. RESULTS: Lupenone, lupeol, and taraxerol inhibited the gene expression and production of MUC5AC mucin induced by TNF-α from NCI-H292 cells, respectively. The 3 compounds inhibited the EGF or PMA-induced production of MUC5AC mucin in NCI-H292 cells. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that lupenone, lupeol and taraxerol derived from Adenophora triphylla var. japonica regulates the production and gene expression of mucin, by directly acting on airway epithelial cells. In addition, the results partly explain the mechanism of of Adenophora triphylla var. japonica as a traditional remedy for diverse inflammatory pulmonary diseases.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of coumarins isolated from Foeniculum vulgare in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-stimulated mice.

CONTEXT: Foeniculum vulgare (F. vulgare) is traditionally used to treat inflammatory diseases. Recently, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of methanol extract of the fruits of F. vulgare were reported. To identify biologically active compounds responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity, we isolated four coumarins, scopoletin, 8-methoxypsoralen, bergapten and imperatorin from the fruits of F. vulgare. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of coumarins isolated from F. vulgare in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-stimulated mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RAW 264.7 cells were treated with the coumarins (30 µM) and then stimulated with LPS (100 ng/ml). Ears of ICR mice were treated with TPA (1 µg/ear) once a day. Ten microliters each of the four coumarins (200 µg/ml) were topically applied to the ears for 3 days. Antioxidant activities were examined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavenging assays. RESULTS: All the tested coumarins showed excellent antioxidant activities in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Among the coumarins, imperatorin had the greatest anti-inflammatory activities as measured by inhibition of the pro-inflammatory cytokines production including interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells through blockade of the IκB kinase (IKK)/inhibitor of kappa B (IκB)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. In vivo experiments showed that imperatorin reduced TPA-induced ear thickness/weight, cutaneous cytokines expression and improved histopathological features. CONCLUSION: Although four coumarins isolated from the fruits of F. vulgare provide effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, imperatorin is most potent.

Syntheses, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surfaces, fluorescence properties, and DFT analysis of benzoic acid hydrazone Schiff bases.

Two hydrazone Schiff base analogues, namely, (E)-N'-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide (3a) and (E)-N'-(4-methoxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide (3b), were synthesized using a mild, efficient method and characterized by (1)H NMR, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray analysis of a single crystal of 3a revealed a tetragonal, space group I4(1)/a structure, with an E-configuration around the azomethine (C8N2) double bond. In this structure, the NH and OH groups act as proton donors and the >CO and N groups as proton acceptors, and these facilitate hydrogen bond formation in the crystal state. Plausible intermolecular interactions were studied using 3D Hirshfeld surfaces and related 2D fingerprint plots. The optimized geometry, vibrational frequencies, Mulliken charge distribution, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps, frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), and associated energies of the ground state and the first single excited state were calculated using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependant DFT calculations using the B3LYP/6-311G method. Vibrational frequencies calculated in the gaseous phase compared with experimental values measured in the solid state and showed good agreement with each other. The chemical reactivities of 3a and 3b were predicted by mapping MEP surface over optimized geometries and comparing these with MEP map generated over crystal structures. Mulliken charge distribution analysis and MEP map of 3a and 3b revealed that N(1), O(1), O(2) and O(3) atoms could act as electron donors and coordinate with metals and that these represented the most suitable sites for electrophilic attack. In fluorescence spectra, the absorption and emission spectra of 3a and 3b were similar in different polar solvents with few exceptions. In addition, both compounds exhibited dual emission spectra in acetone due to keto-enol tautomerism induced by photoexcitation.

Eco-friendly synthesis, physicochemical studies, biological assay and molecular docking of steroidal oxime-ethers.

The aim of this study was to report the synthesis of biologically active compounds; 7-(2'-aminoethoxyimino)-cholest-5-ene (4), a steroidal oxime-ether and its derivatives (5, 6) via a facile microwave assisted solvent free reaction methodology. This new synthetic, eco-friendly, sustainable protocol resulted in a remarkable improvement in the synthetic efficiency (85-93 % yield) and high purity using basic alumina. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial against six bacterial strains by disc diffusion method and antioxidant potential by DPPH assay. The binding capabilities of a compound 6 exhibiting good antibacterial potential were assessed on the basis of molecular docking studies and four types of three-dimensional molecular field descriptors. Moreover the structure-antimicrobial activity relationships were studied using some physicochemical and quantum-chemical parameters with GAMESS interface as well as WebMO Job Manager by using the basic level of theory. Hence, this synthetic approach is believed to provide a better scope for the synthesis of steroidal oxime-ether analogues and will be a more practical alternative to the presently existing procedures. Moreover, detailed in silico docking studies suggested the plausible mechanism of steroidal oxime-ethers as effective antimicrobial agents.