Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Croton urticifolius Lam. Essential Oil Via Membrane Disruption.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global health issue, in which microorganisms develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs, making infections more difficult to treat. This threatens the effectiveness of standard medical treatments and necessitates the urgent development of new strategies to combat resistant microbes. Studies have increasingly explored natural sources of new antimicrobial agents that harness the rich diversity of compounds found in plant species. This pursuit holds promise for the discovery of novel treatments for combating antimicrobial resistance. In this context, the chemical composition, antibacterial, and antibiofilm activities of the essential oil from Croton urticifolius Lam. leaves (CuEO) were evaluated. CuEO was extracted via hydrodistillation, and its chemical constituents were identified via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antibacterial activity of CuEO was evaluated in a 96-well plate via the microdilution method, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined. The effect of CuEO on biofilm formation was assessed by quantifying the biomass using crystal violet staining and viable cell counting. In addition, alterations in the cellular morphology of biofilms treated with CuEO were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser confocal microscopy. GC/MS analysis identified 26 compounds, with elemicine (39.72%); eucalyptol (19.03%), E-caryophyllene (5.36%), and methyleugenol (4.12%) as the major compounds. In terms of antibacterial activity, CuEO showed bacteriostatic effects against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 700698, S. aureus ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, and Escherichia coli ATCC 11303, and bactericidal activity against S. aureus ATCC 700698. In addition, CuEO significantly inhibited bacterial biofilm formation. Microscopic analysis showed that CuEO damaged the bacterial membrane by leaching out the cytoplasmic content. Therefore, the results of this study show that the essential oil of C. urticifolius may be a promising natural alternative for preventing infections caused by bacterial biofilms. This study is the first to report the antibiofilm activity of C. urticifolius essential oil.

Structure and Ligand Based Virtual Screening and MPO Topological Analysis of Triazolo Thiadiazepine-fused Coumarin Derivatives as Anti-Parkinson Drug Candidates.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating condition that can cause locomotor problems in affected patients, such as tremors and body rigidity. PD therapy often includes the use of monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) inhibitors, particularly phenylhalogen compounds and coumarin-based semi-synthetic compounds. The objective of this study was to analyze the structural, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic profile of a series of Triazolo Thiadiazepine-fused Coumarin Derivatives (TDCDs) against MAOB, in comparison with the inhibitor safinamide. To achieve this goal, we utilized structure-based virtual screening techniques, including target prediction and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) prediction based on multi-parameter optimization (MPO) topological analysis, as well as ligand-based virtual screening techniques, such as docking and molecular dynamics. The findings indicate that the TDCDs exhibit structural similarity to other bioactive compounds containing coumarin and MAOB-binding azoles, which are present in the ChEMBL database. The topological analyses suggest that TDCD3 has the best ADME profile, particularly due to the alignment between low lipophilicity and high polarity. The coumarin and triazole portions make a strong contribution to this profile, resulting in a permeability with Papp estimated at 2.15 × 10-5 cm/s, indicating high cell viability. The substance is predicted to be metabolically stable. It is important to note that this is an objective evaluation based on the available data. Molecular docking simulations showed that the ligand has an affinity energy of - 8.075 kcal/mol with MAOB and interacts with biological substrate residues such as Pro102 and Phe103. The results suggest that the compound has a safe profile in relation to the MAOB model, making it a promising active ingredient for the treatment of PD.

Insights of potential trypanocidal effect of the synthetic derivative (2E)-1-(4-aminophenyl)-3-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one: in vitro assay, MEV analysis, quantum study, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, MPO analysis, and predictive ADMET.

This study aims to evaluate the antitrypanosomiasis activity of a synthetic dichloro-substituted aminochalcone via in vitro assays against infected cell cultures, as well as a theoretical characterization of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics against the protein targets of the evolutionary cycle of T. cruzi. The in vitro evaluation of parasite proliferation inhibition was performed via cytotoxicity analysis on mammalian host cells, effect on epimastigote and trypomastigote forms, and cell death analysis, while computer simulations characterized the electronic structure of (2E)-1-(4-aminophenyl)-3-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (DCl), the mechanism of action against the proteins of the evolutionary cycle of T. cruzi: Cruzain, Trypanothione reductase, TcGAPDH, and CYP51 by molecular docking and dynamics and predictive pharmacokinetics by MPO-based ADMET. The in vitro tests showed that the DCl LC50 in order of 178.9 ± 23.9 was similar to the BZN, evidencing the effectiveness of chalcone against Trypomastigotes. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations suggest that DCl acts on the active site of the CYP51 receptor, with hydrogen interactions that showed a high degree of occupation, establishing a stable complex with the target. MPO analysis and ADMET prediction tests suggest that the compound presents an alignment between permeability and hepatic clearance, although it presents low metabolic stability. Chalcone showed stable pharmacodynamics against the CYP51 target, but can form reactive metabolites from N-conjugation and C = C epoxidation, as an indication of controlled oral dose, although the estimated LD50 rate > 500 mg/kg is a indicative of low incidence of lethality by ingestion, constituting a promising therapeutic strategy.

Effect of Cinnamaldehyde Chalcone on Behavior in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio): In Silico Approach.

The study focuses on the anxiolytic potential of chalcone (2E,4E)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenylpenta-2,4-dien-1-one (CHALCNM) in adult zebrafish. Successfully synthesized in 58% yield, CHALCNM demonstrated no toxicity after 96 h of exposure. In behavioral tests, CHALCNM (40 mg/kg) reduced locomotor activity and promoted less anxious behavior in zebrafish, confirmed by increased permanence in the light zone of the aquarium. Flumazenil reversed its anxiolytic effect, indicating interaction with GABAA receptors. Furthermore, CHALCNM (4 and 20 mg/kg) preserved zebrafish memory in inhibitory avoidance tests. Virtual screening and ADMET profile studies suggest high oral bioavailability, access to the CNS, favored by low topological polarity (TPSA ≤ 75 Ų) and low incidence of hepatotoxicity, standing out as a promising pharmacological agent against the GABAergic system. In molecular coupling, CHALCNM demonstrated superior affinity to diazepam for the GABAA receptor. These results reinforce the therapeutic potential of CHALCNM in the treatment of anxiety, highlighting its possible future clinical application.

Withanicandrin Isolated from Datura Ferox Promotes Antinociception by Modulating the Asics and TRPS Channels and Anti-Inflammation in Adult Zebrafish.

This is the first study to analyze the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effect of withanicandrin, isolated from Datura Ferox leaves, and the possible mechanism of action involved in adult zebrafish (ZFa). To this end, the animals were treated intraperitoneally (i. p.) with withanicandrin (4; 20 and 40 mg/kg; 20 µL) and subjected to locomotor activity and acute toxicity. Nociception tests were also carried out with chemical agents, in addition to tests to evaluate inflammatory processes induced by κ-Carrageenan 1.5 % and a Molecular Docking study. As a result, withanicandrin reduced nociceptive behavior by capsaicin at a dose of 40 mg/kg and by acid saline at doses of 4 and 40 mg/kg, through neuromodulation of TRPV1 channels and ASICs, identified through blocking the antinociceptive effect of withanicandrin by the antagonists capsazepine and naloxone. Furthermore, withanicandrin caused an anti-inflammatory effect through the reduction of abdominal edema, absence of leukocyte infiltrate in the liver tissue and reduction of ROS in thel liver tissue and presented better affinity energy compared to control morphine (TRPV1) and ibuprofen (COX-1 and COX-2).

Antibacterial effectiveness of trans-cinnamaldehyde against foodborne Enterobacteriaceae and its adjuvant effect with gentamicin.

The Enterobacteriaceae family is recognized as a primary group of Gram-negative pathogens responsible for foodborne illnesses and is frequently associated with antibiotic resistance. The present study explores the natural-based compound trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) against drug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and its synergism with gentamicin (GEN) to address this issue. The research employs three strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter cloacae, previously isolated from shrimp. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by the disk diffusion method, microdilution test, kinetics of growth, and time-kill curve. In addition, the synergistic effect between TC/GEN was investigated by checkerboard assay. All strains showed sensitivity to TC with an inhibition zone diameter > 35 mm. The TC showed inhibitory and bactericidal action in the most tested bacteria around 625 µg/mL. Sub-inhibitory amounts (1/2 and 1/4 MIC) of TC interfered with the growth kinetics by lag phase extension and decreased the log phase. Time-kill curves show a reduction of viable cells after the first hour of TC treatment at bactericidal concentrations. The synergistic effect between TC/GEN was observed for E. coli and E. cloacae strains with FICi ranging from 0.15 to 0.50. These findings, therefore, suggest TC as a promising alternative in the fight against drug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae that can cause foodborne illnesses.

Petrosamine isolated from marine sponge Petrosia sp. demonstrates protection against neurotoxicity in vitro and in vivo.

According to The World Alzheimer Report 2023 by Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) estimates that 33 to 38.5 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer's Disease (AD). A crucial hallmark associated with this disease is associated with the deficiency of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine, due to an affected acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Marine organisms synthesize several classes of compounds, some of which exhibit significant AChE inhibition, such as petrosamine, a coloured pyridoacridine alkaloid. The aim of this work was to characterize the activity of petrosamine isolated for the first time from a Brazilian marine sponge, using two neurotoxicity models with aluminium chloride, as exposure to aluminium is associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The in vitro model was based in a neuroblastoma cell line and the in vivo model exploited the potential of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos in mimicking hallmarks of AD. To our knowledge, this is the first report on petrosamine's activity over these parameters, either in vitro or in vivo, in order to characterize its full potential for tackling neurotoxicity.

Antimicrobial activity of hydralazine against methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a human pathogen responsible for high mortality rates. The development of new antimicrobials is urgent. Materials & methods: The authors evaluated the activity of hydralazine along with its synergism with other drugs and action on biofilms. With regard to action mechanisms, the authors evaluated cell viability, DNA damage and molecular docking. Results: MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration values ranged from 128 to 2048 µg/ml. There was synergism with oxacillin (50%) and vancomycin (25%). Hydralazine reduced the viability of biofilms by 50%. After exposure to hydralazine 2× MIC, 58.78% of the cells were unviable, 62.07% were TUNEL positive and 27.03% presented damage in the comet assay (p < 0.05). Hydralazine showed affinity for DNA gyrase and TyrRS. Conclusion: Hydralazine is a potential antibacterial.

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that can cause infection. Infections of S. aureus are becoming difficult to treat, but developing new drugs is a challenge. Repurposing them may be easier. This study looks at the possibility of using hydralazine, a type of medicine used to treat high blood pressure, against S. aureus. The authors found that hydralazine can kill S. aureus and can be used with other antibiotics, including oxacillin and vancomycin. Hydralazine interferes with important processes for the multiplication and survival of this bacterium. These results are preliminary but encouraging. Further studies are needed to confirm the use of hydralazine as a new treatment for S. aureus infections.

Potentiating-antibiotic activity and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity properties (ADMET) analysis of synthetic thiadiazines against multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains.

BACKGROUND: Thiadiazines are heterocyclic compounds that contain two nitrogen atoms and one sulfur atom in their structure. These synthetic molecules have several relevant pharmacological activities, such as antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the possible in vitro and in silico interactions of compounds derived from thiadiazines. METHODS: The compounds were initially synthesized, purified, and confirmed through HPLC methodology. Multi-drug resistant bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus 10 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 24 were used to evaluate the direct and modifying antibiotic activity of thiadiazine derivatives. ADMET assays (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) were conducted, which evaluated the influence of the compounds against thousands of macromolecules considered as bioactive targets. RESULTS: There were modifications in the chemical synthesis in carbon 4 or 3 in one of the aromatic rings of the structure where different ions were added, ensuring a variability of products. It was possible to observe results that indicate the possibility of these compounds acting through the cyclooxygenase 2 mechanism, which, in addition to being involved in inflammatory responses, also acts by helping sodium reabsorption. The amine group present in thiadiazine analogs confers hydrophilic characteristics to the substances, but this primary characteristic has been altered due to alterations and insertions of other ligands. The characteristics of the analogs generally allow easy intestinal absorption, reduce possible hepatic toxic effects, and enable possible neurological and anti-inflammatory action. The antibacterial activity tests showed a slight direct action, mainly of the IJ23 analog. Some compounds were able to modify the action of the antibiotics gentamicin and norfloxacin against multi-drug resistant strains, indicating a possible synergistic action. CONCLUSIONS: Among all the results obtained in the study, the relevance of thiadiazine analogs as possible coadjuvant drugs in the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and neurological action with low toxicity is clear. Need for further studies to verify these effects in living organisms is not ruled out.

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, and antibacterial activity of chalcone (2E)-1-(3'-aminophenyl)-3-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one against multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus carrier of efflux pump mechanisms and ß-lactamase.

BACKGROUND: The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus has stood out for presenting a high adaptability, acquiring resistance to multiple drugs. The search for natural or synthetic compounds with antibacterial properties capable of reversing the resistance of S. aureus is the main challenge to be overcome today. Natural products such as chalcones are substances present in the secondary metabolism of plants, presenting important biological activities such as antitumor, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activity. OBJECTIVES: In this context, the aim of this work was to synthesize the chalcone (2E)-1-(3'-aminophenyl)-3-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one with nomenclature CMADMA, confirm its structure by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and evaluate its antibacterial properties. METHODS: The synthesis methodology used was that of Claisen-Schmidt, and spectroscopic characterization was performed by NMR. For microbiological assays, the broth microdilution methodology was adopted in order to analyze the antibacterial potential of chalcones and to analyze their ability to act as a possible inhibitor of ß-lactamase and efflux pump resistance mechanisms, present in S. aureus strain K4100. RESULTS: The results obtained show that CMADMA does not show direct antibacterial activity, expressing a MIC of ≥1024 µg/mL, or on the enzymatic mechanism of ß-lactamase; however, when associated with ethidium bromide in efflux pump inhibition assays, CMADMA showed promising activity by reducing the MIC of the bromide from 64 to 32 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the chalcone synthesized in this study is a promising substance to combat bacterial resistance, possibly acting in the inhibition of the QacC efflux pump present in S. aureus strain K4100, as evidenced by the reduction in the MIC of ethidium bromide.

Synthesis, structural, characterization, antibacterial and antibiotic modifying activity, ADMET study, molecular docking and dynamics of chalcone (E)-1-(4-aminophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one in strains of Staphylococcus aureus carrying NorA and MepA efflux pumps.

Chalcones have an open chain flavonoid structure that can be obtained from natural sources or by synthesis and are widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, and tea. They have a simple and easy to handle structure due to the α-ß-unsaturated bridge responsible for most biological activities. The facility to synthesize chalcones combined with its efficient in combating serious bacterial infections make these compounds important agents in the fight against microorganisms. In this work, the chalcone (E)-1-(4-aminophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (HDZPNB) was characterized by spectroscopy and electronic methods. In addition, microbiological tests were performed to investigate the modulator potential and efflux pump inhibition on S. aureus multi-resistant strains. The modulating effect of HDZPNB chalcone in association with the antibiotic norfloxacin, on the resistance of the S. aureus 1199 strain, resulted in increase the MIC. In addition, when HDZPNB was associated with ethidium bromide (EB), it caused an increase in the MIC value, thus not inhibiting the efflux pump. For the strain of S. aureus 1199B, carrying the NorA pump, the HDZPNB associated with norfloxacin showed no modulatory, and when the chalcone was used in association with EB, it had no inhibitory effect on the efflux pump. For the tested strain of S. aureus K2068, which carries the MepA pump, it can be observed that the chalcone together the antibiotic resulted in an increase the MIC. On the other hand, when chalcone was used in association with EB, it caused a decrease in bromide MIC, equal to the reduction caused by standard inhibitors. Thus, these results indicate that the HDZPNB could also act as an inhibitor of the S. aureus gene overexpressing pump MepA. The molecular docking reveals that chalcone has a good binding energies -7.9 for HDZPNB/MepA complexes, molecular dynamics simulations showed that Chalcone/MetA complexes showed good stability of the structure in an aqueous solution, and ADMET study showed that the chalcone has a good oral bioavailability, high passive permeability, low risk of efflux, low clearance rate and low toxic risk by ingestion. The microbiological tests show that the chalcone can be used as a possible inhibitor of the Mep A efflux pump.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Synthesis and anxiolytic effect of europium metallic complex containing lapachol [Eu(DBM)3. LAP] in adult zebrafish through serotonergic neurotransmission: in vivo and in silico approach.

Anxiety-related mental health problems are estimated at 3.6% globally, benzodiazepines (BZDs) are the class of drugs indicated for the treatment of anxiety, including lorazepam and diazepam. However, concerns have been raised about the short- and long-term risks associated with BZDs. Therefore, despite anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs, there is a need to develop more effective pharmacotherapies with fewer side effects than existing drugs. The present work reported the synthesis, anxiolytic activity, mechanism of action in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio) and in silico study of a europium metallic complex with Lapachol, [Eu(DBM)3. LAP]. Each animal (n = 6/group) was treated intraperitoneally (i.p.; 20 µL) with the synthesized complex (4, 20 and 40 mg/Kg) and with the vehicle (DMSO 3%; 20 µL), being submitted to the tests of locomotor activity and 96h acute toxicity. The light/dark test was also performed, and the serotonergic mechanism (5-HT) was evaluated through the antagonists of the 5-HTR1, 5-HTR2A/2C and 5-HTR3A/3B receptors. The complex was characterized using spectrometric techniques, and the anxiolytic effect of complex may be involved the neuromodulation of receptors 5-HT3A/3B, since the pre-treatment with pizotifen and cyproheptadine did not block the anxiolytic effect of [Eu(DBM)3. LAP], unlike fluoxetine had its anxiolytic effect reversed. In addition, molecular docking showed interaction between the [Eu(DBM)3. LAP] and 5HT3A receptor with binding energy -7.8 kcal/mol and the ADMET study showed that complex has low toxic risk. It is expected that the beginning of this study will allow the application of the new anxiolytic drugs, given the pharmacological potential of the lapachol complex.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In Silico Study in MPO and Molecular Docking of the Synthetic Drynaran Analogues Against the Chronic Tinnitus: Modulation of the M1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor.

Tinnitus is a syndrome that affects the human auditory system and is characterized by a perception of sounds in the absence of acoustic stimuli, or in total silence. Research indicates that muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), especially the M1 type, have a fundamental role in the alterations of auditory perceptions of tinnitus. Here, a series of computer-aided tools were used, from molecular surface analysis software to services available on the web for estimating pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The results infer that the low lipophilicity ligands, that is, the 1a-d alkyl furans, present the best pharmacokinetic profile, as compounds with an optimal alignment between permeability and clearance. However, only ligands 1a and 1b have properties that are safe for the central nervous system, the site of cholinergic modulation. These ligands showed similarity with compounds deposited in the European Molecular Biology Laboratory chemical (ChEMBL) database acting on the mAChRs M1 type, the target selected for the molecular docking test. The simulations suggest that the 1 g ligand can form the ligand-receptor complex with the best affinity energy order and that, together with the 1b ligand, they are competitive agonists in relation to the antagonist Tiotropium, in addition to acting in synergism with the drug Bromazepam in the treatment of chronic tinnitus.

Elongation on aliphatic chain improves selectivity of 2-hydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl chalcone on Trypanosoma cruzi.

Aim: Our objective was to investigate the trypanocidal effect of the chalcone (2E,4E)-1-(2-hydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)-5-phenylpenta-2,4-dien-1-one (CPNC). Material & methods: Cytotoxicity toward LLC-MK2 host cells was assessed by MTT assay, and the effect on Trypanosoma cruzi life forms (epimastigotes, trypomastigotes and amastigotes) was evaluated by counting. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to evaluate the possible mechanisms of action. Finally, molecular docking simulations were performed to evaluate interactions between CPNC and T. cruzi enzymes. Results: CPNC showed activity against epimastigote, trypomastigote and amastigote life forms, induced membrane damage, increased cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial dysfunction on T. cruzi. Regarding molecular docking, CPNC interacted with both trypanothione reductase and TcCr enzymes. Conclusion: CPNC presented a trypanocidal effect, and its effect is related to oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment and necrosis.

Synthesis, molecular docking, ADMET, and evaluation of the anxiolytic effect in adult zebrafish of synthetic chalcone (E)-3-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one: An in vivo and in silico approach.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorders represent the complex interaction between biological, psychological, temperamental, and environmental factors; drugs available to treat anxiety such as benzodiazepines (BZDs) are associated with several unwanted side effects. Although there are useful treatments, there is still a need for more effective anxiolytics with better safety profiles than BZDs. Chalcones or 1,3-diphenyl-2-proper-1-ones can be an alternative since this class of compounds has shown therapeutic potential mainly due to interactions with GABAA receptors and serotonergic system. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the anxiolytic potential of chalcone (E)-3-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (C2OHPDA) in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) (ZFa). METHODS: Each animal (n = 6/group) was treated intraperitoneally (i.p.; 20 µL) with the chalcone (4, 20, and 40 mg/kg) and with the vehicle (DMSO 3%; 20 µL), being submitted to the tests of locomotor activity and 96-h acute toxicity. The light/dark test was also performed, and the serotonergic mechanism (5-HT) was evaluated through the antagonists of the 5-HTR1 , 5-HTR2A/2C , and 5-HTR3A/3B receptors. It was investigated the prediction of the chalcone's position and preferential orientation concerning its receptor, as well as the pharmacokinetic parameters (ADMET) involved in the process after administration. RESULTS: As a result, C2OHPDA was not toxic and reduced the locomotor activity of ZFa. Furthermore, chalcone demonstrated an anxiolytic effect on the central nervous system (CNS), mediated by the serotonergic system, with action on 5-HT2A and 5-HTR3A/3B receptors. The interaction of C2OHPDA with 5-HT2A R and 5-HT3A receptors was confirmed by molecular docking study, the affinity energy observed was -8.7 and -9.1 kcal/mol, respectively. CONCLUSION: Thus, this study adds new evidence and highlights that chalcone can potentially be used to develop compounds with anxiolytic properties.

Hellebrigenin triggers death of promyelocytic leukemia cells by non-genotoxic ways.

Bufadienolides are digitalis-like aglycones mainly found in skin secretions of toads. Among their biological properties, the mechanisms of antiproliferative action on tumor cells remain unclear for many compounds, including against leukemia cells. Herein, it was evaluated the mechanisms involved in the antiproliferative and genotoxic actions of hellebrigenin on tumor cell lines and in silico capacity to inhibit the human topoisomerase IIa enzyme. Firstly, its cytotoxic action was investigated by colorimetric assays in human tumor and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Next, biochemical and morphological studies were detailed by light microscopy (trypan blue dye exclusion), immunocytochemistry (BrdU uptake), flow cytometry and DNA/chromosomal damages (Cometa and aberrations). Finally, computational modelling was used to search for topoisomerase inhibition. Hellebrigenin reduced proliferation, BrdU incorporation, viability, and membrane integrity of HL-60 leukemia cells. Additionally, it increased G2/M arrest, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial depolarization, and phosphatidylserine externalization in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast to doxorubicin, hellebrigenin did not cause DNA strand breaks in HL-60 cell line and lymphocytes, and it interacts with ATPase domain residues of human topoisomerase IIa, generating a complex of hydrophobic and van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds. So, hellebrigenin presented potent anti-leukemic activity at concentrations as low as 0.06 µM, a value comparable to the clinical anticancer agent doxorubicin, and caused biochemical changes suggestive of apoptosis without genotoxic/clastogenic-related action, but it probably triggers catalytic inhibition of topoisomerase II. These findings also emphasize toad steroid toxins as promising lead antineoplasic compounds with relatively low cytotoxic action on human normal cells.

Antibacterial activity of menadione alone and in combination with oxacillin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and its impact on biofilms.

Introduction. Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to public health, particularly with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) being a leading cause of antimicrobial resistance. To combat this problem, drug repurposing offers a promising solution for the discovery of new antibacterial agents.Hypothesis. Menadione exhibits antibacterial activity against methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains, both alone and in combination with oxacillin. Its primary mechanism of action involves inducing oxidative stress.Methodology. Sensitivity assays were performed using broth microdilution. The interaction between menadione, oxacillin, and antioxidants was assessed using checkerboard technique. Mechanism of action was evaluated using flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and in silico analysis.Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial potential of menadione against planktonic and biofilm forms of methicillin-sensitive and resistant S. aureus strains. It also examined its role as a modulator of oxacillin activity and investigated the mechanism of action involved in its activity.Results. Menadione showed antibacterial activity against planktonic cells at concentrations ranging from 2 to 32 µg ml-1, with bacteriostatic action. When combined with oxacillin, it exhibited an additive and synergistic effect against the tested strains. Menadione also demonstrated antibiofilm activity at subinhibitory concentrations and effectively combated biofilms with reduced sensitivity to oxacillin alone. Its mechanism of action involves the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage. It also showed interactions with important targets, such as DNA gyrase and dehydroesqualene synthase. The presence of ascorbic acid reversed its effects.Conclusion. Menadione exhibited antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against MRSA strains, suggesting its potential as an adjunct in the treatment of S. aureus infections. The main mechanism of action involves the production of ROS, which subsequently leads to DNA damage. Additionally, the activity of menadione can be complemented by its interaction with important virulence targets.

De novo design of bioactive phenol and chromone derivatives for inhibitors of Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 in silico.

This work presents the synthesis of 12 phenol and chromone derivatives, prepared by the analogs, and the possibility of conducting an in silico study of its derivatives as a therapeutic alternative to combat the SARS-CoV-2, pathogen responsible for COVID-19 pandemic, using its S-glycoprotein as a macromolecular target. After the initial screening for the ranking of the products, it was chosen which structure presented the best energy bond with the target. As a result, derivative 4 was submitted to a molecular growth study using artificial intelligence, where 8436 initial structures were obtained that passed through the interaction filters and similarity to the active glycoprotein pocket through the MolAICal computational package. Thus, 557 Hits with active configuration were generated, which is very promising compared to the BLA reference link for inhibiting the biological target. Molecular dynamics also simulated these compounds to verify their stability within the active protein site to seek new therapeutic propositions to fight against the pandemic. The Hit 48 and 250 are the most active compounds against SARS-CoV-2. In summary, the results show that the Hit 250 would be more active than the natural compound, which could be further developed for further testing against SARS-CoV-2. The study employs the de novo approach to design new drugs, combining artificial intelligence and molecular dynamics simulations to create efficient molecular structures. This research aims to contribute to the development of effective therapeutic strategies against the pandemic.

Clove volatile oil-loaded nanoemulsion reduces the anxious-like behavior in adult zebrafish.

BACKGROUND: Clove volatile oil (CVO) and its major compound, eugenol (EUG), have anxiolytic effects, but their clinical use has been impaired due to their low bioavailability. Thus, their encapsulation in nanosystems can be an alternative to overcome these limitations. OBJECTIVES: This work aims to prepare, characterize and study the anxiolytic potential of CVO loaded-nanoemulsions (CVO-NE) against anxious-like behavior in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). METHODS: The CVO-NE was prepared using Agaricus blazei Murill polysaccharides as stabilizing agent. The drug-excipient interactions were performed, as well as colloidal characterization of CVO-NE and empty nanoemulsion (B-NE). The acute toxicity and potential anxiolytic activity of CVO, EUG, CVO-NE and B-NE against adult zebrafish models were determined. RESULTS: CVO, EUG, CVO-NE and B-NE presented low acute toxicity, reduced the locomotor activity and anxious-like behavior of the zebrafish at 4 - 20 mg kg-1. CVO-NE reduced the anxious-like behavior of adult zebrafish without affecting their locomotor activity. In addition, it was demonstrated that anxiolytic activity of CVO, EUG and CVO-NE is linked to the involvement of GABAergic pathway. CONCLUSION: Therefore, this study demonstrates the anxiolytic effect of CVO, in addition to providing a new nanoformulation for its administration.

Chemical composition of Piper gaudichaudianum Kunth essential oil and evaluation of its antimicrobial and modulatory effects on antibiotic resistance, antibiofilm, and cell dimorphism inhibitory activities.

Essential oils extracted from many plant species have different biological activities, among which microbial activity stands out. Species of the genus Piper have antimicrobial potential against different species of bacteria and fungi. In this sense, the present study aimed to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of Piper gaudichaudianum (EOPG), as well as to investigate their antimicrobial activity and their modulatory effect on the Norfloxacin resistance in the Staphylococcus aureus SA1199B strain overproducer of the NorA efflux pump. Furthermore, their inhibitory activities on the biofilm formation as well as on the cellular differentiation of C. albicans were evaluated. Gas chromatography analysis identified 24 compounds, such as hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (54.8%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (28.5%). To investigate the antimicrobial potential of EOPG against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans, a microdilution assay was performed, and no intrinsic antimicrobial activity was observed. On the other hand, the oil potentiated the activity of Norfloxacin against the SA1199B strain, indicating that EOPG could be used in association with Norfloxacin against S. aureus strains resistant to this antibiotic. EOPG also inhibited S. aureus biofilm formation, as evidenced by the crystal violet assay. In the dimorphism assay, EOPG was able to inhibit the cell differentiation process in C. albicans. Results indicate that EOPG could be used in association with Norfloxacin in the treatment of infections caused by resistant S. aureus strains overproducing the NorA efflux pump. Furthermore, its ability to inhibit the formation of hyphae by C. albicans suggests that EOPG could also be applied in the prevention and/or treatment of fungal infections.