Role of BP*C@AgNPs in Bap-dependent multicellular behavior of clinically important methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm adherence: A key virulence study.

Bacterial adhesion is a threshold event in the formation of biofilms which leads to serious bacterial diseases. This shows that the underlining the problem is interesting and need to solve the problem of biofilm-related complications. To support this, in the present study, we first time initiated to understand the role of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm using previously developed benzodioxane midst piperazine decorated chitosan silver nanoparticles (BP*C@AgNPs). The BP*C@AgNPs studied for antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, biofilm adherence inhibition, the role of ions in biofilm, and an antibiotic cocktail in the treatment of biofilm was assessed. The results showed that, the significant biocidal role of BP*C@AgNPs in controlling the MRSA biofilm and interaction of biofilm protein to calcium ions were significantly decreased. This confirms that calcium ion involved in the biofilm formation and for the treatment of BP*C@AgNPs, cocktail of enzyme and antibiotic have the promising therapeutic value was observed. In future the locking of biofilm protein and its expression in presence of calcium ion was interesting, and greater application related to biofilm infection was warrantable.

Caralluma umbellata Peroxidase: Biochemical Characterization and Its Detoxification Potentials in Comparison with Horseradish Peroxidase.

Caralluma umbellata peroxidase (CUP) is an acidic heme-containing protein having a molecular weight of ~42 kDa and is specific to guaiacol. It is not a glycoprotein. It was purified to 12.5-fold purity with 6.16 % yield. Its activity is dependent on hydrogen peroxide and has an optimum pH and temperature of 6.2 and 45 °C respectively. It can decolorize dyes, viz., Aniline Blue, Reactive Black 5, and Reactive Blue 19 but not Congo Red, while HRP can decolorize Congo Red also. It has lignin-degrading potentiality as it can decompose veratryl alcohol. Detoxification of phenol was more by CUP compared to HRP while with p-nitrophenol HRP has a greater detoxification rate. Based on our results, CUP was identified to be capable of oxidizing a variety of hazardous substances and also a lignin-degrading plant biocatalyst.

Synthesis, characterization and bioactivity studies of novel 1,3,4-oxadiazole small molecule that targets basic phospholipase A2 from Vipera russelli.

Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is a key enzyme participating in the inflammatory cascade followed by the action of cyclooxygenase-2 and lipoxygenases. Therefore, inhibitors of sPLA2 could be used as potent anti-inflammatory agents to treat the early phase of inflammation. In this study, we have prepared the fenoprofen and ibuprofen analogs containing 1,3,4-oxadiazole nucleus and tested against Vipera russelli venom's basic sPLA2 (VRV-PL-VIIIa). Among the tested ligands 5(a-t),2-(2-chlorophenyl)-5-(1-(4-phenoxyphenyl) ethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (5m) inhibited the catalytic activity of VRV-PL-VIIIa with an IC50 value of 11.52 µM. Biophysical studies revealed that the 5m quenches the intrinsic fluorescence of VRV-PL-VIIIa, in a concentration dependent manner. Also, the compound 5m affected VRV-PL-VIIIa conformation, which was observed by circular dichroism spectra that recorded the prominent shift in the α-helix peak and the random coil formation of VRV-PL-VIIIa. Further, molecular docking analysis revealed that the compound 5m possess strong hydrophobic interactions at catalytic triad region of the VRV-PL-VIIIa. Evident to in vitro and in silico studies, 5m strongly inhibited the hemolysis of red blood cells. Our in vivo pharmacological studies revealed that the compound 5m inhibited the edematogenic activity of VRV-PL-VIIIa in mouse foot pad. Additionally, the 5m inhibited VRV-PL-VIIIa-induced myotoxicity and lung hemorrhage in mice. Overall, our ADMET results depicted that 5m possess better druggable property. Thus, this study explored the new fenoprofen and ibuprofen analog 5m as the lead-structure that serves as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Purification and characterization of novel fibrin(ogen)olytic protease from Curcuma aromatica Salisb.: Role in hemostasis.

BACKGROUND: The proteases from turmeric species have procoagulant and fibrinogenolytic activity. This provides a scientific basis for traditional use of turmeric to stop bleeding and promote wound healing processes. PURPOSE: Our previous studies revealed that fibrinogenolytic action of crude enzyme fraction of Curcuma aromatica Salisb., was found to be more influential than those of Curcuma longa L., Curcuma caesia Roxb., Curcuma amada Roxb. and Curcuma zedoria (Christm.) Roscoe. Hence, the purpose of this study is to purify and characterize protease from C. aromatica and to explore its role in wound healing process. METHODS: The protease was purified by Sephadex G-50 gel permeation chromatography. Peak with potent proteolytic activity was subjected to rechromatography and then checked for homogeneity by SDS-PAGE and native PAGE. Furthermore purity of the peak was assessed by RP-HPLC and MALDI-TOF. The biochemical properties, type of protease, kinetic studies, fibrinogenolytic, coagulant and fibrinolytic activities were carried out. RESULTS: The two proteolytic peaks were fractionated in gel permeation chromatography. Among these, the peak-II showed potent proteolytic activity with specific activity of 10units/mg/min and named as C. aromatica protease-II (CAP-II). This protein resolved into a single sharp band both in SDS-PAGE (reducing and non-reducing) as well as in native (acidic) PAGE. It is a monomeric protein, showing sharp peak in RP-HPLC and its relative molecular mass was found to be 12.378kDa. The caseinolytic and fibrinolytic activity of CAP-II was completely inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride (PMSF). The CAP-II exhibited optimum temperature of 45°C and optimum pH of 7.5. The Km and Vmax of CAP-II was found to be 1.616µg and 1.62units/mg/min respectively. The CAP-II showed hydrolysis of all three subunits of fibrinogen in the order Aα>Bß>γ. The CAP-II exhibited strong procoagulant activity by reducing the human plasma clotting time. It also showed fibrinolytic activity by complete hydrolysis of α-polymer and γ-γ dimer present in fibrin. CONCLUSION: The CAP-II is a novel serine protease from C. aromatica, which has been demonstrated to stop bleeding and initiate wound healing through its procoagulant and fibrin(ogen)olytic activities. Our study demonstrates the possible role of CAP-II, as therapeutic enzyme to stop bleeding at the time of wounding.

Isolation and identification of Trichoderma harzianum from groundwater: An effective biosorbent for defluoridation of groundwater.

The ability of non-viable form of Trichoderma harzianum, isolated from fluoride rich groundwater, was investigated as biosorbent for defluoridation of groundwater. Biosorption experiments were carried out at laboratory scale for removal of fluoride from groundwater. Significant effect of operational parameters on fluoride biosorption using Trichoderma harzianum as biosorbent was evaluated by varying operational parameters such as: initial fluoride concentration (2-8 mgl(-1)), biosorbent dose (0.4-1.6g/100ml), groundwater pH (6-10), temperature (30-50 degrees C) and biosorption time (30-120 min). The fluoride adsorption isotherms were modeled by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Our result showed that fluoride biosorption, significantly increased with increase in groundwater pH, biosorbent dose, temperature and biosorption time, whereas increase in initial fluoride concentration reduced fluoride removal. The fluoride biosorption was rapid and maximum fluoride uptake was attained with 1.6g 100ml(-1) biosorbent within 60 min. Optimal pH 10 and temperature 50 degrees C gave maximum defluoridation efficiency. Freundlich isotherm fits well for defluoridation of groundwater using Trichoderma harzianum as biosorbent which indicated that biosorbent surface sites were heterogeneous in nature and fitted into heterogeneous site binding model.

Comparative analysis of procoagulant and fibrinogenolytic activity of crude protease fractions of turmeric species.

ETHNAOPHARMACOLOGIAL RELEVANCE: Turmeric rhizome is a traditional herbal medicine, which has been widely used as a remedy to stop bleeding on fresh cuts and for wound healing by the rural and tribal population of India. AIM OF THE STUDY: To validate scientific and therapeutic application of turmeric rhizomes to stop bleeding on fresh cuts and its role in wound healing process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The water extracts of thoroughly scrubbed and washed turmeric rhizomes viz., Curcuma aromatica Salisb., Curcuma longa L., Curcuma caesia Roxb., Curcuma amada Roxb. and Curcuma zedoria (Christm.) Roscoe. were subjected to salting out and dialysis. The dialyzed crude enzyme fractions (CEFs) were assessed for proteolytic activity using casein as substrate and were also confirmed by caseinolytic zymography. Its coagulant activity and fibrinogenolytic activity were assessed using human citrated plasma and fibrinogen, respectively. The type of protease(s) in CEFs was confirmed by inhibition studies using specific protease inhibitors. RESULTS: The CEFs of C. aromatica, C. longa and C. caesia showed 1.89, 1.21 and 1.07 folds higher proteolytic activity, respectively, compared to papain. In contrast to these, C. amada and C. zedoria exhibited moderate proteolytic activity. CEFs showed low proteolytic activities compared to trypsin. The proteolytic activities of CEFs were confirmed by caseinolytic zymography. The CEFs of C. aromatica, C. longa and C. caesia showed complete hydrolysis of Aα, Bß and γ subunits of human fibrinogen, while C. amada and C. zedoria showed partial hydrolysis. The CEFs viz., C. aromatica, C. longa, C. caesia, C. amada and C. zedoria exhibited strong procoagulant activity by reducing the human plasma clotting time from 172s (Control) to 66s, 84s 88s, 78s and 90s, respectively. The proteolytic activity of C. aromatica, C. longa, C. caesia and C. amada was inhibited (>82%) by PMSF, suggesting the possible presence of a serine protease(s). However, C. zedoria showed significant inhibition (60%) against IAA and moderate inhibition (30%) against PMSF, indicating the presence of cysteine and serine protease(s). CONCLUSION: The CEFs of turmeric species exhibited strong procoagulant activity associated with fibrinogenolytic activity. This study provides the scientific credence to turmeric in its propensity to stop bleeding and wound healing process practiced by traditional Indian medicine.

Exploring a new serine protease from Cucumis sativus L.

Coagulation is an important physiological process in hemostasis which is activated by sequential action of proteases. This study aims to understand the involvement of aqueous fruit extract of Cucumis sativus L. (AqFEC) European burp less variety in blood coagulation cascade. AqFEC hydrolyzed casein in a dose-dependent manner. The presence of protease activity was further confirmed by casein zymography which revealed the possible presence of two high molecular weight protease(s). The proteolytic activity was inhibited only by phenyl methyl sulphonyl fluoride suggesting the presence of serine protease(s). In a dose-dependent manner, AqFEC also hydrolysed Aα and Bß subunits of fibrinogen, whereas it failed to degrade the γ subunit of fibrinogen even at a concentration as high as 100 µg and incubation time up to 4 h. AqFEC reduced the clotting time of citrated plasma by 87.65%. The protease and fibrinogenolytic activity of AqFEC suggests its possible role in stopping the bleeding and ensuing wound healing process.

Synergistic Caseinolytic Activity and Differential Fibrinogenolytic Action of Multiple Proteases of Maclura spinosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) latex.

BACKGROUND: Kollamalayaali tribes of South India use latex of Maclura spinosa for milk curdling. This action is implicated to proteases which exhibit strong pharmacological potential in retardation of blood flow and acceleration of wound healing. OBJECTIVE: To validate the presence of a proteolytic enzyme(s) in Maclura spinosa latex (MSL), and to investigate their probable role in hemostasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Processed latex was examined for proteolytic and hemostatic activity using casein and human fibrinogen as substrates, respectively. Caseinoltyic activity was compared with two standard proteases viz., trypsin I and trypsin II. Effect of various standard protease inhibitors viz., iodoacetic acid (IAA), phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on both caseinolytic and fibrinogenolytic activities were examined. Electrophoretogram of fibrinogenolytic assays were subjected to densitometric analysis. RESULTS: Proteolytic action of MSL was found to be highly efficient over trypsin I and trypsin II in dose-dependent caseinolytic activity (P < 0.05; specific activity of 1,080 units/mg protein). The Aα and Bß bands of human fibrinogen were readily cleaved by MSL (for 1 µg crude protein and 30 min of incubation time). Furthermore, MSL cleaved γ subunit in dose- and time-dependent manner. Quantitative correlation of these results was obtained by densitometric analysis. The caseinolytic activity of MSL was inhibited by IAA, PMSF. While, only PMSF inhibited fibrinogenolytic activity. CONCLUSIONS: MSL contains proteolytic enzymes belonging to two distinct superfamilies viz., serine protease and cysteine proteases. The fibrinogenolytic activity of MSL is restricted to serine proteases only. The study extrapolates the use of M. spinosa latex from milk curdling to hemostasis. SUMMARY: Proteolytic enzymes present in latex of Maclura spinosa can be assigned to two different protease superfamilies viz., serine protease and cysteine protease as revealed by the inhibitory studies of caseinolytic activity. Among them, only serine protease can be considered as hemostatically significant as inhibition of fibrinogenolytic action of Maclura spinosa latex protease is shown only by PMSF, a serine protease-specific inhibitor. Abbreviations used: MSL: Maclura spinos Latex, IAA: Iodo Acetic Acid, EDTA: Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid, EGTA: Ethylene glycol tetra acetic acid, PMSF: Phenyl methyl sulphonyl fluoride.

A facile assay to monitor secretory phospholipase A2 using 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid.

Secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s) are present in snake venoms, serum, and biological fluids of patients with various inflammatory, autoimmune and allergic disorders. Lipid mediators in the inflammatory processes have potential value for controlling phospholipid metabolism through sPLA2 inhibition. Thus, it demands the need for screening of potential leads for sPLA2 inhibition. To date, sPLA2 activity has been assayed using expensive radioactive or chromogenic substrates, thereby limiting a large number of assays. In this study, a simple and sensitive NanoDrop assay was developed using non-fluorogenic and non-chromogenic phospholipid substrate 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) and 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) as interfacial hydrophobic probe. The modified assay required a 10ng concentration of sPLA2. ANS, as a strong anion, binds predominantly to cationic group of choline head of DMPC through ion pair formation, imparting hydrophobicity and lipophilicity and resulting in an increase in fluorescence. Triton X-100 imparts correct geometrical space during sPLA2 catalyzing DMPC, releasing lysophospholipid and acidic myristoyl acid, which in turn alters the hydrophobic environment prevailing around ANS-DMPC, which leads to weakening of the electrostatic ion pair interaction between DMPC and ANS ensuing decrease in fluorescence. These characteristic fluorescence changes between DMPC and ANS in response to sPLA2 catalysis are well documented and validated in this study.

Evidence for peroxidase activity in Caralluma umbellata.

Vast applications of peroxidases create an increasing demand to characterize peroxidases from new sources with more applicability potential. The aim of the present study was to check the presence of peroxidase activity from Caralluma umbellata. This is the first report on the C. umbellata peroxidase (CUP). The presence of peroxidase was revealed by the histochemical analysis of the stem sections, zymographic studies, and in vitro peroxidase activity assay using various reducing substrates viz., 2, 2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), guaiacol, o-dianisidine, and ferulic acid. The band pattern in zymogram confirms that CUP has a molecular weight less than that of horseradish peroxidase (44 kDa). Comparative evaluation of peroxidase activity of CUP with respect to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) indicates that CUP catalyzes ABTS and ferulic acid in a similar pattern as HRP but with guaiacol, the extent of catalysis shown by CUP over HRP is high. The standard inhibitors sodium azide and sodium meta bisulphite inhibited CUP activity in a dose dependent manner.

N-Substituted-2-butyl-5-chloro-3H-imidazole-4-carbaldehyde derivatives as anti-tumor agents against Ehrlich ascites tumor cells in vivo.

A new series of N-substituted 2-butyl-5-chloro-3H-imidazole-4-carbaldehyde derivatives were synthesized by using the different bioactive heteroaralkyl halides with 2-butyl-4-chloro-1H-imidazole-5-carbaldehyde in presence of powdered potassium carbonate in DMF medium. These compounds were screened for their antitumor activity. Our results show that treatment of imidazole derivatives inhibit proliferation EAT cells, decreases the ascites volume and increases the survivability of the animals in vivo. These compounds also inhibited the cellular proliferation of HUVEC cells in vitro by MTT assay. Further, these compounds could induce apoptosis, which is evident by the nuclear condensation of imidazole derivatives treated EAT cells in vivo by the cytological analysis. We have identified that pyrrolidine substituted imidazole derivative as potent anti-tumor compound. These inhibitors could represent as promising candidates for anticancer therapies, where the formation of peritoneal malignant ascites is a major cause of morbidity and mortality.

Activation of p300 histone acetyltransferase by small molecules altering enzyme structure: probed by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Reversible acetylation of nucleosomal histones and nonhistone proteins play pivotal roles in the regulation of all the DNA templated phenomenon. Dysfunction of the enzymes involved in the acetylation/deacetylation leads to several diseases. Therefore, these enzymes are the targets for new generation therapeutics. Here, we report the synthesis of trifluoromethyl phenyl benzamides and their effect on histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity of p300. One of these benzamides, CTPB (N-(4-chloro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-6-pentadecyl-benzamide), was discovered as a potent activator of the p300 HAT activity. We have found that pentadecyl hydrocarbon chain of CTPB is required to activate the HAT only under certain context. Furthermore, our results show that the relative position of -CF3 and -Cl in CTB (N-(4-chloro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-benzamide) is also very critical for the activation. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) of p300 and the HAT activator complexes evidently suggest that the activation of HAT activity is achieved by the alteration of p300 structure. Therefore, apart from elucidating the chemical basis for small molecule mediated activation of p300, this report also describes, for the first time, Raman spectroscopic analysis of the complexes of histone-modifying enzymes and their modulators, which may be highly useful for therapeutic applications.

Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial and single crystal X-ray crystallographic studies of some new sulfonyl, 4-chloro phenoxy benzene and dibenzoazepine substituted benzamides.

A new class of benzamide derivatives 3a(I-VI) and 3b(I-VI), bearing different bioactive moieties were synthesized and evaluated for their efficacy as antimicrobials in vitro. Compounds 3bVI, 3aII, 3aV, 3bIII, 3aVI, 3bII showed significant antibacterial activity and 3bIII, 3bII, 3aIV, 3bV, 3bVI, 3aI exhibit significant antifungal activity. The title compounds are characterized by spectral and elemental analysis. Compounds 2-methoxy-N-[4-(thiazol-2-yl-sulfamoyl)-phenyl]-benzamide 3aII and 2-(2-(2-ethoxybenzoylamino) phenethyl)-N-(2-ethoxybenzoyl) benzenamine 3bV are characterized by the single crystal X-ray studies. Compound 3aII crystallizes in monoclinic space group P2(1) and 3bV in triclinic space group P-1. Compounds 3aII and 3bV exhibit both inter and intra molecular hydrogen bonding.

Synthesis of pharmaceutically important condensed heterocyclic 4,6-disubstituted-1,2,4-triazolo-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives as antimicrobials.

The two series of 4,6-disubstituted 1,2,4-triazolo-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives 2(a-e) and 3(a-e) were synthesized and characterized using IR, (1)H-NMR, CHNS analysis and by single crystal X-ray crystallographic studies. The compound 6-(2-chloro-phenyl)-3-ethyl-[1,2,4]triazole[3,4-b]thiadiazole 2b has been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. The compound crystallizes in monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a cell parameters a = 11.879(1) Angstroms, b = 15.112(2) Angstroms, c = 13.95(2) Angstroms, Z = 8 and the final R factor is R1= 0.0524. The structure exhibits both intra and intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The title compounds were checked for their efficacy as antimicrobials in vitro. Compounds 2b, 2c, 2d, 3b, 3c and 3d showed significant inhibition against all the strains tested, when compared to standard drugs.

Synthesis of new bioactive venlafaxine analogs: novel thiazolidin-4-ones as antimicrobials.

A one-pot, three-component, microwave irradiated and conventional solution-phase synthesis of bioactive venlafaxine analogs such as 2,3-disubstituted-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones 3a-j under mild conditions and their characterization are reported. The novel thiazolidin-4-ones, 3-(2-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl)-2-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one 3a, 2-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-3-(2-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl)thiazolidin-4-one 3c, and 2-(furan-2-yl)-3-(2-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl)thiazolidin-4-one 3i, were characterized by the single crystal X-ray diffraction method. The cyclohexane ring of all the three molecules is in chair conformation. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their efficacy as antimicrobials in vitro by the disk diffusion and microdilution method against pathogenic strains such as Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Xanthomonas campestris pvs, Xanthomonas oryzae, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, Trichoderma species, and Fusarium monaliforme species. Among these compounds 3c, 3j, 3g, 3d, and 3e showed potent antimicrobial activity, when compared to standard drugs.

Synthesis and characterization of novel 6-fluoro-4-piperidinyl-1,2-benzisoxazole amides and 6-fluoro-chroman-2-carboxamides: antimicrobial studies.

Novel derivatives of 6-fluoro-4-piperidinyl-1,2-benzisoxazole amides 4(I-VI) were obtained by the condensation of different acid chlorides with 6-fluoro-3-piperidin-4yl-benzo[d]isoxazole. Also, 6-fluoro-chroman-2-carboxamides 6(I-III) were synthesized by using nebulic acid chloride with different amines in presence of triethylamine as acid scavenger and dichloroethane as solvent. The synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and CHN analysis. These molecules were evaluated for their efficacy as antimicrobials in vitro by disc diffusion and microdilution method against pathogenic strains such as Bacillus substilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Xanthomonas campestris pvs, X. oryzae, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, Trichoderma species, F. monaliforme, and Penicillum species. Compounds 4I, 4IV, 4V, 6I, 6II and 6III showed better inhibitory activity than compared to standard drugs. Among these compounds, 4IV and 6III showed potent inhibitory activity against all the strains and found to be nonstrain dependent. The title compounds represent a novel class of potent antimicrobial agents.

Solution-phase synthesis of novel delta2-isoxazoline libraries via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and their antifungal properties.

The synthesis of novel imidazolyl substituted delta2-isoxazoline libraries are currently of high interest. We report here in the full details of a study leading to the synthesis and antifungal activities of 3-(-2-butyl-4-chloro-1H-imidazolyl)-substituted delta2-isoxazolines. The solution phase synthesis of the title compounds was accomplished via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of in situ generated nitryl oxides from aldoximes with mono substituted alkenes to obtain the compound libraries contain an imidazole functionality in addition to the isoxazoline rings. The newly synthesized compounds when tested in vitro in solid agar culture exerted a potent antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium moniliforme and Botrydiplodia theobromae also MIC values were determined. The title 5-substituted-3-imidazolyl-delta2-isoxazoline compounds represent a novel class of potent antifungal agents.