Future Pharmacology

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10 pages, 627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anticancer Activity of 4-Aryl-1,4-Dihydropyridines

by Thaís A. S. Oliveira, Jackson B. A. Silva, Tábata R. Esperandim, Nathália O. Acésio, Denise C. Tavares and Antônio E. M. Crotti

Future Pharmacol. 2024, 4(3), 564-573; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol4030031 - 27 Aug 2024

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Abstract

We have synthesized 22 symmetric and asymmetric 4-aryl-1,4-dihydropyridines (1,4-DHPs) by a “green” microwave-assisted one-pot multicomponent Hantzsch reaction and evaluated their cytotoxicity to three human cancer cell lines regarding U-251MG (human glioblastoma), HeLa 229 (human cervical adenocarcinoma), and MCF-7 (human breast carcinoma). None of [...] Read more.

We have synthesized 22 symmetric and asymmetric 4-aryl-1,4-dihydropyridines (1,4-DHPs) by a “green” microwave-assisted one-pot multicomponent Hantzsch reaction and evaluated their cytotoxicity to three human cancer cell lines regarding U-251MG (human glioblastoma), HeLa 229 (human cervical adenocarcinoma), and MCF-7 (human breast carcinoma). None of the 1,4-DHPs were cytotoxic to U-251MG cells. Most of the 1,4-DHPs did not affect HeLa 229 or MCF-7 cell viability. On the other hand, symmetric 1,4-DHPs 18 (diethyl 4-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate), 19 (diethyl 4-(4-bromophenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate), and 20 (diethyl 4-(3-fluorophenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate) reduced the HeLa (IC₅₀ = 3.6, 2.3, and 4.1 µM, respectively) and MCF-7 (IC₅₀ = 5.2, 5.7, and 11.9 µM, respectively) cell viability. These 1,4-DHPs were more cytotoxic to the HeLa and MCF-7 cells than to the GM07492 (normal human fibroblast) cells, as evidenced by their selectivity indexes. Therefore,1,4-DHPs 18, 19, and 20 may serve as novel lead compounds to discover other 1,4-DHP derivatives with improved anticancer potency and selectivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2024)

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17 pages, 1539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Repurposing Synthetic Acetaminophen Derivatives Containing a Benzothiazole Scaffold as an Alternative Therapy for Infectious Diarrhea Caused by Drug-Resistant Shigella Species

by Boniface Pone Kamdem, Brice Rostan Pinlap, Bijou-Lafortune Noumboue Kouamou, Aubin Youbi Kamche, Boris Arnaud Kuate, Joseph Tsemeugne, Orleans Ngomo, Pierre Mkounga and Fabrice Fekam Boyom

Future Pharmacol. 2024, 4(2), 420-436; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol4020023 - 20 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Diarrhea remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, especially among children. Accumulated evidence has shown that Shigella species are the most prevalent bacteria responsible for diarrhea in developing countries. Antimicrobial therapy is necessary for Shigella infections; however, the development of resistance [...] Read more.

Diarrhea remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, especially among children. Accumulated evidence has shown that Shigella species are the most prevalent bacteria responsible for diarrhea in developing countries. Antimicrobial therapy is necessary for Shigella infections; however, the development of resistance against current drugs justifies the pressing need to search for alternative medications. In this study, we have applied antibacterial phenotypic screening to identify potent anti-Shigella compounds across a broad chemical diversity, including selected acetaminophen derivatives containing a benzothiazole backbone, and their combination with certain antibiotics. As a result, two acetaminophen derivatives containing a benzothiazole backbone (4a and 4b) inhibited the growth of Shigella flexneri with a common MIC value of 12.5 µg/mL. These compounds were established through a time-kill kinetics study to be potentially bactericidal. Meanwhile, the 2-aminobenzothiazoles (1a and 1b) used for the synthesis of compounds 4 (a and b) were found to be poorly active (MIC: 100 µg/mL) against this pathogen. Combination studies of 4a and 4b with the least effective antibiotics (ceftriaxone and cotrimoxazole) demonstrated synergistic anti-Shigella activity with MIC values decreasing from 12.5 to 0.781 μg/ mL. The present study demonstrates that the azobenzothiazole dyes 4 (a and b) can be repurposed as potential anti-Shigella compounds, thus providing potential chemical pharmacophores for the discovery of drugs against infectious diarrhea caused by Shigella and other enteric pathogens, especially in developing countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2024)

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Review

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24 pages, 8380 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Peptidergic G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling Systems in Cancer: Examination of Receptor Structure and Signaling to Foster Innovative Pharmacological Solutions

by Francisco David Rodríguez and Rafael Coveñas

Future Pharmacol. 2024, 4(4), 801-824; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol4040043 - 11 Nov 2024

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Abstract

Background. Peptidergic GPCR systems are broadly distributed in the human body and regulate numerous physiological processes by activating complex networks of intracellular biochemical events responsible for cell regulation and survival. Excessive stimulation, ill-function, or blockade of GPCRs produces cell disturbances that may cause [...] Read more.

Background. Peptidergic GPCR systems are broadly distributed in the human body and regulate numerous physiological processes by activating complex networks of intracellular biochemical events responsible for cell regulation and survival. Excessive stimulation, ill-function, or blockade of GPCRs produces cell disturbances that may cause disease should compensatory mechanisms not suffice. Methods and Results. Revision of updated experimental research provided an evident relationship associating peptidergic GPCR malfunction with tumor formation and maintenance resulting from uncontrolled cell proliferation and migration, colonization, inhibition of apoptosis or altered metabolism, and increased angiogenesis in tumoral tissues. Conclusion. Determination of the implication of GPCR peptide signaling in specific neoplasia is crucial to designing tailored pharmacological treatments to counteract or dismantle the origin of the signaling circuitry causing cellular disruption. In some cases, particular ligands for these receptors may serve as concomitant treatments to aid other pharmacological or physical approaches to eradicate neoplasias. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2024)

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32 pages, 7800 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Vanadium in Metallodrugs Design and Its Interactive Profile with Protein Targets

by Otávio Augusto Chaves, Francisco Mainardi Martins, Carlos Serpa and Davi Fernando Back

Future Pharmacol. 2024, 4(4), 743-774; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol4040040 - 24 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Metallodrugs represent a critical area of medicinal chemistry with the potential to address a wide range of diseases. Their design requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining principles of inorganic chemistry, pharmacology, and molecular biology to create effective and safe therapeutic agents. Vanadium, the element [...] Read more.

Metallodrugs represent a critical area of medicinal chemistry with the potential to address a wide range of diseases. Their design requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining principles of inorganic chemistry, pharmacology, and molecular biology to create effective and safe therapeutic agents. Vanadium, the element of the fifth group of the first transition series (3d metals), has been already detected as a crucial species in the biological action of some enzymes, e.g., nitrogenases and chloroperoxidase; furthermore, vanadium-based compounds have recently been described as physiologically stable with therapeutic behavior, e.g., having anticancer, antidiabetic (insulin-mimicking), antiprotozoal, antibacterial, antiviral, and inhibition of neurodegenerative disease properties. Since the binding of metallodrugs to serum albumin influences the distribution, stability, toxicity (intended and off-target interactions), and overall pharmacological properties, the biophysical characterization between serum albumin and vanadium-based compounds is one of the hot topics in pharmacology. Overall, since vanadium complexes offer new possibilities for the design of novel metallodrugs, this review summarized some up-to-date biological and medicinal aspects, highlighting proteins as the main targets for the inorganic complexes based on this transition metal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2024)

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16 pages, 601 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pharmacogenetics and the Blood–Brain Barrier: A Whirlwind Tour of Potential Clinical Utility

by David R. Skvarc, Trang T. T. Truong, Robert M. Lundin, Russell Barnes, Fiona A. Wilkes and Ajeet B. Singh

Future Pharmacol. 2024, 4(3), 574-589; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol4030032 - 5 Sep 2024

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Abstract

Genetic factors influence medication response (pharmacogenetics), affecting the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of many medicaments used in clinical care. The ability of medications to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) represents a critical putative factor in the effectiveness and tolerability of various medications relevant to [...] Read more.

Genetic factors influence medication response (pharmacogenetics), affecting the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of many medicaments used in clinical care. The ability of medications to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) represents a critical putative factor in the effectiveness and tolerability of various medications relevant to central nervous system disorders (CNS), cancer, and broader medical conditions at a pharmacokinetic (dosing) level. Pharmacogenetics has the potential to personalise medicine to a greater extent than has been possible, with the potential to help reduce heuristic delays to effective tolerable pharmacotherapy. Here, we critically examine and summarise the evidence, particularly for ABCB1 polymorphisms associated with drug transportation and other clinical relevance. These transporters appear to have a role in BBB pharmacogenetics and may indicate new avenues of research that extend beyond the current paradigm of CYP450 polymorphisms. We identify some of the most promising variants for clinical translation while spotlighting the complexities of the involved systems and limitations of the current empirical literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2024)

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31 pages, 2164 KiB

Open AccessReview

Insights for Future Pharmacology: Exploring Phytochemicals as Potential Inhibitors Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease

by Jawaria Jabeen, Nabeel Ahmed, Zunaira Shahzad, Maida Shahid and Taseer Ahmad

Future Pharmacol. 2024, 4(3), 510-540; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol4030029 - 17 Aug 2024

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Abstract

(1) Background: The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) remains an underexplored antiviral target so far. The reduced efficacy of approved treatments against novel variants highlights the importance of developing new agents. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of phytochemicals as inhibitors of [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) remains an underexplored antiviral target so far. The reduced efficacy of approved treatments against novel variants highlights the importance of developing new agents. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of phytochemicals as inhibitors of PLpro, identify gaps, and propose novel insights for future reference. (2) Methods: A thorough literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed. Out of 150 articles reviewed, 57 met inclusion criteria, focusing on SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibitors, excluding studies on other coronaviruses or solely herbal extracts. Data were presented class-wise, and phytochemicals were grouped into virtual, weak, modest, and potential inhibitors. (3) Results: Approximately 100 phytochemicals are reported in the literature as PLpro inhibitors. We classified them as virtual inhibitors (70), weak inhibitors (13), modest inhibitors (11), and potential inhibitors (6). Flavonoids, terpenoids, and their glycosides predominated. Notably, six phytochemicals, including schaftoside, tanshinones, hypericin, and methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate, emerged as potent PLpro inhibitors with favorable selectivity indices and disease-mitigation potential; (4) Conclusions: PLpro stands as a promising therapeutic target against SARS-CoV-2. The phytochemicals reported in the literature possess valuable drug potential; however, certain experimental and clinical gaps need to be filled to meet the therapeutic needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2024)

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25 pages, 1509 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Narrative Review of Pharmacotherapy of Glaucoma

by Shalini Virani and Parveen Rewri

Future Pharmacol. 2024, 4(2), 395-419; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol4020022 - 27 May 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2972

Abstract

Progressive loss of retinal ganglionic cells (RGC) causes degeneration of optic nerve axons, which leads to blindness in glaucoma. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important, treatable risk factor. Currently, the management of glaucoma is centred on reducing the IOP, and drugs [...] Read more.

Progressive loss of retinal ganglionic cells (RGC) causes degeneration of optic nerve axons, which leads to blindness in glaucoma. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important, treatable risk factor. Currently, the management of glaucoma is centred on reducing the IOP, and drugs in the form of topical drops are the first line of management. Drugs reduce IOP either by suppressing aqueous humour secretion or improving the aqueous humour outflow. Newer drugs added during the past three decades to the armamentarium of glaucoma treatment have targeted the aqueous outflow. With an evolving understanding of the pathogenesis of glaucoma, the role of 24-h IOP control and other IOP-independent risk factors affecting ocular blood flow and RGC toxicity is also being actively studied in clinical and pre-clinical models of glaucoma. The role of available drugs in controlling IOP over 24 h is being evaluated. Improvement of ocular blood flow and neuroprotection are seen as potential drug targets for preventing the loss of RGC. In this article, we review the pharmacotherapy of glaucoma based on current therapeutic principles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2024)

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28 pages, 1753 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanotechnology-Driven Therapeutic Innovations in Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Focus on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease

by Antea Krsek and Lara Baticic

Future Pharmacol. 2024, 4(2), 352-379; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol4020020 - 30 Apr 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2322

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders entail a progressive loss of neurons in cerebral and peripheral tissues, coupled with the aggregation of proteins exhibiting altered physicochemical properties. Crucial to these conditions is the gradual degradation of the central nervous system, manifesting as impairments in mobility, aberrant behaviors, [...] Read more.

Neurodegenerative disorders entail a progressive loss of neurons in cerebral and peripheral tissues, coupled with the aggregation of proteins exhibiting altered physicochemical properties. Crucial to these conditions is the gradual degradation of the central nervous system, manifesting as impairments in mobility, aberrant behaviors, and cognitive deficits. Mechanisms such as proteotoxic stress, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and programmed cell death contribute to the ongoing dysfunction and demise of neurons. Presently, neurodegenerative diseases lack definitive cures, and available therapies primarily offer palliative relief. The integration of nanotechnology into medical practices has significantly augmented both treatment efficacy and diagnostic capabilities. Nanoparticles, capable of traversing the blood–brain barrier, hold considerable potential for diagnosing and treating brain pathologies. By combining gene therapy with nanotechnology, the therapeutic effectiveness against neurodegenerative diseases can be substantially enhanced. Recent advancements in nano-biomaterial-based methodologies have fortified existing approaches to neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation therapies. NSC-targeting technologies offer a promising, potentially safe method for treating neurodegenerative diseases. This review endeavors to summarize current insights and perspectives on nanotechnology-driven therapeutic innovations in neurodegenerative disorders, with a particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2024)

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