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Editorial

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3 pages, 191 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds

by Carlotta Granchi

Molecules 2022, 27(12), 3652; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27123652 - 7 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1839

Abstract

A drug discovery program starts when a disease or clinical condition has no suitable drugs [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)

Research

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16 pages, 1485 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Albatrellus confluens (Alb. & Schwein.) Kotl. & Pouz.: Natural Fungal Compounds and Synthetic Derivatives with In Vitro Anthelmintic Activities and Antiproliferative Effects against Two Human Cancer Cell Lines

by Mthandazo Dube, Dayma Llanes, Mohamad Saoud, Robert Rennert, Peter Imming, Cécile Häberli, Jennifer Keiser and Norbert Arnold

Molecules 2022, 27(9), 2950; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27092950 - 5 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3290

Abstract

Neglected tropical diseases affect the world’s poorest populations with soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis being among the most prevalent ones. Mass drug administration is currently the most important control measure, but the use of the few available drugs is giving rise to increased resistance [...] Read more.

Neglected tropical diseases affect the world’s poorest populations with soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis being among the most prevalent ones. Mass drug administration is currently the most important control measure, but the use of the few available drugs is giving rise to increased resistance of the parasites to the drugs. Different approaches are needed to come up with new therapeutic agents against these helminths. Fungi are a source of secondary metabolites, but most fungi remain largely uninvestigated as anthelmintics. In this report, the anthelmintic activity of Albatrellus confluens against Caenorhabditis elegans was investigated using bio-assay guided isolation. Grifolin (1) and neogrifolin (2) were identified as responsible for the anthelmintic activity. Derivatives 4–6 were synthesized to investigate the effect of varying the prenyl chain length on anthelmintic activity. The isolated compounds 1 and 2 and synthetic derivatives 4–6, as well as their educts 7–10, were tested against Schistosoma mansoni (adult and newly transformed schistosomula), Strongyloides ratti, Heligmosomoides polygyrus, Necator americanus, and Ancylostoma ceylanicum. Prenyl-2-orcinol (4) and geranylgeranyl-2-orcinol (6) showed promising activity against newly transformed schistosomula. The compounds 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 were also screened for antiproliferative or cytotoxic activity against two human cancer lines, viz. prostate adenocarcinoma cells (PC-3) and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29). Compound 6 was determined to be the most effective against both cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 16.1 µM in PC-3 prostate cells and 33.7 µM in HT-29 colorectal cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)

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12 pages, 1671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Newly Synthesized Thymol Derivative and Its Effect on Colorectal Cancer Cells

by Michaela Blažíčková, Jaroslav Blaško, Róbert Kubinec and Katarína Kozics

Molecules 2022, 27(9), 2622; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27092622 - 19 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2504

Abstract

Thymol affects various types of tumor cell lines, including colorectal cancer cells. However, the hydrophobic properties of thymol prevent its wider use. Therefore, new derivatives (acetic acid thymol ester, thymol β-D-glucoside) have been synthesized with respect to hydrophilic properties. The cytotoxic effect of [...] Read more.

Thymol affects various types of tumor cell lines, including colorectal cancer cells. However, the hydrophobic properties of thymol prevent its wider use. Therefore, new derivatives (acetic acid thymol ester, thymol β-D-glucoside) have been synthesized with respect to hydrophilic properties. The cytotoxic effect of the new derivatives on the colorectal cancer cell lines HT-29 and HCT-116 was assessed via MTT assay. The genotoxic effect was determined by comet assay and micronucleus analysis. ROS production was evaluated using ROS-Glo™ H₂O₂ Assay. We confirmed that one of the thymol derivatives (acetic acid thymol ester) has the potential to have a cyto/genotoxic effect on colorectal cancer cells, even at much lower (IC₅₀~0.08 μg/mL) concentrations than standard thymol (IC₅₀~60 μg/mL) after 24 h of treatment. On the other side, the genotoxic effect of the second studied derivative—thymol β-D-glucoside was observed at a concentration of about 1000 μg/mL. The antiproliferative effect of studied derivatives of thymol on the colorectal cancer cell lines was found to be both dose- and time-dependent at 100 h. Moreover, thymol derivative-treated cells did not show any significantly increased rate of micronuclei formation. New derivatives of thymol significantly increased ROS production too. The results confirmed that the effect of the derivative on tumor cells depends on its chemical structure, but further detailed research is needed. However, thymol and its derivatives have great potential in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer, which remains one of the most common cancers in the world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)

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15 pages, 2833 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anticancer Effects of Propionic Acid Inducing Cell Death in Cervical Cancer Cells

by Chau Ha Pham, Joo-Eun Lee, Jinha Yu, Sung Hoon Lee, Kyung-Rok Yu, Jaewoo Hong, Namki Cho, Seil Kim, Dukjin Kang, Soojin Lee and Hee Min Yoo

Molecules 2021, 26(16), 4951; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26164951 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4392

Abstract

Recent studies found that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are produced through bacterial fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract, have oncoprotective effects against cervical cancer. The most common SCFAs that are well known include acetic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid, among which propionic [...] Read more.

Recent studies found that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are produced through bacterial fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract, have oncoprotective effects against cervical cancer. The most common SCFAs that are well known include acetic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid, among which propionic acid (PA) has been reported to induce apoptosis in HeLa cells. However, the mechanism in which SCFAs suppress HeLa cell viability remain poorly understood. Our study aims to provide a more detailed look into the mechanism of PA in HeLa cells. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that PA induces reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to the dysfunction of the mitochondrial membrane. Moreover, PA inhibits NF-κB and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways and induces LC3B protein levels, resulting in autophagy. PA also increased the sub-G1 cell population that is characteristic of cell death. Therefore, the results of this study propose that PA inhibits HeLa cell viability through a mechanism mediated by the induction of autophagy. The study also suggests a new approach for cervical cancer therapeutics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)

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23 pages, 7182 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

In Silico Identification of Tripeptides as Lead Compounds for the Design of KOR Ligands

by Azzurra Stefanucci, Valeria Iobbi, Alice Della Valle, Giuseppe Scioli, Stefano Pieretti, Paola Minosi, Sako Mirzaie, Ettore Novellino and Adriano Mollica

Molecules 2021, 26(16), 4767; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26164767 - 6 Aug 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2547

Abstract

The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) represents an attractive target for the development of drugs as potential antidepressants, anxiolytics and analgesics. A robust computational approach may guarantee a reduction in costs in the initial stages of drug discovery, novelty and accurate results. In this [...] Read more.

The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) represents an attractive target for the development of drugs as potential antidepressants, anxiolytics and analgesics. A robust computational approach may guarantee a reduction in costs in the initial stages of drug discovery, novelty and accurate results. In this work, a virtual screening workflow of a library consisting of ~6 million molecules was set up, with the aim to find potential lead compounds that could manifest activity on the KOR. This in silico study provides a significant contribution in the identification of compounds capable of interacting with a specific molecular target. The main computational techniques adopted in this experimental work include: (i) virtual screening; (ii) drug design and leads optimization; (iii) molecular dynamics. The best hits are tripeptides prepared via solution phase peptide synthesis. These were tested in vivo, revealing a good antinociceptive effect after subcutaneous administration. However, further work is due to delineate their full pharmacological profile, in order to verify the features predicted by the in silico outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)

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20 pages, 7954 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Insecticidal Evaluation of Chiral Neonicotinoids Analogs: The Laurel Wilt Case

by Saúl A. Luna-Hernández, Israel Bonilla-Landa, Alfonso Reyes-Luna, Alfredo Rodríguez-Hernández, Ulises Cuapio-Muñoz, Luis A. Ibarra-Juárez, Gabriel Suarez-Mendez, Felipe Barrera-Méndez, Irving D. Pérez-Landa, Francisco J. Enríquez-Medrano, Ramón E. Díaz de León-Gómez and José L. Olivares-Romero

Molecules 2021, 26(14), 4225; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26144225 - 12 Jul 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3061

Abstract

Xyleborus sp beetles are types of ambrosia beetles invasive to the United States and recently also to Mexico. The beetle can carry a fungus responsible for the Laurel Wilt, a vascular lethal disease that can host over 300 tree species, including redbay and [...] Read more.

Xyleborus sp beetles are types of ambrosia beetles invasive to the United States and recently also to Mexico. The beetle can carry a fungus responsible for the Laurel Wilt, a vascular lethal disease that can host over 300 tree species, including redbay and avocado. This problem has a great economic and environmental impact. Indeed, synthetic chemists have recently attempted to develop new neonicotinoids. This is also due to severe drug resistance to “classic” insecticides. In this research, a series of neonicotinoids analogs were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated against Xyleborus sp. Most of the target compounds showed good to excellent insecticidal activity. Generally, the cyclic compounds also showed better activity in comparison with open-chain compounds. Compounds R-13, 23, S-29, and 43 showed a mortality percent of up to 73% after 12 h of exposure. These results highlight the enantioenriched compounds with absolute R configuration. The docking results correlated with experimental data which showed both cation-π interactions in relation to the aromatic ring and hydrogen bonds between the search cavity 3C79 and the novel molecules. The results suggest that these sorts of interactions are responsible for high insecticidal activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)

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10 pages, 1481 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alnus sibirica Compounds Exhibiting Anti-Proliferative, Apoptosis-Inducing, and GSTP1 Demethylating Effects on Prostate Cancer Cells

by Seo-Yeon Seonu, Min-Ji Kim, Jun Yin and Min-Won Lee

Molecules 2021, 26(13), 3830; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26133830 - 23 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2793

Abstract

Alnus sibirica (AS) is distributed in Korea, Japan, China, and Russia and has reported anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and reducing activities on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions, along with other beneficial health properties. In the present study, we tried to prove the cancer-preventive activity against prostate [...] Read more.

Alnus sibirica (AS) is distributed in Korea, Japan, China, and Russia and has reported anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and reducing activities on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions, along with other beneficial health properties. In the present study, we tried to prove the cancer-preventive activity against prostate cancer. The extracted and isolated compounds, oregonin (1), hirsutenone (2), and hirsutanonol (3), which were isolated from AS, were tested for anti-proliferative activity. To do this, we used the MTT assay; NF-κB inhibitory activity, using Western blotting; apoptosis-inducing activity using flow cytometry; DNA methylation activity, using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction in androgen-dependent (LNCaP) and androgen-independent (PC-3) prostate cancer cell lines. The compounds (1–3) showed potent anti-proliferative activity against both prostate cancer cell lines. Hirsutenone (2) exhibited the strongest NF-κB inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing activities compared with oregonin (1) and hirsutanonol (3). DNA methylation activity, which was assessed for hirsutenone (2), revealed a concentration-dependent enhancement of the unmethylated DNA content and a reduction in the methylated DNA content in both PC-3 and LNCaP cells. Overall, these findings suggest that hirsutenone (2), when isolated from AS, may be a potential agent for preventing the development or progression of prostate cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)

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8 pages, 1732 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production of Terretonin N and Butyrolactone I by Thermophilic Aspergillus terreus TM8 Promoted Apoptosis and Cell Death in Human Prostate and Ovarian Cancer Cells

by Ayman A. Ghfar, Mohammad Magdy El-Metwally, Mohamed Shaaban, Sami A. Gabr, Nada S. Gabr, Marwa S. M. Diab, Ahmad Aqel, Mohamed A. Habila, Wahidah H. Al-Qahtani, Mohammad Y. Alfaifi, Serag Eldin I. Elbehairi and Bayan Ahmed AlJumah

Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2816; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092816 - 10 May 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 2733

Abstract

The anticancer activity of terretonin N (1) and butyrolactone I (2), obtained from the thermophilic fungus Aspergillus terreus TM8, was intensively studied against prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3) and ovary adenocarcinoma (SKOV3) human cell lines. According to this study, both compounds [...] Read more.

The anticancer activity of terretonin N (1) and butyrolactone I (2), obtained from the thermophilic fungus Aspergillus terreus TM8, was intensively studied against prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3) and ovary adenocarcinoma (SKOV3) human cell lines. According to this study, both compounds showed potent cytotoxicity towards ovarian adenocarcinoma cells (SKOV3) with IC₅₀ 1.2 and 0.6 μg/mL, respectively. With respect to metastatic prostate cells (PC-3), the two compounds 1 and 2 showed a significantly promising cytotoxicity effect with IC₅₀ of 7.4 and 4.5 μg/mL, respectively. The tested fungal metabolites showed higher rates of early and late apoptosis with little or no necrotic apoptotic pathway in all treated prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3) and ovary adenocarcinoma (SKOV3) human cell lines, respectively. The results reported in this study confirmed the promising biological properties of terretonin N (1) and butyrolactone I (2) as anticancer agents via the induction of cellular apoptosis. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which cellular apoptosis is induced in cancer cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)

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20 pages, 6932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Antifungal Properties of Synthetic Dimethyl-4-Bromo-1-(Substituted Benzoyl) Pyrrolo[1,2-a] Quinoline-2,3-Dicarboxylates Analogues: Molecular Docking Studies and Conceptual DFT-Based Chemical Reactivity Descriptors and Pharmacokinetics Evaluation

by Vijayakumar Uppar, Sandeep Chandrashekharappa, Chandan Shivamallu, Sushma P, Shiva Prasad Kollur, Joaquín Ortega-Castro, Juan Frau, Norma Flores-Holguín, Atiyaparveen I. Basarikatti, Mallikarjun Chougala, Mrudula Mohan M, Govindappa Banuprakash, Jayadev, Katharigatta N. Venugopala, Belakatte P. Nandeshwarappa, Ravindra Veerapur, Abdulaziz A. Al-Kheraif, Abdallah M. Elgorban, Asad Syed, Kiran K. Mudnakudu-Nagaraju, Basavaraj Padmashali and Daniel Glossman-Mitnik Show full author list Hide full author list

Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2722; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092722 - 6 May 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4115

Abstract

Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, frequently colonizes immune-compromised patients and causes mild to severe systemic reactions. Only few antifungal drugs are currently in use for therapeutic treatment. However, evolution of a drug-resistant C. albicans fungal pathogen is of major concern in [...] Read more.

Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, frequently colonizes immune-compromised patients and causes mild to severe systemic reactions. Only few antifungal drugs are currently in use for therapeutic treatment. However, evolution of a drug-resistant C. albicans fungal pathogen is of major concern in the treatment of patients, hence the clinical need for novel drug design and development. In this study, in vitro screening of novel putative pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoline derivatives as the lead drug targets and in silico prediction of the binding potential of these lead molecules against C. albicans pathogenic proteins, such as secreted aspartic protease 3 (SAP3; 2H6T), surface protein β-glucanase (3N9K) and sterol 14-alpha demethylase (5TZ1), were carried out by molecular docking analyses. Further, biological activity-based QSAR and theoretical pharmacokinetic analysis were analyzed. Here, in vitro screening of novel analogue derivatives as drug targets against C. albicans showed inhibitory potential in the concentration of 0.4 µg for BQ-06, 07 and 08, 0.8 µg for BQ-01, 03, and 05, 1.6 µg for BQ-04 and 12.5 µg for BQ-02 in comparison to the standard antifungal drug fluconazole in the concentration of 30 µg. Further, in silico analysis of BQ-01, 03, 05 and 07 analogues docked on chimeric 2H6T, 3N9K and 5TZ1 revealed that these analogues show potential binding affinity, which is different from the therapeutic antifungal drug fluconazole. In addition, these molecules possess good drug-like properties based on the determination of conceptual Density Functional Theory (DFT)-based descriptors, QSAR and pharmacokinetics. Thus, the study offers significant insight into employing pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoline analogues as novel antifungal agents against C. albicans that warrants further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)

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17 pages, 3499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

L-Glutaminase Synthesis by Marine Halomonas meridiana Isolated from the Red Sea and Its Efficiency against Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines

by Yasser S. Mostafa, Saad A. Alamri, Mohammad Y. Alfaifi, Sulaiman A. Alrumman, Serag Eldin I. Elbehairi, Tarek H. Taha and Mohamed Hashem

Molecules 2021, 26(7), 1963; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26071963 - 31 Mar 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3343

Abstract

L-glutaminase is an important anticancer agent that is used extensively worldwide by depriving cancer cells of L-glutamine. The marine bacterium, Halomonas meridian was isolated from the Red Sea and selected as the more active L-glutaminase-producing bacteria. L-glutaminase fermentation was optimized at 36 h, [...] Read more.

L-glutaminase is an important anticancer agent that is used extensively worldwide by depriving cancer cells of L-glutamine. The marine bacterium, Halomonas meridian was isolated from the Red Sea and selected as the more active L-glutaminase-producing bacteria. L-glutaminase fermentation was optimized at 36 h, pH 8.0, 37 °C, and 3.0% NaCl, using glucose at 1.5% and soybean meal at 2%. The purified enzyme showed a specific activity of 36.08 U/mg, and the molecular weight was found to be 57 kDa by the SDS-PAGE analysis. The enzyme was highly active at pH 8.0 and 37 °C. The kinetics’ parameters of Km and Vmax were 12.2 × 10⁻⁶ M and 121.95 μmol/mL/min, respectively, which reflects a higher affinity for its substrate. The anticancer efficiency of the enzyme showed significant toxic activity toward colorectal adenocarcinoma cells; LS 174 T (IC50 7.0 μg/mL) and HCT 116 (IC50 13.2 μg/mL). A higher incidence of cell death was observed with early apoptosis in HCT 116 than in LS 174 T, whereas late apoptosis was observed in LS 174 T more than in HCT 116. Also, the L-glutaminase induction nuclear fragmentation in HCT 116 was more than that in the LS 174T cells. This is the first report on Halomonas meridiana as an L-glutaminase producer that is used as an anti-colorectal cancer agent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)

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14 pages, 3809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis Effects of Curcumin Analogue (2E,6E)-2,6-Bis(2,3-Dimethoxybenzylidine) Cyclohexanone (DMCH) on Human Colon Cancer Cells HT29 and SW620 In Vitro

by Nurul Fattin Che Rahim, Yazmin Hussin, Muhammad Nazirul Mubin Aziz, Nurul Elyani Mohamad, Swee Keong Yeap, Mas Jaffri Masarudin, Rasedee Abdullah, Muhammad Nadeem Akhtar and Noorjahan Banu Alitheen

Molecules 2021, 26(5), 1261; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26051261 - 26 Feb 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3725

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer death. According to the Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report 2012–2016, colorectal cancer was the second most common cancer in Malaysia after breast cancer. Recent treatments [...] Read more.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer death. According to the Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report 2012–2016, colorectal cancer was the second most common cancer in Malaysia after breast cancer. Recent treatments for colon cancer cases have caused side effects and recurrence in patients. One of the alternative ways to fight cancer is by using natural products. Curcumin is a compound of the rhizomes of Curcuma longa that possesses a broad range of pharmacological activities. Curcumin has been studied for decades but due to its low bioavailability, its usage as a therapeutic agent has been compromised. This has led to the development of a chemically synthesized curcuminoid analogue, (2E,6E)-2,6-bis(2,3-dimethoxybenzylidine) cyclohexanone (DMCH), to overcome the drawbacks. This study aims to examine the potential of DMCH for cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, and activation of apoptosis-related proteins on the colon cancer cell lines HT29 and SW620. The cytotoxic activity of DMCH was evaluated using the [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) cell viability assay on both of the cell lines, HT29 and SW620. To determine the mode of cell death, an acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) assay was conducted, followed by Annexin V/FITC, cell cycle analysis, and JC-1 assay using a flow cytometer. A proteome profiler angiogenesis assay was conducted to determine the protein expression. The inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of DMCH in SW620 and HT29 was 7.50 ± 1.19 and 9.80 ± 0.55 µg/mL, respectively. The treated cells displayed morphological features characteristic of apoptosis. The flow cytometry analysis confirmed that DMCH induced apoptosis as shown by an increase in the sub-G0/G1 population and an increase in the early apoptosis and late apoptosis populations compared with untreated cells. A higher number of apoptotic cells were observed on treated SW620 cells as compared to HT29 cells. Human apoptosis proteome profiler analysis revealed upregulation of Bax and Bad proteins and downregulation of Livin proteins in both the HT29 and SW620 cell lines. Collectively, DMCH induced cell death via apoptosis, and the effect was more pronounced on SW620 metastatic colon cancer cells, suggesting its potential effects as an antimetastatic agent targeting colon cancer cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)

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11 pages, 2291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anticancer Activity of Lesbicoumestan in Jurkat Cells via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress-Mediated Apoptosis and MALT1 Protease

by Joo-Eun Lee, Fang Bo, Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, Jaewoo Hong, Ji Shin Lee, Namki Cho and Hee Min Yoo

Molecules 2021, 26(1), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26010185 - 2 Jan 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3713

Abstract

This study explores the potential anticancer effects of lesbicoumestan from Lespedeza bicolor against human leukemia cancer cells. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy were used to investigate antiproliferative effects. The degradation of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1) was evaluated using immunoprecipitation, [...] Read more.

This study explores the potential anticancer effects of lesbicoumestan from Lespedeza bicolor against human leukemia cancer cells. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy were used to investigate antiproliferative effects. The degradation of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1) was evaluated using immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, and confocal microscopy. Apoptosis was investigated using three-dimensional (3D) Jurkat cell resistance models. Lesbicoumestan induced potent mitochondrial depolarization on the Jurkat cells via upregulated expression levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, the underlying apoptotic mechanisms of lesbicoumestan through the MALT1/NF-κB pathway were comprehensively elucidated. The analysis showed that lesbicoumestan significantly induced MALT1 degradation, which led to the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. In addition, molecular docking results illustrate how lesbicoumestan could effectively bind with MALT1 protease at the latter’s active pocket. Similar to traditional 2D cultures, apoptosis was markedly induced upon lesbicoumestan treatment in 3D Jurkat cell resistance models. Our data support the hypothesis that lesbicoumestan is a novel inhibitor of MALT1, as it exhibited potent antiapoptotic effects in Jurkat cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)

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Review

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49 pages, 2049 KiB

Open AccessReview

Synthetic Heterocyclic Derivatives as Kinase Inhibitors Tested for the Treatment of Neuroblastoma

by Francesca Musumeci, Annarita Cianciusi, Ilaria D’Agostino, Giancarlo Grossi, Anna Carbone and Silvia Schenone

Molecules 2021, 26(23), 7069; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26237069 - 23 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3490

Abstract

In the last few years, small molecules endowed with different heterocyclic scaffolds have been developed as kinase inhibitors. Some of them are being tested at preclinical or clinical levels for the potential treatment of neuroblastoma (NB). This disease is the most common extracranial [...] Read more.

In the last few years, small molecules endowed with different heterocyclic scaffolds have been developed as kinase inhibitors. Some of them are being tested at preclinical or clinical levels for the potential treatment of neuroblastoma (NB). This disease is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood and is responsible for 10% to 15% of pediatric cancer deaths. Despite the availability of some treatments, including the use of very toxic cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, high-risk (HR)-NB patients still have a poor prognosis and a survival rate below 50%. For these reasons, new pharmacological options are urgently needed. This review focuses on synthetic heterocyclic compounds published in the last five years, which showed at least some activity on this severe disease and act as kinase inhibitors. The specific mechanism of action, selectivity, and biological activity of these drug candidates are described, when established. Moreover, the most remarkable clinical trials are reported. Importantly, kinase inhibitors approved for other diseases have shown to be active and endowed with lower toxicity compared to conventional cytotoxic agents. The data collected in this article can be particularly useful for the researchers working in this area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)

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66 pages, 4062 KiB

Open AccessReview

Imidazoles as Potential Anticancer Agents: An Update on Recent Studies

by Pankaj Sharma, Chris LaRosa, Janet Antwi, Rajgopal Govindarajan and Karl A. Werbovetz

Molecules 2021, 26(14), 4213; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26144213 - 11 Jul 2021

Cited by 101 | Viewed by 9170

Abstract

Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic rings are common structural components of marketed drugs. Among these heterocycles, imidazole/fused imidazole rings are present in a wide range of bioactive compounds. The unique properties of such structures, including high polarity and the ability to participate in hydrogen bonding and [...] Read more.

Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic rings are common structural components of marketed drugs. Among these heterocycles, imidazole/fused imidazole rings are present in a wide range of bioactive compounds. The unique properties of such structures, including high polarity and the ability to participate in hydrogen bonding and coordination chemistry, allow them to interact with a wide range of biomolecules, and imidazole-/fused imidazole-containing compounds are reported to have a broad spectrum of biological activities. This review summarizes recent reports of imidazole/fused imidazole derivatives as anticancer agents appearing in the peer-reviewed literature from 2018 through 2020. Such molecules have been shown to modulate various targets, including microtubules, tyrosine and serine-threonine kinases, histone deacetylases, p53-Murine Double Minute 2 (MDM2) protein, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), G-quadraplexes, and other targets. Imidazole-containing compounds that display anticancer activity by unknown/undefined mechanisms are also described, as well as key features of structure-activity relationships. This review is intended to provide an overview of recent advances in imidazole-based anticancer drug discovery and development, as well as inspire the design and synthesis of new anticancer molecules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)

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31 pages, 2620 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Antibiotics for Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Strains: Latest Research Developments and Future Perspectives

by Marco Terreni, Marina Taccani and Massimo Pregnolato

Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2671; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092671 - 2 May 2021

Cited by 286 | Viewed by 21756

Abstract

The present work aims to examine the worrying problem of antibiotic resistance and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, which have now become really common in hospitals and risk hindering the global control of infectious diseases. After a careful examination of these phenomena [...] Read more.

The present work aims to examine the worrying problem of antibiotic resistance and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, which have now become really common in hospitals and risk hindering the global control of infectious diseases. After a careful examination of these phenomena and multiple mechanisms that make certain bacteria resistant to specific antibiotics that were originally effective in the treatment of infections caused by the same pathogens, possible strategies to stem antibiotic resistance are analyzed. This paper, therefore, focuses on the most promising new chemical compounds in the current pipeline active against multidrug-resistant organisms that are innovative compared to traditional antibiotics: Firstly, the main antibacterial agents in clinical development (Phase III) from 2017 to 2020 are listed (with special attention on the treatment of infections caused by the pathogens Neisseria gonorrhoeae, including multidrug-resistant isolates, and Clostridium difficile), and then the paper moves on to the new agents of pharmacological interest that have been approved during the same period. They include tetracycline derivatives (eravacycline), fourth generation fluoroquinolones (delafloxacin), new combinations between one β-lactam and one β-lactamase inhibitor (meropenem and vaborbactam), siderophore cephalosporins (cefiderocol), new aminoglycosides (plazomicin), and agents in development for treating drug-resistant TB (pretomanid). It concludes with the advantages that can result from the use of these compounds, also mentioning other approaches, still poorly developed, for combating antibiotic resistance: Nanoparticles delivery systems for antibiotics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)

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24 pages, 396 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hovenia dulcis Thumberg: Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Regulatory Framework for Its Use in the European Union

by Gianluca Sferrazza, Gloria Brusotti, Manuela Zonfrillo, Caterina Temporini, Sara Tengattini, Monica Bononi, Fernando Tateo, Enrica Calleri and Pasquale Pierimarchi

Molecules 2021, 26(4), 903; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26040903 - 9 Feb 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5373

Abstract

Hovenia dulcis Thunberg is an herbal plant, belonging to the Rhamnaceae family, widespread in west Asia, USA, Australia and New Zealand, but still almost unknown in Western countries. H. dulcis has been described to possess several pharmacological properties, such as antidiabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, [...] Read more.

Hovenia dulcis Thunberg is an herbal plant, belonging to the Rhamnaceae family, widespread in west Asia, USA, Australia and New Zealand, but still almost unknown in Western countries. H. dulcis has been described to possess several pharmacological properties, such as antidiabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective, especially in the hangover treatment, validating its use as an herbal remedy in the Chinese Traditional Medicine. These biological properties are related to a variety of secondary metabolites synthesized by the different plant parts. Root, bark and leaves are rich of dammarane-type triterpene saponins; dihydrokaempferol, quercetin, 3,3′,5′,5,7-pentahydroflavone and dihydromyricetin are flavonoids isolated from the seeds; fruits contain mainly dihydroflavonols, such as dihydromyricetin (or ampelopsin) and hovenodulinol, and flavonols such as myricetin and gallocatechin; alkaloids were found in root, barks (frangulanin) and seeds (perlolyrin), and organic acids (vanillic and ferulic) in hot water extract from seeds. Finally, peduncles have plenty of polysaccharides which justify the use as a food supplement. The aim of this work is to review the whole scientific production, with special focus on the last decade, in order to update phytochemistry, biological activities, nutritional properties, toxicological aspect and regulatory classification of H. dulcis extracts for its use in the European Union. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Natural and Synthetic Compounds)

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