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Superbug Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections: The Role of the Moonlighting Protein Glutamate Racemase in Treatment and Prevention
Authors: Sujata Adhana, Ravi Jain, Sibasis Sahoo, Sheetal Thakur, Archna Pandey, Avneesh Mittal, Bishwajit Kundu and Uma ChaudhryAvailable online: 23 April 2025More LessIntroductionNeisseria gonorrhoeae is a notorious superbug responsible for causing ‘Gonorrhoea’ in humans. Recently, it has been classified as a high-priority pathogen by the World Health Organization due to its increasing resistance to available antibiotics. A multi-prolonged approach is needed to combat the growing problem of drug resistance caused by N. gonorrhoeae. This study evaluates Glutamate Racemase (GR), a moonlight protein of N. gonorrhoeae (Ng-GR), as a novel therapeutic target with potential for both inhibitor design and peptide vaccine development. Ng-GR plays a crucial role in the peptidoglycan biosynthetic pathway and is highly conserved across bacterial species. Additionally, this protein moonlights to perform a secondary function by binding to DNA gyrase in various organisms.
MethodsHomology modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations were used to design inhibitors targeting the moonlight function of Ng-GR. The immunogenicity of this protein was assessed using ABCPred-2.0, BepiPred-2.0, and ProPred softwares.
ResultsBisleucocurine A was found to bind at the ectopic site of Ng-GR, disrupting its crucial moonlight function and interfering its interaction with N. gonorroheae DNA Gyrase (Ng-gyrase). Interestingly, residues important for its moonlight function were also identified as key immunogenic sites using ABCPred-2.0, BepiPred-2.0, and ProPred softwares, enhancing the potential of this protein as a vaccine candidate.
ConclusionThe GR enzyme’s moonlight function is highlighted as a promising novel target for therapeutic intervention and vaccine development in N. gonorrohoeae.
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Alzheimer's Disease and Polymeric Nanocarriers: Synergistic Advances in Targeted Drug Delivery
Available online: 21 April 2025More LessIntroductionAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a prominent neurodegenerative ailment characterized by the constraints of conventional therapies stemming from insufficient medication transport to the brain. This review examines the function of polymeric nanocarriers (PNCs) in improving therapeutic efficacy for Alzheimer's disease treatment.
MethodsWe analyze the principal obstacles to Alzheimer's disease drug delivery: the blood-brain barrier, the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and multidrug resistance proteins. The review examines three categories of PNCs: polymeric nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, and dendrimers, and their capacity to surmount these obstacles. Literature investigations used search engines like PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect.
ResultsPNCs exhibit superior drug delivery via better biocompatibility, regulated release, and targeted delivery mechanisms. Recent studies demonstrate the effective delivery of several pharmaceuticals, including rivastigmine and galantamine, resulting in enhanced cognitive outcomes in Alzheimer's disease models. Patent research indicates an increase in innovation for PNC-based Alzheimer's disease treatments.
ConclusionDespite ongoing hurdles in biocompatibility and scalability, PNCs exhibit significant potential to transform Alzheimer's disease treatment by improving medication delivery across biological barriers. Current investigations in nanotechnology and combinatorial medicines indicate a favorable outlook for PNC-based medicinal strategies.
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Medicinal Chemistry Advancement in Life-Threatening Diseases
By Ajmal KhanAvailable online: 18 April 2025More Less
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A Comprehensive Review on the Application of Marketed Drugs as Ligands through Metallopharmaceutics
Available online: 16 April 2025More LessDiabetes is a highly common chronic disorder of the endocrine system that affects 529 million people globally. Dysfunction of β-cells, impaired insulin secretion, and hyperactive α-cells are the primary reasons for this disease. Conventional therapy might fail since some drugs require specific conditions to achieve their maximum efficacy. Metallopharmaceutics is defined as the branch of pharmaceutics in which the activity of a compound is enhanced by complexation with a suitable metal. Several macrometals, such as copper, and micrometals, such as selenium, are used in this field and combined with organic ligands. Novel synthesis approaches, such as ultrasonication, have been employed to reduce the reaction time and increase the overall product yield. Even if spectral studies confirm the complexation of metals with chemically synthesized organic ligands, less medical evidence of antidiabetic activity exists. Hence, antidiabetic drugs, such as insulin, dapagliflozin, etc., exhibit better pharmacodynamics as metallocomplexes than the drugs themselves and have been chosen pharmacologically to act as ligands. Some metallocomplexes are multidimensional because they are not only antidiabetic but also antineoplastic. Thus, metallopharmaceuticals can lead to significant breakthroughs, not only in the treatment of diabetes but also in the pharmacotherapy of various diseases and disorders.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis: Pathogenesis, Therapeutic Strategies, Advances, and Structural Activity Relationships of Synthesized Agents
Available online: 14 April 2025More LessRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most prevalent form of inflammatory arthritis, characterized by chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane. Current therapeutic options have advanced RA management significantly, yet limitations like adverse effects and treatment resistance underscore the need for novel therapeutic agents. Recent advancements have introduced promising candidates, including BTK inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, TLR4 inhibitors, COX-2 inhibitors, and LOX inhibitors, which target specific pathways implicated in RA pathogenesis. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of RA, emphasizing its pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies. Special attention is given to the structural-activity relationships (SAR) and mechanistic insights underlying emerging pharmacological interventions. Moreover, current challenges and future directions in RA drug discovery are critically examined, highlighting innovative wet-lab approaches to address unmet clinical needs.
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An Insight into the Recent Advancement in Anti-Alzheimer’s Potential of Indole Derivatives and their SAR Study
Authors: Ritam Mondal, Deepika Paliwal, Aman Thakur and Niranjan KaushikAvailable online: 14 April 2025More LessAlzheimer is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by change in brain that led to the buildup of specific proteins, ultimately causing brain shrinkage and the death of brain cells. It is the leading cause of dementia, manifesting as a gradual decline in memory, cognitive abilities, behavior, and social functioning, which severely impairs a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. The complexity of Alzheimer’s poses significant challenges to modern medicine, making the development of new therapeutic strategies crucial. Indole derivatives, with their broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, have garnered attention for their potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease. This review provides a detailed summary of recent progress in developing indole derivatives as therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease. It thoroughly examines the pharmacological properties of various indole derivatives, including their mechanisms of action. These compounds have been shown to influence several processes, such as amyloid-beta aggregation, MAO inhibition, AChE and BuChE inhibition. Furthermore, this review discusses the structural modifications of indole derivatives designed to improve their therapeutic effectiveness.
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Combined UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and Network Pharmacology to Analyze the Potential Mechanism of Jieyu Fuwei Powder for Functional Dyspepsia Treatment
Authors: Yan Yang, Kun Li, Feng Cheng, An Kang and Fei GeAvailable online: 11 April 2025More LessBackgroundJieyu Fuwei Powder (JFP) is a modified prescription of traditional Chinede medicine used to treat functional dyspepsia (FD). However, its components and how it works are still unknown. Identifying the active ingredients of JFP and understanding its therapeutic mechanism for FD were the objectives of the study.
MethodsThe compounds present in JFP were analyzed using the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technique. Potential targets for compounds and diseases were obtained from Swiss Target Prediction and GeneCards databases. A PPI network was created using the STRING database to identify key targets. The Metascape database was utilized for conducting GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Molecular docking identified active compound-target interactions, validated by FD zebrafish models.
ResultsIn total, 65 compounds were identified from JFP and the key active ingredients were Tangeretin, Obovatol, Magnolignan C, Magnolol, Randaiol, Magnolignan A, Luteolin, and Naringenin. The PPI network was constructed, identifying five core targets: SRC, STAT3, PIK3R1, PIK3CA, and MAPK3. JFP primarily regulates anti-depression, promotes gastrointestinal peristalsis, and influences inflammation, according to the enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG pathways. The molecular docking results indicated a strong binding affinity between these five targets and their corresponding compounds. Therefore, the MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways are important in JFP's effects on FD pathology. Experiments using the zebrafish model confirmed that JFP and its main components could enhance gastrointestinal motility, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of the network pharmacology screening strategy.
ConclusionThe study revealed the active ingredients and mechanisms of JFP in treating FD, supporting its clinical application.
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The Future of Medicine: AI and ML Driven Drug Discovery Advancements
Authors: Divya D. Patel, Ruchi S. Pathak, Kaushika S. Patel, Hardik G. Bhatt and Paresh K. PatelAvailable online: 08 April 2025More LessThe field of drug design has evolved from conventional approaches relying on empirical evidence to advanced approaches such as Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD). It aids in intricate phases of drug discovery, such as target discovery, lead optimization, and clinical trials, establishing a safe, rapid, and cost-effective system. Structure based drug design (SBDD), Ligand based drug design (LBDD), and Pharmacophore modelling, being the most utilized techniques of CADD, play a major role in establishing the road map necessary for the discovery. Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine learning (ML) have improved the field with the incorporation of big data and, thereby, enhancing the efficacy and accuracy of the CADD. Deep Learning (DL), a part of AI helps in processing complex and non-linear data and thereby decreases complexity, increases resource utilization and enhances drug-target interaction prediction. These approaches have revolutionized healthcare by enhancing diagnostic precision and predicting the behavior of drugs. Currently, AI/ML approach has become crucial for rapidly discovering novel insights and transforming healthcare areas lie diagnostics, clinical research, and critical care. In the case of the drug development area, techniques like PBPK modeling and advanced nano-QSAR enhance drug behavior understanding and predict nano material toxicity if any, leading to safe and effective therapeutic predictions and interventions. The advancement of AI/ML techniques will bring accuracy, efficacy, and more patient-tailored responses to the drug development field.
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Synthesis of New Axially Coumarin Disubstituted Silicon(IV) Phthalocyanines, Investigation of their DNA-Binding Properties and Inhibitory Activities on Ache and Buche
Authors: Ahmet Güneş, Furkan Meletli, Özkan Danış, Mehmet Salih Ağırtaş and Bahattin YalçınAvailable online: 04 April 2025More LessIntroductionIn this study, we report on the synthesis and characterization of new silicon (IV) phthalocyanine compounds (SiPcs) axially substituted with coumarin-linked derivatives, designed for potential application in photodynamic therapy (PDT) due to their photophysical properties.
MethodsCharacterization was carried out using FT-IR, UV-Vis, MALDI-TOF-MS, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. In dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), the SiPcs produced singlet oxygen with quantum yields of 0.17 to 0.19, assessed by the DPBF quenching method. DNA binding studies via UV-Vis spectroscopy and molecular docking suggested high binding affinities (ΔG0 values between -9.90 to -10.4 kcal/mol) and stable interactions with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA).
ResultsThe compounds showed promising inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), with IC50 values indicating higher potency and selectivity compared to galantamine, a known cholinesterase inhibitor.
ConclusionThe combined singlet oxygen generation, DNA binding, and enzyme inhibition data underscore the potential of these SiPc-coumarin derivatives as multifunctional agents for PDT and neuroprotective applications such as Alzheimer's disease (AD).
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Recent Advances in Di-, Tri-Substituted Mono-Thiazoles, and Bis-Thiazoles: Factors Affecting Biological Activities, Future Aspects, and Challenges
Authors: Minakshi, Poonam Kaswan, Karan Singh, Devi, Rashmi Singh, Nitish Yadav and Mantesh YadavAvailable online: 28 March 2025More LessThiazole, a five-membered heterocycle containing sulfur and nitrogen, is a pivotal component in the design and synthesis of organic derivatives. Its prevalence in natural sources and its integral role in the structure of drug molecules has made it a focal point for researchers. In this study, we compiled and reviewed research from the past decade and categorized the synthesized thiazole compounds into three groups (di-substituted mono-thiazoles, tri-substituted mono-thiazoles, and bis-thiazoles) based on how the substituents are attached to the thiazole scaffold and additionally discussed the different techniques used by researchers to measure the antimicrobial activity of newly created compounds. Additionally, we discussed various methodologies employed to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of related compounds, aiming to validate the potency of these compounds. This research holds promise in aiding the development of antibiotic replacement amidst the antibiotic resistance crisis, consolidating knowledge of antimicrobial properties of thiazole-based compounds and their potential in combating antibiotic resistance.
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Multimodal Activity of a Novel Compound against Prostate and Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Flaviana Alves dos Santos, Joelson Germano Crispim, Eduardo Davi Lima da Silva, Arsênio Rodrigues Oliveira, Aldilane Gonçalves da Fonseca, Telma Maria Araújo Moura Lemos, Ana Cristina Lima Leite, Michelle Melgarejo da Rosa, Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta, Michelly Cristiny Pereira, Ivan da Rocha Pitta and Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo RêgoAvailable online: 19 March 2025More LessBackgroundProstate and pancreatic cancers pose significant global health challenges. This study explored the potential of compound 5b, a novel phthalimido-1,3-thiazole derivative, as an anticancer agent against these malignancies.
MethodsIn vitro, compound 5b exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against both prostate (DU-145 and PC-3) and pancreatic (Panc-1 and Mia Paca-2) cancer cell lines. Notably, it significantly reduced colony formation in PC-3 cells, potentially hindering tumor growth. Furthermore, treatment with compound 5b suppressed cell migration and induced cell cycle arrest in the PC-3 line. Additionally, it triggered cell death through late apoptosis and necrosis at higher concentrations. Safety evaluations in mice revealed no mortality or adverse effects after a 30-day treatment with compound 5b. Key blood parameters (hematology) and biochemical markers of liver and kidney function remained unaltered.
ResultsCompound 5b significantly reduced colony formation, suppressed cell migration, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis/necrosis in prostate cancer cells. In vivo, safety evaluations showed no adverse effects in treated mice, with blood and biochemical markers remaining normal.
ConclusionThese findings suggest that compound 5b holds promise for further development as a therapeutic option for prostate and pancreatic cancers. Its multimodal activity profile, targeting cell viability, migration, cell cycle progression, and cell death, warrants further investigation.
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Ethnobotanical Study of Knowledge and Herbal Recipes of Medicinal Plants in Ancient Izki, Al Dakhliya Region, Sultanate of Oman
Available online: 18 March 2025More LessIntroductionThe medicinal plants of Izki hold significant ethnopharmacological relevance, serving as primary healthcare resources for generations. These plants exhibit known pharmacological properties, making them crucial for traditional and modern therapeutic applications.
ObjectivesThe primary goal of this study was to record, conserve, and analyze the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in Izki. It also aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of these plants for treating various ailments while identifying their pharmacological relevance for modern applications.
Materials and MethodsThe study involved interviews with 300 local residents to record their traditional knowledge of therapeutic herbs. Quantitative methods were employed. Plant specimens were collected, identified, and submitted to the herbarium.
ResultsThe study recorded 65 medicinal plants (22 cultivated, 43 wild) used for 62 disease categories. Eye diseases (0.721; 13 taxa) and bone fractures (0.700; 13 taxa) showed higher consensus among respondents. FL% analysis highlighted Tephrosia apollinea (69.2%), Trachyspermum ammi (62.5%), and Azadirachta indica (53.3%) as culturally significant. Rhazya stricta emerged as an antirheumatic agent, reflecting shared ethnobotanical practices between India and Oman. Plants like Rhazya stricta, Fagonia indica, Trachyspermum ammi, and Ziziphus spina-christi demonstrated consistent regional applications, underscoring their potential for pharmacological investigation.
ConclusionThis study underscores Izki's rich ethnobotanical knowledge, with extensive use of leaves, fruits, and whole plants for medicinal, dietary, and hygienic purposes. Conservation efforts, sustainable harvesting, and collaborations with pharmaceutical sciences are essential to validate the pharmacological potential of Rhazya stricta, Fagonia indica, Trachyspermum ammi, and Ziziphus spina-christi and bridge traditional knowledge with modern medicine.
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Antimicrobial Plant Peptides: Structure, Classification, Mechanism And Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Shaina Shahab Khan and Suaib LuqmanAvailable online: 17 March 2025More LessHumans, animals, and plants possess small polypeptides known as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are often positively charged. They are tiny, mostly basic peptides with a molecular weight of 2 to 9 kDa. They are a crucial part of plants' innate defense system, acting as effector molecules that provide a resistance barrier against pests and diseases. Plants have been found to contain antimicrobial peptides belonging to numerous families, including plant defensins, thionins, cyclotides, and others. An increase in pathogen resistance is achieved through the transgenic overexpression of the relevant genes, while pathogen mutants that are susceptible to peptides exhibit decreased pathogenicity. For many organisms, AMPs exhibit a wide range of antimicrobial activity against various pathogens and serve as a crucial line of defense. This review raises awareness about plant antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as potential therapeutic agents in the pharmaceutical and medical fields, including treating fungal and bacterial diseases. It also provides a broad synopsis of the main AMP families found in plants, their mechanisms of action, and the factors that influence their antimicrobial activities.
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Chemical Profiling and Antibacterial Potential of Methanol Extract of Solanum xanthocarpum Fruits against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Implications for AMR Management
Available online: 03 March 2025More LessAimTo investigate the antimicrobial potential of methanol fruit extract of Solanum xanthocarpum against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and elucidate its mode of action.
BackgroundThe rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) demands the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies to combat resistant pathogens.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Solanum xanthocarpum methanol extract against MRSA, and identify its active constituents and mechanism of action.
MethodsThe fruits of Solanum xanthocarpum were extracted using various solvents, with hexane and methanol yielding the highest results. Microbroth dilution assays assessed antimicrobial activity, while in vitro assays such as Alamar blue, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), protein, and nucleic acid leakage examined metabolic disruption and cell membrane integrity. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify active compounds, and molecular docking studies assessed interactions with key MRSA proteins.
ResultsThe methanol extract demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against MRSA, causing metabolic disruption and leakage of cellular contents as evidenced by various in vitro assays including alarm blue, SEM, and protein and nucleic acid leakage assay. GC-MS analysis identified alpha-linoleic acid and palmitic acid as key active components. Molecular docking studies confirmed their inhibition of beta-lactamase activity, cell wall biosynthesis, efflux pumps, and virulence factors.
ConclusionThe findings suggest that Solanum xanthocarpum methanol fruit extract has promising potential as a natural remedy against AMR associated with MRSA.
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Application of Artificial Intelligence-Based Approaches in the Discovery and Development of Protein Kinase Inhibitors (PKIs) Targeting Anticancer Activity
Available online: 28 February 2025More LessHerein, we present an in-depth review focused on the application of different artificial intelligence (AI) approaches for developing protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs) targeting anticancer activity, focusing on how the AI-based tools are making promising advances in drug design and development, by predicting active compounds for essential targets involved in cancer. In this context, the machine learning (ML) approach performs a critical role by promoting a fast analysis of a thousand potential inhibitors within a small gap of time by processing large datasets of chemical data, putting it at a higher level than other traditionally used methods for screening molecules. In general, AI-based screening of compounds reduces the time of the work and increases the chances of success in the end. Additionally, we have covered recent studies focused on the application of deep neural networks (DNNs) and quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) to identify PKIs. Furthermore, the paper covers new AI-based methodologies for filtering or improving datasets of potential compounds or even targets, such as generative models for the creation of novel compounds and ML-based strategies to collect information from different databases, increasing the efficiency in drug design and development. Finally, this review highlights how AI-based tools are increasing and improving the field of PKIs targeting cancer, making them an alternative for the future in the medicinal chemistry field.
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Diverse Therapeutic Potentials of Hypericin: An In-Depth Review
Authors: Sandeep Kumar Maurya, Sheetal Divakar, Sunny Rathee and Umesh Kumar PatilAvailable online: 27 February 2025More LessBackgroundThis review is delving into determining the content and significance of hypericin, a pharmacologically important constituent commonly known as St. John's Wort (SJW). The paper explores the rich history of Hypericin's traditional use in alternative medicine and the recent surge in scientific interest surrounding its bioactive properties.
ObjectiveThis review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis the therapeutic potentials of hypericin, focusing on its chemistry, extraction, sources, stability, pharmacokinetics, safety profile, and multifunctional applications in drug and medicinal fields as well as advancements in Bioengineering Approaches for Enhanced Hypericin Delivery.
MethodsWe performed a non-systematic search of journals. Literature using computerized methods was conducted, utilizing databases such as Medline (PubMed), ChemSciFinder, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Scirus Library. To effectively identify the most important and relevant research articles, scientific studies, clinical studies and review articles on hypericin were searched using different keywords: “Hypericum”, “traditional use”, “phytochemistry”, “pharmacology”, “drug delivery” and “bioactivity”. Thus, articles available from 1984 to 2024 were analyzed and collected. The selection process for the review primarily considered the originality of the paper and its clinical applications.
ResultsAlthough hypericin is not a novel compound within the research community, it is gaining renewed recognition and showing great effectiveness as a promising agent in the field of medical diagnostics and has promising applications as a therapeutic.
ConclusionHere, our current comprehensive review of hypericin, its potential and its activities is intended to contribute to this ongoing process actively. Overall, this review provided theoretical direction for future hypericin research. Future studies should, therefore, focus further on the pharmacological processes, pharmacokinetics, and chemistry of hypericin and hypericin-based drug delivery systems. This comprehensive review of hypericin aims to actively contribute to ongoing research and provide a theoretical direction for future studies.
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Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin in Type 2 Diabetes Based on a Network Pharmacology Study
Available online: 13 February 2025More LessIntroductionCurrently, there are pharmacological treatments for type 2 diabetes (T2D), but these are ineffective. Quercetin is a flavonoid with antidiabetic properties.
ObjectiveThis research aimed to identify the molecular mechanism of Quercetin in T2D from network pharmacology.
MethodsWe obtained T2D-related genes from MalaCards and DisGeNET, while potential targets for Quercetin were sourced from SwissTargetPrediction and Comparative Toxicogenomics databases. The overlapping genes were identified and analyzed using ShinyGO 0.77. Subsequently, we constructed a protein-protein interaction network using Cytoscape, conducted molecular docking analyses with SwissDock, and validated the results through molecular dynamics simulation in GROMACS.
ResultsQuercetin is involved in apoptotic processes and in the regulation of insulin activity, estrogen, prolactin and EGFR receptor. The key driver genes AKT1, GSK3B, SRC, IGF1R, MMP9, ESR2, PIK3R1, and MMP2 showed high concordance in the molecular docking study, and molecular dynamics showed stability between Quercetin and ESR2 and PIK3R1.
ConclusionsOur work helps to identify the molecular mechanism and antidiabetic effect of quercetin, which needs to be studied experimentally.
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WISP3/CCN6 Adipocytokine Marker in Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and its Association with Some Risk Factors
Available online: 11 February 2025More LessIntroductionCCN6/WISP3 is a member of the CCN adipokines family that can exert multiple effects on metabolic pathways. So far, the function of CCN6 in the pathogenesis of NAFLD has not been known well. Hence, we aimed to examine CCN6 serum levels in patients with NAFLD compared to healthy individuals and its association with some risk factors for the first time.
MethodThis case-control study measured serum levels of CCN6, TNF-α, IL-6, adiponectin, and fasting insulin using ELISA kits in 88 NAFLD patients and 88 controls. In addition, other biochemical variables, including AST, ALT, lipid profiles, and FBG, were determined using an Auto analyzer instrument.
ResultsA remarkable decrease in CCN6 levels was found in the NAFLD patients (1501.9543 ± 483.414 pg/ml) compared to the healthy group (1899.4856 ± 559.704 pg/ml, P < 0.001). In NAFLD patients, a negatively notable correlation was observed between CCN6 and the levels of insulin (r = -0.278, P = 0.011), HOMA-IR (r = -0.268, P = 0.014), as well as TNF-α (r = -0.343, P = 0.001). A remarkable association was found between CCN6 and the risk factor of NAFLD in the adjusted model for gender, age, and BMI with OR = 0.867 (95% CI, [0.806-0.931], P < 0.001).
ConclusionOur findings showed a significant reduction in CCN6 levels in the NAFLD patients compared to the healthy group, as well as the developing risk of NAFLD enhanced with the decrease of CCN6 levels.
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