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The proto-oncogene c-KIT plays a key role in several cellular processes such as cell growth, survival, and proliferation. The overexpression of c-KIT has been implicated with the pathogenesis of several malignancies, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), mastocytosis, and melanoma. Mutation of c-KIT has been observed in acral, mucosal, and chronically sun-damaged melanoma subtypes marking it as a key therapeutic target for melanoma. Moreover, the increasing incidence and mortality rate associated with melanoma further marks the importance of developing new therapeutic modalities. Herein, the progress in the design, structure–activity relationship, mechanisms, and development of c-KIT small molecule inhibitors for melanoma is discussed with the aim of guiding future c-KIT-based melanoma therapeutics.

The antidiabetic efficacy of Elaeocarpus grandis, belonging to the Family Elaeocarpaceae, was investigated using the streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia model. The ethyl acetate and petroleum ether fractions demonstrated a notable hypoglycemic impact in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), compared to the negative control group. The chemical assessment of these fractions resulted in the isolation and identification of six known compounds (17–22). LC-HR-ESI-MS metabolomic profiling yielded the provisional identification of sixteen metabolites (1–16) across various chemical classes. In silico investigations, encompassing molecular docking and dynamics simulations, indicated that the compounds heterophylliin A (22), as well as habbemine A (12) and elaeocarpinoside (15), can interact with critical enzymes implicated in glucose metabolism, specifically dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and aldose reductase. Moreover, heterophylliin A (22) markedly decreased the expression of inflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and TGF-β) in diabetic rats. These findings prompt additional research on E. grandis, specifically its bioactive constituent heterophylliin A, which exhibits intriguing antidiabetic effects and warrants further exploration as a potential treatment agent for T2DM.

3-Deoxysappanchalcone (3-DSC), extracted from Caesalpinia sappan L., is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, anti-influenza, and anti-allergic effects, but its antithrombotic properties have not been investigated. This study explores whether 3-DSC exhibits antithrombotic effects and examines the mechanisms involved. The antithrombotic properties of 3-DSC were assessed through various methods, including tests for clotting times, platelet aggregation analysis, evaluation of factor Xa activity and production, nitric oxide levels, and the expression of related proteins. This study found that 3-DSC extended the clotting time in human platelet-poor plasma at levels comparable to rivaroxaban, a standard anticoagulant, and reduced platelet aggregation triggered by ADP or the thromboxane A2 analog U46619. Additionally, 3-DSC suppressed the phosphorylation of PLCγ2 and PKC, as well as intracellular calcium release, which are essential for platelet aggregation. It also decreased the expression of adhesion molecules P-selectin and PAC-1. Furthermore, 3-DSC promoted nitric oxide production while reducing endothelin-1 secretion in endothelial cells exposed to ADP or U46619. Lastly, it inhibited both the activity and production of coagulation factor Xa in endothelial cells and prevented activated factor X (FXa)-induced platelet aggregation. Injection of 3-DSC significantly shortened the time required for thrombus resolution, reduced the size and number of thrombi, and decreased mortality in mouse models of thromboembolism. The study demonstrates that 3-DSC effectively exhibits antithrombotic activity by prolonging the clotting time, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and reducing factor Xa activity, comparable to standard anticoagulants. These findings highlight the potential of 3-DSC as a promising therapeutic agent targeting multiple pathways involved in thrombosis, with reduced side effects.

The natural polyphenol resveratrol, found in several plants, has garnered significant interest due to its beneficial effects on health and for its potential anticancer properties. Studies have demonstrated that it can alter various signaling pathways linked to cancer development and that it inhibits tumor development and spread by exerting several antiproliferative, proapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic mechanisms. Its role in regulating oxidative stress and epigenetic modifications further enhances its therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, despite promising preclinical results, clinical translation is to some extent limited by bioavailability, metabolism, and dosage. This updated review explores the mechanisms, also from a structural point of view, behind the anticancer properties of resveratrol, focusing on its impact on crucial signaling networks in different cancer models. Additionally, it overviews the current limitations of resveratrol-based treatments and suggests potential improvements through innovative delivery methods, drug combination approaches, and development of new derivatives. This review was conceived as an update with respect to contributions already present in the literature, thus particular attention has been dedicated to the contribution reported in the literature within the last 5 years and to these studies reporting in vivo data.

Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder that is more commonly observed in women than in men. The activation of trigeminal vascular pathways and the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are central to its pathogenesis. Notably, amylin and CGRP share the amylin-1 (AMY1) receptor, which is expressed in key structures implicated in migraine mechanisms. Recent research has highlighted the AMY1 receptor as a promising therapeutic target for migraine treatment. Sulforaphane, a natural compound recognized for its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, has gained interest for its potential benefits in this context. This study evaluated the protective effects of sulforaphane against nitroglycerin induced migraine in female mice, comparing its efficacy to the standard migraine medication, topiramate. Migraine was induced using nitroglycerin (10 mg/kg, i.p., administered every other day), and treatments included sulforaphane (5 mg/kg/day, i.p.) or topiramate (30 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for a duration of 9 days. Sulforaphane demonstrated significant improvements in behavioral symptoms such as photophobia, head grooming, and both mechanical and thermal allodynia. These behavioral changes were accompanied by reductions in serum levels of nitric oxide, CGRP, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Histological analysis revealed that sulforaphane ameliorated nitroglycerin induced damage in the trigeminal ganglia and trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Additionally, sulforaphane reduced AMY1 receptor expression in the medulla and inhibited its downstream signaling components, including phosphorylated ERK1/2, P38, and c-Fos. Sulforaphane further enhanced the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway while suppressing the NF-κB/NLRP3/caspase-1 signaling cascade. The findings suggest that sulforaphane may offer a novel therapeutic approach for managing migraines by modulating AMY1 receptor-related signaling pathways.

Pulmonary edema and acute respiratory failure, developing due to the vascular endothelium dysfunction, are common side effects of anticancer therapy. This study is the first approach to create an in vitro model system to estimate vascular response at the drug development/improvement stage and to determine whether it is possible to select an antitumor drug dose effectively suppressing malignant cells without a pathological effect on the endothelial cells function. In this study (1) the doses of several clinically used antitumor drugs suppressing the common tumor cell proliferation were determined experimentally; (2) the endothelial cell viability after exposure to selected doses of these drugs was assessed in vitro; (3) changes in the endothelial monolayer condition, as well as cultured endothelial cell reactions and intracellular disorders accompanying the effects of selected drugs doses were studied in vitro using the intravital observations and super-resolution microscopy methods. This approach allowed to select antitumor drug concentrations inhibiting cell proliferation in selected tumor lines, but having no critical effect on the viability of endothelial cells and their cytoskeletal structures. As the result, an in vitro model system for studying the side effects of medications on vascular permeability was created.

This study reports the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a novel series of 1,3,4-thiadiazole-based derivatives as dual B-Raf and VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitors with potential anticancer activity. Among the synthesized compounds, 7b emerged as the most potent candidate, exhibiting strong cytotoxicity against the MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines (IC₅₀ = 9.66 and 15.83 µM, respectively), with minimal toxicity toward normal WI-38 and WISH cells, reflected by favorable selectivity indices. Compound 7b, featuring a unique structural assembly of a 2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazole core, a para-methoxyphenyl group, and a sulfonamide-linked methylpiperidine moiety, exhibited superior dual-inhibitory activity. It showed IC₅₀ values of 0.75 µM for B-Raf and 58.13 nM for VEGFR-2. Flow cytometry and gene expression analysis revealed that 7b induces G1-phase cell-cycle arrest and promotes apoptosis through the upregulation of BAX, caspases-8/9, and downregulation of Bcl-2. Compound 7b also inhibited cell migration in wound-healing assays. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis indicated that para-substituted electron-donating groups enhanced cytotoxic potency. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stable binding of 7b to the kinase active sites, supported by favorable Glide scores (–25.47 kcal/mol for VEGFR-2 and –31.64 kcal/mol) and MM-GBSA (molecular mechanics with generalized Born and surface area solvation) binding energies. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further validated the compound's electronic stability and reactivity. These integrated findings suggest that compound 7b is a promising lead for further development as a selective dual kinase inhibitor for breast cancer therapy.

Purinergic signaling is modulated by extracellular enzymes known as ectonucleotidases. Ecto-5′-nucleotidase and NTPDases are part of the ectonucleotidase family. NTPDases control ATP levels through hydrolysis, whereas ecto-5′-NT collaborates with NTPDase to break down nucleotide molecule. Due to their roles in inflammation, infection, and cancer, both enzymes present promising targets for therapeutic interventions. In this study, we present a novel and environment-friendly synthetic approach for the creation of small molecules that are not based on nucleotides, specifically substituted sulfonyl-piperazine-based thiosemicarbazone derivatives 7(a–s). We assessed their inhibitory effects on ecto-5′-nucleotidase and NTPDase1, 2, 3, and 8. Most of the compounds displayed excellent inhibition against one or more forms, while some displayed selective inhibition. To gain a deeper understanding of how the synthesized compounds interact with the isoenzymes, we conducted molecular docking studies. Additionally, ADME analyses were performed to predict the pharmacokinetic properties of these compounds. The integration of in vitro and in silico studies enabled the identification of compounds with potential inhibitory activity and favorable binding orientations. The observed results provide compelling evidence for the potency of the biologically active scaffold, sulfonylpiperazine, as a powerful and selective NTPDase inhibitor.