Chemistry & Biodiversity最新文献

The 7-chloro-4-(phenylselanyl)quinoline (4-PSQ) stands out for its potential antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. Thus, in this study we investigated the structure-activity relationship of 4-PSQ and its analogues 7-chloro-4-[(4-fluorophenyl) selanyl]quinoline (a), 7-chloro-4-{[3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl] selanyl}quinoline (b), 4-((3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)selanyl-7-chloroquinoline (c), 7-chloro-4-[(2,4,6-trimethyl)selanyl]quinolinic acid (d) and 7-chloroquinoline-4-selenium acid (e) in models of acute inflammation and chemical, thermal and mechanical nociception in mice, as well as by in silico methods. The compounds a (-F), b (-CF3), c (-Bis-CF3), d (-CH3), e (-OOH) and 4-PSQ exert antinociceptive effects in chemical and thermal nociception models, except compounds d (-CH3) and e (-OOH) that did not show antinociceptive effects in the hot plate test. In addition, treatments with all compounds did not cause locomotor changes in mice. In silico data  the compounds revealed that only compound c (Bis-CF3) exhibited low gastrointestinal absorption and that compounds c (Bis-CF3) and e (-OOH) do not have the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, indicating that compound e (-OOH) did not produce a central antinociceptive effect. Furthermore, we found that this class of compounds has a higher affinity for COX-2 than for COX-1. In general, our data indicate that the insertion of substituents can alter the efficiency of 4-PSQ as an antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory agent.

The development of effective treatments for dental pathogens and oral cancer remains a significant challenge. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are recognized for their strong antimicrobial properties, attributed to the synthesis of oxygen-dependent radicals. α-Mangostin (MG), a natural xanthone from mangosteen fruit, is well-known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer potential.  Antioxidant activity was assessed using superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical anion. The anticancer potential was evaluated by examining apoptosis induction in oral cancer cell lines, focusing on the expression of key apoptotic markers such as Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and FasL. Molecular docking simulations were performed to understand the interaction between MG and biofilm receptors. The CuO-MG NPs evidenced significant antimicrobial efficacy against all tested oral pathogens, with enhanced efficacy attributed to the combined effects of CuO-induced oxidative stress and the antimicrobial properties of MG.  Molecular docking studies revealed strong binding affinities of MG to key biofilm receptors, disrupting pathogen adhesion and biofilm formation. CuO-MG NPs demonstrate synergistic antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, offering a potential approach for the management of oral infections and oral cancer. Further preclinical and clinical studies are recommended to ensure their safety and stability in medical applications.

Loureirin B (LB), an active component of Resina Draconis, exhibits hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects; however, its mode of action remains unclear. Here, ob/ob mice were utilized to investigate the effects of LB on the regulation of glucolipid metabolism disorders. Non-targeted metabolomics and 16S rDNA sequencing were performed to elucidate the potential mechanisms involved. Results indicated that LB treatment (45 mg/kg) significantly improved glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, reduced lipid levels, and alleviated hepatic steatosis. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that LB treatment regulated bile acid levels. Quantification of liver bile acids demonstrated that LB treatment significantly decreased the ratio of 12α-OH to non-12α-OH bile acids in the liver. 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that LB treatment increased the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing microbiota while decreasing the abundance of bile salt hydrolase (BSH) enzyme-producing microbiota. In conclusion, LB ameliorates glucolipid metabolism disorders by regulating liver bile acid levels and modulating the composition of the gut microbiota.

A study was conducted to analyze the essential oil of Pulicaria mauritanica (PMEO) and investigate its antibacterial and antioxidant properties using in vitro and in-silico methods. The essential oil was extracted using the hydrodistillation technique, and its chemical composition was identified via GC/MS analysis. The chemical composition of oil shows that the major components of PMEO are carvotanacetone (67.92%) followed by 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (3.62%), eucalyptol (1.76%) and tetrahydrocarvone (1.32%). The antibacterial and antioxidant effects against DPPH free radicals and ferric reducing power were tested using the in vitro microdilution method. The antibacterial activity showed a strong sensitivity against Bacillus subtilis and Proteus mirabilis with an inhibition zone of (22.33 ± 1.78 mm and 19.3 ± 0.68 mm, respectively; the lowest MIC and MBC values were (MIC=MBC=1.56 mg/mL). However, computational studies were carried out using molecular docking studies. The study of the interaction nature between (PMEO) essential oil and tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase from Staphylococcus aureus aids in understanding the antibacterial properties of essential oil molecules and their mechanism of action. The in-silico toxicity and pharmacokinetics results show that 4-candidate molecules have potential antibacterial drugs and suggests that PMEO could be a source of natural antioxidants and antibacterial agents.

Quinolone alkaloids are N-heterocycles with extensive structural diversity, mainly derived from in fungi from anthranilic acid and amino acids as precursors with a wide range of biological activities as antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal activities. The quinolone basic skeleton comprised of either 2-quinolones or 4-quinolones generated more than one hundred compounds. Several reviews discussed quinolones; particularly, the fluoroquinolones, yet few studies tackled natural quinolones. Many of these quinolones were not assayed for their antimicrobial potential despite their unique stereospecificity, which can supersede synthetic quinolones if their discovery is coupled with OMICS techniques, biochemical and molecular strategies as heterologous expression to maximize their yield. Herein, we conducted a comprehensive review of the quinolone's family in Aspergillus and Penicillium species, the exclusive producers of quinolones whether they are soil, endophytic or marine derived highlighting their isolation, chemical structures, pharmacological effects, structure activity relationships if any, and biosynthetic machinery. We believe that our initiative will pave the way for further development of natural quinolones as future antimicrobial agents.

The Capsicum genus includes several cultivated species that release complex blends of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with their unique aroma. These VOCs are essential info-chemicals in ecological interactions. In this review, we describe how the volatilomic profiling naturally varies based on specific plant organs and genotypes as well as how non-beneficial organisms affect VOCs biosynthesis and accumulation in pepper plants. Also, we show evidence about VOCs variation under the pressure of different abiotic factors such as water stress, soil type and nutrient availability. The contribution of specific metabolic pathways and gene expression related to the biosynthesis of particular VOCs is addressed. We highlighted the utility of VOCs as chemical markers for quality control in the food industry, breeding programs to generate resistant plants and to improve aroma innovation. Herein we present a database containing 2734 VOCs, revealing 113 as the basic core of the volatilome from five Capsicum species.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent chronic degenerative joint disease among the aged population. The primary objective of this study was to assess the therapeutic potential of puerarin loaded bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (Pue@BMSC-Exo), and reveal their inflammatory regulating mechanisms through affecting the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. In this study, exosomes derived from BMSCs were isolated and identified. Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated by CCK-8 and scratch methods. Furthermore, histological and micro-computed tomography analysis were performed to assess alterations of articular cartilage in OA rats. Results showed that BMSC-Exo and Pue@BMSC-Exo conformed to the basic characteristics of exosomes. BMSC-Exo increased the solubility of Pue and enhanced drug uptake by chondrocytes. In addition, Pue@BMSC-Exo stimulated proliferation and migration of chondrocyte, and also promoted cartilage repair by reducing matrix metalloproteinase MMP13 production and increasing type II collagen (Col2) synthesis. Furthermore, Pue@BMSC-Exo, by effectively inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, reduced the production of inflammatory mediators and attenuated the release of the inflammatory marker nitric oxide (NO), ultimately ameliorating damage of chondrocyte. These findings exhibited the potential therapeutic significance of Pue@BMSC-Exo in OA and warranted further exploration in clinical applications.

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural antioxidant known for its diverse biological activities. Although its diuretic activity has been previously established, the mode of action remained unclear. To investigate this, we examined the diuretic activity of RA alone and in combination with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), amiloride (AML), atropine (ATR), and indomethacin (INDO) to see if any of these drugs could interfere with RA's activity in an 8-hour acute diuresis animal model. We observed that RA increases urine excretion and may have a synergistic effect in the HCTZ+RA group, with a potassium-sparing capacity. In the AML+RA group, we also noted increased urine excretion while sodium and potassium excretion decreased. ATR and INDO prevented RA from increasing urine excretion, suggesting a potential interaction with muscarinic receptors or a role in promoting prostaglandin production. Additionally, molecular docking analysis indicated possible interactions with key receptors involved in increased diuresis or free-electrolyte water excretion.

The chemical composition of the essential oil isolated from the aerial parts of Teucrium aureo-candidum, an endemic aromatic shrub collected from Moghrar and Djeniene Bourezg in the Nâama region (Algeria), was determined for the first time using GC/FID and GC/MS. A total of 45 constituents were identified, representing 87.73% of the oil. Characterized by unique chemical variability, it was primarily composed of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (29.53%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (30.06%), with the major compounds being γ-cadinene (5.24%), δ-cadinene (4.24%), α-muurolene (4.04%), τ-muurolol (11.35%), and α-cadinol (3.30%). However, monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes accounted for 23.98% and 1.64%, respectively, contributing to a relatively low fraction. The essential oil demonstrated notable antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. Due to safety concerns associated with triclosan, a known inhibitor of the Enoyl-Acyl Carrier Protein Reductase (FabI) enzyme, the essential oil components from this plant were explored as alternatives through a combination of experimental approaches and in silico molecular docking studies. The results revealed that α-cadinol, spathulenol, caryophyllene, and α-muurolene exhibited strong FabI inhibition, with better bioavailability and lower toxicity than triclosan, highlighting their potential in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

This study aimed to assess the biological activities of Tunisian Simmondsia chinensis and characterize their potential bioactive compounds. Different extracts of S. chinensis were tested for their antioxidant, antibacterial, anti α-amylase, and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities through in vitro assays. The methanolic extract exhibited the highest levels of antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (976.03 GAE/g extract) compared to the other extracts. Additionally, it demonstrated a substantial anti-acetylcholinesterase activity (PI= 75%) and potent antibacterial property, particularly against Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella enterica. The IC50 values of ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts against α-amylase were 42 μg/mL and 40 μg/mL, respectively, indicating potent anti-diabetic effects. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analyses identified flavonoids and lignans as the major phenolic compounds in the methanolic extract. To better comprehend the mechanisms behind inhibitory effects on α-amylase and acetylcholinesterase enzymes, a molecular docking study was conducted. Consequently, these findings indicate that S. chinensis is a highly valuable natural resource with potential industrial applications.