Compounds with Medicinal Value (2nd Volume)

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Antibiotics antibiotics	4.8	5.5	2012	13.7 Days	CHF 2900
Biomolecules biomolecules	5.5	8.3	2011	16.9 Days	CHF 2700
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	5.6	7.8	2000	16.3 Days	CHF 2900
Marine Drugs marinedrugs	5.4	9.6	2003	14 Days	CHF 2900
Pharmaceuticals pharmaceuticals	4.6	4.7	2004	14.6 Days	CHF 2900

23 pages, 7109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Thiazolidine-2,4-dione-trimethoxybenzene-thiazole Hybrids as Human Topoisomerases Inhibitors

by Maria Stefania Sinicropi, Jessica Ceramella, Patrice Vanelle, Domenico Iacopetta, Camillo Rosano, Omar Khoumeri, Shawkat Abdelmohsen, Wafaa Abdelhady and Hussein El-Kashef

Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(7), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16070946 - 29 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1313

Abstract

Cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease and is still one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, mostly as the population ages. Despite the encouraging advances made over the years in chemotherapy, the development of new compounds for cancer treatments [...] Read more.

Cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease and is still one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, mostly as the population ages. Despite the encouraging advances made over the years in chemotherapy, the development of new compounds for cancer treatments is an urgent priority. In recent years, the design and chemical synthesis of several innovative hybrid molecules, which bring different pharmacophores on the same scaffold, have attracted the interest of many researchers. Following this strategy, we designed and synthetized a series of new hybrid compounds that contain three pharmacophores, namely trimethoxybenzene, thiazolidinedione and thiazole, and tested their anticancer properties on two breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) cell lines and one melanoma (A2058) cell line. The most active compounds were particularly effective against the MCF-7 cells and did not affect the viability of the normal MCF-10A cells. Docking simulations indicated the human Topoisomerases I and II (hTopos I and II) as possible targets of these compounds, the inhibitory activity of which was demonstrated by the mean of direct enzymatic assays. Particularly, compound 7e was proved to inhibit both the hTopo I and II, whereas compounds 7c,d blocked only the hTopo II. Finally, compound 7e was responsible for MCF-7 cell death by apoptosis. The reported results are promising for the further design and synthesis of other analogues potentially active as anticancer tools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Compounds with Medicinal Value (2nd Volume))

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18 pages, 3401 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Three-Step Process to Isolate Large Quantities of Bioactive Sesquiterpene Lactones from Cichorium intybus L. Roots and Semisynthesis of Chicory STLs Standards

by Francesca Ruggieri, Philippe Hance, Bruna Gioia, Alexandre Biela, Pascal Roussel, Jean-Louis Hilbert and Nicolas Willand

Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(5), 771; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16050771 - 22 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1504

Abstract

Sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) are a large group of terpenoids most commonly found in plants of the Asteraceae family, e.g., in chicory plants, displaying a wide range of interesting biological activities. However, further studies on the biological potential of chicory-derived STLs and analogues are [...] Read more.

Sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) are a large group of terpenoids most commonly found in plants of the Asteraceae family, e.g., in chicory plants, displaying a wide range of interesting biological activities. However, further studies on the biological potential of chicory-derived STLs and analogues are challenging as only four of these molecules are commercially available (as analytical standards), and to date, there are no published or patented simple extraction–purification processes capable of large-scale STLs isolation. In this work, we describe a novel three-step large-scale extraction and purification method for the simultaneous purification of 11,13-dihydrolactucin (DHLc) and lactucin (Lc) starting from a chicory genotype rich in these STLs and the corresponding glucosyl and oxalyl conjugated forms. After a small-scale screening on 100 mg of freeze-dried chicory root powder, the best results were achieved with a 17 h water maceration at 30 °C. With these conditions, we managed to increase the content of DHLc and Lc, at the same time favoring the hydrolysis of their conjugated forms. On a larger scale, the extraction of 750 g of freeze-dried chicory root powder, followed by a liquid–liquid extraction step and a reversed-phase chromatography, allowed the recovery of 642.3 ± 76.3 mg of DHLc and 175.3 ± 32.9 mg of Lc. The two pure STLs were subsequently used in the context of semisynthesis to generate analogues for biological evaluation as antibacterial agents. In addition, other described chicory STLs that are not commercially available were also synthesized or extracted to serve as analytical standards for the study. In particular, lactucin-oxalate and 11,13-dihydrolactucin-oxalate were synthesized in two steps starting from Lc and DHLc, respectively. On the other hand, 11β,13-dihydrolactucin-glucoside was obtained after a MeOH/H₂O (70/30) extraction, followed by a liquid–liquid extraction step and a reversed-phase chromatography. Together, this work will help facilitate the evaluation of the biological potential of chicory-derived STLs and their semisynthetic analogues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Compounds with Medicinal Value (2nd Volume))

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17 pages, 2529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thiopurines Analogues with Additional Ring: Synthesis, Spectroscopic Properties, and Anticancer Potency

by Katarzyna Krancewicz, Karolina Nowicka-Bauer, Katarzyna Fiedorowicz, Bronislaw Marciniak and Katarzyna Taras-Goslinska

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(10), 8990; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24108990 - 19 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1124

Abstract

Purine scaffolds constitute a starting point for the synthesis of numerous chemotherapeutics used in treating cancer, viruses, parasites, as well as bacterial and fungal infections. In this work, we synthesized a group of guanosine analogues containing an additional five-membered ring and a sulfur [...] Read more.

Purine scaffolds constitute a starting point for the synthesis of numerous chemotherapeutics used in treating cancer, viruses, parasites, as well as bacterial and fungal infections. In this work, we synthesized a group of guanosine analogues containing an additional five-membered ring and a sulfur atom at the C-9 position. The spectral, photophysical, and biological properties of the synthesized compounds were investigated. The spectroscopic studies revealed that a combination of the thiocarbonyl chromophore and the tricyclic structure of guanine analogues shifts the absorption region above 350 nm, allowing for selective excitation when present in biological systems. Unfortunately, due to the low fluorescence quantum yield, this process cannot be used to monitor the presence of these compounds in cells. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their effect on the viability of human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) and mouse fibroblast (NIH/3T3) cells. It was found that all of them display anticancer activity. In vitro studies were preceded by in silico ADME and PASS analyses, which confirmed that the designed compounds are promising candidates for anticancer agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Compounds with Medicinal Value (2nd Volume))

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9 pages, 1190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibacterial Effects of X-ray and MRI Contrast Media: An In Vitro Pilot Study

by Michael P. Brönnimann, Lea Hirzberger, Peter M. Keller and Monika Gsell-Albert

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(4), 3470; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24043470 - 09 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1861

Abstract

Some radiological contrast agents have been shown to have effects on bacterial growth. In this study, the antibacterial effect and mechanism of action of iodinated X-ray contrast agents (Ultravist 370, Iopamiro 300, Telebrix Gastro 300 and Visipaque) and complexed lanthanide MRI contrast solutions [...] Read more.

Some radiological contrast agents have been shown to have effects on bacterial growth. In this study, the antibacterial effect and mechanism of action of iodinated X-ray contrast agents (Ultravist 370, Iopamiro 300, Telebrix Gastro 300 and Visipaque) and complexed lanthanide MRI contrast solutions (MultiHance and Dotarem) were tested against six different microorganisms. Bacteria with high and low concentrations were exposed to media containing different contrast media for various lengths of time and at pH 7.0 and 5.5. The antibacterial effect of the media was examined in further tests using agar disk diffusion analysis and the microdilution inhibition method. Bactericidal effects were found for microorganisms at low concentrations and low pH. Reductions were confirmed for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Compounds with Medicinal Value (2nd Volume))

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17 pages, 4427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diclofenac and Meloxicam Exhibited Anti-Virulence Activities Targeting Staphyloxanthin Production in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

by Rana A. Elmesseri, Sarra E. Saleh, Sarah A. Ghobish, Taghreed A. Majrashi, Heba M. Elsherif and Khaled M. Aboshanab

Antibiotics 2023, 12(2), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12020277 - 31 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1662

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a worldwide leading versatile pathogen that causes a wide range of serious infections. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance against S. aureus resulted in an urgent need to develop new antimicrobials in the new era. The methicillin-resistant [...] Read more.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a worldwide leading versatile pathogen that causes a wide range of serious infections. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance against S. aureus resulted in an urgent need to develop new antimicrobials in the new era. The methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) prevalence in hospital and community settings necessitates the discovery of novel anti-pathogenic agents. Staphyloxanthin (STX) is a key virulence factor for the survival of MRSA against host innate immunity. The current work aimed to demonstrate the anti-virulence properties of meloxicam (MXM) as compared to diclofenac (DC), which was previously reported to mitigate the virulence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and test their activities in STX production. A total of 80 S. aureus clinical isolates were included, wherein a qualitative and quantitative assessment of STX inhibition by diclofenac and meloxicam was performed. The quantitative gene expression of STX biosynthetic genes (crtM, crtN and sigB) and hla (coded for α-hemolysin) as a virulence gene with and without DC and MXM was conducted, followed by molecular docking analysis for further confirmation. DC and MXM potently inhibited the synthesis of STX at 47 and 59 µg/mL to reach 79.3–98% and 80.6–96.7% inhibition, respectively. Treated cells also revealed a significant downregulation of virulence genes responsible for STX synthesis, such as crtM, crtN and global transcriptional regulator sigB along with the hla gene. Furthermore, computational studies unveiled strong interactions between the CrtM binding site and DC/MXM. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential role and repurposing of DC and MXM as adjuvants to conventional antimicrobials and as an anti-virulent to combat MRSA infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Compounds with Medicinal Value (2nd Volume))

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14 pages, 3333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stabilization of Acne Vulgaris-Associated Microbial Dysbiosis with 2% Supramolecular Salicylic Acid

by Hazrat Bilal, Yuanyuan Xiao, Muhammad Nadeem Khan, Jinyu Chen, Qian Wang, Yuebin Zeng and Xinyu Lin

Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16010087 - 08 Jan 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3202

Abstract

Facial microbiota dysbiosis is an important factor in causing acne vulgaris. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of 2% Supramolecular Salicylic Acid (SSA) on acne-associated facial bacteria. In the current study, 30 acne vulgaris patients (treated with 2% SSA for eight [...] Read more.

Facial microbiota dysbiosis is an important factor in causing acne vulgaris. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of 2% Supramolecular Salicylic Acid (SSA) on acne-associated facial bacteria. In the current study, 30 acne vulgaris patients (treated with 2% SSA for eight weeks) and ten volunteers with no facial acne were selected. Samples from acne patients (before and after treatment) and volunteers (not treated) were analyzed via high throughput sequencing, Deblur algorithm, and R microbiome package. After treatment with 2% SSA, the total lesion count and global acne grading system (GAGS) score reduced significantly (p < 0.001). Metagenomic sequencing analysis revealed that the pre-treated acne group had low α and deviated β diversity compared to the control and post-treated acne groups. Due to the treatment with 2% SSA, α diversity index was increased and β diversity was stabilized significantly (p < 0.001). The relative abundance of bacterial genera in the pre-treated acne group was uneven and had a high proportion of Staphylococcus, Ralstonia, and Streptococcus. The proportion of these three genera was significantly decreased in the post-treated group, and overall bacteria genera distribution tends toward the healthy individual. It is concluded that 2% SSA normalizes the microbial communities associated with the skin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Compounds with Medicinal Value (2nd Volume))

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14 pages, 1829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenylbenzohydrazides Obtained from Isatoic Anhydride Present Anti-Inflammatory Activity In Vivo and In Vitro

by João Pedro Barros Paiva, Millena Santos Cordeiro, Patricia Ribeiro Carvalho França, Luiz Octavio Pereira Branco, Isabela Souza Santos, Nanashara Figueiredo Reis, Patrick Pedro Pimentel, Thais Biondino Sardella Giorno, Evanoel Crizanto Lima and Patricia Dias Fernandes

Biomolecules 2022, 12(12), 1901; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12121901 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1355

Abstract

Background: Despite the existence of a wide variety of anti-inflammatory drugs, the vast majority are classified as steroidal or non-steroidal. Both classes present a variety of side effects that limit usage. Thus, the search for new molecules with anti-inflammatory potential is still important. [...] Read more.

Background: Despite the existence of a wide variety of anti-inflammatory drugs, the vast majority are classified as steroidal or non-steroidal. Both classes present a variety of side effects that limit usage. Thus, the search for new molecules with anti-inflammatory potential is still important. Methods: Five phenylbenzohydrazides were synthetized and evaluated in pre-clinical models of acute inflammation in vivo and in vitro. Results: The new substances (INL-06, -07, -10, and -11), as well as AISCT, significantly reduced cell migration induced by carrageenan. It was also observed that all INLs inhibited protein extravasation as well as cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) production. The INL-11 was demonstrated to be the most potent, since the inhibition observed in several parameters was significant even when compared with dexamethasone. In vitro INLs also reduced cytokines and NO production and inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) enzyme activity. The INL-11 was the most effective in reducing cell migration in vitro. Conclusions: Our data suggest that these substances are suitable for further development into a new series of compounds that could lead to new hits and future drug prototypes for anti-inflammatory conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Compounds with Medicinal Value (2nd Volume))

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19 pages, 1921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Component Characterization, In Vitro Activities and Molecular Mechanism of Cydonia oblonga Mill. against Diabetic

by Bingqing Chi, Xilong Liang, Lihua Wang, Yifei Bian, Meng Zhang, Zhixin Tang, Danyang Wang and Zhenhua Tian

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(12), 1566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15121566 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1511

Abstract

Cydonia Oblonga Mill. is widely distributed in Turkey, Uzbekistan and China and commonly used by the food industry to produce jam, jelly and candies. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antidiabetic activity and anti-diabetic mechanism of Cydonia Oblonga [...] Read more.

Cydonia Oblonga Mill. is widely distributed in Turkey, Uzbekistan and China and commonly used by the food industry to produce jam, jelly and candies. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antidiabetic activity and anti-diabetic mechanism of Cydonia Oblonga Mill. fruit (COMF). The chemical compositions were further characterized in COMF by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap/MS and 65 components including 22 flavonoids, 16 organic acids, 11 polyphenols, 5 amino acids, 3 pentacyclic triterpenoids and 8 other compounds were identified. The antioxidant activity by DPPH scavenging method and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were tested. Furthermore, we detected the effects of COMF extract on the proliferation activity of HUVECs, cell viability of HUVECs under H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress, and NO production. Then, molecular docking activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of seven key flavonoid components selected by bioinformatics analysis and literature in the COMF were studied. Among them, quercetin showed potent inhibitory activity, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, luteolin and apigenin demonstrated moderate inhibitory activity, while rutin and epicatechin exhibited poor inhibitory activity. Subsequently, the effects of quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, leteolin and apigenin on the gene expression levels of AKT1, IL-6 and VEGFA were verified by real-time fluorescence quantification (RT-qPCR). Molecular biology result showed that different active ingredients can significantly recover the levels of AKT1, IL-6 and VEGFA in HUVECs injured by high glucose. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Compounds with Medicinal Value (2nd Volume))

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23 pages, 5813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Discovery of a Novel Bloom’s Syndrome Protein (BLM) Inhibitor Suppressing Growth and Metastasis of Prostate Cancer

by Xiao-Yan Ma, Hou-Qiang Xu, Jia-Fu Zhao, Yong Ruan and Bin Chen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(23), 14798; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232314798 - 26 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2083

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common cancer and a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide in men, necessitating novel targets for cancer therapy. High expression of Bloom’s syndrome protein (BLM) helicase is associated with the occurrence and development of PCa. Therefore, the identification [...] Read more.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common cancer and a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide in men, necessitating novel targets for cancer therapy. High expression of Bloom’s syndrome protein (BLM) helicase is associated with the occurrence and development of PCa. Therefore, the identification and development of new BLM inhibitors may be a new direction for the treatment of PCa. Here, we identified a novel inhibitor by molecular docking and put it to systematic evaluation via various experiments, AO/854, which acted as a competitive inhibitor that blocked the BLM-DNA interaction. Cellular evaluation indicated that AO/854-suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in PC3 cells by enhancing DNA damage, phosphorylating Chk1/Chk2, and altering the p53 signaling pathway. Collectively, the study highlights the potential of BLM as a therapeutic target in PCa and reveals a distinct mechanism by which AO/854 competitively inhibits the function of BLM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Compounds with Medicinal Value (2nd Volume))

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45 pages, 52802 KiB

Open AccessReview

Endophytic Fungi as a Source of Antibacterial Compounds—A Focus on Gram-Negative Bacteria

by Dayse Pereira Dias Silva, Macley Silva Cardoso and Alexandre José Macedo

Antibiotics 2022, 11(11), 1509; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11111509 - 29 Oct 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2567

Abstract

Bacterial resistance has become one of the main motives in the worldwide race for undescribed antibacterial agents. The difficulties in the treatment of bacterial infections are a public health issue that increasingly highlights the need for antimicrobial agents. Endophytic microorganisms are a promising [...] Read more.

Bacterial resistance has become one of the main motives in the worldwide race for undescribed antibacterial agents. The difficulties in the treatment of bacterial infections are a public health issue that increasingly highlights the need for antimicrobial agents. Endophytic microorganisms are a promising alternative in the search for drugs, due to the vast number of metabolites produced with unique characteristics and bioactive potential. This review highlights the importance of endophytic microorganisms as a source of secondary metabolites in the search for active molecules against bacteria of medical importance, with a special focus on gram-negative species. This fact is supported by the findings raised in this review, which brings an arsenal of 166 molecules with characterized chemical structures and their antibacterial activities. In addition, the low cost, ease of maintenance, and optimization-controlled fermentation conditions favor reproducibility in commercial scale. Given their importance, it is necessary to intensify the search for new molecules from endophytic microorganisms, and to increasingly invest in this very promising font. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Compounds with Medicinal Value (2nd Volume))

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