BChE Activity Research Articles

Neuroprotective effect of Lannea egregia Alkaloid-rich leaf extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

BackgroundStudies suggest that medicinal plant extracts can help reduce the neuron degeneration associated with diabetes. In this study, the neuroprotective effect of the alkaloid-rich extract from the leaves of Lannea egregia was assessed in rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ). MethodsLannea egregia alkaloid-rich analysis was carried out via a known procedure. The rats were randomly assigned into five treatment groups (n = 8): normal control, diabetic-induced rats (45 mg/kg STZ), and diabetic rats treated with low doses of Lannea egregia leaf alkaloid-rich extract (50 mg/kg b.w, LEL) and high (100 mg/kg b.w, LEH) (300 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg), and metformin (200 mg/kg). On 22nd day of the experiment, animals were sacrificed, and their blood and brains were collected for neuro-biomarker analysis. ResultsDiabetic-induced rats that received metformin, LEL and LEH exhibited considerably reduced levels of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, NO, MDA, and AChE, BChE activities when compared to untreated diabetic animals. Additionally, rats with diabetes that received treatment with metformin, LEL and LEH displayed a noticeable increase in ENTPDase, Na/K ATPase, GST, CAT, GPx, and SOD activities when compared to the untreated diabetic rats. Histological examination revealed improved brain architecture in the treated groups in contrast to those in diabetic-induced rats. ConclusionThe alkaloid-rich extracts of Lannea egregia might be effective in normalizing brain damage caused by complications of diabetes mellitus.

Investigation of the chemical composition, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory activities of Ononis natrix subsp. natrix, performance of in silico analyses of its major compounds

In this study, phytochemical composition, antioxidant, anti-Alzheimer, anti-diabetic, tyrosinase activities and in silico analyses of methanol, ethyl acetate and water extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Ononis natrix subsp. natrix, which is naturally distributed in the flora of Mediterranean area, were performed. The extracts were first analyzed for their phytochemical composition using quantitative chromatographic techniques. As a result of spectrophotometric analyses (Agilent Technologies 1260 Infinity liquid chromatography system with 6420 Triple Quad mass spectrometer), it was determined that the methanol extract was the richest in terms of total phenolics (74.60 mg GAEs/g dry weight), while the water extract was found to be richest in terms of total flavonoids (27.88 mg REs/g dry weight). As a result of quantitative phytochemical analyses, taxifolin, hyperoside, eriodictiol and quercetin were found to be present in high concentrations. As a result of quantitative phytochemical analyses, taxifolin, hyperoside, eriodictyol, and quercetin were found to be present in high concentrations. The methanol extract displayed higher activity in all test systems except for DPPH radical scavenging activity. The results from the phosphomolybdenum, ABTS radical scavenging, CUPRAC, FRAP, and metal chelating tests for the methanol extract were: 1.71, 1.07, 1.02 mg, 0.91, and 1.47 mg /ml, respectively. When the AChE, BChE and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity tests were evaluated in terms of IC50, the methanol extract showed higher activity with IC50 values of 1.02, 1.70 and 1.02 mg/ml, respectively. In contrast, the ethyl acetate extract showed higher activity in the tyrosinase and α-amylase tests, with IC50 values of 1.42 and 1.78 mg/ml, respectively. It was found that there was a strong correlation between the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts and their antioxidant and enzyme inhibitor activities. The study also conducted in silico molecular docking, MM/GBSA, drug-likeness, and ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) analyses to describe the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of bioactive compounds with potential pharmacological action present in O. natrix subsp. natrix extracts. The compounds studied were eriodictyol, hyperoside, quercetin, and taxifolin. Researchers have found that, based on molecular docking, MM/GBSA, and key interactions within the enzyme active sites, hyperoside may inhibit α-amylase and BChE, eriodictyol may inhibit α-glucosidase and AChE, and both hyperoside and eriodictyol may inhibit tyrosinase. The presented data on antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity, along with in silico studies, represent the first recorded findings in the literature.

The Therapeutic Potential of Dalbergia pinnata (Lour.) Prain Essential Oil in Alzheimer's Disease: EEG Signal Analysis In Vivo, SH-SY5Y Cell Model In Vitro, and Network Pharmacology.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is projected by the WHO to affect over 100 million people by 2050. Clinically, AD patients undergoing long-term antipsychotic treatment often experience severe anxiety or depression in later stages. Furthermore, early-stage AD manifests with weakened α waves in the brain, progressing to diminished α and β waves in late-stage disease, reflecting changes in emotional states and disease progression. In this study, EEG signal analysis revealed that inhalation of Dalbergia pinnata (Lour.) Prain essential oil (DPEO) enhanced δ, θ, α and β wave powers in the frontal and parietal lobes, with a rising trend in the β/α ratio in the temporal lobe. These findings suggest an alleviation of anxiety and an enhancement of cognitive functions. Treatment of the AD SH-SY5Y (human neuroblastoma cells) cell model with DPEO resulted in decreased intracellular levels of Aβ, GSK-3β, P-Tau, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, OFR, and HFR, alongside reduced AchE and BchE activities and increased SOD activity. Network pharmacology analysis indicated a potential pharmacological mechanism involving the JAK-STAT pathway. Our study provides evidence supporting DPEO's role in modulating anxiety and slowing AD pathological progression.

Isochlorogenic acid A ameliorated lead-induced anxiety-like behaviors in mice by inhibiting ferroptosis-mediated neuroinflammation via the BDNF/Nrf2/GPX4 pathways

Lead (Pb) is a common environmental neurotoxicant that causes behavioral impairments in both rodents and humans. Isochlorogenic acid A (ICAA), a phenolic acid found in a variety of natural sources such as tea, fruits, vegetables, coffee, plant-based food products, and various medicinal plants, exerts multiple effects, including protective effects on the lungs, livers, and intestines. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of ICAA against Pb-induced neurotoxicity in ICR mice. The results indicate that ICAA attenuates Pb-induced anxiety-like behaviors. ICAA reduced neuroinflammation, ferroptosis, and oxidative stress caused by Pb. ICAA successfully mitigated the Pb-induced deficits in the cholinergic system in the brain through the reduction of ACH levels and the enhancement of AChE and BChE activities. ICAA significantly reduced the levels of ferrous iron and MDA in the brain and prevented decreases in GSH, SOD, and GPx activity. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that ICAA attenuated ferroptosis and upregulated GPx4 expression in the context of Pb-induced nerve damage. Additionally, ICAA downregulated TNF-α and IL-6 expression while concurrently enhancing the activations of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, BDNF, and CREB in the brains of mice. The inhibition of BDNF, Nrf2 and GPx4 reversed the protective effects of ICAA on Pb-induced ferroptosis in nerve cells. In general, ICAA ameliorates Pb-induced neuroinflammation, ferroptosis, oxidative stress, and anxiety-like behaviors through the activation of the BDNF/Nrf2/GPx4 pathways.

Synthesis, Biological Activity Studies and Molecular Modeling Studies of Chalcone Compounds with Methyl Group

A series of new chalcone derivatives (1-5) were synthesized as a result of the Claisen-Schmidt condensation of different substituted methyl aldehydes of 4′-Piperazinoacetophenone. Anticholinesterase (AChE and BChE) inhibitory activity and antidiabetic (α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory) activities of the synthesized compounds were examined. While compound 1 is the most active molecule in AChE (IC50= 16.29±0.44 μM), BChE (IC50 = 10.19±0.04 μM) and α-amylase (IC50= 105.51±0.24 μM) inhibitor activities; Compound 5 was found to be the most active molecule in α-glucosidase inhibitor activity. In silico and molecular docking studies of compounds 1-5 were performed. According to molecular docking results, all molecules were found to be more active than the reference compounds.

Butyrylcholinesterase Is Not Required for the Neonatal Autoresuscitation Reflex

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of infant death under the age of one year of age, taking the lives of more than 1,400 infants annually, and comprising approximately 41% of all Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) cases. SIDS etiology remains vastly unknown but is best explained via a triple risk model that proposes SIDS occurs in a vulnerable infant during a critical developmental period when triggered by an external stressor. In SIDS it is hypothesized that there is first a failure in arousal followed by failure in the protective autoresuscitation reflex; a defense mechanism for an infant that is in a hypoxic coma, that promotes deep gasping to attempt to restart cardiovascular function. Many SIDS case studies reveal associations with genetic variants and abnormal biomarkers; however, it is unclear whether these variants are causal. Recently a case study identified a broad association between reduced blood BChE activity and SIDS cases, yet the functional relationship between BChE and respiratory regulation remains to be investigated. We aimed to functionally test the relationship between BChE and the neonatal autoresuscitation reflex utilizing a rapid pipeline for precision genetic modeling and high-throughput functional testing developed by the Ray Lab. BChE loss of function mice, generated through targeted genetic editing, were tested for neonatal autoresuscitation on our automated closed loop phenotyping platform, Looper. Postnatal day 7-8 mice were exposed to 3% CO2 and 97% N2 stimuli to induce a state of hypoxia resulting in detection of bradycardia, initial hyperventilation, hypoventilation, and apnea followed by restoration of room air conditions to facilitate the autoresuscitation reflex and cardio-respiratory recovery. Male and female mice were exposed to repeated anoxic gas challenges and allowed to autoresuscitate until death occurred. Data suggest that loss of BChE function does not affect neonatal autoresuscitation. BChE knockout mice and heterozygous mice survived similar amounts of anoxic challenges as wild type controls. No sex differences were observed between the number of anoxic challenges survived in males and females for all genotypes. Our data demonstrate the first functional assessment of BChE in neonatal cardio-respiratory regulation and the autoresuscitation response and highlight that BChE is not required for successful neonatal autoresuscitation. Additional analyses of respiratory parameters from respiratory trace data for BChE loss of function mice will aid in a further understanding if BChE loss of function is implicated in other aspects respiratory regulation. Funding: Precision Core funding U54 OD030165. NIH/NHLBI R01HLN161142-01 and R01HL130249-07. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Effects of p-coumaric acid on probiotic properties of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG.

Probiotics are defined as "live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts." Probiotics have beneficial effects on human health, including antibacterial activity against intestinal pathogens, regulation of blood cholesterol levels, reduction of colitis and inflammation incidence, regulation of the immune system, and prevention of colon cancer. In addition to probiotic bacteria, some phenolic compounds found in foods we consume (both food and beverages) have positive effects on human health. p-coumaric acid (p-CA) is one of the most abundant phenolic compounds in nature and human diet. The interactions between these two different food components (phenolics and probiotics), resulting in more beneficial combinations called synbiotics, are not well understood in terms of how they will affect the gut microbiota by promoting the probiotic properties and growth of probiotic bacteria. Thus, this study aimed to investigate synbiotic relationship between p-CA and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 (LA-5), Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). Probiotic bacteria were grown in the presence of p-CA at different concentrations, and the effects of p-CA on probiotic properties, as well as its in vitro effects on AChE and BChE activities, were investigated. Additionally, Surface analysis was conducted using FTIR. The results showed that treatment with p-CA at different concentrations did not exhibit any inhibitory effect on the growth kinetics of LA-5 and LGG probiotic bacteria. Additionally, both probiotic bacteria demonstrated high levels of antibacterial properties. It showed that it increased the auto-aggregation of both probiotics. While p-CA increased co-aggregation of LA-5 and LGG against Escherichia coli, it decreased co-aggregation against Staphylococcus aureus. Probiotics grown with p-CA were more resistant to pepsin. While p-CA increased the resistance of LA-5 to bile salt, it decreased the resistance of LGG. The combinations of bacteria and p-CA efficiently suppressed AChE and BChE with inhibition (%) 11.04-68.43 and 13.20-65.72, respectively. Furthermore, surface analysis was conducted using FTIR to investigate the interaction of p-coumaric acid with LA-5 and LGG, and changes in cell components on the bacterial surface were analyzed. The results, recorded in range of 4000 -600cm-1 with resolution of 4cm-1, demonstrated that p-CA significantly affected only the phosphate/CH ratio for both bacteria. These results indicate the addition of p-CA to the probiotic growth may enhance the probiotic properties of bacteria.

Variation of the essential oil components of Citrus aurantium leaves upon using different distillation techniques and evaluation of their antioxidant, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effect against Alzheimer’s disease

Citrus fruit essential oil is considered one of the widely studied essential oils while its leaves attract less attention although being rich in nearly the same composition as the peel and flowers. The leaves of bitter orange or sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) were extracted using three different techniques namely; hydrodistillation (HD), steam distillation (SD), and microwave-assisted distillation (MV) to compare their chemical composition. The three essential oil samples were analyzed through GC/FID and GC/MS analyses. The samples were tested in vitro using different antioxidant techniques (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, PBD, and MCA), neuroprotective enzyme inhibitory activities (acetylcholine and butyl choline enzymes), and antidiabetic activities (α-amylase and α-glucosidase). The results showed that thirty-five volatile ingredients were detected and quantified. Monoterpenes represented the most abundant class in the three essential oils followed by sesquiterpenes. C. aurantium essential oil carried potential antioxidant activity where SD exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with values arranged in the following order: FRAP (200.43 mg TE/g), CUPRAC (138.69 mg TE/g), ABTS (129.49 mg TE/g), and DPPH (51.67 mg TE/g). SD essential oil also presented the most potent α-amylase (0.32) inhibition while the MV essential oil showed the highest α-glucosidase inhibition (2.73 mmol ACAE/g), followed by HD (2.53 mmol ACAE/g), and SD (2.46 mmol ACAE/g). The SD essential oil exhibited the highest BChE and AChE inhibitory activities (3.73 and 2.06 mg GALAE/g), respectively). Thus, bitter orange essential oil can act as a potential source of potent antioxidant, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective activities for future drug leads.

Effect of fentanyl and remifentanil on neuron damage and oxidative stress during induction neurotoxicity.

Opioids can be used for medical and non-medical purposes. Chronic pain such as cancer, as well as the frequent use of such drugs in places such as operating rooms and intensive care units, and in non-medical areas like drug abuse the effects and side effects of these drugs need to be examined in more detail. For this purpose, the effects of fentanyl and remifentanil drugs on neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and cholinesterase metabolism were investigated. Neuron cells (CRL-10742) were used for the evaluation of the toxicity of fentanyl and remifentanil. MTT, PON1 activity and total thiol levels for its effect on oxidative stress, AChE and BChE activities for its effect on the cholinergic system, and TNF, IL-8 and IL-10 gene levels for its neuroinflammation effect were determined. The highest neurotoxic dose of fentanyl and remifentanil was determined as 10 μg/mL. It was observed that the rate of neuron cells in this dose has decreased by up to 61.80% and 56.89%, respectively. The IL-8 gene expression level in both opioids was down-regulated while IL 10 gene level was up-regulated in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control. In our results, the TNF gene expression level differs between the two opioids. In the fentanyl group, it was seen to be up-regulated in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control. Fentanyl and remifentanil showed an inhibitory effect against PON1, while remifentanil showed an increase in total thiol levels. PON1, BChE and total thiol activities showed similarity with MTT.

Gender-Dependent Cholinergic System Alterations in a Phenylketonuria Model

Introduction: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by a deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. The absence of this enzyme leads to elevated levels of phenylalanine in the blood, causing accumulation in the brain and resulting in permanent brain damage. To investigate the neurological effects of PKU, an experimental PKU model was developed, and cholinergic parameters were analyzed in brain tissue and serum from both female and male rats. Serum AChE, BChE, and total ChE activities were examined, while AChE activity was specifically analyzed in hippocampal tissue. Material and Methods: Brain tissue and serum samples were collected from female and male rats from an induced phenylketonuria model for analysis. AChE, BChE, and total ChE activities were measured in serum samples, while AChE activity was examined in hippocampal tissue. Enzyme activities were measured according to Ellman assay. The data analysis and graphical presentations were done by GraphPad prism. Results: Hippocampal AChE activity was significantly increased in both PKU groups compared to the control groups (Male ***p=0.0001; female *p=0.046). Serum analysis revealed decreased total serum cholinergic activity in both the female and male PKU groups compared with the control groups (**p≤0.002 and ***p≤0.0003, respectively). These results were consistent with findings from total serum cholinergic activity analysis. Additionally, the AChE activity in both the female and male PKU groups was decreased compared to their respective control groups (***p≤0.002 and ***p≤0.0006, respectively). It was also found that BChE activity in the serum of male rats in the PKU group was decreased compared to male rats in the control group (*p=0.038). Conclusion: These findings indicate that the cholinergic system in the phenylketonuria model may vary according to gender. The observed changes in both brain tissue and serum provide new insights into the gender-dependent neurological effects of PKU. Keywords: Phenylketonuria, cholinergic system, enzyme activity, hippocampal tissue, gender differences

Exposure to microcrystallized cellulose affects the health of tadpoles and sheds light on the threat these materials pose to amphibians

The increasing use of cellulose-based materials (CBMs) has provided beneficial applications in different sectors. However, its release into environments may represent an ecological risk, therefore demanding that ecotoxicological studies be conducted to understand the risks (current and future) of CBM pollution. Thus, we evaluated the possible effects of microcrystalline cellulose (CMs) in Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles. After seven days of exposure to CMs (at 58.29 and 100 mg/L), the animals were subjected to behavioral evaluation, and different biomarkers (biometric and biochemical) were evaluated. Although our data do not point to a neurotoxic effect of CMs (inferred by the absence of behavioral changes and changes in AChE and BChE activity), animals exposed to CMs showed differences in body condition. Furthermore, we noticed an increase in the frequency of erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities and DNA damage, which were correlated with the ingestion of CMs. We noticed that the antioxidant activity of tadpoles exposed to CMs (inferred by SOD, CAT, and DPPH radical scavenging activity) was insufficient to control the increase in ROS and MDA production. Furthermore, exposure to CMs induced a predominant Th2-specific immune response, marked by suppressed IFN-γ and increased IL-10 levels, with a consequent reduction in NO levels. Principal component analysis and IBRv-2 indicate, in general, a primarily more toxic response to animals exposed to the highest CM concentration. Therefore, our study evidence that CMs affect the health of P. cuvieri tadpoles and sheds light on the threat these materials pose to amphibians.

Chemo- and bio-informatics insight into anti-cholinesterase potentials of berries and leaves of Myrtus communis L., Myrtaceae: an in vitro/in silico study

BackgroundMyrtus communis L. (MC) has been used in Mesopotamian medicine. Here, the cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory potential of its methyl alcohol extracts has been investigated and computationally dissected.MethodThe ChE inhibition has been measured based on usual Ellman’s colorimetric method compared to a canonical ChE inhibitor, eserine. Through a deep text mining, the structures of phytocompounds (= ligands) of MC were curated from ChemSpider, PubChem, and ZINC databases and docked into protein targets, AChE (PDB 1EVE) and BChE (PDB 1P0I) after initial in silico preparedness and binding affinity (BA; kcal/mol) reported as an endpoint. The calculation of ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) features of phytocompounds were retrieved from SwissADME (http://www.swissadme.ch/) and admetSAR software to predict the drug-likeness or lead-likeness fitness. The Toxtree v2.5.1, software platforms (http://toxtree.sourceforge.net/) have been used to predict the class of toxicity of phytocompounds. The STITCH platform (http://stitch.embl.de) has been employed to predict ChE-chemicals interactions.ResultsThe possible inhibitory activities of AChE of extracts of leaves and berries were 37.33 and 70.00%, respectively as compared to that of eserine while inhibitory BChE activities of extracts of leaves and berries of MC were 19.00 and 50.67%, respectively as compared to that of eserine. Phytochemicals of MC had BA towards AChE ranging from -7.1 (carvacrol) to -9.9 (ellagic acid) kcal/mol. In this regard, alpha-bulnesene, (Z)-gamma-Bisabolene, and beta-bourbonene were top-listed low toxic binders of AChE, and (Z)-gamma-bisabolene was a more specific AChE binder. Alpha-cadinol, estragole, humulene epoxide II, (a)esculin, ellagic acid, patuletin, juniper camphor, linalyl anthranilate, and spathulenol were high class (Class III) toxic substances which among others, patuletin and alpha-cadinol were more specific AChE binders. Among intermediate class (Class II) toxic substances, beta-chamigrene was a more specific AChE binder while semimyrtucommulone and myrtucommulone A were more specific BChE binders.ConclusionIn sum, the AChE binders derived from MC were categorized mostly as antiinsectants (e.g., patuletin and alpha-cardinal) due to their predicted toxic classes. It seems that structural amendment and stereoselective synthesis like adding sulphonate or sulphamate groups to these phytocompounds may make them more suitable candidates for considering in preclinical investigations of Alzheimer’s disease.

New Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl Derivatives as AChE, BChE, and LOX Inhibitors; Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation

Background: Inhibition of cholinesterase enzyme has been recognized as an important target in the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Objective: In the current work, a series of new N-(4-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)phenyl)cinnamamide derivatives were synthesized and their inhibitory activities against acetyl cholinesterase, butrylcholines terase, and Lipoxygenase were evaluated. Methods: The target compounds were synthesized as the literature reported with some modifications. The AChE, BChE, and LOX inhibitory activities of the synthesized compounds were evaluated using in vitro methods. The docking and kinetic studies were performed for the most potent compounds to evaluate the inhibition mechanism. Results: The structural elucidation of the synthesized imidazo-pyridine derivatives was performed by different spectroscopic techniques including IR, NMR, and Mass. Most of the synthesized compounds demonstrated good AChE, BChE, and LOX inhibitory activities. The most active AChE, BChE, and sLOX-1 inhibitors were found for compounds 4a, 4g, and 4l, respectively. The docking study also revealed that the three compounds, 4a, 4g, and 4l, have important binding interactions with the AChE, BChE, and sLOX-1 enzyme active sites, respectively. Conclusion: The results of current study shows imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives have potential for development of novel drug candidate for AD as AChE, BChE and sLOX-1 inhibitors.

Protective effect of bromelain on some metabolic enzyme activities in tyloxapol-induced hyperlipidemic rats.

Elevation of one or more plasma lipids, such as phospholipids, cholesterol esters, cholesterol, and triglycerides, is known as hyperlipidemia. In humans and experimental animals, bromelain, the primary active ingredient isolated from pineapple stems, has several positive effects, including anti-tumor growth, anticoagulation, and anti-inflammation. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the possible protective impact of bromelain on some metabolic enzymes (paraoxonase-1, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, sorbitol dehydrogenase [SDH], aldose reductase [AR], butyrylcholinesterase [BChE], and acetylcholinesterase [AChE]), activity in the heart, kidney, and liver of rats with tyloxapol-induced hyperlipidemia. Rats were divided into three groups: control group, HL-control group (tyloxapol 400mg/kg, i.p. administered group), and HL+bromelain (group receiving bromelain 250mg/kg/o.d. prior to administration of tyloxapol 400mg/kg, i.p.). BChE, SDH, and AR enzyme activities were significantly increased in all tissues in HL-control compared to the control, whereas the activity of other studied enzymes was significantly decreased. Bromelain had a regulatory effect on all tissues and enzyme activities. In conclusion, these results prove that bromelain is a new mediator that decreases hyperlipidemia.

A comprehensive assessment of phytochemicals from Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene as a potential enzyme inhibitor, and their biological potential: An in-silico, in-vivo, and in-vitro approach

This work explored Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene as a potential source of the bioactive medicinal agent. In this aspect, methanol (PN-M) and dichloromethane (PN-D) extracts were prepared from the whole plant and evaluated for phytochemical composition (total bioactive contents, UHPLC-MS analysis, and HPLC-PDA polyphenolic quantification), biological (antioxidant and enzyme inhibition) potential and in-vivo toxicity. The PN-M was found to contain higher phenolic (26.08 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoid (50.25 mg QE/g extract) contents which might correlate to the higher radical scavenging (DPPH: 52.94 mg TE/g extract; ABTS: 72.11 mg TE/g extract) and reducing power (FRAP: 71.96 mg TE/g extract; CUPRAC: 142.65 mg TE/g extract) antioxidant potential, as well as AChE (4.33 mg GALAE/g extract), tyrosinase (125.36 mg KAE/g extract), and amylase (1.86 mmol ACAE/g extract) inhibition activity of this extract. In contrast, the PN-D extract was found to be most active for phosphomolybdenum (1.30 mg TE/ g extract) and metal chelation (54.84 mg EDTAE/g extract) assays in addition to BChE (4.70 mg GALAE/g extract) and glucosidase (0.62 mmol ACAE/g extract) enzyme inhibition activity. The PN-M extract on UHPLC-MS analysis revealed the tentative identification of 24 different secondary metabolites, most of which belonged to the flavonoid, glycoside, and terpenoid classes of phytochemicals. The polyphenolic composition of the extracts was appraised by HPLC-PDA. Seven phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts. PN-M was found to be rich in catechin (0.25 µg/extract) and 3-OH benzoic acid (0.64 µg/extract), while PN-D contained epicatechin (0.30 µg/extract), 3-OH-4-MeO benzaldehyde (0.21 µg/extract), and 2,3-Di-Meo benzoic acid (0.97 µg/extract) in higher amounts. The methanol extract was found to be non-toxic even at higher doses. Furthermore, the relationship between the phytochemicals and the tested enzymes was highlighted by molecular docking studies. In sum, this research showed that the studied extracts were effective as enzyme inhibitors and antioxidants, suggesting it would be worth investigating in more depth for further advanced studies to explore its pharmacological properties.

Low levels of endogenous cholinesterases support the choice of cows, sheep and goats for the transgenic expression of human butyrylcholinesterase in milk

Butyrylcholinesterase purified from human plasma (Hu BChE) as well as recombinant (r) Hu BChE are candidate enzymes that can protect humans from toxicity of organophosphorus compounds (OPs). Domestic animals such as cows, pigs, sheep, and goats have been used for the transgenic expression of a variety of valuable therapeutic proteins. Indeed, rHu BChE was successfully expressed in the milk of transgenic goats, but the presence of any endogenous cholinesterases (ChE) in milk would interfere with the isolation of expressed rHu BChE. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of endogenous ChEs in bovine, ovine, caprine, and porcine milk to determine the suitability of these species for the production of rHu BChE. Using acetyl- and butyryl- thiocholine as substrates, ChE activity (2–4 U/mL) was detected in pig milk only. ChE activities in milk from other animals were <0.01 U/mL and could only be detected following enrichment on procainamide-Sepharose gel. Two different methods based on measuring activity in the presence of acetylcholinesterase (AChE)- or BChE- specific inhibitors were used to estimate the proportions of AChE and BChE activities in enriched milk. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), against fetal bovine serum AChE that recognize AChEs from ruminants only, were also used to confirm the identity of AChEs. While bovine and ovine milk contain both AChE and BChE activities, caprine and porcine milk contain predominantly BChE activity. The presence of very low ChE activity supports the choice of cows, sheep, and goats for the transgenic expression of rHu BChE in milk.

Synthesis, computational and experimental pharmacological studies for (thio)ether-triazine 5-HT6R ligands with noticeable action on AChE/BChE and chalcogen-dependent intrinsic activity in search for new class of drugs against Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is becoming a growing problem increasing at a tremendous rate. Serotonin 5-HT6 receptors appear to be a particularly attractive target from a therapeutic perspective, due to their involvement not only in cognitive processes, but also in depression and psychosis. In this work, we present the synthesis and broad biological characterization of a new series of 18 compounds with a unique 1,3,5-triazine backbone, as potent 5-HT6 receptor ligands. The main aim of this research is to compare the biological activity of the newly synthesized sulfur derivatives with their oxygen analogues and their N-demethylated O- and S-metabolites obtained for the first time. Most of the new triazines displayed high affinity (Ki < 200 nM) and selectivity towards 5-HT6R, with respect to 5-HT2AR, 5-HT7R, and D2R, in the radioligand binding assays. For selected, active compounds crystallographic studies, functional bioassays, and ADME-Tox profile in vitro were performed. The exciting novelty is that the sulfur derivatives exhibit an agonistic mode of action contrary to all other compounds obtained to date in this chemical class herein and previously reported. Advanced computational studies indicated that this intriguing functional shift might be caused by presence of chalcogen bonds formed only by the sulfur atom. In addition, the N-demethylated derivatives have emerged highly potent antioxidants and, moreover, show a significant improvement in metabolic stability compared to the parent structures. The cholinesterase study present micromolar inhibitory AChE and BChE activity for both 5-HT6 agonist 19 and potent antagonist 5. Finally, the behavioral experiments of compound 19 demonstrated its antidepressant-like properties and slight ability to improve cognitive deficits, without inducing memory impairments by itself. Described pharmacological properties of both compounds (5 and 19) allow to give a design clue for the development of multitarget compounds with 5-HT6 (both agonist and antagonist)/AChE and/or BChE mechanism in the group of 1,3,5-triazine derivatives.

Active Components of Rosa laevigata Michx. Isolated Using Activity‐Guided Methods Based on LC‐MS/MS for Treating Alzheimer's Disease through Multitarget Mechanisms

AbstractRosa laevigata Michx., a member of the Rosaceae family, is a famous traditional Chinese medicine and edible food in Asian countries. The major active ingredient is triterpenoid, which has anti‐Alzheimer's Disease (AD), antioxidant and neuroprotection properties. However, the properties of “multi‐component structure” and “multi‐directional target” make it impossible to explain the molecular mechanism by conventional ways. The present study aimed to predict the multi‐target mechanisms of triterpenoids in R. laevigata against AD using high performance liquid chromatography equipped with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (HPLC‐Q‐TOF MS) approach, network pharmacology analysis, dynamics simulation (MDs) and validation of the predicted results with straight‐target tests as well as neuroprotection model. Firstly, bioassay‐guided fractionation of R. laevigata integrated with LC‐MS/MS analysis of the most prospective enriched fractions in terms of anti‐AD efficacy was commenced. Subsequently, multi‐level network model of “multi components‐multi‐targets‐multiple pathways” was established based on the identification of 69 triterpenoids. Complementarily, 64 AD‐related targets were identified through various databases. Network structure analysis illuminated that the intricate pharmacological mechanisms improving cognitive dysfunction of AD was superiorly combined with the crucial targets of APP, APOE, VEGFA, IL1B, MAPT, PSEN1 and BACE and further regulation of principal pathways as HIF‐1 and Calcium signaling pathways. In addition, AChE, BChE and BACE inhibitory activities in vitro showed that nine compounds exhibited potential inhibitory activities. The neuroprotective effects also had a similar effect on H2O2‐induced SH‐SY5Y cell injury. The results show that R. laevigata and its bioactive triterpenoids can pave the way for potential application as inhibitors for treatment of AD.

Investigation of enzyme inhibition potentials, and antioxidative properties of the extracts of endemic Stachys bombycina Boiss.

Background and Aims: The genus Stachys L., is represented by around 300 species worldwide. More than 120 taxa, almost 60 of which are endemic, are widely distributed in Turkey, particularly in the eastern and southern regions. Stachys species have traditionally been used for many diseases such as asthma, rheumatism, cough, genital tumors, ulcers, diabetes, hemorrhoids, kidney stones, and various mental disorders. Among the species, S. bombycina Boiss., namely “arıçayçesi” in Turkish, is one of the near-threatened endemic perennial herbs. Methods: The antioxidant activity of methanol and water extracts of S. bombycina was examined utilizing in vitro techniques, including radical scavenging, such as DPPH, and ABTS, an iron-chelating assay, and the total phenol (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC). The extracts were also investigated on enzyme inhibition effects using in vitro spectrophotometric method. HPLC analysis was also used for the determination of the phytochemical profiles of the extracts. Results: Based on our results, the methanol extract of S. bombycina demonstrated higher DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity with the IC50 value of 605.7 ± 1.04 and 19.40 ± 0.37 µg/mL, respectively, than the water extract. Otherwise, the water extract was found to have a higher iron chelating activity (IC50= 917.9 ± 3.55 µg/mL) than the methanol extract. The highest TPC of the water extract was determined as 81.07 ± 4.71 µg GAE/mg, although the methanol extract had more TFC at 46.93 ± 1.94 µg QE/mg. In addition, high anti- BChE activity was observed (IC50= 58.09 ± 1.18 µg/mL) in the water extract. In addition, ellagic acid was defined as a major component in the methanol extract, while caffeic acid was detected as the main compound in the water extract. Conclusion: Consequently, the current study is the first to report the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties of S. bombycina. According to our findings on S. bombycina, this work can contribute to the development of bioactive agents from natural sources. Moreover, further investigations still need to be conducted on the discovery of the phytoconstituents of S. bombycina responsible for the bioactivity, as well as its potential various biological activities.

Anticholinesterase activity of Areca Catechu: In Vitro and in silico green synthesis approach in search for therapeutic agents against Alzheimer's disease.

For many years, the primary focus has been on finding effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD), which has led to the identification of promising therapeutic targets. The necessity for AD stage-dependent optimal settings necessitated a herbal therapy strategy. The plant species Areca Catechu L. (AC) was selected based on the traditional uses against CNS-related diseases. AC leaf extract were prepared using a Soxhlet extraction method and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAp-NPs) were synthesized from the same (AC-HAp-NPs). Powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to confirm the structure and morphology of the as-prepared AC-HAp-NPs. The crystalline character of the AC-HAp-NPs was visible in the XRD pattern. The synthesized material was found to be nanoflake, with an average diameter of 15-20nm, according to SEM analysis. The TEM and SAED pictures also revealed the form and size of AC-HAp-NPs. In vitro anti-acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase (AChE and BChE) activities of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles produced from an AC leaf extract was tested in this study. When compared to control, AC-HAp-NPs had higher anti-AChE and BChE activity. The anti-acetylcholinesterase action of phytoconstituents generated from AC leaf extract was mediated by 4AQD and 4EY7, according to a mechanistic study conducted utilizing in silico research. The global and local descriptors, which are the underpinnings of Conceptual Density Functional Theory (CDFT), have been predicted through the MN12SX/Def2TZVP/H2O model chemistry to help in the comprehension of the chemical reactivity properties of the five ligands considered in this study. The CDFT experiments are supplemented by the calculation of several useful calculated pharmacokinetics indices, their expected biological targets connected to the bioavailability of the five ligands in order to further the goal of studying their bioactivity.