Pronounced Antiviral Activity Research Articles

Hepatitis C Virus Dysregulates Polyamine and Proline Metabolism and Perturbs the Urea Cycle.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an oncogenic virus that causes chronic liver disease in more than 80% of patients. During the last decade, efficient direct-acting antivirals were introduced into clinical practice. However, clearance of the virus does not reduce the risk of end-stage liver diseases to the level observed in patients who have never been infected. So, investigation of HCV pathogenesis is still warranted. Virus-induced changes in cell metabolism contribute to the development of HCV-associated liver pathologies. Here, we studied the impact of the virus on the metabolism of polyamines and proline as well as on the urea cycle, which plays a crucial role in liver function. It was found that HCV strongly suppresses the expression of arginase, a key enzyme of the urea cycle, leading to the accumulation of arginine, and up-regulates proline oxidase with a concomitant decrease in proline concentrations. The addition of exogenous proline moderately suppressed viral replication. HCV up-regulated transcription but suppressed protein levels of polyamine-metabolizing enzymes. This resulted in a decrease in polyamine content in infected cells. Finally, compounds targeting polyamine metabolism demonstrated pronounced antiviral activity, pointing to spermine and spermidine as compounds affecting HCV replication. These data expand our understanding of HCV's imprint on cell metabolism.

Effects and mechanism of Qingke Pingchuan granules against influenza virus infection.

Qingke Pingchuan granules (QPGs), which contain Houttuynia cordata Thunb, Fritillaria cirrhosa, fired licorice, and fired bitter almonds, among other components, can clear heat and ventilate the lungs, relieving cough and asthma. Clinically, QPGs are mainly used to treat cough, asthma, fever and other discomforts caused by acute or chronic bronchitis. In this study, the antiviral activity of QPGs against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A virus A/FM/1/47 (H1N1), oseltamivir-resistant H1N1, A/Beijing/32/92 (H3N2), Sendai virus, and human adenovirus type 3 in Hep-2 or MDCK cells was evaluated using the CCK-8 method, and the cytotoxicity of QPGs to these two cell lines was tested. The effect of QPGs on mice infected with influenza A virus A/FM/1/47 (H1N1) was evaluated by measuring body weight, survival time, and survival rate, as well as virus titers and lesions in the lungs and levels of inflammatory factors in serum. In addition, the expression of TLR-7-My88-NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins in lung tissues was analyzed by Western blotting and qRT-PCR. The results showed that QPGs had a potent inhibitory effect on the six viruses tested in vitro. Interestingly, QPGs also displayed particularly pronounced antiviral activity against H1N1-OC, similar to that of oseltamivir, a well-known antiviral drug. QPGs effectively protected mice from infection by H1N1, as indicated by significantly increased body weights, survival times, and survival rates and reduced lung virus titers of inflammatory factors and lung tissue injury. The levels of TLR-7-MyD88-NF-κB-pathway-related proteins in the lung tissue of infected mice were found to be decreased after QPG treatment, thereby alleviating lung injury caused by excessive release of inflammatory factors. Taken together, these findings indicate that QPGs have satisfactory activity against influenza virus infection.

Synthesis of LAVR-289, a new [(Z)-3-(acetoxymethyl)-4-(2,4-diaminopyrimidin-6-yl)oxy-but-2-enyl]phosphonic acid prodrug with pronounced antiviral activity against DNA viruses

New acyclic pyrimidine nucleoside phosphonate prodrugs with a 4-(2,4-diaminopyrimidin-6-yl)oxy-but-2-enyl]phosphonic acid skeleton (O-DAPy nucleobase) were prepared through a convergent synthesis by olefin cross-metathesis as the key step. Several acyclic nucleoside 4-(2,4-diaminopyrimidin-6-yl)oxy-but-2-enyl]phosphonic acid prodrug exhibited in vitro antiviral activity in submicromolar or nanomolar range against varicella zoster virus (VZV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), human herpes virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), and vaccinia virus (VV), with good selective index (SI). Among them, the analogue 9c (LAVR-289) proved markedly inhibitory against VZV wild-type (TK+) (EC50 0.0035 μM, SI 740) and for thymidine kinase VZV deficient strains (EC50 0.018 μM, SI 145), with a low morphological toxicity in cell culture at 100 μM and acceptable cytostatic activity resulting in excellent selectivity. Compound 9c exhibited antiviral activity against HCMV (EC50 0.021 μM) and VV (EC50 0.050 μM), as well as against HSV-1 (TK-) (EC50 0.0085 μM). Finally, LAVR-289 (9c) deserves further (pre)clinical investigations as a potent candidate broad-spectrum anti-herpesvirus drug.

Assessment of the Impact of Polycyclic Derivatives of the Frame Series on the Replicative Properties of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus in an <I>in vitro</I> Experiment

The aim of the work was to determine the cytotoxicity and the influence of polycyclic derivatives of the framework series on the replicative properties of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Vero-E6 cell culture in vitro. Materials and methods. The virus inhibiting effect of 50 adamantane and bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane derivatives with carbocyclic and heterocyclic substituents was investigated. The studies were carried out on Vero-E6 cell culture by assessing the cytopathic effect of the virus. The impact of the compounds on the replicative properties of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was estimated by the decrease in virus titer in the presence of the compounds compared to the control. Based on the virus titer values in the presence of a series of successively decreasing concentrations of the compound, the 50 % effective concentration was calculated.Results and discussion. A study of polycyclic derivatives of the framework series has identified two compounds with antiviral properties against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Among bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane derivatives containing heterocyclic fragments, compound No. 15144 has showed an inhibitory effect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The protective effect of the compound was manifested in maximum tolerable concentration (MTC) (70.0 μg/ml) and ½ MTC (35.0 µg/ml). A decrease in virus titers under the influence of MTC by 0.95 lg TCD50/ml, in ½ MTC (35.0 μg/ml) – by 0.35 lg TCID50/ml has been detected. The effective concentration (EC50) value of the compound No. 15144 was 64.0 μg/ml, the MTC/EC50 ratio was 1.09. Compound No. 14838 (adamantane derivative containing carbocyclic fragments) had less pronounced antiviral activity. As a result of research, it has been established that sample No. 14838 at a dose of MTC (45.0 μg/ml) reduces the infectious titer by 0.78 lg TCD50/ml, in ½ MTC (22.5 μg/ml) by 0.15 lg TCD50/ml compared to the control. The EC50 value of compound No. 14838 was 37.0 μg/ml, the MTC/EC50 ratio was 1.22.

SYNTHESIS AND ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY OF COPOLYMERS OF OXYCINNAMIC ACID WITH N-VINYLAMIDES

Radical copolymerization of coumarin with N-vinylamides (N‑vinylpyrrolidone, N-methyl-N-vinylacetamide, N-vinylformamide) was used to prepare copolymers of various natures and varied molecular masses. After the subsequent reactions in polymer chains, water-soluble copolymers of salts of oxycinnamic acid and its hydrazides were obtained. The synthesized copolymers of salts and hydrazides of oxycinnamic acid with N-vinylamides have low cytotoxicity and demonstrate the pronounced antiviral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus (strain A2).

Novel Substituted Azoloazines with Anticoagulant Activity

Hypercytokinemia, or cytokine storm, often complicates the treatment of viral and bacterial infections, including COVID-19, leading to the risk of thrombosis. However, the use of currently available direct anticoagulants for the treatment of COVID-19 patients is limited due to safety reasons. Therefore, the development of new anticoagulants remains an urgent task for organic and medicinal chemistry. At the same time, new drugs that combine anticoagulant properties with antiviral or antidiabetic activity could be helpfull in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, especially those suffering from such concomitant diseases as arterial hypertension or diabetes. We have synthesized a number of novel substituted azoloazines, some of which have previously been identified as compounds with pronounced antiviral, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiaggregant, and anticoagulant activity. Two compounds from the family of 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines have demonstrated anticoagulant activity at a level exceeding or at least comparable with that of dabigatran etexilate as the reference compound. 7,5-Di(2-thienyl)-4,5-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine has shown the highest ability to prolong the thrombin time, surpassing this reference drug by 2.2 times. This compound has also exhibited anticoagulant activity associated with the inhibition of thrombin (factor IIa). Moreover, the anticoagulant effect of this substance becomes enhanced under the conditions of a systemic inflammatory reaction.

<i>In vitro</i> immunomodulatory effect of siRNA complexes in the influenza infection

About 1.2 billion cases of influenza infection with up to 5 million cases of severe disease and up to 650,000 deaths from influenza and its complications are registered annually worldwide. High rates of morbidity and mortality are attributed to immunomodulatory properties of some proteins produced by the influenza viruses. Among these proteins, NS-1 is the most studied. One of its main functions is to disrupt the functioning of interferon-mediated defense mechanisms of the body thus causing suppressed production of different components of humoral immunity, which leads to an insufficiency of the immune response. It is known that miRNAs directed to cellular genes, which are involved in the process of viral reproduction, showing a pronounced antiviral activity. At the same time, only few studies have been focused on evaluation of their immunotropic effects. Therefore, the aim of our study was to quantify the concentrations of IFNα, IFNγ, TNFα and IL-10 cytokines as a result of complex suppression of the cellular FLT4, Nup98 and Nup205 gene activity, whose expression products play an important role in the reproduction of the influenza virus.
 We have shown that the use of siRNA complexes also leads to an increase in the IFNα, IFNγ, TNFα and IL-10 concentrations. IL-10 production is absent on the first day after infection, but begins to increase on the second and third days. Moreover, in some cases, there is an increase in IFNα and IFNγ concentration on the first day after infection followed by decrease in their concentrations by the third day. This finding indicates that, upon supplement of the siRNA complexes, the cytokine profile is normalized under the influence of IL-10.

Modeling and Study of Anti-coronavirus Activity of 6,7-Dimethoxyquinazoline-4(3H)-one Derivatives in Relation to SARS-COV-2 by in silico and in vitro Methods

The pandemic of the new coronavirus infection SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has put a significant strain on the healthcare system and revealed the need to develop effective medicines for the treatment of this disease. The research results presented in the article are devoted to the development of new compounds with anti-coronavirus action against SARS-CoV-2, which are derivatives of 6,7-dimethoxykinazoline-4(3H)-one. In silico, the research was carried out by the molecular docking method in the freely distributed Autodock 4.0 program. The virtual structures of the simulated compounds were constructed in the HyperChem 8.0.4 program, and the final optimization of the geometry of virtual structures was calculated in the ORCA 4.1 program using the density functional theory (UB3LYP) method and the base set 6-311G**. The main protease (identification number 7K6D) and papain-like (identification number 7LBR) protease SARS-Cov-2 were used to predict antiviral activity. In vitrostudies were carried out by multiple dilutions of the analyzed compounds using a chromogenic substrate. It follows from the results that the newly synthesized derivatives of 6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline-4(3H)-one should be considered as promising candidates for the development of new antiviral drugs. The most pronounced antiviral activity is observed in substance 8c containing a glycyltryptophan residue. It is worth noting that the proposed algorithm for searching for innovative antiviral drugs in silico agrees quite well with the results of the in vitro experiment.

Antiviral Effect of Propylene Glycol against Envelope Viruses in Spray and Volatilized Forms.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly contagious and continues to spread worldwide. To avoid the spread of infection, it is important to control its transmission routes. However, as methods to prevent airborne infections are lacking, people are forced to take measures such as keeping distance from others or wearing masks. Here, we evaluate the antiviral activity of propylene glycol (PG), which is safe, odorless, and volatile. PG showed pronounced antiviral activity against the influenza virus (IAV) at concentrations above 55% in the liquid phase. Given its IAV inactivation mechanism, which involves increasing the fluidity of the viral membrane, PG is expected to have a broad effect on enveloped viruses. PG showed antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. We also developed a system to evaluate the antiviral effect of PG in spray and volatilized forms. PG was found to be effective against aerosol IAV in both forms; the effective PG concentration against IAV in the vapor phase was 87 ppmv (0.27 mg/L). These results demonstrate that PG is an effective means for viral inactivation in various situations for infection control. This technology is expected to control the spread of current and future infectious diseases capable of causing outbreaks and pandemics.

The Trimeric Artesunate Analog TF27, a Broadly Acting Anti-Infective Model Drug, Exerts Pronounced Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity Spanning Variants and Host Cell Types

Starting in 2019, the spread of respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the associated pandemic of the corona virus disease (COVID-19) has led to enormous efforts in the development of medical countermeasures. Although innovative vaccines have scaled back the number of severe COVID cases, the emergence of the omicron variant (B.1.1.529) illustrates how vaccine development struggles to keep pace with viral evolution. On the other hand, while the recently approved antiviral drugs remdesivir, molnupiravir, and Paxlovid are considered as broadly acting anti-coronavirus therapeutics, only molnupiravir and Paxlovid are orally available and none of these drugs are recommended for prophylactic use. Thus, so far unexploited small molecules, targeting strategies, and antiviral mechanisms are urgently needed to address issues in the current pandemic and in putative future outbreaks of newly emerging variants of concern. Recently, we and others have described the anti-infective potential and particularly the pronounced antiviral activity of artesunate and related compounds of the trioxane/sesquiterpene class. In particular, the trimeric derivative TF27 demonstrated strong anti-cytomegalovirus activity at nanomolar concentrations in vitro as well as in vivo efficacy after oral administration in therapeutic and even prophylactic treatment settings. Here, we extended this analysis by evaluating TF27 for its anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential. Our main findings are as follows: (i) compound TF27 exerted strong anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro (EC50 = 0.46 ± 0.20 µM), (ii) antiviral activity was clearly distinct from the induction of cytotoxicity, (iii) pretreatment with TF27 prevented virus replication in cultured cells, (iv) antiviral activity has likewise been demonstrated in Calu-3 human lung and Caco-2 human colon cells infected with wild-type, delta, or omicron SARS-CoV-2, respectively, and (v) analysis of TF27 combination treatments has revealed synergistic interaction with GC376, but antagonistic interaction with EIDD-1931. Combined, the data demonstrated the pronounced anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of TF27 and thus highlight the potential of trioxane compounds for further pharmacologic development towards improved options for COVID-specific medication.

Andrographolide and 4-Phenylbutyric Acid Administration Increase the Expression of Antimicrobial Peptides Beta-Defensin-1 and Cathelicidin and Reduce Mortality in Murine Sepsis.

Antibiotic resistance is a global threat and requires the search for new treatment strategies. Natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have pronounced antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antitumor activity. AMPs' clinical use is complicated by the high synthesis costs and rapid proteolytic degradation. The search for small molecules, inducers of endogenous AMP expression, could become a new approach. Here, we investigated for the first time the effect of seven small molecules (andrographolide, levofloxacin, azithromycin, montelukast, 4-phenylbutyric acid, rosuvastatin and valsartan) on AMP (beta-defensin-1, hBD-1 and cathelicidin, LL-37) serum levels in rats. In control groups, the level of hBD-1 was 295.0 (292.9-315.4) pg/mL, and for LL-37, it was 223.8 (213.3-233.6) pg/mL. Andrographolide (ANDR) and 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PHBA) administration significantly enhanced the level of both AMPs. The hBD-1 level was 581.5 (476.3-607.7) pg/mL for ANDR and 436.9 (399.0-531.6) pg/mL for 4-PHBA. The LL-37 level was 415.4 (376.2-453.8) pg/mL for ANDR and 398.9 (355.7-410.1) pg/mL for 4-PHBA. Moreover, we have shown that these compounds reduce mortality in a murine model of sepsis caused by a carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella aerogenes isolate. From our point of view, these small molecules are promising candidates for further study as potent AMP inducers. The data obtained allow the development of new strategies to combat antibiotic resistance and infectious diseases.

Self-Organization of Fullerene Derivatives in Solutions and Biological Cells Studied by Pulsed Field Gradient NMR.

Fullerene derivatives are of great interest in various fields of science and technology. Fullerene derivatives are known to have pronounced anticancer and antiviral activity. They have antibacterial properties. Their properties are largely determined by association processes. Understanding the nature and properties of associates in solvents of various types will make it possible to make significant progress in understanding the mechanisms of aggregation of molecules of fullerene derivatives in solutions. Thus, this work, aimed at studying the size and stability of associates, is relevant and promising for further research. The NMR method in a pulsed field gradient was used, which makes it possible to directly study the translational mobility of molecules. The sizes of individual molecules and associates were calculated based on the Stokes-Einstein model. The lifetime of associates was also estimated. The interaction of water-soluble C60 fullerene derivatives with erythrocytes was also evaluated. The values of self-diffusion coefficients and the lifetime of molecules of their compounds in cell membranes are obtained. It is concluded that the molecules of fullerene derivatives are fixed on the cell surface, and their forward movement is controlled by lateral diffusion.

Genome Features of Probiotic Bifidobacteria Determining Their Strain-Specific Properties.

Whole genome sequencing of three strains of bifidobacteria was performed on the MiSeq platform (Illumina Inc., USA). The genomes were annotated using the Prokka v. 1.11 utility and RAST genomic server. The individual genetic determinants were searched using the ResFinder 3.2, PathogenFinder, PlasmidFinder, RAST, and Bagel 4 software. The antiviral activity of the strains against influenza A viruses was studied using MDCK cells (Madin-Darby canine kidney cells), the epidemic strain of influenza A/Lipetsk/1V/2018 (H1N1 pdm09) (EPI_ISL_332798), the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A/common gull/Saratov/1676/2018 (H5N6) strain (EPI_ISL_336925), and neutral red vital dye. The genomes of all studied strains contained determinants responsible for utilization of carbohydrates of plant origin; the genes of key enzymes for the synthesis of tryptophan and folic acid are present in the genomes of B. longum 379 and B. bifidum 791. A feature of the B. bifidum 791 genome is the presence of determinants responsible for the synthesis of thermostable type I bacteriocins - flavucin and lasso peptide. The B. bifidum 791 strain was found to show pronounced antiviral activity against both the strains of influenza A, the supernatant of which suppressed viral replication in vitro up to a dilution of 1:8, and the cells inhibited viral reproduction up to a concentration of 6·106 CFU/ml. The analysis of complete genomes of B. longum 379, B. bifidum 1, and B. bifidum 791 showed features that determine their strain-specific properties, the findings on which were previously made empirically based on indirect signs. In the genomes of B. longum 379 and B. bifidum 791 strains, in contrast to B. bifidum 1 strain, key enzymes for the synthesis of tryptophan and folic acid were found. These substances have an impact on the human body in many ways, including having a thymoleptic effect (reducing emotional stress, irritability, anxiety, eliminating lethargy, apathy, melancholy, anxiety) and regulating cognitive activity. The presence of determinants responsible for the synthesis of thermostable type I bacteriocins in the genome of B. bifidum 791 strain determines its pronounced antiviral activity.

Taxonomic Characterization, Antiviral Activity and Induction of Three New Kenalactams in Nocardiopsis sp. CG3

Exploration of secondary metabolites secreted by new Actinobacteria taxa isolated from unexplored areas, can increase the possibility to obtain new compounds which can be developed into new drugs for the treatment of serious diseases such as hepatitis C. In this context, one actinobacterial strain, CG3, has been selected based on the results of polyphasic characterization, which indicate that it represents a new putative species within the genus Nocardiopsis. Two fractions (F2 and F3), prepared from the culture of strain CG3 in soybean medium, exhibited a pronounced antiviral activity against the HCV strain Luc-Jc1. LC–HRESIMS analysis showed different bioactive compounds in both active fractions (F2 and F3), including five polyenic macrolactams (kenalactams A-E), three isoflavone metabolites, along with mitomycin C and one p-phenyl derivative. Furthermore, feeding with 1% of methionine, lysine or alanine as a unique nitrogen source, induced the production of three novel kenalactam derivatives.

Discovery of 2-Phenylquinolines with Broad-Spectrum Anti-coronavirus Activity.

A selection of compounds from a proprietary library, based on chemical diversity and various biological activities, was evaluated as potential inhibitors of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a phenotypic-based screening assay. A compound based on a 2-phenylquinoline scaffold emerged as the most promising hit, with EC50 and CC50 values of 6 and 18 μM, respectively. The subsequent selection of additional analogues, along with the synthesis of ad hoc derivatives, led to compounds that maintained low μM activity as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 replication and lacked cytotoxicity at 100 μM. In addition, the most promising congeners also show pronounced antiviral activity against the human coronaviruses HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43, with EC50 values ranging from 0.2 to 9.4 μM. The presence of a 6,7-dimethoxytetrahydroisoquinoline group at the C-4 position of the 2-phenylquinoline core gave compound 6g that showed potent activity against SARS-CoV-2 helicase (nsp13), a highly conserved enzyme, highlighting a potentiality against emerging HCoVs outbreaks.

Anti-respiratory syncytial virus and anti-herpes simplex virus activity of six Tanzanian medicinal plants with extended studies of Erythrina abyssinica stem bark

Ethnopharmacological relevanceExcept for few highly pathogenic viruses, no antiviral drug has been approved for treatment of viral infections in humans. Plant extracts, selected based on their ethno-medical use, represent an important source of compounds for the development of novel candidate antiviral drugs. This especially concerns plants with ethnomedical records on their use in treatment of viral infections. Aim of the studyTo identify and document medicinal plants used by traditional health practitioners (THPs) for treatment of respiratory infections and muco-cutaneous lesions in order to study their antiviral activity including identification of active components and elucidation of mode of antiviral activity. Materials and methodsThe ethno-medical survey was performed in the Kagera region of Tanzania. The THPs were asked for plants used for treatment of signs and symptoms of respiratory infections and watery muco-cutaneous blisters in oral and genital regions. The plants identified were successively extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and water, and the extracts assayed for anti-respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), anti-herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), and anti-human parainfluenza virus 2 (HPIV-2) activity in cultured cells. Antiviral components were separated by ethanol precipitation and CL-6B chromatography, and the mode of antiviral activity elucidated by the time-of-addition assay and selection for the virus variants resistant to antiviral plant extract. ResultsTHPs identified fifteen plants used for treatment of respiratory infections and muco-cutaneous blisters. The water extract, but not n-hexane or ethyl acetate extracts, of six of these plants including Erythrina abyssinica stem bark, inhibited infectivity of two glycosaminoglycan-binding viruses i.e., RSV and HSV-2 but not the sialic acid binding HPIV-2. An activity-guided separation revealed that antiviral component(s) of water extract of E. abyssinica could be precipitated with ethanol. This sample potently and selectively inhibited RSV and HSV-2 infectivity in cultured cells with IC50 values of 2.1 μg/ml (selectivity index >476) and 0.14 μg/ml (selectivity index >7143) respectively. The sample exhibited inhibitory effect on the virus attachment to and entry into the cells by directly targeting the viral particles. Indeed, 10 consecutive virus passages in HEp-2 cells in the presence of this extract selected for a resistant RSV variant lacking the attachment, viral membrane-associated, G protein due to a stop codon at amino acid residue 33 (Leu33stop). Fractionation of the E. abyssinica extract on a CL-6B column revealed that anti-RSV and HSV-2 activity correlated with carbohydrate content. The most pronounced antiviral activity was associated with a carbohydrate containing ingredient of molecular mass of <5 kDa, which may polymerize to antiviral composites of up to 410 kDa. ConclusionsAltogether, the water extract of six medicinal plants showed anti-RSV and anti-HSV-2 activities. Extended studies of the stem bark of E. abyssinica identified antiviral components that potently and selectively inhibited infectivity of free RSV and HSV-2 particles, a feature of importance in topical treatment of these infections. This observation confirms ethno-medical information concerning the use of E. abyssinica extract for treatment of respiratory infections and herpetic lesions.

Synthesis and biological activity of aza and deaza analogues of purine nucleosides

Analogues and derivatives of nucleic acid components have been used as key drugs in different areas of medicine over the past decades. The replacement of one or more nitrogen atoms of the heterocyclic base with a CH group affords deazapurine nucleoside analogues, and the replacement of the methine group with a nitrogen atom gives azapurine derivatives. A combination of aza and deaza moieties in the purine base leads to aza(deaza)-modified bases. Some nucleoside analogues were found to exhibit pronounced anticancer and antiviral activity. The synthesis and evaluation of biological activity of aza- and deazapurine nucleoside analogues have attracted interest from researchers four decades ago. This review describes and integrates the studies concerning certain aspects of the synthesis and(or) activity of various representatives of this class of compounds. The structure–biological activity relationships are analyzed. The successful approaches to the design of aza- and deazapurine nucleoside analogues are considered. A comparison is given for the methods of chemical and enzymatic synthesis of these compounds.The bibliography includes 161 references.

A Comparative Study on Pharmacokinetics of Tricin, a Flavone from Gramineous Plants with Antiviral Activity

Tricin (and tricin containing plant extracts) has been shown to exert a pronounced antiviral activity, high radical scavenging activity and is favored for its safety profile. In the present study we have analyzed the pharmacokinetics of tricin after a single intravenous and oral administration to Wistar rats of an ethanol extract of Calamagrostis Adans and Deschampsia Beauv plants (test agent) at different doses. Tricin concentrations in blood plasma and blood cells were measured at different time points. Two-compartment (for intravenous injection) and one compartment (for oral administration) models were used for the analysis of tricin pharmacokinetics. The results showed that the pharmacokinetics of tricin after intravenous injection of test agent has a pronounced biphasic character, is well described by a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model, and is characterized by non-linear dose-dependence. The pharmacokinetics of tricin administered orally is characterized by a high rate of absorption from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood and rather slow elimination, which leads to a large volume of distribution in the body and a fairly high bioavailability. The obtained results indicate the advantages of the oral route of administration over the intravenous route.

Hemorrhagic fevers of viral nature. State of the problem and directions for creating effective means of prevention and treatment

Abstract. An attempt to summarize the data of available information materials on epidemiological aspects, the state and prospects of prevention and treatment of hemorrhagic fevers was. Hemorrhagic fevers of viral nature-zoonotic diseases caused by viruses containing ribonucleic acid are classified into 4 families: Arenaviridae, Bunyaviridae, Filoviridae and Flaviviridae. They are spread all over the world, and their pathogens are easily transmitted from person to person, thereby spreading quickly enough beyond the main focus of biological infection. That is why the causative agents of hemorrhagic fevers are regarded as highly contagious biological agents, and agents bioterrorism. Unfortunately, there are currently no effective means of specific prevention and treatment of these infections, and therapeutic measures are limited to the use of symptomatic means. In this regard, the search for substances with pronounced antiviral activity against pathogens of hemorrhagic fevers that can effectively protect against these infections, as well as prevent their occurrence and spread is one of the priority areas of research in modern Infectology, and with the involvement of modern achievements in the field of molecular Virology and genetic engineering. The data obtained in this regard allow a more in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic fevers, the mechanisms of interaction of the pathogen with the host at the cellular level, the mechanisms of intracellular replication of viruses, the formation of the hosts response to viral invasion and clinical manifestations of diseases.

Activity of carraginanes from red algae for infections caused by the herpes simplex virus

Herpesvirus infections, the incidence of which has increased significantly throughout the world in recent years, are actualizing the search and development of new, more effective drugs and prophylactic drugs. Particular attention of researchers is attracted, in particular, by sulfated polysaccharides — carrageenans obtained from natural sources (red algae of the Sea of Japan), which, as it turned out, have a wide spectrum of biological activity. The aim of this study was to study the antiherpetic activity of three types of carrageenans (K1, K2 and K3), with different polymer chain structure, number of sulfate groups and their location. A study of the cytotoxic activity of these compounds and their effect on the reproduction of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in a transplanted Vero cell culture was evaluated using an MTT assay. It was established that all three carrageenans have a pronounced antiviral activity in vitro, however, the effect of their action is different due to the fact that each of them affects different stages of the life cycle of the virus. When Vero cells were treated with carrageenans before they were infected with the virus, K2 polysaccharide showed the most pronounced antiherpetic activity; with direct treatment of the virus with carrageenans, the most significant antiherpetic effect was demonstrated by polysaccharide K1. The revealed differences in the effect of carrageenans on different stages of HSV-1 replication are apparently related to the structural features of the tested compounds.