Inflammation is a dysregulated immune response characterized by an excessive release of proinflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and prostanoids, leading to tissue damage and various pathological conditions. Natural compounds, notably phenolic acid phytocompounds from plants, have recently garnered substantial interest as potential therapeutic agents to bolster well-being and combat inflammation recently. Based on previous research, the precise molecular mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of phenolic acids remains elusive. Therefore, this study aimed to predict the molecular mechanisms underpinning the anti-inflammatory properties of selected phenolic acid phytocompounds through comprehensive network pharmacology, molecular docking, and dynamic simulations. Network pharmacology analysis successfully identified TNF-α convertase as a potential target for anti-inflammatory purposes. Among tested compounds, chlorogenic acid (-6.90 kcal/mol), rosmarinic acid (-6.82 kcal/mol), and ellagic acid (-5.46 kcal/mol) exhibited the strongest binding affinity toward TNF-α convertase. Furthermore, phenolic acid compounds demonstrated molecular binding poses similar to those of the native ligand, indicating their potential as inhibitors of TNF-α convertase. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive the anti-inflammatory effects of phenolic compounds, particularly through the suppression of TNF-α production via TNF-α convertase inhibition, thus reinforcing their anti-inflammatory attributes.
Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic widely used in cancer therapy. However, its cytotoxic properties affect both cancerous and healthy cells. Combining doxorubicin with antioxidants such as ferulic acid reduces its side effects, while simultaneously enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. The low bioavailability of these drugs demonstrate that drug delivery carriers are required to enable the target site to be accessed. The doxorubicin and ferulic acid-loaded liposome composed of HSPC, Cholesterol, and DSPE-mPEG2000 (55:40:5 molar ratio) was prepared by thin film hydration method. The findings indicate that the encapsulation of ferulic acid had an impact on liposome characteristics, i.e., increasing the particle size of Lipo-DOX from 134.5 ± 4.8 nm to 154.1 ± 5.2 nm for Lipo DOX-FA, increasing the zeta potential of Lipo-DOX from − 16.04 ± 2.59 to 0.2 ± 0.0 mV for Lipo DOX-FA, and reducing the entrapment efficiency percentage of Lipo-DOX from 88.30 ± 1.89% to 85.99 ± 3.02% for Lipo DOX-FA. The infrared spectra of Lipo DOX-FA exhibited shifted absorption bands, indicating the interaction between the carboxyl group of ferulic acid and the choline polar head of phospholipid. Moreover, changes to the DSC thermogram were observed following the incorporation of ferulic acid into the liposome, while the Lipo DOX-FA exhibited a relatively rapid drug release compared to Lipo DOX suggesting a slightly shorter period necessary to attain both therapeutic efficacy and the maintenance of a stable drug encapsulation in the systemic circulation. An in vitro study of LLC and HeLa cells showed that the IC50 values of Lipo DOX-FA were 0.70 µg/mL and 1.56 µg/mL, while the CC50 value in normal HEK cells was 6.50 µg/mL. This study suggested that while co-loading FA into Lipo DOX reduced the IC50 value, indicating enhanced cytotoxicity in cancer cells, it had no effect on DOX liposome cytotoxicity in normal HEK cells.
28 August 2020 in Turkish Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Objectives: This study was designed to verify the antiangiogenic activity of ferulic acid (FA) and its potency to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Moreover, we verified its mechanism of action by docking the molecule on COX-2, tyrosine kinase, and VEGF-2 proteins in silico. Materials and Methods: An antiangiogenesis assay of FA at doses of 30, 60, and 90 mu g was performed using the CAM of chicken eggs that were 9 days old and stimulated by 60 ng of basic fibroblast growth factor. Celecoxib (60 mu g) was used as the reference drug. The inhibitory activity on VEGF and COX-2 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry assay. Molecular docking of FA was accomplished by Molegro Virtual Docker program ver. 5.5 on COX-2 enzyme (PDB ID 1CX2), tyrosine kinase receptor (PDB ID 1XKK), and VEGF-2 receptor (PDB ID 4ASD). Results: FA at doses of 30, 60, and 90 mu g significantly prevented angiogenesis in the CAM model, which was represented as inhibitory activity against endothelial cells of blood vessels (42.6-70.7%) and neovascularization (43.0-86.6%). The inhibitory activity of FA against VEGF expression was stronger than its action on COX-2 expression. Molecular docking on VEGF-2 receptor resulted in an RS value of FA of-73.844 kcal/mol and for celecoxib it was-94.557 kcal/mol. The RS value on tyrosine kinase of FA was-84.954 kcal/mol, while on celecoxib it was-93.163 kcal/mol. Docking on COX-2 receptor gave an RS value of FA of-73.416 kcal/mol, while for celecoxib it was-118.107 kcal/mol. Conclusion: Reductions in VEGF-2 and COX-2 expression due to treatment with FA at the dose range 30-90 mu g appeared to be related to angiogenesis inhibition, which was shown by two parameters, namely inhibition of neovascularization and endothelial cell growth in blood vessels. It was concluded that FA is a promising antiangiogenic therapeutic agent especially at the early stage, and this activity can arise from inhibitory action on COX-2 and VEGF-2
30 March 2023 in Journal of Public Health in Africa
Background: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), commonly known as the silent killer, impacted the severity of COVID-19 patients during the pandemic era. Thrombosis or blood clots create the buildup of plaque on the coronary artery walls of the heart, which leads to coronary heart disease. Cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) is involved in the production of prostacyclin by systemic arteries; hence, inhibiting the COX-1 enzyme can prevent platelet reactivity mediated by prostacyclin. To obtain good health and well-being, the research of discovery of new drugs for anti-thrombotic still continue. Objective: This study aims to predict the potential of 17 compounds owned by the vanillin analog to COX-1 receptor using in silico. Methods: This research employed a molecular docking analysis using Toshiba hardware and AutoDock Tools version 1.5.7, ChemDraw Professional 16.0, Discovery Studio, UCSF Chimera software, SWISSADME and pKCSM, a native ligand from COX- 1 (PDB ID: 1CQE) was validated. Results: The validation result indicated that the RMSD was 2 Å. The 4-formyl-2-methoxyphenyl benzoate compound had the lowest binding energy in COX-1 inhibition with a value of -7.70 Å. All vanillin derivatives show good intestinal absorption, and the predicted toxicity indicated that they were non-hepatotoxic. All these compounds have the potential to be effective antithrombotic treatments when consumed orally. Conclusion: In comparison to other vanillin derivative compounds, 4-formyl-2-methoxyphenyl benzoate has the lowest binding energy value; hence, this analog can continue to be synthesized and its potential as an antithrombotic agent might be confirmed by in vivo studies.
31 October 2021 in PengabdianMu: Jurnal Ilmiah Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat
Food safety is a complex issue that involves stakeholders in its handling. The point of food safety is growing widely and is becoming a concern in the community because it is related to the quality of consumers' good health and well-being. The community service activities based on quality education focused on Good Processed Food Manufacturing Practices (CPPOB), safe use of Food Additives (BTP), and consideration of packaging selection that ensures food safety. Education is carried out to increase the understanding of SMEs actors regarding regulations of CPPOB, the use of BTP, and provisions on Food Packaging. The education process is carried out online using the Zoom Meeting platform. Learning activity is carried out in one direction through lectures and questions and answers sessions. The increase in participants' understanding was measured by comparing the distribution of average scores, pretest, and post-test statistical tests. The effectiveness and quality of the educational process were measured using an evaluation questionnaire with predetermined indicators. The education carried out related to CPPOB, the use of BTP, and the selection of food packaging performed by the community service team of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga to SMEs in Balikpapan has proven to increase the understanding of business actors. It can fulfill their needs and target activity evaluation indicators that have been determined.
1 November 2019 in Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology
Background: The high prevalence of thrombotic abnormalities has become a major concern in the health sector. This is triggered by uncontrolled platelet aggregation, which causes complications and death. The problem becomes more complicated because of the undesirable side effects of the drugs currently in use, some of which have reportedly become resistant. This study aims to evaluate the potency of o -hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (OCA1a–22a) and their pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity for them to be developed as new antiplatelet candidates. Methods: In silico analysis of pharmacokinetics was carried out using pKCSM. Molecular docking of the compounds OCA 1a–22a was performed using the Molegro Virtual Docker. In silico evaluation of the potency of biological activity was done by measuring the bonding energy of each tested compound to the target receptor i.e. COX-1 and P2Y 12 , as the Moldock score (MDS). Results: pKCSM analyses showed that more than 90% of OCA 1a–22a are absorbed through the intestine and distributed in plasma. Most tested compounds are not hepatotoxic, and none is mutagenic. An evaluation of the COX-1 receptor showed that OCA 2a–22a have lower binding energy compared to aspirin, which is the COX-1 inhibitor used today. So, it can be predicted that OCA 2–22a have stronger activity. Interactions with P2Y 12 show lower MDS than aspirin, but slightly higher than ibuprofen, which is the standard ligand. Conclusions: ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) profile prediction shows that OCA 1a–22a have the potential to be developed as oral preparations. OCA 1a–22a have strong potential to interact with COX-1 and P2Y 12 receptors, so they are prospective anti-platelet candidates.