Article
Environmental Sciences
Dalia H. El-Kashef, Maha H. Sharawy
Summary: Nicorandil protects against acetaminophen-induced liver damage by reducing liver function indicators, inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation, and improving cell survival.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marko Ostojic, Ante Zevrnja, Katarina Vukojevic, Violeta Soljic
Summary: Synovitis of the knee synovium is a precursor of knee osteoarthritis, and the expression of inflammatory factors NF-kB, iNOS, and MMP-9 in synovial cells may play a role in the progression of the disease. Macrophages appear to have a leading role in producing inflammatory factors through NF-kB in the intima, while leukocytes may have a dominant role in the subintima of advanced OA. Blocking NF-kB expression in macrophages and leukocytes could be a potential therapeutic target for modifying the disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dahae Lee, Seoung Rak Lee, Ki Sung Kang, Ki Hyun Kim
Summary: The study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of compounds from white mulberry fruits in mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages. Compound cyclo(L-Pro-L-Val) (5) was identified as a potential therapeutic agent for inflammation-associated disorders as it significantly suppressed phosphorylations and activations of inflammatory mediators.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Xingyu Chen, Jiajun He, Yu Xie, Tianxu Zhang, Songhang Li, Yuxuan Zhao, Nan Hu, Xiaoxiao Cai
Summary: Sepsis, a deadly condition caused by immune response dysregulation, remains the leading cause of death in severely ill patients with no effective treatment available. This study investigates the role of tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs), a novel DNA nanomaterial, in reducing organ inflammatory damage in septic mice by inhibiting pyroptosis. The results suggest tFNAs as a potential new strategy for sepsis treatment.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dahae Lee, Akida Alishir, Tae Su Jang, Ki Hyun Kim
Summary: The study revealed that benzyl salicylate found in Cornus walteri has potential anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators and affecting the phosphorylation of certain protein kinases and the expression of transcription factors.
Review
Immunology
Attinder Chadha, Kris Chadee
Summary: Protozoan parasites evade host defenses by hijacking host cellular signaling pathways and transcription factors, with the NF-kappa B pathway being a key target. These parasites manipulate the NF-kappa B pathway to thwart immune responses and ensure survival in the host.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Marion Mussbacher, Martina Derler, Jose Basilio, Johannes A. Schmid
Summary: Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) is a dimeric transcription factor that regulates the expression of chemokines, cytokines, transcription factors, and regulatory proteins, playing a crucial role in inflammation and immunity. Understanding its specific roles in different cell types, tissues, and under different stimuli is important. This review focuses on the role of NF-kappa B in monocytes and macrophages, innate immune cells that exhibit high plasticity and adjust their functions against pathogens and cues from the environment. NF-kappa B activation in macrophages has significant implications in inflammatory diseases and its temporal dynamics are complex.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleyna Oztuezuen, Tugce Ceker, Cagatay Yilmaz, Mutay Aslan
Summary: This study investigated the signal transduction pathways activated by PRL-induced toxicity in ARPE-19 cells and explored the protective effect of an NOS2 inhibitor called asp. The results showed that PRL toxicity increased levels of NF-kappa B p65, AKT, and other factors, while treatment with asp reduced their levels and reduced inflammation.
JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yong-Seok Song, Ismail S. Zaitoun, Shoujian Wang, Soesiawati R. Darjatmoko, Christine M. Sorenson, Nader Sheibani
Summary: CYP1B1 expression in the retina is crucial for maintaining cellular redox homeostasis. Its metabolism of 17β-estradiol affects iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation, leading to iron accumulation and oxidative stress.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Zhending Gan, Meiyu Zhang, Donghui Xie, Xiaoyan Wu, Changming Hong, Jian Fu, Lijuan Fan, Shengyi Wang, Sufang Han
Summary: Glycine, acting as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, not only affects the functions of macrophages but also shapes their polarization through cellular signaling pathways and microRNAs. Additionally, glycine has beneficial effects in preventing and treating macrophage-associated diseases.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Varela, Miriam Lopez, Mariana Ingold, Diego Alem, Valentina Perini, Karen Perelmuter, Mariela Bollati-Fogolin, Gloria V. Lopez, Paola Hernandez
Summary: This study evaluated three nitric oxide-releasing compounds as potential therapies for bladder cancer. The results showed that compounds 1 and 3 inhibited the proliferation of bladder cancer cells through DNA damage and downregulation of Survivin. Compound 3 also reduced the migration of bladder cancer cells.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dan Huang, Chaoqun Sun, Min Chen, Shuyou Bai, Xuanna Zhao, Weiming Wang, Kang Geng, Wenbo Huang, Tingting Zhao, Bin Wu, Guilin Zhang, Dong Wu, Youhua Xu
Summary: This study found that the SIRT1 agonist bergenin can improve asthma-induced airway inflammation and remodeling by activating SIRT1 and regulating the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor kappa B.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
ShuTing Li, Dan Xu, Jing Jia, Wenbo Zou, JieYing Liu, Yao Wang, Kun Zhang, Xi Zheng, Yan-Yan Ma, Xuejian Zhang, Deng-Gao Zhao
Summary: In this study, 13 previously undescribed neo-clerodane diterpenoids and 27 known analogs were isolated from Scutellaria barbata. The absolute configurations of the undescribed compounds were determined, and their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide generation in macrophages were evaluated. Compound 36 showed the highest activity and suppressed nitric oxide synthase expression and NF-kappa B signaling.
Article
Cell Biology
Brian G. Coon, Sushma Timalsina, Matteo Astone, Zhen W. Zhuang, Jennifer Fang, Jinah Han, Jurgen Themen, Minhwan Chung, Young Joo Yang-Klingler, Mukesh Jain, Karen K. Hirschi, Ai Yamamato, Louis-Eric Trudeau, Massimo Santoro, Martin A. Schwartz
Summary: This study reveals the mechanism by which laminar shear stress (LSS) induces the anti-inflammatory transcription factor Klf2 through regulation of mitochondrial metabolism and kinase module activation. It defines a new framework for understanding and developing treatments for vascular disease by uncovering the connection between metabolism and vascular inflammation.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shintu Mathew, Xian Zhou, Gerald Munch, Francis Bodkin, Matthew Wallis, Feng Li, Ritesh Raju
Summary: In this study, a new anti-inflammatory compound, tristaenone A (1), was discovered from the leaves of Tristaniopsis laurina. It showed significant inhibition of inflammatory cytokine production in cells, indicating its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Deep Sankar Rudra, Uttam Pal, Nilkanta Chowdhury, Nakul Chandra Maiti, Angshuman Bagchi, Snehasikta Swarnakar
Summary: The repairing of damaged tissues in the gastric tract starts with extracellular matrix remodeling by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The drug omeprazole, used to cure gastric ulcers, has been shown to restore MMP-2 activity and reduce apoptosis, preventing stress-induced gastric ulcers by modulating NF-kappa B and PPAR-gamma activity.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Essam M. Hussein, Ziad Moussa, Uttam Pal, Reem Alsantali, Abdullah Y. A. Alzahrani, Rami J. Obaid, Fawaz M. Alzahrani, Munirah M. Al-Rooqi, Meshari A. Alsharif, Nizar El Guesmi, Rabab S. Jassas, M. Shaheer Malik, Hatem M. Altass, Samir K. Pal, Tanusri Saha Dasgupta, Saleh A. Ahmed
Summary: Functionalized oxindoles and pyrrolizidines are central in the synthesis of many natural products, but achieving high regio- and stereoselectivity is a challenge. This study investigates the regio- and stereochemistry of a specific cycloaddition reaction using experimental and theoretical methods. The research reveals a significant inversion of regioselectivity in certain reactions.
ARABIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Leena Majumder, Kaushik Bera, Krishnendu Khamaru, Uttam Pal, Nakul C. Maiti, Biswadip Banerji
Summary: The study reported the synthesis, self-assembly patterns, and physicochemical properties of two novel dipeptides, which showed different morphological features due to slight twists in their molecular structures under similar conditions. These dipeptides demonstrated unique self-assembly behaviors and structural characteristics, providing insights into their potential biomedical applications.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dipanjan Mukherjee, Gulmi Chakraborty, Md. Nur Hasan, Uttam Pal, Priya Singh, Tatini Rakshit, Reem I. Alsantali, Tanusri Saha Dasgupta, Saleh. A. Ahmed, Ranjan Das, Samir Kumar Pal
Summary: The reversible photoswitching behavior of nonactivated spiropyran was studied, revealing its ability to cyclize back under specific environmental conditions. Upon UV irradiation, spiropyran isomerizes to its merocyanine form, and upon visible light exposure, it reverts back to its original closed-ring state. These findings have potential implications for target-oriented drug delivery applications.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Somnath Mazumder, Samik Bindu, Rudranil De, Subhashis Debsharma, Saikat Pramanik, Uday Bandyopadhyay
Summary: Gastroduodenal inflammation and ulcerative injuries are increasing due to various factors such as socio-economic stress, unhealthy habits, and the use of certain medications. The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to gastrointestinal complications, posing a challenge to healthcare systems. Mitochondrial dysfunctions play a significant role in the pathogenesis of diseases and can be targeted for prevention and treatment. Oxidative and nitrosative stress cause mitochondrial injury, leading to tissue damage and inflammation. Understanding the molecular events and factors affecting mitochondria is important for understanding gastrointestinal mucosal pathogenesis and developing new drugs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pritam Biswas, Aniruddha Adhikari, Uttam Pal, Susmita Mondal, Dipanjan Mukherjee, Ria Ghosh, Rami J. Obaid, Ziad Moussa, Sudeshna Shyam Choudhury, Saleh A. Ahmed, Ranjan Das, Samir Kumar Pal
Summary: This study investigates the effect of formalin on the enzyme alpha-chymotrypsin (CHT) and reveals the role of amino acid residue modifications in the enzyme's catalytic activity and molecular recognition. The results show that the presence of formalin reduces the enzyme's catalytic activity and leads to the formation of multiple binding sites in the enzyme.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rui Li, Isabella Caico, Ziyan Xu, Mohammad Shameel Iqbal, Fabio Romerio
Summary: Nucleosomes on the HIV-1 5 ' LTR regulate sense transcription and latency, while the NSP in the 3 ' LTR expresses antisense transcripts. Epigenetic regulation of NSP activity was investigated using two chronically infected T cell lines. Histone acetylation and methylation were found to regulate both sense and antisense transcription, with the latter potentially limiting the efficacy of latency-reversing agents in HIV-1 cure strategies.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Rajdip Misra, Anupam Maity, Shubham Kundu, Mrinmay Bhunia, Banadipa Nanda, Nakul C. Maiti, Uttam Pal
Summary: Molecular mechanics are important for enzyme action and understanding loop motion dynamics is crucial for designing enzyme inhibitors. In this study, we investigated the structural dynamics of NS2B/NS3 dengue protease for the development of new protease inhibitors. The internal dynamics of two regions, fingers 1 and 2, adjacent to the active site triad were found to control the enzyme action. Correlated motions in the beta-turns of these regions modulated the enzyme activity. Perturbation of these motions by cosolvent concentration, temperature, and mutations affected the enzyme kinetics.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL INFORMATION AND MODELING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Deep Sankar Rudra, Sourav Chatterjee, Uttam Pal, Madhumita Mandal, Susri Ray Chaudhuri, Mrinmay Bhunia, Nakul Chandra Maiti, Shila Elizabeth Besra, Parasuraman Jaisankar, Snehasikta Swarnakar
Summary: We investigated the antiulcer efficacy of 3-indolyl furanoids derived from indomethacin and found that 3g protected against indomethacin-induced gastropathy by inhibiting MMP-9. This study established a chemical modification strategy for the development of safer NSAIDs.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anupam Maity, Animesh Mondal, Shubham Kundu, Gourav Shome, Rajdip Misra, Aakriti Singh, Uttam Pal, Atin Kumar Mandal, Kaushik Bera, Nakul C. Maiti
Summary: In this study, the impact of a compound called naringenin on the aggregation and fibril formation of α-synuclein, which is linked to the pathology of Parkinson's disease, was investigated. The findings showed that naringenin effectively inhibits aggregation and fibril formation, thereby delaying the progression of Parkinson's disease. The compound was incorporated onto the surface of gold nanoparticles and demonstrated the ability to interact with α-synuclein and alter the absorption spectrum of the nanoparticles. Additionally, naringenin and its nanocomplex did not affect neuronal cell viability.
Article
Spectroscopy
Gourab Ghosh, Dipanjan Mukherjee, Ria Ghosh, Priya Singh, Uttam Pal, Arpita Chattopadhyay, Mithun Santra, Kyo Han Ahn, P. Mosae Selvakumar, Ranjan Das, Samir Kumar Pal
Summary: A novel benzo[a]phenoxazine-based fluorescent dye LV2 was used to investigate the recognition of a linker histone protein H1 by calf-thymus DNA (DNA). The fluorescence lifetime and rotational relaxation time of LV2 buried in H1 or DNA showed significant changes upon the formation of the H1-DNA complex, indicating successful recognition between H1 and DNA. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the binding of LV2 in the interface of the H1-DNA complex was energetically more favorable. Through the significant changes in fluorescence lifetime and rotational relaxation time, the benzo[a]phenoxazine-based fluorescent dye reported on the recognition of H1 by DNA.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Selina Bopp, Charisse Flerida A. Pasaje, Robert L. Summers, Pamela Magistrado-Coxen, Kyra A. Schindler, Victoriano Corpas-Lopez, Tomas Yeo, Sachel Mok, Sumanta Dey, Sebastian Smick, Armiyaw S. Nasamu, Allison R. Demas, Rachel Milne, Natalie Wiedemar, Victoria Corey, Maria De Gracia Gomez-Lorenzo, Virginia Franco, Angela M. Early, Amanda K. Lukens, Danny Milner, Jeremy Furtado, Francisco-Javier Gamo, Elizabeth A. Winzeler, Sarah K. Volkman, Maelle Duffey, Benoit Laleu, David A. Fidock, Susan Wyllie, Jacquin C. Niles, Dyann F. Wirth
Summary: Drug resistance to current antimalarials is increasing, necessitating the development of new drugs and targets. In this study, the authors identify Plasmodium falciparum acyl-CoA synthetase 10 as a new target, and demonstrate that its inhibition leads to a decrease in triacylglycerols. Understanding the mechanism of action of small molecules against malaria parasites can help identify new chemically validated targets.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Chinmoy Banerjee, Shiladitya Nag, Manish Goyal, Debanjan Saha, Asim Azhar Siddiqui, Somnath Mazumder, Subhashis Debsharma, Saikat Pramanik, Uday Bandyopadhyay
Summary: This study reveals the nuclease activity of PfAlba3 in response to DNA damage and its potential role in Plasmodium pathogenicity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Esha Pandit, Lopamudra Das, Anoy Kumar Das, Sandip Dolui, Saumen Saha, Uttam Pal, Animesh Mondal, Joydeep Chowdhury, Subhas C. C. Biswas, Nakul C. C. Maiti
Summary: Parkinson's disease is an age-related neurological disorder caused by aggregates of alpha-synuclein (aS) proteins. In this study, the structure and aggregation behavior of two artificial single point mutants of aS were analyzed and compared to the wild-type. The mutants showed enhanced structural stability and alpha-helical propensity, resulting in slower fibril formation and reduced toxicity to neuronal cells.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sunny Kumar, Malini Basu, Pratyasha Ghosh, Uttam Pal, Mrinal K. Ghosh
Summary: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the complicated disease COVID-19. Clinicians are facing significant challenges in treatment due to the lack of specific drugs, leading to the exploration of drug repurposing as a potential solution. Many drugs are being repurposed globally, with some already approved for clinical use and others in various stages of clinical trials.
