Review
Toxicology
Cristina W. Nogueira, Nilda V. Barbosa, Joao B. T. Rocha
Summary: Organoselenium compounds have complex pharmacological properties, showing strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, though the understanding of their specific molecular targets is still unclear.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Manish Kumar, Babli Chhillar, Divya Verma, Sumit Nain, Vijay P. Singh
Summary: Copper-catalyzed direct selenation of substituted 2-bromo-N-phenylbenzamide substrates with elemental selenium powder provides methoxysubstituted isoselenazolones through C-Se and Se-N bond formations. O-demethylation of the methoxy-substituted analogues using boron tribromide yields phenolic substituted isoselenazolones. Isoselenazolones exhibit good glutathione peroxidase-like antioxidant activity.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Zhenxin Wang, Linglian Kong, Lixian Zhu, Xiyi Hu, Pengcheng Su, Zhigang Song
Summary: The study found that adding L-SM had a positive impact on the hatchability of breeder eggs and the selenium content in embryos, and it effectively improved the antioxidant enzyme activity of 1-day-old chicks.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Davide Zeppilli, Andrea Madabeni, Luca Sancineto, Luana Bagnoli, Claudio Santi, Laura Orian
Summary: This study investigates the reduction mechanism of H2O2 catalyzed by PhSeZnCl using density functional theory calculations. The impact of metal and halogen substitutions on catalytic activity is evaluated. It is found that Zn is a favorable catalytic metal, while halogen substitution has little effect. The overall mechanism of PhSeZnCl and PhSeZnBr is discussed.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Kaustav Banerjee, Debojit Bhattacherjee, Sulendar K. Mahato, Abu Sufian, Krishna Pada Bhabak
Summary: The synthesis and antioxidant activities of three new classes of ionic organoselenium compounds with cationic benzimidazolium and imidazolium ring systems containing selenocyanates as counterions were described. Mechanistic studies showed the feasibility of cyclization processes in the presence of potassium selenocyanate (KSeCN). The cyclic selenazolium and selenazinium compounds exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activities than the corresponding acyclic selenocyanates, possibly due to their cationic nature which may target and scavenge mitochondrial ROS in the cellular medium.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Agata J. Pacula-Miszewska, Magdalena Obieziurska-Fabisiak, Anna Laskowska, Halina Kaczmarek, Jacek Scianowski
Summary: The irradiation of diaryl diselenides with amido groups using UV light of 254 nm wavelength facilitates the rapid and quantitative conversion to benzisoselenazolone core through free radical Se-N bond formation. This protocol is applicable to a diverse range of substrates under mild reaction conditions.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yiwen He, Peng Guan, Yan Zeng, Le Huang, Can Peng, Xiangfeng Kong, Xihong Zhou
Summary: The study investigates the developmental patterns of selenium content and selenoprotein expression in the liver and longissimus dorsi muscle of Duroc pigs at different growth stages. The results show that age significantly affects the expression of various selenoproteins in both the liver and muscle. The concentrations of glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase, and selenoprotein P increase with age and are correlated with selenium content, except at 80 days of age.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pablo A. A. Nogara, Claudia S. Oliveira, Andrea Madabeni, Marco Bortoli, Joao Batista T. Rocha, Laura Orian
Summary: A combination of spectroscopic, chromatographic and computational methods was used to study the reaction between several diselenides and a thiolate nucleophile, causing the breaking of the selenium-selenium bond. This reaction is important in biological environments and provides insights into the thiol modifier effect of diselenides, which can be applied in pharmacology and toxicology. The data suggests that substituents with electron-withdrawing properties facilitate the reaction but also modify the structure of the starting reactant, increasing the reaction barrier. Therefore, the electron-rich or electron-poor nature of the diselenides plays a crucial role in their reactivity and biological activity.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rama Alhasan, Guilherme M. Martins, Pedro P. de Castro, Rahman Shah Zaib Saleem, Ali Zaiter, Isabelle Fries-Raeth, Alexandra Kleinclauss, Caroline Perrin-Sarrado, Patrick Chaimbault, Eufranio N. da Silva Junior, Caroline Gaucher, Claus Jacob
Summary: Decreased selenium levels and increased oxidative stress have been linked to chronic diseases. This study synthesized and evaluated a series of organic selenium compounds for their antioxidant activities. The seleno-hydantoin derivatives exhibited glutathione peroxidase-like activity and show potential for treating chronic diseases.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Karolina Kaminska, Elzbieta Wojaczynska
Summary: This paper describes the synthesis of chiral diselenides based on 2-azabicycloalkane or the pyrrolidine skeleton using in situ generated Na2Se2 as an efficient selenylating reagent. All the diselenides were obtained in moderate yields under mild conditions. The well-defined enantio- and diastereomerically pure compounds were tested in the asymmetric alkoxyselenylation of alkenes yielding products with diastereoisomeric excess up to >99%.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Tales A. C. Goulart, Davi Fernando Back, Sidnei Moura E. Silva, Gilson Zeni
Summary: By controlling the functional groups directly bonded to the nitrogen atom of the ynamides, selectively three different types of compounds were obtained. The prepared compounds were also studied for their application as substrates in Suzuki and Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kamil Demircan, Qian Sun, Ylva Bengtsson, Petra Seemann, Johan Vallon-Christersson, Martin Malmberg, Lao H. Saal, Lisa Ryd, Waldemar B. Minich, Ake Borg, Jonas Manjer, Lutz Schomburg
Summary: The presence of SELENOP autoantibodies in breast cancer patients is associated with poor prognosis, particularly in patients with low selenium levels. These autoantibodies may disrupt the transport function of SELENOP, leading to an increased risk of recurrence and mortality.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Qing-Zhang Tuo, Shashank Masaldan, Adam Southon, Celeste Mawal, Scott Ayton, Ashley Bush, Peng Lei, Abdel Ali Belaidi
Summary: The emergence of ferroptosis as a cell death pathway associated with brain disorders highlights the importance of developing therapeutics targeting the brain and protecting neurons. Selenium compounds have shown to be effective in inhibiting ferroptosis, with organic selenium compounds like methylselenocysteine providing protection against neuronal damage in ischemia-reperfusion injury in vivo. This suggests the potential use of ferroptosis inhibitors and specific selenium compounds in preventing neuronal damage in ischemic stroke and other related brain diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patricia P. Adriani, Fernanda C. R. de Paiva, Gabriel S. de Oliveira, Amanda C. Leite, Adriana S. Sanches, Adriana Rios Lopes, Marcio V. B. Dias, Felipe S. Chambergo
Summary: The study characterized the functional and structural features of a glutathione peroxidase (GPx) identified in Trichoderma reesei, demonstrating that TrGPx is a thioredoxin peroxidase with better hydrolysis activity towards H2O2 than t-BOOH. Additionally, TrGPx showed optimal pH range and half-life at 80 degrees Celsius.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Aliakbar Ghaffarizadeh, Ebrahim Sotoudeh, Mansour Torfi Mozanzadeh, Ali Mohammad Sanati, Ahmad Ghasemi
Summary: This study examined the effects of dietary selenium nanoparticles (Se-N) on the performance of whiteleg shrimp juveniles. The results showed that supplementing the diet with Se-N improved the growth performance and feed conversion ratio of the shrimp. Increasing levels of Se-N in the diet also led to higher selenium levels in the shrimp's body. Additionally, Se-N supplementation increased the activities of certain enzymes and reduced oxidative stress in the shrimp.
AQUACULTURE REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Opeyemi Babatunde Ogunsuyi, Folorunsho Bright Omage, Olawande Chinedu Olagoke, Ganiyu Oboh, Joao Batista Teixeria Rocha
Summary: This study tested the inhibitory effects of African eggplant and black nightshade leaf extracts on human erythrocyte AChE and investigated their potential molecular mechanisms using molecular docking and MD simulation. The findings suggest that certain compounds with dual-binding properties may serve as potential inhibitors of human AChE.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Raffaella di Vito, Sara Levorato, Cristina Fatigoni, Mattia Acito, Luca Sancineto, Giovanna Traina, Milena Villarini, Claudio Santi, Massimo Moretti
Summary: PhSeZnCl has been shown to exhibit cytotoxic and apoptotic activities in preclinical hepatic cell models, with a stronger effect observed in HepG2 tumor cells. It can cause DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and induction of apoptosis. These findings provide new insights into the biological activity of PhSeZnCl and its potential as a pharmaceutical compound.
TOXICOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pedro Pauletto, Marco Bortoli, Folorunsho Omage Bright, Cassia Pereira Delgado, Pablo Andrei Nogara, Laura Orian, Joao Batista Teixeira da Rocha
Summary: Acid Sphingomyelinase (ASM), involved in plasma membrane cell repair, is activated during SARS-CoV-2 infection. In silico analysis suggests that drugs like fluoxetine might inhibit ASM by breaking its interactions and disrupting its structure.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Stela Karine Braun, Daiane Wagner Jorge, Geovani Bortolanza, Joao Batista Teixeira da Rocha
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that the use of statins before lower-limb arterial angioplasty was associated with improved patency and overall survival, as well as decreased limb loss.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pedro Jose Tronco Pauletto, Cassia Pereira Delgado, Joao Batista Teixeira da Rocha
Summary: In the past two years, various drugs have been identified as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 in laboratory studies. Among them, drugs known as functional inhibitors of acid sphingomyelinase (FIASMAs) have been shown to effectively inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in different types of cells. These drugs have similar chemical structures, with examples including fluoxetine, escitalopram, and fluvoxamine. They are already used as therapeutic agents for other diseases and can be considered as candidates for drug repositioning. This review summarizes two proposed mechanisms by which FIASMAs inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 by targeting acid sphingomyelinase (ASM).
CELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND FUNCTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Folorunsho Bright Omage, Andrea Madabeni, Amanda Resende Tucci, Pablo Andrei Nogara, Marco Bortoli, Alice dos Santos Rosa, Vivian Neuza dos Santos Ferreira, Joao Batista Teixeira Rocha, Milene Dias Miranda, Laura Orian
Summary: This study investigates the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 inhibition by (PhSe)2 and reveals its potential as a therapeutic agent. The results show that (PhSe)2 effectively inhibits viral replication in a cell culture model and provides insights into the non-covalent and covalent inhibition modes of the viral proteases.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL INFORMATION AND MODELING
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Isaac A. Adedara, Oluwadarasimi E. Atanda, Camila Sant'Anna Monteiro, Denis B. Rosemberg, Michael Aschner, Ebenezer O. Farombi, Joao B. T. Rocha, Ana Flavia Furian, Tatiana Emanuelli
Summary: This review discusses the neurotoxicity of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and its impact on the nervous system. Mechanisms of AFB1-induced neuronal dysregulation and neurotoxic effects are uncovered through studies using brain homogenates, neuroblastoma cell line IMR-32, human brain microvascular endothelial cells, microglial cells, and astrocytes, as well as mammalian and non-mammalian models. Furthermore, naturally occurring bioactive compounds with therapeutic effects on AFB1-induced neurotoxicity are reviewed.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Davide Zeppilli, Andrea Madabeni, Luca Sancineto, Luana Bagnoli, Claudio Santi, Laura Orian
Summary: This study investigates the reduction mechanism of H2O2 catalyzed by PhSeZnCl using density functional theory calculations. The impact of metal and halogen substitutions on catalytic activity is evaluated. It is found that Zn is a favorable catalytic metal, while halogen substitution has little effect. The overall mechanism of PhSeZnCl and PhSeZnBr is discussed.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Blessing A. Obafemi, Isaac A. Adedara, Ana L. A. Segatto, Diogo O. Souza, Joao B. T. da Rocha, Olawande C. Olagoke
Summary: In this study, the mechanism of inflammatory response to organometallic cation methylmercury, common cooking seasoning (NaCl and MSG), and their crosstalk with redox signaling were investigated using the lobster cockroach as a model. The activation of Nox/Duox NADPH oxidases, along with JNK and Rel signaling pathways, was found to play crucial roles during methylmercury and MSG exposure.
JOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pablo A. A. Nogara, Meire E. Pereira, Claudia S. Oliveira, Laura Orian, Joao B. T. Rocha
Summary: Organoselenium compounds (OSeCs) have significant therapeutic applications, but their mechanisms are still unclear. By using models and analytical methods, it is possible to elucidate the metabolism, reactivity, and specificity of OSeCs in vivo, leading to further advancements in their pharmacological applications.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luana da Silva Gomes, Vanessa Nascimento
Summary: Organochalcogen compounds (containing S, Se and Te) have interesting biological and chemical applications. Chalcogen electrophiles can react with alkenes to form chalcogeniranium ions, which can then react with different nucleophiles to form molecules with interesting properties. There have been many modifications and explorations in the field of electrophilic addition reactions of organochalcogenic compounds, including the use of transition metals and green chemistry methods. This review provides an overview of the background and recent methodologies in this field, hoping to inspire further research and reflection.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luana S. Gomes, Jose S. S. Neto, Iris di Leo, Cecilia G. Barbosa, Carolina B. Moraes, Lucio H. Freitas-Junior, Bruno Rizzuti, Claudio Santi, Vanessa Nascimento
Summary: Here, a solvent- and metal-free methodology for the aminochalcogenation of alkenes using molecular iodine as a catalyst, DMSO as a stoichiometric oxidant, and different nucleophiles under microwave irradiation is reported. The eco-friendly approach provided the desired products with good to excellent yields in just 20 minutes. Additionally, the antiviral activity of twenty compounds obtained by this methodology against the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated, and two compounds (4d and 5b) showed potent antiviral activity with low cytotoxicity, suggesting promising potential as antiviral agents.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Beena G. Singh, Kavanal P. Prasanthkumar, Francesca Mangiavacchi, Francesca Marini, Claudio Santi
Summary: By studying the reactivity of two selanyl compounds towards one-electron oxidants, it was found that compound 2 possesses better antioxidant properties than compound 1.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Kamil Bugaj, Patrycja Pokora-Sobczak, Grazyna Mielniczak, Luca Sancineto, Claudio Santi, Jozef Drabowicz
Summary: This paper presents the use of ball milling in organic synthesis, focusing on the formation and transformation of sulfur-containing functional groups. The results of sulfenylation reactions, coupling reactions, redox reactions, and condensation reactions under mechanochemical conditions are summarized. This review aims to provide a useful addition to the existing literature on mechanochemistry and attract more researchers' attention to the attractive features of mechanochemical protocols.
PHOSPHORUS SULFUR AND SILICON AND THE RELATED ELEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Shuang Mei, Su Jiang, Yuting Wang, Han Jing, Peng Yang, Miao-Miao Niu, Jindong Li, Kai Yuan, Yan Zhang
Summary: This study identifies a dual-targeting peptide, AP-1, that effectively inhibits variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2 without impairing host cell viability. The findings suggest that AP-1 could be a promising broad-spectrum agent for treating emerging VOCs of SARS-CoV-2.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Hyeonjun Lee, Ju Yeon Lee, Hyunsoo Jang, Hye Young Cho, Minhee Kang, Sang Hyun Bae, Suin Kim, Eunji Kim, Jaebong Jang, Jin Young Kim, Young Ho Jeon
Summary: By using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments, we identified new chemical moieties that bind to the target sites of the protein of interest, allowing for reversible binding and protein degradation. This method has the potential to expand the application of PROTAC technology.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yingying Li, Xiyou Du, Xinru Kong, Yuelin Fang, Zhijing He, Dongzhu Liu, Hang Wu, Jianbo Ji, Xiaoye Yang, Lei Ye, Guangxi Zhai
Summary: This study proposes a novel nanoplatform based on the autophagy cascade to overcome the obstacles in chemo-immunotherapy. The platform combines chemotherapy and starvation therapy to initiate pro-death autophagy and enhance antigen presentation, while also remodeling the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, the study discovers a new therapeutic direction for the respiration inhibitor 3-bromopyruvic acid (3BP) in cancer treatment. Overall, this study offers an opportunity to improve antitumor efficacy and boost immune responses.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Bingsi Wang, Mingxu Ma, Yusen Dai, Pengfei Yu, Liang Ye, Wenyan Wang, Chunjie Sha, Huijie Yang, Yingjie Yang, Yunjing Zhu, Lin Dong, Shujuan Wei, Linlin Wang, Jingwei Tian, Hongbo Wang
Summary: Breast cancer is a common malignant tumor in women, and drug resistance remains a clinical challenge. In this study, a novel compound, G-5b, was developed with potent antagonistic and degradation activities comparable to the current drug fulvestrant. G-5b also showed improved stability and solubility. Mechanistically, G-5b engages the proteasome pathway to degrade ER, inhibiting the ER signaling pathway and inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In animal models, G-5b exhibited superior pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties. Overall, G-5b is a promising long-acting SERD worthy of further investigation and optimization.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Karoline B. Waitman, Larissa C. de Almeida, Marina C. Primi, Jorge A. E. G. Carlos, Claudia Ruiz, Thales Kronenberger, Stefan Laufer, Marcia Ines Goettert, Antti Poso, Sandra V. Vassiliades, Vinicius A. M. de Souza, Monica F. Z. J. Toledo, Neuza M. A. Hassimotto, Michael D. Cameron, Thomas D. Bannister, Leticia Costa-Lotufo, Joa o A. Machado-Neto, Mauricio T. Tavares, Roberto Parise-Filho
Summary: A series of hybrid inhibitors combining pharmacophores of known kinase inhibitors and benzohydroxamate HDAC inhibitors were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity and pharmacokinetic properties. Compounds 4d-f exhibited promising cytotoxicity against hematological cells and moderate activity against solid tumor models. Compound 4d showed potent inhibition of multiple kinase targets and had stable interactions with HDAC and members of the JAK family. These compounds showed selective cytotoxicity with minimal effects on non-tumorigenic cells and favorable pharmacokinetic profiles.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Michal Sulik, Diana Fontinha, Dietmar Steverding, Szymon Sobczak, Michal Antoszczak, Miguel Prudencio, Adam Huczynski
Summary: This study describes the synthesis of the first-in-class ivermectin derivatives obtained through derivatization of the C13 position, along with the unexpected rearrangement of the macrolide ring. These derivatives show potential for antiparasitic activity and are important for the development of new antiparasitic agents.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jun Liu, Qiu-Xian Chen, Wen-Fu Wu, Dong Wang, Si -Yu Zhao, Jia-Hao Li, Yi-Qun Chang, Shao-Gao Zeng, Jia-Yi Hu, Yu-Jie Li, Jia-Xin Du, Shu-Meng Jiao, Hai-Chuan Xiao, Qiang Zhang, Jun Xu, Jian-Fu Zhao, Hai -Bo Zhou, Yong-Heng Wang, Jian Zou, Ping-Hua Sun
Summary: A new anti-infective drug strategy has been discovered to attenuate virulence and modulate inflammation caused by drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Compound 5f inhibits biofilm formation, macrophage migration, and inflammatory response induced by P. aeruginosa, showing potential as a novel candidate against drug-resistant infections.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Liuzeng Chen, Ke Wang, Lingyun Wang, Wei Wang, Lifan Wang, Jia Li, Xiaohan Liu, Mengya Wang, Banfeng Ruan
Summary: In this study, a series of novel anti-inflammatory compounds were designed and synthesized based on the natural product pterostilbene skeleton. Among them, compound 8 showed the highest activity and exhibited its effects through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines by blocking the NF-KB/MAPK signaling pathway. Compound 8 also demonstrated a good relieving effect on acute colitis in mice and showed good safety in acute toxicity experiments.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Si-Min Liang, Gui-Bin Liang, Hui-Ling Wang, Hong Jiang, Xian-Li Ma, Jian-Hua Wei, Ri-Zhen Huang, Ye Zhang
Summary: A series of novel multi-target antitumor agents were designed, synthesized, and evaluated. Some compounds exhibited significant antitumor activity and one compound showed excellent efficacy, limited toxicity, and low resistance. Further mechanism studies revealed that the compound exerted antitumor effects through multiple pathways.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
