Identifying the specific-targeted marine cerebrosides against SARS-CoV-2: an integrated computational approach

Cerebrosides are a group of metabolites belonging to the glycosphingolipids class of natural products. So far, 167 cerebrosides, compounds 1–167, have been isolated from diverse marine organisms or microorganisms. The as yet smaller number of compounds that have been studied more in depth proves a potential against challenging diseases, such as cancer, a range of viral and bacterial diseases, as well as inflammation. This review provides a comprehensive summary on this so far under-explored class of compounds, their chemical structures, bioactivities, and their marine sources, with a full coverage to the end of 2020. Today, the global pandemic concern, COVID-19, has claimed millions of death cases around the world, making the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs urgently needed for such a battle. Accordingly, selected examples from all subclasses of cerebrosides were virtually screened for potential inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 proteins that are crucially involved in the viral–host interaction, viral replication, or in disease progression. The results highlight five cerebrosides that could preferentially bind to the hACE2 protein, with binding scores between −7.1 and −7.6 kcal mol⁻¹ and with the docking poses determined underneath the first α₁-helix of the protein. Moreover, the molecular interaction determined by molecular dynamic (MD) simulation revealed that renieroside C1 (60) is more conveniently involved in key hydrophobic interactions with the best stability, least deviation, least ΔG (−6.9 kcal mol⁻¹) and an RMSD value of 3.6 Å. Thus, the structural insights assure better binding affinity and favorable molecular interaction of renieroside C1 (60) towards the hACE2 protein, which plays a crucial role in the biology and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2.

Cerebrosides are a group of metabolites belonging to the glycosphingolipids class of natural products.     

Transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes using cellulose filter paper-supported Pd/C by filtration as well as sealed methods

A reductive filter paper for selective nitro reduction has been prepared by modification of a pristine cellulose filter paper by Pd/C nanoparticles, as a portable catalyst. The reaction was performed in two different set-ups including (i) filtration and (ii) sealed systems, in the presence of ammonium formate and ex situ generated hydrogen gas reducing agents, respectively. In the sealed system in the presence of H₂ gas, the halogenated nitroarenes were completely reduced, while in the filtration system, different derivatives of the nitroarenes were selectively reduced to aryl amines. In both systems, the reduction of nitroarenes to aryl amines was performed with high efficiency and selectivity, comparable to a heterogeneous system. Reaction parameters were comprehensively designed using Design Expert software and then studied. The properties of the catalytic filter paper were studied in detail from the points of view of swellability, shrinkage, reusability, and stability against acidic, alkaline, and oxidative reagents.

A novel and efficient catalytic filtration has been developed for the selective reduction of nitro compounds on a Pd/C-doped cellulose filter paper.     

Synthesis and anticancer and anti-HIV testing of some pyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole derivatives

In this study, some 1-methylene-2,3-diaryl-1,2-dihydropyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole and some 1-(2-arylvinyl)-3-arylpyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole derivatives were synthesised. The structure elucidation of the compounds was performed by IR, 1H-NMR and MASS spectroscopic data and elemental analyses results. Anticancer and anti-HIV activities of the compounds were examined, however no anti-HIV activity was seen; highly notable anticancer activity was obtained. It was also observed that the compounds were more potent against leukaemia cell lines.     

Glutamic acid decar☐ylase (GAD) activity in the rat substantia nigra after discrete bilateral kainic acid-inducedlesions of the caudate-putamen and globus pallidus: correlation with locomotor activity

Bilateral injections of kainic acid into the head (both anterior and posterior postions) of the caudate nucleus, the body of the caudate and the globus pallidus showed that the descending GABAergic innervation to the substantia nigra originates predominantly from the body of the caudate nucleus. Locomotor activity was enhanced following the lesions but thwere was no correlation with the severity of nigral GAD depletion.     

Orbital osteoma arising adjacent to a foreign body

A 27-year-old man sustained a blast injury to the face in April 1996, with a resultant foreign body at the right medial orbital wall. He refused to undergo surgical removal of the foreign body at that time and was discharged on oral antibiotics. Five years later, he presented because of recurrent attacks of swelling, redness, and pain at the right medial canthal area. A repeat computed tomography (CT) scan revealed fragmentation of the original orbital foreign body and an adjacent radiodense lesion that appeared to blend smoothly with the orbital bone from which it arose. This lesion was not present on the initial CT scan done 5 years earlier immediately following the blast. The patient was started on oral antibiotics and surgical exploration was carried out. Three fragments of the foreign body were removed in addition to the adjacent orbital lesion, which proved to be an ivory-type osteoma on histopathology. We briefly review previously suggested factors in the pathogenesis of osteoma and present further evidence in favor of both traumatic and infectious factors.     

Epidermoid cyst radiologically mistaken as a left sided subpulmonic effusion

A 33-year-old female had a left sided chest pain for the last 3 months. Chest X-ray showed a left basal opacity. Computed tomography chest suggested a left sided subpulmonic effusion (17.5x12.2x13 cm) with thick enhanced walls with marked collapse of the left lower lobe and displacement of the heart and mediastinum to the right side. Trial of thoracocentesis was done and it was positive. Trial of intercostal tube insertion was done with a sense of very thick pleura and the patient developed a vasovagal attack. Accordingly, exploratory thoracotomy was decided. Intraoperative assessment showed a huge anterosuperior mediastinal cyst attached to the pericardium and was successfully resected. The pathological findings were compatible with epidermoid cyst.     

Pharmacological and phytochemical biodiversity of Corchorus olitorius

Corchorus olitorius L. is a nutritious green leafy vegetable that is eaten as a viscous soup in African and Middle Eastern cultures. The purpose of this review is to highlight the nutritional and nutraceutical potential of this plant. The leaves of C. olitorius are rich providers of minerals as calcium and iron in addition to vitamins B1, B2, folic acid C and E. The leaves contain numerous compounds having several biological effects including antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. Besides, the leaves comprise other phytochemicals such as cardiac glycosides, terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, hydrocarbons and phenolics. Various extracts of C. olitorius were shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antihyperlipidemic, immunostimulant, antitumor, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, analgesic, wound-healing properties and cardioprotective activities.

Corchorus olitorius L. is a nutritious green leafy vegetable that is eaten as a viscous soup in African and Middle Eastern cultures.     

Antiproliferative activity of new pentacyclic triterpene and a saponin from Gladiolus segetum Ker-Gawl corms supported by molecular docking study

A new triterpenoidal saponin identified as 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-xylopyranosyl]-2β,3β,16α-trihydroxyolean-12-en-23,28-dioic acid-28-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-l-arabinopyranoside 1 together with a new oleanane triterpene identified as 2β,3β,13α,22α-tetrahydroxy olean-23,28-dioic acid 2 and 6 known compounds (3–8) have been isolated from Gladiolus segetum Ker-Gawl corms. The structural elucidation of the isolated compounds was confirmed using different chemical and spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR experiments as well as HR-ESI-MS. Moreover, the in vitro cytotoxic activity of the fractions and that of the isolated compounds 1–8 were investigated against five human cancer cell lines (PC-3, A-549, HePG-2, MCF-7 and HCT-116) using doxorubicin as a reference drug. The results showed that the saponin fraction exhibited potent in vitro cytotoxic activity against the five human cancer cell lines, whereas the maximum activity was exhibited against the PC-3 and A-549 cell lines with the IC₅₀ values of 1.13 and 1.98 μg mL⁻¹, respectively. In addition, compound 1 exhibited potent activity against A-549 and PC-3 with the IC₅₀ values of 2.41 μg mL⁻¹ and 3.45 μg mL⁻¹, respectively. Interestingly, compound 2 showed the maximum activity against PC-3 with an IC₅₀ of 2.01 μg mL⁻¹. These biological results were in harmony with that of the molecular modeling study, which showed that the cytotoxic activity of compound 2 might occur through the inhibition of the HER-2 enzyme.

A new triterpenoidal saponin 1, a new oleanane triterpene 2, and 6 known compounds (3–8) have been isolated from Gladiolus segetum Ker-Gawl corms.