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We report the formulation, characterization, colloidal stability, and in vitro efficiency of Fisetin nanocrystals stabilized by poloxamer P407. Such nanocrystals present a nanometer scale (148.6 ± 1.1 nm) and a high homogeneity (polydispersity index of 0.17 ± 0.01), with a production yield of 97.0 ± 2.5%. The engineered formulations of nanocrystals suspension (pH of 7.4 ± 0.1), stabilized via steric repulsion, are stable for several days in aqueous environment (Milli Q water, NaCl 10 mM or mannitol 5% w/v), for few days in HEPES buffered saline (HBS) (20 / 150 mM) under sink conditions, and in culture medium. After freeze drying in 5% w/v mannitol, the nanocrystal formulations can be stored at −80 °C for at least 120 days. Drug release experiments displayed a 98.7 ± 5.1% cumulative release over 3 days in HBS. Compared to the free drug, the nanocrystal formulations showed an improved cytotoxicity highlighted by the decrease of the half maximal inhibitory concentration for both murine Lewis lung carcinoma (3LL) and human endothelial (EA.hy926) cell lines. In addition, after incubation with Fisetin nanosuspensions, significant changes in the cell morphology for both cell lines were observed, showing an improved anti-angiogenic effect of nanocrystals formulation compared to the free drug. Overall, Fisetin formulated as nanocrystals showed enhanced biopharmaceutical properties and in vitro activity, offering a wide range of indications for challenging applications in the clinic.

Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication process that controls bacterial collective behaviors. The QS network regulates and coordinates bacterial virulence factor expression, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. Therefore, inhibition of the QS system is an effective strategy to suppress the bacterial virulence. Herein, we identify a phosphate ester derivative of chrysin as a potent QS inhibitor of the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) using a designed luciferase reporter assay. In vitro biochemical analysis shows that the chrysin derivative binds to the bacterial QS regulator LasR and abrogates its DNA-binding capability. In particular, the derivative exhibits higher anti-virulence activity compared to the parent molecule. All the results reveal the potential application of flavone derivative as an anti-virulence compound to combat the infectious diseases caused by P. aeruginosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cisplatin has been extensively used in therapeutics for its broad-spectrum anticancer activity and frequently used for the treatment of solid tumors. However, it presents several side-effects and several cancers develop resistance. Combination therapy of cisplatin with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) inhibitors has been effective in increasing its efficacy at lower doses. Methods and results: In this work, we have shown that the nitro-flavone derivative, 2-(4-Nitrophenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (4NCO), can improve the sensitivity of cancer cells to cisplatin through inhibition of PARP1. The effect of 4NCO on cisplatin toxicity was studied through combination therapy in both exponential and density inhibited A375 melanoma cells. Combination index (CI) was determined from isobologram analysis. The mechanism of cell killing was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Temporal nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) assay was done to show the inhibition of PARP1. We also performed in silico molecular modeling studies to know the binding mode of 4NCO to a modeled PARP1-DNA complex containing cisplatin-crosslinked adduct. The results from both in silico and in cellulo studies confirmed that PARP1 inhibition by 4NCO was most effective in sensitizing A375 melanoma cells to cisplatin. Isobologram analysis revealed that 4NCO reduced cell viability both in exponential and density inhibited A375 cells synergistically. The combination led to cell death through apoptosis. Conclusion: The synthetic nitro-flavone derivative 4NCO effectively inhibited the important nuclear DNA repair enzyme PARP1 and therefore, could complement the DNA-damaging anticancer drug cisplatin in A375 cells and thus, could act as a potential adjuvant to cisplatin in melanoma therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G-quadruplex DNAs (G4 DNAs) are emerging as promising anticancer drug targets due to their presence in the promoter regions of different oncogenes. Utilizing different spectroscopic techniques like UV–Vis absorption titration, thermal denaturation, spectrofluorimetric titration, fluorescence displacement assay, Job plot analysis, circular dichroism spectroscopy and also, molecular docking studies, the interaction of a synthetic nitro-flavone, 2-(4-Nitrophenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (4NCO), with various G4 DNA structures (c-KIT1, c-KIT2, c-MYC, h-TELO and VEGF) was elucidated. We also investigated the effect of 4NCO on different cancer cell lines. Effect on cell morphology, DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, viability and mode of cell death were evaluated in A375 melanoma cells. Our findings indicated that 4NCO showed preferential binding towards c-MYC promoter G4 to stabilize it with a binding constant (Kb) value of the order of ~105 M−1 and binding stoichiometry of ~1:1. It also showed a unique dual binding mode when bound to c-MYC with a lower binding free energy having multiple strong interactions when compared to the other G4s. In cells, it induced DNA damage resulting in cell cycle arrest at G1/S phase until 24 h, after which, cells strictly underwent apoptosis. It also showed a preferential cytotoxicity towards the A375 melanoma cells. The ability of 4NCO to stabilize the c-MYC G4 to possibly suppress the over-expression of MYC was responsible for inhibition of proliferation of these cells. Hence, these results present a novel finding on the effectiveness of the nitro-flavone derivative 4NCO as a potent ligand for c-MYC G4 DNA thereby, providing possibilities of its use in cancer therapy for regulating the oncogene expression in cancer cells.

Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication process that controls bacterial collective behaviors. The QS network regulates and coordinates bacterial virulence factor expression, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. Therefore, inhibition of the QS system is an effective strategy to suppress the bacterial virulence. Herein, we identify a phosphate ester derivative of chrysin as a potent QS inhibitor of the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) using a designed luciferase reporter assay. In vitro biochemical analysis shows that the chrysin derivative binds to the bacterial QS regulator LasR and abrogates its DNA-binding capability. In particular, the derivative exhibits higher anti-virulence activity compared to the parent molecule. All the results reveal the potential application of flavone derivative as an anti-virulence compound to combat the infectious diseases caused by P. aeruginosa.

Interaction of a ligand with DNA is often the basis of drug action of many molecules. Flavones are important in this regard as their structural features confer them the ability to bind to DNA. 2-(4-Nitrophenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (4NCO) is an important biologically active synthetic flavone derivative. We are therefore interested in studying its interaction with DNA. Absorption spectroscopy studies included standard and reverse titration, effect of ionic strength on titration, determination of stoichiometry of binding and thermal denaturation. Spectrofluorimetry techniques included fluorimetric titration, quenching studies and fluorescence displacement assay. Assessment of relative viscosity and estimation of thermodynamic parameters from CD spectral studies were also undertaken. Furthermore, molecular docking analyses were also done with different short DNA sequences. The fluorescent flavone 4NCO reversibly interacted with DNA through partial intercalation as well as minor-groove binding. The binding constant and the number of binding sites were of the order 10 4  M −1 and 1 respectively. The binding stoichiometry with DNA was found to be 1:1. The nature of the interaction of 4NCO with DNA was hydrophobic in nature and the process of binding was spontaneous, endothermic and entropy-driven. The flavone also showed a preference for binding to GC rich sequences. The study presents a profile for structural and thermodynamic parameters, for the binding of 4NCO with DNA. DNA is an important target for ligands that are effective against cell proliferative disorders. In this regard, the molecule 4NCO is important since it can exert its biological activity through its DNA binding ability and can be a potential drug candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the title compound, C20H16O3, the hydropyran ring adopts a distorted half-chair conformation with the methine C atom and the ring O atom displaced by −0.554 (2) and 0.158 (1) Å, respectively, from the plane of the other four atoms (r.m.s. deviation = 0.020 Å). Its mean plane (all atoms) is inclined to the naphthalene ring system at a dihedral angle of 11.67 (1)°. The dihedral angle between the napthalene ring system and the phenyl ring is 71.84 (1)°. In the crystal, no diectional interactions beyond van der Waals contacts could be identified.

In the title molecule, C15H12O3, the C atoms bearing the hydroxy group and the phenyl ring are disordered over two sets of sites with refined occupancies of 0.573 (7) and 0.427 (7). There is also disorder of the phenyl ring but the hydroxy group was refined as ordered. The dihedral angles between the benzene ring of the chromane ring system and the phenyl ring are 89.7 (2)° for the major component of disorder and 72.1 (3)° for the minor component. Both disorder components of the the dihydropyran ring are in a half-chair conformation. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with an R22(10) graph-set motif. Weak C—H...π interactions link these dimers into ladders along [001].

Background: Flavonoid-rich extract of the plant is long known for its anti-diabetic activities in traditional medicine. S002-853, a new flavone derivative synthesized by Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) has been used for the present study. Objectives: The present study aimed at development of an assay method for quality control (QC) and stability studies of a new anti-diabetic and anti-dyslipidemic agent CDRI compound S002-853. Materials and Methods: A validated high-performance liquid chromatography analysis method for S002-853 was developed for in process QC and stability studies. The separation was achieved on a RP-C18 (25 cm x 0.4 cm, 5 μm, Phenomenex) at 240 nm with flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. This method was applied successfully in establishing forced degradation and drug-excipient testing protocols as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Results: The result of estimation and stress testing studies indicated a high degree of selectivity of this method. S002-853 was most stable at pH 7 and under photolytic conditions. The temperature degradation pattern of S002-853 was found tofollow the zero order degradation. Conclusion: The method described is easy and simple hence can be easily reproduced. This method can be very useful for bulk manufacture QC, and drug development process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the formulation, characterization, colloidal stability, and in vitro efficiency of Fisetin nanocrystals stabilized by poloxamer P407. Such nanocrystals present a nanometer scale (148.6 ± 1.1 nm) and a high homogeneity (polydispersity index of 0.17 ± 0.01), with a production yield of 97.0 ± 2.5%. The engineered formulations of nanocrystals suspension (pH of 7.4 ± 0.1), stabilized via steric repulsion, are stable for several days in aqueous environment (Milli Q water, NaCl 10 mM or mannitol 5% w/v), for few days in HEPES buffered saline (HBS) (20 / 150 mM) under sink conditions, and in culture medium. After freeze drying in 5% w/v mannitol, the nanocrystal formulations can be stored at -80 °C for at least 120 days. Drug release experiments displayed a 98.7 ± 5.1% cumulative release over 3 days in HBS. Compared to the free drug, the nanocrystal formulations showed an improved cytotoxicity highlighted by the decrease of the half maximal inhibitory concentration for both murine Lewis lung carcinoma (3LL) and human endothelial (EA.hy926) cell lines. In addition, after incubation with Fisetin nanosuspensions, significant changes in the cell morphology for both cell lines were observed, showing an improved anti-angiogenic effect of nanocrystals formulation compared to the free drug. Overall, Fisetin formulated as nanocrystals showed enhanced biopharmaceutical properties and in vitro activity, offering a wide range of indications for challenging applications in the clinic., Competing Interests: None., (© 2022 The Authors.)

Two new complexes having general formula VOL· nHO [( 1) L: 5-hydroxyflavone, n = 1; ( 2) L: chrysin, n = 4] were synthesized and characterized. Based on IR and electronic data we concluded that studied flavones act as bidentate ligands in complexes with metallic ion coordinated in a square-pyramidal stereochemistry. The thermal analysis (TG, DTA) elucidated the composition and also the number and nature of the water molecules. The thermal behavior also indicated strong interactions between oxovanadium (IV) and these oxygen donor ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) of 32 flavone and isoflavone derivatives with cytotoxicity expressed as pGC50, which is defined as the negative value of the logarithm of necessary molar concentration of this series of compounds to cause 50% growth inhibition against the human cervical epithelioid carcinoma cell line (HeLa), has been studied by using the density functional theory (DFT), molecular mechanics (MM2) and statistical methods. In order to obtain QSAR model with high predictive ability, the original dataset was randomly divided into a training set comprising 26 compounds and a test set comprising the rest 6 compounds. An optimal model for the training set with significant statistical quality () and predictive ability (q 2 =0.818) was established. The same model was further applied to predict pGC50 values of the 6 compounds in the test set, and the resulting predictive correlation coefficient reaches 0.738, further showing that this QSAR model has high predictive ability. It is very interesting to find that the cytotoxicities of these compounds against HeLa appear to be mainly governed by two quantum-chemical factors, i.e., the energy (E LUMO) of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and the net charges of C atom at site 6 on aromatic rings (Q C6). Here the possible action mechanism of these compounds was analyzed and discussed in detail, in particular, the fact why the flavone derivatives have considerably higher cytotoxicity than isoflavone derivatives was reasonably explained. Based on this QSAR equation, 5 new compounds with higher cytotoxicity have been theoretically designed. Such results can offer useful theoretical references for experimental works. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Density functional calculations have been carried out with a view to obtain an understanding of the mechanism of the fluoride-selective signaling behavior of a flavone-based chemosensor. Parameters such as the initial geometry and basis set are found to be important factors in predicting the mechanism of the signaling event. It is shown that the calculations employing a higher basis set comprising diffused and polarization functions do not always lead to results that are meaningful. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Experimentally assigned values to binding affinity constants of flavonoid ligands towards the benzodiazepine site of the GABA(A) receptor complex were compiled from several publications, and enabled to perform a predictive analysis based on Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationships (QSAR). The best linear model established on 78 molecular structures incorporated four molecular descriptors, selected from more than a thousand of geometrical, topological, quantum-mechanical and electronic types of descriptors and calculated by Dragon software. An application of this QSAR equation was performed by estimating the binding affinities for some newly synthesized flavonoids displaying 2-,7-substitutions in the benzopyrane backbone which still do not have experimentally measured potencies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We performed a predictive analysis based on quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) of an important property of flavonoids, which is the inhibition (IC50) of aldose reductase (AR). The importance of AR inhibition is that it prevents cataract formation in diabetic patients. The best linear model constructed from 55 molecular structures incorporated six molecular descriptors, selected from more than a thousand geometrical, topological, quantum-mechanical, and electronic types of descriptors. As a practical application, we used the obtained QSAR model to predict the AR inhibitory effect of newly synthesized flavonoids that present 2-, 7-substitutions in the benzopyrane backbone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the potent glucosylation activity of the hairy roots of medicinal morning glory, Pharbitis nil, against umbelliferone and aesculetin. Provision of a potential plant culture system for the production of useful secondary metabolites and research into the secondary metabolism and biotransformation of substrates; Capability of hairy roots against some phenolic compounds; Conversion of incubated coumarin and flavone derivatives by the hairy roots.

Five undescribed phenolic compounds, inclusing a depsidone derivative, hyperwightin A, a flavone derivative, hyperwightin B, and three benzophenone glycosides, hyperwightins C-E, along with four known ones were isolated from the 95% EtOH extract of the whole plants of Hypericum wightianum. Structures of the obtained compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses. The protective effects of the isolates against corticosterone-induced PC12 cell injury were assessed. Hyperwightin E, petiolin G and hyperxanthone exhibited noticeable neuroprotection at 10 μM. Image 108 • Five undescribed phenolic constituents were isolated from the whole plant of Hypericum wightianum. • Three compounds exhibited noticeable neuroprotection against corticosterone-induced PC12 cell injury. • Hyperwightin A represents the second report of depsidones in the genus Hypericum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the title compound, C20H16O3, the hydro-pyran ring adopts a distorted half-chair conformation with the methine C atom and the ring O atom displaced by -0.554 (2) and 0.158 (1) Å, respectively, from the plane of the other four atoms (r.m.s. deviation = 0.020 Å). Its mean plane (all atoms) is inclined to the naphthalene ring system at a dihedral angle of 11.67 (1)°. The dihedral angle between the napthalene ring system and the phenyl ring is 71.84 (1)°. In the crystal, no diectional inter-actions beyond van der Waals contacts could be identified.

In the title mol-ecule, C15H12O3, the C atoms bearing the hy-droxy group and the phenyl ring are disordered over two sets of sites with refined occupancies of 0.573 (7) and 0.427 (7). There is also disorder of the phenyl ring but the hy-droxy group was refined as ordered. The dihedral angles between the benzene ring of the chromane ring system and the phenyl ring are 89.7 (2)° for the major component of disorder and 72.1 (3)° for the minor component. Both disorder components of the the di-hydro-pyran ring are in a half-chair conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by pairs of O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with an R 2 (2)(10) graph-set motif. Weak C-H⋯π inter-actions link these dimers into ladders along [001].