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Over the years, great attention has been paid to coumarin derivatives, a set of versatile molecules that exhibit a wide variety of biological activities and have few toxic side effects. In this study, we investigated the antidiabetic potential of 6-formyl umbelliferone (6-FU), a novel furanocoumarin isolated from

Cav3.2 calcium channels are important mediators of nociceptive signaling in the primary afferent pain pathway, and their expression is increased in various rodent models of chronic pain. Previous work from our laboratory has shown that this is in part mediated by an aberrant expression of deubiquitinase USP5, which associates with these channels and increases their stability. Here, we report on a novel bioactive rhodanine compound (II-1), which was identified in compound library screens. II-1 inhibits biochemical interactions between USP5 and the Cav3.2 domain III-IV linker in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting the enzymatic activity of USP5. Molecular docking analysis reveals two potential binding pockets at the USP5-Cav3.2 interface that are distinct from the binding site of the deubiquitinase inhibitor WP1130 (a.k.a. degrasyn). With an understanding of the ability of some rhodanines to produce false positives in high-throughput screening, we have conducted several orthogonal assays to confirm the validity of this hit, including in vivo experiments. Intrathecal delivery of II-1 inhibited both phases of formalin-induced nocifensive behaviors in mice, as well as abolished thermal hyperalgesia induced by the delivery of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to the hind paw. The latter effects were abolished in Cav3.2 null mice, thus confirming that Cav3.2 is required for the action of II-1. II-1 also mediated a robust inhibition of mechanical allodynia induced by injury to the sciatic nerve. Altogether, our data uncover a novel class of analgesics─well suited to rapid structure-activity relationship studies─that target the Cav3.2/USP5 interface.

In the present study, we investigated the structure-activity relationship of naturally occurring hesperetin derivatives, as well as the effects of their glycosylation on the inhibition of diabetes-related enzyme systems, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and α-glycosidase. Among the tested hesperetin derivatives, hesperetin 5-O-glucoside, a single-glucose-containing flavanone glycoside, significantly inhibited PTP1B with an IC50 value of 37.14 ± 0.07 µM. Hesperetin, which lacks a sugar molecule, was the weakest inhibitor compared to the reference compound, ursolic acid (IC50 = 9.65 ± 0.01 µM). The most active flavanone hesperetin 5-O-glucoside suggested that the position of a sugar moiety at the C-5-position influences the PTP1B inhibition. It was observed that the ability to inhibit PTP1B is dependent on the nature, position, and number of sugar moieties in the flavonoid structure, as well as conjugation. In the kinetic study of PTP1B enzyme inhibition, hesperetin 5-O-glucoside led to mixed-type inhibition. Molecular docking studies revealed that hesperetin 5-O-glucoside had a higher binding affinity with key amino residues, suggesting that this molecule best fits the PTP1B allosteric site cavity. The data reported here support hesperetin 5-O-glucoside as a hit for the design of more potent and selective inhibitors against PTP1B in the search for a new anti-diabetic treatment.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) extract has been reported to inhibit cholinesterase and the β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1); however, most of its constituents' potential inhibition of these enzymes remains unknown. Thus, we investigated the anti-Alzheimer's disease (anti-AD) potential of 16 ellagitannin and gallotannin, and nine anthocyanin derivatives' inhibition of BACE1, AChE, and BChE, and gallagic acid inhibited both the best. Further, a kinetic study identified different modes of inhibition, and a molecular docking simulation revealed that active compounds inhibited these three enzymes with low binding energy through hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions in the active site cavities. Gallagic acid and castalagin decreased Aβ peptides secretion from neuroblastoma cells that overexpressed human β-amyloid precursor protein significantly by 10 μM. Further, treatment with gallagic acid and castalagin reduced BACE1 and APPsβ expression levels significantly without affecting amyloid precursor protein (APP) levels in the amyloidogenic pathway. Co-incubation of Aβ42 with gallagic acid reduced Aβ42-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production significantly. Our results suggest that pomegranate constituents, specifically gallagic acid, may be useful in developing therapeutic treatment modalities for AD.

Nitrification increases soil fertility and a higher rate of grain production in cereal and leguminous crops. However, differential response of the nitrifying microbes and net nitrification rates (NNRs) of chemical fertilizers in cereals and leguminous crop soils of Bangladesh are unknown. Hence, the current research was undertaken to find out the differential response of the nitrifying microbes and NNRs of chemical fertilizers in some cereals (Triticum aestivum and Zea mays) and leguminous crops (Lins esculenta, Pisum sativum, and Cicer arietinum) soils. The NNRs and occurrence of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA)/ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) were enumerated by mass spectrophotometer and q-PCR, respectively. The ranges of NNRs were 2.84±0.41 to 12.86±1.09 mg kg−1 h−1 and significantly higher (p

In this study, we determined the effect of manure application on net nitrification rates (NNRs), heavy metal concentrations (HMCs), and abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA)/bacteria (AOB), and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) in soil. HMCs were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Abundance of AOA, AOB, and NOB was enumerated by q-PCR. NNRs ranged from 2.8 to 14.7 mg kg

This present work is designed to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of 22 ginsenosides via the inhibition against rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR), and human recombinant aldose reductase (HRAR), using DL-glyceraldehyde as a substrate. Among the ginsenosides tested, ginsenoside Rh2, (20S) ginsenoside Rg3, (20R) ginsenoside Rg3, and ginsenoside Rh1 inhibited RLAR significantly, with IC50 values of 0.67, 1.25, 4.28, and 7.28 µM, respectively. Moreover, protopanaxadiol, protopanaxatriol, compound K, and ginsenoside Rh1 were potent inhibitors of HRAR, with IC50 values of 0.36, 1.43, 2.23, and 4.66 µM, respectively. The relationship of structure–activity exposed that the existence of hydroxyl groups, linkages, and their stereo-structure, as well as the sugar moieties of the ginsenoside skeleton, represented a significant role in the inhibition of HRAR and RLAR. Additional, various modes of ginsenoside inhibition and molecular docking simulation indicated negative binding energies. It was also indicated that it has a strong capacity and high affinity to bind the active sites of enzymes. Further, active ginsenosides suppressed sorbitol accumulation in rat lenses under high-glucose conditions, demonstrating their potential to prevent sorbitol accumulation ex vivo. The findings of the present study suggest the potential of ginsenoside derivatives for use in the development of therapeutic or preventive agents for diabetic complications.

The formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGE) and aldose reductase activity have been implicated in the development of diabetic complications. The present study was aimed to evaluate human recombinant aldose reductase (HRAR) and AGE inhibitory activity of seven natural dihydroxanthyletin-type coumarins, 4-hydroxy Pd-C-III (1), 4'-methoxy Pd-C-I (2), Pd-C-I (3), Pd-C-II (4), Pd-C-III (5), decursidin (6), and (+)-trans-decursidinol (7) from Angelica decursiva. Coumarins 1-7 showed potent HRAR and AGE inhibitory activities with ranges of IC

The bioactivity of ten traditional Korean Angelica species were screened by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) assay in vitro. Among the crude extracts, the methanol extract of Angelica decursiva whole plants exhibited potent inhibitory effects against ACE. In addition, the ACE inhibitory activity of coumarins 1–5, 8–18 was evaluated, along with two phenolic acids (6, 7) obtained from A. decursiva. Among profound coumarins, 11–18 were determined to manifest marked inhibitory activity against ACE with IC50 values of 4.68–20.04 µM. Compounds 12, 13, and 15 displayed competitive inhibition against ACE. Molecular docking studies confirmed that coumarins inhibited ACE via many hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions with catalytic residues and zinc ion of C- and N-domain ACE that blocked the catalytic activity of ACE. The results derived from these computational and in vitro experiments give additional scientific support to the anecdotal use of A. decursiva in traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension.

Various types of chemical fertilizers are used in agricultural production in Bangladesh. However, plants and microbes' responses to the nitrification activity of chemical fertilizers are unknown. The goal of this study was to determine the responses of plants and nitrifying archaea/bacteria and comammox amoA Nitrospira inopinata bacteria to the net nitrification rates (NNRs) of chemical fertilizers in four vegetable soils. The abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), and comammox amoA N. inopinata was determined by q-PCR. The NNRs ranged from 2.96 ± 0.39 to 10 ± 1.19 mg kg−1 h−1 and were significantly higher (p

Skipjack tuna, Katsuwonus pelamis, are distributed throughout the Pacific Ocean in the tropical and subtropical areas, including South Korea, Japan and Indonesia. The antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of 70% ethanol (EtOH) extract of skipjack tuna heart were investigated via protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), α-glucosidase, human recombinant aldose reductase (HRAR), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, peroxynitrite (ONOO−), 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical, and total reactive oxygen species (ROS). The 70% EtOH tuna heart extract exhibited potent inhibitory activity against PTP1B, α-glucosidase and HRAR with inhibition percentages of 85.42, 82.70 and 51.1%, respectively, at a concentration range of 1–2 mg/mL. In addition, it was a potent inhibitor against DPPH, ABTS, ONOO−, and ROS with inhibition percentages of 69.45, 58.31, 96.20 and 34.02%, respectively, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. The total phenolic content present in tuna extract was 15.80 mg/g GAE. The results demonstrate the potential antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of tuna heart extract. Practical Application Tuna has been consumed as a healthy protein source for hundreds of years. As a food, skipjack is a very good source of protein, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids and can lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Generally, the meat of skipjack tuna is used as food and other parts such as the heart are used as fertilizer. Recent studies have identified a number of bioactive components from fish muscle protein, collagen, peptides, gelatin, oil, bone and internal organs that remain after processing. These fish components showed antioxidant, antihypertensive, antiproliferative, antimicrobial and antianemic activities. The findings demonstrated antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of tuna heart extract.

Objective To use structure-activity analysis to study the anti-Alzheimer's disease (anti-AD) activity of natural coumarins isolated from Angelica decursiva and Artemisia capillaris , along with one purchased coumarin (daphnetin). Methods Umbelliferone, umbelliferone 6-carboxylic acid, scopoletin, isoscopoletin, 7-methoxy coumarin, scoparone, scopolin, and esculetin have been previously isolated; however 2′-isopropyl psoralene was isolated from Angelica decursiva for the first time to evaluate their inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) enzyme activity. We scrutinized the potentials of coumarins as cholinesterase and BACE1 inhibitors via enzyme kinetics and molecular docking simulation. Results Among the test compounds, umbelliferone 6-carboxylic acid, esculetin and daphnetin exhibited potent inhibitory activity against AChE, BChE and BACE1. Both esculetin and daphnetin have a catechol group and exhibit significant anti-AD activity against AChE and BChE. In contrast, presence of a sugar moiety and methoxylation markedly reduced the anti-AD activity of the coumarins investigated in this study. With respect to BACE1 inhibition, umbelliferone 6-carboxylic acid, esculetin and daphnetin contained carboxyl or catechol groups, which significantly contributed to their anti-AD activities. To further investigate these results, we generated a 3D structure of BACE1 using Autodock 4.2 and simulated binding of umbelliferone 6-carboxylic acid, esculetin and daphnetin. Docking simulations showed that different residues of BACE1 interacted with hydroxyl and carboxylic groups, and the binding energies of umbelliferone 6-carboxylic acid, esculetin and daphnetin were negative (−4.58, −6.25 and −6.37 kcal/mol respectively). Conclusions Taken together, our results suggest that umbelliferone 6-carboxylic acid, esculetin and daphnetin have anti-AD effects by inhibiting AChE, BChE and BACE1, which might be useful against AD.

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial, and chronic disease that increases the risk for type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and hypertension, and has become a major worldwide health problem. Developing novel anti-obesity drugs from natural products is a promising solution to the global health problem of obesity. While screening anti-obesity potentials of natural products, the methanol extract of the rhizome of Coptis chinensis (Coptidis Rhizoma) was found to significantly inhibit adipocyte differentiation and lipid contents in 3T3-L1 cells, as assessed by Oil-Red O staining. Five known alkaloids, berberine, epiberberine, coptisine, palmatine, and magnoflorine, were isolated from the n-BuOH fraction of the methanol extract of Coptidis Rhizoma. We determined the chemical structure of these alkaloids through comparisons of published nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral data. Furthermore, we screened these alkaloids for their ability to inhibit adipogenesis over a range of concentrations (12.5-50 μM). All five Coptidis Rhizoma alkaloids significantly inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells without affecting cell viability in a concentration dependent manner. In addition, the five alkaloids significantly reduced the expression levels of several adipocyte marker genes including proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP-α). In the present study, we found that the isolated alkaloids inhibited adipogenesis in a dose-dependent manner in 3T3-L1 cells; this inhibition was attributed to their abilities to downregulate the protein levels of the adipocyte marker proteins PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α. Thus, these results suggest that Coptidis Rhizoma extract and its isolated alkaloids may be of therapeutic interest with respect to the treatment of obesity.

To investigate the effect of C-glycosylation at different positions of luteolin, the structure-activity relationships of luteolin and a pair of isomeric C-glycosylated derivatives orientin and isoorientin, were evaluated. We investigated the effects of C-glycosylation on the antioxidant, anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD), anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects of luteolin and its two C-glycosides via in vitro assays of peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), total reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydraxyl (DPPH), aldose reductase, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and β-site amyloid precursor cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), and cellular assays of NO production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)/cyclooxygenase-2 expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Of the three compounds, isoorientin showed the highest scavenging activity against DPPH, NO, and ONOO(-), while luteolin was the most potent inhibitor of ROS generation. In addition, luteolin showed the most potent anti-AD activity as determined by its inhibition of AChE, BChE, and BACE1. With respect to anti-diabetic effects, luteolin exerted the strongest inhibitory activity against PTP1B and rat lens aldose reductase. Luteolin also inhibited NO production and iNOS protein expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages, while orientin and isoorientin were inactive at the same concentrations. The effects of C-glycosylation at different positions of luteolin may be closely linked to the intensity and modulation of antioxidant, anti-AD, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects of luteolin and its C-glycosylated derivatives.

The dramatic increase in obesity-related diseases emphasizes the need to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying fat metabolism. Inhibition of adipocyte differentiation has been suggested to be an important strategy for preventing or treating obesity. In our previous study, we characterized an Ecklonia stolonifera extract and non-polar fractions thereof, including dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions. We showed that these fractions inhibited adipocyte differentiation and lipid formation/accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, as assessed by Oil Red O staining. As part of our ongoing search for anti-obesity agents derived from E. stolonifera, in this work, we characterized five known phlorotannins, including phloroglucinol, eckol, dieckol, dioxinodehydroeckol, and phlorofucofuroeckol A, all of which were isolated from the active ethyl acetate fraction of E. stolonifera. We determined the chemical structures of these phlorotannins through comparisons of published nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral data. Furthermore, we screened these phlorotannins for their abilities to inhibit adipogenesis over a range of concentrations (12.5-100 μM). Of these five phlorotannins, phloroglucinol, eckol, and phlorofucofuroeckol A significantly concentration-dependently inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells without affecting cell viability. In addition, the five isolated phlorotannins also significantly reduced the expression levels of several adipocyte marker genes, including proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), although they did so to different extents. These results suggest that the molecular weight of a phlorotannin is an important factor affecting its ability to inhibit adipocyte differentiation and modulate the expression levels of adipocyte marker genes.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Semen Cassiae has been traditionally used as an herbal remedy for liver, eye, and acute inflammatory diseases. Recent pharmacological reports have indicated that Cassiae semen has neuroprotective effects, attributable to its anti-inflammatory actions, in ischemic stroke and Alzheimer's disease (AD) models. Aim of the study The basic goal of this study was to evaluate the anti-AD activities of C. obtusifolia and its major constituents. Previously, the extract of C. obtusifolia seeds, was reported to have memory enhancing properties and anti-AD activity to ameliorate amyloid β-induced synaptic dysfunction. However, the responsible components of C. obtusifolia seeds in an AD are currently still unknown. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of C. obtusifolia and its constituents against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase ( BChE), and β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) enzyme activity. Materials and methods In vitro cholinesterase enzyme assays by using AChE, BChE, and BACE1 were performed. We also scrutinized the potentials of Cassiae semen active component as BACE1 inhibitors via enzyme kinetics and molecular docking simulation. Results In vitro enzyme assays demonstrated that C. obtusifolia and its major constituents have promising inhibitory potential against AChE, BChE, and BACE1. All Cassiae semen constituents exhibited potent inhibitory activities against AChE and BACE1 with IC 50 values of 6.29–109 µg/mL and 0.94–190 µg/mL, whereas alaternin, questin, and toralactone gentiobioside exhibited significant inhibitory activities against BChE with IC 50 values of 113.10–137.74 µg/mL. Kinetic study revealed that alaternin noncompetitively inhibited, whereas cassiaside and emodin showed mixed-type inhibition against BACE1. Furthermore, molecular docking simulation results demonstrated that hydroxyl group of alaternin and emodin tightly interacted with the active site residues of BACE1 and their relevant binding energies (−6.62 and −6.89 kcal/mol), indicating a higher affinity and tighter binding capacity of these compounds for the active site of BACE1. Conclusion The findings of the present study suggest the potential of C. obtusifolia and its major constituents for use in the development of therapeutic or preventive agents for AD, especially through inhibition of AChE, BChE and BACE1 activities.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Ginsenosides are natural product steroid glycosides and triterpene saponins obtained from the Panax species. Panax ginseng has been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for around a thousand years, especially in East Asian countries. Ginseng, the root and rhizome of the most popular species P. ginseng , used as tonic, prophylactic agent and restorative. In TCM, ginseng is highly valued herb and has been applied to a variety of pathological conditions and illnesses such as hypodynamia, anorexia, shortness of breath, palpitation, insomnia, impotence, hemorrhage and diabetes. Aim of the study The basic aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-Alzheimer's disease activities of selected ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Re, Rg1, and Rg3) according to peroxynitrite (ONOO ‒ ) scavenging activity and inhibitory activity of ONOO − -mediated nitrotyrosine formation as a measure of changes in oxidative stress. In addition, molecular docking simulation studies were performed to predict binding energies of the ginsenosides with β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1, β-secretase) and identify the interacting residues. Materials and methods In vitro cholinesterase enzyme assays by using acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase ( BChE), and BACE1 were performed. In vitro authentic peroxynitrite scavenging activity and inhibitory activity against ONOO − -mediated nitrotyrosine formation were also performed. Molecular docking simulation studies were performed with Autodock Vina software and Discovery studio 4.1. Results In vitro enzyme assays demonstrated that ginsenosides have significant inhibitory potential against AChE, BChE, and BACE1, as well as ONOO − and nitrotyrosine formation. Most importantly, significant AChE inhibitory activities were observed for Re; BChE for Rg3; and BACE1 for Rc, with IC 50 values of 29.86±3.20, 16.80±0.36, and 59.81±2.74 μg/mL, respectively. Among the tested ginsenosides, Rb1 exhibited a higher scavenging activity against ONOO − with an IC 50 value of 27.86±1.34 μg/mL, while Rc and Rg3 exhibited impressive inhibitory activity against the formation of nitrotyrosine. In addition, molecular docking studies revealed potential BACE1 inhibitory activity of ginsenosides, especially Rb1 and Rb2, which exhibited good binding affinities towards BACE1, with docking scores of −10 kcal/mol. Conclusion The findings of the present study suggest the potential of ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Re, Rg1, and Rg3) for use in the development of therapeutic or preventive agents for Alzheimer's disease, especially through inhibition of AChE, BChE and BACE1 activities, as well as scavenging of ONOO − and inhibition of nitrotyrosine formation.

It has been reported that alkaloids derived from Coptis chinensis exert anti-adipogenic activity on 3T3-L1 adipocytes by downregulating peroxisome proliferation-activity receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α (C/EBP-α). However, the signaling-based mechanism of the inhibitory role of epiberberine in the early stages of 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation is uncharacterized. Here, we show that epiberberine had inhibitory effects on adipocyte differentiation and significantly decreased lipid accumulation by downregulating an adipocyte-specific transcription factor, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1). Furthermore, we observed that epiberberine markedly suppressed the differentiation-mediated phosphorylation of components of both the Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MEK1)/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and AMP-activated protein kinase-α1 (AMPKα)/Akt pathways. In addition, gene expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) was significantly inhibited by treatment with epiberberine during adipogenesis. These results indicate that the anti-adipogenic mechanism of epiberberine is associated with inhibition of phosphorylation of Raf/MEK1/ERK1/2 and AMPKα/Akt, followed by downregulation of the major transcription factors of adipogenesis, such as PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, and SREBP-1, and FAS. Taken together, this study suggests that the anti-adipogenic effect of epiberberine is mediated by downregulation of the Raf/MEK1/ERK1/2 and AMPKα/Akt pathways during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Moreover, the anti-adipogenic effects of epiberberine were not accompanied by modulation of β-catenin.

Ethnopharmacologic relevance Rhizoma Coptidis (the rhizome of Coptis chinensis Franch) has commonly been used for treatment of diabetes mellitus in traditional Chinese medicine due to its blood sugar-lowering properties and therapeutic benefits which highly related to the alkaloids therein. However, a limited number of studies focused on the Coptis alkaloids other than berberine. Materials and methods In the present study, we investigated the anti-diabetic potential of Coptis alkaloids, including berberine (1), epiberberine (2), magnoflorine (3), and coptisine (4), by evaluating the ability of these compounds to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), and ONOO−-mediated protein tyrosine nitration. We scrutinized the potentials of Coptis alkaloids as PTP1B inhibitors via enzyme kinetics and molecular docking simulation. Results The Coptis alkaloids 1–4 exhibited remarkable inhibitory activities against PTP1B with the IC50 values of 16.43, 24.19, 28.14, and 51.04 μM, respectively, when compared to the positive control ursolic acid. These alkaloids also suppressed ONOO−-mediated tyrosine nitration effectively in a dose dependent manner. In addition, our kinetic study using the Lineweaver-Burk and Dixon plots revealed that 1 and 2 showed a mixed-type inhibition against PTP1B, while 3 and 4 noncompetitively inhibited PTP1B. Moreover, molecular docking simulation of these compounds demonstrated negative binding energies (Autodock 4.0=−6.7 to −7.8 kcal/mol; Fred 2.0=−59.4 to −68.2 kcal/mol) and a high proximity to PTP1B residues, including Phe182 and Asp181 in the WPD loop, Cys215 in the active sites and Tyr46, Arg47, Asp48, Val49, Ser216, Ala217, Gly218, Ile219, Gly220, Arg221 and Gln262 in the pocket site, indicating a higher affinity and tighter binding capacity of these alkaloids for the active site of the enzyme. Conclusion Our results clearly indicate the promising anti-diabetic potential of Coptis alkaloids as inhibitors on PTP1B as well as suppressors of ONOO−-mediated protein tyrosine nitration, and thus hold promise as therapeutic agents for the treatment of diabetes and related disease.

Phytochemical study on the corks of Euonymus alatus resulted in the isolation of a novel 3-hydroxycoumarinflavanol (23), along with ten triterpenoids (1-10), ten phenolic derivatives (11-20), and two flavonoid glycosides (21 and 22). Their structures were determined by extensive 1D and 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic and mass spectrometry data analysis. Furthermore, their inhibitory effects against the protein tyrosine phosphatases 1B (PTP1B) and α-glucosidase enzyme activity were evaluated. Compounds 6, 7, 9, 15, 19, and 23 were non-competitive inhibitors, exhibiting most potency with IC50 values ranging from 5.6 ± 0.9 to 18.4 ± 0.3 µm, against PTP1B. Compound 3 (competitive), compounds 5 and 15 (mixed-competitive) displayed potent inhibition with IC50 values of 15.1 ± 0.7, 23.6 ± 0.6 and 14.8 ± 0.9 µm, respectively. Moreover, compounds 15, 20, and 23 exhibited potent inhibition on α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 10.5 ± 0.8, 9.5 ± 0.6, and 9.1 ± 0.5 µm, respectively. Thus, these active ingredients may have value as new lead compounds for the development of new antidiabetic agents.

Apigenin has gained particular interests in recent years as a beneficial and health promoting agent because of its low intrinsic toxicity. Vitexin and isovitexin, naturally occurring C-glycosylated derivatives of apigenin, have been known to possess potent anti-diabetic, anti-Alzheimer's disease (anti-AD), and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-diabetic, anti-AD, and anti-inflammatory potential of apigenin and its two C-glycosylated derivatives, vitexin and isovitexin by in vitro assays including rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR), human recombinant aldose reductase (HRAR), advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), β-site amyloid precursor (APP) cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), and nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Among them, isovitexin was found as the most potent inhibitor against RLAR, HRAR, AGE, AChE, and BChE while vitexin showed the most potent PTP1B inhibitory activity. Despite the relatively weak anti-diabetic and anti-AD potentials, apigenin showed powerful antiinflammatory activity by inhibiting NO production and iNOS and COX-2 expression while vitexin and isovitexin were inactive. Therefore, it could be speculated that C-glycosylation of apigenin at different positions might be closely linked to relative intensity of anti-diabetic, anti-AD, and anti-inflammatory potentials.