Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 943 in total

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  1. Fulltext Tilianin: A Potential Natural Lead Molecule for New Drug Design and Development for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disorders
    Khattulanuar FS, Sekar M, Fuloria S, Gan SH, Rani NNIM, Ravi S, et al.
    Molecules, 2022 Jan 20;27(3).
    PMID: 35163934 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030673
    Cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) are the leading risk factor for death worldwide, and research into the processes and treatment regimens has received a lot of attention. Tilianin is a flavonoid glycoside that can be found in a wide range of medicinal plants and is most commonly obtained from Dracocephalum moldavica. Due to its extensive range of biological actions, it has become a well-known molecule in recent years. In particular, numerous studies have shown that tilianin has cardioprotective properties against CVDs. Hence, this review summarises tilianin's preclinical research in CVDs, as well as its mechanism of action and opportunities in future drug development. The physicochemical and drug-likeness properties, as well as the toxicity profile, were also highlighted. Tilianin can be a natural lead molecule in the therapy of CVDs such as coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, hypertension, and myocardial ischemia, according to scientific evidence. Free radical scavenging, inflammation control, mitochondrial function regulation, and related signalling pathways are all thought to play a role in tilianin's cardioprotective actions. Finally, we discuss tilianin-derived compounds, as well as the limitations and opportunities of using tilianin as a lead molecule in drug development for CVDs. Overall, the scientific evidence presented in this review supports that tilianin and its derivatives could be used as a lead molecule in CVD drug development initiatives.
  2. Fulltext Thymoquinone induces mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in vitro
    Salim LZ, Mohan S, Othman R, Abdelwahab SI, Kamalidehghan B, Sheikh BY, et al.
    Molecules, 2013 Sep 12;18(9):11219-40.
    PMID: 24036512 DOI: 10.3390/molecules180911219
    There has been a growing interest in naturally occurring compounds from traditional medicine with anti-cancer potential. Nigella sativa (black seed) is one of the most widely studied plants. This annual herb grows in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and India. Thymoquinone (TQ) is an active ingredient isolated from Nigella sativa. The anti-cancer effect of TQ, via the induction of apoptosis resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction, was assessed in an acute lymphocyte leukemic cell line (CEMss) with an IC50 of 1.5 µg/mL. A significant increase in chromatin condensation in the cell nucleus was observed using fluorescence analysis. The apoptosis was then confirmed by Annexin V and an increased number of cellular DNA breaks in treated cells were observed as a DNA ladder. Treatment of CEMss cells with TQ encouraged apoptosis with cell death-transducing signals by a down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bax. Moreover, the significant generation of cellular ROS, HSP70 and activation of caspases 3 and 8 were also observed in the treated cells. The mitochondrial apoptosis was clearly associated with the S phase cell cycle arrest. In conclusion, the results from the current study indicated that TQ could be a promising agent for the treatment of leukemia.
  3. Fulltext Three-Component Access to Functionalized Spiropyrrolidine Heterocyclic Scaffolds and Their Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activity
    Boudriga S, Haddad S, Murugaiyah V, Askri M, Knorr M, Strohmann C, et al.
    Molecules, 2020 Apr 23;25(8).
    PMID: 32340203 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25081963
    A novel one-pot [3+2]-cycloaddition reaction of (E)-3-arylidene-1-phenyl-succinimides, cyclic 1,2-diketones (isatin, 5-chloro-isatin and acenaphtenequinone), and diverse α-aminoacids such as 2-phenylglycine or sarcosine is reported. The reaction provides succinimide-substituted dispiropyrrolidine derivatives with high regio- and diastereoselectivities under mild reaction conditions. The stereochemistry of these N-heterocycles has been confirmed by four X-ray diffraction studies. Several synthetized compounds show higher inhibition on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) than butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Of the 17 synthesized compounds tested, five exhibit good AChE inhibition with IC50 of 11.42 to 22.21 µM. A molecular docking study has also been undertaken for compound 4n possessing the most potent AChE inhibitory activity, disclosing its binding to the peripheral anionic site of AChE enzymes.
  4. Fulltext Thermodynamics Investigation and Artificial Neural Network Prediction of Energy, Exergy, and Hydrogen Production from a Solar Thermochemical Plant Using a Polymer Membrane Electrolyzer
    El Jery A, Salman HM, Al-Khafaji RM, Nassar MF, Sillanpää M
    Molecules, 2023 Mar 14;28(6).
    PMID: 36985620 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062649
    Hydrogen production using polymer membrane electrolyzers is an effective and valuable way of generating an environmentally friendly energy source. Hydrogen and oxygen generated by electrolyzers can power drone fuel cells. The thermodynamic analysis of polymer membrane electrolyzers to identify key losses and optimize their performance is fundamental and necessary. In this article, the process of the electrolysis of water by a polymer membrane electrolyzer in combination with a concentrated solar system in order to generate power and hydrogen was studied, and the effect of radiation intensity, current density, and other functional variables on the hydrogen production was investigated. It was shown that with an increasing current density, the voltage generation of the electrolyzer increased, and the energy efficiency and exergy of the electrolyzer decreased. Additionally, as the temperature rose, the pressure dropped, the thickness of the Nafion membrane increased, the voltage decreased, and the electrolyzer performed better. By increasing the intensity of the incoming radiation from 125 W/m2 to 320 W/m2, the hydrogen production increased by 111%, and the energy efficiency and exergy of the electrolyzer both decreased by 14% due to the higher ratio of input electric current to output hydrogen. Finally, machine-learning-based predictions were conducted to forecast the energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, voltage, and hydrogen production rate in different scenarios. The results proved to be very accurate compared to the analytical results. Hyperparameter tuning was utilized to adjust the model parameters, and the models' results showed an MAE lower than 1.98% and an R2 higher than 0.98.
  5. Fulltext Thermodynamic study of the complexation of p-isopropylcalix[6]arene with Cs+ cation in dimethylsulfoxide-acetonitrile binary media
    Ahmadzadeh S, Kassim A, Rezayi M, Rounaghi GH
    Molecules, 2011 Sep 22;16(9):8130-42.
    PMID: 21941227 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16098130
    The complexation reactions between the macrocyclic ionophore, p-isopropylcalix[6]arene and Cs+ cation were studied in dimethylsulfoxide-acetonitrile (DMSO-AN) binary non-aqueous solvents at different temperatures using a conductometry method. The conductance data show that the stoichiometry of the (p-isopropylcalix[6]-arene·Cs)+ complex in all binary mixed solvents is 1:1. The stability of the complexes is affected by the composition of the binary solvent media and a non-linear behavior was observed for changes of log K(f) of the complex versus the composition of the binary mixed solvents. The thermodynamic parameters (DH°(c) and DS°(c)) for formation of (p-isopropyl-calix[6]arene·Cs)+ complex were obtained from temperature dependence of the stability constant and the obtained results show that the (p-isopropylcalix[6]arene·Cs)+ complex is enthalpy destabilized, but entropy stabilized, and the values of the mentioned parameters are affected strongly by the nature and composition of the binary mixed solvents.
  6. Fulltext Thermal Charging Optimization of a Wavy-Shaped Nano-Enhanced Thermal Storage Unit
    Ghalambaz M, Mehryan SAM, Hajjar A, Shdaifat MYA, Younis O, Talebizadehsardari P, et al.
    Molecules, 2021 Mar 09;26(5).
    PMID: 33803488 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051496
    A wavy shape was used to enhance the thermal heat transfer in a shell-tube latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) unit. The thermal storage unit was filled with CuO-coconut oil nano-enhanced phase change material (NePCM). The enthalpy-porosity approach was employed to model the phase change heat transfer in the presence of natural convection effects in the molten NePCM. The finite element method was applied to integrate the governing equations for fluid motion and phase change heat transfer. The impact of wave amplitude and wave number of the heated tube, as well as the volume concertation of nanoparticles on the full-charging time of the LHTES unit, was addressed. The Taguchi optimization method was used to find an optimum design of the LHTES unit. The results showed that an increase in the volume fraction of nanoparticles reduces the charging time. Moreover, the waviness of the tube resists the natural convection flow circulation in the phase change domain and could increase the charging time.
  7. Therapeutic Potential of Albumin Nanoparticles Encapsulated Visnagin in MDA-MB-468 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
    Alsrhani A, Elderdery AY, Alzahrani B, Alzerwi NAN, Althobiti MM, Rayzah M, et al.
    Molecules, 2023 Apr 04;28(7).
    PMID: 37049991 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073228
    Breast cancer is among the most recurrent malignancies, and its prevalence is rising. With only a few treatment options available, there is an immediate need to search for better alternatives. In this regard, nanotechnology has been applied to develop potential chemotherapeutic techniques, particularly for cancer therapy. Specifically, albumin-based nanoparticles are a developing platform for the administration of diverse chemotherapy drugs owing to their biocompatibility and non-toxicity. Visnagin, a naturally derived furanochromone, treats cancers, epilepsy, angina, coughs, and inflammatory illnesses. In the current study, the synthesis and characterization of albumin visnagin (AV) nanoparticles (NPs) using a variety of techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, UV-visible, Fourier transform infrared, energy dispersive X-ray composition analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence, X-Ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering analyses have been carried out. The MTT test, dual AO/EB, DCFH-DA, Annexin-V-FITC/PI, Propidium iodide staining techniques as well as analysis of apoptotic proteins, antioxidant enzymes, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling analysis was performed to examine the NPs' efficacy to suppress MDA-MB-468 cell lines. The NPs decreased cell viability increased the amount of ROS in the cells, disrupted membrane integrity, decreased the level of antioxidant enzymes, induced cell cycle arrest, and activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade, ultimately leading to cell death. Thus, AV NPs possesses huge potential to be employed as a strong anticancer therapy alternative.
  8. Fulltext Theoretical Insights on ORR Activity of Sn-N-C Single-Atom Catalysts
    Zhang Y, Li B, Su Y
    Molecules, 2023 Jul 21;28(14).
    PMID: 37513442 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145571
    The advancement of efficient and stable single-atom catalysts (SACs) has become a pivotal pursuit in the field of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and metal-air batteries (MABs), aiming to enhance the utilization of clean and sustainable energy sources. The development of such SACs has been greatly significant in facilitating the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) process, thereby contributing to the progress of these energy conversion technologies. However, while transition metal-based SACs have been extensively studied, there has been comparatively less exploration of SACs based on p-block main-group metals. In this study, we conducted an investigation into the potential of p-block main-group Sn-based SACs as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to platinum-based catalysts for the ORR. Our approach involved employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations to systematically examine the catalyst properties of Sn-based N-doped graphene SACs, the ORR mechanism, and their electrocatalytic performance. Notably, we employed an H atom-decorated N-based graphene matrix as a support to anchor single Sn atoms, creating a contrast catalyst to elucidate the differences in activity and properties compared to pristine Sn-based N-doped graphene SACs. Through our theoretical analysis, we gained a comprehensive understanding of the active structure of Sn-based N-doped graphene electrocatalysts, which provided a rational explanation for the observed high four-electron reactivity in the ORR process. Additionally, we analyzed the relationship between the estimated overpotential and the electronic structure properties, revealing that the single Sn atom was in a +2 oxidation state based on electronic analysis. Overall, this work represented a significant step towards the development of efficient and cost-effective SACs for ORR which could alleviate environmental crises, advance clean and sustainable energy sources, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
  9. Fulltext The use of umbelliferone in the synthesis of new heterocyclic compounds
    Al-Amiery AA, Musa AY, Kadhum AA, Mohamad AB
    Molecules, 2011 Aug 10;16(8):6833-43.
    PMID: 21832973 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16086833
    New coumarin derivatives, namely 7-[(5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)methoxy]-2H-chromen-2-one, 5-[(2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yloxy)methyl]-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2(3H)-one, 2-[2-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yloxy)acetyl]-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide, 7-[(5-(phenylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)methoxy]-2H-chromen-2-one and 7-[(5-mercapto-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methoxy]-2H-chromen-2-one were prepared starting from the natural compound umbelliferone. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and spectral studies (IR, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR).
  10. Fulltext The relationship of nitrogen and C/N ratio with secondary metabolites levels and antioxidant activities in three varieties of Malaysian kacip Fatimah (Labisia pumila Blume)
    Ibrahim MH, Jaafar HZ
    Molecules, 2011 Jun 29;16(7):5514-26.
    PMID: 21716173 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16075514
    Kacip Fatimah (Labisia pumila Blume), one of the most famous and widely used herbs, especially in Southeast Asia, is found to have interesting bioactive compounds and displays health promoting properties. In this study, the antioxidant activities of the methanol extracts of leaves, stems and roots of three varieties of L. pumila (var. alata, pumila and lanceolata) were evaluated in an effort to compare and validate the medicinal potential of this indigenous Malaysian herb species. The antioxidant activity determined by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, as well as the total amount of phenolics and flavonoids were the highest in the leaves, followed by the stems and roots in all the varieties. A similar trend was displayed by the ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) activity, suggesting that the L. pumila varieties possess high foliar antioxidant properties. At low FRAP activity concentrations, the values of the leaves' inhibition activity in the three varieties were significantly higher than those of the stems and roots, with var. alata exhibiting higher antioxidant activities and total contents of phenolics and flavonoids compared to the varieties pumila and lanceolata. The high production of secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities in var. alata were firmly related to low nitrogen content and high C/N ratio in plant parts. The study also demonstrated a positive correlation between secondary metabolite content and antioxidant activities, and revealed that the consumption of L. pumila could exert several beneficial effects by virtue of its antioxidant activity.
  11. Fulltext The relationship between phenolics and flavonoids production with total non structural carbohydrate and photosynthetic rate in Labisia pumila Benth. under high CO2 and nitrogen fertilization
    Ibrahim MH, Jaafar HZ, Rahmat A, Rahman ZA
    Molecules, 2010 Dec 29;16(1):162-74.
    PMID: 21191319 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16010162
    A factorial split plot 4 × 3 experiment was designed to examine and characterize the relationship among production of secondary metabolites (total phenolics, TP; total flavonoids, TF), carbohydrate content and photosynthesis of three varieties of the Malaysian medicinal herb Labisia pumila Benth. namely the varieties alata, pumila and lanceolata under CO(2) enrichment (1,200 µmol mol(-1)) combined with four levels of nitrogen fertilization (0, 90, 180 and 270 kg N ha(-1)). No varietal differences were observed, however, as the levels of nitrogen increased from 0 to 270 kg N ha(-1), the production of TP and TF decreased in the order leaves>roots>stems. The production of TP and TF was related to increased total non structural carbohydrate (TNC), where the increase in starch content was larger than that in sugar concentration. Nevertheless, the regression analysis exhibited a higher influence of soluble sugar concentration (r(2) = 0.88) than starch on TP and TF biosynthesis. Photosynthesis, on the other hand, displayed a significant negative relationship with TP and TF production (r(2) = -0.87). A decrease in photosynthetic rate with increasing secondary metabolites might be due to an increase in the shikimic acid pathway that results in enhanced production of TP and TF. Chlorophyll content exhibited very significant negative relationships with total soluble sugar, starch and total non structural carbohydrate.
  12. Fulltext The influence of chemical surface modification of kenaf fiber using hydrogen peroxide on the mechanical properties of biodegradable kenaf fiber/poly(lactic acid) composites
    Razak NI, Ibrahim NA, Zainuddin N, Rayung M, Saad WZ
    Molecules, 2014;19(3):2957-68.
    PMID: 24609017 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19032957
    Bleaching treatment of kenaf fiber was performed in alkaline medium containing hydrogen peroxide solution maintained at pH 11 and 80 °C for 60 min. The bleached kenaf fiber was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The bleached kenaf fiber was then compounded with poly-(lactic acid) (PLA) via a melt blending method. The mechanical (tensile, flexural and impact) performance of the product was tested. The fiber treatment improved the mechanical properties of PLA/bleached kenaf fiber composites. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) morphological analysis showed improvement of the interfacial adhesion between the fiber surface and polymer matrix.
  13. Fulltext The growth suppressing effects of girinimbine on HepG2 involve induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest
    Syam S, Abdul AB, Sukari MA, Mohan S, Abdelwahab SI, Wah TS
    Molecules, 2011 Aug 23;16(8):7155-70.
    PMID: 21862957 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16087155
    Murraya koenigii is an edible herb widely used in folk medicine. Here we report that girinimbine, a carbazole alkaloid isolated from this plant, inhibited the growth and induced apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma, HepG2 cells. The MTT and LDH assay results showed that girinimbine decreased cell viability and increased cytotoxicity in a dose-and time-dependent manner selectively. Girinimbine-treated HepG2 cells showed typical morphological features of apoptosis, as observed from normal inverted microscopy and Hoechst 33342 assay. Furthermore, girinimbine treatment resulted in DNA fragmentation and elevated levels of caspase-3 in HepG2 cells. Girinimbine treatment also displayed a time-dependent accumulation of the Sub-G(0)/G(1) peak (hypodiploid) and caused G(0)/G(1)-phase arrest. Together, these results demonstrated for the first time that girinimbine could effectively induce programmed cell death in HepG2 cells and suggests the importance of conducting further investigations in preclinical human hepatocellular carcinoma models, especially on in vivo efficacy, to promote girinimbine for use as an anticancer agent against hepatocellular carcinoma.
  14. Fulltext The combination of mitragynine and morphine prevents the development of morphine tolerance in mice
    Fakurazi S, Rahman SA, Hidayat MT, Ithnin H, Moklas MA, Arulselvan P
    Molecules, 2013 Jan 04;18(1):666-81.
    PMID: 23292329 DOI: 10.3390/molecules18010666
    Mitragynine (MG) is the major active alkaloid found in Mitragyna speciosa Korth. In the present study, we investigated the enhancement of analgesic action of MG when combined with morphine and the effect of the combination on the development of tolerance towards morphine. Mice were administered intraperitoneally with a dose of MG (15 and 25 mg/kg b.wt) combined with morphine (5 mg/kg b.wt) respectively for 9 days. The antinociceptive effect was evaluated by a hot plate test. The protein expression of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cAMP response element binding (CREB) was analyzed by immunoblot. Toxicological parameters especially liver and kidney function tests were assessed after the combination treatment with MG and morphine. The concurrent administration of MG and morphine showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in latency time when compared to morphine alone group and the outstanding analgesic effects in the combination regimens were maintained until day 9. For the protein expression, there was a significant increment of cAMP and CREB levels (p < 0.05) in group treated with 5 mg/kg morphine but there was no significant change of these protein expressions when MG was combined with morphine. There was a significant changes in toxicological parameters of various treated groups. The combination treatment of MG and morphine effectively reduce the tolerance due to the chronic administration of morphine.
  15. Fulltext The apoptotic effect of 1's-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate from Alpinia conchigera on human cancer cells
    Awang K, Azmi MN, Aun LI, Aziz AN, Ibrahim H, Nagoor NH
    Molecules, 2010 Nov;15(11):8048-59.
    PMID: 21063268 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15118048
    1'-(S)-1'-Acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) isolated from the Malaysian ethno-medicinal plant Alpinia conchigera Griff. was investigated for its potential as an anticancer drug. In this communication, we describe the cytotoxic and apoptotic properties of ACA on five human tumour cell lines. Data from MTT cell viability assays indicated that ACA induced both time- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity on all tumour cell lines tested and had no adverse cytotoxic effects on normal cells. Total mortality of the entire tumour cell population was achieved within 30 hrs when treated with ACA at 40.0 µM concentration. Flow cytometric analysis for annexin-V and PI dual staining demonstrated that cell death occurred via apoptosis, followed by secondary necrosis. The apoptotic effects of ACA were confirmed via the DNA fragmentation assay, in which consistent laddering of genomic DNA was observed for all tumour cell lines after a 24 hrs post-treatment period at the IC(50) concentration of ACA. A cell cycle analysis using PI staining also demonstrated that ACA induced cell cycle arrest at the G(0)/G(1) phase, corresponding to oral tumour cell lines. In conclusion, ACA exhibits enormous potential for future development as a chemotherapeutic drug against various malignancies.
  16. Fulltext The Synthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxic Activity Assessment and Structure-Activity Relationship of 4-Aryl-6-(2,5-dichlorothiophen-3-yl)-2-methoxypyridine-3-carbonitriles
    Al-Refai M, Ibrahim MM, Azmi MN, Osman H, Bakar MHA, Geyer A
    Molecules, 2019 Nov 10;24(22).
    PMID: 31717690 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24224072
    A series of 2-methoxypyridine-3-carbonitrile (5a-i)-bearing aryl substituents were successfully synthesized in good yields by the condensation of chalcones (4a-i) with malononitrile in basic medium. The condensation process, in most cases, offers a route to a variety of methoxypyridine derivatives (6a-g) as side products in poor yields. All new compounds were fully characterized using different spectroscopic methods. Mass ESI-HMRS measurements were also performed. Furthermore, these compounds were screened for their in vitro cytotoxicity activities against three cancer cell lines; namely, those of the liver (line HepG2), prostate (line DU145) and breast (line MBA-MB-231). The cytotoxicity assessment revealed that compounds 5d, 5g, 5h and 5i exhibit promising antiproliferative effects (IC50 1-5 µM) against those three cancer cell lines.
  17. Fulltext The Study of Electrical and Electrochemical Properties of Magnesium Ion Conducting CS: PVA Based Polymer Blend Electrolytes: Role of Lattice Energy of Magnesium Salts on EDLC Performance
    Aziz SB, Brza MA, Hamsan EMADMH, Hadi JM, Kadir MFZ, Abdulwahid RT
    Molecules, 2020 Oct 01;25(19).
    PMID: 33019618 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25194503
    Plasticized magnesium ion conducting polymer blend electrolytes based on chitosan (CS): polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was synthesized with a casting technique. The source of ions is magnesium triflate Mg(CF3SO3)2, and glycerol was used as a plasticizer. The electrical and electrochemical characteristics were examined. The outcome from X-ray diffraction (XRD) examination illustrates that the electrolyte with highest conductivity exhibits the minimum degree of crystallinity. The study of the dielectric relaxation has shown that the peak appearance obeys the non-Debye type of relaxation process. An enhancement in conductivity of ions of the electrolyte system was achieved by insertion of glycerol. The total conductivity is essentially ascribed to ions instead of electrons. The maximum DC ionic conductivity was measured to be 1.016 × 10-5 S cm-1 when 42 wt.% of plasticizer was added. Potential stability of the highest conducting electrolyte was found to be 2.4 V. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) response shows the behavior of the capacitor is non-Faradaic where no redox peaks appear. The shape of the CV response and EDLC specific capacitance are influenced by the scan rate. The specific capacitance values were 7.41 F/g and 32.69 F/g at 100 mV/s and 10 mV/s, respectively. Finally, the electrolyte with maximum conductivity value is obtained and used as electrodes separator in the electrochemical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) applications. The role of lattice energy of magnesium salts in energy storage performance is discussed in detail.
  18. Fulltext The Skeletal Effects of Tanshinones: A Review
    Ekeuku SO, Pang KL, Chin KY
    Molecules, 2021 Apr 16;26(8).
    PMID: 33923673 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082319
    BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis results from excessive bone resorption and reduced bone formation, triggered by sex hormone deficiency, oxidative stress and inflammation. Tanshinones are a class of lipophilic phenanthrene compounds found in the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which contribute to its anti-osteoporosis effects. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the skeletal beneficial effects of tanshinones.

    METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in January 2021 using Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science from the inception of these databases. Original studies reporting the effects of tanshinones on bone through cell cultures, animal models and human clinical trials were considered.

    RESULTS: The literature search found 158 unique articles on this topic, but only 20 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The available evidence showed that tanshinones promoted osteoblastogenesis and bone formation while reducing osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption.

    CONCLUSIONS: Tanshinones modulates bone remodelling by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and osteoblast apoptosis and stimulating osteoblastogenesis. Therefore, it might complement existing strategies to prevent bone loss.

  19. Fulltext The Role of Tocotrienol in Protecting Against Metabolic Diseases
    Pang KL, Chin KY
    Molecules, 2019 Mar 06;24(5).
    PMID: 30845769 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24050923
    Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes, and these two metabolic conditions cause significant healthcare burden worldwide. Chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress due to exposure of cells to excess nutrients in obesity may trigger insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Tocotrienol, as a functional food component with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cell signaling-mediating effects, may be a potential agent to complement the current management of obesity and diabetes. The review aimed to summarize the current evidence on the anti-obesity and antidiabetic effects of tocotrienol. Previous studies showed that tocotrienol could suppress adipogenesis and, subsequently, reduce body weight and fat mass in animals. This was achieved by regulating pathways of lipid metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis. It could also reduce the expression of transcription factors regulating adipogenesis and increase apoptosis of adipocytes. In diabetic models, tocotrienol was shown to improve glucose homeostasis. Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors was suggested to be responsible for these effects. Tocotrienol also prevented multiple systemic complications due to obesity and diabetes in animal models through suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress. Several clinical trials have been conducted to validate the antidiabetic of tocotrienol, but the results were heterogeneous. There is no evidence showing the anti-obesity effects of tocotrienol in humans. Considering the limitations of the current studies, tocotrienol has the potential to be a functional food component to aid in the management of patients with obesity and diabetes.
  20. Fulltext The Role of Surface Exposed Lysine in Conformational Stability and Functional Properties of Lipase from Staphylococcus Family
    Ahmad NN, Ahmad Kamarudin NH, Leow ATC, Rahman RNZRA
    Molecules, 2020 Aug 25;25(17).
    PMID: 32854267 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173858
    Surface charge residues have been recognized as one of the stability determinants in protein. In this study, we sought to compare and analyse the stability and conformational dynamics of staphylococcal lipase mutants with surface lysine mutation using computational and experimental methods. Three highly mutable and exposed lysine residues (Lys91, Lys177, Lys325) were targeted to generate six mutant lipases in silico. The model structures were simulated in water environment at 25 °C. Our simulations showed that the stability was compromised when Lys177 was substituted while mutation at position 91 and 325 improved the stability. To illustrate the putative alterations of enzyme stability in the stabilising mutants, we characterized single mutant K325G and double mutant K91A/K325G. Both mutants showed a 5 °C change in optimal temperature compared to their wild type. Single mutant K325G rendered a longer half-life at 25 °C (T1/2 = 21 h) while double mutant K91A/K325G retained only 40% of relative activity after 12 h incubation. The optimal pH for mutant K325G was shifted from 8 to 9 and similar substrate preference was observed for the wild type and two mutants. Our findings indicate that surface lysine mutation alters the enzymatic behaviour and, thus, rationalizes the functional effects of surface exposed lysine in conformational stability and activity of this lipase.
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