Identification of Phytochemicals from Arabian Peninsula Medicinal Plants as Strong Binders to SARS-CoV-2 Proteases (3CL and PL) by Molecular Docking and Dynamic Simulation Studies.

We provide promising computational (in silico) data on phytochemicals (compounds -) from Arabian Peninsula medicinal plants as strong binders, targeting 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL) and papain-like proteases (PL) of SARS-CoV-2. Compounds - followed the Lipinski rules of five (RO5) and ADMET analysis, exhibiting drug-like characters. Non-covalent (reversible) docking of compounds - demonstrated their binding with the catalytic dyad (CYS145 and HIS41) of 3CL and catalytic triad (CYS111, HIS272, and ASP286) of PL.

Covalent Inhibitors from Saudi Medicinal Plants Target RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2.

COVID-19, a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, has caused a huge loss of human life, and the number of deaths is still continuing. Despite the lack of repurposed drugs and vaccines, the search for potential small molecules to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 is in demand. Hence, we relied on the drug-like characters of ten phytochemicals (compounds -) that were previously isolated and purified by our research team from Saudi medicinal plants.

A new species and a key to the genus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Scorpiones, Buthidae) from Saudi Arabia.

A new species, Al-Qahtni, Al-Salem, Alqahtani & Badry, , is described and illustrated from the Majami al-Hadb Protected Area in the Riyadh Province of Saudi Arabia. The new species is compared with species of distributed in Saudi Arabia, especially Lowe, Yağmur & Kovařík, 2014. The integrated results indicate that the population found in Majami al-Hadb represents a distinct species, which is described herein.

Cyto-Genotoxic and Transcriptomic Alterations in Human Liver Cells by Tris (2-Ethylhexyl) Phosphate (TEHP): A Putative Hepatocarcinogen.

Tris (2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) is an organophosphate flame retardant (OPFRs) which is extensively used as a plasticizer and has been detected in human body fluids. Contemporarily, toxicological studies on TEHP in human cells are very limited and there are few studies on its genotoxicity and cell death mechanism in human liver cells (HepG2). Herein, we find that HepG2 cells exposed to TEHP (100, 200, 400 µM) for 72 h reduced cell survival to 19.

Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP): A flame retardant in solid waste display hepatotoxic and carcinogenic risks for humans.

Recent reports have confirmed that tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), an organophosphorous flame retardants (OPFRs), profoundly detected in the dust from solid waste (SW), e-waste dumping sites, landfills, and wastewater treatment facilities. Herein, we evaluated the hepatotoxic and carcinogenic potential of TBEP in human liver cells (HepG2). HepG2 cells exhibited cytotoxicity after 3 days of exposure, especially at greater concentrations (100-400 μM).

Organophosphorus Flame Retardant TDCPP Displays Genotoxic and Carcinogenic Risks in Human Liver Cells.

Tris(1,3-Dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TDCPP) is an organophosphorus flame retardant (OPFR) widely used in a variety of consumer products (plastics, furniture, paints, foams, and electronics). Scientific evidence has affirmed the toxicological effects of TDCPP in in vitro and in vivo test models; however, its genotoxicity and carcinogenic effects in human cells are still obscure. Herein, we present genotoxic and carcinogenic properties of TDCPP in human liver cells (HepG2).

Tris(2-chloroethyl) Phosphate (TCEP) Elicits Hepatotoxicity by Activating Human Cancer Pathway Genes in HepG2 Cells.

Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) is one of the organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) used in consumer commodities and have been detected in human body fluids. Research on TCEP-induced transcriptomic alterations and toxicological consequences in liver cells is still lacking. Herein, human hepatocellular (HepG2) cells were treated with 100, 200, and 400 μM TCEP for 3 days to quantify hepatotoxicity by MTT, NRU, and comet assays.

Organophosphorus flame retardant (tricresyl phosphate) trigger apoptosis in HepG2 cells: Transcriptomic evidence on activation of human cancer pathways.

Tricresyl phosphate (TCP) is one of the organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) used as plasticizer in consumer products and mixed as a lubricant in commercial jet engine oil, reportedly induce neurotoxicity and aerodynamic syndrome. No studies have been attempted so far on TCP to induce hepatotoxicity in human cells. This study for the first time confirms the hepatotoxic potential and activation of cancer pathways in TCP treated human hepatocellular cells (HepG2).

Quantum dot-based molecular beacon to monitor intracellular microRNAs.

Fluorescence monitoring of endogenous microRNA (miRNA or miR) activity related to neuronal development using nano-sized materials provides crucial information on miRNA expression patterns in a noninvasive manner. In this study, we report a new method to monitor intracellular miRNA124a using quantum dot-based molecular beacon (R9-QD-miR124a beacon). The R9-QD-miR124a beacon was constructed using QDs and two probes, miR124a-targeting oligomer and arginine rich cell-penetrating peptide (R9 peptide).