Pharmaceuticals (Basel)
March 2024
The LABEXTRACT plant extract bank, featuring diverse members of the Myrtaceae family from Brazilian hot spot regions, provides a promising avenue for bioprospection. Given the pivotal roles of the Spike protein and 3CL and PL proteases in SARS-CoV-2 infection, this study delves into the correlations between the Myrtaceae species from the Atlantic Forest and these targets, as well as an antiviral activity through both and analyses. The results uncovered notable inhibitory effects, with and standing out, while proved to be multitarget, presenting inhibition values above 72% in the three targets analyzed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCOVID-19 is a multisystemic disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 airborne virus, a member of the Coronaviridae family. It has a positive sense single-stranded RNA genome and encodes two non-structural proteins through viral cysteine-proteases processing. Blocking this step is crucial to control virus replication.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe understanding that zidovudine (ZDV or azidothymidine, AZT) inhibits the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2 and that chalcogen atoms can increase the bioactivity and reduce the toxicity of AZT has directed our search for the discovery of novel potential anti-coronavirus compounds. Here, the antiviral activity of selenium and tellurium containing AZT derivatives in human type II pneumocytes cell model (Calu-3) and monkey kidney cells (Vero E6) infected with SARS-CoV-2, and their toxic effects on these cells, was evaluated. Cell viability analysis revealed that organoselenium (-) showed lower cytotoxicity than organotellurium (, -), with CC ≥ 100 µM.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, a global public health problem. Despite the numerous studies for drug repurposing, there are only two FDA-approved antiviral agents (Remdesivir and Nirmatrelvir) for non-hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms. Consequently, it is pivotal to search for new molecules with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and to study their effects in the human immune system.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAurones are a small subgroup of flavonoids in which the basic C-C-C skeleton is arranged as ()-2-benzylidenebenzofuran-3(2)-one. These compounds are structural isomers of flavones and flavonols, natural products reported as potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 replication. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of a series of 25 aurones bearing different oxygenated groups (OH, OCH, OCHOCH, OCHO, OCFH, and OCHCHR) at the A- and/or B-rings using cell-based screening assays.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of COVID-19 and is responsible for the current global pandemic. The viral genome contains 5 major open reading frames of which the largest ORF1ab codes for two polyproteins, pp1ab and pp1a, which are subsequently cleaved into 16 nonstructural proteins (nsp) by two viral cysteine proteases encoded within the polyproteins. The main protease (Mpro, nsp5) cleaves the majority of the nsp's, making it essential for viral replication and has been successfully targeted for the development of antivirals.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMolecules
April 2023
Traditional medicine shows several treatment protocols for COVID-19 based on natural products, revealing its potential as a possible source of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. is popularly used in the Brazilian Amazon as a fortifier and tonic, and recently, it has been reported to relieve COVID-19 symptoms. This work aimed to investigate the antiviral potential of , focusing on the inhibition of spike and ACE2 receptor interaction, a key step in successful infection.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has prompted global efforts to develop therapeutics. The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (M) and the papain-like protease (PL) are essential for viral replication and are key targets for therapeutic development. In this work, we investigate the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 inhibition by diphenyl diselenide (PhSe) which is an archetypal model of diselenides and a renowned potential therapeutic agent.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMolecules
January 2022
occurs in the Amazon region, and some species of this genus are used in Brazilian folk medicine. A recent study showed the inhibitory effect of this species against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, and in order to acquire active fractions, a polar solvent system -butanol-methanol-water (9:1:10, /) was selected and used for bioassay-guided fractionation of -butanol extract by centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC). The upper phase was used as stationary phase and the lower phase as mobile (descending mode).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUnlabelled: The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has been affecting the world, causing severe pneumonia and acute respiratory syndrome, leading people to death. Therefore, the search for anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds is pivotal for public health. Natural products may present sources of bioactive compounds; among them, flavonoids are known in literature for their antiviral activity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction are a significant complication of chronic Chagas disease, with heart failure, stroke, and sudden death related to disease progression. Thus, understanding the signaling pathways involved in the chagasic cardiac hypertrophy may provide potential targets for pharmacological therapy. Herein, we investigated the implication of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling pathway in triggering hypertrophic phenotype during acute and chronic T.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe activation of signaling pathways involving protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) has been demonstrated during Trypanosoma cruzi invasion. Herein, we describe the participation of FAK/Src in the invasion of cardiomyocytes by T. cruzi.
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