Inhibition of protein misfolding and aggregation by steroidal quinoxalin-2(1H)-one and their molecular docking studies.

A series of D-ring fused 16-substituted steroidal quinoxalin-2(1H)-one attached to an electron-releasing (ER) or electron-withdrawing (EW) groups via steroidal oxoacetate intermediate were synthesized to investigate their protein aggregation inhibition potential using human lysozyme (HLZ). The influence of the type of substituent at the C-6 positions of the quinoxalin-2(1H)-one ring on the protein aggregation inhibition potential was observed, showing that the EW moiety improved the protein aggregation inhibition potency. Of all the evaluated compounds, NO-substituted quinoxalin-2(1H)-one derivative 13 was the most active compound and had a maximum protein aggregation inhibition effect.

Synthesis, Anti-Fungal Potency and In silico Studies of Novel Steroidal 1,4-Dihydropyridines.

Working principle of azoles as antifungals is the inhibition of fungal CYP51/lanosterol-14α-demethylase via selective coordination with heme iron. This interaction can also cause side effects by binding to host lanosterol-14α-demethylase. Hence, it is necessary to design, synthesize and test new antifungal agents that have different structures than those of azoles and other antifungal drugs of choice in clinical practice.

Synthesis, antifungal evaluation, and molecular docking studies of steroidal thiazolopyrimidines.

A series of steroidal thiazolopyrimidine derivatives were developed and evaluated for their antifungal properties against Candida species using steroid as the basic skeletonand a thiazolopyrimidine heterocycle as a pharmacophore in the D-ring. Dehydroepiandrosterone, aromatic aldehydes, and 2-aminothiazole were used in a one-pot multicomponent reaction with silica sulphuric acid to generate the target molecules. Additionally, molecular docking studies were conducted to determine how synthesized steroidal derivatives interacted with the amino acid residues of CYP51 ofCandida albicans.

Microwave-assisted one-pot multicomponent synthesis of steroidal pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines and their possible implications in drug development.

Protein misfolding can lead to fibrillar and non-fibrillar deposits which are the signs of countless human diseases. A promising strategy for the prevention of such diseases is the inhibition of protein aggregation, and the most crucial step toward effective prevention is the development of small molecules having the potential for protein-aggregation inhibition. In this search, a series of novel steroidal pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines have been synthesized employing steroidal ketone, substituted aldehydes, and 2,6-diaminopyrimidin-4(3H)-one through the microwave-assisted one-pot multicomponent methodology.

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: Clinicopathological evaluation at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad.

Objective: Clinicopathological features of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs) have rarely been studied in Pakistani population. We investigated clinical characteristics of these tumours according to updated World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 classification.

Methods: The data of Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad was retrospectively analysed for pathologically confirmed GEP-NETs from January 2013 to March 2018.

Accuracy of intra-operative frozen section in the diagnosis of female genital tract neoplasms.

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of intra-operative frozen section in the diagnosis of various pelvic neoplasms, including ovarian tumours.

Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at Shifa International Hospital and comprised records of all patients with lesions of female genital tract who underwent frozen section between January 2010 and December 2012. Comparison was made with the final diagnosis after histopathology was performed on examining permanent paraffin sections.

Evaluation of fine needle aspiration cytology as a screening tool in thyroid lesions.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of fine needle aspiration cytology in the evaluation of thyroid lesions.

Methods: The retrospective study comprised data of all patients who presented for fine needle aspiration cytology at the Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, between January 2009 and April 2011. The data was retrieved from the departmental records and the results were recorded.

Delivering endocrinology and reproduction in an integrated modular curriculum.

Objective: To ascertain the perceptions of students and faculty of Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad regarding the delivery of Endocrinology and Reproduction module as a component of the newly introduced Integrated Modular Curriculum.

Methods: A descriptive study, using mixed qualitative and quantitative method, starting from June 6 to August 15 2008. A period of 10 weeks was spent on the study including 8 weeks of planning, 2 weeks of delivery and assessment and a 2 weeks period of post hoc analysis and data collection.