Pharmacotherapeutic Potential of Natural Products to Target the SARS-CoV-2 PLpro Using Molecular Screening and Simulation Approaches.

Because of the essential role of PLpro in the regulation of replication and dysregulation of the host immune sensing, it is considered a therapeutic target for novel drug development. To reduce the risk of immune evasion and vaccine effectiveness, small molecular therapeutics are the best complementary approach. Hence, we used a structure-based drug-designing approach to identify potential small molecular inhibitors for PLpro of SARS-CoV-2.

N‑acetyl‑L‑cysteine reduces arsenite‑induced cytotoxicity through chelation in U937 monocytes and macrophages.

In the present study, in order to clarify the preventive mechanism of N‑acetyl‑L‑cysteine (NAC) on arsenite‑induced apoptosis in U937 cells, which lack functional p53, the cytotoxicity among U937 cells [monocytes and 12‑O‑tetradecanoylphorbol‑13‑acetate (TPA)‑treated macrophages] receiving NAC treatment at different times post arsenite treatment was examined. TPA‑treated macrophages were more resistant to arsenite‑induced apoptosis than monocytes, which may be associated with the induction of Bcl‑2 expression. Pretreatment with 20 mM NAC prior to arsenite exposure suppressed apoptosis up to 75% in the monocytes and 100% in the macrophages.

Scalp hair mercury concentrations in Pakistan.

The presence of mercury in the environment is widespread and persistent, but the extent of exposure of Pakistanis to mercury is virtually unknown. We collected toenail and scalp hair samples from 158 subjects (83 males and 75 females) residing in Lahore and its suburbs. We also conducted a questionnaire survey and personal interviews to obtain information on demographic factors, lifestyles, and socioeconomic factors, among others.