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A Real-Time Cell Analyzing Assay for Identification of Novel Antiviral Compounds against Chikungunya Virus

Zandi K

Methods Mol Biol, 2016;1426:255-62.
PMID: 27233278 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3618-2_23

Screening of viral inhibitors through induction of cytopathic effects (CPE) by conventional method has been applied for various viruses including Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a significant arbovirus. However, it does not provide the information about cytopathic effect from the beginning and throughout the course of virus replication. Conventionally, most of the approaches are constructed on laborious end-point assays which are not capable for detecting minute and rapid changes in cellular morphology. Therefore, we developed a label-free and dynamical method for monitoring the cellular features that comprises cell attachment, proliferation, and viral cytopathogenicity, known as the xCELLigence real-time cell analysis (RTCA). In this chapter, we provide a RTCA protocol for quantitative analysis of CHIKV replication using an infected Vero cell line treated with ribavirin as an in vitro model.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Fulltext Nipah virus encephalitis outbreak in Malaysia

Lam SK, Chua KB

Clin Infect Dis, 2002 May 1;34 Suppl 2:S48-51.
PMID: 11938496 DOI: 10.1086/338818

Emerging infectious diseases involving zoonosis have become important global health problems. The 1998 outbreak of severe febrile encephalitis among pig farmers in Malaysia caused by a newly emergent paramyxovirus, Nipah virus, is a good example. This disease has the potential to spread to other countries through infected animals and can cause considerable economic loss. The clinical presentation includes segmental myoclonus, areflexia, hypertension, and tachycardia, and histologic evidence includes endothelial damage and vasculitis of the brain and other major organs. Magnetic resonance imaging has demonstrated the presence of discrete high-signal-intensity lesions disseminated throughout the brain. Nipah virus causes syncytial formation in Vero cells and is antigenically related to Hendra virus. The Island flying fox (Pteropus hypomelanus; the fruit bat) is a likely reservoir of this virus. The outbreak in Malaysia was controlled through the culling of >1 million pigs.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Replication of a malaysian strain avian influenza a virus H5N1 in madin-darby canine kidney and african green monkey kidney cells

Tan TS, Sharifah Syed Hassan, Yap WB

Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:787-793.

The use of cell lines such as Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) and African Green Monkey Kidney (Vero) cells in
influenza vaccine production is much advocated presently as a safer alternative to chicken embryonated eggs. It is
thus essential to understand the influenza virus replication patterns in these cell lines prior to utilizing them in vaccine
production. The infectivity of avian influenza A virus (A/Chicken/Malaysia/5858/2004) H5N1 in MDCK and Vero cell
lines was first assessed by comparing the cytopathic effect (CPE) caused by the virus infection. The viral loads in both
of the infected media and cells were also compared. The results showed that both of the MDCK and Vero cells began to
exhibit significant CPE (p<0.05) after 48 h post-infection (h p.i). The MDCK cell line was more susceptible to the virus
infection compared to Vero cell line throughout the incubation period. A higher viral load was also detected in the host
cells compared to their respective culturing media. Interestingly, after reaching its maximum titer at 48 h p.i, the viral
load in MDCK cells declined meanwhile the viral load in Vero cells increased gradually and peaked at 120 h p.i. Overall,
both cell lines support efficient H5N1 virus replication. While the peak viral loads measured in the two cell lines did
not differ much, a more rapid replication was observed in the infected MDCK samples. The finding showed that MDCK
cell line might serve as a more time-saving and cost-effective cell culture-based system compared to Vero cell line for
influenza vaccine production.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Chitosan based thermosensitive injectable hydrogels for controlled delivery of loxoprofen: development, characterization and in-vivo evaluation

Ahmad U, Sohail M, Ahmad M, Minhas MU, Khan S, Hussain Z, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2019 May 15;129:233-245.
PMID: 30738157 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.02.031

Oral drug delivery is natural, most acceptable and desirable route for nearly all drugs, but many drugs like NSAIDs when delivered by this route cause gastrointestinal irritation, gastric bleeding, ulcers, and many undesirable effects which limits their usage by oral delivery. Moreover, it is almost impossible to control the release of a drug in a targeted location in body. We developed thermo-responsive chitosan-co-poly(N-isopropyl-acrylamide) injectable hydrogel as an alternative for the gastro-protective and controlled delivery of loxoprofen sodium as a model drug. A free radical polymerization technique was used to synthesize thermo-responsive hydrogel by cross-linking chitosan HCl with NIPAAM using glutaraldehyde as cross-linker. Confirmation of crosslinked hydrogel structure was done by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR). The thermal stability of hydrogel was confirmed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to evaluate the structural morphology of cross-linked hydrogel. To evaluate the rheological behavior of hydrogel with increasing temperature, rheological study was performed. Swelling and in vitro drug release studies were carried out under various temperature and pH conditions. The swelling study revealed that maximum swelling was observed at low pH (pH 1.2) and low temperature (25 °C) compared to the high range of pH and temperature and it resulted in quick release of the drug. The high range of pH (7.4) and temperature (37 °C) however caused controlled release of the drug. The in vivo evaluation of the developed hydrogel in rabbits demonstrated the controlled release behavior of fabricated system.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Fulltext Development of solid - based paper strips for rapid diagnosis of Pseudorabies infection

Joon Tam Y, Mohd Lila MA, Bahaman AR

Trop Biomed, 2004 Dec;21(2):121-34.
PMID: 16493404

Pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease) is an economically significant disease of swine known to cause central nervous disorders, respiratory disease, reproductive failure and mortality in infected pigs. In attempts to eradicate the disease from becoming endemic, early detection is important to prevent further economic losses and to allow for detection and removal of infected pigs in domestic herds. Thus, a rapid and sensitive technique is necessary for the detection of the virus. For rapid and simple examination, an immuno - chromatographic lateral - flow assay system based on immunologic recognition of specific pseudorabies virus antigen was developed by utilising, as signal generator, colloidal gold conjugated to secondary antibody to detect primary or sample antibody in the sera of pseudorabies infected animals. The pseudorabies virus used as a capture antigen in the test strip was first cultivated in VERO cell culture and then purified by sucrose gradient separation to produce the viral protein concentration of 3.8 mg/ml. The standard pseudorabies antigens reacted well with the hyperimmune serum (HIS). The antibody detection system is basically composed of colloidal gold - labelled antibodies fixed on a conjugate pad, and the complementary pseudorabies antigen immobilised onto a nitrocellulose membrane forming capture zone. If the target antibody is present in a specimen, the colloidal gold-labelled antibody will form a complex with the antibody sample. Subsequently, the formed complex will migrate to the capture zone and is then bound to the solid phase via antigen - antibody interaction. As a result, a signal marker is generated by the accumulation of colloidal gold for detection confirmation. The results obtained demonstrated that the optimum combination of pseudorabies antigen needed as the capture reagent and gold conjugate as secondary antibody recognition marker was at a concentration of 0.38mg/ml and at 1:10 dilution factor respectively. The sensitivity of the solid - based test strip towards pseudorabies antibodies was high with a detection limit of 1 to 10,000 - dilution factor. The specificity of the assay was 100% with no cross - reaction being observed with other sera or antibodies. Accurate reading time needed for confirmation of the assay can be completed in 5 min with a whole blood sample of 25 microl. The colloidal gold - labelled antibody is stable at room temperature for 6 months or more (data not shown). Findings from this study indicated that the solid - based test strip assay system provided high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of pseudorabies at low levels of antibody concentration. The assay was rapid, simple, cheap, and does not require any sophisticated equipment. Thus, the solid based test strip will be a useful serological screening technique or for rapid diagnosis of an infectious disease in target populations of animals characterised by heterogeneous antibody responses.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Fulltext Enterovirus A71 DNA-Launched Infectious Clone as a Robust Reverse Genetic Tool

Tan CW, Tee HK, Lee MH, Sam IC, Chan YF

PLoS One, 2016;11(9):e0162771.
PMID: 27617744 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162771

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) causes major outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease, and is occasionally associated with neurological complications and death in children. Reverse genetics is widely used in the field of virology for functional study of viral genes. For EV-A71, such tools are limited to clones that are transcriptionally controlled by T7/SP6 bacteriophage promoter. This is often time-consuming and expensive. Here, we describe the development of infectious plasmid DNA-based EV-A71 clones, for which EV-A71 genome expression is under transcriptional control by the CMV-intermediate early promoter and SV40 transcriptional-termination signal. Transfection of this EV-A71 infectious DNA produces good virus yield similar to in vitro-transcribed EV-A71 infectious RNA, 6.4 and 5.8 log10PFU/ml, respectively. Infectious plasmid with enhanced green fluorescence protein and Nano luciferase reporter genes also produced good virus titers, with 4.3 and 5.0 log10 PFU/ml, respectively. Another infectious plasmid with both CMV and T7 promoters was also developed for easy manipulation of in vitro transcription or direct plasmid transfection. Transfection with either dual-promoter infectious plasmid DNA or infectious RNA derived from this dual-promoter clone produced infectious viral particles. Incorporation of hepatitis delta virus ribozyme, which yields precise 3' ends of the DNA-launched EV-A71 genomic transcripts, increased infectious viral production. In contrast, the incorporation of hammerhead ribozyme in the DNA-launched EV-A71 resulted in lower virus yield, but improved the virus titers for T7 promoter-derived infectious RNA. This study describes rapid and robust reverse genetic tools for EV-A71.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Fulltext Pathogenic Differences between Nipah Virus Bangladesh and Malaysia Strains in Primates: Implications for Antibody Therapy

Mire CE, Satterfield BA, Geisbert JB, Agans KN, Borisevich V, Yan L, et al.

Sci Rep, 2016 08 03;6:30916.
PMID: 27484128 DOI: 10.1038/srep30916

Nipah virus (NiV) is a paramyxovirus that causes severe disease in humans and animals. There are two distinct strains of NiV, Malaysia (NiVM) and Bangladesh (NiVB). Differences in transmission patterns and mortality rates suggest that NiVB may be more pathogenic than NiVM. To investigate pathogenic differences between strains, 4 African green monkeys (AGM) were exposed to NiVM and 4 AGMs were exposed to NiVB. While NiVB was uniformly lethal, only 50% of NiVM-infected animals succumbed to infection. Histopathology of lungs and spleens from NiVB-infected AGMs was significantly more severe than NiVM-infected animals. Importantly, a second study utilizing 11 AGMs showed that the therapeutic window for human monoclonal antibody m102.4, previously shown to rescue AGMs from NiVM infection, was much shorter in NiVB-infected AGMs. Together, these data show that NiVB is more pathogenic in AGMs under identical experimental conditions and suggests that postexposure treatments may need to be NiV strain specific for optimal efficacy.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Fulltext Investigation of twenty selected medicinal plants from Malaysia for anti-Chikungunya virus activity

Chan YS, Khoo KS, Sit NWW

Int Microbiol, 2016 Sep;19(3):175-182.
PMID: 28494087 DOI: 10.2436/20.1501.01.275

Chikungunya virus is a reemerging arbovirus transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes. As there are no specific treatments available, Chikungunya virus infection is a significant public health problem. This study investigated 120 extracts from selected medicinal plants for anti-Chikungunya virus activity. The plant materials were subjected to sequential solvent extraction to obtain six different extracts for each plant. The cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of each extract were examined using African monkey kidney epithelial (Vero) cells. The ethanol, methanol and chloroform extracts of Tradescantia spathacea (Commelinaceae) leaves showed the strongest cytopathic effect inhibition on Vero cells, resulting in cell viabilities of 92.6% ± 1.0% (512 μg/ml), 91.5% ± 1.7% (512 μg/ml) and 88.8% ± 2.4% (80 μg/ml) respectively. However, quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that the chloroform extract of Rhapis excelsa (Arecaceae) leaves resulted in the highest percentage of reduction of viral load (98.1%), followed by the ethyl acetate extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Compositae) leaves (95.5%). The corresponding 50% effective concentrations (EC50) and selectivity indices for these two extracts were 29.9 ± 0.9 and 32.4 ± 1.3 μg/ml, and 5.4 and 5.1 respectively. Rhapis excelsa and Vernonia amygdalina could be sources of anti-Chikungunya virus agents. [Int Microbiol 19(3):175-182 (2016)].

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
In vitro antidermatophytic activity and cytotoxicity of extracts derived from medicinal plants and marine algae

Sit NW, Chan YS, Lai SC, Lim LN, Looi GT, Tay PL, et al.

J Mycol Med, 2018 Sep;28(3):561-567.
PMID: 30060991 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2018.07.001

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the antidermatophytic activity of 48 extracts obtained from medicinal plants (Cibotium barometz, Melastoma malabathricum, Meuhlenbeckia platyclada, Rhapis excelsa, Syzygium myrtifolium, Vernonia amygdalina) and marine algae (Caulerpa sertularioides, Kappaphycus alvarezii) against Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale (ATCC reference strains), and the cytotoxicity using African monkey kidney epithelial (Vero) cells. Active plant extracts were screened for the presence of phytochemicals and tested against clinical isolates of Trichophyton tonsurans.
METHODS: Six different extracts (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol and water) were obtained from each plant or algae sample using sequential solvent extraction. The antidermatophytic activity for the extracts was assessed using a colourimetric broth microdilution method. The viability of Vero cells was measured by Neutral Red uptake assay.
RESULTS: All the extracts (except the water extracts of V. amygdalina, C. sertularioides and K. alvarezii) showed antidermatophytic activity against Trichophyton spp. The minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) ranges for the plant extracts against T. rubrum and T. interdigitale are 0.0025-2.50 and 0.005-2.50mg/mL, respectively. The algae extracts exhibited lower potency against both species, showing MFC ranges of 0.08-2.50 and 0.31-2.50mg/mL, respectively. The ethanol and methanol extracts from the leaves of R. excelsa, and the methanol and water extracts from the leaves of S. myrtifolium were highly active (MFC<0.1mg/mL) and with high selectivity indices (SI>2.8) against reference strains of T. rubrum and T. interdigitale, and most of the clinical isolates of T. tonsurans. Phytochemical analysis indicates the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenolics and triterpenoids in the extracts.
CONCLUSIONS: The medicinal plant extracts exhibited stronger antidermatophytic activity compared to the algae extracts. The leaves of R. excelsa and S. myrtifolium are potential sources of new antidermatophytic agents against Trichophyton spp.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Comparison of the transmission potential of two genetically distinct Sindbis viruses after oral infection of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Myles KM, Pierro DJ, Olson KE

J Med Entomol, 2004 Jan;41(1):95-106.
PMID: 14989352

Within mosquitoes, arboviruses encounter barriers to infection and dissemination that are critical determinants of vector competence. The molecular mechanisms responsible for these barriers have yet to be elucidated. The prototype Sindbis (SIN) strain, AR339, and viruses derived from this strain, such as TR339 virus, have limited infection and transmission potential in the medically important arthropod vector, Aedes aegypti (L.). However, the Malaysian SIN virus strain, MRE16, disseminates in nearly 100% of Ae. aegypti 14 d after oral infection. Here, we compare the spatial and temporal infection patterns of MRE16 and TR339 viruses in Ae. aegypti. The results indicate that a midgut escape barrier is primarily responsible for the significantly lower dissemination and transmission potentials observed after oral infection with TR339 virus. MRE16 and TR339 viruses now represent a well-characterized model system for the further study of virus determinants of vector infection, particularly determinants affecting the midgut escape barrier in Ae. aegypti.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Fulltext Antiviral activity of silymarin in comparison with baicalein against EV-A71

Lalani SS, Anasir MI, Poh CL

BMC Complement Med Ther, 2020 Mar 23;20(1):97.
PMID: 32293397 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-2880-2

BACKGROUND: The hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a febrile and exanthematous childhood disease mainly caused by Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71). In severe HFMD, virulent EV-A71 strains can cause acute flaccid paralysis and cardiopulmonary edema leading to death. Currently, no FDA approved antiviral treatment or vaccine is available for EV-A71. Flavonoids such as silymarin and baicalein are known to possess in vitro antiviral properties against viruses. In this study, the cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of silymarin, baicalein and baicalin were investigated.
METHODS: The cytotoxic effects of three flavonoids towards rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells were first examined using cell proliferation MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] assay. Compounds found to be non-cytotoxic in RD cells were evaluated for their in vitro antiviral properties against the EV-A71 subgenotype B4 strain 41 (5865/SIN/000009) using antiviral assays. Viral infectivity was determined by reduction of the formation of plaques in RD cells. For the measurement of RNA copy number, the real time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was used. The most potent compound was further evaluated to determine the mode of action of inhibition by time course, virus attachment and entry assays in Vero cells.
RESULTS: Silymarin was shown to exert direct extracellular virucidal effects against EV-A71 at 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 15.2 ± 3.53 μg/mL with SI of 10.53. Similarly, baicalein exhibited direct extracellular virucidal effects against EV-A71 at a higher IC50 value of 30.88 ± 5.50 μg/mL with SI of 13.64. Besides virucidal activity, silymarin was shown to block both viral attachment and entry of EV-A71 to inhibit infection in Vero cells.
CONCLUSIONS: Silymarin has a stronger inhibition activity against EV-A71 in comparison to baicalein. It could serve as a promising antiviral drug to treat EV-A71 infections.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Fulltext Identification of potential dual -targets anti- toxoplasma gondii compounds through structure-based virtual screening and in-vitro studies

Salin NH, Noordin R, Al-Najjar BO, Kamarulzaman EE, Yunus MH, Karim IZA, et al.

PLoS One, 2020;15(5):e0225232.
PMID: 32442170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225232

Toxoplasma gondii is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a disease which can lead to morbidity and mortality of the fetus and immunocompromised individuals. Due to the limited effectiveness or side effects of existing drugs, the search for better drug candidates is still ongoing. In this study, we performed structure-based screening of potential dual-targets inhibitors of active sites of T. gondii drug targets such as uracil phosphoribosyltransferase (UPRTase) and adenosine kinase (AK). First screening of virtual compounds from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) was performed via molecular docking. Subsequently, the hit compounds were tested in-vitro for anti- T. gondii effect using cell viability assay with Vero cells as host to determine cytotoxicity effects and drug selectivities. Clindamycin, as positive control, showed a selectivity index (SI) of 10.9, thus compounds with SI > 10.9 specifically target T. gondii proliferation with no significant effect on the host cells. Good anti- T. gondii effects were observed with NSC77468 (7-ethoxy-4-methyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-thiopyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2-amine) which showed SI values of 25. This study showed that in-silico selection can serve as an effective way to discover potentially potent and selective compounds against T. gondii.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Fulltext The effectiveness of various gargle formulations and salt water against SARS-CoV-2

Tiong V, Hassandarvish P, Bakar SA, Mohamed NA, Wan Sulaiman WS, Baharom N, et al.

Sci Rep, 2021 10 15;11(1):20502.
PMID: 34654867 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99866-w

The COVID-19 is difficult to contain due to its high transmissibility rate and a long incubation period of 5 to 14 days. Moreover, more than half of the infected patients were young and asymptomatic. Virus transmission through asymptomatic patients is a major challenge to disease containment. Due to limited treatment options, preventive measures play major role in controlling the disease spread. Gargling with antiseptic formulation may have potential role in eliminating the virus in the throat. Four commercially available mouthwash/gargle formulations were tested for virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2 in both clean (0.3 g/l BSA) and dirty (0.3 g/l BSA + 3 mL/L human erythrocytes) conditions at time points 30 and 60 s. The virus was isolated and propagated in Vero E6 cells. The cytotoxicity of the products to the Vero E6 was evaluated by kill time assay based on the European Standard EN14476:2013/FprA1:2015 protocol. Virus titres were calculated as 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50/mL) using the Spearman-Karber method. A reduction in virus titer of 4 log10 corresponds to an inactivation of ≥ 99.99%. Formulations with cetylperidinium chloride, chlorhexidine and hexitidine achieved > 4 log10 reduction in viral titres when exposed within 30 s under both clean and dirty conditions. Thymol formulations achieved only 0.5 log10 reduction in viral titres. In addition, salt water was not proven effective. Gargle formulations with cetylperidinium chloride, chlorhexidine and hexetidine have great potential in reducing SAR-CoV-2 at the source of entry into the body, thus minimizing risk of transmission of COVID-19.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Experimental Study on Plasmodium knowlesi Normocyte Binding Protein Xa Region II (PkNBPXaII) for Erythrocyte Binding

Wong KC, Lai MY, De Silva JR, Cheong FW, Fong MY, Lau YL

Trop Biomed, 2021 Jun 01;38(2):143-148.
PMID: 34172703 DOI: 10.47665/tb.38.2.051

Normocyte binding protein Xa (NBPXa) has been implied to play a significant role in parasite invasion of human erythrocytes. Previous phylogenetic studies have reported the existence of three types of NBPXa for Plasmodium knowlesi (PkNBPXa). PkNBPXa region II (PkNBPXaII) of type 1, type 2 and type 3 were expressed on mammalian cell surface and interacted with human and macaque (Macaca fascicularis) erythrocytes. The binding activities of PkNBPXaII towards human and macaque erythrocytes were evaluated using erythrocyte-binding assay (EBA). Three parameters were evaluated to achieve the optimal protein expression of PkNBPXaII and erythrocyte binding activity in EBA: types of mammalian cells, post transfection time and erythrocyte incubation time. COS-7, HEK-293, and CHO-K1 cells showed successful expression of PkNBPXaII, despite the protein expression is weak compared to the positive control. COS-7 was used in EBA. All three types of PkNBPXaII showed rosette formation with macaque erythrocytes but not with human erythrocytes. Future studies to enhance the PkNBPXaII expression on surface of mammalian cells is indeed needed in order to elucidate the specific role of PkNBPXaII in erythrocytes invasion.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Fulltext EGCG as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent: Preventive versus therapeutic potential against original and mutant virus

Tsvetkov V, Varizhuk A, Kozlovskaya L, Shtro A, Lebedeva O, Komissarov A, et al.

Biochimie, 2021 Dec;191:27-32.
PMID: 34389380 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.08.003

In the search for anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs, much attention is given to safe and widely available native compounds. The green tea component epigallocatechin 3 gallate (EGCG) is particularly promising because it reportedly inhibits viral replication and viral entry in vitro. However, conclusive evidence for its predominant activity is needed. We tested EGCG effects on the native virus isolated from COVID-19 patients in two independent series of experiments using VERO cells and two different treatment schemes in each series. The results confirmed modest cytotoxicity of EGCG and its substantial antiviral activity. The preincubation scheme aimed at infection prevention has proven particularly beneficial. We complemented that finding with a detailed investigation of EGCG interactions with viral S-protein subunits, including S2, RBD, and the RBD mutant harboring the N501Y mutation. Molecular modeling experiments revealed N501Y-specific stacking interactions in the RBD-ACE2 complex and provided insight into EGCG interference with the complex formation. Together, these findings provide a molecular basis for the observed EGCG effects and reinforce its prospects in COVID-19 prevention therapy.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Fulltext Anti-viral activity of culinary and medicinal mushroom extracts against dengue virus serotype 2: an in-vitro study

Ellan K, Thayan R, Raman J, Hidari KIPJ, Ismail N, Sabaratnam V

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2019 Sep 18;19(1):260.
PMID: 31533688 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2629-y

BACKGROUND: Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that has become a major public health concern worldwide. Presently, there is no specific vaccine or treatment available for dengue viral infection.
METHODS: Lignosus rhinocerotis, Pleurotus giganteus, Hericium erinaceus, Schizophyllum commune and Ganoderma lucidium were selected for evaluation of their in-vitro anti-dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) activities. Hot aqueous extracts (HAEs), ethanol extracts (EEs), hexane soluble extracts (HSEs), ethyl acetate soluble extracts (ESEs) and aqueous soluble extracts (ASEs) were prepared from the selected mushrooms. The cytotoxic effects of the extracts were evaluated by the MTT assay. The anti-DENV-2 activities of the extracts were evaluated in three different assays: simultaneous, attachment and penetration assays were perfomed using plaque reduction assays and RT-qPCR assays. The effect of the addition time on viral replication was assessed by the time of addition assay, and a virucidal assay was carried out to evaluate the direct effect of each mushroom extract on DENV-2. The chemical composition of glucans, and the protein and phenolic acid contents in the extracts were estimated.
RESULTS: We found that the HAEs and ASEs of L. rhinocerotis, P. giganteus, H. erinaceus and S. commune were the least toxic to Vero cells and showed very prominent anti-DENV2 activity. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of the ASEs ranged between 399.2-637.9 μg/ml, while for the HAEs the range was 312.9-680.6 μg/ml during simultaneous treatment. Significant anti-dengue activity was also detected in the penetration assay of ASEs (IC50: 226.3-315.4 μg/ml) and HAEs (IC50: 943.1-2080.2 μg/ml). Similarly, we observed a marked reduction in the expression levels of the ENV and NS5 genes in the simultaneous and penetration assays of the ASEs and HAEs. Time-of-addition experiments showed that the highest percent of anti-DENV2 activity was observed when the mushroom extracts were added immediately after virus adsorption. None of the extracts exhibited virucidal effect. Chemical composition analysis showed that the major components in the mushroom HAEs and ASEs were glucan (beta D-glucan) and proteins, however, there was no significant correlation between the anti-dengue activity and the concentration of glucans and proteins.
CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated the potential of mushroom extracts as anti-dengue therapeutic agents with less toxic effects.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Fulltext Detailed analysis of the pathologic hallmarks of Nipah virus (Malaysia) disease in the African green monkey infected by the intratracheal route

Cline C, Bell TM, Facemire P, Zeng X, Briese T, Lipkin WI, et al.

PLoS One, 2022;17(2):e0263834.
PMID: 35143571 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263834

Disease associated with Nipah virus infection causes a devastating and often fatal spectrum of syndromes predominated by both respiratory and neurologic conditions. Additionally, neurologic sequelae may manifest months to years later after virus exposure or apparent recovery. In the two decades since this disease emerged, much work has been completed in an attempt to understand the pathogenesis and facilitate development of medical countermeasures. Here we provide detailed organ system-specific pathologic findings following exposure of four African green monkeys to 2.41×105 pfu of the Malaysian strain of Nipah virus. Our results further substantiate the African green monkey as a model of human Nipah virus disease, by demonstrating both the respiratory and neurologic components of disease. Additionally, we demonstrate that a chronic phase of disease exists in this model, that may provide an important opportunity to study the enigmatic late onset and relapse encephalitis as it is described in human disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Fulltext Novel dihydropyrimidines as promising EGFR & HER2 inhibitors: Insights from experimental and computational studies

Faizan S, Wali AF, Talath S, Rehman MU, Sivamani Y, Nilugal KC, et al.

Eur J Med Chem, 2024 Sep 05;275:116607.
PMID: 38908102 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116607

Dihydropyrimidines are widely recognized for their diverse biological properties and are often synthesized by the Biginelli reactions. In this backdrop, a novel series of Biginelli dihydropyrimidines were designed, synthesized, purified, and analyzed by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry. Anticancer activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells was evaluated as part of their cytotoxicity in comparison with the normal Vero cells. The cytotoxicity of dihydropyrimidines ranges from moderate to significant. Among the 38 dihydropyrimidines screened, compounds 16, 21, and 39 exhibited significant cytotoxicity. These 3 compounds were subjected to flow cytometry studies and EGFRwt Kinase inhibition assay using lapatinib as a standard. The study included evaluation for the inhibition of EGFR and HER2 expression at five different concentrations. At a concentration of 1000 nM compound 21 showed 98.51 % and 96.79 % inhibition of EGFR and HER2 expression. Moreover, compounds 16, 21 and 39 significantly inhibited EGFRwt activity with IC50 = 69.83, 37.21 and 76.79 nM, respectively. In addition, 3D-QSAR experiments were conducted to elucidate Structure activity relationships in a 3D grid space by comparing the experimental and predicted cytotoxic activities. Molecular docking studies were performed to validate the results by in silico method. All together, we developed a new series of Biginelli dihydropyrimidines as dual EGFR/HER2 inhibitors.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Evaluation of the cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and molecular docking of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles derived from pumpkin seeds

Kadir NHA, Murugan N, Khan AA, Sandrasegaran A, Khan AU, Alam M

Microsc Res Tech, 2024 Mar;87(3):602-615.
PMID: 38018343 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24437

This study aimed to investigate the characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) produced from Cucurbita pepo L. (pumpkin seeds) and their selective cytotoxic effectiveness on human colon cancer cells (HCT 116) and African Green Monkey Kidney, Vero cells. The study also investigated the antioxidant activity of ZnONPs. The study also examined ZnONPs' antioxidant properties. This was motivated by the limited research on the comparative cytotoxic effects of ZnO NPs on normal and HCT116 cells. The ZnO NPs were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Transmission Electron Microscope/Selected Area Electron Diffraction (TEM/SAED), and Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) for determination of chemical fingerprinting, heat stability, size, and morphology of the elements, respectively. Based on the results, ZnO NPs from pumpkins were found to be less than 5 μm and agglomerates in nature. Furthermore, the ZnO NPs fingerprinting and SEM-EDX element analysis were similar to previous literature, suggesting the sample was proven as ZnO NPs. The ZnO NPs also stable at a temperature of 380°C indicating that the green material is quite robust at 60-400°C. The cell viability of Vero cells and HCT 116 cell line were measured at two different time points (24 and 48 h) to assess the cytotoxicity effects of ZnO NP on these cells using AlamarBlue assay. Cytotoxic results have shown that ZnO NPs did not inhibit Vero cells but were slightly toxic to cancer cells, with a dose-response curve IC50 = ~409.7 μg/mL. This green synthesis of ZnO NPs was found to be non-toxic to normal cells but has a slight cytotoxicity effect on HCT 116 cells. A theoretical study used molecular docking to investigate nanoparticle interaction with cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), exploring its mechanism in inhibiting CDK2's role in cancer. Further study should be carried out to determine suitable concentrations for cytotoxicity studies. Additionally, DPPH has a significant antioxidant capacity, with an IC50 of 142.857 μg/mL. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Pumpkin seed extracts facilitated a rapid, high-yielding, and environmentally friendly synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. Spectrophotometric analysis was used to investigate the optical properties, scalability, size, shape, dispersity, and stability of ZnO NPs. The cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs on Vero and HCT 116 cells was assessed, showing no inhibition of Vero cells and cytotoxicity of cancer cells. The DPPH assay was also used to investigate the antioxidant potential of biogenic nanoparticles. A molecular docking study was performed to investigate the interaction of ZnO NPs with CDK2 and to explore the mechanism by which they inhibit CDK2's role in cancer.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops
Fulltext Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene Oxide/Polyethylene Glycol/Folic Acid/Brucine Nanocomposites and Their Anticancer Activity on HepG2 Cells

Ibrahim IAA, Alzahrani AR, Alanazi IM, Shahzad N, Shahid I, Falemban AH, et al.

Int J Nanomedicine, 2024;19:1109-1124.
PMID: 38344441 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S445206

BACKGROUND: Liver cancer is the sixth most prevalent form of cancer and the second major cause of cancer-associated mortalities worldwide. Cancer nanotechnology has the ability to fundamentally alter cancer treatment, diagnosis, and detection.
OBJECTIVE: In this study, we explained the development of graphene oxide/polyethylene glycol/folic acid/brucine nanocomposites (GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs) and evaluated their antimicrobial and anticancer effect on the liver cancer HepG2 cells.
METHODOLOGY: The GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs were prepared using the co-precipitation technique and characterized using various techniques. The cytotoxicity of the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs was tested against both liver cancer HepG2 and non-malignant Vero cells using an MTT assay. The antimicrobial activity of the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs was tested against several pathogens using the well diffusion technique. The effects of GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs on endogenous ROS accumulation, apoptosis, and MMP levels were examined using corresponding fluorescent staining assays, respectively. The apoptotic protein expressions, such as Bax, Bcl-2, and caspases, were studied using the corresponding kits.
RESULTS: The findings of various characterization assays revealed the development of GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs with face-centered spherical morphology and an agglomerated appearance with an average size of 197.40 nm. The GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs treatment remarkably inhibited the growth of the tested pathogens. The findings of the MTT assay evidenced that the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs effectively reduced the HepG2 cell growth while not showing toxicity to the Vero cells. The findings of the fluorescent assay proved that the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs increased ROS generation, reduced MMP levels, and promoted apoptosis in the HepG2 cells. The levels of Bax, caspase-9, and -3 were increased, and Bcl-2 was reduced in the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs-treated HepG2 cells.
CONCLUSION: The results of this work demonstrate that GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs suppress viability and induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells, indicating their potential as an anticancer candidate.

Matched MeSH terms: Cercopithecus aethiops

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