Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences最新文献

{"title":"Identification of putative inhibitors of human pancreatic α-amylase from phytochemicals using molecular docking and computational analysis.","authors":"Mujahid Jalal, Muhammad Hasnat, Ayisha Khalid, Talha Ali Chohan, Ashfaq Ahmad, Ayesha Riaz, Sobia Alyas, Muhammad Shoaib Ali Gill, Umair Khurshid, Anjum Khursheed, Tahir Ali Chohan, Sirajudheen Anwar, Hammad Saleem","doi":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.198.1","DOIUrl":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.198.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diabetes mellitus is a global chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, primarily due to impaired insulin activity or secretion. α-amylase, a key enzyme in carbohydrate digestion, is a validated molecular target for controlling postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to identify potential α-amylase inhibitors from phytochemicals derived from Bauhinia forficata, Citrus spp. and Echinops ritro using an in-silico approach.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 55 phytochemicals were virtually screened against human pancreatic α-amylase (PDB ID: 3BAJ) using molecular docking via Schrödinger Maestro (version 12.5). The top-ranked ligands were further assessed for pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles using SwissADME, ProTox-II and StopTox platforms. Electronic reactivity was evaluated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) with Gaussian 09.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the screened compounds, kaempferitrin (-10.3 kcal/mol), Rutin (-10.1 kcal/mol), Naringin (-9.7 kcal/mol) and Hyperoside (-9.6 kcal/mol) demonstrated strong binding affinities, favorable pharmacokinetic properties and compliance with drug-likeness criteria. DFT analysis supported their chemical reactivity and stability, indicating potential for biological activity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results suggest that these phytochemicals could serve as promising lead molecules for the development of plant-based antidiabetic drugs targeting α-amylase. However, further experimental validation and mechanistic studies are recommended to confirm these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"39 7","pages":"2097-2107"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147988739","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lactate related metabolic reprogramming increases global protein lactylation and remodels tumor immune microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma.","authors":"Taiyu Xia, Ya Li, Xuemei Zhao, Zhengwei Song","doi":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.192.1","DOIUrl":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.192.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by profound metabolic reprogramming and an immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Lactate accumulation has recently been implicated in protein lactylation and tumor progression, but its role in reshaping the TIME in HCC remains incompletely understood.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate how lactate-related metabolic reprogramming influences global protein lactylation and the TIME in HCC.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We integrated high-throughput RNA sequencing, construction of a lactate metabolic process activity (LMPA) model, molecular subtyping, survival analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize lactate-associated alterations in HCC. Tissue microarrays and in vitro functional assays were used to validate key findings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Elevated expression of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), a core enzyme in lactate metabolism, was significantly associated with altered transcriptional profiles, unfavorable survival and changes in TIME composition in patients with HCC. In vitro, LDHA overexpression promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Patients with high LMPA exhibited significantly poorer prognosis and distinct immune infiltration patterns, including altered proportions of B cells, CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing further revealed heterogeneous LMPA patterns across cell populations and increased global protein lactylation, particularly in immune cells. In addition, LMPA-based molecular subtypes were closely associated with lactylation-related features. LDHA expression, HDAC2 expression and metastasis were identified as significant prognostic factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Lactate-related metabolic reprogramming may enhance global protein lactylation and remodel the TIME in HCC, thereby promoting tumor progression. These findings highlight the potential of targeting lactate metabolism and lactylation-associated pathways as novel therapeutic strategies for HCC.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"39 7","pages":"2031-2047"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147988069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A new method for evaluating drug efficacy at the gene expression level.","authors":"Mosi Chen, Genlin Chen, Qi Li, Li Dai, Libing Tian, Shuai Shao, Dehong Yu, Chenglan Su","doi":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.185.1","DOIUrl":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.185.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Many natural medicines exert therapeutic effects through multitarget regulation, and using methods that simply evaluate the effects of a chemical drug on several targets to study natural products may not comprehensively reflect their efficacy.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This research attempts to explore and establish a new method to evaluate drug efficacy at the gene expression level using natural hepatoprotective drugs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty SPF male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a liver injury model group, a positive drug group (reduced glutathione), a curcumin treatment group and a puerarin treatment group. Carbon tetrachloride was used to damage liver cells and establish a liver injury model. Gene microarray technology was used to detect gene expression in liver cells.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Drug treatments significantly reduced the number of differentially expressed genes in the liver compared with model group and efficacy evaluation of drugs were curcumin > positive control drug > puerarin. The liver function indices and pathological analysis also supported the above results.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings demonstrated that the efficacy of different drugs can be evaluated at the level of gene expression.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"39 7","pages":"1949-1956"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147988686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hormonal therapies for post-abortion uterine recovery: Comparison of estradiol ± dydrogesterone, transdermal estradiol gel and combined oral contraceptives.","authors":"Qin Huang, Hai Luo, Xi Dou, Xiaoli Wan, Shurong Wang","doi":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.208.1","DOIUrl":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.208.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Induced abortion can impair endometrial repair, increasing risks for infertility. This study directly compared three hormonal regimens for enhancing post-abortion uterine recovery.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of different hormonal regimens on uterine recovery following surgically induced abortion.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this randomized controlled trial, 320 patients undergoing induced abortion at Leshan People's Hospital (May 2021 to January 2023) were allocated a computer-generated random number sequence into four groups (n=80 each): Group A received estradiol tablets/estradiol and dydrogesterone tablets, Group B received estradiol gel, Group C received drospirenone and ethiny lestradiol tablets (II) and Group D was a blank control. Primary outcomes included duration of vaginal bleeding, postoperative endometrial thickness, time to first menstruation and incidence of intrauterine adhesions and adverse events.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The duration of vaginal bleeding was significantly shorter in the treatment groups (Group A: 4 days [IQR 2-6]; Group B: 4 days [IQR 2-7]; Group C: 3 days [IQR 2-6.5]) compared to the control group (6 days [IQR 4-7]; P<0.05). Endometrial thickness was significantly greater in Group B (0.6 cm [IQR 0.5-0.8]) than in Groups A (0.5 cm [IQR 0.4-0.7]), C (0.4 cm [IQR 0.3-0.5]) and D (0.4 cm [IQR 0.4-0.6]; P<0.05). The time to menstrual resumption was shorter in Groups A (33 days [IQR 31-37]) and C (32 days [IQR 29-35]) compared to Groups B (36 days [IQR 33.5-42]) and D (38 days [IQR 35-44]; P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in postoperative infection or adhesion rates. The incidence of irregular bleeding was higher in Group C (44.4%) than in Group D (13.0%; P<0.05), but all adverse events were self-limiting.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides direct comparative evidence that specific hormonal regimens offer distinct benefits for post-abortion recovery. For women seeking contraception through drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets are valuable for shortening bleeding and promoting menstrual regularity. For those with future fertility goals, estradiol gel is valuable for significantly enhancing endometrial regeneration. All regimens demonstrated good safety, enabling personalized clinical decision-making to improve patient outcomes after induced abortion.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"39 7","pages":"2210-2217"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147988715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intravaginal Aloe barbadensis and cervical HPV clearance: A retrospective observational study.","authors":"Belma Gozde Ozdemir, Fazil Avci, Leyla Huseynli, Rana Dolas, Ahmet Bilgi, Cetin Celik","doi":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.REG.190.1","DOIUrl":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.REG.190.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is a key factor in cervical carcinogenesis. Immune-mediated mechanisms play a central role in viral clearance, leading to interest in immunomodulatory supportive therapies.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the association between intravaginal Aloe barbadensis use and HPV clearance in HPV-positive women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective observational study included 251 HPV-positive women aged ≥30 years. Of these, 164 received intravaginal Aloe barbadensis-containing vaginal capsules for 10 days, while 87 received no immunomodulatory treatment. HPV-PCR and cytological results were evaluated at baseline and after one year of follow-up.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>HPV clearance was observed in 45.7% of patients in the Aloe barbadensis group and 36.8% in the control group, with no statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.219). Subgroup analyses based on smoking status and HPV genotype also revealed no significant differences in clearance rates.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Intravaginal Aloe barbadensis use was not associated with a statistically significant improvement in HPV clearance. The findings highlight the complexity of HPV persistence and suggest that single-agent immunomodulatory interventions may have limited clinical impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"39 7","pages":"2003-2008"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147988827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Jiawei Qiwei Baizhu powder-containing serum on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by enhancing proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity.","authors":"Ying Zhang, Yao Chen, Qiuping Zhang, Yuanyuan Song, Chenfei Yang, Chuxiao Ke, Hua Liu","doi":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.193.1","DOIUrl":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.193.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Jiawei Qiwei Baizhu Powder (JQBP) has been widely applied in clinical practice for the treatment of pediatric short stature associated with spleen-kidney deficiency and dampness accumulation, showing favorable therapeutic outcomes. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) play a pivotal role in skeletal growth and development through their proliferative and osteogenic differentiation capacities.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to explore the potential cellular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of JQBP on pediatric short stature by investigating the effects of JQBP-containing serum on the proliferation and early osteogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs in-vitro.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>JQBP-containing serum and normal control serum were prepared using a serum pharmacology approach. BMSCs were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats using the whole bone marrow adherence method and identified by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation under different serum concentrations was dynamically assessed using the CCK-8 assay. Based on proliferation outcomes, the optimal serum concentration was selected for osteogenic induction experiments. After 7 days of osteogenic induction, early osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and quantitative grayscale analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CCK-8 assays demonstrated that JQBP-containing serum significantly promoted BMSC proliferation, with the 1% concentration showing the most stable and sustained proliferative effect. Under osteogenic induction conditions, ALP staining revealed markedly enhanced ALP activity in the 1% JQBP-containing serum group compared with the induction-only group and the 1% normal serum group (P < 0.05). Quantitative grayscale analysis further confirmed significantly lower grayscale values in the 1% JQBP-containing serum group, indicating the strongest ALP activity among all groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>JQBP-containing serum effectively promotes BMSC proliferation and enhances early osteogenic differentiation in-vitro. These findings suggest that JQBP may facilitate bone growth by directly activating osteogenic precursor cells, providing experimental evidence for integrating traditional Chinese medicine into modern growth-related therapeutics.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"39 7","pages":"2048-2058"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147988722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thermo-acoustic and computational studies for the mixture of drug (NSAIDs) and D-mannitol in an aqueous system: Implications for pharmaceutical formulation.","authors":"Sumaira Shoukat, Muhammad Asghar Jamal, Faiz Ahmed, Majid Muneer","doi":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.184.1","DOIUrl":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.184.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The interactions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with excipients significantly influence their solubility, stability and bioavailability, and have a significant impact on the therapeutic efficacy of drugs.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The present study explores the molecular interactions between the NSAID and D-mannitol in an aqueous system over the temperature range 293.15 to 313.15 K, using thermo-acoustic and computational techniques.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thermo-acoustic parameters, including apparent and partial molar volume (Ø_v, Ø^o_v), apparent and partial molar isentropic compressibility (Ø_k, Ø^o_k), and transfer partial molar volume (∆_tr, Ø^o_v), etc, were calculated using experimental data of density (ρ) and sound velocity (u).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The positive values of partial molar volume and the negative value of partial molar isentropic compressibility indicate the existence of molecular interactions. The positive values of ∆𝑡𝑟∅𝑣^° indicate the existence of ion-hydrophilic and hydrophilic-hydrophilic interactions. Hepler's constant (∂²Ø^o_v/∂T²)_p indicates that Sodium naproxen (Na-NAP) acts as a structure-maker in the presence of D-mannitol in the aqueous solution. In addition to volumetric and acoustic studies, computational work involving HOMO-LUMO analysis, single-point energy calculations, dipole moments, and global reactivity descriptors highlights the stability and reactivity of the interacting species. In the gas phase, the HOMO-LUMO gap decreased significantly (0.29 eV), but it increased in aqueous medium (2.83 eV), suggesting that the complex has stabilized.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings offer a strong foundation for stabilizing drugs through structure-making behaviour, providing a rational basis for developing effective pharmaceutical formulations.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"39 7","pages":"1939-1948"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147988520","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Therapeutic potential of Lawsonia inermis leaves' ethanolic extract: In-vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities and efficacy in severe burn wound healing in Wistar rats.","authors":"Kalbaza Ahmed Yassine, Mouffok Chaima, Mouffok Soumia, Ben Moussa Mohammed Tahar, Hemida Houari","doi":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.195.1","DOIUrl":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.195.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The effective management of third-degree burns remains challenging due to high risks of infection, oxidative stress and prolonged inflammation. While several medicinal plants are traditionally used in wound care, scientific evidence supporting their efficacy is often lacking.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of an ointment formulated with the ethanolic extract of Lawsonia inermis leaves on the healing of severe burns.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-one adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups: Negative control, positive control (standard drug) and test group (L. inermis). Standardized third-degree burns (200^°C for 10 seconds) were induced on the animals' backs and treated topically for 27 days. Wound contraction was monitored throughout the study and histological analysis was conducted at the end. Additionally, phytochemical screening and in-vitro assays were performed to assess the antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP and FIC), anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities of the extract.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results demonstrated that Lawsonia inermis exhibits significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, its topical application promoted wound healing in a manner comparable to conventional treatments.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of L. inermis as a promising natural alternative for the management of severe burn wounds.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"39 7","pages":"2071-2081"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147988542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrated analyses identify key genes related to Qingyihuaji formula for pancreatic adenocarcinoma treatment based on network pharmacology combined with bioinformatics.","authors":"Jintao Han, Fuchu Qian, Jiemin Shi","doi":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.191.1","DOIUrl":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.191.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Traditional Chinese medicine QingYiHuaJi formula (QYHJ) has anti-tumor effect in Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). However, the potential mechanism and key targets of QYHJ have not been fully elucidated.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this study was to explore the underlying mechanisms and key targets of QYHJ in PAAD treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The overlapping genes between the targets of QYHJ and the common differentially expressed genes (Co-DEGs) identified in PAAD were selected as potential QYHJ for PAAD-related genes. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, functional enrichment and pathways analyses were performed. ROC curve and Cox regression model were used to evaluate the diagnostic and prognosis value. Correlation between hub genes and immune cell infiltration were further analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 9 hub genes (PTGS2, BCL2L1, ICAM1, MET, NQO1, MMP3, NFATC1, CCNB1, ERBB3) were identified. These hub genes were linked to inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis related signaling pathways. ROC analysis showed that 8 hub genes may serve as potential diagnostic markers. Survival analysis indicated that 6 genes (BCL2L1, CCNB1, ERBB3, MET, MMP3 and NFATC1) were closely related to prognosis of the PAAD patients. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the model developed using the hub gene signature exhibited strong predictive capacity for clinical outcome. ICAM1, MET, NQO1 and ERBB3 were associated with infiltration of Th2 and Th17 immune cells. The low-risk group exhibited better drug sensitivity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These hub genes related to QYHJ have diagnostic value and may serve as potential prognostic and drug sensitivity biomarkers for PAAD.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"39 7","pages":"2009-2030"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147988761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Curcumin reduces the pathogenicity of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 in mice by targeting suilysin.","authors":"Jiafei Zhan, Jieying Xia, Jiaxin Ma, Yung-Fu Chang, Han Dong, Tingting Cheng, Ziyi Xu, Yang Hong, Guoqiang Cheng, Ning Wang, Tiezhu Chen, Kui Xu","doi":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.210.1","DOIUrl":"10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.210.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a significant zoonotic pathogen, with serotype 2 (SS2) being the most prevalent. Suilysin (SLY), an essential toxin indicator for S. suis, is crucial in the infections caused by SS2. Consequently, an anti-virulence strategy targeting SLY presents a promising approach to combat SS2.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate the effect of curcumin, a naturally occurring phenolic compound, on the hemolytic activity of SLY and the pathogenicity of SS2, and to assess its viability as a novel anti-virulence candidate for addressing SS2 infections.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The antibacterial activity of curcumin against SS2 was assessed by determining its minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and monitoring bacterial growth curves. Its impact on hemolytic activity was tested using supernatants from SS2 cultures and purified recombinant SLY protein. Western blot was used to determine if curcumin affected the secretion level of SLY. The interaction between curcumin and SLY was predicted using molecular docking. Finally, the protective efficacy of curcumin was evaluated in a murine model of lethal SS2 infection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Curcumin (<1,024 μg/mL) did not inhibit SS2 growth or viability. However, it significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the hemolytic activity of both SS2 culture supernatants and purified SLY. Molecular docking predictions indicated that curcumin engaged three domains of SLY (D1, D2 and D3) simultaneously, forming five hydrogen bonds with residues ASN-50, GLN-107 and LYS-190, thereby supporting its multidomain-binding capability. Furthermore, curcumin administration significantly reduced the mortality of SS2-infected mice in vivo.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Substantial evidence is presented demonstrating that the pathogenicity of SS2 can be effectively attenuated by curcumin via inhibition of the hemolytic activity of SLY, which supports the potential utility of curcumin as a host-directed anti-virulence agent for SS2 infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"39 7","pages":"2228-2236"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147988712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}