In silico investigation of lipid-based compounds implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, currently incurable neurodegenerative disease that progressively affects the upper motor neurons in the brain and lower motor neurons in the spinal cord. A significant portion of patients exhibit abnormalities in lipid metabolism, which appear to contribute to denervation and subsequent motor neuron degeneration. This study aimed to computationally identify lipid-based compounds associated with ALS and elucidate their pathological and therapeutic roles to facilitate effective ALS diagnosis and treatment. The methodologies employed encompassed rational database searches, pharmacokinetic and target predictions, as well as docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS). The findings from the disease-to-lipids analysis identified 20 lipid compounds correlated with ALS, primarily categorized as potential inhibitors within the functional classes of vitamins, antibiotics, organic acids, and phytochemicals. Pharmacokinetic predictions revealed that only four compounds exhibited permeability across the blood-brain barrier, namely 4-hydroxynonenal, resveratrol, rotenone, and valproic acid. Docking simulations indicated the highest binding affinity for 4-hydroxynonenal with alkaline ceramidase 2 (−4.516 kcal/mol), resveratrol with carbonic anhydrase 6 (−7.070 kcal/mol), rotenone with cytochrome P450 2C19 (−7.378 kcal/mol), and valproic acid with glutamate carboxypeptidase 2 (−5.629 kcal/mol). Furthermore, MDS and molecular mechanics/generalized born surface area calculations demonstrated the stability and binding energies of the complexes under simulated physiological conditions. In summary, further investigation is warranted to explore the synergistic effects of resveratrol and valproic acid in ALS, the mechanisms underlying 4-hydroxynonenal adduct-assisted aggregate formation of certain enzymes in ALS, and the impact of prolonged human exposure to rotenone from marine food sources (such as fish) on the development of ALS.

Get full paper: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382752588_In_silico_investigation_of_lipid-based_compounds_implicated_in_amyotrophic_lateral_sclerosis

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Rational virtual screening, ADME, and molecular simulation studies of potential inhibitors of human superoxide dismutase 1 in a dysfunctional antioxidant system

Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), a copper-dependent enzyme, facilitates the conversion of superoxide anions into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen, thereby regulating superoxide levels. Dysfunctions in SOD1 have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as liver and lung cancers. This study aimed to identify SOD1 modulators using in silico rational virtual enrichment screening, pharmacokinetics, docking, and molecular dynamic simulation (MDS). The findings yielded 38 compounds, predominantly exhibiting high gastrointestinal absorption but mostly non-permeable across the blood–brain barrier, with few exhibiting inhibitory effects on selected cytochrome P450s. Molecular docking revealed that compound 1 (PubChem CID: 36791369) exhibited the highest binding affinity (−6.771 kcal·mol-1), followed by compound 19 (PubChem CID: 30935) with −6.468 kcal·mol-1, and compound 20 (PubChem CID: 135744521) with −5.978 kcal·mol-1. MDS and molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area analysis indicated that the compound CID 36791369 – SOD complex and compound CID 30935 – SOD1 complex remained stable and energetically favorable under simulated physiological conditions at 0 ns and 100 ns. In conclusion, this study identified 38 compounds, among which compounds SN5, SN6, SN7, SN12, and SN25 emerged as potential inhibitors of SOD1 based on overall analyses. Further, research will be necessary to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of these top five compounds in vitro and in vivo against SOD1.

Get full paper: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381388997_Rational_virtual_screening_ADME_and_molecular_simulation_studies_of_potential_inhibitors_of_human_superoxide_dismutase_1_in_a_dysfunctional_antioxidant_system

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