In Vitro Antiplasmodial Activity and Cytotoxic Effect of (Z)-2-Benzylidene-4, 6-Dimethoxybenzofuran-3 (2H)-One Derivatives

Background: Aurones are naturally occurring compounds that belong to flavenoids family and have antiplasmodial effects. This study investigated some new aurones derivatives against chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium falciparum. Here we report the synthesis, in vitro antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxic evaluation of 11 compound from derivatives of (Z)-2- benzylidene-4, 6-dimethoxybenzofuran-3(2H)- one. Methods: The cytotoxic evaluations of active compounds were performed with MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay on human breast cancer cell lines; MCF7 and T47D. Results: From 11 compounds M3, M6 and M7 compounds showed good antiplasmodial effect against chloroquine-sensitive 3D strain of P. falciparum with IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) values of 7.82, 7.27 and 2.3 µM respectively. No noticeable toxicity was observed with these compounds when tested against tested cell lines. Conclusion: The replacement of the 4 and 5 positions at ring B of aurone derivatives, with propoxy and bromide (Br) respectively was revealed highly advantageous for their antiplasmodial effect

The relationships between dietary patterns and socioeconomic status with anthropometric and body composition indices in Iranian preschool children: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract Background The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Iranian children is on the rise. Dietary patterns (DPs) and socioeconomic status ( socioeconomic status (SES)) may relate to children's excess weight as a predictor of the risk of obesity in adulthood that may vary by geographical regions. Aim The relationship between DPs and the development of obesity in preschool children has not been adequately evaluated. The present study evaluates this relationship by considering SES. Methods A total of 320 preschool children (4–6 years) were randomly selected from three different areas of Mashhad based on economic status. Dietary intake was evaluated using a semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire completed by the children's parents. Anthropometric and body composition variables were measured by means of valid tools and standard methods. socioeconomic status data were collected through a researcher‐made questionnaire. Results Three dominant DPs of ‘healthy’, ‘unhealthy’, and ‘meat‐free’ were identified using factor analysis. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the children who followed meat‐free DP was significantly higher than that of other children (p = 0.004). The means and standard deviations of energy intake, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat‐free mass, and fat mass were 1187.97 ± 356.87 Kcal/day, 16.23 ± 2.28 kg/m2, 54.28 ± 6.49 cm, 16.24 ± 2.23 kg, and 4.62 ± 2.70 kg respectively. Being in the higher levels of SES was significantly related to height (p = 0.02), energy intake (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.003), waist circumference (p = 004), and fat mass (p = 0.002). Conclusions Adherence to meat‐free DP and being in the highest levels of SES may be associated with a greater chance of developing overweight and obesity. Therefore, meat consumption and SES can be used to predict childhood overweight and obesity