Cu-Catalyzed ligand-free synthesis of rosuvastatin based novel indole derivatives as potential anticancer agents

Rosuvastatin based novel indole derivatives designed as potential anti-cancer agents were synthesized via a newly developed ligand-free, simple, straightforward and inexpensive one-pot method. The methodology involved a Cu-catalyzed coupling-cyclization of a rosuvastatin based alkyne with o-iodoanilides in the presence of CuI and K2CO3 in PEG-400. Three of the synthesized compounds showed promising anti-proliferative activities against cancer cell lines and an increase of p21 mRNA expression and apoptotic effects in zebrafish embryos/larvae.Peer reviewe

Protective Role of Hypothermia Against Heat Stress in Differentiated and Undifferentiated Human Neural Precursor Cells: A Differential Approach for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury

Introduction: The present study aimed to explore protective mechanisms of hypothermia against mild cold and heat stress on highly proliferative homogeneous human Neural Precursor Cells (NPCs) derived from Subventricular Zone (SVZ) of human fetal brain. Methods: CD133+ve enriched undifferentiated and differentiated human NPCs were exposed to heat stress at 42°C. Then, Western-blot quantification was performed using Hsp-70 (70 kilodalton heat shock proteins) recombinant protein. Finally, changes in pluripotency and Hsp-70 expression were measured using immunofluorescence staining and RT-qPCR (Quantitative reverse transcription PCR) analysis, respectively. Results: Heat stress resulted in abnormal neurospheres development. The apoptosis rate was enhanced during long-term in vitro culture of neurospheres. Neurogenic differentiation reduced and showed aberrent phenotypes during heat stress. After hypothermia treatment significant improvement in neurospheres and neuronal cell morphology was observed. Conclusion: Mild-hypothermia treatment induces attenuated heat shock response against heat stress resulting in induced HSP-70 expression that significantly improves structure and function of both undifferentiated human NPCs and differentiated neurons