Antiviral evaluation of an Hsp90 inhibitor, gedunin, against dengue virus

Purpose: To evaluate the antiviral potential of a tetranortriterpenoid, gedunin, against dengue virus (DENV) replication by targeting the host chaperone, Hsp90.Methods: The compound, gedunin, was tested against the replication of DENV in vitro using BHK-15 cells transfected with DENV-2 subgenomic replicon. Molecular docking of gedunin with Hsp90 protein was performed for evaluation of mode of action, using the program, Autodock vina.Results: In vitro antiviral data showed that gedunin significantly (p < 0.05) reduced DENV replication with EC50 of 10 μM. Further, in silico molecular docking data revealed strong interaction of gedunin with the ATP/ADP binding site of the host protein, Hsp90, with an estimated average free binding energy of -8.9 kcal/mol.Conclusion: The results validate gedunin as a potential antiviral candidate. Further in vitro assays and in vivo viral challenge studies are required to confirm the exact mode of action and pharmacological profile of gedunin in DENV infections.Keywords: Dengue virus replication, Hsp90, Gedunin, Antiviral, Molecular dockin

A Study to assess the Prevalence and Reasons for Smoking and Alcohol Use among Students of Selected Colleges of New Delhi

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and reasons of smoking and alcohol use among students of selected colleges.Method: The research approach selected for the study was quantitative. A descriptive survey design was selected to identify the prevalence and reasons for smoking and alcohol use. Sample was selected by simple random sampling for finding the prevalence, and purposive sampling was used to find out the reasons for smoking and alcohol use. The tool used for data collection was a structured questionnaire to assess the prevalence and reasons for smoking and alcohol use.Results: Findings on prevalence revealed that 24% students were smokers and 18% were alcohol users. The most accepted reason for smoking and alcohol use was to look mature that is 75% and 72.22% respectively and the second most accepted reason for smoking was to get motivated and feel confident, while for alcohol use it was to feel relaxed.Conclusion: The study concluded that less than one fourth of the students were smokers and alcohol users and majority of the students were smoking and taking alcohol to look mature