The objective of this study was to investigate the potential effects of a formulation derived from the bioactive fraction of nanostructured Bacopa procumbens (BFNB) on the promotion of hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. The characterization of the follicular phases and histomorphological analysis showed that the topical application of the formulation for 15 days significantly increased pigmentation and hair growth on the dorsum and head of the mice. Additionally, an acceleration of the follicular cycle phases was observed, along with an increase in the number of follicles, hair length, and diameter, compared to mice treated with minoxidil. In silico analysis and molecular characterization demonstrated that BFNB enhances the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7), activating the PI3K-AKT-β-catenin signaling pathway, as well as the expression of PCNA, KI-67, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin E, regulating the cell cycle and cell proliferation, crucial events for hair regeneration. Our results strongly suggest the utility of BFNB as a therapeutic alternative to stimulate hair growth and promote hair health.
Background: Esters of quinoxaline-7-carboxylate 1,4-di-N-oxide (7-carboxylate QdNOs) derivatives are compounds that inhibit the growth of Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amebiasis. Although these compounds cause changes in the redistribution of glycogen deposits within the parasite, it is unknown whether these compounds interact with enzymes of the glycolytic pathway. Objective: The aim of this study was to test the binding affinity of these compounds to pyrophosphate-dependent phosphofructokinase (PPi-PFK), triosephosphate isomerase (TIM), and pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK) from E. histolytica as a possible mechanism of action. Methods: The molecular docking study of the 7-carboxylate QdNOs derivatives and the proteins was performed using AutoDock/Vina software. Molecular dynamics simulation was performed for 100 ns. Results: Among all the selected compounds, T-072 exhibited the best binding affinity to EhPPi-PFK and EhTIM proteins, while T-006 interacted best with EhPPDK. ADMET analysis revealed that T-072 was non-toxic, while T-006 could become harmful to the host. In addition, molecular dynamics showed that T-072 has stable interaction with EhPPi-PFK and EhTIM. Conclusion: Including all aspects, these data indicated that these compounds might inhibit the activity of key enzymes in energy metabolism leading to parasite death. Furthermore, these compounds may be a good starting point for the future development of new potent antiamebic agents.
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