Background:
Small molecule phytocompounds can potentially ameliorate degenerative
changes in cerebral tissues. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective
efficacy of phytocompounds of methanolic shoots extract of Calligonum polygonoides L.
(MSECP) in hypercholesterolemia-associated neurodegenerations.
background:
Hypercholesterolemia-associated neurodegenerations are leading complications in cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
Methods:
Phytochemical screening of the extract was made by LCMS/MS and validated by a
repository of the chemical library. The hypercholesterolemia was induced through the intraperitoneal
administration of poloxamer-407 with a high-fat diet. The in-silico assessments were accomplished
by following the molecular docking, ADME and molecular dynamics. MMPBSA
and PCA (Principal Component Analysis) analyzed the molecular dynamics simulations. Consequently,
in-vivo studies were examined by lipid metabolism, free radical scavenging capabilities
and histopathology of brain tissues (cortex and hippocampus).
objective:
To examine target enzymes (AChE and BuChE) inhibition and free radicals scavenging capabilities by leading compound.
Results:
22 leading phytocompounds were exhibited in the test extract, as revealed by LCMS/
MS scrutiny. Molecular docking evaluated significant interactions of apigenin triacetate
with target proteins (HMGCR (HMG-CoA reductase), (AChE-Acetylcholinesterase) and
(BuChE- Butyrylcholinesterase). Molecular dynamics examined the interactions through assessments
of the radius of gyration, RSMD, RSMF and SASA at 100 ns, which were further
analyzed by MMPBSA (Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann) and PCA (Principal Component
Analysis). Accordingly, the treatment of test extract caused significant alterations in lipid
profile, dyslipidemia indices, antioxidant levels and histopathology of brain tissues.
Conclusion:
It can be concluded that apigenin triacetate is a potent phytoconstituent of MSEPC
and can interact with HMGCR, AChE, and BuChE, which resulted in improved hypercholesterolemia
along with neuroprotective ameliorations in the cortex and hippocampus.