In silico and In vitro Assessment of Dimeric Flavonoids (Brachydins) on Rhipicephalus microplus Glutathione S-transferase

Title:In silico and In vitro Assessment of Dimeric Flavonoids (Brachydins) on Rhipicephalus microplus Glutathione S-transferase

Volume: 20 Issue: 9

Author(s): Wallyson André dos Santos Bezerra, Caio Pavão Tavares, Victor Antônio Silva Lima, Cláudia Quintino da Rocha, Itabajara da Silva Vaz Junior, Paul A.M. Michels, Livio Martins Costa Junior and Alexandra Martins dos Santos Soares*

Affiliation:

• Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Amazônia - Bionorte, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
• Laboratório de Bioquímica Vegetal, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil

Abstract:

Introduction: Rhipicephalus microplus, an important cattle ectoparasite, is responsible for a substantial negative impact on the economy due to productivity loss. The emergence of resistance to widely used commercial acaricides has sparked efforts to explore alternative products for tick control.

Method: To address this challenge, innovative solutions targeting essential tick enzymes, like glutathione S-transferase (GST), have gained attention. Dimeric flavonoids, particularly brachydins (BRAs), have demonstrated various biological activities, including antiparasitic effects. The objectives of this study were to isolate four dimeric flavonoids from Fridericia platyphylla roots and to evaluate their potential as inhibitors of R. microplus GST.

Results: In vitro assays confirmed the inhibition of R. microplus GST by BRA-G, BRA-I, BRA-J, and BRA-K with IC₅₀ values of 0.075, 0.079, 0.075, and 0.058 mg/mL, respectively, with minimal hemolytic effects. Molecular docking of BRA-G, BRA-I, BRA-J, and BRA-K in a threedimensional model of R. microplus GST revealed predicted interactions with MolDock Scores of - 142.537, -126.831, -108.571, and -123.041, respectively. Both in silico and in vitro analyses show that brachydins are potential inhibitors of R. microplus GST.

Conclusion: The findings of this study deepen our understanding of GST inhibition in ticks, affirming its viability as a drug target. This knowledge contributes to the advancement of treatment modalities and strategies for improved tick control.

Cite this article as:

Bezerra André dos Santos Wallyson, Tavares Pavão Caio, Lima Antônio Silva Victor, da Rocha Quintino Cláudia, Vaz Junior da Silva Itabajara, A.M. Michels Paul, Costa Junior Martins Livio and Soares Martins dos Santos Alexandra*, In silico and In vitro Assessment of Dimeric Flavonoids (Brachydins) on Rhipicephalus microplus Glutathione S-transferase, Medicinal Chemistry 2024; 20 (9) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0115734064298481240517072216