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Effect of monohydroxylated flavonoids on glycation-induced lens opacity and protein aggregation
Kapil K Patil1, Rohan J Meshram1, Rajesh N Gacche1
1a School of Life Sciences, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University , Nanded , Maharashtra , India.
Abstract:
Glycation-induced cataractogenesis and visual impairment is a major ophthalmic concern of altered sugar homeostasis in humans as well as animals. Searching antiglycating agents from natural sources is widely acknowledged as it can be made bioavailable through diet. The present study was designed to understand the positional suitability of hydroxylation in the flavonoid scaffold for maneuvering it as an anticataract agent. Six naturally occurring monohydroxylated flavonoids rataining hydroxylation at 3, 5, 6, 7, 2' and 4' carbon position were evaluated for their effect on glycation induced lens opacity, protein aggregation, carbonyl group formation and nontryptophan fluorescence. The selected flavonoids also evaluated for their aldose reductase inhibition: a key enzyme implicated in cataractogenesis. The results of this study clearly demonstrated the stereo-specificity of hydroxyl substitution and focused the significance of 7-hydroxy substitution as a lead scaffold. Overall, the test flavonoids demonstrated considerable anti-cataract activities in context with studied parameters.
Insights
This study explored natural flavonoids for cataract prevention. The 7-hydroxy flavonoid structure showed significant potential as an anticataract agent, offering a dietary approach to managing glycation-induced visual impairment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Ophthalmology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Glycation-induced cataractogenesis is a significant cause of visual impairment due to altered sugar metabolism.
- Dietary bioavailable antiglycating agents from natural sources are sought for therapeutic intervention.
- Flavonoids are natural compounds with potential antiglycating properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of hydroxylation position on the anticataract activity of flavonoids.
- To identify specific flavonoid scaffolds effective against glycation-induced cataractogenesis.
- To evaluate the role of flavonoids in inhibiting aldose reductase, an enzyme linked to cataract formation.
Main Methods:
- Six naturally occurring monohydroxylated flavonoids with varying hydroxylation positions (3, 5, 6, 7, 2', 4') were synthesized or isolated.
- Assays were conducted to measure the inhibition of glycation-induced lens opacity, protein aggregation, and carbonyl group formation.
- Non-tryptophan fluorescence was assessed as an indicator of protein damage.
- Inhibition of aldose reductase activity was evaluated for each flavonoid.
Main Results:
- The study demonstrated stereo-specificity in the anticataract activity of flavonoids based on hydroxyl group position.
- Flavonoids with hydroxylation at the 7-position exhibited the most significant protective effects against glycation-induced damage.
- The tested flavonoids showed varying degrees of aldose reductase inhibition.
- All evaluated flavonoids displayed notable anti-cataract activities across the studied parameters.
Conclusions:
- The position of hydroxyl substitution on the flavonoid scaffold critically influences its anticataract potential.
- The 7-hydroxy flavonoid scaffold is identified as a promising lead for developing anticataract agents.
- Natural flavonoids offer a viable dietary strategy for managing and potentially preventing cataracts.
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