Cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-glyoxalase-I evaluation of chelating substances: In silico and in

MohammedBashar Al-Qazzan1,2, Qosay Al-Balas3, Belal Alnajjar1

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan.

Plos One
|October 15, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study identifies novel Glyoxalase I inhibitors for cancer therapy. Promising compounds show anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, warranting further investigation for drug development.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Glyoxalase I is a key enzyme in methylglyoxal detoxification, making it a significant target for cancer treatment.
  • Inhibiting Glyoxalase I disrupts cancer cell survival pathways, offering a novel therapeutic strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate various compounds as potential Glyoxalase I inhibitors.
  • To evaluate the cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of these inhibitors for medicinal applications.

Main Methods:

  • Compounds with metal-binding capabilities and specific functional groups were selected for in vitro Glyoxalase I inhibition.
  • Docking studies assessed binding interactions within the enzyme's active site.
  • Cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant assays were performed on selected cancer cell lines and macrophages.

Main Results:

  • 4-hydroxy-estradiol showed potent Glyoxalase I inhibition (IC50 = 0.226 µM).
  • Trichostatin A exhibited significant anti-proliferation effects in colorectal cancer cells and reduced viability in various cancer cell lines.
  • Tested natural compounds displayed notable anti-inflammatory and moderate antioxidant activities.

Conclusions:

  • Promising agents with dual anti-glyoxalase and anti-inflammatory activity were identified.
  • Further research into molecular mechanisms, structural modifications, and in vivo validation is recommended for drug development.

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