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Combined Experimental/Computational Aspects for the Molecular Interaction of Empagliflozin with Bovine Serum Albumin: Quantification, and Application to Human Plasma

Research Authors
Noha M. Hosny, Mohamed I. GadAllah, Wesam S. Qayed
Research Date
Research Journal
Luminescence
Research Publisher
Wiley
Research Vol
Volume38, Issue8
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1002/bio.4526
Research Year
2023
Research_Pages
1449-1457
Research Abstract

Empagliflozin (EMP) is an oral antihyperglycemic agent for type 2 diabetic patients. The molecular binding of EMP to bovine serum albumin (BSA) was elucidated by a combined experimental/computational approach to fulfil the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics gaps of the cited drug for further development. Fluorescence, synchronous, and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy verified that EMP quenched BSA native fluorescence through a dual static/dynamic mechanism, that was further supported by Fӧrster resonance energy transfer and UV absorption spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the conformational variations in BSA secondary structure induced by EMP. Thermodynamic properties of the BSA-EMP complex were also investigated, and the hydrophobic interactions’ role in the binding process was demonstrated by the computed enthalpy (ΔH= 6.558 KJ mol-1) and entropy (ΔS= 69.333 J mol-1 K-1). Gibbs free energy (ΔG) values were negative at three distinct temperatures, illuminating the spontaneity of this interaction. Besides, molecular docking studies depicted the optimal fitting of EMP to BSA on site (sub-domain IIA) through three hydrogen bonds. Additionally, and based on the quenching effect of EMP on BSA fluorescence, this study suggests a simple validated spectrofluorometric method for quantitation of the studied drug in bulk form and human plasma samples with reasonable recoveries (96.99-103.10%).