Terfenadine

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in estuaries have received increasing attention due to their potential environmental impacts. However, detailed analyses of the sources, transport mechanisms, and environmental consequences of these contaminants remain limited. This study applied non-target screening technology to comprehensively assess CECs in the Nandu River estuary. A total of 18,000 characteristic features were screened, revealing a greater number of hydrophobic features in seawater than in the estuary. Systematic classification identified 74, 195, and 48 compounds at Levels 1, 2, and 4 respectively, with primary classifications comprising pharmaceuticals (34 %), industrial materials (23 %), pesticides (18 %), and natural products (17 %). Semi-quantitative analysis employing external standards revealed elevated concentrations of 61 monitored contaminants in estuarine zones compared to offshore waters, with Climbazole exhibiting peak concentration levels. Ecological risk assessment identified 12 contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) requiring prioritized monitoring (with RQ > 1). A priority list was established based on the frequency of detection, bioaccumulation potential, persistence, toxicity and endocrine disruption potential of the compounds. 64 CECs were identified as high priority, consisting mainly of pesticides and pharmaceutical compounds. Pesticides originate primarily from upstream agricultural activities, decreasing in concentration downstream, whereas pharmaceuticals, industrial materials, and natural products are linked to domestic sewage. Tidal cycles play a crucial role in modulating the distribution and concentration of CECs within estuarine waters. This modulation is attributed to the dynamic interaction between terrestrial inputs and coastal influences, where high tides contribute significantly to the dilution of land-derived pollutants.

Hepatitis C viral infections are a leading cause of long‐term liver disease and hepatocellular cancer in drug addicts and other at‐risk people, including those who require frequent blood transfusions. Current drug treatments are expensive and have numerous side effects; hence, more affordable treatment plans are required. Furthermore, there are not any preventives in the market. HCV comes in 8 genotypes, and the prevalence of genotypes varies worldwide. Hence, affordable, pangenotypic preventives are needed. In this study, we selected 83 natural compounds that have been shown to have anti‐HCV properties. In silico screening was done via docking assays to check whether any of these compounds could potentially bind to the receptor interaction site of surface protein‐E2 of genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 3a, and 3b. From the binding energies, five compounds were selected that exhibited pangenotypic effects. MD simulation was conducted on these compounds to assess their interaction properties. ADME properties and further drug likeliness revealed one of the compounds, Terfenadine, to be similar to an anti‐allergy drug, Fexofenadine. To assess in vitro validation, a binding assay was set up using E2‐GFP expressed in HEK293T cells with the primary receptor CD81. It was observed that Terfenadine (used as the derivative Fexofenadine) could inhibit an interaction between CD81 and E2. We conclude that there is potential for Terfenadine/fexofenadine to be effective as a preventive against the HCV genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 3a, and 3b. Further clinical validation is required to confirm these findings.