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Secure and Sustainable Sourcing of Plant Tissues for the Exhaustive Exploration of Their Chemodiversity. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25245992. [PMID: 33352821 PMCID: PMC7766005 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25245992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The main challenge of plant chemical diversity exploration is how to develop tools to study exhaustively plant tissues. Their sustainable sourcing is a limitation as bioguided strategies and dereplication need quite large amounts of plant material. We examine if alternative solutions could overcome these difficulties by obtaining a secure, sustainable, and scalable source of tissues able to biosynthesize an array of metabolites. As this approach would be as independent of the botanical origin as possible, we chose eight plant species from different families. We applied a four steps culture establishment procedure, monitoring targeted compounds through mass spectrometry-based analytical methods. We also characterized the capacities of leaf explants in culture to produce diverse secondary metabolites. In vitro cultures were successfully established for six species with leaf explants still producing a diversity of compounds after the culture establishment procedure. Furthermore, explants from leaves of axenic plantlets were also analyzed. The detection of marker compounds was confirmed after six days in culture for all tested species. Our results show that the first stage of this approach aiming at easing exploration of plant chemodiversity was completed, and leaf tissues could offer an interesting alternative providing a constant source of natural compounds.
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102
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Bailly C. Anticancer Activities and Mechanism of Action of Nagilactones, a Group of Terpenoid Lactones Isolated from Podocarpus Species. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2020; 10:367-375. [PMID: 33034879 PMCID: PMC7648843 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-020-00268-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nagilactones are tetracyclic natural products isolated from various Podocarpus species. These lactone-based compounds display a range of pharmacological effects, including antifungal, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities reviewed here. The most active derivatives, such as nagilactones C, E and F, exhibit potent anticancer activities against different cancer cell lines and tumor models. A comprehensive analysis of their mechanism of action indicates that their anticancer activity mainly derives from three complementary action: (i) a drug-induced inhibition of cell proliferation coupled with a cell cycle perturbation and induction of apoptosis, (ii) a blockade of the epithelial to mesenchymal cell transition contributing to an inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion and (iii) a capacity to modulate the PD-L1 immune checkpoint. Different molecular effectors have been implicated in the antitumor activity, chiefly the AP-1 pathway blocked upon activation of the JNK/c-Jun axis. Nag-C is a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis binding to eukaryotic ribosomes and inhibition of different protein kinases, such as RIOK2 and JAK2, has been postulated with Nag-E. The literature survey on nagilactones highlights the therapeutic potential of these little-known terpenoids. The mechanistic analysis also provides useful information for structurally related compounds (podolactones, oidiolactones, inumakilactones) isolated from Podocarpus plants.
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103
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Festa M, Sansone C, Brunet C, Crocetta F, Di Paola L, Lombardo M, Bruno A, Noonan DM, Albini A. Cardiovascular Active Peptides of Marine Origin with ACE Inhibitory Activities: Potential Role as Anti-Hypertensive Drugs and in Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8364. [PMID: 33171852 PMCID: PMC7664667 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing interest in hypertension-one of the main factors characterizing the cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS)-and anti-hypertensive drugs raised from the emergence of a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the COVID19 pandemic. The virus SARS-CoV-2 employs the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a component of the RAAS (Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System) system, as a receptor for entry into the cells. Several classes of synthetic drugs are available for hypertension, rarely associated with severe or mild adverse effects. New natural compounds, such as peptides, might be useful to treat some hypertensive patients. The main feature of ACE inhibitory peptides is the location of the hydrophobic residue, usually Proline, at the C-terminus. Some already known bioactive peptides derived from marine resources have potential ACE inhibitory activity and can be considered therapeutic agents to treat hypertension. Peptides isolated from marine vertebrates, invertebrates, seaweeds, or sea microorganisms displayed important biological activities to treat hypertensive patients. Here, we reviewed the anti-hypertensive activities of bioactive molecules isolated/extracted from marine organisms and discussed the associated molecular mechanisms involved. We also examined ACE2 modulation in sight of SARS2-Cov infection prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Festa
- IRCCS MultiMedica, 30138 Milan, Italy; (M.F.); (M.L); (D.M.N.)
| | - Clementina Sansone
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy; (C.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Christophe Brunet
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy; (C.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Fabio Crocetta
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy;
| | - Luisa Di Paola
- Unit of Chemical-physics Fundamentals in Chemical Engineering, Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Antonino Bruno
- IRCCS MultiMedica, 30138 Milan, Italy; (M.F.); (M.L); (D.M.N.)
| | - Douglas M. Noonan
- IRCCS MultiMedica, 30138 Milan, Italy; (M.F.); (M.L); (D.M.N.)
- Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Adriana Albini
- IRCCS MultiMedica, 30138 Milan, Italy; (M.F.); (M.L); (D.M.N.)
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104
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Acute, reproductive, and developmental toxicity of essential oils assessed with alternative in vitro and in vivo systems. Arch Toxicol 2020; 95:673-691. [PMID: 33159585 PMCID: PMC7870616 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02945-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Essential oils (EOs) have attracted increased interest for different applications such as food preservatives, feed additives and ingredients in cosmetics. Due to their reported variable composition of components, they might be acutely toxic to humans and animals in small amounts. Despite the necessity, rigorous toxicity testing in terms of safety evaluation has not been reported so far, especially using alternatives to animal models. Here, we provide a strategy by use of alternative in vitro (cell cultures) and in vivo (Caenorhabditis elegans, hen’s egg test) approaches for detailed investigation of the impact of commonly used rosemary, citrus and eucalyptus essential oil on acute, developmental and reproductive toxicity as well as on mucous membrane irritation. In general, all EOs under study exhibited a comparable impact on measured parameters, with a slightly increased toxic potential of rosemary oil. In vitro cell culture results indicated a concentration-dependent decrease of cell viability for all EOs, with mean IC50 values ranging from 0.08 to 0.17% [v/v]. Similar results were obtained for the C. elegans model when using a sensitized bus-5 mutant strain, with a mean LC50 value of 0.42% [v/v]. In wild-type nematodes, approximately tenfold higher LC50 values were detected. C. elegans development and reproduction was already significantly inhibited at concentrations of 0.5% (wild-type) and 0.1% (bus-5) [v/v] of EO, respectively. Gene expression analysis revealed a significant upregulation of xenobiotic and oxidative stress genes such as cyp-14a3, gst-4, gpx-6 and sod-3. Furthermore, all three EOs under study showed an increased short-time mucous membrane irritation potential, already at 0.5% [v/v] of EO. Finally, GC–MS analysis was performed to quantitate the relative concentration of the most prominent EO compounds. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that EOs can exhibit severe toxic properties, already at low concentrations. Therefore, a detailed toxicological assessment is highly recommended for each EO and single intended application.
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105
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Aounallah H, Bensaoud C, M'ghirbi Y, Faria F, Chmelar JI, Kotsyfakis M. Tick Salivary Compounds for Targeted Immunomodulatory Therapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:583845. [PMID: 33072132 PMCID: PMC7538779 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.583845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunodeficiency disorders and autoimmune diseases are common, but a lack of effective targeted drugs and the side-effects of existing drugs have stimulated interest in finding therapeutic alternatives. Naturally derived substances are a recognized source of novel drugs, and tick saliva is increasingly recognized as a rich source of bioactive molecules with specific functions. Ticks use their saliva to overcome the innate and adaptive host immune systems. Their saliva is a rich cocktail of molecules including proteins, peptides, lipid derivatives, and recently discovered non-coding RNAs that inhibit or modulate vertebrate immune reactions. A number of tick saliva and/or salivary gland molecules have been characterized and shown to be promising candidates for drug development for vertebrate immune diseases. However, further validation of these molecules at the molecular, cellular, and organism levels is now required to progress lead candidates to clinical testing. In this paper, we review the data on the immuno-pharmacological aspects of tick salivary compounds characterized in vitro and/or in vivo and present recent findings on non-coding RNAs that might be exploitable as immunomodulatory therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajer Aounallah
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, LR19IPTX, Service d'Entomologie Médicale, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Innovation and Development Laboratory, Innovation and Development Center, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chaima Bensaoud
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Youmna M'ghirbi
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, LR19IPTX, Service d'Entomologie Médicale, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Fernanda Faria
- Innovation and Development Laboratory, Innovation and Development Center, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jindr Ich Chmelar
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Michail Kotsyfakis
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
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106
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Iheagwam FN, Rotimi SO. Computer-Aided Analysis of Multiple SARS-CoV-2 Therapeutic Targets: Identification of Potent Molecules from African Medicinal Plants. SCIENTIFICA 2020; 2020:1878410. [PMID: 32963884 PMCID: PMC7492903 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1878410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, which started in Wuhan, China, has spread rapidly over the world with no known antiviral therapy or vaccine. Interestingly, traditional Chinese medicine helped in flattening the pandemic curve in China. In this study, molecules from African medicinal plants were analysed as potential candidates against multiple SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic targets. Sixty-five molecules from the ZINC database subset (AfroDb Natural Products) were virtually screened with some reported repurposed therapeutics against six SARS-CoV-2 and two human targets. Molecular docking, druglikeness, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) of the best hits were further simulated. Of the 65 compounds, only three, namely, 3-galloylcatechin, proanthocyanidin B1, and luteolin 7-galactoside found in almond (Terminalia catappa), grape (Vitis vinifera), and common verbena (Verbena officinalis), were able to bind to all eight targets better than the reported repurposed drugs. The findings suggest these molecules may play a role as therapeutic leads in tackling this pandemic due to their multitarget activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franklyn Nonso Iheagwam
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Canaanland, P.M.B. 1023, Ota, Ogun, Nigeria
- Covenant University Public Health and Wellness Research Cluster (CUPHWERC), College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Canaanland, P.M.B. 1023, Ota, Ogun, Nigeria
| | - Solomon Oladapo Rotimi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Canaanland, P.M.B. 1023, Ota, Ogun, Nigeria
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107
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Gugliandolo A, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. Activation of Nrf2 by Natural Bioactive Compounds: A Promising Approach for Stroke? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21144875. [PMID: 32664226 PMCID: PMC7402299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke represents one of the main causes of disability and death worldwide. The pathological subtypes of stroke are ischemic stroke, the most frequent, and hemorrhagic stroke. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that regulates redox homeostasis. In stress conditions, Nrf2 translocates inside the nucleus and induces the transcription of enzymes involved in counteracting oxidative stress, endobiotic and xenobiotic metabolism, regulators of inflammation, and others. Different natural compounds, including food and plant-derived components, were shown to be able to activate Nrf2, mediating an antioxidant response. Some of these compounds were tested in stroke experimental models showing several beneficial actions. In this review, we focused on the studies that evidenced the positive effects of natural bioactive compounds in stroke experimental models through the activation of Nrf2 pathway. Interestingly, different natural compounds can activate Nrf2 through multiple pathways, inducing a strong antioxidant response associated with the beneficial effects against stroke. According to several studies, the combination of different bioactive compounds can lead to a better neuroprotection. In conclusion, natural bioactive compounds may represent new therapeutic strategies against stroke.
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