Terrein reduces age-related inflammation induced by oxidative stress through Nrf2/ERK1/2/HO-1 signalling in aged HDF cells

Protection against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Endotoxemia by Terrein Is Mediated by Blocking Interleukin-1β and Interleukin-6 Production

Terrein is a fungal metabolite and has been known to exert anti-melanogenesis, anti-cancer, and anti-bacterial activities. However, its role in endotoxemia has never been investigated until now. In the present study, we examined the effect of terrein on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia in mice and characterized the potential mechanisms of action. Treatment with terrein increased the survival of mice and decreased the production of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in an LPS-induced endotoxemia model. In addition, terrein suppressed the LPS-induced production of IL-1β and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 cells, a murine macrophage-like cell line, and the mRNA expression of IL-1β and IL-6 was also inhibited by terrein in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Further study demonstrated that terrein blocked LPS-induced phosphorylation of p65 subunit of nuclear factor (NF)/κB and the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was also suppressed by terrein treatment. Collectively, these results suggest that terrein exerts a protective effect again LPS-induced endotoxemia in mice by blocking the production of inflammatory cytokines. Our results also suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of terrein might be mediated, at least in part, by blocking the activation of NF-κB, JNK, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.

Enhanced production of terrein in marine-derived Aspergillus terreus by refactoring both global and pathway-specific transcription factors

Background

Terrein, a major secondary metabolite from Aspergillus terreus, shows great potentials in biomedical and agricultural applications. However, the low fermentation yield of terrein in wild A. terreus strains limits its industrial applications.

Results

Here, we constructed a cell factory based on the marine-derived A. terreus RA2905, allowing for overproducing terrein by using starch as the sole carbon source. Firstly, the pathway-specific transcription factor TerR was over-expressed under the control of a constitutive gpdA promoter of A. nidulans, resulting in 5 to 16 folds up-regulation in terR transcripts compared to WT. As expected, the titer of terrein was improved in the two tested terR OE mutants when compared to WT. Secondly, the global regulator gene stuA, which was demonstrated to suppress the terrein synthesis in our analysis, was deleted, leading to greatly enhanced production of terrein. In addition, LS-MS/MS analysis showed that deletion of StuA cause decreased synthesis of the major byproduct butyrolactones. To achieve an optimal strain, we further refactored the genetic circuit by combining deletion of stuA and overexpression of terR, a higher terrein yield was achieved with a lower background of byproducts in double mutants. In addition, it was also found that loss of StuA (both ΔstuA and ΔstuA::OEterR) resulted in aconidial morphologies, but a slightly faster growth rate than that of WT.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that refactoring both global and pathway-specific transcription factors (StuA and TerR) provides a high-efficient strategy to enhance terrein production, which could be adopted for large-scale production of terrein or other secondary metabolites in marine-derived filamentous fungi.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-022-01859-5.

Recent Advances in Isolation, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Terrein

Terrein is a small-molecule polyketide compound with a simple structure mainly isolated from fungi. Since its discovery in 1935, many scholars have conducted a series of research on its structure identification, isolation source, production increase, synthesis and biological activity. Studies have shown that terrein has a variety of biological activities, not only can inhibit melanin production and epidermal hyperplasia, but also has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiopoietic secretion, antibacterial, insecticidal activities, and so on. It has potential application prospects in beauty, medicine, agriculture and other fields. This article reviews the process of structural identification of terrein since 1935, and summarizes the latest advances in its isolation, source, production increase, synthesis, and biological activity evaluation, with a view to providing a reference and helping for the in-depth research of terrein.

Genetic and Histopathological Alterations in Caco-2 and HuH-7 Cells Treated with Secondary Metabolites of Marine fungi

The present work aimed to study the activity of naturally derived fungal secondary metabolites as anticancer agents concerning their cytotoxicity, apoptotic, genetic, and histopathological profile. It was noticed that Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus fumigatus induced variable toxic potential that was cell type, secondary metabolite type, and concentration dependent. Human colonic adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) showed less sensitivity than hepatocyte-derived cellular carcinoma cells (HuH-7), and in turn, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was variable. Also, the apoptotic potential of Aspergillus species-derived fungal secondary metabolites was proven via detection of up-regulated pro-apoptotic genes and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic genes. The expression level was cell type dependent. Concurrently, apoptotic profile was accompanied with cellular DNA accumulation at the G2/M phase, as well as an elevation in Pre-G1 phase but not during G0/G1 and S phases. Also, there were characteristic apoptotic features of treated cells presented as abnormal intra-nuclear eosinophilic structures, dead cells with mixed euchromatin and heterochromatin, ruptured cell membranes, apoptotic cells with irregular cellular and nuclear membranes, as well as peripheral chromatin condensation. It can be concluded that Aspergillus secondary metabolites are promising agents that can be used as supplementary agents to the currently applied anti-cancer drug regimen.

Guirlanda C, A. F. Moura M. Use of the Versatility of Fungal Metabolism to Meet Modern Demands for Healthy Aging, Functional Foods, and Sustainability

Aging-associated, non-transmissible chronic diseases (NTCD) such as cancer, dyslipidemia, and neurodegenerative disorders have been challenged through several strategies including the consumption of healthy foods and the development of new drugs for existing diseases. Consumer health consciousness is guiding market trends toward the development of additives and nutraceutical products of natural origin. Fungi produce several metabolites with bioactivity against NTCD as well as pigments, dyes, antioxidants, polysaccharides, and enzymes that can be explored as substitutes for synthetic food additives. Research in this area has increased the yields of metabolites for industrial applications through improving fermentation conditions, application of metabolic engineering techniques, and fungal genetic manipulation. Several modern hyphenated techniques have impressively increased the rate of research in this area, enabling the analysis of a large number of species and fermentative conditions. This review thus focuses on summarizing the nutritional, pharmacological, and economic importance of fungi and their metabolites resulting from applications in the aforementioned areas, examples of modern techniques for optimizing the production of fungi and their metabolites, and methodologies for the identification and analysis of these compounds.

Terrein suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation through inhibition of NF-κB pathway by activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in BV2 and primary microglial cells

In the course of our continuous investigation on the bioactive marine-derived fungal metabolites, terrein was isolated from marine-derived fungal strain Penicillium sp. SF-7181. Terrein inhibited the overproduction of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂), as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 and primary microglial cells. This compound also repressed the LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. These inhibitory effects of terrein were associated with the inactivation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway through suppression of the translocation of p65/p50 heterodimer into the nucleus, the phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitor kappa B (IκB)-α and the DNA binding activity of the p65 subunit. In addition, terrein induced the protein expression of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 through the activation of nuclear transcription factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) in BV2 and primary microglial cells. The anti-inflammatory effect of terrein was blocked by pre-treatment with a selective HO-1 inhibitor, suggesting that its anti-neuroinflammatory effect is mediated by HO-1 induction.

The fungal metabolite (+)-terrein abrogates osteoclast differentiation via suppression of the RANKL signaling pathway through NFATc1

Pathophysiological bone resorption is commonly associated with periodontal disease and involves the excessive resorption of bone matrix by activated osteoclasts. Receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-κB ligand (RANKL) signaling pathways have been proposed as targets for inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. The fungal secondary metabolite (+)-terrein is a natural compound derived from Aspergillus terreus that has previously shown anti-interleukin-6 properties related to inflammatory bone resorption. However, its effects and molecular mechanism of action on osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption remain unclear. In the present study, we showed that 10 µM synthetic (+)-terrein inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and bone resorption in a dose-dependent manner and without cytotoxicity. RANKL-induced messenger RNA expression of osteoclast-specific markers including nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), the master regulator of osteoclastogenesis, cathepsin K, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (Trap) was completely inhibited by synthetic (+)-terrein treatment. Furthermore, synthetic (+)-terrein decreased RANKL-induced NFATc1 protein expression. This study revealed that synthetic (+)-terrein attenuated osteoclast formation and bone resorption by mediating RANKL signaling pathways, especially NFATc1, and indicated the potential effect of (+)-terrein on inflammatory bone resorption including periodontal disease.

Schisandra chinensis extract ameliorates age-related muscle wasting and bone loss in ovariectomized rats

Exercise and healthy diet consumption support healthy aging. Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) also known as "Baill." has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the role of S. chinensis as an antiaging compound has yet to be demonstrated. This study elucidated the antiaging effect of S. chinensis ethanol-hexane extract (C1) and the effect of C1 treatment on muscle and bone following physical exercise in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. RAW 264.7, human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs), C2C12 myoblasts, bone marrow macrophages, and MC3T3-E1 cells were used for in vitro, and muscle and bone of OVX rats were used for in vivo study to demonstrate the effect of C1. The C1 significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory molecules, β-galactosidase activity, and improved antioxidant activity via down-regulation of reactive oxygen species in RAW 264.7 and aged HDF cells. The C1 with exercise improved muscle regeneration in skeletal muscle of OVX rats by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagy. C1 induced osteoblast differentiation, and C1 + exercise modulated the bone formation and bone resorption in OVX rats. C1 exhibited anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, myogenic, and osteogenic effects. C1 with exercise improved age-related muscle wasting and bone loss. Therefore, S. chinensis may be a potential prevent agent for age-related diseases such as sarcopenia and osteoporosis.

Anti-inflammatory character of Phelligridin D modulates periodontal regeneration in lipopolysaccharide-induced human periodontal ligament cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Phelligridin D is a hispidin analogue from the mushroom Phellinus baumii that is widely used as a food source in East Asia. This study tested phelligridin D for the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs). The objective of this study was to clarify whether the anti-inflammatory function of phelligridin D affects periodontal regeneration for supporting the HPDLCs of teeth.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Primary HPDLCs were isolated from healthy teeth and then cultured. The anti-inflammatory function, mechanism and differentiation molecules were verified with reactive oxygen species generation and western blot analysis in LPS-induced HPDLCs.

RESULTS

HPDLCs showed increased inflammatory molecules (intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) and decreased osteogenic proteins (bone morphogenetic protein-7, Osterix and runt-related transcription factor 2) by LPS treatment. Phelligridin D decreased inflammatory molecules and increased osteogenic molecules via downregulation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-jun N-terminal kinases pathway among the mitogen-activated protein kinase, followed by blocking of nuclear factor kappa-B translocation from cytosol to nucleus. In addition, phelligridin D showed antioxidant properties by reducing reactive oxygen species activity. Finally, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant function of phelligridin D promoted the periodontal differentiation of HPDLCs.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that phelligridin D supports teeth on the alveolar bone against outside stress, and may be used as an anti-inflammatory compound for the prevention of periodontitis or periodontal regenerative related disease.

Rutin inhibits coronary heart disease through ERK1/2 and Akt signaling in a porcine model

Rutin has a variety of pharmacological actions, including radical reactivity, and protective activity against lipid peroxidation, viruses and acute pancreatitis; thus, it may be used as a treatment for many diseases. The present study aimed to investigate whether rutin inhibits coronary heart disease through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and Akt signaling in a porcine model. Male Chinese miniature pigs were randomly divided into four groups: A sham group, a coronary heart disease (CHD) model group, a group receiving 15 mg/kg rutin for 8 weeks following CHD modeling and a group receiving 45 mg/kg rutin for 8 weeks following CHD modeling. The results suggested that treatment with rutin suppressed the reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction and increase in systolic internal diameter that occurred in CHD model pigs. Rutin administration reduced the infarct size of the myocardium, attenuated LVEF, increased LVID and inhibited urine protein concentration, BUN and Scr expression levels in CHD model pigs. Results from western blot analysis demonstrated that in CHD pigs treated with 45 mg/kg rutin, the CHD-associated increases in transforming growth factor β1 and SMAD2 expression and reductions in phosphorylated (p)-ERK1/2 and p-Akt expression were attenuated. The present study suggests that rutin inhibits coronary heart disease through ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways in a porcine model.

Isolation and Characterization of "Terrein" an Antimicrobial and Antitumor Compound from Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus terreus (JAS-2) Associated from Achyranthus aspera Varanasi, India

The present study aimed at characterizing biological potentials of endophyte Aspergillus terreus JAS-2 isolated from Achyranthus aspera. Crude extracted from endophytic fungus JAS-2 was purified and chemically characterized by chromatographic and spectroscopic studies respectively. Spectral assignment of NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) data, ¹H proton and ¹³C carbon analysis along with FTIR data elucidated the structure of compound as 4,5-Dihydroxy-3-(1-propenyl)-2-cyclopenten-1-one. After purification and identification a set of experiment was conducted to explore efficacy of compound. Results revealed that on accessing the antifungal activity of compound, growth diameter of tested phytopathogenic fungi was reduced to 50% at higher concentration taken (10 μgμl⁻¹). Compound exhibited in-vitro bacterial cell inhibition at 20 μgml⁻¹ concentration along with moderate antioxidant behavior. Evaluation of anticancer activity against human lung cancer cell line (A-549) exhibited its IC₅₀ value to be 121.9 ± 4.821 μgml⁻¹. Further cell cycle phase distribution were analyzed on the basis of DNA content and evaluated by FACS (Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting) and it was revealed that at 150 μgml⁻¹ of compound maximum cells were found in sub G1 phase which represents apoptotic dead cells. Terrein (4, 5-Dihydroxy-3-(1-propenyl)-2-cyclopenten-1-one) a multi-potential was isolated from endophytic fungus JAS-2, from well recognized medicinal herb A. aspera. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report of “Terrein” from endophytic derived fungus. This compound had also exhibited anticancer and antifungal activity against human lung cancer cell line A-549 and Bipolaris sorokiniana respectively which is causal organism of many plants disease. Hence endophytes are serving as alternative sources of drug molecules.

Anti-ageing active ingredients from herbs and nutraceuticals used in traditional Chinese medicine: pharmacological mechanisms and implications for drug discovery

Ageing, an unanswered question in the medical field, is a multifactorial process that results in a progressive functional decline in cells, tissues and organisms. Although it is impossible to prevent ageing, slowing down the rate of ageing is entirely possible to achieve. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by the nourishing of life and its role in anti-ageing is getting more and more attention. This article summarizes the work done on the natural products from TCM that are reported to have anti-ageing effects, in the past two decades. The effective anti-ageing ingredients identified can be generally divided into flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, alkaloids and others. Astragaloside, Cistanche tubulosa acteoside, icariin, tetrahydrocurcumin, quercetin, butein, berberine, catechin, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, gastrodin, 6-Gingerol, glaucarubinone, ginsenoside Rg1, luteolin, icarisid II, naringenin, resveratrol, theaflavin, carnosic acid, catalpol, chrysophanol, cycloastragenol, emodin, galangin, echinacoside, ferulic acid, huperzine, honokiol, isoliensinine, phycocyanin, proanthocyanidins, rosmarinic acid, oxymatrine, piceid, puerarin and salvianolic acid B are specified in this review. Simultaneously, chemical structures of the monomers with anti-ageing activities are listed, and their source, model, efficacy and mechanism are also described. The TCMs with anti-ageing function are classified according to their action pathways, including the telomere and telomerase, the sirtuins, the mammalian target of rapamycin, AMP-activated kinase and insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signalling pathway, free radicals scavenging and the resistance to DNA damage. Finally, Chinese compound prescription and extracts related to anti-ageing are introduced, which provides the basis and the direction for the further development of novel and potential drugs.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc.