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Regazzoni L. State of the Art in the Development of Human Serum Carnosinase Inhibitors. Molecules 2024; 29:2488. [PMID: 38893364 PMCID: PMC11173852 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Human serum carnosinase is an enzyme that operates the preferential hydrolysis of dipeptides with a C-terminus histidine. Only higher primates excrete such an enzyme in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. In humans, the serum hydrolytic rate has high interindividual variability owing to gene polymorphism, although age, gender, diet, and also diseases and surgical interventions can modify serum activity. Human genetic diseases with altered carnosinase activity have been identified and associated with neurological disorders and age-related cognitive decline. On the contrary, low peripheral carnosinase activity has been associated with kidney protection, especially in diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, serum carnosinase is a druggable target for the development of selective inhibitors. However, only one molecule (i.e., carnostatine) has been discovered with the purpose of developing serum carnosinase inhibitors. Bestatin is the only inhibitor reported other than carnostatine, although its activity is not selective towards serum carnosinase. Herein, we present a review of the most critical findings on human serum carnosinase, including enzyme expression, localization and substrate selectivity, along with factors affecting the hydrolytic activity, its implication in human diseases and the properties of known inhibitors of the enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Regazzoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
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2
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Basavaraj M, Giles D, Das AK, Janadri S, Andhale GS. Design, synthesis and chemical stability of indolizine derivatives for antidiabetic activity. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 41:1127-1140. [PMID: 35856484 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2022.2100418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Prodrugs of metformin were synthesized with the goal of enhancing biological activity of metformin. They were synthesized by combining metformin with 2-substituted indolizine (C7-C12). The synthesized prodrugs were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy. The chemical hydrolysis of C7-C12 was carried out at pH 1.2, 6.8, and 7.4. All compounds showed encouraging chemical stability at pH 1.2 and 6.8, whereas mild hydrolysis was shown at pH 7.4. Further prodrugs were screened for antidiabetic activity using a streptozotocin-induced model in rat. These derivatives showed substantial results. Among them C8 showed significant activity in the reduction of streptozotocin-induced blood glucose in rats when compared to that of metformin, indicating the effectiveness of prodrug.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Basavaraj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Nitte College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - D Giles
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Amit Kumar Das
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Suresh Janadri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Nitte College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Ganesh S Andhale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Alard College of Pharmacy, Pune, India
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3
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Basavaraj M, Giles D, Das AK, Janadri S, Andhale GS. Design, synthesis and chemical stability of indolizine derivatives for antidiabetic activity. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 41:579-591. [PMID: 35435147 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2022.2055058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Prodrugs of metformin were synthesized with the goal of enhancing biological activity of metformin. They were synthesized by combining metformin with 2-substituted indolizine (C7-C12). The synthesized prodrugs were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy. The chemical hydrolysis of C7-C12 was carried out at pH 1.2, 6.8, and 7.4. All compounds showed encouraging chemical stability at pH 1.2 and 6.8, whereas mild hydrolysis was shown at pH 7.4. Further prodrugs were screened for antidiabetic activity using a streptozotocin-induced model in rat. These derivatives showed notable results. Among them C8 showed significant activity in the reduction of STZ-induced blood glucose in rats when compared to that of metformin, indicating the effectiveness of prodrug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matada Basavaraj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Nitte College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - D Giles
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Amit Kumar Das
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Suresh Janadri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Ganesh S Andhale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Alard College of Pharmacy, Pune, India
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4
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Maspero M, Gilardoni E, Bonfanti C, Messina G, Regazzoni L, De Amici M, Carini M, Aldini G, Dallanoce C. Synthesis and characterization of 13C labeled carnosine derivatives for isotope dilution mass spectrometry measurements in biological matrices. Talanta 2021; 235:122742. [PMID: 34517610 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Due to the physiological properties of l-carnosine (l-1), supplementation of this dipeptide has both a nutritional ergogenic application and a therapeutic potential for the treatment of numerous diseases in which ischemic or oxidative stress are involved. Quantitation of carnosine and its analogs in biological matrices results to be crucial for these applications and HPLC-MS procedures with isotope-labeled internal standards are the state-of-the-art approach for this analytical need. The use of these standards allows to account for variations during the sample preparation process, between-sample matrix effects, and variations in instrument performance over analysis time. Although literature reports a number of studies involving carnosine, isotope-labeled derivatives of the dipeptide are not commercially available. In this work we present a fast, flexible, and convenient strategy for the synthesis of the 13C-labeled carnosine analogs and their application as internal standards for the quantitation of carnosine and anserine in a biological matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Maspero
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section "Pietro Pratesi", University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Ettore Gilardoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section "Pietro Pratesi", University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bonfanti
- Department of BioSciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Graziella Messina
- Department of BioSciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Regazzoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section "Pietro Pratesi", University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco De Amici
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section "Pietro Pratesi", University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Carini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section "Pietro Pratesi", University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section "Pietro Pratesi", University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Clelia Dallanoce
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section "Pietro Pratesi", University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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5
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Anti-cancer actions of carnosine and the restoration of normal cellular homeostasis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:119117. [PMID: 34384791 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide found in meat. Alternatively it can be formed through synthesis from the amino acids, β-alanine and L-histidine. Carnosine has long been advocated for use as an anti-oxidant and anti-glycating agent to facilitate healthy ageing, and there have also been reports of it having anti-proliferative effects that have beneficial actions against the development of a number of different cancers. Carnosine is able to undertake multiple molecular processes, and it's mechanism of action therefore remains controversial - both in healthy tissues and those associated with cancer or metabolic diseases. Here we review current understanding of its mechanistic role in different physiological contexts, and how this relates to cancer. Carnosine turns over rapidly in the body due to the presence of both serum and tissue carnosinase enzymes however, so its use as a dietary supplement would require ingestion of multiple daily doses. Strategies are therefore being developed that are based upon either resistance of carnosine analogs to enzymatic turnover, or else β-alanine supplementation, and the development of these potential therapeutic agents is discussed.
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6
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Posa DK, Baba SP. Intracellular pH Regulation of Skeletal Muscle in the Milieu of Insulin Signaling. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12102910. [PMID: 32977552 PMCID: PMC7598285 DOI: 10.3390/nu12102910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D), along with obesity, is one of the leading health problems in the world which causes other systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and kidney failure. Impairments in glycemic control and insulin resistance plays a pivotal role in the development of diabetes and its complications. Since skeletal muscle constitutes a significant tissue mass of the body, insulin resistance within the muscle is considered to initiate the onset of diet-induced metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance is associated with impaired glucose uptake, resulting from defective post-receptor insulin responses, decreased glucose transport, impaired glucose phosphorylation, oxidation and glycogen synthesis in the muscle. Although defects in the insulin signaling pathway have been widely studied, the effects of cellular mechanisms activated during metabolic syndrome that cross-talk with insulin responses are not fully elucidated. Numerous reports suggest that pathways such as inflammation, lipid peroxidation products, acidosis and autophagy could cross-talk with insulin-signaling pathway and contribute to diminished insulin responses. Here, we review and discuss the literature about the defects in glycolytic pathway, shift in glucose utilization toward anaerobic glycolysis and change in intracellular pH [pH]i within the skeletal muscle and their contribution towards insulin resistance. We will discuss whether the derangements in pathways, which maintain [pH]i within the skeletal muscle, such as transporters (monocarboxylate transporters 1 and 4) and depletion of intracellular buffers, such as histidyl dipeptides, could lead to decrease in [pH]i and the onset of insulin resistance. Further we will discuss, whether the changes in [pH]i within the skeletal muscle of patients with T2D, could enhance the formation of protein aggregates and activate autophagy. Understanding the mechanisms by which changes in the glycolytic pathway and [pH]i within the muscle, contribute to insulin resistance might help explain the onset of obesity-linked metabolic syndrome. Finally, we will conclude whether correcting the pathways which maintain [pH]i within the skeletal muscle could, in turn, be effective to maintain or restore insulin responses during metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dheeraj Kumar Posa
- Diabetes and Obesity Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Shahid P Baba
- Diabetes and Obesity Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Development of a direct LC-ESI-MS method for the measurement of human serum carnosinase activity. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2020; 189:113440. [PMID: 32645617 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a natural peptide that have been described as a potential pharmacological agent owing to some positive outcomes from several pharmacological tests in animal models of human diseases. However, carnosine has limited activity in humans since the peptide upon absorption is rapidly hydrolyzed in the serum by the enzyme carnosinase (i.e. CN1; E.C. 3.4.13.20). Over the years the main approaches aimed at limiting carnosine hydrolysis have been focused on obtaining CN1-stable derivatives with an increased bioavailability and unmodified or enhanced activity. Only recently the hypothesis of co-administration of carnosine and selective inhibitors of CN1 have been proposed. Such an approach requires reliable methods for screening the effect on carnosine hydrolysis rate operated by CN1 in a throughput scale allowing to test from few compounds up to whole compound libraries. The only assay with such features available in literature relies on ortho-phtalaldehyde (OPA) derivatization of the hydrolysis product (i.e. histidine), followed by a fluorimetric read. Herein, we propose an alternative method based on a direct measurement of the residual substrate by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The assay demonstrated to be reliable since gave results comparable to literature data concerning the hydrolysis rate of carnosine as determined into human serum. Moreover, the method was quite flexible and easily adaptable to a substrate change, as demonstrated by the measurement of the hydrolysis rate of all the natural analogs of carnosine. In this context the data collected for anserine suggest that our method looked more reliable and substrate change can undergo an underestimation of hydrolytic activity in OPA -based assays.
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Menini S, Iacobini C, Fantauzzi CB, Pugliese G. L-carnosine and its Derivatives as New Therapeutic Agents for the Prevention and Treatment of Vascular Complications of Diabetes. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:1744-1763. [PMID: 31296153 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190711102718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Vascular complications are among the most serious manifestations of diabetes. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of reduced life quality and expectancy in diabetics, whereas diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy are the most common causes of end-stage renal disease and blindness. An effective therapeutic approach to prevent vascular complications should counteract the mechanisms of injury. Among them, the toxic effects of Advanced Glycation (AGEs) and Lipoxidation (ALEs) end-products are well-recognized contributors to these sequelae. L-carnosine (β-alanyl-Lhistidine) acts as a quencher of the AGE/ALE precursors Reactive Carbonyl Species (RCS), which are highly reactive aldehydes derived from oxidative and non-oxidative modifications of sugars and lipids. Consistently, L-carnosine was found to be effective in several disease models in which glyco/lipoxidation plays a central pathogenic role. Unfortunately, in humans, L-carnosine is rapidly inactivated by serum carnosinase. Therefore, the search for carnosinase-resistant derivatives of Lcarnosine represents a suitable strategy against carbonyl stress-dependent disorders, particularly diabetic vascular complications. In this review, we present and discuss available data on the efficacy of L-carnosine and its derivatives in preventing vascular complications in rodent models of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. We also discuss genetic findings providing evidence for the involvement of the carnosinase/L-carnosine system in the risk of developing diabetic nephropathy and for preferring the use of carnosinase-resistant compounds in human disease. The availability of therapeutic strategies capable to prevent both long-term glucose toxicity, resulting from insufficient glucoselowering therapy, and lipotoxicity may help reduce the clinical and economic burden of vascular complications of diabetes and related metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Menini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "La Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Iacobini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "La Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Pugliese
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "La Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
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9
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Chmielewska K, Dzierzbicka K, Inkielewicz-Stępniak I, Przybyłowska M. Therapeutic Potential of Carnosine and Its Derivatives in the Treatment of Human Diseases. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:1561-1578. [PMID: 32202758 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, their occurrence and mortality are still high around the world. The resistance of cancer cells to the drugs remains a significant problem in oncology today, while in the case of neuro-degenerative diseases, therapies reversing the process are still yet to be found. Furthermore, it is important to seek new chemotherapeutics reversing side effects of currently used drugs or helping them perform their function to inhibit progression of the disease. Carnosine, a dipeptide constisting of β-alanine and l-histidine, has a variety of functions to mention: antioxidant, antiglycation, and reducing the toxicity of metal ions. It has therefore been proposed to act as a therapeutic agent for many pathological states. The aim of this paper was to find if carnosine and its derivatives can be helpful in treating various diseases. Literature search presented in this review includes review and original papers found in SciFinder, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Searches were based on substantial keywords concerning therapeutic usage of carnosine and its derivatives in several diseases including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. In this paper, we review articles and find that carnosine and its derivatives are potential therapeutic agents in many diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and schizophrenia. Carnosine and its derivatives can be used in treating neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes, or schizophrenia, although their usage is limited. Therefore, there's an urge to synthesize and analyze new substances, overcoming the limitation of carnosine itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Chmielewska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk 80-233, Poland
| | - Krystyna Dzierzbicka
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk 80-233, Poland
| | - Iwona Inkielewicz-Stępniak
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk 80-211, Poland
| | - Maja Przybyłowska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk 80-233, Poland
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Pucciarini L, Gilardoni E, Ianni F, D'Amato A, Marrone V, Fumagalli L, Regazzoni L, Aldini G, Carini M, Sardella R. Development and validation of a HPLC method for the direct separation of carnosine enantiomers and analogues in dietary supplements. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2019; 1126-1127:121747. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2019.121747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Hwang B, Shin SS, Song JH, Choi YH, Kim WJ, Moon SK. Carnosine exerts antitumor activity against bladder cancers in vitro and in vivo via suppression of angiogenesis. J Nutr Biochem 2019; 74:108230. [PMID: 31683101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2019.108230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Carnosine, a naturally occurring dipeptide, was recently reported to exhibit anticancer activity; however, the molecular mechanisms and regulators underlying its activity against tumor-associated angiogenesis remain unidentified. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of carnosine in EJ bladder cancer cells and EJ-xenografted BALB/c nude mice, respectively. In addition, in vitro capillary tube formation of HUVECs, ex vivo aortic ring and in vivo Matrigel plug assays were employed to examine the antiangiogenic potential of carnosine. Carnosine significantly inhibited EJ cell proliferation. Flow cytometric and immunoblot analyses indicated that carnosine modulated regulators of the G1 cell cycle phase, including cyclin D1, CDK4 and p21WAF1. The mitogen-activated protein kinases, ERK and p38, but not JNK or AKT, responded to carnosine. Carnosine inhibited the migratory and invasive potential of EJ cells by inhibiting MMP-9 activity, which was associated with suppression of binding activity of NF-κB, SP-1 and AP-1. In xenograft tumors, carnosine exhibited antitumor activity equivalent to cisplatin, but no weight loss occurred in carnosine-treated mice. In HUVECs, carnosine inhibited VEGF-mediated proliferation, colony tube formation, migration and invasion. The antiangiogenic activity of carnosine was partially due to the suppression of VEGFR-2-mediated ERK/AKT/eNOS signaling and MMP-2. Furthermore, using aortic ring and Matrigel plug assays, we confirmed the antiangiogenic activity of carnosine. Given that targeting tumor-associated angiogenesis is a proven effective therapeutic strategy, our results may provide valuable information for the development of preventive or therapeutic agents for bladder cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byungdoo Hwang
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, South Korea
| | - Seung-Shick Shin
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, South Korea
| | - Jun-Hui Song
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, South Korea
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Oriental Medicine, Dongeui University, Busan 47340, South Korea
| | - Wun-Jae Kim
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, South Korea
| | - Sung-Kwon Moon
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, South Korea.
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12
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Carnosine protects cardiac myocytes against lipid peroxidation products. Amino Acids 2018; 51:123-138. [PMID: 30449006 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2676-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous histidyl dipeptides such as carnosine (β-alanine-L-histidine) form conjugates with lipid peroxidation products such as 4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE and acrolein), chelate metals, and protect against myocardial ischemic injury. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether these peptides protect against cardiac injury by directly reacting with lipid peroxidation products. Hence, to examine whether changes in the structure of carnosine could affect its aldehyde reactivity and metal chelating ability, we synthesized methylated analogs of carnosine, balenine (β-alanine-Nτ-methylhistidine) and dimethyl balenine (DMB), and measured their aldehyde reactivity and metal chelating properties. We found that methylation of Nτ residue of imidazole ring (balenine) or trimethylation of carnosine backbone at Nτ residue of imidazole ring and terminal amine group dimethyl balenine (DMB) abolishes the ability of these peptides to react with HNE. Incubation of balenine with acrolein resulted in the formation of single product (m/z 297), whereas DMB did not react with acrolein. In comparison with carnosine, balenine exhibited moderate acrolein quenching capacity. The Fe2+ chelating ability of balenine was higher than that of carnosine, whereas DMB lacked chelating capacity. Pretreatment of cardiac myocytes with carnosine increased the mean lifetime of myocytes superfused with HNE or acrolein compared with balenine or DMB. Collectively, these results suggest that carnosine protects cardiac myocytes against HNE and acrolein toxicity by directly reacting with these aldehydes. This reaction involves both the amino group of β-alanyl residue and the imidazole residue of L-histidine. Methylation of these sites prevents or abolishes the aldehyde reactivity of carnosine, alters its metal-chelating property, and diminishes its ability to prevent electrophilic injury.
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13
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Anderson EJ, Vistoli G, Katunga LA, Funai K, Regazzoni L, Monroe TB, Gilardoni E, Cannizzaro L, Colzani M, De Maddis D, Rossoni G, Canevotti R, Gagliardi S, Carini M, Aldini G. A carnosine analog mitigates metabolic disorders of obesity by reducing carbonyl stress. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:5280-5293. [PMID: 30226473 DOI: 10.1172/jci94307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sugar- and lipid-derived aldehydes are reactive carbonyl species (RCS) frequently used as surrogate markers of oxidative stress in obesity. A pathogenic role for RCS in metabolic diseases of obesity remains controversial, however, partly because of their highly diffuse and broad reactivity and the lack of specific RCS-scavenging therapies. Naturally occurring histidine dipeptides (e.g., anserine and carnosine) show RCS reactivity, but their therapeutic potential in humans is limited by serum carnosinases. Here, we present the rational design, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of carnosinol, i.e., (2S)-2-(3-amino propanoylamino)-3-(1H-imidazol-5-yl)propanol, a derivative of carnosine with high oral bioavailability that is resistant to carnosinases. Carnosinol displayed a suitable ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) profile and was determined to have the greatest potency and selectivity toward α,β-unsaturated aldehydes (e.g., 4-hydroxynonenal, HNE, ACR) among all others reported thus far. In rodent models of diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome, carnosinol dose-dependently attenuated HNE adduct formation in liver and skeletal muscle, while simultaneously mitigating inflammation, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and steatohepatitis. These improvements in metabolic parameters with carnosinol were not due to changes in energy expenditure, physical activity, adiposity, or body weight. Collectively, our findings illustrate a pathogenic role for RCS in obesity-related metabolic disorders and provide validation for a promising new class of carbonyl-scavenging therapeutic compounds rationally derived from carnosine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan J Anderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Giulio Vistoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lalage A Katunga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Katsuhiko Funai
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Luca Regazzoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - T Blake Monroe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ettore Gilardoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Cannizzaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Colzani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Danilo De Maddis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rossoni
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Marina Carini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Carnosine and advanced glycation end products: a systematic review. Amino Acids 2018; 50:1177-1186. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2592-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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15
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Synthesis and Characterization of a Series of Orthogonally Protected l-Carnosine Derivatives. Int J Pept Res Ther 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-018-9680-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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16
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Iacobini C, Menini S, Blasetti Fantauzzi C, Pesce CM, Giaccari A, Salomone E, Lapolla A, Orioli M, Aldini G, Pugliese G. FL-926-16, a novel bioavailable carnosinase-resistant carnosine derivative, prevents onset and stops progression of diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 175:53-66. [PMID: 29053168 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The advanced glycation end products (AGEs) participate in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) by promoting renal inflammation and injury. L-carnosine acts as a quencher of the AGE precursors reactive carbonyl species (RCS), but is rapidly inactivated by carnosinase. In this study, we evaluated the effect of FL-926-16, a carnosinase-resistant and bioavailable carnosine derivative, on the onset and progression of DN in db/db mice. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Adult male db/db mice and coeval db/m controls were left untreated or treated with FL-926-16 (30 mg·kg-1 body weight) from weeks 6 to 20 (prevention protocol) or from weeks 20 to 34 (regression protocol). KEY RESULTS In the prevention protocol, FL-926-16 significantly attenuated increases in creatinine (-80%), albuminuria (-77%), proteinuria (-75%), mean glomerular area (-34%), fractional (-40%) and mean (-42%) mesangial area in db/db mice. This protective effect was associated with a reduction in glomerular matrix protein expression and cell apoptosis, circulating and tissue oxidative and carbonyl stress, and renal inflammatory markers, including the NLRP3 inflammasome. In the regression protocol, the progression of DN was completely blocked, although not reversed, by FL-926-16. In cultured mesangial cells, FL-926-16 prevented NLRP3 expression induced by RCS but not by the AGE Nε -carboxymethyllysine. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FL-926-16 is effective at preventing the onset of DN and halting its progression in db/db mice by quenching RCS, thereby reducing the accumulation of their protein adducts and the consequent inflammatory response. In a future perspective, this novel compound may represent a promising AGE-reducing approach for DN therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Iacobini
- Department of Clinical Molecular Medicine, 'La Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Menini
- Department of Clinical Molecular Medicine, 'La Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Giaccari
- Endo-Metabolic Diseases Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Salomone
- Endo-Metabolic Diseases Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marica Orioli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pugliese
- Department of Clinical Molecular Medicine, 'La Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy
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17
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Nègre-Salvayre A, Garoby-Salom S, Swiader A, Rouahi M, Pucelle M, Salvayre R. Proatherogenic effects of 4-hydroxynonenal. Free Radic Biol Med 2017; 111:127-139. [PMID: 28040472 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is a α,β-unsaturated hydroxyalkenal generated by peroxidation of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid. This reactive carbonyl compound exhibits a huge number of biological properties that result mainly from the formation of HNE-adducts on free amino groups and thiol groups in proteins. In the vascular system, HNE adduct accumulation progressively leads to cellular dysfunction and tissue damages that are involved in the progression of atherosclerosis and related diseases. HNE contributes to the atherogenicity of oxidized LDL, by forming HNE-apoB adducts that deviate the LDL metabolism to the scavenger receptor pathway of macrophagic cells, and lead to the formation of foam cells. HNE activates transcription factors (Nrf2, NF-kappaB) that (dys)regulate various cellular responses ranging from hormetic and survival signaling at very low concentrations, to inflammatory and apoptotic effects at higher concentrations. Among a variety of cellular targets, HNE can modify signaling proteins involved in atherosclerotic plaque remodeling, particularly growth factor receptors (PDGFR, EGFR), cell cycle proteins, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum components or extracellular matrix proteins, which progressively alters smooth muscle cell proliferation, angiogenesis and induces apoptosis. HNE adducts accumulate in the lipidic necrotic core of advanced atherosclerotic lesions, and may locally contribute to macrophage and smooth muscle cell apoptosis, which may induce plaque destabilization and rupture, thereby increasing the risk of athero-thrombotic events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Robert Salvayre
- Inserm UMR-1048, France; University of Toulouse, Faculty of Medicine, Biochemistry Dept, Toulouse, France; CHU Toulouse, Rangueil, Toulouse, France
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18
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Computational approaches in the rational design of improved carbonyl quenchers: focus on histidine containing dipeptides. Future Med Chem 2016; 8:1721-37. [PMID: 27584013 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2016-0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The inhibition of protein carbonylation can play therapeutic roles in several oxidative-based diseases and direct carbonyl quenching appears the most effective inhibition strategies. l-carnosine derivatives are effective and selective quenchers toward 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal even though their activity was never investigated in a fully comparable way. RESULTS The reported results revealed that anserine, homocarnosine and carnosinamide retain a remarkable quenching activity combined with a satisfactory selectivity. In silico analyses confirmed the key role of flexibility, lipophilicity and nucleophilicity parameters in rationalizing the measured reactivity. CONCLUSION This study confirms that in silico approaches can be successfully used in the rational design of improved carbonyl quenchers. Physicochemical and stereoelectronic descriptors appear really informative especially when explored by their corresponding property spaces.
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19
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A carnosine intervention study in overweight human volunteers: bioavailability and reactive carbonyl species sequestering effect. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27224. [PMID: 27265207 PMCID: PMC4893669 DOI: 10.1038/srep27224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnosine is a natural dipeptide able to react with reactive carbonyl species, which have been recently associated with the onset and progression of several human diseases. Herein, we report an intervention study in overweight individuals. Carnosine (2 g/day) was orally administered for twelve weeks in order to evaluate its bioavailability and metabolic fate. Two carnosine adducts were detected in the urine samples of all subjects. Such adducts are generated from a reaction with acrolein, which is one of the most toxic and reactive compounds among reactive carbonyl species. However, neither carnosine nor adducts have been detected in plasma. Urinary excretion of adducts and carnosine showed a positive correlation although a high variability of individual response to carnosine supplementation was observed. Interestingly, treated subjects showed a significant decrease in the percentage of excreted adducts in reduced form, accompanied by a significant increase of the urinary excretion of both carnosine and carnosine-acrolein adducts. Altogether, data suggest that acrolein is entrapped in vivo by carnosine although the response to its supplementation is possibly influenced by individual diversities in terms of carnosine dietary intake, metabolism and basal production of reactive carbonyl species.
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20
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Hormetic and regulatory effects of lipid peroxidation mediators in pancreatic beta cells. Mol Aspects Med 2016; 49:49-77. [PMID: 27012748 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nutrient sensing mechanisms of carbohydrates, amino acids and lipids operate distinct pathways that are essential for the adaptation to varying metabolic conditions. The role of nutrient-induced biosynthesis of hormones is paramount for attaining metabolic homeostasis in the organism. Nutrient overload attenuate key metabolic cellular functions and interfere with hormonal-regulated inter- and intra-organ communication, which may ultimately lead to metabolic derangements. Hyperglycemia and high levels of saturated free fatty acids induce excessive production of oxygen free radicals in tissues and cells. This phenomenon, which is accentuated in both type-1 and type-2 diabetic patients, has been associated with the development of impaired glucose tolerance and the etiology of peripheral complications. However, low levels of the same free radicals also induce hormetic responses that protect cells against deleterious effects of the same radicals. Of interest is the role of hydroxyl radicals in initiating peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and generation of α,β-unsaturated reactive 4-hydroxyalkenals that avidly form covalent adducts with nucleophilic moieties in proteins, phospholipids and nucleic acids. Numerous studies have linked the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxy-2E-nonenal (4-HNE) to different pathological and cytotoxic processes. Similarly, two other members of the family, 4-hydroxyl-2E-hexenal (4-HHE) and 4-hydroxy-2E,6Z-dodecadienal (4-HDDE), have also been identified as potential cytotoxic agents. It has been suggested that 4-HNE-induced modifications in macromolecules in cells may alter their cellular functions and modify signaling properties. Yet, it has also been acknowledged that these bioactive aldehydes also function as signaling molecules that directly modify cell functions in a hormetic fashion to enable cells adapt to various stressful stimuli. Recent studies have shown that 4-HNE and 4-HDDE, which activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) in vascular endothelial cells and insulin secreting beta cells, promote such adaptive responses to ameliorate detrimental effects of high glucose and diabetes-like conditions. In addition, due to the electrophilic nature of these reactive aldehydes they form covalent adducts with electronegative moieties in proteins, phosphatidylethanolamine and nucleotides. Normally these non-enzymatic modifications are maintained below the cytotoxic range due to efficient cellular neutralization processes of 4-hydroxyalkenals. The major neutralizing enzymes include fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase (FALDH), aldose reductase (AR) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), which transform the aldehyde to the corresponding carboxylic acid or alcohols, respectively, or by biding to the thiol group in glutathione (GSH) by the action of glutathione-S-transferase (GST). This review describes the hormetic and cytotoxic roles of oxygen free radicals and 4-hydroxyalkenals in beta cells exposed to nutritional challenges and the cellular mechanisms they employ to maintain their level at functional range below the cytotoxic threshold.
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21
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Yellepeddi VK, Palakurthi S. Recent Advances in Topical Ocular Drug Delivery. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2016; 32:67-82. [DOI: 10.1089/jop.2015.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Venkata Kashyap Yellepeddi
- College of Pharmacy, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, Utah
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Srinath Palakurthi
- Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Kingsville, Texas
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22
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Colzani M, De Maddis D, Casali G, Carini M, Vistoli G, Aldini G. Reactivity, Selectivity, and Reaction Mechanisms of Aminoguanidine, Hydralazine, Pyridoxamine, and Carnosine as Sequestering Agents of Reactive Carbonyl Species: A Comparative Study. ChemMedChem 2016; 11:1778-89. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mara Colzani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi di Milano; via Mangiagalli, 25 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Danilo De Maddis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi di Milano; via Mangiagalli, 25 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Gaia Casali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi di Milano; via Mangiagalli, 25 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Marina Carini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi di Milano; via Mangiagalli, 25 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Giulio Vistoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi di Milano; via Mangiagalli, 25 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi di Milano; via Mangiagalli, 25 20133 Milano Italy
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23
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Li Q, Han L, Zhang B, Zhou J, Zhang H. Synthesis and biological evaluation of triazole based uracil derivatives as novel DPP-4 inhibitors. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 14:9598-9611. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ob01818a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Novel 1,2,3-triazole based uracil derivatives were identified as potent, selective, in vivo effective DPP-4 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- Center of Drug Discovery
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease
- China Pharmaceutical University
- Nanjing
- China
| | - Li Han
- Center of Drug Discovery
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease
- China Pharmaceutical University
- Nanjing
- China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry
- China Pharmaceutical University
- Nanjing 210009
- PR China
| | - Jinpei Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry
- China Pharmaceutical University
- Nanjing 210009
- PR China
| | - Huibin Zhang
- Center of Drug Discovery
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease
- China Pharmaceutical University
- Nanjing
- China
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24
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Aldini G, Carini M, Yeum KJ, Vistoli G. Novel molecular approaches for improving enzymatic and nonenzymatic detoxification of 4-hydroxynonenal: toward the discovery of a novel class of bioactive compounds. Free Radic Biol Med 2014; 69:145-56. [PMID: 24456906 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
4-Hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE), an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde generated endogenously by the radical-mediated peroxidation of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, is a bioactive molecule acting in several physiopathological mechanisms and most of its activity is due to the covalent modification of biomolecules. Although at low and physiological levels HNE acts as an endogenous signaling molecule, a growing bulk of evidence indicates that at high and toxic concentrations, HNE is involved in the onset and propagation of several human diseases. To get more conclusive evidence of HNE as a pathogenetic factor, a pharmacological tool able to inhibit the HNE-induced cellular response is required. Such compound is currently not available, although several molecular strategies have so far been reported with the aim of inhibiting HNE formation or catalyzing its removal. Although most of these are not selective, such strategies have been found to induce several biological responses and would merit further investigation. In this review the various strategies are reported and discussed together with their limits and potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Marina Carini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Kyung-Jin Yeum
- Division of Food Bioscience, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Konkuk University, Chungju-Si, Republic of Korea
| | - Giulio Vistoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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25
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Bellia F, Vecchio G, Rizzarelli E. Carnosinases, their substrates and diseases. Molecules 2014; 19:2299-329. [PMID: 24566305 PMCID: PMC6271292 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19022299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Carnosinases are Xaa-His dipeptidases that play diverse functions throughout all kingdoms of life. Human isoforms of carnosinase (CN1 and CN2) under appropriate conditions catalyze the hydrolysis of the dipeptides carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine) and homocarnosine (γ-aminobutyryl-l-histidine). Alterations of serum carnosinase (CN1) activity has been associated with several pathological conditions, such as neurological disorders, chronic diseases and cancer. For this reason the use of carnosinase levels as a biomarker in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been questioned. The hydrolysis of imidazole-related dipeptides in prokaryotes and eukaryotes is also catalyzed by aminoacyl-histidine dipeptidases like PepD (EC 3.4.13.3), PepV (EC 3.4.13.19) and anserinase (EC 3.4.13.5). The review deals with the structure and function of this class of enzymes in physiological and pathological conditions. The main substrates of these enzymes, i.e., carnosine, homocarnosine and anserine (β-alanyl-3-methyl-l-histidine) will also be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bellia
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR, viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Graziella Vecchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR, viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
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26
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Vistoli G, De Maddis D, Straniero V, Pedretti A, Pallavicini M, Valoti E, Carini M, Testa B, Aldini G. Exploring the space of histidine containing dipeptides in search of novel efficient RCS sequestering agents. Eur J Med Chem 2013; 66:153-60. [PMID: 23792353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The study reports a set of forty proteinogenic histidine-containing dipeptides as potential carbonyl quenchers. The peptides were chosen to cover as exhaustively as possible the accessible chemical space, and their quenching activities toward 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and pyridoxal were evaluated by HPLC analyses. The peptides were capped at the C-terminus as methyl esters or amides to favor their resistance to proteolysis and diastereoisomeric pairs were considered to reveal the influence of configuration on quenching. On average, the examined dipeptides are less active than the parent compound carnosine (βAla + His) thus emphasizing the unfavorable effect of the shortening of the βAla residue as confirmed by the control dipeptide Gly-His. Nevertheless, some peptides show promising activities toward HNE combined with a remarkable selectivity. The results emphasize the beneficial role of aromatic and positively charged residues, while negatively charged and H-bonding side chains show a detrimental effect on quenching. As a trend, ester derivatives are slightly more active than amides while heterochiral peptides are more active than their homochiral diastereoisomer. Overall, the results reveal that quenching activity strongly depends on conformational effects and vicinal residues (as evidenced by the reported QSAR analysis), offering insightful clues for the design of improved carbonyl quenchers and to rationalize the specific reactivity of histidine residues within proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Vistoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli, 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy.
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27
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Aldini G, Vistoli G, Stefek M, Chondrogianni N, Grune T, Sereikaite J, Sadowska-Bartosz I, Bartosz G. Molecular strategies to prevent, inhibit, and degrade advanced glycoxidation and advanced lipoxidation end products. Free Radic Res 2013; 47 Suppl 1:93-137. [PMID: 23560617 DOI: 10.3109/10715762.2013.792926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The advanced glycoxidation end products (AGEs) and lipoxidation end products (ALEs) contribute to the development of diabetic complications and of other pathologies. The review discusses the possibilities of counteracting the formation and stimulating the degradation of these species by pharmaceuticals and natural compounds. The review discusses inhibitors of ALE and AGE formation, cross-link breakers, ALE/AGE elimination by enzymes and proteolytic systems, receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGEs) and blockade of the ligand-RAGE axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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28
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Barski OA, Xie Z, Baba SP, Sithu SD, Agarwal A, Cai J, Bhatnagar A, Srivastava S. Dietary carnosine prevents early atherosclerotic lesion formation in apolipoprotein E-null mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2013; 33:1162-70. [PMID: 23559625 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.112.300572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Atherosclerotic lesions are associated with the accumulation of reactive aldehydes derived from oxidized lipids. Although inhibition of aldehyde metabolism has been shown to exacerbate atherosclerosis and enhance the accumulation of aldehyde-modified proteins in atherosclerotic plaques, no therapeutic interventions have been devised to prevent aldehyde accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions. APPROACH AND RESULTS We examined the efficacy of carnosine, a naturally occurring β-alanyl-histidine dipeptide, in preventing aldehyde toxicity and atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E-null mice. In vitro, carnosine reacted rapidly with lipid peroxidation-derived unsaturated aldehydes. Gas chromatography mass-spectrometry analysis showed that carnosine inhibits the formation of free aldehydes 4-hydroxynonenal and malonaldialdehyde in Cu(2+)-oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Preloading bone marrow-derived macrophages with cell-permeable carnosine analogs reduced 4-hydroxynonenal-induced apoptosis. Oral supplementation with octyl-D-carnosine decreased atherosclerotic lesion formation in aortic valves of apolipoprotein E-null mice and attenuated the accumulation of protein-acrolein, protein-4-hydroxyhexenal, and protein-4-hydroxynonenal adducts in atherosclerotic lesions, whereas urinary excretion of aldehydes as carnosine conjugates was increased. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that carnosine inhibits atherogenesis by facilitating aldehyde removal from atherosclerotic lesions. Endogenous levels of carnosine may be important determinants of atherosclerotic lesion formation, and treatment with carnosine or related peptides could be a useful therapy for the prevention or the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg A Barski
- Diabetes and Obesity Center, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
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29
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Menini S, Iacobini C, Ricci C, Scipioni A, Blasetti Fantauzzi C, Giaccari A, Salomone E, Canevotti R, Lapolla A, Orioli M, Aldini G, Pugliese G. D-Carnosine octylester attenuates atherosclerosis and renal disease in ApoE null mice fed a Western diet through reduction of carbonyl stress and inflammation. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 166:1344-56. [PMID: 22229552 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01834.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Lipoxidation-derived reactive carbonyl species (RCS) such as 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) react with proteins to form advanced lipoxidation end products (ALEs), which have been implicated in both atherosclerosis and renal disease. L-carnosine acts as an endogenous HNE scavenger, but it is rapidly inactivated by carnosinase. This study aimed at assessing the effect of the carnosinase-resistant, D-carnosine, on HNE-induced cellular injury and of its bioavailable prodrug D-carnosine octylester on experimental atherosclerosis and renal disease. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were exposed to HNE or H₂O₂ plus D-carnosine. ApoE null mice fed a Western, pro-atherogenic diet were treated with D-carnosine octylester for 12 weeks. KEY RESULTS In vitro, D-carnosine attenuated the effect of HNE, but not of H₂O₂, on VSMCs. In vivo, D-carnosine octylester-treated mice showed reduced lesion area and a more stable plaque phenotype compared with untreated animals, with reduced foam cell accumulation, inflammation and apoptosis and increased clearance of apoptotic bodies and collagen deposition, resulting in decreased necrotic core formation. Likewise, renal lesions were attenuated in D-carnosine octylester-treated versus untreated mice, with lower inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis. This was associated with increased urinary levels of HNE-carnosine adducts and reduced protein carbonylation, circulating and tissue ALEs, expression of receptors for these products, and systemic and tissue oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data indicate RCS quenching with a D-carnosine ester was highly effective in attenuating experimental atherosclerosis and renal disease by reducing carbonyl stress and inflammation and that this may represent a promising therapeutic strategy in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Menini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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30
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Bertinaria M, Rolando B, Giorgis M, Montanaro G, Marini E, Collino M, Benetti E, Daniele PG, Fruttero R, Gasco A. Carnosine analogues containing NO-donor substructures: Synthesis, physico-chemical characterization and preliminary pharmacological profile. Eur J Med Chem 2012; 54:103-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2012.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Revised: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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31
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Vistoli G, Carini M, Aldini G. Transforming dietary peptides in promising lead compounds: the case of bioavailable carnosine analogs. Amino Acids 2012; 43:111-26. [PMID: 22286834 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-012-1224-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The ability of carnosine to prevent advanced glycoxidation end products (AGEs) and advanced lipoxidation end products (ALEs) formation, on the one hand, and the convincing evidence that these compounds act as pathogenetic factors, on the other hand, strongly support carnosine as a promising therapeutic agent for oxidative-based diseases. The mechanism/s by which carnosine inhibits AGEs and ALEs is still under investigation but an emerging hypothesis is that carnosine acts by deactivating the AGEs and ALEs precursors and in particular the reactive carbonyl species (RCS) generated by both lipid and sugar oxidation. The ability of carnosine to inhibit AGEs and ALEs formation and the corresponding biological effects has been demonstrated in several in vitro studies and in some animal models. However, such effects are in line of principle, limited in humans, due to the effect of serum carnosinase (absent in rodents), which catalyzes the carnosine hydrolysis to its constitutive amino acids. Such a limitation has prompted a great interest in the design of carnosine derivatives, which maintaining (or improving) the reactivity with RCS, are more resistant to carnosinase. The present paper intends to critically review the most recent studies oriented to obtaining carnosine derivatives, optimized in terms of reactivity with RCS, selectivity (no reaction with physiological aldehydes) and the pharmacokinetic profile (mainly through an enhanced resistance to carnosinase hydrolysis). The review also includes a brief description of AGEs and ALEs as drug targets and the evidence so far reported regarding the ability of carnosine as inhibitor of AGEs and ALEs formation and the proposed reaction mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Vistoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Pietro Pratesi, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Carnosine and cancer: a perspective. Amino Acids 2012; 43:135-42. [PMID: 22454085 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-012-1271-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The application of carnosine in medicine has been discussed since several years, but many claims of therapeutic effects have not been substantiated by rigorous experimental examination. In the present perspective, a possible use of carnosine as an anti-neoplastic therapeutic, especially for the treatment of malignant brain tumours such as glioblastoma is discussed. Possible mechanisms by which carnosine may perform its anti-tumourigenic effects are outlined and its expected bioavailability and possible negative and positive side effects are considered. Finally, alternative strategies are examined such as treatment with other dipeptides or β-alanine.
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33
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Carnosine derivatives: new multifunctional drug-like molecules. Amino Acids 2011; 43:153-63. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-011-1178-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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34
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Neuroprotective features of carnosine in oxidative driven diseases. Mol Aspects Med 2011; 32:258-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2011.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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