1
|
Chen S, Ren Z, Guo L. Hepatotoxicity of usnic acid and underlying mechanisms. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2024:1-22. [PMID: 38904414 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2024.2366737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Since usnic acid was first isolated in 1844 as a prominent secondary lichen metabolite, it has been used for various purposes worldwide. Usnic acid has been claimed to possess numerous therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-proliferative, and antipyretic activities. Approximately two decades ago, crude extracts of usnic acid or pure usnic acid were marketed in the United States as dietary supplements for aiding in weight loss as a "fat-burner" and gained popularity in the bodybuilding community; however, hepatotoxicity was documented for some usnic acid containing products. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received numerous reports of liver toxicity associated with the use of dietary supplements containing usnic acid, leading the FDA to issue a warning letter in 2001 on a product, LipoKinetix. The FDA also sent a recommendation letter to the manufacturer of LipoKinetix, resulting in the withdrawal of LipoKinetix from the market. These events triggered investigations into the hepatotoxicity of usnic acid and its mechanisms. In 2008, we published a review article titled "Usnic Acid and Usnea Barbata Toxicity". This review is an updated version of our previous review article and incorporates additional data published since 2008. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the understanding of the liver toxicity associated with usnic acid, with a particular focus on the current understanding of the putative mechanisms of usnic acid-related hepatotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA
| | - Zhen Ren
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA
| | - Lei Guo
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Toxicity of Usnic Acid: A Narrative Review. J Toxicol 2022; 2022:8244340. [PMID: 36310641 PMCID: PMC9605823 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8244340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Usnic acid (UA) is a dibenzofuran derivative naturally present in lichens, organisms resulting from the symbiosis between a fungus and a cyanobacterium, or an alga. UA shows antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory as well as UV-protective activities. Its use as pharmacological agent is widely described in traditional medicine, and in the past few years, the product has been marketed as a food supplement for the induction of weight loss. However, the development of severe hepatotoxicity in a limited number of subjects prompted the FDA to issue a warning letter, which led to the withdrawal of the product from the market in November 2001. Data published in literature on UA toxicology, genotoxicity, mutagenesis, and teratogenicity have been reviewed, as well as the case reports of subjects who developed hepatotoxicity following oral administration of UA as a slimming agent. Finally, we reviewed the most recent studies on the topical use of UA, as well as studies aimed at improving UA pharmacologic activity and reducing toxicity. Indeed, advancements in this field of research could open the possibility to reintroduce the use of UA as therapeutical agent.
Collapse
|
3
|
Dar TUH, Dar SA, Islam SU, Mangral ZA, Dar R, Singh BP, Verma P, Haque S. Lichens as a repository of bioactive compounds: an open window for green therapy against diverse cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 86:1120-1137. [PMID: 34052413 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Lichens, algae and fungi-based symbiotic associations, are sources of many important secondary metabolites, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and anticancer agents. Wide range of experiments based on in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that lichens are a rich treasure of anti-cancer compounds. Lichen extracts and isolated lichen compounds can interact with all biological entities currently identified to be responsible for tumor development. The critical ways to control the cancer development include induction of cell cycle arrests, blocking communication of growth factors, activation of anti-tumor immunity, inhibition of tumor-friendly inflammation, inhibition of tumor metastasis, and suppressing chromosome dysfunction. Also, lichen-based compounds induce the killing of cells by the process of apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis, that inturn positively modulates metabolic networks of cells against uncontrolled cell division. Many lichen-based compounds have proven to possess potential anti-cancer activity against a wide range of cancer cells, either alone or in conjunction with other anti-cancer compounds. This review primarily emphasizes on an updated account of the repository of secondary metabolites reported in lichens. Besides, we discuss the anti-cancer potential and possible mechanism of the most frequently reported secondary metabolites derived from lichens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanvir Ul Hassan Dar
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, BGSB University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
| | - Sajad Ahmad Dar
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahid Ul Islam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, BGSB University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Zahid Ahmed Mangral
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, BGSB University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Rubiya Dar
- Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Bhim Pratap Singh
- Department of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship & Management (NIFTEM), Sonepat, Haryana, India
| | - Pradeep Verma
- Bioprocess and Bioenergy Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kwong SP, Huang Z, Ji L, Wang C. PORIMIN: The key to (+)-Usnic acid-induced liver toxicity and oncotic cell death in normal human L02 liver cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 270:113873. [PMID: 33485970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Usnic acid (UA) is one of the well-known lichen metabolites that induces liver injury. It is mainly extracted from Usnea longissima and U. diffracta in China or from other lichens in other countries. U. longissima has been used as traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of cough, pain, indigestion, wound healing and infection. More than 20 incidences with hepatitis and liver failure have been reported by the US Food and Drug Administration since 2000. UA is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation causing glutathione and ATP depletion. Previous histological studies observed extensive cell and organelle swellings accompanied with hydrotropic vacuolization of hepatocytes. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was to investigate the mechanism of UA-induced liver toxicity in normal human L02 liver cells and ICR mice using various techniques, such as immunoblotting and siRNA transfection. MATERIALS AND METHODS Assays were performed to evaluate the oxidative stress and levels of GSH, MDA and SOD. Double flouresencence staining was used for the detection of apoptotic cell death. The protein expressions, such as glutathione S transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase 4, catalase, c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase, caspases, gastamin-D and porimin were detected by Western blotting. Comparisons between transfected and non-transfected cells were applied for the elucidation of the role of porimin in UA-induced hepatotoxicity. Histopathological examination of mice liver tissue, serum total bilirubin and hepatic enzymes of alanine aminotransferase and aspatate aminotransferase were also studied. RESULTS The protein expressions of glutathione reductase, glutathione S transferase and glutathione peroxidase-4 were increased significantly in normal human L02 liver cells. Catalase expression was diminished in dose-dependent manner. Moreover, (+)-UA did not induce the activation of caspase-3, caspase-1 or gasdermin-D. No evidence showed the occurrence of pyroptosis. However, the porimin expressions were increased significantly. In addition, (+)-UA caused no cytotoxicity in the porimin silencing L02 cells. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, (+)-UA induces oncotic L02 cell death via increasing protein porimin and the formation of irreversible membrane pores. This may be the potential research area for future investigation in different aspects especially bioactivity and toxicology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sukfan P Kwong
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Zhenlin Huang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Lili Ji
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Changhong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kwong SP, Wang C. Review: Usnic acid-induced hepatotoxicity and cell death. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 80:103493. [PMID: 32961280 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Increasing prevalence of herbal and dietary supplement-induced hepatotoxicity has been reported worldwide. Usnic acid (UA) is a well-known hepatotoxin derived from lichens. Since 2000, more than 20 incident reports have been received by the US Food and Drug Administration after intake of UA containing dietary supplement resulting in severe complications. Scientists and clinicians have been studying the cause, prevention and treatment of UA-induced hepatotoxicity. It is now known that UA decouples oxidative phosphorylation, induces adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion, decreases glutathione (GSH), and induces oxidative stress markedly leading to lipid peroxidation and organelle stress. In addition, experimental rat liver tissues have shown massive vacuolization associated with cellular swellings. Additionally, various signaling pathways, such as c-JNK N-terminal kinase (JNK), store-operated calcium entry, nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (Akt/mTOR) pathways are stimulated by UA causing beneficial or harmful effects. Nevertheless, there are controversial issues, such as UA-induced inflammatory or anti-inflammatory responses, cytochrome P450 detoxifying UA into non-toxic or transforming UA into reactive metabolites, and unknown mechanism of the formation of vacuolization and membrane pore. This article focused on the previous and latest comprehensive putative mechanistic findings of UA-induced hepatotoxicity and cell death. New insights on controversial issues and future perspectives are also discussed and summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sukfan P Kwong
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fujimoto K, Kishino H, Hashimoto K, Watanabe K, Yamoto T, Mori K. Biochemical profiles of rat primary cultured hepatocytes following treatment with rotenone, FCCP, or (+)-usnic acid. J Toxicol Sci 2020; 45:339-347. [PMID: 32493876 DOI: 10.2131/jts.45.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The metabolomic profiles of rat primary hepatocytes following treatment with rotenone, FCCP, or (+)-usnic acid were determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Significant and similar changes in the levels of 283 biochemical metabolites were associated with the three treatments compared with solvent control samples. Overall, the three treatments generated similar global biochemical profiles, with some minor differences associated with rotenone treatment. All three treatments resulted in a shift in energy metabolism as demonstrated by decreased glycogen stores and glycolysis. A reduced antioxidant response was detected in cells following all treatments. In addition, bile acid biosynthesis decreased as a potential consequence of increased oxidative stress by all three treatments. Conversely, rotenone treatment induced a number of changes after 1 hr, which were not detected in FCCP- or (+)-usnic acid-treated samples; these changes were not sustained over time and included increased NAD+ salvage and lysine degradation. In conclusion, these biochemical profiles could provide new insights into the mechanism(s) of mitochondrial toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kyoko Watanabe
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd
| | - Takashi Yamoto
- Product Information Management Department, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd
| | - Kazuhiko Mori
- Medicinal Safety Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kwong SP, Wang H, Shi L, Huang Z, Lu B, Cheng X, Chou G, Ji L, Wang C. Identification of photodegraded derivatives of usnic acid with improved toxicity profile and UVA/UVB protection in normal human L02 hepatocytes and epidermal melanocytes. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2020; 205:111814. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.111814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
|
8
|
Shi CJ, Peng W, Zhao JH, Yang HL, Qu LL, Wang C, Kong LY, Wang XB. Usnic acid derivatives as tau-aggregation and neuroinflammation inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 187:111961. [PMID: 31865017 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Accumulation of tau protein aggregation plays a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Uncontrollable neuroinflammation and tau pathology form a vicious circle that further aggravates AD progression. Herein, we reported the synthesis of usnic acid derivatives and evaluation of their inhibitory activities against tau-aggregation and neuroinflammation. The inhibitory activity of the derivatives against the self-fibrillation of the hexapeptide AcPHF6 was initially screened by ThT fluorescence assay. Using circular dichroism and transmission electron microscopy, compound 30 showed the most potent inhibitory activity against AcPHF6 self-fibrillation. Compound 30 was further confirmed to inhibit the aggregation of full-length 2N4R tau protein by a heparin-induced mechanism. In addition, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of compound 30, and showed that compared with sodium usnate, it reduced NO release in LPS-stimulated mouse microglia BV2 cells. More importantly, 30 showed significant protective effects against okadaic acid-induced memory impairment in rats. Thus, 30 was a novel tau-aggregation and neuroinflammation inhibitor that represented a potential therapeutic candidate for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cun-Jian Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wan Peng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jin-Hua Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hua-Li Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lai-Liang Qu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ling-Yi Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Xiao-Bing Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Guney Eskiler G, Eryilmaz IE, Yurdacan B, Egeli U, Cecener G, Tunca B. Synergistic effects of hormone therapy drugs and usnic acid on hormone receptor-positive breast and prostate cancer cells. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2019; 33:e22338. [PMID: 30980508 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of usnic acid (UA) and Tamoxifen (Tam) or Enzalutamide (Enz) on hormone receptor-positive breast and prostate cancer (BC and PC), respectively. The antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of Tam or Enz alone and in combination with UA on MCF7 and LNCaP cancer cells were detected. The results of the WST-1 assay indicated that UA was a promising anticancer compound that significantly enhanced the effectiveness of hormone therapy drugs compared with each drug alone (combination index < 1). In addition, the combination of UA with Tam or Enz remarkably induced more cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and apoptosis than only drug-treated cells (P < 0.01). Consequently, our findings suggest that the combination of UA with Tam or Enz may be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of BC and PC and further studies are required to exploit the potential mechanisms of synergistic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gamze Guney Eskiler
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Isil Ezgi Eryilmaz
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Beste Yurdacan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Unal Egeli
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Gulsah Cecener
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Berrin Tunca
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhu J, Seo JE, Wang S, Ashby K, Ballard R, Yu D, Ning B, Agarwal R, Borlak J, Tong W, Chen M. The Development of a Database for Herbal and Dietary Supplement Induced Liver Toxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2955. [PMID: 30274144 PMCID: PMC6213387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19102955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing use of herbal dietary supplements (HDS) in the United States provides compelling evidence for risk of herbal-induced liver injury (HILI). Information on HDS products was retrieved from MedlinePlus of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the herbal monograph of the European Medicines Agency. The hepatotoxic potential of HDS was ascertained by considering published case reports. Other relevant data were collected from governmental documents, public databases, web sources, and the literature. We collected information for 296 unique HDS products. Evidence of hepatotoxicity was reported for 67, that is 1 in 5, of these HDS products. The database revealed an apparent gender preponderance with women representing 61% of HILI cases. Culprit hepatotoxic HDS were mostly used for weight control, followed by pain and inflammation, mental stress, and mood disorders. Commonly discussed mechanistic events associated with HILI are reactive metabolites and oxidative stress, mitochondrial injury, as well as inhibition of transporters. HDS⁻drug interactions, causing both synergistic and antagonizing effects of drugs, were also reported for certain HDS. The database contains information for nearly 300 commonly used HDS products to provide a single-entry point for better comprehension of their impact on public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jieqiang Zhu
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| | - Ji-Eun Seo
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| | - Sanlong Wang
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
- National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, China's State Food and Drug Administration, Beijing 100176, China.
| | - Kristin Ashby
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| | - Rodney Ballard
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| | - Dianke Yu
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| | - Baitang Ning
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| | - Rajiv Agarwal
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA.
| | - Jürgen Borlak
- Center of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Weida Tong
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| | - Minjun Chen
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Eryilmaz IE, Guney Eskiler G, Egeli U, Yurdacan B, Cecener G, Tunca B. In vitro cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of usnic acid on hormone-dependent breast and prostate cancer cells. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2018; 32:e22208. [PMID: 30101414 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the current study was first to investigate cytotoxic activity of usnic acid (UA) on hormone-dependent breast and prostate cancer, and normal cells. Cells were treated with increasing concentrations (25 to 150 µM) of UA for 48 hours and cell viability, quantitative and morphological analysis of cell death, and cell cycle analysis were performed. UA was shown to have selective cytotoxicity on hormone-dependent cancer cells with the IC50 levels of 71.4 and 77.5 µM for MCF7 and LNCaP cells, respectively. UA induced apoptotic cell death and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest without damaging normal cells. MCF7 cells were more sensitive to UA than LNCaP cells. Our results first revealed that UA is a promising candidate as an alternative agent for hormone-dependent breast and prostate cancers. However, molecular mechanism underlying the UA-mediated cell death in cancer cells should be investigated further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isil Ezgi Eryilmaz
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Gamze Guney Eskiler
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Unal Egeli
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Beste Yurdacan
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Gulsah Cecener
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Berrin Tunca
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yurdacan B, Egeli U, Eskiler GG, Eryilmaz IE, Cecener G, Tunca B. The role of usnic acid-induced apoptosis and autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hum Exp Toxicol 2018; 38:201-215. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327118792052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Usnic acid (UA) is a multifunctional bioactive lichen secondary metabolite with potential anti-cancer properties. Although the promising therapeutic effects of UA have been investigated in different cancer cell lines, the mechanism driving UA-induced cell death has yet to be elucidated. As the type of cell death (apoptosis or autophagy) induced by UA may vary depending on the cancer cell type, we first studied the cytotoxic effects of UA in HEPG2 (HBV(−)) and SNU-449(HBV(+)) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. HCC cell viability was considerably reduced in a dose-dependent manner at 12, 24, and 48 h after treatment with UA ( p < 0.05). However, SNU-449 cells were more sensitive to UA than HEPG2 cells. UA also induced apoptotic cell death in HCC cells with cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 and G2/M phase depending on the genetic profile of each cell type. On the other hand, we observed acidic vesicular organelles in HCC cells after 36 h of UA treatment. Taken together, these findings suggest that UA stimulates apoptosis and autophagy in HEPG2 and SNU-449 cells without damaging normal control cells. Thus, UA might be a potential therapeutic compound for HCC treatment. However, there is a need for further studies investigating the death-promoting or preventing roles for autophagy and the molecular signaling mechanisms induced by UA treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Yurdacan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - U Egeli
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - G Guney Eskiler
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - IE Eryilmaz
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - G Cecener
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - B Tunca
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fukushima T, Hara-Yamamura H, Nakashima K, Tan LC, Okabe S. Multiple-endpoints gene alteration-based (MEGA) assay: A toxicogenomics approach for water quality assessment of wastewater effluents. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 188:312-319. [PMID: 28888119 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.08.107] [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: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater effluents contain a significant number of toxic contaminants, which, even at low concentrations, display a wide variety of toxic actions. In this study, we developed a multiple-endpoints gene alteration-based (MEGA) assay, a real-time PCR-based transcriptomic analysis, to assess the water quality of wastewater effluents for human health risk assessment and management. Twenty-one genes from the human hepatoblastoma cell line (HepG2), covering the basic health-relevant stress responses such as response to xenobiotics, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity, were selected and incorporated into the MEGA assay. The genes related to the p53-mediated DNA damage response and cytochrome P450 were selected as markers for genotoxicity and response to xenobiotics, respectively. Additionally, the genes that were dose-dependently regulated by exposure to the wastewater effluents were chosen as markers for cytotoxicity. The alterations in the expression of an individual gene, induced by exposure to the wastewater effluents, were evaluated by real-time PCR and the results were validated by genotoxicity (e.g., comet assay) and cell-based cytotoxicity tests. In summary, the MEGA assay is a real-time PCR-based assay that targets cellular responses to contaminants present in wastewater effluents at the transcriptional level; it is rapid, cost-effective, and high-throughput and can thus complement any chemical analysis for water quality assessment and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshikazu Fukushima
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, North-13, West-8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Hiroe Hara-Yamamura
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, North-13, West-8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Koji Nakashima
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, North-13, West-8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Lea Chua Tan
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, North-13, West-8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Satoshi Okabe
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, North-13, West-8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8628, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cardile V, Graziano ACE, Avola R, Piovano M, Russo A. Potential anticancer activity of lichen secondary metabolite physodic acid. Chem Biol Interact 2016; 263:36-45. [PMID: 28012710 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Secondary metabolites present in lichens, which comprise aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic and terpenic compounds, are unique with respect to those of higher plants and show interesting biological and pharmacological activities. However, only a few of these compounds, have been assessed for their effectiveness against various in vitro cancer models. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of three lichen secondary metabolites (atranorin, gyrophoric acid and physodic acid) on A375 melanoma cancer cell line. The tested compounds arise from different lichen species collected in different areas of Continental and Antarctic Chile. The obtained results confirm the major efficiency of depsidones. In fact, depsides atranorin and gyrophoric acid, showed a lower activity inhibiting the melanoma cancer cells only at more high concentrations. Whereas the depsidone physodic acid, showed a dose-response relationship in the range of 6.25-50 μM concentrations in A375 cells, activating an apoptotic process, that probably involves the reduction of Hsp70 expression. Although the molecular mechanism, by which apoptosis is induced by physodic acid remains unclear, and of course further studies are needed, the results here reported confirm the promising biological properties of depsidone compounds, and may offer a further impulse to the development of analogues with more powerful efficiency against melanoma cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Cardile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - A C E Graziano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - R Avola
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - M Piovano
- Department of Chemistry, University Técnica Federico Santa Maria, Casilla 110-V, Valparaìso, Chile
| | - A Russo
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kapoor S. Usnic Acid and Its Evolving Role as a Potent Antineoplastic Agent. Toxicol Pathol 2016; 44:918. [DOI: 10.1177/0192623316648800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
16
|
Chen S, Zhang Z, Qing T, Ren Z, Yu D, Couch L, Ning B, Mei N, Shi L, Tolleson WH, Guo L. Activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in usnic acid-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:1293-1307. [PMID: 27369375 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1775-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Many usnic acid-containing dietary supplements have been marketed as weight loss agents, although severe hepatotoxicity and acute liver failure have been associated with their overuse. Our previous mechanistic studies revealed that autophagy, disturbance of calcium homeostasis, and ER stress are involved in usnic acid-induced toxicity. In this study, we investigated the role of oxidative stress and the Nrf2 signaling pathway in usnic acid-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells. We found that a 24-h treatment with usnic acid caused DNA damage and S-phase cell cycle arrest in a concentration-dependent manner. Usnic acid also triggered oxidative stress as demonstrated by increased reactive oxygen species generation and glutathione depletion. Short-term treatment (6 h) with usnic acid significantly increased the protein level for Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), promoted Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus, up-regulated antioxidant response element (ARE)-luciferase reporter activity, and induced the expression of Nrf2-regulated targets, including glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1). Furthermore, knockdown of Nrf2 with shRNA potentiated usnic acid-induced DNA damage and cytotoxicity. Taken together, our results show that usnic acid causes cell cycle dysregulation, DNA damage, and oxidative stress and that the Nrf2 signaling pathway is activated in usnic acid-induced cytotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), HFT-110, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Zhuhong Zhang
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA.,Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Tao Qing
- School of Pharmacy, School of Life Sciences, Fudan-Zhangjiang Center for Clinical Genomics and Zhanjiang Center for Translational Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zhen Ren
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), HFT-110, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Dianke Yu
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Letha Couch
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), HFT-110, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Baitang Ning
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Nan Mei
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Leming Shi
- School of Pharmacy, School of Life Sciences, Fudan-Zhangjiang Center for Clinical Genomics and Zhanjiang Center for Translational Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - William H Tolleson
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), HFT-110, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Lei Guo
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), HFT-110, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Koparal AT. Anti-angiogenic and antiproliferative properties of the lichen substances (-)-usnic acid and vulpinic acid. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 70:159-64. [PMID: 26136299 DOI: 10.1515/znc-2014-4178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The anti-proliferative activities of the lichen substances (-)-usnic acid and vulpinic acid on the viability of HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells, NS20Y neuroblastoma cells and HUVEC endothelial cells were studied by the MTT assay. The anti-angiogenic potential of the substances was determined by the endothelial tube formation assay. Both lichen substances exhibited strong anti-angiogenic activity and were more cytotoxic to the cancer cell lines than to the normal cell line, but vulpinic acid has more potential as an anti-angiogenic substance because of its low cytotoxicity and stronger anti-angiogenic activity on the HUVEC cell line.
Collapse
|
18
|
Chen S, Zhang Z, Wu Y, Shi Q, Yan H, Mei N, Tolleson WH, Guo L. Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Store-Operated Calcium Entry Contribute to Usnic Acid-Induced Toxicity in Hepatic Cells. Toxicol Sci 2015; 146:116-26. [PMID: 25870318 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of usnic acid as a weight loss agent is a safety concern due to reports of acute liver failure in humans. Previously we demonstrated that usnic acid induces apoptosis and cytotoxicity in hepatic HepG2 cells. We also demonstrated that usnic acid induces autophagy as a survival mechanism against its cytotoxicity. In this study, we investigated and characterized further molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity of usnic acid in HepG2 cells. We found that usnic acid causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress demonstrated by the increased expression of typical ER stress markers, including CHOP, ATF-4, p-eIF2α, and spliced XBP1. Usnic acid inhibited the secretion of Gaussia luciferase measured by an ER stress reporter assay. An ER stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyrate attenuated usnic acid-induced apoptosis. Moreover, usnic acid significantly increased the cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration. Usnic acid increased the expression of calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1 (CRAM1 or ORAI1) and stromal interaction molecule 1, two key components of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE), which is the major Ca(2+) influx pathway in non-excitable cells, this finding was also confirmed in primary rat hepatocytes. Furthermore, knockdown of ORAI1 prevented ER stress and ATP depletion in response to usnic acid. In contrast, overexpression of ORAI1 increased ER stress and ATP depletion caused by usnic acid. Taken together, our results suggest that usnic acid disturbs calcium homeostasis, induces ER stress, and that usnic acid-induced cellular damage occurs at least partially via activation of the Ca(2+) channel of SOCE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079
| | - Zhuhong Zhang
- *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079 *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079
| | - Yuanfeng Wu
- *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079
| | - Qiang Shi
- *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079
| | - Hua Yan
- *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079
| | - Nan Mei
- *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079
| | - William H Tolleson
- *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079
| | - Lei Guo
- *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sahu SC, Njoroge J, Bryce SM, Yourick JJ, Sprando RL. Comparative genotoxicity of nanosilver in human liver HepG2 and colon Caco2 cells evaluated by a flow cytometricin vitromicronucleus assay. J Appl Toxicol 2014; 34:1226-34. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 07/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Saura C. Sahu
- Division of Toxicology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; US Food and Drug Administration; Laurel MD 20708 USA
| | - Joyce Njoroge
- Division of Toxicology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; US Food and Drug Administration; Laurel MD 20708 USA
| | | | - Jeffrey J. Yourick
- Division of Toxicology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; US Food and Drug Administration; Laurel MD 20708 USA
| | - Robert L. Sprando
- Division of Toxicology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; US Food and Drug Administration; Laurel MD 20708 USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chen S, Dobrovolsky VN, Liu F, Wu Y, Zhang Z, Mei N, Guo L. The role of autophagy in usnic acid-induced toxicity in hepatic cells. Toxicol Sci 2014; 142:33-44. [PMID: 25078063 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfu154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of usnic acid and usnic acid-containing products is associated with acute liver failure; however, mechanistic studies of hepatotoxicity caused by usnic acid are limited. In this study, we investigated and characterized the possible mechanisms, especially the role of autophagy in usnic acid's toxicity in human HepG2 cells. Usnic acid caused apoptosis as demonstrated by an increased caspase-3/7 activity and an increased subdiploid nucleus formation. Usnic acid-induced autophagy as demonstrated by the conversion of LC3B-I to LC3B-II, degradation of P62, and an increased number of puncta. Inhibition of autophagy by treating cells with autophagy inhibitors (3-methyladenine or chloroquine) or by small interfering RNA against Atg7 aggravated usnic acid-induced apoptosis and decreased cell viability, indicating that autophagy plays a protective role against usnic acid-induced toxicity. Moreover, usnic acid activated the MAPK signaling pathway. Usnic acid-elicited apoptosis was enhanced and autophagy was decreased when JNK was suppressed by a specific inhibitor. Additionally, inhibition of autophagy decreased the activity of JNK. Taken together, our results suggest that usnic acid perturbs various interrelated signaling pathways and that autophagy induction is a defensive mechanism against usnic acid-induced cytotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology
| | | | - Fang Liu
- Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079
| | | | | | - Nan Mei
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology
| | - Lei Guo
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sahu SC, Roy S, Zheng J, Yourick JJ, Sprando RL. Comparative genotoxicity of nanosilver in human liver HepG2 and colon Caco2 cells evaluated by fluorescent microscopy of cytochalasin B-blocked micronucleus formation. J Appl Toxicol 2014; 34:1200-8. [PMID: 24909674 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
As a consequence of the increased use of silver nanoparticles in food, food contact materials, dietary supplements and cosmetics to prevent fungal and bacterial growth, there is a need for validated rapid screening methods to assess the safety of nanoparticle exposure. This study evaluated two widely used in vitro cell culture models, human liver HepG2 cells and human colon Caco2 cells, as tools for assessing the potential genotoxicity of 20-nm nanosilver. The average silver nanoparticle size as determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was 20.4 nm. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis showed no large agglomeration of the silver nanoparticles. The silver concentration in a 20-nm nanosilver solution determined by the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis was 0.962 mg ml(-1) . Analysis by ICP-MS and TEM demonstrated the uptake of 20-nm silver by both HepG2 and Caco2 cells. Genotoxicity was determined by the cytochalasin B-blocked micronucleus assay with acridine orange staining and fluorescence microscopy. Concentration- and time-dependent increases in the frequency of binucleated cells with micronuclei induced by the nanosilver was observed in the concentration range of 0.5 to 15 µg ml(-1) in both HepG2 and Caco2 cells compared with the control. Our results indicated that HepG2 cells were more sensitive than Caco2 cells in terms of micronuclei formation induced by nanosilver exposure. In summary, the results of this study indicate that the widely used in vitro models, HepG2 and Caco2 cells in culture, represent potential screening models for prediction of genotoxicity of silver nanoparticles by in vitro micronucleus assay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saura C Sahu
- Division of Toxicology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, 20708, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Liver injury resulting from exposure to drugs and chemicals is a major health problem. Autophagy is an important factor in a wide range of diseases, such as cancer, liver disease, muscular disorder, neurodegeneration, pathogen infection, and aging, and emerging evidence indicates that autophagy makes a substantial contribution to the pathogenesis of drug- and chemical-induced liver toxicity. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on autophagy triggered by toxicants/toxins, the protective role of autophagy in liver toxicity, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We also highlight experimental approaches for studying autophagy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - William B Melchior
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Yuanfeng Wu
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Lei Guo
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sahu SC, Zheng J, Graham L, Chen L, Ihrie J, Yourick JJ, Sprando RL. Comparative cytotoxicity of nanosilver in human liver HepG2 and colon Caco2 cells in culture. J Appl Toxicol 2014; 34:1155-66. [PMID: 24522958 DOI: 10.1002/jat.2994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The use of silver nanoparticles in food, food contact materials, dietary supplements and cosmetics has increased significantly owing to their antibacterial and antifungal properties. As a consequence, the need for validated rapid screening methods to assess their toxicity is necessary to ensure consumer safety. This study evaluated two widely used in vitro cell culture models, human liver HepG2 cells and human colon Caco2 cells, as tools for assessing the potential cytotoxicity of food- and cosmetic-related nanoparticles. The two cell culture models were utilized to compare the potential cytotoxicity of 20-nm silver. The average size of the silver nanoparticle determined by our transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis was 20.4 nm. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis showed no large agglomeration of the silver nanoparticles. The concentration of the 20-nm silver solution determined by our inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis was 0.962 mg ml(-1) . Our ICP-MS and TEM analysis demonstrated the uptake of 20-nm silver by both HepG2 and Caco2 cells. Cytotoxicity, determined by the Alamar Blue reduction assay, was evaluated in the nanosilver concentration range of 0.1 to 20 µg ml(-1) . Significant concentration-dependent cytotoxicity of the nanosilver in HepG2 cells was observed in the concentration range of 1 to 20 µg ml(-1) and at a higher concentration range of 10 to 20 µg ml(-1) in Caco2 cells compared with the vehicle control. A concentration-dependent decrease in dsDNA content was observed in both cell types exposed to nanosilver but not controls, suggesting an increase in DNA damage. The DNA damage was observed in the concentration range of 1 to 20 µg ml(-1) . Nanosilver-exposed HepG2 and Caco2 cells showed no cellular oxidative stress, determined by the dichlorofluorescein assay, compared with the vehicle control in the concentration range used in this study. A concentration-dependent decrease in mitochondria membrane potential in both nanosilver exposed cell types suggested increased mitochondria injury compared with the vehicle control. The mitochondrial injury in HepG2 cells was significant in the concentration range of 1 to 20 µg ml(-1) , but in Caco2 cells it was significant at a higher concentration range of 10 to 20 µg ml(-1) . These results indicated that HepG2 cells were more sensitive to nanosilver exposure than Caco2 cells. It is generally believed that cellular oxidative stress induces cytotoxicity of nanoparticles. However, in this study we did not detect any nanosilver-induced oxidative stress in either cell type at the concentration range used in this study. Our results suggest that cellular oxidative stress did not play a major role in the observed cytotoxicity of nanosilver in HepG2 and Caco2 cells and that a different mechanism of nanosilver-induced mitochondrial injury leads to the cytotoxicity. The HepG2 and Caco2 cells used this study appear to be targets for silver nanoparticles. The results of this study suggest that the differences in the mechanisms of toxicity induced by nanosilver may be largely as a consequence of the type of cells used. This differential rather than universal response of different cell types exposed to nanoparticles may play an important role in the mechanism of their toxicity. In summary, the results of this study indicate that the widely used in vitro models, HepG2 and Caco2 cells in culture, are excellent systems for screening cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles. These long established cell culture models and simple assays used in this study can provide useful toxicity and mechanistic information that can help to better inform safety assessments of food- and cosmetic-related silver nanoparticles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saura C Sahu
- Division of Toxicology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, 20708, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lauinger IL, Vivas L, Perozzo R, Stairiker C, Tarun A, Zloh M, Zhang X, Xu H, Tonge PJ, Franzblau SG, Pham DH, Esguerra CV, Crawford AD, Maes L, Tasdemir D. Potential of lichen secondary metabolites against Plasmodium liver stage parasites with FAS-II as the potential target. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2013; 76:1064-70. [PMID: 23806111 PMCID: PMC4119598 DOI: 10.1021/np400083k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Chemicals targeting the liver stage (LS) of the malaria parasite are useful for causal prophylaxis of malaria. In this study, four lichen metabolites, evernic acid (1), vulpic acid (2), psoromic acid (3), and (+)-usnic acid (4), were evaluated against LS parasites of Plasmodium berghei. Inhibition of P. falciparum blood stage (BS) parasites was also assessed to determine stage specificity. Compound 4 displayed the highest LS activity and stage specificity (LS IC50 value 2.3 μM, BS IC50 value 47.3 μM). The compounds 1-3 inhibited one or more enzymes (PfFabI, PfFabG, and PfFabZ) from the plasmodial fatty acid biosynthesis (FAS-II) pathway, a potential drug target for LS activity. To determine species specificity and to clarify the mechanism of reported antibacterial effects, 1-4 were also evaluated against FabI homologues and whole cells of various pathogens (S. aureus, E. coli, M. tuberculosis). Molecular modeling studies suggest that lichen acids act indirectly via binding to allosteric sites on the protein surface of the FAS-II enzymes. Potential toxicity of compounds was assessed in human hepatocyte and cancer cells (in vitro) as well as in a zebrafish model (in vivo). This study indicates the therapeutic and prophylactic potential of lichen metabolites as antibacterial and antiplasmodial agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ina L. Lauinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Livia Vivas
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Remo Perozzo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Christopher Stairiker
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 152614, USA
| | - Alice Tarun
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 152614, USA
| | - Mire Zloh
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Xujie Zhang
- Institute for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, NY 11794, USA
| | - Hua Xu
- Institute for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, NY 11794, USA
| | - Peter J. Tonge
- Institute for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, NY 11794, USA
| | - Scott G. Franzblau
- Institute for Tuberculosis Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Duc-Hung Pham
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Camila V. Esguerra
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander D. Crawford
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Deniz Tasdemir
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Shi Q, Greenhaw J, Salminen WF. Inhibition of cytochrome P450s enhances (+)-usnic acid cytotoxicity in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. J Appl Toxicol 2013; 34:835-40. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.2892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Revised: 03/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Shi
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research; U.S. FDA; 3900 NCTR Road Jefferson AR 72079 USA
| | - James Greenhaw
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research; U.S. FDA; 3900 NCTR Road Jefferson AR 72079 USA
| | - William F. Salminen
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research; U.S. FDA; 3900 NCTR Road Jefferson AR 72079 USA
- PAREXEL International; 7321 Hemlock Lane Sarasota FL 34241 USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Updates on chemical and biological research on botanical ingredients in dietary supplements. Anal Bioanal Chem 2013; 405:4373-84. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-012-6691-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Revised: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|