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Spezzini J, Piragine E, Flori L, Calderone V, Martelli A. Natural H 2S-donors: A new pharmacological opportunity for the management of overweight and obesity. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2388-2405. [PMID: 38430052 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of overweight and obesity has progressively increased in the last few years, becoming a real threat to healthcare systems. To date, the clinical management of body weight gain is an unmet medical need, as there are few approved anti-obesity drugs and most require an extensive monitoring and vigilance due to risk of adverse effects and poor patient adherence/persistence. Growing evidence has shown that the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and, therefore, H2S-donors could have a central role in the prevention and treatment of overweight/obesity. The main natural sources of H2S-donors are plants from the Alliaceae (garlic and onion), Brassicaceae (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, and wasabi), and Moringaceae botanical families. In particular, polysulfides and isothiocyanates, which slowly release H2S, derive from the hydrolysis of alliin from Alliaceae and glucosinolates from Brassicaceae/Moringaceae, respectively. In this review, we describe the emerging role of endogenous H2S in regulating adipose tissue function and the potential efficacy of natural H2S-donors in animal models of overweight/obesity, with a final focus on the preliminary results from clinical trials. We conclude that organosulfur-containing plants and their extracts could be used before or in combination with conventional anti-obesity agents to improve treatment efficacy and reduce inflammation in obesogenic conditions. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish their clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health (NUTRAFOOD)", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Biology and Pathology of Ageing", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health (NUTRAFOOD)", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Biology and Pathology of Ageing", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Luan H, Wang Z, Zhang Z, Hou B, Liu Z, Yang L, Yang M, Ma Y, Zhang B. Brassica oleracea L. extract ameliorates isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury by regulating HIF-1α-mediated glycolysis. Fitoterapia 2024; 172:105715. [PMID: 37907131 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105715] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Brassica oleracea L. (BO) is an important vegetable with proven health benefits. This study aimed to elucidate the constituents of BO leaf extract (BOE) and evaluate its effect on myocardial injury. For this purpose, the constituents of BOE were identified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of- flight mass spectrometry, and 26 compounds were determined, including glucosinolates, sulfur compounds, alkaloids, phenolic acids, flavones, and two other kinds of compounds. The effects of BOE on myocardial cells were evaluated using isoproterenol (ISO)-treated H9C2 cells and Wistar rats, and the results revealed that BOE could inhibit cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and reduce the levels of B-type natriuretic peptide, nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, lactic acid, and pyruvic acid. Meanwhile, BOE could increase the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, BOE could reduce the levels of apoptosis- and glycolysis-related proteins. Taken together, our data demonstrated that BOE treatment could alleviate ISO-induced myocardial cell injury by downregulating apoptosis and glycolysis signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Luan
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhui Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, People's Republic of China
| | - Baohua Hou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, People's Republic of China
| | - Lanping Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengmeng Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yile Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, People's Republic of China
| | - Baobao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, People's Republic of China.
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Liu H, Li Z, Xia X, Zhang R, Wang W, Xiang X. Chemical profile of phenolic extracts from rapeseed meal and inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase: UPLC-MS/MS analysis, multispectral approaches, molecular simulation and ADMET analysis. Food Res Int 2023; 174:113517. [PMID: 37986420 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113517] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Rapeseed meal (RSM) is the by-product of rapeseed processing that enriches phenolic compounds. However, the comprehensive characterization of its phenolic substances in terms of composition and potential activities remains incomplete, leading to limited utilization in the food industry. In this study, the phenolic profile from RSM (referred to as RMP) was identified, and their inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase were investigated. UPLC-MS/MS analysis showed that a total of 466 phenolic compounds were detected in RMP. The primary components were sinapic acid (SA), caffeic acid (CA), salicylic acid (SAA), and astragalin (AS). Multispectral approaches demonstrated significant inhibitory capacity of RMP against α-glucosidase with a half inhibition value (IC50) of 0.32 mg/mL, with a stronger inhibition compared to CA/SAA/AS (IC50: 4.0, 5.9, and 0.9 mg/mL) in addition to the previously reported SA, suggesting a synergistic effect. Both RMP and CA/SAA/AS altered the secondary structure of α-glucosidase to quench its intrinsic fluorescence. Molecular simulation results revealed that hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces primarily contributed to the interaction between CA/SAA/AS and α-glucosidase, as well as verified the stability of the binding process over the entire simulation duration. The ADMET analysis showed that CYP2D6 was not inhibited by CA/SAA/AS, which had no AMES toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and skin sensitization. This finding suggests the potential of RMP against α-glucosidase for the treatment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Liu
- Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Oil Crops and Lipids Process Technology National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Oilseeds Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hubei Key Laboratory of Lipid Chemistry and Nutrition, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Ziliang Li
- Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Oil Crops and Lipids Process Technology National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Oilseeds Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hubei Key Laboratory of Lipid Chemistry and Nutrition, Wuhan 430062, China; School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Xiaoyang Xia
- Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Oil Crops and Lipids Process Technology National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Oilseeds Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hubei Key Laboratory of Lipid Chemistry and Nutrition, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Ruiying Zhang
- Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Oil Crops and Lipids Process Technology National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Oilseeds Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hubei Key Laboratory of Lipid Chemistry and Nutrition, Wuhan 430062, China; School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Oil Crops and Lipids Process Technology National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Oilseeds Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hubei Key Laboratory of Lipid Chemistry and Nutrition, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Xia Xiang
- Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Oil Crops and Lipids Process Technology National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Oilseeds Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hubei Key Laboratory of Lipid Chemistry and Nutrition, Wuhan 430062, China.
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Testai L, Montanaro R, Flori L, Pagnotta E, Vellecco V, Gorica E, Ugolini L, Righetti L, Brancaleone V, Bucci M, Piragine E, Martelli A, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Ghelardini C, Calderone V. Persulfidation of mitoKv7.4 channels contributes to the cardioprotective effects of the H 2S-donor Erucin against ischemia/reperfusion injury. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115728. [PMID: 37524208 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter deeply involved in cardiovascular homeostasis and implicated in the myocardial protection against ischemia/reperfusion. The post-translational persulfidation of cysteine residues has been identified as the mechanism through which H2S regulates a plethora of biological targets. Erucin (ERU) is an isothiocyanate produced upon hydrolysis of the glucosinolate glucoerucin, presents in edible plants of Brassicaceae family, such as Eruca sativa Mill., and it has emerged as a slow and long-lasting H2S-donor. AIM In this study the cardioprotective profile of ERU has been investigated and the action mechanism explored, focusing on the possible role of the recently identified mitochondrial Kv7.4 (mitoKv7.4) potassium channels. RESULTS Interestingly, ERU showed to release H2S and concentration-dependently protected H9c2 cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage. Moreover, in in vivo model of myocardial infarct ERU showed protective effects, reducing the extension of ischemic area, the levels of troponin I and increasing the amount of total AnxA1, as well as co-related inflammatory outcomes. Conversely, the pre-treatment with XE991, a blocker of Kv7.4 channels, abolished them. In isolated cardiac mitochondria ERU exhibited the typical profile of a mitochondrial potassium channels opener, in particular, this isothiocyanate produced a mild depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, a reduction of calcium accumulation into the matrix and finally a flow of potassium ions. Finally, mitoKv7.4 channels were persulfidated in ERU-treated mitochondria. CONCLUSIONS ERU modulates the cardiac mitoKv7.4 channels and this mechanism may be relevant for cardioprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - R Montanaro
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - L Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy
| | - E Pagnotta
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - V Vellecco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - E Gorica
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy
| | - L Ugolini
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - L Righetti
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - V Brancaleone
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - M Bucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - E Piragine
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy
| | - A Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-Neurofarba-Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - C Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-Neurofarba-Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - V Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Ayadi J, Debouba M, Rahmani R, Bouajila J. The Phytochemical Screening and Biological Properties of Brassica napus L. var. napobrassica (Rutabaga) Seeds. Molecules 2023; 28:6250. [PMID: 37687079 PMCID: PMC10488400 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176250] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Rutabaga, also known as swede and scientifically classified as Brassica napus napobrassica, is a biennial edible root vegetable that belongs to the Brassica genus and is widely cultivated in North Europe and North America. The present study highlights both the phytochemical profile and the in vitro biological properties of rutabaga seed extracts obtained through maceration using solvents of increasing polarity, namely, cyclohexane (CYHA), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), methanol (MeOH), and water (H2O). HPLC-DAD was used to identify and quantify phenolic compounds, while volatile compounds were detected using GC-MS. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of the rutabaga seed extracts was evaluated through DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity (15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) enzyme) was determined spectrophotometrically at the same concentration. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of the seed extracts was evaluated against human colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293) using the MTT assay. The rutabaga seed extracts obtained from EtOAc, MeOH, and H2O were particularly rich in reducing sugars, ranging from 189.87 to 473.75 mg/g DW. The MeOH extract displayed the highest concentration of both sugars and polyphenols. Phytochemically, the HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of four phenolic compounds in the tested extracts, including (±) synephrine, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, and trans-ferulic acid, newly discovered in rutabaga organs. Moreover, a total of ten volatile compounds were identified through GC-MS analysis, both before and after derivatization. At a concentration of 50 µg/mL, the methanol extract exhibited high antioxidant activity with 52.95% inhibition, while CYHA, DCM, and EtOAc exhibited moderate anti-15-LOX activity with less than 30% inhibition. Except for DCM and aqueous extracts, rutabaga seeds did not exhibit any anti-proliferative potential against Caco-2 cell lines. Interestingly, no cytotoxicity was registered for any of the seed extracts against the normal cell line HEK-293. Overall, the obtained data highlight the potential utilization of rutabaga seeds as a source of bioactive compounds in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and functional foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawaher Ayadi
- Laboratoire de Recherche, Biodiversité, Molécule et Application, Institut Supérieur de Biologie Appliquée de Médenine, Université de Gabès, Zrig, Gabès 6072, Tunisia; (J.A.); (R.R.)
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, F-31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Mohamed Debouba
- Laboratoire de Recherche, Biodiversité, Molécule et Application, Institut Supérieur de Biologie Appliquée de Médenine, Université de Gabès, Zrig, Gabès 6072, Tunisia; (J.A.); (R.R.)
| | - Rami Rahmani
- Laboratoire de Recherche, Biodiversité, Molécule et Application, Institut Supérieur de Biologie Appliquée de Médenine, Université de Gabès, Zrig, Gabès 6072, Tunisia; (J.A.); (R.R.)
| | - Jalloul Bouajila
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, F-31062 Toulouse, France
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Citi V, Passerini M, Calderone V, Testai L. Plants and Mushrooms as Possible New Sources of H 2S Releasing Sulfur Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11886. [PMID: 37569263 PMCID: PMC10418851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), known for many decades exclusively for its toxicity and the smell of rotten eggs, has been re-discovered for its pleiotropic effects at the cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular level. Therefore, great attention is being paid to the discovery of molecules able to release H2S in a smart manner, i.e., slowly and for a long time, thus ensuring the maintenance of its physiological levels and preventing "H2S-poor" diseases. Despite the development of numerous synthetically derived molecules, the observation that plants containing sulfur compounds share the same pharmacological properties as H2S led to the characterization of naturally derived compounds as H2S donors. In this regard, polysulfuric compounds occurring in plants belonging to the Alliaceae family were the first characterized as H2S donors, followed by isothiocyanates derived from vegetables belonging to the Brassicaceae family, and this led us to consider these plants as nutraceutical tools and their daily consumption has been demonstrated to prevent the onset of several diseases. Interestingly, sulfur compounds are also contained in many fungi. In this review, we speculate about the possibility that they may be novel sources of H2S-donors, furnishing new data on the release of H2S from several selected extracts from fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 56120 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.)
| | | | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 56120 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Center of Nutrafood, University of Pisa, Via Del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 56120 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Center of Nutrafood, University of Pisa, Via Del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Antiproliferative and Proapoptotic Effects of Erucin, a Diet-Derived H 2S Donor, on Human Melanoma Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 12:antiox12010041. [PMID: 36670903 PMCID: PMC9854590 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and is characterized by chemotherapy resistance and recurrence despite the new promising therapeutic approaches. In the last years, erucin (ERU), the major isothiocyanate present in Eruca sativa, commonly known as rocket salads, has demonstrated great efficacy as an anticancer agent in different in vitro and in vivo models. More recently, the chemopreventive effects of ERU have been associated with its property of being a H2S donor in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Here, we investigated the effects of ERU in modulating proliferation and inducing human melanoma cell death by using multiple in vitro approaches. ERU significantly reduced the proliferation of different human melanoma cell lines. A flow cytometry analysis with annexin V/PI demonstrated that ERU was able to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in A375 melanoma cells. The proapoptotic effect of ERU was associated with the modulation of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related cadherins and transcription factors. Moreover, ERU thwarted the migration, invasiveness and clonogenic abilities of A375 melanoma cells. These effects were associated with melanogenesis impairment and mitochondrial fitness modulation. Therefore, we demonstrated that ERU plays an important role in inhibiting the progression of melanoma and could represent a novel add-on therapy for the treatment of human melanoma.
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Piragine E, Citi V, Lawson K, Calderone V, Martelli A. Regulation of blood pressure by natural sulfur compounds: Focus on their mechanisms of action. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 206:115302. [PMID: 36265595 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural sulfur compounds are emerging as therapeutic options for the management of hypertension and prehypertension. They are mainly represented by polysulfides from Alliaceae (i.e., garlic) and isothiocyanates from Brassicaceae (or crucifers). The beneficial cardiovascular effects of these compounds, especially garlic polysulfides, are well known and widely reported both in preclinical and clinical studies. However, only a few authors have linked the ability of natural sulfur compounds to induce vasorelaxation and subsequent antihypertensive effects with their ability to release hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in biological tissue. H2S is an endogenous gasotransmitter involved in vascular tone regulation. Some cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, are associated with lower plasma H2S levels. Consequently, exogenous sources of H2S (H2S donors) have been designed and synthesized or identified among secondary plant metabolites as potential therapeutic options. In addition to antioxidant effects due to its chemical properties as a reducing agent, H2S induces vasorelaxation by interacting with a range of molecular targets. The mechanisms of action accounting for H2S-induced vasodilation include opening of vascular potassium channels (such as ATP-sensitive (KATP) and voltage-operated (Kv7) channels), inhibition of 5-phosphodiesterase (5-PDE), and activation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). These effects may be attributed to H2S-induced S-persulfidation (or S-sulfhydration), which is a posttranslational modification of cysteine residues of many types of proteins resulting in structural and functional alterations (activation/inhibition). Thus, H2S donors, such as natural sulfur compounds, are promising antihypertensive agents with novel mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Piragine
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Kim Lawson
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center "Biology and Pathology of Ageing", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center "Biology and Pathology of Ageing", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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9
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Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Molecular Hybrids between Antiglaucoma Drugs and H 2S Donors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213804. [PMID: 36430281 PMCID: PMC9695456 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases consisting of optic nerve damage with corresponding loss of field vision and blindness. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous neurotransmitter implicated in various pathophysiological processes. It is involved in the pathological mechanism of glaucomatous neuropathy and exerts promising effects in the treatment of this disease. In this work, we designed and synthetized new molecular hybrids between antiglaucoma drugs and H2S donors to combine the pharmacological effect of both moieties, providing a heightened therapy. Brinzolamide, betaxolol and brimonidine were linked to different H2S donors. The H2S-releasing properties of the new compounds were evaluated in a phosphate buffer solution by the amperometric approach, and evaluated in human primary corneal epithelial cells (HCEs) by spectrofluorometric measurements. Experimental data showed that compounds 1c, 1d and 3d were the hybrids with the best properties, characterized by a significant and long-lasting production of the gasotransmitter both in the aqueous solution (in the presence of L-cysteine) and in the intracellular environment. Because, to date, the donation of H2S by antiglaucoma H2S donor hybrids using non-immortalized corneal cells has never been reported, these results pave the way to further investigation of the potential efficacy of the newly synthesized compounds.
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Potential effects of Alliaceae and Brassicaceae edible plants on blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106519. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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11
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Lucarini E, Micheli L, Pagnotta E, Toti A, Ferrara V, Ciampi C, Margiotta F, Martelli A, Testai L, Calderone V, Matteo R, Suriano S, Troccoli A, Pecchioni N, Manera C, Mannelli LDC, Ghelardini C. The Efficacy of Camelina sativa Defatted Seed Meal against Colitis-Induced Persistent Visceral Hypersensitivity: The Relevance of PPAR α Receptor Activation in Pain Relief. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14153137. [PMID: 35956313 PMCID: PMC9370738 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Brassicaceae are natural sources of bioactive compounds able to promote gut health. Belonging to this plant family, Camelina sativa is an ancient oil crop rich in glucosinolates, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants that is attracting renewed attention for its nutraceutical potential. This work aimed at investigating the therapeutic effects of a defatted seed meal (DSM) of Camelina sativa on the colon damage and the persistent visceral hypersensitivity associated with colitis in rats. Inflammation was induced by the intrarectal injection of 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS). The acute administration of Camelina sativa DSM (0.1–1 g kg−1) showed a dose-dependent pain-relieving effect in DNBS-treated rats. The efficacy of the meal was slightly enhanced after bioactivation with myrosinase, which increased isothiocyanate availability, and drastically decreased by pre-treating the animals with the selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR α) receptor antagonist GW6471. Repeated treatments with Camelina sativa DSM (1 g kg−1) meal counteracted the development, as well as the persistence, of visceral hyperalgesia in DNBS-treated animals by reducing the intestinal inflammatory damage and preventing enteric neuron damage. In conclusion, Camelina sativa meal might be employed as a nutraceutical tool to manage persistent abdominal pain in patients and to promote gut healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lucarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Eleonora Pagnotta
- CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Alessandra Toti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Valentina Ferrara
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Clara Ciampi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Francesco Margiotta
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.); (C.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre Nutraceuticals and Food for Health—NUTRAFOOD, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.); (C.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre Nutraceuticals and Food for Health—NUTRAFOOD, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.); (C.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre Nutraceuticals and Food for Health—NUTRAFOOD, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Matteo
- CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Serafino Suriano
- CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (S.S.); (A.T.); (N.P.)
| | - Antonio Troccoli
- CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (S.S.); (A.T.); (N.P.)
| | - Nicola Pecchioni
- CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (S.S.); (A.T.); (N.P.)
| | - Clementina Manera
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
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