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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.
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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
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Rosa L, Cutone A, Galla R, Uberti F, Valenti P. Neutralizing activity of Usnic acid and β-cyclodextrins complex against SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudovirus. Nat Prod Res 2024; 38:2129-2134. [PMID: 37436919 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2235715] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 and its infection severity require an urgent development of antiviral agents. In this respect, Usnic acid (UA), a natural dibenzofuran derivative, exerts antiviral activity against several viruses, though presenting very low solubility and high cytotoxicity. Here, UA was complexed with β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs), a pharmaceutical excipient used to improve drug solubility. The cytotoxic activity, tested on Vero E6 cells, revealed no effect for β-CDs alone whereas significant cytotoxicity for the UA/β-CDs complex was recorded at concentrations ≥ 0.05%. The neutralizing activity towards the fusion of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Pseudovirus showed no effects for β-CDs alone whereas the UA/β-CDs complex, when pre-incubated with the viral particles, efficiently inhibited the Pseudoviral fusion of about 90 and 82% at non-cytotoxic concentrations of 0.03 and 0.01%, respectively. In conclusion, although further evidences are needed to clarify the exact inhibition mechanism, UA/β-CDs complex could be useful in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Antimo Cutone
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Pesche, Italy
| | - Rebecca Galla
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Noivita srls, spin-off, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesca Uberti
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Sarkar D, Midha P, Shanti SS, Singh SK. A comprehensive review on the decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209)-induced male reproductive toxicity: Evidences from rodent studies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165938. [PMID: 37541514 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a class of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), are employed in various manufactured products to prevent fires, slow down their spread and reduce the resulting damages. Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), an example of PBDEs, accounts for approximately 82 % of the total production of PBDEs. BDE-209 is a thyroid hormone (TH)-disrupting chemical owing to its structural similarity with TH. Currently, increase in the level of BDE-209 in biological samples has become a major issue because of its widespread use. BDE-209 causes male reproductive toxicity mainly via impairment of steroidogenesis, generation of oxidative stress (OS) and interference with germ cell dynamics. Further, exposure to this chemical can affect metabolic status, sperm concentration, epigenetic regulation of various developmental genes and integrity of blood-testis barrier in murine testis. However, the possible adverse effects of BDE-209 and its mechanism of action on the male reproductive health have not yet been critically evaluated. Hence, the present review article, with the help of available literature, aims to elucidate the reproductive toxicity of BDE-209 in relation to thyroid dysfunction in rodents. Further, several crucial pathways have been also highlighted in order to strengthen our knowledge on BDE-209-induced male reproductive toxicity. Data were extracted from scientific articles available in PubMed, Web of Science, and other databases. A thorough understanding of the risk assessment of BDE-209 exposure and mechanisms of its action is crucial for greater awareness of the potential threat of this BFR to preserve male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debarshi Sarkar
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, VPO-Ghudda, Bathinda 151401, India
| | - Parul Midha
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, VPO-Ghudda, Bathinda 151401, India
| | - Shashanka Sekhar Shanti
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, VPO-Ghudda, Bathinda 151401, India
| | - Shio Kumar Singh
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
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Wang H, Xuan M, Diao J, Xu N, Li M, Huang C, Wang C. Metabolism and toxicity of usnic acid and barbatic acid based on microsomes, S9 fraction, and 3T3 fibroblasts in vitro combined with a UPLC-Q-TOF-MS method. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1207928. [PMID: 37397492 PMCID: PMC10308081 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1207928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Usnic acid (UA) and barbatic acid (BA), two typical dibenzofurans and depsides in lichen, have a wide range of pharmacological activities and hepatotoxicity concerns. This study aimed to clarify the metabolic pathway of UA and BA and illuminate the relationship between metabolism and toxicity. Methods: An UPLC-Q-TOF-MS method was developed for metabolite identification of UA and BA in human liver microsomes (HLMs), rat liver microsomes (RLMs), and S9 fraction (RS9). The key metabolic enzymes responsible for UA and BA were identified by enzyme inhibitors combined with recombinant human cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. The cytotoxicity and metabolic toxicity mechanism of UA and BA were determined by the combination model of human primary hepatocytes and mouse 3T3 fibroblasts. Results: The hydroxylation, methylation, and glucuronidation reactions were involved in the metabolic profiles of UA and BA in RLMs, HLMs, and RS9. CYP2C9, CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and UGT1A1 are key metabolic enzymes responsible for metabolites of UA and CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP1A1, UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A9, and UGT1A10 for metabolites of BA. UA and BA did not display evident cytotoxicity in human primary hepatocytes at concentrations of 0.01-25 and 0.01-100 µM, respectively, but showed potential cytotoxicity to mouse 3T3 fibroblasts with 50% inhibitory concentration values of 7.40 and 60.2 µM. Discussion: In conclusion, the attenuated cytotoxicity of BA is associated with metabolism, and UGTs may be the key metabolic detoxification enzymes. The cytotoxicity of UA may be associated with chronic toxicity. The present results provide important insights into the understanding of the biotransformation behavior and metabolic detoxification of UA and BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxue Wang
- Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Xuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Eighth People’s Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Juanjuan Diao
- Analysis and Testing Center, Xinjiang Medical University (Xuelanshan Campus), Urumqi, China
| | - Nan Xu
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Manlin Li
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Yildirim M, Degirmenci U, Akkapulu M, Gungor M, Oztornacı RO, Berkoz M, Comelekoglu U, Yalın AE, Yalın S. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Usnic Acid in Breast Cancer. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162023010296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Wang H, Xuan M, Huang C, Wang C. Advances in Research on Bioactivity, Toxicity, Metabolism, and Pharmacokinetics of Usnic Acid In Vitro and In Vivo. Molecules 2022; 27:7469. [PMID: 36364296 PMCID: PMC9657990 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Lichens are among the most widely distributed plants on earth and have the longest growth cycle. Usnic acid is an abundant characteristic secondary metabolite of lichens and the earliest lichen compound used commercially. It has diverse pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, and photoprotective effects, and promotes wound healing. It is widely used in dietary supplements, daily chemical products (fodder, dyes, food, perfumery, and cosmetics), and medicine. However, some studies have found that usnic acid can cause allergic dermatitis and drug-induced liver injury. In this paper, the bioactivity, toxicity, in vivo and in vitro metabolism, and pharmacokinetics of usnic acid were summarized. The aims were to develop and utilize usnic acid and provide reference for its future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxue Wang
- Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 230 Baoding Road, Shanghai 200082, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Min Xuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Eighth People’s Hospital, 84 Fengshan Road, Qingdao 266121, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
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7
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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.
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8
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Fan Y, Lu J, Yu Z, Qu X, Guan S. 1,3-Dichloro-2-propanol-Induced Renal Tubular Cell Necroptosis through the ROS/RIPK3/MLKL Pathway. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:10847-10857. [PMID: 36000575 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c02619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
1,3-Dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP), as a food pollutant, exists in a variety of foods. Studies have shown that it has nephrotoxicity. In the study, we found that 1,3-DCP caused renal injury with necroptosis in C57BL/6J mice. The mechanism of 1,3-DCP-caused nephrotoxicity was further explored in NRK-52E cells in vitro. We found that 1,3-DCP caused cell necroptosis with the increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and the expressions of RIPK3 and MLKL. But pretreatment with a ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a RIPK3 inhibitor GSK'872, or RIPK3 gene silencing alleviated 1,3-DCP-induced cell necroptosis. The data indicated that 1,3-DCP induced necroptosis through the ROS/RIPK3/MLKL pathway in NRK-52E cells. In further mechanistic studies, we explored how 1,3-DCP induced ROS production. We found that 1,3-DCP inhibited the expressions of nuclear and cytoplasmic Nrf2. But pretreatment with an Nrf2 activator dimethyl fumarate (DMF) up-regulated the expressions of nuclear and cytoplasmic Nrf2 and down-regulated ROS levels and RIPK3 and MLKL expressions. We also examined the effects of mitophagy on 1,3-DCP-induced ROS. The data manifested that 1,3-DCP suppressed mitophagy in NRK-52E cells by decreasing LC3-II, Pink1, and Parkin levels, increasing p62 levels, and decreasing colocalization of LC3 and Mito-Tracker Red. Pretreatment with an autophagy activator rapamycin (Rapa) decreased 1,3-DCP-induced ROS. Taken together, our data identified that 1,3-DCP caused renal necroptosis through the ROS/RIPK3/MLKL pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Fan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Lu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130062, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Zelin Yu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Qu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Guan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130062, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130062, People's Republic of China
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A new strategy for the rapid identification and validation of direct toxicity targets of psoralen-induced hepatotoxicity. Toxicol Lett 2022; 363:11-26. [PMID: 35597499 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between small-molecule compounds of traditional Chinese medicine and their direct targets is the molecular initiation event, which is the key factor for toxicity efficacy. Psoralen, an active component of Fructus Psoraleae, is toxic to the liver and has various pharmacological properties. Although the mechanism of psoralen-induced hepatotoxicity has been studied, the direct target of psoralen remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to discover direct targets of psoralen. To this end, we initially used proteomics based on drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) technology to identify the direct targets of psoralen. Next, we used surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis and verified the affinity effect of the 'component-target protein'. This method combines molecular docking technology to explore binding sites between small molecules and proteins. SPR and molecular docking confirmed that psoralen and tyrosine-protein kinase ABL1 could be stably combined. Based on the above experimental results, ABL1 is a potential direct target of psoralen-induced hepatotoxicity. Finally, the targets Nrf2 and mTOR, which are closely related to the hepatotoxicity caused by psoralen, were predicted by integrating proteomics and network pharmacology. The direct target ABL1 is located upstream of Nrf2 and mTOR, Nrf2 can influence the expression of mTOR by affecting the level of reactive oxygen species. Immunofluorescence experiments and western blot results showed that psoralen could affect ROS levels and downstream Nrf2 and mTOR protein changes, whereas the ABL1 inhibitor imatinib and ABL1 agonist DPH could enhance or inhibit this effect. In summary, we speculated that when psoralen causes hepatotoxicity, it acts on the direct target ABL1, resulting in a decrease in Nrf2 expression, an increase in ROS levels and a reduction in mTOR expression, which may cause cell death. We developed a new strategy for predicting and validating the direct targets of psoralen. This strategy identified the toxic target, ABL1, and the potential toxic mechanism of psoralen.
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Eckstrum K, Striz A, Ferguson M, Zhao Y, Sprando R. Evaluation of the utility of the Beta Human Liver Emulation System (BHLES) for CFSAN's regulatory toxicology program. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 161:112828. [PMID: 35066125 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.112828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPS), such as organ-on-a-chip platforms, are an emerging alternative model that may be useful for predicting human physiology and/or toxicity. Due to the interest in these platforms, the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition partnered with Emulate to evaluate the utility of the Beta Human Liver Emulation System (BHLES) for its regulatory science program. Using known hepatotoxic compounds (usnic acid, benzbromarone, tamoxifen, and acetaminophen) and compounds that have no reported human cases of liver toxicity (dimethyl sulfoxide, theophylline, and aminohippurate) the platforms' performance was evaluated. Chemical toxicity was assessed by albumin secretion, urea and LDH release, nuclei number, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis. System/platform performance was evaluated in terms of sensitivity and specificity, power, and variability and repeatability. Chemical interactions with the Chip material were also assessed. Preliminary findings suggested that for the model test compounds selected, the BHLES was able to accurately predict toxicity, demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, high power, and low variability. However, some compounds interacted with the Chip material indicating variable exposure levels that should be accounted for when planning experimentation. The details of the evaluation are presented herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Eckstrum
- Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, 20708, USA.
| | - Anneliese Striz
- Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, 20708, USA
| | - Martine Ferguson
- Office of Analytics and Outreach, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Yang Zhao
- Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, 20708, USA
| | - Robert Sprando
- Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, 20708, USA
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Sun L, Wang H, Yu S, Zhang L, Jiang J, Zhou Q. Herceptin induces ferroptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in H9c2 cells. Int J Mol Med 2021; 49:17. [PMID: 34935058 PMCID: PMC8711589 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.5072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis has been previously implicated in the pathological progression of cardiomyopathy. Herceptin (trastuzumab), which targets HER2, is commonly applied for the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer. However, its clinical use is limited by its cardiotoxicity. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate if targeting ferroptosis could protect against Herceptin‑induced heart failure in an in vitro model of H9c2 cells after treatment of Herceptin, Herceptin + ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin‑1 (Fer‑1) or Herceptin + Deferoxamine. H9c2 cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by measuring the fluorescence of DCFH‑DA‑A and MitoSOX™ Red. Glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio was measured using the GSH/GSSG Ratio Detection Assay kit. Mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content were evaluated by JC‑1 staining and bioluminescent assay kits, respectively. Protein expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4, recombinant solute carrier family 7 member 11, mitochondrial optic atrophy1‑1/2, mitofusin, Acyl‑CoA synthetase long chain family member 4, cytochrome c, voltage‑dependent anion‑selective channel, dynamin‑related protein, mitochondrial fission 1 protein and mitochondrial ferritin were evaluated by western blotting. It was found that Herceptin reduced H9c2 cell viability whilst increasing intracellular and mitochondrial ROS levels in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner. Furthermore, Herceptin decreased glutathione peroxidase (GPX) protein expression and the GSH/ GSSG ratio in H9c2 cells in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner. The Fer‑1 abolished this Herceptin‑induced reduction in cell viability, GSH/GSSG ratio, mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content. Fer‑1 also reversed the suppressive effects of Herceptin on the protein expression levels of GPX4, recombinant solute carrier family 7 member 11, mitochondrial optic atrophy1‑1/2 and mitofusin in H9c2 cells. Subsequently, Fer‑1 was found to reverse the Herceptin‑induced increase in mitochondrial ROS and iron levels in H9c2 cells, as well as the increased protein expression levels of Acyl‑CoA synthetase long chain family member 4, cytochrome c, voltage‑dependent anion‑selective channel, dynamin‑related protein, mitochondrial fission 1 protein and mitochondrial ferritin in H9c2 cells. However, compared with deferoxamine, an iron chelator, the effects of Fer‑1 were less effective. Collectively, these findings provided insights into the pathogenic mechanism that underlie Herceptin‑induced cardiomyopathy, which potentially provides a novel therapeutic target for the prevention of cardiotoxicity in HER2+ breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Sun
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Shanshan Yu
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Jue Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
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Discovery of a cinnamyl piperidine derivative as new neddylation inhibitor for gastric cancer treatment. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113896. [PMID: 34624825 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Targeting neddylation pathway has been recognized as an attractive anticancer therapeutic strategy, thus discovering potent and selective neddylation inhibitors is highly desirable. Our work reported the discovery of novel cinnamyl piperidine compounds and their antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. Among these compounds, compound 4g was identified as a novel neddylation inhibitor and decreased the neddylation levels of cullin 1, cullin 3 and cullin 5. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that compound 4g could inhibit the migration ability of gastric cancer cells and induce apoptosis partly mediated by the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. Furthermore, in vivo anti-tumor studies showed that 4g effectively inhibited tumor growth without obvious toxicity. Collectively, the cinnamyl piperidine derivatives could serve as new lead compounds for developing highly effective neddylation inhibitors for gastric cancer therapy.
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13
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Segovia-Zafra A, Di Zeo-Sánchez DE, López-Gómez C, Pérez-Valdés Z, García-Fuentes E, Andrade RJ, Lucena MI, Villanueva-Paz M. Preclinical models of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (iDILI): Moving towards prediction. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:3685-3726. [PMID: 35024301 PMCID: PMC8727925 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (iDILI) encompasses the unexpected harms that prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal and dietary supplements can cause to the liver. iDILI remains a major public health problem and a major cause of drug attrition. Given the lack of biomarkers for iDILI prediction, diagnosis and prognosis, searching new models to predict and study mechanisms of iDILI is necessary. One of the major limitations of iDILI preclinical assessment has been the lack of correlation between the markers of hepatotoxicity in animal toxicological studies and clinically significant iDILI. Thus, major advances in the understanding of iDILI susceptibility and pathogenesis have come from the study of well-phenotyped iDILI patients. However, there are many gaps for explaining all the complexity of iDILI susceptibility and mechanisms. Therefore, there is a need to optimize preclinical human in vitro models to reduce the risk of iDILI during drug development. Here, the current experimental models and the future directions in iDILI modelling are thoroughly discussed, focusing on the human cellular models available to study the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease and the most used in vivo animal iDILI models. We also comment about in silico approaches and the increasing relevance of patient-derived cellular models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Segovia-Zafra
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Gastroenterología, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga 29071, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Daniel E. Di Zeo-Sánchez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Gastroenterología, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga 29071, Spain
| | - Carlos López-Gómez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga 29010, Spain
| | - Zeus Pérez-Valdés
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Gastroenterología, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga 29071, Spain
| | - Eduardo García-Fuentes
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga 29010, Spain
| | - Raúl J. Andrade
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Gastroenterología, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga 29071, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - M. Isabel Lucena
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Gastroenterología, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga 29071, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Platform ISCIII de Ensayos Clínicos, UICEC-IBIMA, Málaga 29071, Spain
| | - Marina Villanueva-Paz
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Gastroenterología, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga 29071, Spain
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Wu W, Gou H, Dong J, Yang X, Zhao Y, Peng H, Chen D, Geng R, Chen L, Liu J. Usnic Acid Inhibits Proliferation and Migration through ATM Mediated DNA Damage Response in RKO Colorectal Cancer Cell. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 22:1129-1138. [PMID: 33006536 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666201002155955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Usnic Acid (UA), also known as lichenol, has been reported to have inhibitory effects on a variety of cancer cells, but its specific mechanism remained to be elucidated. Tumor chemotherapy drugs, especially DNA damage chemotherapeutic drugs, target Chromosomal DNA, but their spontaneous and acquired drug resistance are also an urgent problem to be solved. Therefore, drug combination research has become the focus of researchers. METHODS Here, we evaluated the tumor-suppressing molecular mechanism of UA in colorectal cancer cells RKO from the perspective of the ATM-mediated DNA damage signaling pathway through H2O2 simulating DNA damage chemotherapeutic drugs. CCK8 cell proliferation assay was used to determine the inhibition of RKO cells by hydrogen peroxide and UA alone or in combination, and wound healing assay was applied to determine the effect of the drug on cell migration. RESULTS Transfected cells with miRNA18a-5p mimics and inhibitors, MDC and DCFH-DA staining for the measurement of autophagy and ROS, cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry, expressions of microRNA and mRNA were determined by fluorescence quantitative PCR, and protein by Western blot. DISCUSSION We found that UA can upregulate ATM via miR-18a to activate the DNA damage signaling pathway and inhibit the proliferation and migration of RKO cells in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION At the same time, DNA damage responses, including cell cycle, autophagy, apoptosis and ROS levels, are also regulated by UA. Therefore, UA combined with DNA damage chemotherapeutic drugs may be an effective treatment for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbing Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hui Gou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jingying Dong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaolong Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yanan Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Heng Peng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ruiman Geng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lihong Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ji Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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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.
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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.
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Villanueva-Paz M, Morán L, López-Alcántara N, Freixo C, Andrade RJ, Lucena MI, Cubero FJ. Oxidative Stress in Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI): From Mechanisms to Biomarkers for Use in Clinical Practice. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:390. [PMID: 33807700 PMCID: PMC8000729 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a type of hepatic injury caused by an uncommon drug adverse reaction that can develop to conditions spanning from asymptomatic liver laboratory abnormalities to acute liver failure (ALF) and death. The cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in DILI are poorly understood. Hepatocyte damage can be caused by the metabolic activation of chemically active intermediate metabolites that covalently bind to macromolecules (e.g., proteins, DNA), forming protein adducts-neoantigens-that lead to the generation of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which can eventually lead to cell death. In parallel, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) stimulate the immune response, whereby inflammasomes play a pivotal role, and neoantigen presentation on specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules trigger the adaptive immune response. A wide array of antioxidant mechanisms exists to counterbalance the effect of oxidants, including glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), which are pivotal in detoxification. These get compromised during DILI, triggering an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants defense systems, generating oxidative stress. As a result of exacerbated oxidative stress, several danger signals, including mitochondrial damage, cell death, and inflammatory markers, and microRNAs (miRNAs) related to extracellular vesicles (EVs) have already been reported as mechanistic biomarkers. Here, the status quo and the future directions in DILI are thoroughly discussed, with a special focus on the role of oxidative stress and the development of new biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Villanueva-Paz
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Gastroenterología, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, CIBERehd, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (M.V.-P.); (M.I.L.)
| | - Laura Morán
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.); (N.L.-A.)
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria López-Alcántara
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.); (N.L.-A.)
| | - Cristiana Freixo
- CINTESIS, Center for Health Technology and Services Research, do Porto University School of Medicine, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Raúl J. Andrade
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Gastroenterología, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, CIBERehd, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (M.V.-P.); (M.I.L.)
| | - M Isabel Lucena
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Gastroenterología, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, CIBERehd, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (M.V.-P.); (M.I.L.)
| | - Francisco Javier Cubero
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.); (N.L.-A.)
- 12 de Octubre Health Research Institute (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
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Krajka-Kuźniak V, Paluszczak J, Kleszcz R, Baer-Dubowska W. (+)-Usnic acid modulates the Nrf2-ARE pathway in FaDu hypopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2539-2549. [PMID: 33635505 PMCID: PMC8119403 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04092-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Naturally occurring phytochemicals of different origin and structure, arctigenin, bergenin, usnic acid and xanthohumol, were shown to affect Nrf2 pathway in the context of various diseases, but their effect on this pathway in cancer cells was not extensively investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of these compounds on Nrf2 expression and activation in hypopharyngeal FaDu squamous cell carcinoma cells. FaDu cells were treated with 2 or 10 μM arctigenin, bergenin, (+)-usnic acid or xanthohumol for 24 h. While arctigenin, bergenin, and xanthohumol did not affect either Nrf2 expression or activation, (+)-usnic acid treatment increased its transcript level and increased the nuclear/cytosol Nrf2 protein ratio—the measure of Nrf2 pathway activation. Consequently, (+)-usnic acid enhanced the transcription and translation of Nrf2 target genes: NQO1, SOD, and to a lesser extent, GSTP. The treatment of FaDu cells with (+)-usnic acid decreased both GSK-3β transcript and protein level, indicating its possible involvement in Nrf2 activation. All the tested compounds decreased Bax mRNA but did not change the level of Bax protein. (+)-Usnic acid tended to increase the percentage of early apoptotic cells and LC3 protein, autophagy marker. Significant induction of p53 also was observed after treatment with (+)-usnic acid. In summary, the results of this study indicate that low concentrations of (+)-usnic acid activate Nrf2 transcription factor, most probably as a result of ROS accumulation, but do not lead to FaDu hypopharyngeal carcinoma cells death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violetta Krajka-Kuźniak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Jarosław Paluszczak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Robert Kleszcz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wanda Baer-Dubowska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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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.
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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.
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Chen S, Wu Q, Li X, Li D, Fan M, Ren Z, Bryant M, Mei N, Ning B, Guo L. The role of hepatic cytochrome P450s in the cytotoxicity of sertraline. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:2401-2411. [PMID: 32372212 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02753-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Sertraline, an antidepressant, is commonly used to manage mental health symptoms related to depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The use of sertraline has been associated with rare but severe hepatotoxicity. Previous research demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress were involved in sertraline-associated cytotoxicity. In this study, we reported that after a 24-h treatment in HepG2 cells, sertraline caused cytotoxicity, suppressed topoisomerase I and IIα, and damaged DNA in a concentration-dependent manner. We also investigated the role of cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated metabolism in sertraline-induced toxicity using our previously established HepG2 cell lines individually expressing 14 CYPs (1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C18, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, 3A4, 3A5, and 3A7). We demonstrated that CYP2D6, 2C19, 2B6, and 2C9 metabolize sertraline, and sertraline-induced cytotoxicity was significantly decreased in the cells expressing these CYPs. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the induction of ɣH2A.X (a hallmark of DNA damage) and topoisomerase inhibition were partially reversed in CYP2D6-, 2C19-, 2B6-, and 2C9-overexpressing HepG2 cells. These data indicate that DNA damage and topoisomerase inhibition are involved in sertraline-induced cytotoxicity and that CYPs-mediated metabolism plays a role in decreasing the toxicity of sertraline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Divisions of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA.
| | - Qiangen Wu
- Divisions of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Xilin Li
- Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Dongying Li
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, HFT-110, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Michelle Fan
- Life Health and Medical Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Zhen Ren
- Divisions of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Matthew Bryant
- Divisions of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Nan Mei
- Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Baitang Ning
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, HFT-110, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Lei Guo
- Divisions of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA.
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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]
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Jia Z, Zhao C, Wang M, Zhao X, Zhang W, Han T, Xia Q, Han Z, Lin R, Li X. Hepatotoxicity assessment of Rhizoma Paridis in adult zebrafish through proteomes and metabolome. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 121:109558. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Guo X, Seo JE, Li X, Mei N. Genetic toxicity assessment using liver cell models: past, present, and future. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2019; 23:27-50. [PMID: 31746269 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2019.1692744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Genotoxic compounds may be detoxified to non-genotoxic metabolites while many pro-carcinogens require metabolic activation to exert their genotoxicity in vivo. Standard genotoxicity assays were developed and utilized for risk assessment for over 40 years. Most of these assays are conducted in metabolically incompetent rodent or human cell lines. Deficient in normal metabolism and relying on exogenous metabolic activation systems, the current in vitro genotoxicity assays often have yielded high false positive rates, which trigger unnecessary and costly in vivo studies. Metabolically active cells such as hepatocytes have been recognized as a promising cell model in predicting genotoxicity of carcinogens in vivo. In recent years, significant advances in tissue culture and biological technologies provided new opportunities for using hepatocytes in genetic toxicology. This review encompasses published studies (both in vitro and in vivo) using hepatocytes for genotoxicity assessment. Findings from both standard and newly developed genotoxicity assays are summarized. Various liver cell models used for genotoxicity assessment are described, including the potential application of advanced liver cell models such as 3D spheroids, organoids, and engineered hepatocytes. An integrated strategy, that includes the use of human-based cells with enhanced biological relevance and throughput, and applying the quantitative analysis of data, may provide an approach for future genotoxicity risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Guo
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Ji-Eun Seo
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Xilin Li
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Nan Mei
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, USA
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Sarkar D, Joshi D, Singh SK. Maternal BDE-209 exposure during lactation causes testicular and epididymal toxicity through increased oxidative stress in peripubertal mice offspring. Toxicol Lett 2019; 311:66-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Shin HS, Lee HJ, Pyo MC, Ryu D, Lee KW. Ochratoxin A-Induced Hepatotoxicity through Phase I and Phase II Reactions Regulated by AhR in Liver Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E377. [PMID: 31261931 PMCID: PMC6669489 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11070377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a widespread mycotoxin produced by several species of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. OTA exists in a variety of foods, including rice, oats, and coffee and is hepatotoxic, with a similar mode of action as aflatoxin B1. The precise mechanism of cytotoxicity is not yet known, but oxidative damage is suspected to contribute to its cytotoxic effects. In this study, human hepatocyte HepG2 cells were treated with various concentrations of OTA (5-500 nM) for 48 h. OTA triggered oxidative stress as demonstrated by glutathione depletion and increased reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde level, and nitric oxide production. Apoptosis was observed with 500 nM OTA treatment. OTA increased both the mRNA and protein expression of phase I and II enzymes. The same results were observed in an in vivo study using ICR mice. Furthermore, the relationship between phase I and II enzymes was demonstrated by the knockdown of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) with siRNA. Taken together, our results show that OTA induces oxidative stress through the phase I reaction regulated by AhR and induces apoptosis, and that the phase II reaction is activated by Nrf2 in the presence of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Soo Shin
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Lee
- School of Food Science, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, MS 2312, USA
| | - Min Cheol Pyo
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Dojin Ryu
- School of Food Science, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, MS 2312, USA
| | - Kwang-Won Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
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Machado NM, Ribeiro AB, Nicolella HD, Ozelin SD, Silva LHDD, Guissone APP, Rinaldi-Neto F, Lemos ILL, Furtado RA, Cunha WR, Rezende AAAD, Spanó MA, Tavares DC. Usnic acid attenuates genomic instability in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells as well as chemical-induced preneoplastic lesions in rat colon. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2019; 82:401-410. [PMID: 31066341 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2019.1613274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Usnic acid (UA) is one of the pharmacologically most important compounds produced by several lichen species. To better understand the mechanism of action (MOA) of this important substance, this study examined the genotoxicity attributed to UA and its influence on mutagens with varying MOA using the micronucleus (MN) test in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO). Additional experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of UA on colon carcinogenesis in Wistar rats employing the aberrant crypt focus (ACF) assay. In vitro studies showed a significant increase in the frequency of MN in cultures treated with the highest UA concentration tested (87.13 µM). In contrast, UA concentrations of 10.89, 21.78, or 43.56 µM produced an approximate 60% reduction in chromosomal damage induced by doxorubicin, hydrogen peroxide, and etoposide, indicating an antigenotoxic effect. In the ACF assay, male Wistar rats treated with different UA doses (3.125, 12.5, or 50 mg/kg b.w.) and with the carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine exhibited a significantly lower incidence of neoplastic lesions in the colon than animals treated only with the carcinogen. Data suggest that the MOA responsible for the chemopreventive effect of UA may be related to interaction with DNA topoisomerase II and/or the antioxidant potential of the compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayane Moreira Machado
- a Institute of Biotechnology , Federal University of Uberlândia , Uberlândia , MG , Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexandre Azenha Alves De Rezende
- a Institute of Biotechnology , Federal University of Uberlândia , Uberlândia , MG , Brazil
- c Faculty of Integrated Sciences of Pontal , Federal University of Uberlândia , Ituiutaba , MG , Brazil
| | - Mário Antônio Spanó
- a Institute of Biotechnology , Federal University of Uberlândia , Uberlândia , MG , Brazil
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Piska K, Galanty A, Koczurkiewicz P, Żmudzki P, Potaczek J, Podolak I, Pękala E. Usnic acid reactive metabolites formation in human, rat, and mice microsomes. Implication for hepatotoxicity. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 120:112-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Luzina OA, Salakhutdinov NF. Usnic acid and its derivatives for pharmaceutical use: a patent review (2000-2017). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2018; 28:477-491. [PMID: 29718734 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2018.1472239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Usnic acid (UA) is a lichen-derived secondary metabolite with a unique dibenzofuran skeleton and is commonly found in lichenized fungi of the genera Usnea and Cladonia. Usnic acid has been incorporated for years in cosmetics, perfumery, and traditional medicines. It has a wide range of bioactivities, including antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory properties. AREAS COVERED This review covers patents on therapeutic activities of UA and its synthetic derivatives published during the period 2000-2017. EXPERT OPINION UA demonstrates excellent anticancer and antimicrobial properties. However, its application was withdrawn due to acute liver toxicity reported with chronic consumption. The broad spectrum of its biological activity indicates high the variability of UA's binding preferences. The main idea to be addressed in the future should include the synthesis of UA derivatives because these might possess increased bioactivity, bioavailability and decreased toxicity. It is noteworthy that UA derivatives possessed better antibacterial, antitubercular, and anticancer activity than the parent compound . Most importantly, UA and its analogs (to a greater extent than UA) can be useful in cancer drug treatment. They have the potential for joint application with other anticancer drugs in order to overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Luzina
- a Department of Medicinal Chemistry, N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry , Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russian Federation
| | - Nariman F Salakhutdinov
- a Department of Medicinal Chemistry, N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry , Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russian Federation.,b Novosibirsk State University , Novosibirsk , Russian Federation
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Chen S, Ren Z, Yu D, Ning B, Guo L. DNA damage-induced apoptosis and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway contribute to the toxicity of dronedarone in hepatic cells. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2018; 59:278-289. [PMID: 29399883 PMCID: PMC7941192 DOI: 10.1002/em.22173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Dronedarone, an antiarrhythmic drug, has been marketed as an alternative to amiodarone. The use of dronedarone has been associated with severe liver injury; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the possible mechanisms of dronedarone induced liver toxicity were characterized in HepG2 cells. Dronedarone decreased cells viability and induced apoptosis and DNA damage in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Pretreatment of the HepG2 cells with apoptosis inhibitors (caspase-3, -8, and -9) or the necrosis inhibitor (Necrox-5), partially, but significantly, reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase. Dronedarone caused the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol, a prominent feature of apoptosis. In addition, the activation of caspase-2 was involved in dronedarone induced DNA damage and the activation of JNK and p38 signaling pathways. Inhibition of JNK and p38 by specific inhibitors attenuated dronedarone-induced cell death, apoptosis, and DNA damage. Additionally, suppression of caspase-2 decreased the activities of JNK and p38. Dronedarone triggered DNA damage was regulated by downregulation of topoisomerase IIα at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Taken together, our data show that DNA damage, apoptosis, and the activation of JNK and p38 contribute to dronedarone-induced cytotoxicity. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:278-289, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079
- Correspondence to: Si Chen, Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR 72079. or Lei Guo, Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079.
| | - Zhen Ren
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079
| | - Dianke Yu
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Baitang Ning
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079
| | - Lei Guo
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079
- Correspondence to: Si Chen, Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR 72079. or Lei Guo, Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079.
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Ren Z, Chen S, Ning B, Guo L. Use of Liver-Derived Cell Lines for the Study of Drug-Induced Liver Injury. METHODS IN PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7677-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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ROS generation and JNK activation contribute to 4-methoxy-TEMPO-induced cytotoxicity, autophagy, and DNA damage in HepG2 cells. Arch Toxicol 2017; 92:717-728. [PMID: 28993908 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-2084-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
4-Methoxy-TEMPO, a derivative of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO), is a stable nitroxide radical and is generally used in organic and pharmaceutical syntheses for the oxidation of alcohols. Previously, we reported the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) in TEMPO-induced apoptosis in mouse L5178Y cells. In this study, we investigated 4-methoxy-TEMPO induced toxicity in human HepG2 hepatoma cells and its underlying mechanisms. Treatments with 4-methoxy-TEMPO (0.5-5 mM for 2-6 h) caused oxidative stress as demonstrated by increased intensity of the ROS indicator H2DCF-DA, decreased levels of glutathione. 4-Methoxy-TEMPO treatment also induced DNA damage as characterized by increased levels of DNA tail intensity in the Comet assay, increased phosphorylation of related proteins including γ-H2A.X, p-Chk1, and p-Chk2, and activation of MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, 4-methoxy-TEMPO also induced autophagy as demonstrated by the conversion of LC3B-I to II, decreased level of p62, and the appearance of GFP-LC3B punctae. To investigate the crosstalk between different signaling pathways, pretreatment of HepG2 with N-acetylcysteine, an ROS scavenger, attenuated 4-methoxy-TEMPO-induced DNA damage, suppressed JNK activation, and diminished autophagy induction. Furthermore, inhibiting JNK activation by a JNK-specific inhibitor, SP600125, decreased DNA damage levels induced by 4-methoxy-TEMPO. These results suggest that multiple mechanisms including ROS generation, DNA damage, and MAPK activation contribute to 4-methoxy-TEMPO-induced toxicity.
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Ren Z, Chen S, Qing T, Xuan J, Couch L, Yu D, Ning B, Shi L, Guo L. Endoplasmic reticulum stress and MAPK signaling pathway activation underlie leflunomide-induced toxicity in HepG2 Cells. Toxicology 2017; 392:11-21. [PMID: 28988120 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Leflunomide, used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, has been reported to cause severe liver problems and liver failure; however, the underlying mechanisms are not clear. In this study, we used multiple approaches including genomic analysis to investigate and characterize the possible molecular mechanisms of the cytotoxicity of leflunomide in hepatic cells. We found that leflunomide caused endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activated an unfolded protein response, as evidenced by increased expression of related genes including CHOP and GADD34; and elevated protein levels of typical ER stress markers including CHOP, ATF-4, p-eIF2α, and spliced XBP1. The secretion of Gaussia luciferase was suppressed in cells treated with leflunomide in an ER stress reporter assay. Inhibition of ER stress with an ER stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyrate, and knockdown of ATF-4 and CHOP genes partially protected cells upon leflunomide exposure. In addition, both genomic and biochemical analyses revealed that JNK and ERK1/2 of MAPK signaling pathways were activated, and both contributed to the leflunomide-induced cytotoxicity. Inhibiting JNK activation using a JNK inhibitor attenuated the ER stress and cytotoxicity of leflunomide, whereas inhibiting ERK1/2 using an ERK1/2 inhibitor or ERK1/2 siRNA increased the adverse effect caused by leflunomide, suggesting opposite roles for the two pathways. In summary, our data indicate that both ER stress and the activation of JNK and ERK1/2 contribute to leflunomide-induced cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Ren
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Si Chen
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Tao Qing
- School of Pharmacy and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jiekun Xuan
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Letha Couch
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Dianke Yu
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Baitang Ning
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Leming Shi
- School of Pharmacy and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
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Zhou J, Ma X, Cui Y, Song Y, Yao L, Liu Y, Li S. Methyleugenol protects against t-BHP-triggered oxidative injury by induction of Nrf2 dependent on AMPK/GSK3β and ERK activation. J Pharmacol Sci 2017; 135:55-63. [PMID: 28982598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Methyleugenol (Mlg), a natural ingredient of many herbs and used as a flavoring substance in dietary products, inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress. The aim of the study is to explore the antioxidative potential of Mlg against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-triggered oxidative injury and the involvement of antioxidative mechanisms. Our findings indicated that Mlg exposure significantly alleviated t-BHP-stimulated cytotoxicity, suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels, which were related to the induction of the glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic/modifier (GCLC/GCLM) subunit, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD (P) H: quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) largely dependent upon upregulating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) induction, inhibiting the Keap1 protein expression, and heightening the antioxidant response element (ARE) activity. Additionally, Mlg exposure obviously induced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, but AMPK and ERK inhibitors treatment exhibited effectively reduced levels of Mlg-enhanced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, respectively. Furthermore, Mlg exposure significantly lessened t-BHP-induced cytotoxicity and ROS production which were evidently abolished by treatment with AMPK and ERK inhibitors and Nrf2 siRNA. Accordingly, Mlg might exhibit a protective role against t-BHP-triggered cytotoxicity via the activation of the AMPK/GSK3β- and ERK-Nrf2 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Zhou
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130001, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Ma
- General Situation of Jilin Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
| | - Yan Cui
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130001, China
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130001, China
| | - Lei Yao
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130001, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130001, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130001, China.
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Miousse IR, Skinner CM, Lin H, Ewing LE, Kosanke SD, Williams DK, Avula B, Khan IA, ElSohly MA, Gurley BJ, Koturbash I. Safety assessment of the dietary supplement OxyELITE™ Pro (New Formula) in inbred and outbred mouse strains. Food Chem Toxicol 2017; 109:194-209. [PMID: 28843594 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Herbal dietary supplements have gained wide acceptance as alternatives to conventional therapeutic agents despite concerns regarding their efficacy and safety. In 2013, a spate of severe liver injuries across the United States was linked to the dietary supplement OxyELITE Pro-New Formula (OEP-NF), a multi-ingredient product marketed for weight loss and exercise performance enhancement. The principal goal of this study was to assess the hepatotoxic potential of OEP-NF in outbred and inbred mouse models. In an acute toxicity study, significant mortality was observed after administering 10X and 3X mouse-equivalent doses (MED) of OEP-NF, respectively. Increases in liver/body weight ratio, ALT and AST were observed in female B6C3F1 mice after gavaging 2X and 1.5X MED of OEP-NF. Similar findings were observed in a 90-day feeding study. These alterations were paralleled by altered expression of gene- and microRNA-signatures of hepatotoxicity, including Cd36, Nqo1, Aldoa, Txnrd1, Scd1 and Ccng1, as well as miR-192, miR-193a and miR-125b and were most pronounced in female B6C3F1 mice. Body weight loss, observed at week 1, was followed by weight gain throughout the feeding studies. These findings bolster safety and efficacy concerns for OEP-NF, and argue strongly for implementation of pre-market toxicity studies within the dietary supplement industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle R Miousse
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Charles M Skinner
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Haixia Lin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Laura E Ewing
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Stanley D Kosanke
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Heartland Veterinary Pathology Services, PLLC, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - D Keith Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Bharathi Avula
- National Center for Natural Product Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.
| | - Ikhlas A Khan
- National Center for Natural Product Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.
| | - Mahmoud A ElSohly
- ElSohly Laboratories, Inc. (ELI) and Phyto Chemical Services, Inc. (PSI), 5 Industrial Park Drive, Oxford, MS 38655, USA.
| | - Bill J Gurley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72223, USA.
| | - Igor Koturbash
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
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Duan L, Li J, Ma P, Yang X, Xu S. Vitamin E antagonizes ozone-induced asthma exacerbation in Balb/c mice through the Nrf2 pathway. Food Chem Toxicol 2017. [PMID: 28624471 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Millions of people are regularly exposed to ozone, a gas known to contribute significantly to worsening the symptoms of patients with asthma. However, the mechanisms underlying these ozone exacerbation effects are not fully understood. In this study, we examined the exacerbation effect of ozone in OVA-induced asthma mice and tried to demonstrate the protective mechanism of vitamin E (VE). An asthma mouse model was established, and used to identify the exacerbating effects of ozone by assessing cytokine and serum immunoglobulin concentrations, airway leukocyte infiltration, histopathological changes in lung tissues, and airway hyper-responsiveness. We then determined the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated, the extent to which VE induced ROS elimination, and examined the antagonistic effects of VE on the ozone-induced exacerbating effects. This study showed that 1-ppm ozone exposure could exacerbate OVA-induced asthma in mice. More importantly we found that ozone induced oxidative stress in asthmatic airways may lead to the inhibition of Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and may subsequently induce even more exaggerated oxidative stress associated with asthma exacerbation. Through VE induced Nrf2 activation and the subsequent increase in Nrf2 target protein expression, this study suggests a novel mechanism for alleviating ozone exacerbated asthma symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liju Duan
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jinquan Li
- Section of Environmental Biomedicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Ping Ma
- Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Section of Environmental Biomedicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Shunqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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Herrera A, Muñoz P, Steinbusch HWM, Segura-Aguilar J. Are Dopamine Oxidation Metabolites Involved in the Loss of Dopaminergic Neurons in the Nigrostriatal System in Parkinson's Disease? ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:702-711. [PMID: 28233992 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1967, L-dopa was introduced as part of the pharmacological therapy of Parkinson's disease (PD) and, in spite of extensive research, no additional effective drugs have been discovered to treat PD. This brings forward the question: why have no new drugs been developed? We consider that one of the problems preventing the discovery of new drugs is that we still have no information on the pathophysiology of the neurodegeneration of the neuromelanin-containing nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Currently, it is widely accepted that the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, i.e., in the substantia nigra pars compacta, involves mitochondrial dysfunction, the formation of neurotoxic oligomers of alpha-synuclein, the dysfunction of protein degradation systems, neuroinflammation, and oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. However, the initial trigger of these mechanisms in the nigrostriatal system is still unknown. It has been reported that aminochrome induces the majority of these mechanisms involved in the neurodegeneration process. Aminochrome is formed within the cytoplasm of neuromelanin-containing dopaminergic neurons during the oxidation of dopamine to neuromelanin. The oxidation of dopamine to neuromelanin is a normal and harmless process, because healthy individuals have intact neuromelanin-containing dopaminergic neurons. Interestingly, aminochrome-induced neurotoxicity is prevented by two enzymes: DT-diaphorase and glutathione transferase M2-2, which explains why melanin-containing dopaminergic neurons are intact in healthy human brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Herrera
- Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of
Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Muñoz
- Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Harry W. M. Steinbusch
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of
Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Juan Segura-Aguilar
- Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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