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Marzouk B, Refifà M, Montalbano S, Buschini A, Negri S, Commisso M, Degola F. In Vitro Sprouted Plantlets of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad Shown to Possess Interesting Levels of Cucurbitacins and Other Bioactives against Pathogenic Fungi. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:2711. [PMID: 36297735 PMCID: PMC9611854 DOI: 10.3390/plants11202711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cucurbitacins, structurally different triterpenes mainly found in the members of Cucurbitaceae, possess a vast pharmacological potential. Genus Cucurbita, Cucumis, and Citrullus are affluent in these bioactive compounds, and, amongst them, Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. is widely exploited in folk medicine, since a huge number of diseases are successfully treated with organic and aqueous extracts obtained from different organs and tissues of the plant. The well-known pharmacological activities of such species have been attributed to its peculiar composition, which includes cucurbitacins and other bioactive molecules; thus, owing to its high importance as a valuable natural resource for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, C. colocynthis propagation and multiplication protocols are considered significant, but the exploitation of its phytochemical potential is limited by the restricted cultivation conditions and the low rate of seed germination in the natural environment; in fact, the assessment of accumulation rate of specific phytochemicals under controlled conditions is still missing. Axenically sprouted plantlets obtained without the use of culture media or the addition of hormones have been evaluated here for the production of bioactive compounds and relevant bioactive features. Our results proved that derived organic extracts contain cucurbitacins and other bioactives, show antioxidant potential, and exert activity against some pathogenic fungi (Candida krusei, C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, and Aspergillus flavus), supporting the feasibility of a methodology intended to scale-up cultivation of this species as a source of pharmaceutically interesting compounds, achievable from plantlets cultivated under laboratory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belsem Marzouk
- Laboratory of Chemical, Galenic and Pharmacological Development of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir 500, Tunisia
| | - Meher Refifà
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Serena Montalbano
- Interdepartmental Centre for Molecular and Translational Oncology COMT, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Annamaria Buschini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Molecular and Translational Oncology COMT, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Negri
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Mauro Commisso
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Degola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
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Degola F, Spadola G, Forgia M, Turina M, Dramis L, Chitarra W, Nerva L. Aspergillus Goes Viral: Ecological Insights from the Geographical Distribution of the Mycovirome within an Aspergillus flavus Population and Its Possible Correlation with Aflatoxin Biosynthesis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:833. [PMID: 34682254 PMCID: PMC8538035 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100833] [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: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial multi-level interactions are essential to control the success of spreading and survival of most microbes in natural environments. Phytopathogenic mycotoxigenic fungal species, such as Aspergillus flavus, represent an important issue in food safety. Usually, non-toxigenic strains are exploited for biocontrol strategies to mitigate infections by toxigenic strains. To comprehend all the biological variables involved in the aflatoxin biosynthesis, and to possibly evaluate the interplay between A. flavus toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains during intraspecific biocompetition, the "virological" perspective should be considered. For these reasons, investigations on mycoviruses associated to A. flavus populations inhabiting specific agroecosystems are highly desirable. Here, we provide the first accurate characterization of the novel mycovirome identified within an A. flavus wild population colonizing the maize fields of northern Italy: a selection of A. flavus strains was biologically characterized and subjected to RNAseq analysis, revealing new mycoviruses and a peculiar geographic pattern distribution in addition to a 20% rate of infection. More interestingly, a negative correlation between viral infection and aflatoxin production was found. Results significantly expanded the limited existent data about mycoviruses in wild A. flavus, opening new and intriguing hypotheses about the ecological significance of mycoviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Degola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (G.S.); (L.D.)
| | - Giorgio Spadola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (G.S.); (L.D.)
| | - Marco Forgia
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy; (M.F.); (M.T.); (W.C.)
| | - Massimo Turina
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy; (M.F.); (M.T.); (W.C.)
| | - Lucia Dramis
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (G.S.); (L.D.)
| | - Walter Chitarra
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy; (M.F.); (M.T.); (W.C.)
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology CREA-VE, Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano, Italy
| | - Luca Nerva
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy; (M.F.); (M.T.); (W.C.)
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology CREA-VE, Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano, Italy
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Cao W, Gao J, Zhang Y, Li A, Yu P, Cao N, Liang J, Tang X. Autophagy up-regulated by MEK/ERK promotes the repair of DNA damage caused by aflatoxin B1. Toxicol Mech Methods 2021; 32:87-96. [PMID: 34396909 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2021.1968985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a kind of mycotoxin, exerts its cytotoxicity by increasing the oxidative damage of target organs, especially the liver. In vivo and in vitro experiments were carried out to elucidate the toxic mechanism of AFB1. The results of MTT, cloning-formation, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and western blot showed that AFB1 activated NOX2 gp91 phox, inhibited proliferation and migration, and blocked cell cycle at G0/G1 period of HHL-5 cells. Autophagy promoted the repair of NOX2-dependent DNA damage. NOX2/gp91 phox mainly activates MEK/ERK pathway and then up-regulates autophagy. In vivo experiments have shown that AFB1 (0.75 mg/kg daily orally, 4 weeks) had no significant changes in the size and shape of the liver in mice. However, these treatments lead to structural abnormalities of hepatocytes and DNA damage. In summary, AFB1 caused intracellular oxidative stress and DNA damage, NOX2/gp91-phox activates the MEK/ERK pathway, and upregulated autophagy to promote the repair of DNA damage. We concluded that by increasing the level of autophagy, the ability of anti-AFB1 toxicity of liver can be increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiya Cao
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Jiafeng Gao
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Yinci Zhang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Amin Li
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Pan Yu
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Niandie Cao
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Jiaojiao Liang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Xiaolong Tang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
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Navale V, Vamkudoth KR, Ajmera S, Dhuri V. Aspergillus derived mycotoxins in food and the environment: Prevalence, detection, and toxicity. Toxicol Rep 2021; 8:1008-1030. [PMID: 34408970 PMCID: PMC8363598 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus species are the paramount ubiquitous fungi that contaminate various food substrates and produce biochemicals known as mycotoxins. Aflatoxins (AFTs), ochratoxin A (OTA), patulin (PAT), citrinin (CIT), aflatrem (AT), secalonic acids (SA), cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), terrein (TR), sterigmatocystin (ST) and gliotoxin (GT), and other toxins produced by species of Aspergillus plays a major role in food and human health. Mycotoxins exhibited wide range of toxicity to the humans and animal models even at nanomolar (nM) concentration. Consumption of detrimental mycotoxins adulterated foodstuffs affects human and animal health even trace amounts. Bioaerosols consisting of spores and hyphal fragments are active elicitors of bronchial irritation and allergy, and challenging to the public health. Aspergillus is the furthermost predominant environmental contaminant unswervingly defile lives with a 40-90 % mortality risk in patients with conceded immunity. Genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics approaches useful for mycotoxins' detection which are expensive. Antibody based detection of toxins chemotypes may result in cross-reactivity and uncertainty. Aptamers (APT) are single stranded DNA (ssDNA/RNA), are specifically binds to the target molecules can be generated by systematic evolution of ligands through exponential enrichment (SELEX). APT are fast, sensitive, simple, in-expensive, and field-deployable rapid point of care (POC) detection of toxins, and a better alternative to antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishwambar Navale
- Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, India
| | - Koteswara Rao Vamkudoth
- Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Vaibhavi Dhuri
- Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411008, India
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Montalbano S, Degola F, Bartoli J, Bisceglie F, Buschini A, Carcelli M, Feretti D, Galati S, Marchi L, Orsoni N, Pelosi G, Pioli M, Restivo FM, Rogolino D, Scaccaglia M, Serra O, Spadola G, Viola GCV, Zerbini I, Zani C. The AFLATOX ® Project: Approaching the Development of New Generation, Natural-Based Compounds for the Containment of the Mycotoxigenic Phytopathogen Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxin Contamination. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4520. [PMID: 33926042 PMCID: PMC8123576 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The control of the fungal contamination on crops is considered a priority by the sanitary authorities of an increasing number of countries, and this is also due to the fact that the geographic areas interested in mycotoxin outbreaks are widening. Among the different pre- and post-harvest strategies that may be applied to prevent fungal and/or aflatoxin contamination, fungicides still play a prominent role; however, despite of countless efforts, to date the problem of food and feed contamination remains unsolved, since the essential factors that affect aflatoxins production are various and hardly to handle as a whole. In this scenario, the exploitation of bioactive natural sources to obtain new agents presenting novel mechanisms of action may represent a successful strategy to minimize, at the same time, aflatoxin contamination and the use of toxic pesticides. The Aflatox® Project was aimed at the development of new-generation inhibitors of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus spp. proliferation and toxin production, through the modification of naturally occurring molecules: a panel of 177 compounds, belonging to the thiosemicarbazones class, have been synthesized and screened for their antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic potential. The most effective compounds, selected as the best candidates as aflatoxin containment agents, were also evaluated in terms of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and epi-genotoxicity to exclude potential harmful effect on the human health, the plants on which fungi grow and the whole ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Montalbano
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Francesca Degola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Jennifer Bartoli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Franco Bisceglie
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Annamaria Buschini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
- Interdepartmental Centre for Molecular and Translational Oncology COMT, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy;
| | - Mauro Carcelli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Donatella Feretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 11 Viale Europa, 25123 Brescia, BS, Italy; (D.F.); (G.C.V.V.); (I.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Serena Galati
- Interdepartmental Centre for Molecular and Translational Oncology COMT, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy;
| | - Laura Marchi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43125 Parma, PR, Italy;
| | - Nicolò Orsoni
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Giorgio Pelosi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Marianna Pioli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Francesco M. Restivo
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Dominga Rogolino
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Mirco Scaccaglia
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Olga Serra
- Medical Oncology and Breast Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43125 Parma, PR, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Spadola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, PR, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.); (F.B.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (N.O.); (G.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.R.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Gaia C. V. Viola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 11 Viale Europa, 25123 Brescia, BS, Italy; (D.F.); (G.C.V.V.); (I.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Ilaria Zerbini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 11 Viale Europa, 25123 Brescia, BS, Italy; (D.F.); (G.C.V.V.); (I.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Claudia Zani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 11 Viale Europa, 25123 Brescia, BS, Italy; (D.F.); (G.C.V.V.); (I.Z.); (C.Z.)
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Orsoni N, Degola F, Nerva L, Bisceglie F, Spadola G, Chitarra W, Terzi V, Delbono S, Ghizzoni R, Morcia C, Jamiołkowska A, Mielniczuk E, Restivo FM, Pelosi G. Double Gamers-Can Modified Natural Regulators of Higher Plants Act as Antagonists against Phytopathogens? The Case of Jasmonic Acid Derivatives. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228681. [PMID: 33213072 PMCID: PMC7698523 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As key players in biotic stress response of plants, jasmonic acid (JA) and its derivatives cover a specific and prominent role in pathogens-mediated signaling and hence are promising candidates for a sustainable management of phytopathogenic fungi. Recently, JA directed antimicrobial effects on plant pathogens has been suggested, supporting the theory of oxylipins as double gamers in plant-pathogen interaction. Based on these premises, six derivatives (dihydrojasmone and cis-jasmone, two thiosemicarbazonic derivatives and their corresponding complexes with copper) have been evaluated against 13 fungal species affecting various economically important herbaceous and woody crops, such as cereals, grapes and horticultural crops: Phaeoacremonium minimum, Neofusicoccum parvum, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, Fomitiporia mediterranea, Fusarium poae, F. culmorum, F. graminearum, F. oxysporum f. sp. lactucae,F. sporotrichioides, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizoctonia solani,Sclerotinia spp. and Verticillium dahliae. The biological activity of these compounds was assessed in terms of growth inhibition and, for the two mycotoxigenic species A. flavus and F. sporotrichioides, also in terms of toxin containment. As expected, the inhibitory effect of molecules greatly varied amongst both genera and species; cis-jasmone thiosemicarbazone in particular has shown the wider range of effectiveness. However, our results show that thiosemicarbazones derivatives are more effective than the parent ketones in limiting fungal growth and mycotoxins production, supporting possible applications for the control of pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Orsoni
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (N.O.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (F.M.R.); (G.P.)
| | - Francesca Degola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (N.O.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (F.M.R.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Luca Nerva
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology CREA-VE, Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano (TV), Italy; (L.N.); (W.C.)
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Franco Bisceglie
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (N.O.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (F.M.R.); (G.P.)
| | - Giorgio Spadola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (N.O.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (F.M.R.); (G.P.)
| | - Walter Chitarra
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology CREA-VE, Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano (TV), Italy; (L.N.); (W.C.)
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Valeria Terzi
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Genomics and Bioinformatics CREA-GB, Via San Protaso 302, 29017 Fiorenzuola d’Arda (PC), Italy; (V.T.); (S.D.); (R.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Stefano Delbono
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Genomics and Bioinformatics CREA-GB, Via San Protaso 302, 29017 Fiorenzuola d’Arda (PC), Italy; (V.T.); (S.D.); (R.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Roberta Ghizzoni
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Genomics and Bioinformatics CREA-GB, Via San Protaso 302, 29017 Fiorenzuola d’Arda (PC), Italy; (V.T.); (S.D.); (R.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Caterina Morcia
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Genomics and Bioinformatics CREA-GB, Via San Protaso 302, 29017 Fiorenzuola d’Arda (PC), Italy; (V.T.); (S.D.); (R.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Agnieszka Jamiołkowska
- Department of Plant Protection, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Leszczyńskiego 7, 20069 Lublin, Poland; (A.J.); (E.M.)
| | - Elżbieta Mielniczuk
- Department of Plant Protection, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Leszczyńskiego 7, 20069 Lublin, Poland; (A.J.); (E.M.)
| | - Francesco M. Restivo
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (N.O.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (F.M.R.); (G.P.)
| | - Giorgio Pelosi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (N.O.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (F.M.R.); (G.P.)
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7
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Bisceglie F, Degola F, Rogolino D, Giannelli G, Orsoni N, Spadola G, Pioli M, Restivo FM, Carcelli M, Pelosi G. Sisters in structure but different in character, some benzaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde derivatives differentially tune Aspergillus flavus secondary metabolism. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17686. [PMID: 33077881 PMCID: PMC7572373 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74574-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Great are the expectations for a new generation of antimicrobials, and strenuous are the research efforts towards the exploration of diverse molecular scaffolds-possibly of natural origin - aimed at the synthesis of new compounds against the spread of hazardous fungi. Also high but winding are the paths leading to the definition of biological targets specifically fitting the drug's structural characteristics. The present study is addressed to inspect differential biological behaviours of cinnamaldehyde and benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone scaffolds, exploiting the secondary metabolism of the mycotoxigenic phytopathogen Aspergillus flavus. Interestingly, owing to modifications on the parent chemical scaffold, some thiosemicarbazones displayed an increased specificity against one or more developmental processes (conidia germination, aflatoxin biosynthesis, sclerotia production) of A. flavus biology. Through the comparative analysis of results, the ligand-based screening strategy here described has allowed us to delineate which modifications are more promising for distinct purposes: from the control of mycotoxins contamination in food and feed commodities, to the environmental management of microbial pathogens, to the investigation of specific structure-activity features for new generation drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Bisceglie
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Degola
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Dominga Rogolino
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Nicolò Orsoni
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Giorgio Spadola
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Marianna Pioli
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco M. Restivo
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Mauro Carcelli
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Giorgio Pelosi
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
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8
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Bartoli J, Montalbano S, Spadola G, Rogolino D, Pelosi G, Bisceglie F, Restivo FM, Degola F, Serra O, Buschini A, Feretti D, Zani C, Carcelli M. Antiaflatoxigenic Thiosemicarbazones as Crop-Protective Agents: A Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Study. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:10947-10953. [PMID: 31498626 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b01814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxins are secondary fungal metabolites that can contaminate feed and food. They are a cause of growing concern worldwide, because they are potent carcinogenic agents. Thiosemicarbazones are molecules that possess interesting antiaflatoxigenic properties, but in order to use them as crop-protective agents, their cytotoxic and genotoxic profiles must first be assessed. In this paper, a group of thiosemicarbazones and a copper complex are reported as compounds able to antagonize aflatoxin biosynthesis, fungal growth, and sclerotia biogenesis in Aspergillus flavus. The two most interesting thiosemicarbazones found were noncytotoxic on several cell lines (CRL1790, Hs27, HFL1, and U937), and therefore, they were submitted to additional analysis of mutagenicity and genotoxicity on bacteria, plants, and human cells. No mutagenic activity was observed in bacteria, whereas genotoxic activity was revealed by the Alkaline Comet Assay on U937 cells and by the test of chromosomal aberrations in Allium cepa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bartoli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability and Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi Biologici (CIRCMSB) , Università di Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze , 43124 Parma , Italy
| | - Serena Montalbano
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability and Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi Biologici (CIRCMSB) , Università di Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze , 43124 Parma , Italy
| | - Giorgio Spadola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability and Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi Biologici (CIRCMSB) , Università di Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze , 43124 Parma , Italy
| | - Dominga Rogolino
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability and Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi Biologici (CIRCMSB) , Università di Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze , 43124 Parma , Italy
| | - Giorgio Pelosi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability and Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi Biologici (CIRCMSB) , Università di Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze , 43124 Parma , Italy
| | - Franco Bisceglie
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability and Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi Biologici (CIRCMSB) , Università di Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze , 43124 Parma , Italy
| | - Francesco Maria Restivo
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability and Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi Biologici (CIRCMSB) , Università di Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze , 43124 Parma , Italy
| | - Francesca Degola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability and Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi Biologici (CIRCMSB) , Università di Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze , 43124 Parma , Italy
| | - Olga Serra
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability and Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi Biologici (CIRCMSB) , Università di Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze , 43124 Parma , Italy
| | - Annamaria Buschini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability and Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi Biologici (CIRCMSB) , Università di Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze , 43124 Parma , Italy
| | - Donatella Feretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health , University of Brescia , Viale Europa 11 , 25123 Brescia , Italy
| | - Claudia Zani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health , University of Brescia , Viale Europa 11 , 25123 Brescia , Italy
| | - Mauro Carcelli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability and Consorzio Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Chimica dei Metalli nei Sistemi Biologici (CIRCMSB) , Università di Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze , 43124 Parma , Italy
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9
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Dallabona C, Pioli M, Spadola G, Orsoni N, Bisceglie F, Lodi T, Pelosi G, Restivo FM, Degola F. Sabotage at the Powerhouse? Unraveling the Molecular Target of 2-Isopropylbenzaldehyde Thiosemicarbazone, a Specific Inhibitor of Aflatoxin Biosynthesis and Sclerotia Development in Aspergillus flavus, Using Yeast as a Model System. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24162971. [PMID: 31426298 PMCID: PMC6719062 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24162971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Amongst the various approaches to contain aflatoxin contamination of feed and food commodities, the use of inhibitors of fungal growth and/or toxin biosynthesis is showing great promise for the implementation or the replacement of conventional pesticide-based strategies. Several inhibition mechanisms were found taking place at different levels in the biology of the aflatoxin-producing fungal species such as Aspergillus flavus: compounds that influence aflatoxin production may block the biosynthetic pathway through the direct control of genes belonging to the aflatoxin gene cluster, or interfere with one or more of the several steps involved in the aflatoxin metabolism upstream. Recent findings pointed to mitochondrial functionality as one of the potential targets of some aflatoxin inhibitors. Additionally, we have recently reported that the effect of a compound belonging to the class of thiosemicarbazones might be related to the energy generation/carbon flow and redox homeostasis control by the fungal cell. Here, we report our investigation about a putative molecular target of the 3-isopropylbenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (mHtcum), using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as model system, to demonstrate how the compound can actually interfere with the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Dallabona
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43123 Parma, Italy
| | - Marianna Pioli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43123 Parma, Italy
| | - Giorgio Spadola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43123 Parma, Italy
| | - Nicolò Orsoni
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43123 Parma, Italy
| | - Franco Bisceglie
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43123 Parma, Italy
| | - Tiziana Lodi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43123 Parma, Italy
| | - Giorgio Pelosi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43123 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco Maria Restivo
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43123 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Degola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43123 Parma, Italy.
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10
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Degola F, Marzouk B, Gori A, Brunetti C, Dramis L, Gelati S, Buschini A, Restivo FM. Aspergillus flavus as a Model System to Test the Biological Activity of Botanicals: An Example on Citrullus colocynthis L. Schrad. Organic Extracts. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11050286. [PMID: 31121811 PMCID: PMC6563254 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11050286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Citrullus colocynthis L. Schrader is an annual plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, widely distributed in the desert areas of the Mediterranean basin. Many pharmacological properties (anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-epileptic) are ascribed to different organs of this plant; extracts and derivatives of C. colocynthis are used in folk Berber medicine for the treatment of numerous diseases-such as rheumatism arthritis, hypertension bronchitis, mastitis, and even cancer. Clinical studies aimed at confirming the chemical and biological bases of pharmacological activity assigned to many plant/herb extracts used in folk medicine often rely on results obtained from laboratory preliminary tests. We investigated the biological activity of some C. colocynthis stem, leaf, and root extracts on the mycotoxigenic and phytopathogenic fungus Aspergillus flavus, testing a possible correlation between the inhibitory effect on aflatoxin biosynthesis, the phytochemical composition of extracts, and their in vitro antioxidant capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Degola
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Belsem Marzouk
- Laboratory of Chemical, Galenic and Pharmacological Development of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, University of Monastir, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Antonella Gori
- Tree and Timber Institute (IVALSA), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Brunetti
- Tree and Timber Institute (IVALSA), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy.
- Department of Agriculture, Environment, Food and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144 Firenze, Italy.
| | - Lucia Dramis
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Stefania Gelati
- Department of Packaging, Experimental Station for the Food Preserving Industry (SSICA), Viale Tanara 31/A, 43121 Parma, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Buschini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
- Center for Molecular and Translational Oncology, Parco Area delle Scienze, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Francesco M Restivo
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
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11
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Eshelli M, Qader MM, Jambi EJ, Hursthouse AS, Rateb ME. Current Status and Future Opportunities of Omics Tools in Mycotoxin Research. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:E433. [PMID: 30373184 PMCID: PMC6267353 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10110433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites of low molecular weight produced by filamentous fungi, such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium spp. Mycotoxins are natural contaminants of agricultural commodities and their prevalence may increase due to global warming. Dangerous mycotoxins cause a variety of health problems not only for humans, but also for animals. For instance, they possess carcinogenic, immunosuppressive, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, and neurotoxic effects. Hence, various approaches have been used to assess and control mycotoxin contamination. Significant challenges still exist because of the complex heterogeneous nature of food composition. The potential of combined omics approaches such as metabolomics, genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics would contribute to our understanding about pathogen fungal crosstalk as well as strengthen our ability to identify, isolate, and characterise mycotoxins pre and post-harvest. Multi-omics approaches along with advanced analytical tools and chemometrics provide a complete annotation of such metabolites produced before/during the contamination of crops. We have assessed the merits of these individual and combined omics approaches and their promising applications to mitigate the issue of mycotoxin contamination. The data included in this review focus on aflatoxin, ochratoxin, and patulin and would be useful as benchmark information for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Eshelli
- School of Computing, Engineering, & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK.
- Food Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tripoli, Tripoli 13538, Libya.
| | - M Mallique Qader
- School of Computing, Engineering, & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK.
- National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantana Road, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka.
| | - Ebtihaj J Jambi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Girls Section, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21551, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Andrew S Hursthouse
- School of Computing, Engineering, & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK.
| | - Mostafa E Rateb
- School of Computing, Engineering, & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK.
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12
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Effects of polar substituents on the biological activity of thiosemicarbazone metal complexes. J Inorg Biochem 2017; 179:60-70. [PMID: 29175629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, citronellal, vanillin and pyridoxal thiosemicarbazones were modified with polar substituents, namely ethylmorpholine and glucose, to increase their polarity and compare the effects of these moieties on their biological activity. Altogether, nine ligands were synthesized and for each of them also their copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes were prepared and used for the biological tests. Eventually, assays on proliferation inhibition were conducted using leukemic cell line U937, already used as a model for previous citronellal thiosemicarbazone tests. Biological tests were also performed on solid tumor cell line HT29. From the first screenings, two of the metal complexes showed remarkable interesting properties, and, therefore, were also tested for histosensitivity.
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