Potential therapeutic advantage of ribose-cysteine in the inhibition of astrocytoma cell proliferation

Bridging the Gap in Cancer Research: Sulfur Metabolism of Leukemic Cells with a Focus on L-Cysteine Metabolism and Hydrogen Sulfide-Producing Enzymes

Leukemias are cancers of the blood-forming system, representing a significant challenge in medical science. The development of leukemia cells involves substantial disturbances within the cellular machinery, offering hope in the search for effective selective treatments that could improve the 5-year survival rate. Consequently, the pathophysiological processes within leukemia cells are the focus of critical research. Enzymes such as cystathionine beta-synthase and sulfurtransferases like thiosulfate sulfurtransferase, 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, and cystathionine gamma-lyase play a vital role in cellular sulfur metabolism. These enzymes are essential to maintaining cellular homeostasis, providing robust antioxidant defenses, and supporting cell division. Numerous studies have demonstrated that cancerous processes can alter the expression and activity of these enzymes, uncovering potential vulnerabilities or molecular targets for cancer therapy. Recent laboratory research has indicated that certain leukemia cell lines may exhibit significant changes in the expression patterns of these enzymes. Analysis of the scientific literature and online datasets has confirmed variations in sulfur enzyme function in specific leukemic cell lines compared to normal leukocytes. This comprehensive review collects and analyzes available information on sulfur enzymes in normal and leukemic cell lines, providing valuable insights and identifying new research pathways in this field.

Cysteine Donor-Based Brain-Targeting Prodrug: Opportunities and Challenges

Overcoming blood-brain barrier (BBB) to improve brain bioavailability of therapeutic drug remains an ongoing concern. Prodrug is one of the most reliable approaches for delivering agents with low-level BBB permeability into the brain. The well-known antioxidant capacities of cysteine (Cys) and its vital role in glutathione (GSH) synthesis indicate that Cys-based prodrug could potentiate therapeutic drugs against oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, prodrug with Cys moiety could be recognized by the excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3) that is highly expressed at the BBB and transports drug into the brain. In this review, we summarized the strategies of crossing BBB, properties of EAAT3 and its natural substrates, Cys and its donors, and Cys donor-based brain-targeting prodrugs by referring to recent investigations. Moreover, the challenges that we are faced with and future research orientations were also addressed and proposed. It is hoped that present review will provide evidence for the pursuit of novel Cys donor-based brain-targeting prodrug.

Sulfurtransferases and Cystathionine Beta-Synthase Expression in Different Human Leukemia Cell Lines

The studies concerned the expression of sulfurtransferases and cystathionine beta-synthase in six human leukemia cell lines: B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia-B-ALL (REH cells), T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia-T-ALL (DND-41 and MOLT-4 cells), acute myeloid leukemia-AML (MV4-11 and MOLM-14 cells), and chronic myeloid leukemia-CML (K562 cells). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were performed to determine the expression of thiosulfate sulfurtransferase, 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, gamma-cystathionase, and cystathionine beta-synthase on the mRNA and protein level. Interestingly, we found significant differences in the mRNA and protein levels of sulfurtransferases and cystathionine beta-synthase in the studied leukemia cells. The obtained results may contribute to elucidating the significance of the differences between the studied cells in the field of sulfur compound metabolism and finding new promising ways to inhibit the proliferation of various types of leukemic cells by modulating the activity of sulfurtransferases, cystathionine beta-synthase, and, consequently, the change of intracellular level of sulfane sulfur as well as H2S and reactive oxygen species production.

D-Ribose-L-Cysteine Improves Glutathione Levels, Neuronal and Mitochondrial Ultrastructural Damage, Caspase-3 and GFAP Expressions Following Manganese-Induced Neurotoxicity

Repeated manganese (Mn) exposure may cause increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), with a consequent imbalance in the glutathione (GSH) antioxidant defence system, resulting in cellular dysfunctions, and eventually cell death, particularly in the brain. D-ribose-L-cysteine (RibCys) has been demonstrated to effectively promote the synthesis of glutathione, a potent neutralizer of ROS. In the present study, we examined the effects of RibCys on glutathione levels, apoptotic and astrocytic responses, neuronal ultrastructural integrity, following Mn exposure. Wild-type rats were exposed to either saline, Mn, or/and RibCys for 2 weeks. The Mn-exposed rats received RibCys either as pre-, co-, or post-treatments. Mn caused a marked decrease in GSH levels, overexpression of GFAP and caspase-3, reflecting astrocytosis and apoptosis, and altered ultrastructural integrities of the neuronal nuclei, mitochondria, and myelin sheath of the striatum and motor cortex respectively, while all interventions with RibCys minimized and prevented the neurotoxic events. Our study demonstrates that RibCys effectively attenuates the neurotoxic effects of Mn and may be useful as a therapeutic strategy against neurological consequences of Mn overexposure.

Safety and efficacy of a ribose-cysteine supplement to increase erythrocyte glutathione concentration in healthy dogs

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety of oral administration of a d-ribose-l-cysteine (RibCys) supplement to dogs and the effect of this supplementation on erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) concentration.

ANIMALS

24 healthy adult dogs.

PROCEDURES

In a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial, dogs received 500 mg of a RibCys supplement or placebo (n = 12/group), PO, every 12 hours for 4 weeks. Dogs were evaluated weekly by means of a physical examination, CBC, serum biochemical analysis, urinalysis, and owner-completed quality-of-life questionnaire. Erythrocyte GSH concentration was measured on day 0 (ie, the day before treatment began) and weekly during supplementation.

RESULTS

No dose-limiting adverse effects were noted in any dog. Two dogs in each group had mild, self-limiting diarrhea and anemia. No significant increase in erythrocyte GSH concentration was noted in either group at any time point. Two dogs in the RibCys group had improved skin and coat health and improved clinical signs of osteoarthritis. No clinical or owner-perceived improvements were noted in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The RibCys supplement was safe and well tolerated in all dogs. Owners reported improvements in dermatologic and orthopedic conditions in some dogs in the RibCys group. No significant differences were observed in erythrocyte GSH concentration before or after RibCys treatment. This lack of significant differences may have been attributable to the use of healthy dogs, which would not be expected to have depleted GSH concentrations. Given the observed safety profile of RibCys, additional research is warranted to explore the potential usefulness of RibCys supplementation in dogs with cancer and those undergoing treatment for cancer.

Sodium sulfide selectively induces oxidative stress, DNA damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction and radiosensitizes glioblastoma (GBM) cells

Glioblastoma (GBM) has a poor prognosis despite intensive treatment with surgery and chemoradiotherapy. Previous studies using dose-escalated radiotherapy have demonstrated improved survival; however, increased rates of radionecrosis have limited its use. Development of radiosensitizers could improve patient outcome. In the present study, we report the use of sodium sulfide (Na₂S), a hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) donor, to selectively kill GBM cells (T98G and U87) while sparing normal human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3). Na₂S also decreased mitochondrial respiration, increased oxidative stress and induced γH2AX foci and oxidative base damage in GBM cells. Since Na₂S did not significantly alter T98G capacity to perform non-homologous end-joining or base excision repair, it is possible that GBM cell killing could be attributed to increased damage induction due to enhanced reactive oxygen species production. Interestingly, Na₂S enhanced mitochondrial respiration, produced a more reducing environment and did not induce high levels of DNA damage in hCMEC/D3. Taken together, this data suggests involvement of mitochondrial respiration in Na₂S toxicity in GBM cells. The fact that survival of LN-18 GBM cells lacking mitochondrial DNA (ρ⁰) was not altered by Na₂S whereas the survival of LN-18 ρ⁺ cells was compromised supports this conclusion. When cells were treated with Na₂S and photon or proton radiation, GBM cell killing was enhanced, which opens the possibility of H₂S being a radiosensitizer. Therefore, this study provides the first evidence that H₂S donors could be used in GBM therapy to potentiate radiation-induced killing.

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Sodium sulfide selectively kills GBM cells by inducing DNA damage.

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Sodium sulfide induces mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in GBM cells.

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Toxicity to sodium sulfide is dependent on mitochondrial respiration.

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Sodium sulfide radiosensitizes GBM cells to photon and proton radiation.

New aspects of antiproliferative activity of 4-hydroxybenzyl isothiocyanate, a natural H2S-donor

The effect of 4-hydroxybenzyl isothiocyanate (HBITC), a natural H₂S-donor from white mustard seeds (Sinapis alba), on the proliferation of human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and glioblastoma (U87MG) cells was studied and some aspects of the mechanism of its activity were suggested. The inhibition of both SH-SY5Y and U87MG cell proliferation was associated with an increase in the thiosulfate level, the number of cells with the inactive form of Bcl-2 protein, and with a decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential. Interestingly, HBITC results in downregulation of p53 protein and upregulation of p21 protein levels in SH-SY5Y cells. In the presence of elevated levels of H₂S and thiosulfate, the sulfhydryl groups of p53 protein as well as Bcl-2 protein could be modified via HBITC-induced S-sulfuration or by oxidative stress. It seems that the induction of p21 protein level is mediated in SH-SY5Y cells by p53-independent mechanisms. In addition, HBITC-treatment caused downregulation of the level of mitochondrial rhodanese and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, and consequently increased the level of the reactive oxygen species in SH-SY5Y cells.

A possible mechanism of inhibition of U87MG and SH-SY5Y cancer cell proliferation by diallyl trisulfide and other aspects of its activity

The study was conducted to elucidate the mechanism of antiproliferative and antioxidative action of diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a garlic-derived organosulfur compound. Changes in the l-cysteine desulfuration, and the levels of cystathionine and non-protein thiols in DATS-treated human glioblastoma (U87MG) and neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells were investigated. The inhibition of proliferation of the investigated cells by DATS was correlated with an increase in the inactivated form of Bcl-2. In U87MG cells, an increased level of sulfane sulfur and an increased activity of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST) and rhodanese, the enzymes involved in sulfane sulfur generation and transfer, suggest that DATS can function as a donor of sulfane sulfur atom, transferred by sulfurtransferases, to sulfhydryl groups of cysteine residues of Bcl-2 and in this way lower the level of active form of Bcl-2 by S-sulfuration. Diallyl trisulfide antioxidative effects result from an increased level of cystathionine, a precursor of cysteine, and an increased glutathione level. MPST and rhodanese, the level of which is increased in the presence of DATS, can serve as antioxidant proteins.

Hydrogen sulfide in cancer: Friend or foe?

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is the third gaseous signaling molecule that plays important roles in cancer biological processes. Recent studies indicate that H₂S has both pro-cancer and anti-cancer effects. Endogenous H₂S can exert pro-cancer functions through induction of angiogenesis regulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics, acceleration of cell cycle progression, and anti-apoptosis mechanisms. Thus, the inhibition of the production of H₂S in cancer cells may be a new cancer treatment strategy. In contrast to the pro-cancer effect of H₂S, relatively high concentrations of exogenous H₂S could suppress the growth of cancer cells by inducing uncontrolled intracellular acidification, inducing cell cycle arrest, and promoting apoptosis. Therefore, H₂S donors and H₂S-releasing hybrids could be designed and developed as novel anti-cancer drugs. In this review, the production and metabolism of H₂S in cancer cells are summarized and the role and mechanism of H₂S in cancer development and progression are further discussed.

Is development of high-grade gliomas sulfur-dependent?

We characterized γ-cystathionase, rhodanese and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase activities in various regions of human brain (the cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, cerebellum and subcortical nuclei) and human gliomas with II to IV grade of malignancy (according to the WHO classification). The human brain regions, as compared to human liver, showed low γ-cystathionase activity. The activity of rhodanese was also much lower and it did not vary significantly between the investigated brain regions. The activity of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase was the highest in the thalamus, hypothalamus and subcortical nuclei and essentially the same level of sulfane sulfur was found in all the investigated brain regions. The investigations demonstrated that the level of sulfane sulfur in gliomas with the highest grades was high in comparison to various human brain regions, and was correlated with a decreased activity of γ-cystathionase, 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase and rhodanese. This can suggest sulfane sulfur accumulation and points to its importance for malignant cell proliferation and tumor growth. In gliomas with the highest grades of malignancy, despite decreased levels of total free cysteine and total free glutathione, a high ratio of GSH/GSSG was maintained, which is important for the process of malignant cells proliferation. A high level of sulfane sulfur and high GSH/GSSG ratio could result in the elevated hydrogen sulfide levels. Because of the disappearance of γ-cystathionase activity in high-grade gliomas, it seems to be possible that 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase could participate in hydrogen sulfide production. The results confirm sulfur dependence of malignant brain tumors.

Primary hepatocytes from mice lacking cysteine dioxygenase show increased cysteine concentrations and higher rates of metabolism of cysteine to hydrogen sulfide and thiosulfate

The oxidation of cysteine in mammalian cells occurs by two routes: a highly regulated direct oxidation pathway in which the first step is catalyzed by cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) and by desulfhydration-oxidation pathways in which the sulfur is released in a reduced oxidation state. To assess the effect of a lack of CDO on production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and thiosulfate (an intermediate in the oxidation of H2S to sulfate) and to explore the roles of both cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH) and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) in cysteine desulfhydration by liver, we investigated the metabolism of cysteine in hepatocytes isolated from Cdo1-null and wild-type mice. Hepatocytes from Cdo1-null mice produced more H2S and thiosulfate than did hepatocytes from wild-type mice. The greater flux of cysteine through the cysteine desulfhydration reactions catalyzed by CTH and CBS in hepatocytes from Cdo1-null mice appeared to be the consequence of their higher cysteine levels, which were due to the lack of CDO and hence lack of catabolism of cysteine by the cysteinesulfinate-dependent pathways. Both CBS and CTH appeared to contribute substantially to cysteine desulfhydration, with estimates of 56 % by CBS and 44 % by CTH in hepatocytes from wild-type mice, and 63 % by CBS and 37 % by CTH in hepatocytes from Cdo1-null mice.