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Regazzoni L. State of the Art in the Development of Human Serum Carnosinase Inhibitors. Molecules 2024; 29:2488. [PMID: 38893364 PMCID: PMC11173852 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112488] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Human serum carnosinase is an enzyme that operates the preferential hydrolysis of dipeptides with a C-terminus histidine. Only higher primates excrete such an enzyme in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. In humans, the serum hydrolytic rate has high interindividual variability owing to gene polymorphism, although age, gender, diet, and also diseases and surgical interventions can modify serum activity. Human genetic diseases with altered carnosinase activity have been identified and associated with neurological disorders and age-related cognitive decline. On the contrary, low peripheral carnosinase activity has been associated with kidney protection, especially in diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, serum carnosinase is a druggable target for the development of selective inhibitors. However, only one molecule (i.e., carnostatine) has been discovered with the purpose of developing serum carnosinase inhibitors. Bestatin is the only inhibitor reported other than carnostatine, although its activity is not selective towards serum carnosinase. Herein, we present a review of the most critical findings on human serum carnosinase, including enzyme expression, localization and substrate selectivity, along with factors affecting the hydrolytic activity, its implication in human diseases and the properties of known inhibitors of the enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Regazzoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
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2
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Berdaweel IA, Monroe TB, Alowaisi AA, Mahoney JC, Liang IC, Berns KA, Gao D, McLendon JM, Anderson EJ. Iron scavenging and suppression of collagen cross-linking underlie antifibrotic effects of carnosine in the heart with obesity. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1275388. [PMID: 38348353 PMCID: PMC10859874 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1275388] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral consumption of histidyl dipeptides such as l-carnosine has been suggested to promote cardiometabolic health, although therapeutic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. We recently reported that oral consumption of a carnosine analog suppressed markers of fibrosis in liver of obese mice, but whether antifibrotic effects of carnosine extend to the heart is not known, nor are the mechanisms by which carnosine is acting. Here, we investigated whether oral carnosine was able to mitigate the adverse cardiac remodeling associated with diet induced obesity in a mouse model of enhanced lipid peroxidation (i.e., glutathione peroxidase 4 deficient mice, GPx4+/-), a model which mimics many of the pathophysiological aspects of metabolic syndrome and T2 diabetes in humans. Wild-type (WT) and GPx4+/-male mice were randomly fed a standard (CNTL) or high fat high sucrose diet (HFHS) for 16 weeks. Seven weeks after starting the diet, a subset of the HFHS mice received carnosine (80 mM) in their drinking water for duration of the study. Carnosine treatment led to a moderate improvement in glycemic control in WT and GPx4+/-mice on HFHS diet, although insulin sensitivity was not significantly affected. Interestingly, while our transcriptomic analysis revealed that carnosine therapy had only modest impact on global gene expression in the heart, carnosine substantially upregulated cardiac GPx4 expression in both WT and GPx4+/-mice on HFHS diet. Carnosine also significantly reduced protein carbonyls and iron levels in myocardial tissue from both genotypes on HFHS diet. Importantly, we observed a robust antifibrotic effect of carnosine therapy in hearts from mice on HFHS diet, which further in vitro experiments suggest is due to carnosine's ability to suppress collagen-cross-linking. Collectively, this study reveals antifibrotic potential of carnosine in the heart with obesity and illustrates key mechanisms by which it may be acting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam A. Berdaweel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - T. Blake Monroe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Amany A. Alowaisi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Jolonda C. Mahoney
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - I-Chau Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Kaitlyn A. Berns
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Dylan Gao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jared M. McLendon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Ethan J. Anderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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3
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Teeravirote K, Sutthanut K, Thonsri U, Mahalapbutr P, Seubwai W, Luang S, Tippayawat P, Kanthawong S, Pipattanaboon C, Duangjinda M, Chankitisakul V, Silsirivanit A. Anserine/Carnosine-Rich Extract from Thai Native Chicken Suppresses Melanogenesis via Activation of ERK Signaling Pathway. Molecules 2022; 27:7440. [PMID: 36364267 PMCID: PMC9659164 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin hyperpigmentation is an aesthetic problem that leads to psychosocial issues. Thus, skin whitening agents from agro- and poultry-industrial co-products are considered high economic value ingredients of interest for sustainable application. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the cosmeceutical potential of anserine/carnosine-rich chicken extract (ACCE) from the Thai native chicken Pradu Hang Dam Mor Kor 55 (PD) meat. The chemical composition was identified and quantified using the HPLC-UV method. Then, the antioxidation potential of the extract was compared to that of L-anserine and L-carnosine, using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay and shikonin-induced production of reactive oxygen species in CCD-986Sk cell models, and the anti-melanogenesis effect in the MNT-1 melanoma cell line model was investigated. Furthermore, related mechanisms were identified using colorimetric tyrosinase assay and the Western blot technique. The ACCE was composed of L-anserine and L-carnosine as two major constituents. In a dose-dependent manner, ACCE, L-anserine, and L-carnosine manifested significant antioxidation potential and significant reduction of melanin production. Activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway and inhibition of tyrosinase activity of ACCE were demonstrated as the mechanisms of the anti-melanogenesis effect. In conclusion, ACCE has been revealed as a potential cosmeceutical agent due to its antioxidation and anti-melanogenic activity in association with L-anserine and L-carnosine composition and biomolecular regulating ability. Therefore, further studies and development should be considered to support the utilization of anserine/carnosine-rich chicken extract in the cosmetic industry for economic value creation and sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karuntarat Teeravirote
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Khaetthareeya Sutthanut
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Unchalee Thonsri
- Faculty of Medicine, Bangkokthonburi University, Bangkok 10170, Thailand
| | - Panupong Mahalapbutr
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Wunchana Seubwai
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Sukanya Luang
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Patcharaporn Tippayawat
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Sakawrat Kanthawong
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Chonlatip Pipattanaboon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Monchai Duangjinda
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Vibuntita Chankitisakul
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Atit Silsirivanit
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
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4
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Binding ability of L-carnosine towards Cu2+, Mn2+ and Zn2+ in aqueous solution. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.120772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Regazzoni L, Fumagalli L, Artasensi A, Gervasoni S, Gilardoni E, Mazzolari A, Aldini G, Vistoli G. Cyclo(His-Pro) Exerts Protective Carbonyl Quenching Effects through Its Open Histidine Containing Dipeptides. Nutrients 2022; 14:1775. [PMID: 35565743 PMCID: PMC9103439 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclo(His-Pro) (CHP) is a cyclic dipeptide which is endowed with favorable pharmacokinetic properties combined with a variety of biological activities. CHP is found in a number of protein-rich foods and dietary supplements. While being stable at physiological pH, CHP can open yielding two symmetric dipeptides (His-Pro, Pro-His), the formation of which might be particularly relevant from dietary CHP due to the gastric acidic environment. The antioxidant and protective CHP properties were repeatedly reported although the non-enzymatic mechanisms were scantly investigated. The CHP detoxifying activity towards α,β unsaturated carbonyls was never investigated in detail, although its open dipeptides might be effective as already observed for histidine containing dipeptides. Hence, this study investigated the scavenging properties of TRH, CHP and its open derivatives towards 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal. The obtained results revealed that Pro-His possesses a marked activity and is more reactive than l-carnosine. As investigated by DFT calculations, the enhanced reactivity can be ascribed to the greater electrophilicity of the involved iminium intermediate. These findings emphasize that the primary amine (as seen in l-carnosine) can be replaced by secondary amines with beneficial effects on the quenching mechanisms. Serum stability of the tested peptides was also evaluated, showing that Pro-His is characterized by a greater stability than l-carnosine. Docking simulations suggested that its hydrolysis can be catalyzed by serum carnosinase. Altogether, the reported results evidence that the antioxidant CHP properties can be also due to the detoxifying activity of its open dipeptides, which might be thus responsible for the beneficial effects induced by CHP containing food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Regazzoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (L.R.); (L.F.); (A.A.); (S.G.); (E.G.); (A.M.); (G.A.)
| | - Laura Fumagalli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (L.R.); (L.F.); (A.A.); (S.G.); (E.G.); (A.M.); (G.A.)
| | - Angelica Artasensi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (L.R.); (L.F.); (A.A.); (S.G.); (E.G.); (A.M.); (G.A.)
| | - Silvia Gervasoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (L.R.); (L.F.); (A.A.); (S.G.); (E.G.); (A.M.); (G.A.)
- Department of Physics, Università di Cagliari, Citt. Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Ettore Gilardoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (L.R.); (L.F.); (A.A.); (S.G.); (E.G.); (A.M.); (G.A.)
| | - Angelica Mazzolari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (L.R.); (L.F.); (A.A.); (S.G.); (E.G.); (A.M.); (G.A.)
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (L.R.); (L.F.); (A.A.); (S.G.); (E.G.); (A.M.); (G.A.)
| | - Giulio Vistoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (L.R.); (L.F.); (A.A.); (S.G.); (E.G.); (A.M.); (G.A.)
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Menini S, Iacobini C, Vitale M, Pesce C, Pugliese G. Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer-A Dangerous Liaison Relying on Carbonyl Stress. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:313. [PMID: 33467038 PMCID: PMC7830544 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Both type 2 (T2DM) and type 1 (T1DM) diabetes mellitus confer an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in humans. The magnitude and temporal trajectory of the risk conferred by the two forms of diabetes are similar, suggesting a common mechanism. Carbonyl stress is a hallmark of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, which accompanies T2DM, prediabetes, and obesity. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that diabetes promotes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in experimental models of T2DM, a finding recently confirmed in a T1DM model. The carbonyl stress markers advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), the levels of which are increased in diabetes, were shown to markedly accelerate tumor development in a mouse model of Kras-driven PDAC. Consistently, inhibition of AGE formation by trapping their carbonyl precursors (i.e., reactive carbonyl species, RCS) prevented the PDAC-promoting effect of diabetes. Considering the growing attention on carbonyl stress in the onset and progression of several cancers, including breast, lung and colorectal cancer, this review discusses the mechanisms by which glucose and lipid imbalances induce a status of carbonyl stress, the oncogenic pathways activated by AGEs and their precursors RCS, and the potential use of carbonyl-scavenging agents and AGE inhibitors in PDAC prevention and treatment, particularly in high-risk diabetic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Menini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, “La Sapienza” University, 00189 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (C.I.); (M.V.)
| | - Carla Iacobini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, “La Sapienza” University, 00189 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (C.I.); (M.V.)
| | - Martina Vitale
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, “La Sapienza” University, 00189 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (C.I.); (M.V.)
| | - Carlo Pesce
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophtalmology, Genetic and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), Department of Excellence of MIUR, University of Genoa Medical School, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Pugliese
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, “La Sapienza” University, 00189 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (C.I.); (M.V.)
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Saadah LM, Deiab GIA, Al-Balas Q, Basheti IA. Carnosine to Combat Novel Coronavirus (nCoV): Molecular Docking and Modeling to Cocrystallized Host Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and Viral Spike Protein. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235605. [PMID: 33260592 PMCID: PMC7730390 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays an important role in the entry of coronaviruses into host cells. The current paper described how carnosine, a naturally occurring supplement, can be an effective drug candidate for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the basis of molecular docking and modeling to host ACE2 cocrystallized with nCoV spike protein. Methods: First, the starting point was ACE2 inhibitors and their structure–activity relationship (SAR). Next, chemical similarity (or diversity) and PubMed searches made it possible to repurpose and assess approved or experimental drugs for COVID-19. Parallel, at all stages, the authors performed bioactivity scoring to assess potential repurposed inhibitors at ACE2. Finally, investigators performed molecular docking and modeling of the identified drug candidate to host ACE2 with nCoV spike protein. Results: Carnosine emerged as the best-known drug candidate to match ACE2 inhibitor structure. Preliminary docking was more optimal to ACE2 than the known typical angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) inhibitor (enalapril) and quite comparable to known or presumed ACE2 inhibitors. Viral spike protein elements binding to ACE2 were retained in the best carnosine pose in SwissDock at 1.75 Angstroms. Out of the three main areas of attachment expected to the protein–protein structure, carnosine bound with higher affinity to two compared to the known ACE2 active site. LibDock score was 92.40 for site 3, 90.88 for site 1, and inside the active site 85.49. Conclusion: Carnosine has promising inhibitory interactions with host ACE2 and nCoV spike protein and hence could offer a potential mitigating effect against the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loai M. Saadah
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, 11931 Amman, Jordan;
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +962-79-822-2044
| | | | - Qosay Al-Balas
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University for Science & Technology, 22110 Irbid, Jordan;
| | - Iman A. Basheti
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, 11931 Amman, Jordan;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
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Menini S, Iacobini C, de Latouliere L, Manni I, Vitale M, Pilozzi E, Pesce C, Cappello P, Novelli F, Piaggio G, Pugliese G. Diabetes promotes invasive pancreatic cancer by increasing systemic and tumour carbonyl stress in Kras G12D/+ mice. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:152. [PMID: 32778157 PMCID: PMC7418209 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01665-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background Type 1 and 2 diabetes confer an increased risk of pancreatic cancer (PaC) of similar magnitude, suggesting a common mechanism. The recent finding that PaC incidence increases linearly with increasing fasting glucose levels supports a central role for hyperglycaemia, which is known to cause carbonyl stress and advanced glycation end-product (AGE) accumulation through increased glycolytic activity and non-enzymatic reactions. This study investigated the impact of hyperglycaemia on invasive tumour development and the underlying mechanisms involved. Methods Pdx1-Cre;LSL-KrasG12D/+ mice were interbred with mitosis luciferase reporter mice, rendered diabetic with streptozotocin and treated or not with carnosinol (FL-926-16), a selective scavenger of reactive carbonyl species (RCS) and, as such, an inhibitor of AGE formation. Mice were monitored for tumour development by in vivo bioluminescence imaging. At the end of the study, pancreatic tissue was collected for histology/immunohistochemistry and molecular analyses. Mechanistic studies were performed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines challenged with high glucose, glycolysis- and glycoxidation-derived RCS, their protein adducts AGEs and sera from diabetic patients. Results Cumulative incidence of invasive PaC at 22 weeks of age was 75% in untreated diabetic vs 25% in FL-926-16-gtreated diabetic and 8.3% in non-diabetic mice. FL-926-16 treatment suppressed systemic and pancreatic carbonyl stress, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 activation, and nuclear translocation of Yes-associated protein (YAP) in pancreas. In vitro, RCS scavenging and AGE elimination completely inhibited cell proliferation stimulated by high glucose, and YAP proved essential in mediating the effects of both glucose-derived RCS and their protein adducts AGEs. However, RCS and AGEs induced YAP activity through distinct pathways, causing reduction of Large Tumour Suppressor Kinase 1 and activation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor/ERK signalling pathway, respectively. Conclusions An RCS scavenger and AGE inhibitor prevented the accelerating effect of diabetes on PainINs progression to invasive PaC, showing that hyperglycaemia promotes PaC mainly through increased carbonyl stress. In vitro experiments demonstrated that both circulating RCS/AGEs and tumour cell-derived carbonyl stress generated by excess glucose metabolism induce proliferation by YAP activation, hence providing a molecular mechanism underlying the link between diabetes and PaC (and cancer in general).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Menini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "La Sapienza" University, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039 -, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Iacobini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "La Sapienza" University, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039 -, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa de Latouliere
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "La Sapienza" University, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039 -, 00189, Rome, Italy.,SAFU-unit, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Manni
- SAFU-unit, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Vitale
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "La Sapienza" University, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039 -, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Pilozzi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "La Sapienza" University, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039 -, 00189, Rome, Italy.,Pathology Unit, University "La Sapienza", Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Pesce
- DINOGMI, University of Genoa Medical School, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Cappello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Novelli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Piaggio
- SAFU-unit, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pugliese
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "La Sapienza" University, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039 -, 00189, Rome, Italy.
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Menini S, Iacobini C, Fantauzzi CB, Pugliese G. L-carnosine and its Derivatives as New Therapeutic Agents for the Prevention and Treatment of Vascular Complications of Diabetes. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:1744-1763. [PMID: 31296153 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190711102718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Vascular complications are among the most serious manifestations of diabetes. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of reduced life quality and expectancy in diabetics, whereas diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy are the most common causes of end-stage renal disease and blindness. An effective therapeutic approach to prevent vascular complications should counteract the mechanisms of injury. Among them, the toxic effects of Advanced Glycation (AGEs) and Lipoxidation (ALEs) end-products are well-recognized contributors to these sequelae. L-carnosine (β-alanyl-Lhistidine) acts as a quencher of the AGE/ALE precursors Reactive Carbonyl Species (RCS), which are highly reactive aldehydes derived from oxidative and non-oxidative modifications of sugars and lipids. Consistently, L-carnosine was found to be effective in several disease models in which glyco/lipoxidation plays a central pathogenic role. Unfortunately, in humans, L-carnosine is rapidly inactivated by serum carnosinase. Therefore, the search for carnosinase-resistant derivatives of Lcarnosine represents a suitable strategy against carbonyl stress-dependent disorders, particularly diabetic vascular complications. In this review, we present and discuss available data on the efficacy of L-carnosine and its derivatives in preventing vascular complications in rodent models of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. We also discuss genetic findings providing evidence for the involvement of the carnosinase/L-carnosine system in the risk of developing diabetic nephropathy and for preferring the use of carnosinase-resistant compounds in human disease. The availability of therapeutic strategies capable to prevent both long-term glucose toxicity, resulting from insufficient glucoselowering therapy, and lipotoxicity may help reduce the clinical and economic burden of vascular complications of diabetes and related metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Menini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "La Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Iacobini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "La Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Pugliese
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "La Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
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10
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Chmielewska K, Dzierzbicka K, Inkielewicz-Stępniak I, Przybyłowska M. Therapeutic Potential of Carnosine and Its Derivatives in the Treatment of Human Diseases. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:1561-1578. [PMID: 32202758 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, their occurrence and mortality are still high around the world. The resistance of cancer cells to the drugs remains a significant problem in oncology today, while in the case of neuro-degenerative diseases, therapies reversing the process are still yet to be found. Furthermore, it is important to seek new chemotherapeutics reversing side effects of currently used drugs or helping them perform their function to inhibit progression of the disease. Carnosine, a dipeptide constisting of β-alanine and l-histidine, has a variety of functions to mention: antioxidant, antiglycation, and reducing the toxicity of metal ions. It has therefore been proposed to act as a therapeutic agent for many pathological states. The aim of this paper was to find if carnosine and its derivatives can be helpful in treating various diseases. Literature search presented in this review includes review and original papers found in SciFinder, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Searches were based on substantial keywords concerning therapeutic usage of carnosine and its derivatives in several diseases including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. In this paper, we review articles and find that carnosine and its derivatives are potential therapeutic agents in many diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and schizophrenia. Carnosine and its derivatives can be used in treating neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes, or schizophrenia, although their usage is limited. Therefore, there's an urge to synthesize and analyze new substances, overcoming the limitation of carnosine itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Chmielewska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk 80-233, Poland
| | - Krystyna Dzierzbicka
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk 80-233, Poland
| | - Iwona Inkielewicz-Stępniak
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk 80-211, Poland
| | - Maja Przybyłowska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk 80-233, Poland
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11
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Vistoli G, Aldini G, Fumagalli L, Dallanoce C, Angeli A, Supuran CT. Activation Effects of Carnosine- and Histidine-Containing Dipeptides on Human Carbonic Anhydrases: A Comprehensive Study. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051761. [PMID: 32143488 PMCID: PMC7084589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
l-Carnosine (β-Ala-l-His) and several other histidine-containing peptides, including two N-methylated forms on the imidazole ring (l-anserine and l-balenine), two derivatives modified on the carboxyl function (carcinine and l-carnosinamide), two analogues differing in the length of the N-terminal residue (l-homocarnosine and Gly-l-His) and the N-acetyl derivatives, were investigated as activators of four isoforms of the metalloenzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1). The four human isoforms hCA I, II, VA and IX were activated in the low to high micromolar range, with a rather complex structure activity relationship. A performed computational study allowed us to rationalize these results and to propose a binding mode of these activators within the enzyme active site. Similarly to other CA activators, the here studied peptides could find relevant pharmacological applications such as in the management of CA deficiencies, for therapy memory and enhancing cognition or for artificial tissues engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Vistoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (L.F.); (C.D.)
- Correspondence: (G.V.); (C.T.S.); Tel.: +39-025-0319349 (G.V.); +39-055-4573729 (C.T.S.); Fax: +39-055-4573729 (C.T.S.)
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (L.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Laura Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (L.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Clelia Dallanoce
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (L.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Andrea Angeli
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence Via U. Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy;
| | - Claudiu T. Supuran
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence Via U. Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy;
- Correspondence: (G.V.); (C.T.S.); Tel.: +39-025-0319349 (G.V.); +39-055-4573729 (C.T.S.); Fax: +39-055-4573729 (C.T.S.)
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12
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Pucciarini L, Gilardoni E, Ianni F, D'Amato A, Marrone V, Fumagalli L, Regazzoni L, Aldini G, Carini M, Sardella R. Development and validation of a HPLC method for the direct separation of carnosine enantiomers and analogues in dietary supplements. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2019; 1126-1127:121747. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2019.121747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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13
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Fumagalli L, Pucciarini L, Regazzoni L, Gilardoni E, Carini M, Vistoli G, Aldini G, Sardella R. Direct HPLC separation of carnosine enantiomers with two chiral stationary phases based on penicillamine and teicoplanin derivatives. J Sep Sci 2018; 41:1240-1246. [PMID: 29230946 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201701308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Carnosine is present in high concentrations in specific human tissues such as the skeletal muscle, and among its biological functions, the remarkable scavenging activity toward reactive carbonyl species is noteworthy. Although the two enantiomers show almost identical scavenging reactivity toward reactive carbonyl species, only d-carnosine is poorly adsorbed at the gastrointestinal level and is stable in human plasma. Direct methods for the enantioselective analysis of carnosine are still missing even though they could find more effective applications in the analysis of complex matrices. In the present study, the use of two different chiral stationary phases is presented. A chiral ligand-exchange chromatography stationary phase based on N,S-dioctyl-d-penicillamine resulted in the direct enantioseparation of carnosine. Indeed, running the analysis at 25°C and 1.0 mL/min with a 1.5 mM copper(II) sulfate concentration allowed us to obtain separation and resolution factors of 3.37 and 12.34, respectively. However, the use of a copper(II)-containing eluent renders it hardly compatible with mass spectrometry detectors. With the teicoplanin-based stationary phase, a mass spectrometry compatible method was successfully developed. Indeed, a water/methanol 60:40 v/v pH 3.1 eluent flowed at 1.0 mL/min and with a 25°C column temperature produced separation and resolution factors of 2.60 and 4.16, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Pucciarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luca Regazzoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ettore Gilardoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Carini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Vistoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roccardo Sardella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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14
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Peters V, Schmitt CP, Weigand T, Klingbeil K, Thiel C, van den Berg A, Calabrese V, Nawroth P, Fleming T, Forsberg E, Wagner AH, Hecker M, Vistoli G. Allosteric inhibition of carnosinase (CN1) by inducing a conformational shift. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2017; 32:1102-1110. [PMID: 28776438 PMCID: PMC6009930 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2017.1355793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, low serum carnosinase (CN1) activity protects patients with type 2 diabetes from diabetic nephropathy. We now characterized the interaction of thiol-containing compounds with CN1 cysteine residue at position 102, which is important for CN1 activity. Reduced glutathione (GSH), N-acetylcysteine and cysteine (3.2 ± 0.4, 2.0 ± 0.3, 1.6 ± 0.2 µmol/mg/h/mM; p < .05) lowered dose-dependently recombinant CN1 (rCN1) efficiency (5.2 ± 0.2 µmol/mg/h/mM) and normalized increased CN1 activity renal tissue samples of diabetic mice. Inhibition was allosteric. Substitution of rCN1 cysteine residues at position 102 (Mut1C102S) and 229 (Mut2C229S) revealed that only cysteine-102 is influenced by cysteinylation. Molecular dynamic simulation confirmed a conformational rearrangement of negatively charged residues surrounding the zinc ions causing a partial shift of the carnosine ammonium head and resulting in a less effective pose of the substrate within the catalytic cavity and decreased activity. Cysteine-compounds influence the dynamic behaviour of CN1 and therefore present a promising option for the treatment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Peters
- a Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine , University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Claus P Schmitt
- a Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine , University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Tim Weigand
- a Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine , University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Kristina Klingbeil
- a Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine , University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Christian Thiel
- a Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine , University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Antje van den Berg
- a Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine , University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Vittorio Calabrese
- b Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Peter Nawroth
- c Department of Internal Medicine , University Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Thomas Fleming
- c Department of Internal Medicine , University Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Elisabete Forsberg
- d The Rolf Luft Center Research Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Andreas H Wagner
- e Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, University Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Markus Hecker
- e Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, University Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Giulio Vistoli
- f Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
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15
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Quenching activity of carnosine derivatives towards reactive carbonyl species: Focus on α−(methylglyoxal) and β−(malondialdehyde) dicarbonyls. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 492:487-492. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.08.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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16
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Mol M, Regazzoni L, Altomare A, Degani G, Carini M, Vistoli G, Aldini G. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic detoxification of 4-hydroxynonenal: Methodological aspects and biological consequences. Free Radic Biol Med 2017; 111:328-344. [PMID: 28161307 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE), an electrophilic end-product deriving from lipid peroxidation, undergoes a heterogeneous set of biotransformations including enzymatic and non-enzymatic reactions. The former mostly involve red-ox reactions on the HNE oxygenated functions (phase I metabolism) and GSH conjugations (phase II) while the latter are due to the HNE capacity to spontaneously condense with nucleophilic sites within endogenous molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids and phospholipids. The overall metabolic fate of HNE has recently attracted great interest not only because it clearly determines the HNE disposal, but especially because the generated metabolites and adducts are not inactive molecules (as initially believed) but show biological activities even more pronounced than those of the parent compound as exemplified by potent pro-inflammatory stimulus induced by GSH conjugates. Similarly, several studies revealed that the non-enzymatic reactions, initially considered as damaging processes randomly involving all endogenous nucleophilic reactants, are in fact quite selective in terms of both reactivity of the nucleophilic sites and stability of the generated adducts. Even though many formed adducts retain the expected toxic consequences, some adducts exhibit well-defined beneficial roles as documented by the protective effects of sublethal concentrations of HNE against toxic concentrations of HNE. Clearly, future investigations are required to gain a more detailed understanding of the metabolic fate of HNE as well as to identify novel targets involved in the biological activity of the HNE metabolites. These studies are and will be permitted by the continuous progress in the analytical methods for the identification and quantitation of novel HNE metabolites as well as for proteomic analyses able to offer a comprehensive picture of the HNE-induced adducted targets. On these grounds, the present review will focus on the major enzymatic and non-enzymatic HNE biotransformations discussing both the molecular mechanisms involved and the biological effects elicited. The review will also describe the most important analytical enhancements that have permitted the here discussed advancements in our understanding of the HNE metabolic fate and which will permit in a near future an even better knowledge of this enigmatic molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mol
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Regazzoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Altomare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Genny Degani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Carini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Vistoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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17
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Computational approaches in the rational design of improved carbonyl quenchers: focus on histidine containing dipeptides. Future Med Chem 2016; 8:1721-37. [PMID: 27584013 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2016-0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The inhibition of protein carbonylation can play therapeutic roles in several oxidative-based diseases and direct carbonyl quenching appears the most effective inhibition strategies. l-carnosine derivatives are effective and selective quenchers toward 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal even though their activity was never investigated in a fully comparable way. RESULTS The reported results revealed that anserine, homocarnosine and carnosinamide retain a remarkable quenching activity combined with a satisfactory selectivity. In silico analyses confirmed the key role of flexibility, lipophilicity and nucleophilicity parameters in rationalizing the measured reactivity. CONCLUSION This study confirms that in silico approaches can be successfully used in the rational design of improved carbonyl quenchers. Physicochemical and stereoelectronic descriptors appear really informative especially when explored by their corresponding property spaces.
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18
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A carnosine intervention study in overweight human volunteers: bioavailability and reactive carbonyl species sequestering effect. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27224. [PMID: 27265207 PMCID: PMC4893669 DOI: 10.1038/srep27224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnosine is a natural dipeptide able to react with reactive carbonyl species, which have been recently associated with the onset and progression of several human diseases. Herein, we report an intervention study in overweight individuals. Carnosine (2 g/day) was orally administered for twelve weeks in order to evaluate its bioavailability and metabolic fate. Two carnosine adducts were detected in the urine samples of all subjects. Such adducts are generated from a reaction with acrolein, which is one of the most toxic and reactive compounds among reactive carbonyl species. However, neither carnosine nor adducts have been detected in plasma. Urinary excretion of adducts and carnosine showed a positive correlation although a high variability of individual response to carnosine supplementation was observed. Interestingly, treated subjects showed a significant decrease in the percentage of excreted adducts in reduced form, accompanied by a significant increase of the urinary excretion of both carnosine and carnosine-acrolein adducts. Altogether, data suggest that acrolein is entrapped in vivo by carnosine although the response to its supplementation is possibly influenced by individual diversities in terms of carnosine dietary intake, metabolism and basal production of reactive carbonyl species.
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19
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Baye E, Ukropcova B, Ukropec J, Hipkiss A, Aldini G, de Courten B. Physiological and therapeutic effects of carnosine on cardiometabolic risk and disease. Amino Acids 2016; 48:1131-49. [PMID: 26984320 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2208-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are the most common preventable causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. They represent major public health threat to our society. Increasing prevalence of obesity and T2DM contributes to escalating morbidity and mortality from CVD and stroke. Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a dipeptide with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-glycation, anti-ischaemic and chelating roles and is available as an over-the-counter food supplement. Animal evidence suggests that carnosine may offer many promising therapeutic benefits for multiple chronic diseases due to these properties. Carnosine, traditionally used in exercise physiology to increase exercise performance, has potential preventative and therapeutic benefits in obesity, insulin resistance, T2DM and diabetic microvascular and macrovascular complications (CVD and stroke) as well as number of neurological and mental health conditions. However, relatively little evidence is available in humans. Thus, future studies should focus on well-designed clinical trials to confirm or refute a potential role of carnosine in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases in humans, in addition to advancing knowledge from the basic science and animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estifanos Baye
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia.,Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Barbara Ukropcova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.,Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jozef Ukropec
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alan Hipkiss
- School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbora de Courten
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia. .,Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
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20
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Colzani M, De Maddis D, Casali G, Carini M, Vistoli G, Aldini G. Reactivity, Selectivity, and Reaction Mechanisms of Aminoguanidine, Hydralazine, Pyridoxamine, and Carnosine as Sequestering Agents of Reactive Carbonyl Species: A Comparative Study. ChemMedChem 2016; 11:1778-89. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mara Colzani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi di Milano; via Mangiagalli, 25 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Danilo De Maddis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi di Milano; via Mangiagalli, 25 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Gaia Casali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi di Milano; via Mangiagalli, 25 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Marina Carini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi di Milano; via Mangiagalli, 25 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Giulio Vistoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi di Milano; via Mangiagalli, 25 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Università degli Studi di Milano; via Mangiagalli, 25 20133 Milano Italy
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21
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Structural Elucidation of a Carnosine-Acrolein Adduct and its Quantification in Human Urine Samples. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19348. [PMID: 26783107 PMCID: PMC4726056 DOI: 10.1038/srep19348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Aldehydes accumulate in inflammation, during myocardial infarction and have been associated with pain symptoms. One pathway of aldehyde detoxification is the conjugation with carnosine. A 3-methylpyridinium carnosine adduct from the reaction of carnosine and acrolein was characterized using extensive spectroscopic measurements. The adduct with urinary concentrations of 1.82 ± 0.68 nmol/mg of creatinine is one of the most abundant acrolein metabolites in urine and opens promising therapeutic strategies for carnosine.
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22
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Zhang Q, Tu Z, Wang H, Fan L, Huang X, Xiao H. A high throughput screening assay for identifying glycation inhibitors on MALDI-TOF target. Food Chem 2015; 170:160-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.08.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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23
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Baek SH, Noh AR, Kim KA, Akram M, Shin YJ, Kim ES, Yu SW, Majid A, Bae ON. Modulation of mitochondrial function and autophagy mediates carnosine neuroprotection against ischemic brain damage. Stroke 2014; 45:2438-2443. [PMID: 24938837 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.114.005183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Despite the rapidly increasing global burden of ischemic stroke, no therapeutic options for neuroprotection against stroke currently exist. Recent studies have shown that autophagy plays a key role in ischemic neuronal death, and treatments that target autophagy may represent a novel strategy in neuroprotection. We investigated whether autophagy is regulated by carnosine, an endogenous pleiotropic dipeptide that has robust neuroprotective activity against ischemic brain damage. METHODS We examined the effect of carnosine on mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagic processes in rat focal ischemia and in neuronal cultures. RESULTS Autophagic pathways such as reduction of phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/p70S6K and the conversion of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-I to LC3-II were enhanced in the ischemic brain. However, treatment with carnosine significantly attenuated autophagic signaling in the ischemic brain, with improvement of brain mitochondrial function and mitophagy signaling. The protective effect of carnosine against autophagy was also confirmed in primary cortical neurons. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data suggest that the neuroprotective effect of carnosine is at least partially mediated by mitochondrial protection and attenuation of deleterious autophagic processes. Our findings shed new light on the mechanistic pathways that this exciting neuroprotective agent influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Hoon Baek
- College of Pharmacy, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah Reum Noh
- College of Pharmacy Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong-A Kim
- College of Pharmacy Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Muhammad Akram
- College of Pharmacy Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jun Shin
- College of Pharmacy Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Sun Kim
- College of Pharmacy Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Woon Yu
- Department of Brain Science, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Arshad Majid
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, SHEFFIELD S10 2HQ, England
| | - Ok-Nam Bae
- College of Pharmacy Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
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24
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Bellia F, Vecchio G, Rizzarelli E. Carnosinases, their substrates and diseases. Molecules 2014; 19:2299-329. [PMID: 24566305 PMCID: PMC6271292 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19022299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Carnosinases are Xaa-His dipeptidases that play diverse functions throughout all kingdoms of life. Human isoforms of carnosinase (CN1 and CN2) under appropriate conditions catalyze the hydrolysis of the dipeptides carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine) and homocarnosine (γ-aminobutyryl-l-histidine). Alterations of serum carnosinase (CN1) activity has been associated with several pathological conditions, such as neurological disorders, chronic diseases and cancer. For this reason the use of carnosinase levels as a biomarker in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been questioned. The hydrolysis of imidazole-related dipeptides in prokaryotes and eukaryotes is also catalyzed by aminoacyl-histidine dipeptidases like PepD (EC 3.4.13.3), PepV (EC 3.4.13.19) and anserinase (EC 3.4.13.5). The review deals with the structure and function of this class of enzymes in physiological and pathological conditions. The main substrates of these enzymes, i.e., carnosine, homocarnosine and anserine (β-alanyl-3-methyl-l-histidine) will also be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bellia
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR, viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Graziella Vecchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR, viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
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25
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Swietach P, Leem CH, Spitzer KW, Vaughan-Jones RD. Pumping Ca2+ up H+ gradients: a Ca2(+)-H+ exchanger without a membrane. J Physiol 2014; 592:3179-88. [PMID: 24514908 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2013.265959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular processes are exquisitely sensitive to H+ and Ca2+ ions because of powerful ionic interactions with proteins. By regulating the spatial and temporal distribution of intracellular [Ca2+] and [H+], cells such as cardiac myocytes can exercise control over their biological function. A well-established paradigm in cellular physiology is that ion concentrations are regulated by specialized, membrane-embedded transporter proteins. Many of these couple the movement of two or more ionic species per transport cycle, thereby linking ion concentrations among neighbouring compartments. Here, we compare and contrast canonical membrane transport with a novel type of Ca(2+)-H+ coupling within cytoplasm, which produces uphill Ca2+ transport energized by spatial H+ ion gradients, and can result in the cytoplasmic compartmentalization of Ca2+ without requiring a partitioning membrane. The mechanism, demonstrated in mammalian myocytes, relies on diffusible cytoplasmic buffers, such as carnosine, homocarnosine and ATP, to which Ca2+ and H+ ions bind in an apparently competitive manner. These buffer molecules can actively recruit Ca2+ to acidic microdomains, in exchange for the movement of H+ ions. The resulting Ca2+ microdomains thus have the potential to regulate function locally. Spatial cytoplasmic Ca(2+)-H+ exchange (cCHX) acts like a 'pump' without a membrane and may be operational in many cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Swietach
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
| | - Chae-Hun Leem
- Department of Physiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kenneth W Spitzer
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Richard D Vaughan-Jones
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
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Abstract
Carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine) was discovered in 1900 as an abundant non-protein nitrogen-containing compound of meat. The dipeptide is not only found in skeletal muscle, but also in other excitable tissues. Most animals, except humans, also possess a methylated variant of carnosine, either anserine or ophidine/balenine, collectively called the histidine-containing dipeptides. This review aims to decipher the physiological roles of carnosine, based on its biochemical properties. The latter include pH-buffering, metal-ion chelation, and antioxidant capacity as well as the capacity to protect against formation of advanced glycation and lipoxidation end-products. For these reasons, the therapeutic potential of carnosine supplementation has been tested in numerous diseases in which ischemic or oxidative stress are involved. For several pathologies, such as diabetes and its complications, ocular disease, aging, and neurological disorders, promising preclinical and clinical results have been obtained. Also the pathophysiological relevance of serum carnosinase, the enzyme actively degrading carnosine into l-histidine and β-alanine, is discussed. The carnosine system has evolved as a pluripotent solution to a number of homeostatic challenges. l-Histidine, and more specifically its imidazole moiety, appears to be the prime bioactive component, whereas β-alanine is mainly regulating the synthesis of the dipeptide. This paper summarizes a century of scientific exploration on the (patho)physiological role of carnosine and related compounds. However, far more experiments in the fields of physiology and related disciplines (biology, pharmacology, genetics, molecular biology, etc.) are required to gain a full understanding of the function and applications of this intriguing molecule.
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Bae ON, Majid A. Role of histidine/histamine in carnosine-induced neuroprotection during ischemic brain damage. Brain Res 2013; 1527:246-54. [PMID: 23850642 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Urgent need exists for new therapeutic options in ischemic stroke. We recently demonstrated that carnosine, an endogenous dipeptide consisting of alanine and histidine, is robustly neuroprotective in ischemic brain injury and has a wide clinically relevant therapeutic time window. The precise mechanistic pathways that mediate this neuroprotective effect are not known. Following in vivo administration, carnosine is hydrolyzed into histidine, a precursor of histamine. It has been hypothesized that carnosine may exert its neuroprotective activities through the histidine/histamine pathway. Herein, we investigated whether the neuroprotective effect of carnosine is mediated by the histidine/histamine pathway using in vitro primary astrocytes and cortical neurons, and an in vivo rat model of ischemic stroke. In primary astrocytes, carnosine significantly reduced ischemic cell death after oxygen-glucose deprivation, and this effect was abolished by histamine receptor type I antagonist. However, histidine or histamine did not exhibit a protective effect on ischemic astrocytic cell death. In primary neuronal cultures, carnosine was found to be neuroprotective but histamine receptor antagonists had no effect on the extent of neuroprotection. The in vivo effect of histidine and carnosine was compared using a rat model of ischemic stroke; only carnosine exhibited neuroprotection. Taken together, our data demonstrate that although the protective effects of carnosine may be partially mediated by activity at the histamine type 1 receptor on astrocytes, the histidine/histamine pathway does not appear to play a critical role in carnosine induced neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ok-Nam Bae
- Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases and Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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28
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Aldini G, Vistoli G, Stefek M, Chondrogianni N, Grune T, Sereikaite J, Sadowska-Bartosz I, Bartosz G. Molecular strategies to prevent, inhibit, and degrade advanced glycoxidation and advanced lipoxidation end products. Free Radic Res 2013; 47 Suppl 1:93-137. [PMID: 23560617 DOI: 10.3109/10715762.2013.792926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The advanced glycoxidation end products (AGEs) and lipoxidation end products (ALEs) contribute to the development of diabetic complications and of other pathologies. The review discusses the possibilities of counteracting the formation and stimulating the degradation of these species by pharmaceuticals and natural compounds. The review discusses inhibitors of ALE and AGE formation, cross-link breakers, ALE/AGE elimination by enzymes and proteolytic systems, receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGEs) and blockade of the ligand-RAGE axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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29
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Vistoli G, Straniero V, Pedretti A, Fumagalli L, Bolchi C, Pallavicini M, Valoti E, Testa B. Predicting the physicochemical profile of diastereoisomeric histidine-containing dipeptides by property space analysis. Chirality 2012; 24:566-76. [DOI: 10.1002/chir.22056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2011] [Accepted: 03/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Vistoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche “Pietro Pratesi”, Facoltà di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milano Italy
| | - Valentina Straniero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche “Pietro Pratesi”, Facoltà di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milano Italy
| | - Alessandro Pedretti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche “Pietro Pratesi”, Facoltà di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milano Italy
| | - Laura Fumagalli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche “Pietro Pratesi”, Facoltà di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milano Italy
| | - Cristiano Bolchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche “Pietro Pratesi”, Facoltà di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milano Italy
| | - Marco Pallavicini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche “Pietro Pratesi”, Facoltà di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milano Italy
| | - Ermanno Valoti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche “Pietro Pratesi”, Facoltà di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milano Italy
| | - Bernard Testa
- Dept of Pharmacy; Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV); Lausanne Switzerland
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