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Caroli C, Baron G, Cappellucci G, Brighenti V, Della Vedova L, Fraulini F, Oliaro-Bosso S, Alessandrini A, Zambon A, Lusvardi G, Aldini G, Biagi M, Corsi L, Pellati F. Extraction, purification and in vitro assessment of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of policosanols from non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa L. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30291. [PMID: 38737258 PMCID: PMC11088244 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Policosanols (PCs) are bioactive compounds extracted from different natural waxes. In this work, the purification, characterization and assessment of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity was carried out on PCs from an innovative source, i.e. a waxy material from supercritical-fluid extraction (SFE) of non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) inflorescences. Starting from this material, PCs were obtained by microwave-assisted trans-esterification and hydrolysis, followed by preparative liquid chromatography under normal phase conditions. The purified product was characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD). In vitro cell-free and cell-based antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assays were then performed to assess their bioactivity. HPLC-ELSED analysis of the purified mixture from hemp wax revealed C26OH and C28OH as the main compounds. In vitro assays indicated an inhibition of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, a reduction of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation and of the activity of the neutrophil elastase. Immunoblotting assays allowed us to hypothesize the mechanism of action of the compounds of interest, given the higher levels of MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression in the PC pretreated HaCaT cells. In conclusion, even if more research is needed to unveil other molecular mechanisms involved in hemp PC activity, the results of this work suggest that these compounds may have potential for use in oxinflammation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Caroli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 103-287, 41125, Modena, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio, Via Giuseppe Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Baron
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Cappellucci
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Laterina, 8, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Virginia Brighenti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 103-287, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Larissa Della Vedova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Fraulini
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Simonetta Oliaro-Bosso
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Alessandrini
- Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 213/A, 41125, Modena, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructures e Biosystems (INBB), 00136, Roma, Italy
| | - Alfonso Zambon
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Gigliola Lusvardi
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Biagi
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Corsi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 103-287, 41125, Modena, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructures e Biosystems (INBB), 00136, Roma, Italy
| | - Federica Pellati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 103-287, 41125, Modena, Italy
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Kim N, Kwon J, Shin US, Jung J. Fisetin induces the upregulation of AKAP12 mRNA and anti-angiogenesis in a patient-derived organoid xenograft model. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115613. [PMID: 37801904 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with high incidence and mortality rates. Targeted therapies for CRC cause various adverse effects, necessitating the development of novel approaches to control CRC progression. In this milieu, we investigated the anti-CRC effects of fisetin, a natural plant flavonoid. Cytotoxicity was performed in CRC patient-derived organoids (30 T and 33 T). Fisetin-induced tumor growth was evaluated in a CRC patient-derived organoid xenograft (PDOX) model. RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting were performed subsequently. Fisetin significantly decreased organoid viability in a dose-dependent manner. In the PDOX model, fisetin significantly delayed tumor growth, showing a decrease in Ki-67 expression and the induction of apoptosis. In tumor tissues, four genes were identified as differentially expressed between the control and fisetin-treated groups. Among these, A-kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12) level was significantly increased by fisetin treatment (fold change > 2, p < 0.05). Notably, fisetin significantly inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) via upregulation of AKAP12. Our results demonstrate the upregulation of AKAP12 mRNA and inhibition of angiogenesis by fisetin as a therapeutic strategy against CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayun Kim
- Duksung Innovative Drug Center, Duksung Women's University, Seoul 01369, the Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, Seoul 01369, the Republic of Korea
| | - Junhye Kwon
- Department of Radiological & Clinical Research, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), Seoul 01812, the Republic of Korea
| | - Ui Sup Shin
- Department of Surgery, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, KIRAMS, Seoul 01812, the Republic of Korea
| | - Joohee Jung
- Duksung Innovative Drug Center, Duksung Women's University, Seoul 01369, the Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, Seoul 01369, the Republic of Korea.
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Brighenti V, Venturelli A, Caroli C, Anceschi L, Gjikolaj M, Durante C, Pellati F. An innovative method for the extraction and HPLC analysis of bioactive policosanols from non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa L. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 234:115547. [PMID: 37413918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115547] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Policosanols (PCs) refer to a mixture of long-chain aliphatic alcohols. Sugar cane is the main industrial source of PCs, but others, including beeswax and Cannabis sativa L., are also known. In the raw material PCs are bonded to fatty acids to form long-chain esters, known as waxes. PCs are mainly used as a cholesterol-lowering product, even though their efficacy is controversial. More recently, the pharmacological interest in PCs has increased, as they have been investigated as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative agents. Given their promising biological implications, the development of efficient extraction and analytical methodologies for the determination of PCs is extremely important to identify new potential sources of these compounds and to ensure the reproducibility of biological data. Conventional techniques used for the extraction of PCs involve time-consuming approaches leading to low yields, while analytical methods for their quantification are based on gas-chromatographic (GC) techniques, which require an additional derivatization step during the sample preparation to increase their volatility. In the light of all the above, this work was aimed at the development of an innovative method for the extraction of PCs from non-psychoactive C. sativa (hemp) inflorescences, taking advantage of the microwave-assisted technology. In addition, a new analytical method based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) was developed for the first time for both the qualitative and quantitative analysis of these compounds in the extracts. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines, and it was applied to the analysis of PCs in hemp inflorescences belonging to different varieties. The results were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis to rapidly identify samples with the highest content of PCs, which might find an application as alternative sources of these bioactive compounds in both the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Brighenti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Alberto Venturelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Clarissa Caroli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy; Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Lisa Anceschi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy; Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Megi Gjikolaj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Caterina Durante
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Federica Pellati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy.
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Cho KH, Kim JE, Baek SH. Cuban Policosanol (Raydel ®) Potently Protects the Liver, Ovary, and Testis with an Improvement in Dyslipidemia in Hyperlipidemic Zebrafish: A Comparative Study with Three Chinese Policosanols. Molecules 2023; 28:6609. [PMID: 37764386 PMCID: PMC10534397 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many policosanols from different sources, such as sugar cane and rice bran, have been marketed worldwide to improve blood lipid profiles. But so far, no comparative study has commenced elucidating the effect of different policosanols to improve the blood lipid profile and other beneficial effects. This study compared the efficacy of four different policosanols, including one sugar cane wax alcohol from Cuba (Raydel®) and three policosanols from China (Xi'an Natural sugar cane, Xi'an Realin sugar cane, and Shaanxi rice bran), to treat dyslipidemia in hyperlipidemic zebrafish. After 12 weeks of consumption of each policosanol (final 0.1% in diet, wt/wt) and a high-cholesterol diet (HCD, final 4%, wt/wt), the Raydel policosanol group and the Xi'an Natural policosanol group showed the highest survivability, of approximately 81%. In contrast, the Xi'an Realin policosanol and the Shaanxi policosanol groups showed 57% and 67% survivability, respectively. Among the five HCD groups, the Raydel policosanol group showed the lowest serum total cholesterol (TC, p < 0.001 versus HCD control) and triglyceride (p < 0.001 versus HCD control), with the highest percentage of high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol in TC. The Raydel policosanol group also showed the lowest serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels, with the least infiltration of inflammatory cells and interleukin-6 production in hepatocytes with a marked reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and fatty liver changes. In the ovary, the Raydel policosanol group also showed the highest content of mature vitellogenic oocytes with the lowest production of reactive oxygen species and cellular apoptosis in ovarian cells. In the testes, the Raydel policosanol group also showed the healthiest morphology for spermatogenesis, with the lowest interstitial area and reactive oxygen species production in testicular cells. Conclusively, among the tested policosanols, Cuba (Raydel®) policosanol exhibited a comparatively better effect in maintaining zebrafish body weight, survivability, blood lipid profile, hepatic function biomarkers, fatty liver changes, ROS generation, inflammation, and restoration of the cell morphology in ovaries and testes affected by the HCD consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Hyun Cho
- Raydel Research Institute, Medical Innovation Complex, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea; (J.-E.K.); (S.H.B.)
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Cho KH, Baek SH, Nam HS, Kim JE, Kang DJ, Na H, Zee S. Cuban Sugar Cane Wax Alcohol Exhibited Enhanced Antioxidant, Anti-Glycation and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Reconstituted High-Density Lipoprotein (rHDL) with Improved Structural and Functional Correlations: Comparison of Various Policosanols. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043186. [PMID: 36834595 PMCID: PMC9965296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Policosanols from various sources, such as sugar cane, rice bran, and insects, have been marketed to prevent dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension by increasing the blood high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. On the other hand, there has been no study on how each policosanol influences the quality of HDL particles and their functionality. Reconstituted high-density lipoproteins (rHDLs) with apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and each policosanol were synthesized using the sodium cholate dialysis method to compare the policosanols in lipoprotein metabolism. Each rHDL was compared regarding the particle size and shape, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in zebrafish embryos. This study compared four policosanols including one policosanol from Cuba (Raydel® policosanol) and three policosanols from China (Xi'an Natural sugar cane, Xi'an Realin sugar cane, and Shaanxi rice bran). The synthesis of rHDLs with various policosanols (PCO) from Cuba or China using a molar ratio of 95:5:1:1 with palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC): free cholesterol (FC): apoA-I:PCO (wt:wt) showed that rHDL containing Cuban policosanol (rHDL-1) showed the largest particle size and the most distinct particle shape. The rHDL-1 showed a 23% larger particle diameter and increased apoA-I molecular weight with a 1.9 nm blue shift of the maximum wavelength fluorescence than rHDL alone (rHDL-0). Other rHDLs containing Chinese policosanols (rHDL-2, rHDL-3, and rHDL-4) showed similar particle sizes with an rHDL-0 and 1.1-1.3 nm blue shift of wavelength maximum fluorescence (WMF). Among all rHDLs, the rHDL-1 showed the strongest antioxidant ability to inhibit cupric ion-mediated LDL oxidation. The rHDL-1-treated LDL showed the most distinct band intensity and particle morphology compared with the other rHDLs. The rHDL-1 also exerted the highest anti-glycation activity to inhibit the fructose-mediated glycation of human HDL2 with the protection of apoA-I from proteolytic degradation. At the same time, other rHDLs showed a loss of anti-glycation activity with severe degradation. A microinjection of each rHDL alone showed that rHDL-1 had the highest survivability of approximately 85 ± 3%, with the fastest developmental speed and morphology. In contrast, rHDL-3 showed the lowest survivability, around 71 ± 5%, with the slowest developmental speed. A microinjection of carboxymethyllysine (CML), a pro-inflammatory advanced glycated end product, into zebrafish embryos resulted in severe embryo death of approximately 30 ± 3% and developmental defects with the slowest developmental speed. On the other hand, the phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-injected embryo showed 83 ± 3% survivability. A co-injection of CML and each rHDL into adult zebrafish showed that rHDL-1 (Cuban policosanol) induced the highest survivability, around 85 ± 3%, while rHDL-0 showed 67 ± 7% survivability. In addition, rHDL-2, rHDL-3, and rHDL-4 showed 67 ± 5%, 62 ± 37, and 71 ± 6% survivability, respectively, with a slower developmental speed and morphology. In conclusion, Cuban policosanol showed the strongest ability to form rHDLs with the most distinct morphology and the largest size. The rHDL-containing Cuban policosanol (rHDL-1) showed the strongest antioxidant ability against LDL oxidation, anti-glycation activity to protect apoA-I from degradation, and the highest anti-inflammatory activity to protect embryo death under the presence of CML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Hyun Cho
- Raydel Research Institute, Medical Innovation Complex, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
- LipoLab, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +82-53-964-1990; Fax: +82-53-965-1992
| | - Seung Hee Baek
- Raydel Research Institute, Medical Innovation Complex, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Seon Nam
- Raydel Research Institute, Medical Innovation Complex, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Kim
- Raydel Research Institute, Medical Innovation Complex, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Jin Kang
- Raydel Research Institute, Medical Innovation Complex, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejee Na
- Raydel Research Institute, Medical Innovation Complex, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonggeun Zee
- Raydel Research Institute, Medical Innovation Complex, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
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Chrysin-Induced G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor Activation Suppresses Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179673. [PMID: 36077069 PMCID: PMC9456301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) has a high mortality rate due to its poor prognosis and the possibility of surgical resection in patients with the disease. Importantly, adjuvant chemotherapy is necessary to improve PC prognosis. Chrysin, a natural product with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, has been studied for several years. Our previous study demonstrated that chrysin induced G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) expression and regulated its activity in breast cancer. Herein, we investigated whether chrysin-induced GPER activation suppresses PC progression in MIA PaCa-2 cells and a xenograft model. To determine its mechanism of action, cytotoxicity and clonogenic assays, a FACS analysis, and Western blotting were performed. Furthermore, the delay in tumor growth was evaluated in the MIA PaCa-2-derived xenograft model. Tumor tissues were investigated by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and a proteomic analysis. Chrysin caused cell cycle arrest and significantly decreased cell viability. Following co-treatment with chrysin and 17β-estradiol, the inhibitory effect of chrysin on cell proliferation was enhanced. In the xenograft model, chrysin and G1 (a GPER agonist) significantly delayed tumor growth and reduced both Ki-67 (a proliferation marker) and c-Myc expressions in tumor tissues. The proteomic analysis of tumor tissues identified that rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), transgelin 2 (TAGLN2), and FCH and Mu domain containing endocytic adaptor 2 (FCHO2) levels were significantly reduced in chrysin-treated tumor tissues. High ROCK1, TAGLN2, and FCHO2 expressions were indicative of low overall PC survival as found using the Kaplan–Meier plotter. In conclusion, our results suggest that chrysin suppresses PC progression through the activation of GPER and reductions in ROCK1, TAGLN2, and FCHO2 expressions.
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