In vitro stability and in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy of synthetic jasmonates

Therapeutic Potential of Plant Oxylipins

For immobile plants, the main means of protection against adverse environmental factors is the biosynthesis of various secondary (specialized) metabolites. The extreme diversity and high biological activity of these metabolites determine the researchers' interest in plants as a source of therapeutic agents. Oxylipins, oxygenated derivatives of fatty acids, are particularly promising in this regard. Plant oxylipins, which are characterized by a diversity of chemical structures, can exert protective and therapeutic properties in animal cells. While the therapeutic potential of some classes of plant oxylipins, such as jasmonates and acetylenic oxylipins, has been analyzed thoroughly, other oxylipins are barely studied in this regard. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic potential of all major classes of plant oxylipins, including derivatives of acetylenic fatty acids, jasmonates, six- and nine-carbon aldehydes, oxy-, epoxy-, and hydroxy-derivatives of fatty acids, as well as spontaneously formed phytoprostanes and phytofurans. The presented analysis will provide an impetus for further research investigating the beneficial properties of these secondary metabolites and bringing them closer to practical applications.

Targeting lipid metabolism in multiple myeloma cells: rational development of a synergistic strategy with proteasome inhibitors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Aberrant lipid metabolism is now recognized as a key feature of cancer cells. Our initial research on mass spectrometry-based analysis of lipids in a multiple myeloma (MM) cell line showed a significant accumulation of lipids in MM cells after proteasome inhibition. This finding prompted us to hypothesize that MM cell survival depends on the maximal utilization of abnormally accumulated lipids. Therefore, we explored whether lipid metabolism-modulating agents would synergize with proteasome inhibitors (PIs).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The abnormal massive lipid accumulation in MM cells was detected using mass spectrometry. Cell viability and cell apoptosis were detected to assess the synergistic effect of lipid regulators and PIs. Otherwise, a novel stable derivative (FCE) of fenofibrate (FEN) was synthesized and used to treat MM cells in vitro and in vivo along with ixazomib. ChIP-seq, western blotting and RT-qPCR were performed to explore the potential mechanism underlying the increase in lipid levels in MM cells after proteasome inhibition.

KEY RESULTS

The accumulation of lipids in MM cells was induced by proteasome inhibition. Lipid-lowering drugs and MG-132 exerted a synergistic effect to kill MM cells. FCE showed significant synergistic activity in vitro and in vivo with ixazomib. The abnormal lipid accumulation in MM cells that was enhanced by proteasome inhibitors might be due to the elevated SREBP1/2 expression induced by ATF4.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

In summary, the results provide a proof of principle and rationale for the further clinical evaluation of the combination of lipid-modulating drugs with proteasome inhibitors.

Therapeutic Potential of Jasmonic Acid and Its Derivatives

A modern method of therapeutic use of natural compounds that would protect the body are jasmonates. The main representatives of jasmonate compounds include jasmonic acid and its derivatives, mainly methyl jasmonate. Extracts from plants rich in jasmonic compounds show a broad spectrum of activity, i.e., anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and cosmetic. Studies of the biological activity of jasmonic acid and its derivatives in mammals are based on their structural similarity to prostaglandins and the compounds can be used as natural therapeutics for inflammation. Jasmonates also constitute a potential group of anti-cancer drugs that can be used alone or in combination with other known chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, due to their ability to stimulate exfoliation of the epidermis, remove discoloration, regulate the function of the sebaceous glands and reduce the visible signs of aging, they are considered for possible use in cosmetics and dermatology. The paper presents a review of literature data on the biological activity of jasmonates that may be helpful in treatment and prevention.

Methyl Jasmonate: Behavioral and Molecular Implications in Neurological Disorders

Methyl jasmonate (MJ) is a derivative of the jasmonate family which is found in most tropical regions of the world and present in many fruits and vegetables such as grapevines, tomato, rice, and sugarcane. MJ is a cyclopentanone phytohormone that plays a vital role in defense against stress and pathogens in plants. This has led to its isolation from plants for studies in animals. Many of these studies have been carried out to evaluate its therapeutic effects on behavioral and neurochemical functions. It has however been proposed to have beneficial potential over a wide range of neurological disorders. Hence, this review aims to provide an overview of the neuroprotective properties of MJ and its probable mechanisms of ameliorating neurological disorders. The information used for this review was sourced from research articles and scientific databases using 'methyl jasmonate', 'behavior', 'neuroprotection', 'neurodegenerative diseases', and 'mechanisms' as search words. The review highlights its influences on behavioral patterns of anxiety, aggression, depression, memory, psychotic, and stress. The molecular mechanisms such as modulation of the antioxidant defense, inflammatory biomarkers, neurotransmitter regulation, and neuronal regeneration, underlying its actions in managing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are also discussed. This review, therefore, provides a detailed evaluation of methyl jasmonate as a potential neuroprotective compound with the ability to modify behavioral and molecular biomarkers underlying neurological disorders. Hence, MJ could be modeled as a guided treatment for the management of brain diseases.

Jasmonate Compounds and Their Derivatives in the Regulation of the Neoplastic Processes

Cancer is a serious problem in modern medicine, mainly due to the insufficient effectiveness of currently available therapies. There is a particular interest in compounds of natural origin, which can be used in the prophylaxis, as well as in the treatment and support of cancer treatment. One such compound is jasmonic acid (3-oxo-2-(pent-2'-enyl)cyclopentane acetic acid; isolated active form: trans-(-)-(3R,7R)- and cis-(+)-(3R,7S)-jasmonic acid) and its derivatives, which, due to their wide range of biological activities, are also proposed as potential therapeutic agents. Therefore, a review of literature data on the biological activity of jasmonates was prepared, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of jasmonate action in neoplastic diseases. The anti-tumor activity of jasmonate compounds is based on altered cellular ATP levels; induction of re-differentiation through the action of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs); the induction of the apoptosis by reactive oxygen species. Jasmonates can be used in anti-cancer therapy in combination with other known drugs, such as cisplatin, paclitaxel or doxorubicin, showing a synergistic effect. The structure-activity relationship of novel jasmonate derivatives with anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects is also shown.

2-Arachidonyl-lysophosphatidylethanolamine Induces Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Macrophages and in Carrageenan-Induced Paw Edema

2-Arachidonyl-lysophosphatidylethanolamine, shortly 2-ARA-LPE, is a polyunsaturated lysophosphatidylethanolamine. 2-ARA-LPE has a very long chain arachidonic acid, formed by an ester bond at the sn-2 position. It has been reported that 2-ARA-LPE has anti-inflammatory effects in a zymosan-induced peritonitis model. However, it’s action mechanisms are poorly investigated. Recently, resolution of inflammation is considered to be an active process driven by M2 polarized macrophages. Therefore, we have investigated whether 2-ARA-LPE acts on macrophages for anti-inflammation, whether 2-ARA-LPE modulates macrophage phenotypes to reduce inflammation, and whether 2-ARA-LPE is anti-inflammatory in a carrageenan-induced paw edema model. In mouse peritoneal macrophages, 2-ARA-LPE was found to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced M1 macrophage polarization, but not induce M2 polarization. 2-ARA-LPE inhibited the inductions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in mouse peritoneal macrophages at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, products of the two genes, nitric oxide and prostaglandin E₂, were also inhibited by 2-ARA-LPE. However, 1-oleoyl-LPE did not show any activity on the macrophage polarization and inflammatory responses. The anti-inflammatory activity of 2-ARA-LPE was also verified in vivo in a carrageenan-induced paw edema model. 2-ARA-LPE inhibits LPS-induced M1 polarization, which contributes to anti-inflammation and suppresses the carrageenan-induced paw edema in vivo.

Molecular mechanism of plant stress hormone methyl jasmonate for its anti-inflammatory activity

Plant stress hormones (Phytohormones/PTH) are abundantly present in numerous vascular plants. Several classes of plant stress hormones like auxins (AU) & gibberellins (GA), cytokinins (CK), abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ET), salicylic acid (SA), jasmonates (JA), brassinosteroids (BR) and strigolactones are synthesized within specialized plant cells. Among them, jasmonate are prominent class of stress hormones involved in survival of plants in stressful conditions. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is ester of jasmonic acid is extensively studied for its potential clinical benefits. MeJA is used as an effective antimicrobial agent, food preservative, antioxidant in food and agricultural sectors. The clinical benefits of MeJA have been related to their prominent interactions with inflammatory NF-κB pathways, inhibition of enzymes, gene expression for synthesis of inflammatory mediators, signaling molecules, oxidative stress and modulation of pain perception/nociceptive responses. The objective of the present review is to provide an cohesive relation of MeJA in inflammation with reference to past and recent in-vivo and in-vitro investigations in broad perspectives.

An Algal Metabolite-Based PPAR-γ Agonist Displayed Anti-Inflammatory Effect via Inhibition of the NF-κB Pathway

In our previous study, a synthetic compound, (+)-(R,E)-6a1, that incorporated the key structures of anti-inflammatory algal metabolites and the endogenous peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) ligand 15-deoxy-∆^12,14-prostaglandin J₂ (15d-PGJ₂), exerted significant PPAR-γ transcriptional activity. Because PPAR-γ expressed in macrophages has been postulated as a negative regulator of inflammation, this study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of the PPAR-γ agonist, (+)-(R,E)-6a1. Compound (+)-(R,E)-6a1 displayed in vitro anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated murine RAW264.7 macrophages. Compound (+)-(R,E)-6a1 suppressed the expression of proinflammatory factors, such as nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), possibly by the inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. In macrophages, (+)-(R,E)-6a1 suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB, inhibitor of NF-κB α (IκBα), and IκB kinase (IKK). These results indicated that PPAR-γ agonist, (+)-(R,E)-6a1, exerts anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.

Design of PPAR-γ agonist based on algal metabolites and the endogenous ligand 15-deoxy-Δ12, 14-prostaglandin J2

In a previous study, we synthesized endocyclic enone jasmonate derivatives that function as anti-inflammatory and PPAR-γ-activating entities by using key functional moieties of anti-inflammatory algal metabolites. Herein, we designed additional derivatives containing an exocyclic enone moiety that resembles the key structure of the natural PPAR-γ ligand, 15-deoxy-Δ^{12, 14}-prostaglandin J₂ (15 d-PGJ₂). The exocyclic enone moiety of 15 d-PGJ₂ is essential for covalent bonding with the Cys²⁸⁵ residue in the PPAR-γ ligand-binding domain (LBD). In silico analysis of the designed compounds indicated that they may form hydrogen bonds with key amino acid residues in the PPAR-γ LBD, and thus, secure a position in the bioactive cavity in a similar fashion as does rosiglitazone and 15 d-PGJ₂. By a luciferase reporter assay on rat liver Ac2F cells, the synthesized compounds were evaluated for PPAR-γ transcriptional activity. The differential PPAR-γ transcriptional activities of the geometric and enantiomeric isomers of the selected analog were also evaluated; based on our results, the enantiopure compound (+)-(R,E)-6a1 was suggested as a potential PPAR-γ ligand.

Methyl jasmonate: a phytohormone with potential for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases

OBJECTIVES

The phytohormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA) has been identified as a vital cell regulator in plants. This substance is analogous to eicosanoids and similar to that of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. In animals and in animal cells, it displayed an efficient neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action; while in tumoral strains, it demonstrates a potentially highly attractive mechanism of apoptosis induction through various cellular and molecular mechanisms. The aim of the present review was to explore two new hypotheses that explain the action of MeJA, a lipid phytohormone and its potentially anti-apoptotic mechanism for use as a therapeutic target for future treatment of Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs).

KEY FINDINGS

Methyl jasmonate is a new candidate for the treatment of IBDs, modulating the expression of the major classes of caspase-type protease families that selectively act on the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of the apoptotic process. Its action is based on the reduction of the expression in tumour necrosis factor tissue levels and the modulating action of reactive oxygen species production, acting only on the destruction of cells that express the diseased phenotype, and preserving cells that are not transformed.

CONCLUSIONS

Methyl jasmonate may represent an alternative for the transduction processes of important signals in the cellular renewal of the intestinal mucosa.

The In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Phthalimide PPAR-γ Agonist

Previously, the authors found that 4-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenethyl) isoindoline-1,3-dione (PD1) (a phthalimide analogue) bound to and activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). Since PPAR-γ suppresses inflammatory responses, the present study was undertaken to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of PD1. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine RAW264.7 macrophages, PD1 suppressed the inductions of pro-inflammatory factors, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide (NO), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Concomitantly, PD1 enhanced the expressions of anti-inflammatory factors, such as arginase-1 and interleukin-10 (IL-10), and suppressed LPS-evoked nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 subunit phosphorylation in macrophages. In addition, PPAR-γ activated by PD1 was intensively translocated to the nucleus. These observations suggest that the anti-inflammatory mechanism of PD1 involves inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. In a subsequent in vivo animal experiment conducted using a carrageenan-induced acute inflammatory rat paw edema model, intraperitoneal injection of PD1 significantly reduced paw swelling. Histological analysis of rat paw tissue sections revealed less infiltration of immune cells in PD1-pretreated animals. These findings suggest that PD1 be viewed as a lead compound for the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

A Novel Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor (PPAR)γ Agonist 2-Hydroxyethyl 5-chloro-4,5-didehydrojasmonate Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease with increasing incidence and prevalence worldwide. Here we investigated the newly synthesized jasmonate analogue 2-hydroxyethyl 5-chloro-4,5-didehydrojasmonate (J11-Cl) for its anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal inflammation. First, to test whether J11-Cl can activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), we performed docking simulations because J11-Cl has a structural similarity with anti-inflammatory 15-deoxy-Δ(12,14)-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), one of the endogenous ligands of PPARγ. J11-Cl bound to the ligand binding domain of PPARγ in the same manner as 15d-PGJ2 and rosiglitazone, and significantly increased transcriptional activity of PPARγ. In animal experiments, colitis was significantly reduced in mice with J11-Cl treatment, determined by analyses of survival rate, body weight changes, clinical symptoms, and histological evaluation. Moreover, J11-Cl decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-8, and G-CSF as well as chemokines including chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL)20, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL)2, CXCL3, and chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1) in colon tissues, and LPS or TNF-α-stimulated macrophages and epithelial cells. In contrast, production of anti-inflammatory cytokines including IL-2 and IL-4 as well as the proliferative factor, GM-CSF, was increased by J11-Cl. Furthermore, inhibition of MAPKs and NF-κB activation by J11-Cl was also observed. J11-Cl reduced intestinal inflammation by increasing the transcriptional activity of PPARγ and modulating inflammatory signaling pathways. Therefore, our study suggests that J11-Cl may serve as a novel therapeutic agent against IBD.

A review (research and patents) on jasmonic acid and its derivatives

In medicinal chemistry there is a growing interest in using small molecules, including plant stress hormones. Jasmonic acid (JA) and its volatile methyl ester (MJ), collectively termed jasmonates, are lipid-derived cyclopentanone compounds that occur ubiquitously and exclusively in the plant kingdom. This review covers the synthesis, usage, and biological activities of JA and its derivatives. A brief overview of the available information on JA and its features is given, followed by a detailed review of JA and its derivatives as drugs and prodrugs; the properties in plants and the synthesis in recent patents are described. This review shows the direction of long-term drug/nutraceutical safety trials and provides insights for future research in this area. Research on JA continues to be of major interest. Recent innovations offer hope for the development of new therapeutics in related fields. It is anticipated that several analogs can be advanced to preclinical and clinical studies.