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de Souza VMR, Maciel NB, Machado YAA, de Sousa JMS, Rodrigues RRL, dos Santos ALS, Gonçalves da Silva MG, Martins da Silva IG, Barros-Cordeiro KB, Báo SN, Tavares JF, Rodrigues KADF. Anti- Leishmania amazonensis Activity of Morolic Acid, a Pentacyclic Triterpene with Effects on Innate Immune Response during Macrophage Infection. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1392. [PMID: 39065160 PMCID: PMC11279160 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a group of infectious diseases transmitted to humans during vector bites and caused by protozoans of the genus Leishmania. Conventional therapies face challenges due to their serious side effects, prompting research into new anti-leishmania agents. In this context, we investigated the effectiveness of morolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene, on L. amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes. The present study employed the MTT assay, cytokine analysis using optEIATM kits, an H2DCFDA test, and nitric oxide dosage involving nitrite production and Griess reagent. Morolic acid inhibited promastigote and axenic amastigote growth forms at IC50 values of 1.13 µM and 2.74 µM, respectively. For cytotoxicity to macrophages and VERO cells, morolic acid obtained respective CC50 values of 68.61 µM and 82.94 µM. The compound causes damage to the parasite membrane, leading to cellular leakage. In the infection assay, there was a decrease in parasite load, resulting in a CI50 of 2.56 µM. This effect was associated with immunomodulatory activity, altering macrophage structural and cellular parasite elimination mechanisms. Morolic acid proved to be an effective and selective natural compound, making it a strong candidate for future in vivo studies in cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Maria Rodrigues de Souza
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Federal University Delta of Parnaiba, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil; (V.M.R.d.S.); (N.B.M.); (Y.A.A.M.); (J.M.S.d.S.); (R.R.L.R.); (A.L.S.d.S.); (M.G.G.d.S.)
| | - Nicolle Barreira Maciel
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Federal University Delta of Parnaiba, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil; (V.M.R.d.S.); (N.B.M.); (Y.A.A.M.); (J.M.S.d.S.); (R.R.L.R.); (A.L.S.d.S.); (M.G.G.d.S.)
| | - Yasmim Alves Aires Machado
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Federal University Delta of Parnaiba, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil; (V.M.R.d.S.); (N.B.M.); (Y.A.A.M.); (J.M.S.d.S.); (R.R.L.R.); (A.L.S.d.S.); (M.G.G.d.S.)
| | - Julyanne Maria Saraiva de Sousa
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Federal University Delta of Parnaiba, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil; (V.M.R.d.S.); (N.B.M.); (Y.A.A.M.); (J.M.S.d.S.); (R.R.L.R.); (A.L.S.d.S.); (M.G.G.d.S.)
| | - Raiza Raianne Luz Rodrigues
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Federal University Delta of Parnaiba, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil; (V.M.R.d.S.); (N.B.M.); (Y.A.A.M.); (J.M.S.d.S.); (R.R.L.R.); (A.L.S.d.S.); (M.G.G.d.S.)
| | - Airton Lucas Sousa dos Santos
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Federal University Delta of Parnaiba, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil; (V.M.R.d.S.); (N.B.M.); (Y.A.A.M.); (J.M.S.d.S.); (R.R.L.R.); (A.L.S.d.S.); (M.G.G.d.S.)
| | - Maria Gabrielly Gonçalves da Silva
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Federal University Delta of Parnaiba, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil; (V.M.R.d.S.); (N.B.M.); (Y.A.A.M.); (J.M.S.d.S.); (R.R.L.R.); (A.L.S.d.S.); (M.G.G.d.S.)
| | - Ingrid Gracielle Martins da Silva
- Microscopy and Microanalysis Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (I.G.M.d.S.); (K.B.B.-C.); (S.N.B.)
| | - Karine Brenda Barros-Cordeiro
- Microscopy and Microanalysis Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (I.G.M.d.S.); (K.B.B.-C.); (S.N.B.)
| | - Sônia Nair Báo
- Microscopy and Microanalysis Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (I.G.M.d.S.); (K.B.B.-C.); (S.N.B.)
| | - Josean Fechine Tavares
- Postgraduate Program in Natural Products and Synthetic Bioactive, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil;
| | - Klinger Antonio da Franca Rodrigues
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Federal University Delta of Parnaiba, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil; (V.M.R.d.S.); (N.B.M.); (Y.A.A.M.); (J.M.S.d.S.); (R.R.L.R.); (A.L.S.d.S.); (M.G.G.d.S.)
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Kazakova A, Frydrych I, Jakubcová N, Pokorný J, Lišková B, Gurská S, Džubák P, Hajdúch M, Urban M. Novel triterpenoid pyrones, phthalimides and phthalates are selectively cytotoxic in CCRF-CEM cancer cells - Synthesis, potency, and mitochondrial mechanism of action. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 269:116336. [PMID: 38520761 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116336] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
A series of triterpenoid pyrones was synthesized and subsequently modified to introduce phthalimide or phthalate moieties into the triterpenoid skeleton. These compounds underwent in vitro cytotoxicity screening, revealing that a subset of six compounds exhibited potent activity, with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. Further biological evaluations, including Annexin V and propidium iodide staining experiment revealed, that all compounds induce selective apoptosis in cancer cells. Measurements of mitochondrial potential, cell cycle analysis, and the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins confirmed, that apoptosis was mediated via the mitochondrial pathway. These findings were further supported by cell cycle modulation and DNA/RNA synthesis studies, which indicated a significant increase in cell accumulation in the G0/G1 phase and a marked reduction in S-phase cells, alongside a substantial inhibition of DNA synthesis. The activation of caspase-3 and the cleavage of PARP, coupled with a decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL proteins, underscored the induction of apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Given their high activity and pronounced effect on mitochondria function, trifluoromethyl pyrones 1f and 2f, and dihydrophthalimide 2h have been selected for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kazakova
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, 17. listopadu 1192/12, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Ivo Frydrych
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 1333/5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Jakubcová
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, 17. listopadu 1192/12, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 1333/5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Pokorný
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, 17. listopadu 1192/12, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 1333/5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Lišková
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 1333/5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Soňa Gurská
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 1333/5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Džubák
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 1333/5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Hněvotínská 1333/5, Olomouc, 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Marián Hajdúch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 1333/5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Hněvotínská 1333/5, Olomouc, 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Urban
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, 17. listopadu 1192/12, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 1333/5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
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Alcazar W, Alakurtti S, Padrón-Nieves M, Tuononen ML, Rodríguez N, Yli-Kauhaluoma J, Ponte-Sucre A. Leishmanicidal Activity of Betulin Derivatives in Leishmania amazonensis; Effect on Plasma and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, and Macrophage Nitric Oxide and Superoxide Production. Microorganisms 2021; 9:320. [PMID: 33557150 PMCID: PMC7913927 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, we evaluated in vitro the anti-leishmanial activity of betulin derivatives in Venezuelan isolates of Leishmania amazonensis, isolated from patients with therapeutic failure. METHODS We analyzed promastigote in vitro susceptibility as well as the cytotoxicity and selectivity of the evaluated compounds. Additionally, the activity of selected compounds was determined in intracellular amastigotes. Finally, to gain hints on their potential mechanism of action, the effect of the most promising compounds on plasma and mitochondrial membrane potential, and nitric oxide and superoxide production by infected macrophages was determined. RESULTS From the tested 28 compounds, those numbered 18 and 22 were chosen for additional studies. Both 18 and 22 were active (GI50 ≤ 2 µM, cytotoxic CC50 > 45 µM, SI > 20) for the reference strain LTB0016 and for patient isolates. The results suggest that 18 significantly depolarized the plasma membrane potential (p < 0.05) and the mitochondrial membrane potential (p < 0.05) when compared to untreated cells. Although neither 18 nor 22 induced nitric oxide production in infected macrophages, 18 induced superoxide production in infected macrophages. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that due to their efficacy and selectivity against intracellular parasites and the potential mechanisms underlying their leishmanicidal effect, the compounds 18 and 22 could be used as tools for designing new chemotherapies against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilmer Alcazar
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine Luis Razetti, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, P.O. Box 50587, Caracas 1050, Venezuela; (W.A.); (M.P.-N.)
| | - Sami Alakurtti
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, P.O. Box 56, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (S.A.); (M.L.T.)
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Biologinkuja 7, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
| | - Maritza Padrón-Nieves
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine Luis Razetti, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, P.O. Box 50587, Caracas 1050, Venezuela; (W.A.); (M.P.-N.)
| | - Maija Liisa Tuononen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, P.O. Box 56, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (S.A.); (M.L.T.)
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Biologinkuja 7, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
| | - Noris Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Biomedicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, P.O. Box 4043, Caracas 1010A, Venezuela;
| | - Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, P.O. Box 56, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (S.A.); (M.L.T.)
| | - Alicia Ponte-Sucre
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine Luis Razetti, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, P.O. Box 50587, Caracas 1050, Venezuela; (W.A.); (M.P.-N.)
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Keshav P, Goyal DK, Kaur S. Promastigotes of Leishmania donovani exhibited sensitivity towards the high altitudinal plant Cicer microphyllum. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 1:100040. [PMID: 35284854 PMCID: PMC8906067 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we explored Cicer microphyllum (CM), a Trans-Himalayan plant for its chemical components by GC-MS, phytochemical quantitation, and anti-leishmanial efficacy against sensitive strain (SS) and resistant strain (RS) promastigotes of L. donovani in vitro. The hydroethanolic extract of aerial parts of CM was screened for the presence of chemical compounds and phytochemical estimation. The antileishmanial activity of CM was assessed against the promastigotes of L. donovani. The cell volume and cell viability were analyzed by flow cytometry. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid bodies was determined after treatment with reference and test drug. The extract of CM is complemented with major plant secondary metabolites and the quantitative assessment for phytoconstituents showed the highest concentration of phenols followed by flavonoids and terpenoids. Different biologically active chemical compounds were identified by the GC-MS analysis. The 50% inhibitory concentrations against L. donovani sensitive strain were 14.40 μg/ml and 23.03 μg/ml whereas for resistant promastigotes these were 49.84 μg/ml and 26.77 μg/ml after SAG (sodium stibogluconate) and CM exposure, respectively. CM treatment reduced cell viability induced by loss in plasma membrane integrity. Drug treatment resulted in higher ROS generation and production of lipid bodies. GC-MS screening of the extract revealed the richness of active chemical components in CM. The presence of diverse phytochemicals, no cytotoxicity to human macrophages, and the antileishmanial action of CM depicted its potential as an alternative future drug. First report of in vitro leishmanial activity of Cicer microphyllum (CM) against SAG-resistant and SAG-sensitive strain. Chemical characterization of CM by GC-MS revealed biologically active components. CM augmented ROS production and lipid bodiesʼ formation in Leishmania parasites. Parasitic cells exhibited loss of membrane integrity upon drug treatment. No significant toxicity on THP-1 cell line was observed.
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Giammarressi M, Vanegas O, Febres A, Silva-López A, López ED, Ponte-Sucre A. Chemotactic activities of vasoactive intestinal peptide, neuropeptide Y and substance P in Leishmania braziliensis. Exp Parasitol 2020; 219:108009. [PMID: 33007296 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.108009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cell-cell interaction and active migration (and invasion) of parasites into skin host-cell(s) are key steps for successful infection by Leishmania. Chemotaxis constitutes a primordial chapter of Leishmania-host cell interaction, potentially modulated by neuropeptides released into the skin due, for example, to the noxious stimuli represented by the insect bite. Herein we have evaluated in vitro the effect of sensory (Substance P, SP) and autonomic (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, VIP, and Neuropeptide Y, NPY) neuropeptides on parasite taxis, and investigated the potential modulatory effect of SP on Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis-macrophage interaction. We demonstrated that VIP (10-10 M) and NPY (10-9 M) are chemorepellent to the parasites, while SP (10-8 M) produces a chemoattractant response. SP did not affect macrophage viability but seems to impair parasite-macrophage interaction as it decreased promastigote adherence to macrophages. As this effect is blocked by ([D-Pro 2, D-Trp7,9]-Substance P (10-6 M), the observed action may be mediated by neurokinin-1 (NK1) transmembrane receptors. VIP and NPY repellent chemotactic effect is impaired by their corresponding receptor antagonists. Additionally, they suggest that SP may be a key molecule to guide promastigote migration towards, and interaction, with dendritic cells and macrophage host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Giammarressi
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine Luis Razetti, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Oriana Vanegas
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine Luis Razetti, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Anthony Febres
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine Luis Razetti, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Adrián Silva-López
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine Luis Razetti, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Emilia Diaz López
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine Luis Razetti, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Alicia Ponte-Sucre
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine Luis Razetti, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
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Reguera RM, Elmahallawy EK, García-Estrada C, Carbajo-Andrés R, Balaña-Fouce R. DNA Topoisomerases of Leishmania Parasites; Druggable Targets for Drug Discovery. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:5900-5923. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180518074959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
DNA topoisomerases (Top) are a group of isomerase enzymes responsible for controlling the topological problems caused by DNA double helix in the cell during the processes of replication, transcription and recombination. Interestingly, these enzymes have been known since long to be key molecular machines in several cellular processes through overwinding or underwinding of DNA in all living organisms. Leishmania, a trypanosomatid parasite responsible for causing fatal diseases mostly in impoverished populations of low-income countries, has a set of six classes of Top enzymes. These are placed in the nucleus and the single mitochondrion and can be deadly targets of suitable drugs. Given the fact that there are clear differences in structure and expression between parasite and host enzymes, numerous studies have reported the therapeutic potential of Top inhibitors as antileishmanial drugs. In this regard, numerous compounds have been described as Top type IB and Top type II inhibitors in Leishmania parasites, such as camptothecin derivatives, indenoisoquinolines, indeno-1,5- naphthyridines, fluoroquinolones, anthracyclines and podophyllotoxins. The aim of this review is to highlight several facts about Top and Top inhibitors as potential antileishmanial drugs, which may represent a promising strategy for the control of this disease of public health importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M. Reguera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leon (ULE), Leon, Spain
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Tsai CW, Tsai RT, Liu SP, Chen CS, Tsai MC, Chien SH, Hung HS, Lin SZ, Shyu WC, Fu RH. Neuroprotective Effects of Betulin in Pharmacological and Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans Models of Parkinson's Disease. Cell Transplant 2018; 26:1903-1918. [PMID: 29390878 PMCID: PMC5802634 DOI: 10.1177/0963689717738785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common degenerative disorder of the central nervous system in the elderly. It is characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, as well as by motor dysfunction. Although the causes of PD are not well understood, aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in neurons contributes to this disease. Current therapeutics for PD provides satisfactory symptom relief but not a cure. Treatment strategies include attempts to identify new drugs that will prevent or arrest the progressive course of PD by correcting disease-specific pathogenic process. Betulin is derived from the bark of birch trees and possesses anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential for betulin to ameliorate PD features in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) models. We demonstrated that betulin diminished α-syn accumulation in the transgenic C. elegans model. Betulin also reduced 6-hydroxydopamine-induced dopaminergic neuron degeneration, reduced food-sensing behavioral abnormalities, and reversed life-span decreases in a pharmacological C. elegans model. Moreover, we found that the enhancement of proteasomes activity by promoting rpn1 expression and downregulation of the apoptosis pathway gene, egl-1, may be the molecular mechanism for betulin-mediated protection against PD pathology. Together, these findings support betulin as a possible treatment for PD and encourage further investigations of betulin as an antineurodegenerative agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Wen Tsai
- 1 Department of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Tzong Tsai
- 2 Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ping Liu
- 3 Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,4 Translational Medicine Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Shi Chen
- 5 Department of Biochemical and Molecular Biology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Min-Chen Tsai
- 3 Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Hsuan Chien
- 3 Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Shan Hung
- 3 Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,4 Translational Medicine Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Zong Lin
- 6 Bioinnovation Center, Tzu Chi foundation, Department of Neurosurgery, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Woei-Cherng Shyu
- 3 Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,4 Translational Medicine Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ru-Huei Fu
- 3 Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,4 Translational Medicine Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,7 Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Triterpenic azines, a new class of compounds with selective cytotoxicity to leukemia cells CCRF-CEM. Future Med Chem 2018; 10:483-491. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2017-0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: From betulinic acid (1a), we synthesized 30-oxobetulinic acid (2a) that is highly cytotoxic against many cancer cell lines; however, its generic toxicity is the main obstacle in further development as cytostatic. Methodology & results: From 2a, we prepared a new class of compounds – nonsymmetrical azines and tested their in vitro cytotoxicity. All new azines with a free 28-COOH group (4a–4e) were highly and selectively cytotoxic against the T-lymphoblastic leukemia cell line CCRF-CEM and exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of RNA and DNA synthesis and other cell-cycle alterations, including the M-phase block. Conclusion: The potential use of azines (4a–4e) in drug development focused on hematological cancers is significantly higher than that of previously studied acids 1a and 2a.
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Jonnalagadda S, Suman P, Morgan D, Seay J. Recent Developments on the Synthesis and Applications of Betulin and Betulinic Acid Derivatives as Therapeutic Agents. STUDIES IN NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63930-1.00002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Abstract
Conradina canescens (Lamiaceae) is an endemic evergreen shrub native to Florida, Mississippi and Alabama, with no phytochemical or biological studies registered in the literature. Thus, a phytochemical study and a toxicity analysis of the chloroform extract obtained from the leaves of C. canescens were performed for the first time. In our preliminary screening, the crude extract and its fractions were subjected to cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and antileishmanial bioassays. The crude extract showed substantial cytotoxic, antimicrobial and antileishmanial activities. A total of six compounds, namely ursolic acid (62.4%), betulin (8.4%), β-amyrin (4.6%), myrtenic acid (2.9%), n-tetracosane (1.4%), and oleanolic acid (1.1%), were isolated. The structures of the isolated compounds were established by spectroscopic studies using NMR and IR spectroscopy.
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