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Huang R, Pang Q, Zheng L, Lin J, Li H, Wan L, Wang T. Cholesterol metabolism: physiological versus pathological aspects in intracerebral hemorrhage. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1015-1030. [PMID: 38989934 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is an important component of plasma membranes and participates in many basic life functions, such as the maintenance of cell membrane stability, the synthesis of steroid hormones, and myelination. Cholesterol plays a key role in the establishment and maintenance of the central nervous system. The brain contains 20% of the whole body's cholesterol, 80% of which is located within myelin. A huge number of processes (e.g., the sterol regulatory element-binding protein pathway and liver X receptor pathway) participate in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism in the brain via mechanisms that include cholesterol biosynthesis, intracellular transport, and efflux. Certain brain injuries or diseases involving crosstalk among the processes above can affect normal cholesterol metabolism to induce detrimental consequences. Therefore, we hypothesized that cholesterol-related molecules and pathways can serve as therapeutic targets for central nervous system diseases. Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most severe hemorrhagic stroke subtype, with high mortality and morbidity. Historical cholesterol levels are associated with the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. Moreover, secondary pathological changes after intracerebral hemorrhage are associated with cholesterol metabolism dysregulation, such as neuroinflammation, demyelination, and multiple types of programmed cell death. Intracellular cholesterol accumulation in the brain has been found after intracerebral hemorrhage. In this paper, we review normal cholesterol metabolism in the central nervous system, the mechanisms known to participate in the disturbance of cholesterol metabolism after intracerebral hemorrhage, and the links between cholesterol metabolism and cell death. We also review several possible and constructive therapeutic targets identified based on cholesterol metabolism to provide cholesterol-based perspectives and a reference for those interested in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Huang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Suzhou Medicine College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
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Salerno L, Notaro A, Consoli V, Affranchi F, Pittalà V, Sorrenti V, Vanella L, Giuliano M, Intagliata S. Evaluation of the anticancer effects exerted by 5-fluorouracil and heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor hybrids in HTC116 colorectal cancer cells. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2337191. [PMID: 38634597 PMCID: PMC11028004 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2024.2337191] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer remains a clinical challenge in industrialised countries. Its treatment with 5-Flurouracil (5-FU) develops many side effects and resistance. Thus, several strategies have been undertaken so far, including the use of drug cocktails and polypharmacology. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an emerging molecular target in the treatment of various cancers. We recently demonstrated that a combination of HO-1 inhibitors with 5-FU and the corresponding hybrids SI1/17, SI1/20, and SI1/22, possessed anticancer activity against prostate and lung cancer cells. In this work, we evaluated these hybrids in a model of colon cancer and found that SI1/22 and the respective combo have greater potency than 5-FU. Particularly, compounds inhibit HO-1 activity in cell lysates, increase ROS and the expression of HO-1, SOD, and Nrf2. Moreover, we observed a decrease of pro-caspase and an increase in cleaved PARP-1 and p62, suggesting apoptotic and autophagic cell death and potential application of these drugs as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Salerno
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonietta Notaro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Consoli
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Affranchi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Valeria Sorrenti
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Vanella
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michela Giuliano
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Afsar A, Zhang L. Putative Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning the Inverse Roles of Mitochondrial Respiration and Heme Function in Lung Cancer and Alzheimer's Disease. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:185. [PMID: 38534454 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. Mitochondria serve as the major source of oxidative stress. Impaired mitochondria produce less adenosine triphosphate (ATP) but generate more reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could be a major factor in the oxidative imbalance observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Well-balanced mitochondrial respiration is important for the proper functioning of cells and human health. Indeed, recent research has shown that elevated mitochondrial respiration underlies the development and therapy resistance of many types of cancer, whereas diminished mitochondrial respiration is linked to the pathogenesis of AD. Mitochondria govern several activities that are known to be changed in lung cancer, the largest cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Because of the significant dependence of lung cancer cells on mitochondrial respiration, numerous studies demonstrated that blocking mitochondrial activity is a potent strategy to treat lung cancer. Heme is a central factor in mitochondrial respiration/oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and its association with cancer is the subject of increased research in recent years. In neural cells, heme is a key component in mitochondrial respiration and the production of ATP. Here, we review the role of impaired heme metabolism in the etiology of AD. We discuss the numerous mitochondrial effects that may contribute to AD and cancer. In addition to emphasizing the significance of heme in the development of both AD and cancer, this review also identifies some possible biological connections between the development of the two diseases. This review explores shared biological mechanisms (Pin1, Wnt, and p53 signaling) in cancer and AD. In cancer, these mechanisms drive cell proliferation and tumorigenic functions, while in AD, they lead to cell death. Understanding these mechanisms may help advance treatments for both conditions. This review discusses precise information regarding common risk factors, such as aging, obesity, diabetes, and tobacco usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Afsar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
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Pałasz A, Kistowska J, Suszka-Świtek A, Krzystanek M, Błaszczyk I, Menezes IC, Filipczyk Ł, Bogus K. Olanzapine alters the expression of gasotransmitter-related enzymes: CBS and HO-2 in the rat hippocampus and striatum. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1610-1618. [PMID: 37874531 PMCID: PMC10661766 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00538-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gaseous neurotransmitters have been thought to be novel factors involved in the mechanisms of mental disorders pathogenesis for quite some time. However, little is known about the potential crosstalk between neuronal gasotransmitter signaling and neuroleptics action. The present work was, therefore, focused on gene expression of H2S and CO-producing enzymes in the brains of rats chronically treated with olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug. METHODS Studies were carried out on adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats that were divided into 2 groups: control and experimental animals treated with olanzapine (28-day-long intraperitoneal injection, at a dose of 5 mg/kg daily). All individuals were sacrificed under anesthesia and the whole brains excised. Immunohistochemical procedure was used for histological assessment of the whole brain and for quantitative analysis of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and heme oxygenase 2 (HO-2) protein distribution in selected brain structures. RESULTS Long-term treatment with olanzapine is reflected in different changes in the number of enzymes-expressing cells in the rat brain. Olanzapine decreased the number of CBS-expressing cells and possibly reduced H2S synthesis in the hippocampus and striatum. The antipsychotic administration increased the number of HO-2 immunopositive cells and probably stimulated the CO production in the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS Modulatory effect of olanzapine on cellular mechanisms of gasotransmitter synthesis may be an alternative way of their pharmacological action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Ul. Medyków18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Julia Kistowska
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Ul. Medyków18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Suszka-Świtek
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Ul. Medyków18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Marek Krzystanek
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635, Katowice, Poland
| | - Iwona Błaszczyk
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Ul. Medyków18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Itiana Castro Menezes
- Department of Neurosciences and Behaviour, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Łukasz Filipczyk
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Ul. Medyków18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bogus
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Ul. Medyków18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
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Afsar A, Chen M, Xuan Z, Zhang L. A glance through the effects of CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, and cytokines on Alzheimer's disease. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:5662-5675. [PMID: 38053545 PMCID: PMC10694609 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.10.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Unfortunately, despite numerous studies, an effective treatment for AD has not yet been established. There is remarkable evidence indicating that the innate immune mechanism and adaptive immune response play significant roles in the pathogenesis of AD. Several studies have reported changes in CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in AD patients. This mini-review article discusses the potential contribution of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells reactivity to amyloid β (Aβ) protein in individuals with AD. Moreover, this mini-review examines the potential associations between T cells, heme oxygenase (HO), and impaired mitochondria in the context of AD. While current mathematical models of AD have not extensively addressed the inclusion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, there exist models that can be extended to consider AD as an autoimmune disease involving these T cell types. Additionally, the mini-review covers recent research that has investigated the utilization of machine learning models, considering the impact of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Afsar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Zhenyu Xuan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
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Korczowska-Łącka I, Słowikowski B, Piekut T, Hurła M, Banaszek N, Szymanowicz O, Jagodziński PP, Kozubski W, Permoda-Pachuta A, Dorszewska J. Disorders of Endogenous and Exogenous Antioxidants in Neurological Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1811. [PMID: 37891890 PMCID: PMC10604347 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12101811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In diseases of the central nervous system, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD), and even epilepsy and migraine, oxidative stress load commonly surpasses endogenous antioxidative capacity. While oxidative processes have been robustly implicated in the pathogenesis of these diseases, the significance of particular antioxidants, both endogenous and especially exogenous, in maintaining redox homeostasis requires further research. Among endogenous antioxidants, enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase are central to disabling free radicals, thereby preventing oxidative damage to cellular lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Whether supplementation with endogenously occurring antioxidant compounds such as melatonin and glutathione carries any benefit, however, remains equivocal. Similarly, while the health benefits of certain exogenous antioxidants, including ascorbic acid (vitamin C), carotenoids, polyphenols, sulforaphanes, and anthocyanins are commonly touted, their clinical efficacy and effectiveness in particular neurological disease contexts need to be more robustly defined. Here, we review the current literature on the cellular mechanisms mitigating oxidative stress and comment on the possible benefit of the most common exogenous antioxidants in diseases such as AD, PD, ALS, HD, stroke, epilepsy, and migraine. We selected common neurological diseases of a basically neurodegenerative nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Korczowska-Łącka
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland (M.H.)
| | - Bartosz Słowikowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (B.S.); (P.P.J.)
| | - Thomas Piekut
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland (M.H.)
| | - Mikołaj Hurła
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland (M.H.)
| | - Natalia Banaszek
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland (M.H.)
| | - Oliwia Szymanowicz
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland (M.H.)
| | - Paweł P. Jagodziński
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (B.S.); (P.P.J.)
| | - Wojciech Kozubski
- Chair and Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Permoda-Pachuta
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jolanta Dorszewska
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland (M.H.)
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Rana M, Bajaj D, Choubey P, Jain S, Basu-Modak S. Altered Expression of Heme Oxygenase 2 in Heme Oxygenase 1-deficient Mouse Embryos. J Histochem Cytochem 2023; 71:431-450. [PMID: 37480265 PMCID: PMC10424577 DOI: 10.1369/00221554231189310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Heme oxygenases (Hmoxs) are enzymes that catalyze the first and rate-limiting step in the degradation of heme to carbon monoxide, iron, and biliverdin. The two main isozymes, namely Hmox1 and Hmox2, are encoded by two different genes. Mutation of the Hmox1 gene in mice is known to cause extensive prenatal lethality, and limited information is available about the expression of Hmox proteins in developing mouse embryos. In this study, immunohistochemistry was used to perform a detailed investigation comparing Hmox proteins in Hmox1 wild-type and knockout (KO) mouse embryos collected from wild-type and heterozygous timed-matings. Western analysis for Hmoxs was also done in the organs of late-gestation embryos. The results demonstrated cytoplasmic and nuclear localization of Hmoxs in all the organs examined in wild-type embryos. Interestingly, Hmox2 immunoreactive protein signals were significantly low in most of the organs of mid- and late-gestation Hmox1-KO embryos. Furthermore, relative levels of Hmox2 were revealed to be significantly lower in the lung and kidney of late-gestation Hmox1-KO embryos by western analysis, which complemented the immunohistochemistry findings in these two organs. The current study provides detailed immunoexpression patterns of Hmox proteins in wild-type and Hmox1-KO mouse embryos in mid- and late-gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Rana
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Department of Zoology, Dyal Singh College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Divya Bajaj
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Department of Zoology, Hindu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Pooja Choubey
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Sidhant Jain
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Institute for Globally Distributed Open Research and Education (IGDORE), Rewari, Haryana, India
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Salerno L, Sorrenti V, Pittalà V, Consoli V, Modica MN, Romeo G, Marrazzo A, Giuliano M, Zajdel P, Vanella L, Intagliata S. Discovery of SI 1/20 and SI 1/22 as Mutual Prodrugs of 5-Fluorouracil and Imidazole-Based Heme Oxygenase 1 Inhibitor with Improved Cytotoxicity in DU145 Prostate Cancer Cells. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300047. [PMID: 36756924 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300047] [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: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we extend the concept of 5-fluorouracil/heme oxygenase 1 (5-FU/HO-1) inhibitor hybrid as an effective strategy for enhancing 5-FU-based anticancer therapies. For this purpose, we designed and synthesized new mutual prodrugs, named SI 1/20 and SI 1/22, in which the two active parent drugs (i. e., 5-FU and an imidazole-based HO-1 inhibitor) were connected through an easily cleavable succinic linker. Experimental hydrolysis rate, and in silico ADMET predictions were indicative of good drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties. Novel hybrids significantly reduced the viability of prostate DU145 cancer cells compared to the parent compounds 5-FU and HO-1 inhibitor administered alone or in combination. Interestingly, both compounds showed statistically significant lower toxicity, than 5-FU at the same dose, against non-tumorigenic human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH-1) cell line. Moreover, the newly synthesized mutual prodrugs inhibited the HO-1 activity both in a cell-free model and in vitro, as well as downregulated the HO-1 expression and increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Salerno
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Sorrenti
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Princess Al Jawhara Centre for Molecular Medicine, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, 329, Bahrain
| | - Valeria Consoli
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria N Modica
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Romeo
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Agostino Marrazzo
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Michela Giuliano
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paweł Zajdel
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Str., 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Luca Vanella
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Intagliata
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
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Mancuso C. The impact of heme oxygenase-2 on pharmacological research: A bibliometric analysis and beyond. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1156333. [PMID: 37153762 PMCID: PMC10154548 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1156333] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Heme oxygenase (HO-2) is an enzyme mainly involved in the physiologic turnover of heme and intracellular gas sensing, and it is very abundant in the brain, testes, kidneys and vessels. Since 1990, when HO-2 was discovered, the scientific community has underestimated the role of this protein in health and disease, as attested by the small amount of articles published and citations received. One of the reason that have contributed to the lack of interest in HO-2 was the difficulty in upregulating or inhibiting this enzyme. However, over the last 10 years, novel HO-2 agonists and antagonists have been synthesized, and the availability of these pharmacological tools should increase the appeal of HO-2 as drug target. In particular, these agonists and antagonists could help explain some controversial aspects, such as the neuroprotective versus neurotoxic roles of HO-2 in cerebrovascular diseases. Furthermore, the discovery of HO-2 genetic variants and their involvement in Parkinson's disease, in particular in males, opens new avenues for pharmacogenetic studies in gender medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Mancuso
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Healthcare Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Pharmacology, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cesare Mancuso,
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Limited Heme Oxygenase Contribution to Modulating the Severity of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium Infection. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061040. [PMID: 35739937 PMCID: PMC9219982 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
An important virulence trait of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is the ability to avoid the host immune response, generating systemic and persistent infections. Host cells play a crucial role in bacterial clearance by expressing the enzyme heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1), which catalyzes the degradation of heme groups into Fe2+, biliverdin, and carbon monoxide (CO). The role of Hmox1 activity during S. Typhimurium infection is not clear and previous studies have shown contradictory results. We evaluated the effect of pharmacologic modulation of Hmox1 in a mouse model of acute and persistent S. Typhimurium infection by administering the Hmox1 activity inductor cobalt protoporphyrin-IX (CoPP) or inhibitor tin protoporphyrin-IX (SnPP) before infection. To evaluate the molecular mechanism involved, we measured the colocalization of S. Typhimurium and autophagosome and lysosomal markers in macrophages. Administering CoPP reduced the bacterial burden in organs of mice 5 days post-infection, while SnPP-treated mice showed bacterial loads similar to vehicle-treated mice. Furthermore, CoPP reduced bacterial loads when administered after infection in macrophages in vitro and in a persistent infection model of S. Typhimurium in vivo, while tin protoporphyrin-IX (SnPP) treatment resulted in a bacterial burden similar to vehicle-treated controls. However, we did not observe significant differences in co-localization of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled S. Typhimurium with the autophagic vesicles marker microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) and the lysosomal marker lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP-1) in macrophages treated with CoPP. Our results suggest that CoPP can enhance antimicrobial activity in response to Salmonella infection, reducing bacterial dissemination and persistence in mice, in a CO and autophagy- independent manner.
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Consoli V, Sorrenti V, Pittalà V, Greish K, D’Amico AG, Romeo G, Intagliata S, Salerno L, Vanella L. Heme Oxygenase Modulation Drives Ferroptosis in TNBC Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105709. [PMID: 35628518 PMCID: PMC9143660 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The term ferroptosis refers to a peculiar type of programmed cell death (PCD) mainly characterized by extensive iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Recently, ferroptosis has been suggested as a potential new strategy for the treatment of several cancers, including breast cancer (BC). In particular, among the BC subtypes, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered the most aggressive, and conventional drugs fail to provide long-term efficacy. In this context, our study's purpose was to investigate the mechanism of ferroptosis in breast cancer cell lines and reveal the significance of heme oxygenase (HO) modulation in the process, providing new biochemical approaches. HO's effect on BC was evaluated by MTT tests, gene silencing, Western blot analysis, and measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH) and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels. In order to assess HO's implication, different approaches were exploited, using two distinct HO-1 inducers (hemin and curcumin), a well-known HO inhibitor (SnMP) and a selective HO-2 inhibitor. The data obtained showed HO's contribution to the onset of ferroptosis; in particular, HO-1 induction seemed to accelerate the process. Moreover, our results suggest a potential role of HO-2 in erastin-induced ferroptosis. In view of the above, HO modulation in ferroptosis can offer a novel approach for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Consoli
- Department of Drug and Health Science, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (V.C.); (V.P.); (A.G.D.); (G.R.); (S.I.); (L.S.); (L.V.)
| | - Valeria Sorrenti
- Department of Drug and Health Science, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (V.C.); (V.P.); (A.G.D.); (G.R.); (S.I.); (L.S.); (L.V.)
- CERNUT-Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug and Health Science, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (V.C.); (V.P.); (A.G.D.); (G.R.); (S.I.); (L.S.); (L.V.)
- CERNUT-Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Khaled Greish
- Princess Al-Jawhara Centre for Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 329, Bahrain;
| | - Agata Grazia D’Amico
- Department of Drug and Health Science, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (V.C.); (V.P.); (A.G.D.); (G.R.); (S.I.); (L.S.); (L.V.)
| | - Giuseppe Romeo
- Department of Drug and Health Science, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (V.C.); (V.P.); (A.G.D.); (G.R.); (S.I.); (L.S.); (L.V.)
- CERNUT-Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Intagliata
- Department of Drug and Health Science, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (V.C.); (V.P.); (A.G.D.); (G.R.); (S.I.); (L.S.); (L.V.)
- CERNUT-Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Loredana Salerno
- Department of Drug and Health Science, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (V.C.); (V.P.); (A.G.D.); (G.R.); (S.I.); (L.S.); (L.V.)
- CERNUT-Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Vanella
- Department of Drug and Health Science, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (V.C.); (V.P.); (A.G.D.); (G.R.); (S.I.); (L.S.); (L.V.)
- CERNUT-Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
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12
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Novel Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors to Target Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27103220. [PMID: 35630697 PMCID: PMC9143943 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This paper reports on a novel series of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) potentially useful for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The newly designed and synthesized compounds are structurally related to nilotinib (NIL), a second-generation oral TKI, and to a series of imatinib (IM)-based TKIs, previously reported by our research group, these latter characterized by a hybrid structure between TKIs and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inhibitors. The enzyme HO-1 was selected as an additional target since it is overexpressed in many cases of drug resistance, including CML. The new derivatives 1a–j correctly tackle the chimeric protein BCR-ABL. Therefore, the inhibition of TK was comparable to or higher than NIL and IM for many novel compounds, while most of the new analogs showed only moderate potency against HO-1. Molecular docking studies revealed insights into the binding mode with BCR-ABL and HO-1, providing a structural explanation for the differential activity. Cytotoxicity on K562 CML cells, both NIL-sensitive and -resistant, was evaluated. Notably, some new compounds strongly reduced the viability of K562 sensitive cells.
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13
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Floresta G, Fallica AN, Patamia V, Sorrenti V, Greish K, Rescifina A, Pittalà V. From Far West to East: Joining the Molecular Architecture of Imidazole-like Ligands in HO-1 Complexes. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121289. [PMID: 34959690 PMCID: PMC8704944 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HO-1 overexpression has been reported in several cases/types of human malignancies. Unfortunately, poor clinical outcomes are reported in most of these cases, and the inhibition of HO-1 is considered a valuable and proven anticancer approach. To identify novel hit compounds suitable as HO-1 inhibitors, we report here a fragment-based approach where ligand joining experiments were used. The two most important parts of the classical structure of the HO-1 inhibitors were used as a starting point, and 1000 novel compounds were generated and then virtually evaluated by structure and ligand-based approaches. The joining experiments led us to a novel series of indole-based compounds. A synthetic pathway for eight selected molecules was designed, and the compounds were synthesized. The biological activity revealed that some molecules reach the micromolar activity, whereas molecule 4d inhibits the HO-1 with an IC50 of 1.03 μM. This study suggested that our joining approach was successful, and a novel hit compound was generated. These results are ongoing for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Floresta
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (A.N.F.); (V.P.); (V.S.)
- Department of Analytics, Environmental & Forensics, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Antonino Nicolò Fallica
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (A.N.F.); (V.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Patamia
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (A.N.F.); (V.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Valeria Sorrenti
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (A.N.F.); (V.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Khaled Greish
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Nanomedicine Unit, Princess Al-Jawhara Center for Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 329, Bahrain;
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (A.N.F.); (V.P.); (V.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (V.P.)
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (A.N.F.); (V.P.); (V.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (V.P.)
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14
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Floresta G, Fallica AN, Salerno L, Sorrenti V, Pittalà V, Rescifina A. Growing the molecular architecture of imidazole-like ligands in HO-1 complexes. Bioorg Chem 2021; 117:105428. [PMID: 34710668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Up-regulation of HO-1 had been frequently reported in different cases and types of human malignancies. Since poor clinical outcomes are reported in these cases, this enzyme's inhibition is considered a valuable and proven anticancer approach. To identify novel HO-1 inhibitors suitable for drug development, we report a structure-guided fragment-based approach to identify new lead compounds. Different parts of the selected molecules were analyzed, and the different series of novel compounds were virtually evaluated. The growing experiments of the classical HO-1 inhibitors structure led us to different hit-compounds. A synthetic pathway for six selected molecules was designed, and the compounds were synthesized. The biological activity revealed that molecules 10 and 12 inhibit the HO-1 activity with an IC50 of 1.01 and 0.90 μM, respectively. This study suggested that our growing approach was successful, and these results are ongoing for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Floresta
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Antonino N Fallica
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Loredana Salerno
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Sorrenti
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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15
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Fallica A, Sorrenti V, D’Amico AG, Salerno L, Romeo G, Intagliata S, Consoli V, Floresta G, Rescifina A, D’Agata V, Vanella L, Pittalà V. Discovery of Novel Acetamide-Based Heme Oxygenase-1 Inhibitors with Potent In Vitro Antiproliferative Activity. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13373-13393. [PMID: 34472337 PMCID: PMC8474116 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) promotes heme catabolism exercising cytoprotective roles in normal and cancer cells. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, molecular modeling, and biological evaluation of novel HO-1 inhibitors. Specifically, an amide linker in the central spacer and an imidazole were fixed, and the hydrophobic moiety required by the pharmacophore was largely modified. In many tumors, overexpression of HO-1 correlates with poor prognosis and chemoresistance, suggesting the inhibition of HO-1 as a possible antitumor strategy. Accordingly, compounds 7i and 7l-p emerged for their potency against HO-1 and were investigated for their anticancer activity against prostate (DU145), lung (A549), and glioblastoma (U87MG, A172) cancer cells. The selected compounds showed the best activity toward U87MG cells. Compound 7l was further investigated for its in-cell enzymatic HO-1 activity, expression levels, and effects on cell invasion and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) extracellular release. The obtained data suggest that 7l can reduce cell invasivity acting through modulation of HO-1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino
N. Fallica
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Sorrenti
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Agata G. D’Amico
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Loredana Salerno
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Romeo
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Consoli
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Floresta
- Department
of Analytics, Environmental & Forensics, King’s College London, Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D’Agata
- Sections
of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological
Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Vanella
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
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16
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Žiberna L, Jenko-Pražnikar Z, Petelin A. Serum Bilirubin Levels in Overweight and Obese Individuals: The Importance of Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Responses. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10091352. [PMID: 34572984 PMCID: PMC8472302 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic condition involving low-grade inflammation and increased oxidative stress; thus, obese and overweight people have lower values of serum bilirubin. Essentially, bilirubin is a potent endogenous antioxidant molecule with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antithrombotic, and endocrine properties. This review paper presents the interplay between obesity-related pathological processes and bilirubin, with a focus on adipose tissue and adipokines. We discuss potential strategies to mildly increase serum bilirubin levels in obese patients as an adjunctive therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lovro Žiberna
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | | | - Ana Petelin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-5-66-2469
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17
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Ciaffaglione V, Modica MN, Pittalà V, Romeo G, Salerno L, Intagliata S. Mutual Prodrugs of 5-Fluorouracil: From a Classic Chemotherapeutic Agent to Novel Potential Anticancer Drugs. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:3496-3512. [PMID: 34415107 PMCID: PMC9290623 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The development of potent antitumor agents with a low toxicological profile against healthy cells is still one of the greatest challenges facing medicinal chemistry. In this context, the “mutual prodrug” approach has emerged as a potential tool to overcome undesirable physicochemical features and mitigate the side effects of approved drugs. Among broad‐spectrum chemotherapeutics available for clinical use today, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) is one of the most representative, also included in the World Health Organization model list of essential medicines. Unfortunately, severe side effects and drug resistance phenomena are still the primary limits and drawbacks in its clinical use. This review describes the progress made over the last ten years in developing 5‐FU‐based mutual prodrugs to improve the therapeutic profile and achieve targeted delivery to cancer tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Ciaffaglione
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria N Modica
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Romeo
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Loredana Salerno
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Intagliata
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
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18
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Wiklund L, Sharma A, Patnaik R, Muresanu DF, Sahib S, Tian ZR, Castellani RJ, Nozari A, Lafuente JV, Sharma HS. Upregulation of hemeoxygenase enzymes HO-1 and HO-2 following ischemia-reperfusion injury in connection with experimental cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Neuroprotective effects of methylene blue. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2021; 265:317-375. [PMID: 34560924 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays an important role in neuronal injuries after cardiac arrest. Increased production of carbon monoxide (CO) by the enzyme hemeoxygenase (HO) in the brain is induced by the oxidative stress. HO is present in the CNS in two isoforms, namely the inducible HO-1 and the constitutive HO-2. Elevated levels of serum HO-1 occurs in cardiac arrest patients and upregulation of HO-1 in cardiac arrest is seen in the neurons. However, the role of HO-2 in cardiac arrest is not well known. In this review involvement of HO-1 and HO-2 enzymes in the porcine brain following cardiac arrest and resuscitation is discussed based on our own observations. In addition, neuroprotective role of methylene blue- an antioxidant dye on alterations in HO under in cardiac arrest is also presented. The biochemical findings of HO-1 and HO-2 enzymes using ELISA were further confirmed by immunocytochemical approach to localize selective regional alterations in cardiac arrest. Our observations are the first to show that cardiac arrest followed by successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation results in significant alteration in cerebral concentrations of HO-1 and HO-2 levels indicating a prominent role of CO in brain pathology and methylene blue during CPR followed by induced hypothermia leading to superior neuroprotection after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), not reported earlier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Wiklund
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aruna Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ranjana Patnaik
- Department of Biomaterials, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Dafin F Muresanu
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Medicine & Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; "RoNeuro" Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Seaab Sahib
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Z Ryan Tian
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Rudy J Castellani
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ala Nozari
- Anesthesiology & Intensive Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - José Vicente Lafuente
- LaNCE, Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Hari Shanker Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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19
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Salerno L, Vanella L, Sorrenti V, Consoli V, Ciaffaglione V, Fallica AN, Canale V, Zajdel P, Pignatello R, Intagliata S. Novel mutual prodrug of 5-fluorouracil and heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor (5-FU/HO-1 hybrid): design and preliminary in vitro evaluation. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:1378-1386. [PMID: 34167427 PMCID: PMC8231349 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.1928111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, the first mutual prodrug of 5-fluorouracil and heme oxygenase1 inhibitor (5-FU/HO-1 hybrid) has been designed, synthesised, and evaluated for its in vitro chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis stability. Predicted in silico physicochemical properties of the newly synthesised hybrid (3) demonstrated a drug-like profile with suitable Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) properties and low toxic liabilities. Preliminary cytotoxicity evaluation towards human prostate (DU145) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines demonstrated that 3 exerted a similar effect on cell viability to that produced by the reference drug 5-FU. Among the two tested cancer cell lines, the A549 cells were more susceptible for 3. Of note, hybrid 3 also had a significantly lower cytotoxic effect on healthy human lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) than 5-FU. Altogether our results served as an initial proof-of-concept to develop 5-FU/HO-1 mutual prodrugs as potential novel anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Salerno
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Vanella
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Sorrenti
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Consoli
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Antonino N Fallica
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vittorio Canale
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Paweł Zajdel
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Rosario Pignatello
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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20
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Combination of Heme Oxygenase-1 Inhibition and Sigma Receptor Modulation for Anticancer Activity. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26133860. [PMID: 34202711 PMCID: PMC8270315 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26133860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multifactorial disease that may be tackled by targeting different signaling pathways. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and sigma receptors (σRs) are both overexpressed in different human cancers, including prostate and brain, contributing to the cancer spreading. In the present study, we investigated whether HO-1 inhibitors and σR ligands, as well a combination of the two, may influence DU145 human prostate and U87MG human glioblastoma cancer cells proliferation. In addition, we synthesized, characterized, and tested a small series of novel hybrid compounds (HO-1/σRs) 1–4 containing the chemical features needed for HO-1 inhibition and σR modulation. Herein, we report for the first time that targeting simultaneously HO-1 and σR proteins may be a good strategy to achieve increased antiproliferative activity against DU145 and U87MG cells, with respect to the mono administration of the parent compounds. The obtained outcomes provide an initial proof of concept useful to further optimize the structure of HO-1/σRs hybrids to develop novel potential anticancer agents.
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21
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Lu JJ, Abudukeyoumu A, Zhang X, Liu LB, Li MQ, Xie F. Heme oxygenase 1: a novel oncogene in multiple gynecological cancers. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:2252-2261. [PMID: 34239353 PMCID: PMC8241721 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.61073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), also known as heat shock protein 32 (HSP32), is a stress-inducible enzyme. In the past, it was believed to participate in maintaining cell homeostasis, reducing oxidative stress damage and exerting anti-apoptotic effects. When exposed to noxious stimulation, the expression of HO-1 in the body will increase, antagonizing these oxidative stresses and protecting our bodies. Recently, many studies showed that HO-1 was also highly-expressed in multiple gynecological cancers (such as ovarian cancer, cervical cancer and endometrial cancer), suggesting that it should be closely related to cell proliferation, metastasis, immune regulation and angiogenesis as an oncogene. This review summarizes the different effects of HO-1 under normal and diseased conditions with a brief discussion of its implications on the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancers, aiming to provide a new clue for prevention and treatment of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jing Lu
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ayitila Abudukeyoumu
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Bing Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, 213003, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Xie
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
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22
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Abstract
Nitric oxide, studied to evaluate its role in cardiovascular physiology, has cardioprotective and therapeutic effects in cellular signaling, mitochondrial function, and in regulating inflammatory processes. Heme oxygenase (major role in catabolism of heme into biliverdin, carbon monoxide (CO), and iron) has similar effects as well. CO has been suggested as the molecule that is responsible for many of the above mentioned cytoprotective and therapeutic pathways as CO is a signaling molecule in the control of physiological functions. This is counterintuitive as toxic effects are related to its binding to hemoglobin. However, CO is normally produced in the body. Experimental evidence indicates that this toxic gas, CO, exerts cytoprotective properties related to cellular stress including the heart and is being assessed for its cytoprotective and cytotherapeutic properties. While survival of adult cardiomyocytes depends on oxidative phosphorylation (survival and resulting cardiac function is impaired by mitochondrial damage), mitochondrial biogenesis is modified by the heme oxygenase-1/CO system and can result in promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis by associating mitochondrial redox status to the redox-active transcription factors. It has been suggested that the heme oxygenase-1/CO system is important in differentiation of embryonic stem cells and maturation of cardiomyocytes which is thought to mitigate progression of degenerative cardiovascular diseases. Effects on other cardiac cells are being studied. Acute exposure to air pollution (and, therefore, CO) is associated with cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and heart failure, but changes in the endogenous heme oxygenase-1 system (and, thereby, CO) positively affect cardiovascular health. We will review the effect of CO on heart health and function in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki L Mahan
- Department of Surgery and Pediatrics, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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23
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Wang Z, Gao J, Teng H, Peng J. Effects of Doxorubicin on Heme Biosynthesis and Metabolism in Cardiomyocyte. Arq Bras Cardiol 2021; 116:315-322. [PMID: 33656082 PMCID: PMC7909973 DOI: 10.36660/abc.20190437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fundamento A doxorrubicina está associada à cardiotoxicidade e à morbidade cardíaca tardia. O heme está relacionado ao stress oxidativo celular. Entretanto, sua regulação específica em cardiomiócitos sob os efeitos de doxorrubicina ainda não foi documentada. Objetivo Nosso objetivo é avaliar as alterações de enzimas limitantes de velocidade no caminho metabólico do heme sob o efeito de doxorrubicina. Métodos Cardiomiócitos H9c2 com doxorrubicina em concentrações diferentes (1, 2, 5, 10μM respectivamente). Os testes de PCR em tempo real e Western Blot foram usados para determinar a expressão de proteína e mRNA para quatro enzimas cruciais (ALAS1, ALAS2, HOX-1, e HOX-2) que regulam o metabolismo do heme celular, e os níveis de heme foram detectados por ELISA. Um p<0,01 foi considerado significativo. Resultados Observamos um padrão com alteração dependendo da dose nos níveis de heme nas células H9c2 com o nível mais alto na concentração de 5μM de doxorrubicina, o que ocorreu sincronicamente com o nível mais alto de regulação para cima de ALAS1, bem como as enzimas degenerativas HOX-1 e HOX-2 na expressão de proteína e mRNA. Em contraste, observamos que a ALAS2 foi regulada para baixo gradualmente, inversamente proporcional às concentrações de doxorrubicina. Conclusão O aumento da expressão de ALAS1 pode ter um papel na elevação do nível do heme quando o cardiomiócito H9c2 for exposto à doxorrubicina, e pode ser um alvo terapêutico para a toxicidade miocárdica induzida por doxorrubicina. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(2):315-322)
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuoyan Wang
- Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Shijitan Hospital,Beijing - China
| | - Junyi Gao
- Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Shijitan Hospital,Beijing - China
| | - Haobo Teng
- Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Shijitan Hospital,Beijing - China
| | - Jianjun Peng
- Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Shijitan Hospital,Beijing - China
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Importance of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Functions, Inductions, Regulations, and Signaling. J Gastrointest Cancer 2021; 52:454-461. [PMID: 33484436 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-021-00587-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the important gastrointestinal tract tumors. Heme is mainly absorbed in the colon and induces nitrosamine formation, genotoxicity, and oxidative stress, and increases the risk of CRC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Information was collected from articles on Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed. RESULTS Heme can irritate intestinal epithelial cells and increases the proliferation of colonic mucosa. Heme can be considered as a carcinogenic agent for CRC induction. In typical situations, Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is expressed at low concentration in the gastrointestinal tract, but its expression is elevated during lesion and inflammation. Based on the multiple reports, the impact of HO-1 on tumor growth is related to the cancer cell type. Increased HO-1 levels were also indicated in different human and animal malignancies, possibly through its contribution to tumor cell growth, metastasis, expression of angiogenic factors, and resistance to chemotherapy. Recent studies noted that HO-1 can act as an immunomodulator that suppresses immune cell maturation, activation, and infiltration. It also inhibits apoptosis through CO production that leads to p53 suppression. The upregulation of HO-1 significantly increases the endurance of colon cancer cell lines. Therefore, it is supposed that HO-1 inhibitors could become a novel antitumor agent. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and its metabolites can activate Nrf2 and improves anti-oxidant levels along with upregulation of its objective genes like HO-1, and downregulation of NF-κB which reduce phosphorylated TNF-α, IL-1β, and PAI-1. CONCLUSION The precise mechanism accountable for the anti-inflammatory features of HO-1 is not completely understood; nevertheless, the CO signaling function associated with the antioxidant property shown by bilirubin possibly will play an act in the improvement of inflammation.
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Fernández-Fierro A, Funes SC, Rios M, Covián C, González J, Kalergis AM. Immune Modulation by Inhibitors of the HO System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010294. [PMID: 33396647 PMCID: PMC7794909 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The heme oxygenase (HO) system involves three isoforms of this enzyme, HO-1, HO-2, and HO-3. The three of them display the same catalytic activity, oxidating the heme group to produce biliverdin, ferrous iron, and carbon monoxide (CO). HO-1 is the isoform most widely studied in proinflammatory diseases because treatments that overexpress this enzyme promote the generation of anti-inflammatory products. However, neonatal jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia) derived from HO overexpression led to the development of inhibitors, such as those based on metaloproto- and meso-porphyrins inhibitors with competitive activity. Further, non-competitive inhibitors have also been identified, such as synthetic and natural imidazole-dioxolane-based, small synthetic molecules, inhibitors of the enzyme regulation pathway, and genetic engineering using iRNA or CRISPR cas9. Despite most of the applications of the HO inhibitors being related to metabolic diseases, the beneficial effects of these molecules in immune-mediated diseases have also emerged. Different medical implications, including cancer, Alzheimer´s disease, and infections, are discussed in this article and as to how the selective inhibition of HO isoforms may contribute to the treatment of these ailments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayleen Fernández-Fierro
- Millenium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 8331150 Santiago, Chile; (A.F.-F.); (M.R.); (C.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Samanta C. Funes
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas-San Luis, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas—Universidad Nacional de San Luis, 5700 San Luis, Argentina;
| | - Mariana Rios
- Millenium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 8331150 Santiago, Chile; (A.F.-F.); (M.R.); (C.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Camila Covián
- Millenium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 8331150 Santiago, Chile; (A.F.-F.); (M.R.); (C.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Jorge González
- Millenium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 8331150 Santiago, Chile; (A.F.-F.); (M.R.); (C.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Alexis M. Kalergis
- Millenium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 8331150 Santiago, Chile; (A.F.-F.); (M.R.); (C.C.); (J.G.)
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 8331150 Santiago, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-22-686-2842
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Novel Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) Inducers Based on Dimethyl Fumarate Structure. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249541. [PMID: 33333908 PMCID: PMC7765375 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inducers based on dimethyl fumarate (DMF) structure are reported in this paper. These compounds are obtained by modification of the DMF backbone. Particularly, maintaining the α, β-unsaturated dicarbonyl function as the central chain crucial for HO-1 induction, different substituted or unsubstituted phenyl rings are introduced by means of an ester or amide linkage. Symmetric and asymmetric derivatives are synthesized. All compounds are tested on a human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 to assay their capacity for modifying HO-1 expression. Compounds 1b, 1l and 1m stand out for their potency as HO-1 inducers, being 2–3 fold more active than DMF, and for their ability to reverse reactive oxygen species (ROS) production mediated using palmitic acid (PA). These properties, coupled with a low toxicity toward LX-2 cell lines, make these compounds potentially useful for treatment of diseases in which HO-1 overexpression may counteract inflammation, such as hepatic fibrosis. Docking studies show a correlation between predicted binding free energy and experimental HO-1 expression data. These preliminary results may support the development of new approaches in the management of liver fibrosis.
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Identification of a potent heme oxygenase-2 (HO-2) inhibitor by targeting the secondary hydrophobic pocket of the HO-2 western region. Bioorg Chem 2020; 104:104310. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Hopper CP, De La Cruz LK, Lyles KV, Wareham LK, Gilbert JA, Eichenbaum Z, Magierowski M, Poole RK, Wollborn J, Wang B. Role of Carbon Monoxide in Host-Gut Microbiome Communication. Chem Rev 2020; 120:13273-13311. [PMID: 33089988 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Nature is full of examples of symbiotic relationships. The critical symbiotic relation between host and mutualistic bacteria is attracting increasing attention to the degree that the gut microbiome is proposed by some as a new organ system. The microbiome exerts its systemic effect through a diverse range of metabolites, which include gaseous molecules such as H2, CO2, NH3, CH4, NO, H2S, and CO. In turn, the human host can influence the microbiome through these gaseous molecules as well in a reciprocal manner. Among these gaseous molecules, NO, H2S, and CO occupy a special place because of their widely known physiological functions in the host and their overlap and similarity in both targets and functions. The roles that NO and H2S play have been extensively examined by others. Herein, the roles of CO in host-gut microbiome communication are examined through a discussion of (1) host production and function of CO, (2) available CO donors as research tools, (3) CO production from diet and bacterial sources, (4) effect of CO on bacteria including CO sensing, and (5) gut microbiome production of CO. There is a large amount of literature suggesting the "messenger" role of CO in host-gut microbiome communication. However, much more work is needed to begin achieving a systematic understanding of this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Hopper
- Institute for Experimental Biomedicine, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Bavaria DE 97080, Germany.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Ladie Kimberly De La Cruz
- Department of Chemistry & Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Kristin V Lyles
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Lauren K Wareham
- The Vanderbilt Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Vanderbilt University Medical Center and School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Jack A Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Zehava Eichenbaum
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Marcin Magierowski
- Cellular Engineering and Isotope Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow PL 31-531, Poland
| | - Robert K Poole
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Sheffield S10 2TN, U.K
| | - Jakob Wollborn
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg DE 79085, Germany.,Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Management, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Binghe Wang
- Department of Chemistry & Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
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Ianni F, Carotti A, Intagliata S, Macchiarulo A, Chankvetadze B, Pittalà V, Sardella R. Laboratory-Scale Semipreparative Enantioresolution of Phenylethanolic-Azole Heme Oxygenase-1 Inhibitors. Chromatographia 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10337-020-03972-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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30
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Yao H, Peterson AL, Li J, Xu H, Dennery PA. Heme Oxygenase 1 and 2 Differentially Regulate Glucose Metabolism and Adipose Tissue Mitochondrial Respiration: Implications for Metabolic Dysregulation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197123. [PMID: 32992485 PMCID: PMC7582259 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme oxygenase (HO) consists of inducible (HO-1) and constitutive (HO-2) isoforms that are encoded by Hmox1 and Hmox2 genes, respectively. As an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant molecule, HO participates in the development of metabolic diseases. Whether Hmox deficiency causes metabolic abnormalities under basal conditions remains unclear. We hypothesized that HO-1 and HO-2 differentially affect global and adipose tissue metabolism. To test this hypothesis, we determined insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, energy expenditure, and respiratory exchange ratio in global Hmox1-/- and Hmox2-/- mice. Body weight was reduced in female but not male Hmox1-/- and Hmox2-/- mice. Reduced insulin sensitivity and physical activity were observed in Hmox1-/- but not Hmox2-/- mice. Deletion of either Hmox1 or Hmox2 had no effects on glucose tolerance, energy expenditure or respiratory exchange ratio. Mitochondrial respiration was unchanged in gonadal fat pads (white adipose tissue, WAT) of Hmox1-/- mice. Hmox2 deletion increased proton leak and glycolysis in gonadal, but not interscapular fat tissues (brown adipose tissue, BAT). Uncoupling protein and Hmox1 genes were unchanged in gonadal fat pads of Hmox2-/- mice. Conclusively, HO-1 maintains insulin sensitivity, while HO-2 represses glycolysis and proton leak in the WAT under basal condition. This suggests that HO-1 and HO-2 differentially modulate metabolism, which may impact the metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Yao
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02860, USA; (H.Y.); (A.L.P.)
| | - Abigail L. Peterson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02860, USA; (H.Y.); (A.L.P.)
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02860, USA; (J.L.); (H.X.)
| | - Haiyan Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02860, USA; (J.L.); (H.X.)
| | - Phyllis A. Dennery
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02860, USA; (H.Y.); (A.L.P.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02860, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-401-444-5648
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Nerolidol Mitigates Colonic Inflammation: An Experimental Study Using both In Vivo and In Vitro Models. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12072032. [PMID: 32650602 PMCID: PMC7400891 DOI: 10.3390/nu12072032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerolidol (NED) is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol present in various plants with potent anti-inflammatory effects. In the current study, we investigated NED as a putative anti-inflammatory compound in an experimental model of colonic inflammation. C57BL/6J male black mice (C57BL/6J) were administered 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days to induce colitis. Six groups received either vehicle alone or DSS alone or DSS with oral NED (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg body weight/day by oral gavage) or DSS with sulfasalazine. Disease activity index (DAI), colonic histology, and biochemical parameters were measured. TNF-α-treated HT-29 cells were used as in vitro model of colonic inflammation to study NED (25 µM and 50 µM). NED significantly decreased the DAI and reduced the inflammation-associated changes in colon length as well as macroscopic and microscopic architecture of the colon. Changes in tissue Myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentrations, neutrophil and macrophage mRNA expression (CXCL2 and CCL2), and proinflammatory cytokine content (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) both at the protein and mRNA level were significantly reduced by NED. The increase in content of the proinflammatory enzymes, COX-2 and iNOS induced by DSS were also significantly inhibited by NED along with tissue nitrate levels. NED promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation dose dependently. NED significantly increased antioxidant enzymes activity (Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT)), Hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), and SOD3 mRNA levels. NED treatment in TNF-α-challenged HT-29 cells significantly decreased proinflammatory chemokines (CXCL1, IL-8, CCL2) and COX-2 mRNA levels. NED supplementation attenuates colon inflammation through its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity both in in vivo and in vitro models of colonic inflammation.
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Intagliata S, Helal MA, Materia L, Pittalà V, Salerno L, Marrazzo A, Cagnotto A, Salmona M, Modica MN, Romeo G. Synthesis and Molecular Modelling Studies of New 1,3-Diaryl-5-Oxo-Proline Derivatives as Endothelin Receptor Ligands. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25081851. [PMID: 32316541 PMCID: PMC7221592 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25081851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthesis of seventeen new 1,3-diaryl-5-oxo-proline derivatives as endothelin receptor (ETR) ligands is described. The structural configuration of the new molecules was determined by analyzing selected signals in proton NMR spectra. In vitro binding assays of the human ETA and ETB receptors allowed us to identify compound 31h as a selective ETAR ligand. The molecular docking of the selected compounds and the ETA antagonist atrasentan in the ETAR homology model provided insight into the structural elements required for the affinity and the selectivity of the ETAR subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Intagliata
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.I.); (V.P.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Mohamed A. Helal
- University of Science and Technology, Biomedical Sciences Program, Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October, Giza 12578, Egypt;
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Luisa Materia
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.I.); (V.P.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.I.); (V.P.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Loredana Salerno
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.I.); (V.P.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Agostino Marrazzo
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.I.); (V.P.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Alfredo Cagnotto
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”, IRCCS. Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milano, Italy; (A.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Mario Salmona
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”, IRCCS. Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milano, Italy; (A.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria N. Modica
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.I.); (V.P.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-738-6061
| | - Giuseppe Romeo
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.I.); (V.P.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (G.R.)
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Floresta G, Carotti A, Ianni F, Sorrenti V, Intagliata S, Rescifina A, Salerno L, Di Michele A, Sardella R, Pittalà V. Chromatograpic resolution of phenylethanolic-azole racemic compounds highlighted stereoselective inhibition of heme oxygenase-1 by (R)-enantiomers. Bioorg Chem 2020; 99:103777. [PMID: 32222619 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.103777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has been recognized as extensively involved in the development and aggravation of cancer, cell propagation and at in the mechanism of chemoresistance development. Low micromolar HO-1 inhibitors selective towards HO-2 has been recently reported, wherein the azole core and the hydrophobic residues are linked through a phenylethanolic spacer bearing a chiral center. Since less information are known about the stereoselective requirements for HO-1 inhibition, here we report the enantiomeric resolution of 1-(biphenyl-3-yl)-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethanol (1) and 1-[4-[(4-bromobenzyl)oxy]phenyl]-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethanol (2), two among the most potent and selective HO-1 inhibitors known thus far when tested as racemates. The absolute configuration was established for 1 by a combination of experimental and in silico derived electronic circular dichroism spectra, while docking approaches were useful in the case of compound 2. Biological evaluation of pure enantiomers highlighted higher HO-1 inhibitory activity of (R)-enantiomers. Docking studies demonstrated the importance of hydrogen bond interaction, more pronounced for the (R)-enantiomers, with a consensus water molecule within the binding pocket. The present study demonstrates that differences in three-dimensional structure amongst compounds 1 and 2 enantiomers affect significantly the selectivity of these HO-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Floresta
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Andrea Carotti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Fabretti 48, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Federica Ianni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Fabretti 48, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Valeria Sorrenti
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Intagliata
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale di ricerca in Metodologie e Processi Innovativi di Sintesi (C.I.N.M.P.S.), Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Loredana Salerno
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Michele
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Pascoli 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Roccaldo Sardella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Fabretti 48, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
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New Arylethanolimidazole Derivatives as HO-1 Inhibitors with Cytotoxicity against MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21061923. [PMID: 32168943 PMCID: PMC7139504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, a novel series of imidazole-based heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inhibitors is reported. These compounds were obtained by modifications of previously described high potent and selective arylethanolimidazoles. In particular, simplification of the central linker and repositioning of the hydrophobic portion were carried out. Results indicate that a hydroxyl group in the central region is crucial for the potency as well as the spatial distribution of the hydrophobic portion. Docking studies revealed a similar interaction of the classical HO-1 inhibitors with the active site of the protein. The most potent and selective compound (5a) was tested for its potential cytotoxic activity against hormone-sensitive and hormone-resistant breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231).
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Podkalicka P, Mucha O, Kruczek S, Biela A, Andrysiak K, Stępniewski J, Mikulski M, Gałęzowski M, Sitarz K, Brzózka K, Józkowicz A, Dulak J, Łoboda A. Synthetically Lethal Interactions of Heme Oxygenase-1 and Fumarate Hydratase Genes. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10010143. [PMID: 31963199 PMCID: PMC7023083 DOI: 10.3390/biom10010143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1, encoded by HMOX1) is observed in various types of tumors. Hence, it is suggested that HO-1 may serve as a potential target in anticancer therapies. A novel approach to inhibit HO-1 is related to the synthetic lethality of this enzyme and fumarate hydratase (FH). In the current study, we aimed to validate the effect of genetic and pharmacological inhibition of HO-1 in cells isolated from patients suffering from hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC)-an inherited cancer syndrome, caused by FH deficiency. Initially, we confirmed that UOK 262, UOK 268, and NCCFH1 cell lines are characterized by non-active FH enzyme, high expression of Nrf2 transcription factor-regulated genes, including HMOX1 and attenuated oxidative phosphorylation. Later, we demonstrated that shRNA-mediated genetic inhibition of HMOX1 resulted in diminished viability and proliferation of cancer cells. Chemical inhibition of HO activity using commercially available inhibitors, zinc and tin metalloporphyrins as well as recently described new imidazole-based compounds, especially SLV-11199, led to decreased cancer cell viability and clonogenic potential. In conclusion, the current study points out the possible relevance of HO-1 inhibition as a potential anti-cancer treatment in HLRCC. However, further studies revealing the molecular mechanisms are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Podkalicka
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (P.P.); (O.M.); (S.K.); (A.B.); (K.A.); (J.S.); (A.J.); (J.D.)
| | - Olga Mucha
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (P.P.); (O.M.); (S.K.); (A.B.); (K.A.); (J.S.); (A.J.); (J.D.)
| | - Szczepan Kruczek
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (P.P.); (O.M.); (S.K.); (A.B.); (K.A.); (J.S.); (A.J.); (J.D.)
| | - Anna Biela
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (P.P.); (O.M.); (S.K.); (A.B.); (K.A.); (J.S.); (A.J.); (J.D.)
| | - Kalina Andrysiak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (P.P.); (O.M.); (S.K.); (A.B.); (K.A.); (J.S.); (A.J.); (J.D.)
| | - Jacek Stępniewski
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (P.P.); (O.M.); (S.K.); (A.B.); (K.A.); (J.S.); (A.J.); (J.D.)
| | - Maciej Mikulski
- Ryvu Therapeutics S.A., Bobrzyńskiego 14, 30-348 Kraków, Poland; (M.M.); (M.G.); (K.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Michał Gałęzowski
- Ryvu Therapeutics S.A., Bobrzyńskiego 14, 30-348 Kraków, Poland; (M.M.); (M.G.); (K.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Kamil Sitarz
- Ryvu Therapeutics S.A., Bobrzyńskiego 14, 30-348 Kraków, Poland; (M.M.); (M.G.); (K.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Krzysztof Brzózka
- Ryvu Therapeutics S.A., Bobrzyńskiego 14, 30-348 Kraków, Poland; (M.M.); (M.G.); (K.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Alicja Józkowicz
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (P.P.); (O.M.); (S.K.); (A.B.); (K.A.); (J.S.); (A.J.); (J.D.)
| | - Józef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (P.P.); (O.M.); (S.K.); (A.B.); (K.A.); (J.S.); (A.J.); (J.D.)
| | - Agnieszka Łoboda
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (P.P.); (O.M.); (S.K.); (A.B.); (K.A.); (J.S.); (A.J.); (J.D.)
- Correspondence:
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Hemolysis Derived Products Toxicity and Endothelium: Model of the Second Hit. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11110660. [PMID: 31766155 PMCID: PMC6891750 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11110660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular diseases are multifactorial, often requiring multiple challenges, or ‘hits’, for their initiation. Intra-vascular hemolysis illustrates well the multiple-hit theory where a first event lyses red blood cells, releasing hemolysis-derived products, in particular cell-free heme which is highly toxic for the endothelium. Physiologically, hemolysis derived-products are rapidly neutralized by numerous defense systems, including haptoglobin and hemopexin which scavenge hemoglobin and heme, respectively. Likewise, cellular defense mechanisms are involved, including heme-oxygenase 1 upregulation which metabolizes heme. However, in cases of intra-vascular hemolysis, those systems are overwhelmed. Heme exerts toxic effects by acting as a damage-associated molecular pattern and promoting, together with hemoglobin, nitric oxide scavenging and ROS production. In addition, it activates the complement and the coagulation systems. Together, these processes lead to endothelial cell injury which triggers pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory phenotypes. Moreover, among endothelial cells, glomerular ones display a particular susceptibility explained by a weaker capacity to counteract hemolysis injury. In this review, we illustrate the ‘multiple-hit’ theory through the example of intra-vascular hemolysis, with a particular focus on cell-free heme, and we advance hypotheses explaining the glomerular susceptibility observed in hemolytic diseases. Finally, we describe therapeutic options for reducing endothelial injury in hemolytic diseases.
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Carota G, Raffaele M, Sorrenti V, Salerno L, Pittalà V, Intagliata S. Ginseng and heme oxygenase-1: The link between an old herb and a new protective system. Fitoterapia 2019; 139:104370. [PMID: 31629872 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2019.104370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ginseng is an ancient herb, belonging to Asian traditional medicine, that has been considered as a restorative to enhance vitality for centuries. It has been demonstrated that the antioxidant action of ginseng may be mediated through activation of different cellular signaling pathways involving the heme oxygenase (HO) system. Several compounds derived from ginseng have been studied for their potential role in brain, heart and liver protection, and the Nrf2 pathway seems to be the most affected by these natural molecules to exert this effect. Ginseng is also popularly used in cancer patients therapy for the demonstrated capability to defend tissues from chemotherapy-induced damage. Reported results suggest that the effect of ginseng is primarily associated with ROS scavenging, mainly exerted through the activation of Nrf2 pathway, and the consequent induction of HO-1 levels. This review aims to discuss the connection between the antioxidant properties of ginseng and the activation of the HO system, as well as to outline novel therapeutic applications of this medicinal plant to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Carota
- Department of Drug Science, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Raffaele
- Department of Drug Science, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Sorrenti
- Department of Drug Science, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Loredana Salerno
- Department of Drug Science, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug Science, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Intagliata
- Department of Drug Science, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
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