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Sun W, Sheng X, Li P, Li R, Guo Z, Lin H, Gong Y. Identification of vilazodone as a novel plasminogen activator inhibitor to overcome Alzheimer's disease through virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulation, and biological evaluation. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024; 357:e2400263. [PMID: 38816779 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202400263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU), a member of the S1 serine peptidase family in Clan PA, plays a crucial role in the conversion of plasminogen into active plasmin. However, the precise role of PLAU in the central nervous system remains incompletely elucidated, particularly, in relation to Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we successfully identified that PLAU could promote cell senescence in neurons, indicating it as a potential target for AD treatment through a systematic approach, which included both bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification. Subsequently, a structure-based virtual screening approach was employed to identify a potential PLAU inhibitor from the Food and Drug Administration-approved drug database. After analyzing docking scores and thoroughly examining the receptor-ligand complex interaction modes, vilazodone emerges as a highly promising PLAU inhibitor. Additionally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to generate a complex structure between the relatively stable inhibitor vilazodone and PLAU. Of note, vilazodone exhibited superior cytotoxicity against senescent cells, showing a senolytic activity through targeting PLAU and ultimately producing an anti-AD effect. These findings suggest that targeting PLAU could represent a promising therapeutic strategy for AD. Furthermore, investigating the inhibitory potential and structural modifications based on vilazodone may provide valuable insights for future drug development targeting PLAU in AD disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Food Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuan Sheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Food Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Peiru Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Food Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Runwu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Food Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zihe Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Food Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Lin
- The State Key Lab of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuesong Gong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Food Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Deghiedy NM, Abdel-Naby DH, Aziz MM, El-Sheikh MM. Fisetin-loaded pluronic-based nanogel: Radiation synthesis for alleviating neurocognitive impairments in a rat model of alzheimer's disease via modulation of the apoptotic cascade. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 274:133472. [PMID: 38942410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by cognitive impairment and memory loss. In this study, AD was experimentally induced in rats using aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and D-galactose (D-gal). Fisetin (Fis), a natural compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has potential for neurodegeneration management, but its low bioavailability limits clinical applications. To address this, we synthesized and characterized Pluronic-2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (PLUR-PAMPS) nanogels using gamma radiation and successfully loaded Fis onto them (Fis-PLUR-PAMPS). The optimal formulation exhibited minimal particle size, a highly acceptable polydispersity index, and the highest zeta-potential, enhancing stability and solubilization efficiency. Our goal was to improve Fis's bioavailability and assess its efficacy against AlCl3/D-gal-induced AD. Male albino Wistar rats were pre-treated orally with Fis (40 mg/kg) or Fis-PLUR-PAMPS for seven days, followed by a seven-day intraperitoneal injection of AlCl3 and D-gal. Behavioral assessments, histopathological analysis, and biochemical evaluation of markers related to AD pathology were conducted. Results demonstrated that Fis-PLUR-PAMPS effectively mitigated cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative signs induced by AlCl3/D-gal. These findings suggest that Fis-PLUR-PAMPS nanogels enhance Fis's bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy, offering a promising approach for AD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha M Deghiedy
- Department of Polymers Chemistry, NCRRT, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Doaa H Abdel-Naby
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maha M Aziz
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa M El-Sheikh
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
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Ekundayo BE, Obafemi TO, Adewale OB, Obafemi BA, Oyinloye BE, Ekundayo SK. Oxidative Stress, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis in the Pathology of Alzheimer's Disease. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024; 82:457-477. [PMID: 38472715 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01248-2] [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] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) accounts for a major statistic among the class of neurodegenerative diseases. A number of mechanisms have been identified in its pathogenesis and progression which include the amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis. These processes are interconnected and contribute significantly to the loss of neurons, brain mass and consequential memory loss and other cognitive difficulties. Oxidative stress in AD appears to be caused by excess of oxygen free radicals and extracellular Aβ deposits that cause local inflammatory processes and activate microglia, another possible source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ER Stress describes the accumulation of misfolded and unfolded proteins as a result of physiological and pathological stimuli including high protein demand, toxins, inflammatory cytokines, and mutant protein expression that disturbs ER homeostasis. When compared to age-matched controls, postmortem brain tissues from AD patients showed elevated levels of ER stress markers, such as PERK, eIF2α, IRE1α, the chaperone Grp78, and the downstream mediator of cell death CHOP. Apoptosis is in charge of eliminating unnecessary and undesired cells to maintain good health. However, it has been demonstrated that a malfunctioning apoptotic pathway is a major factor in the development of certain neurological and immunological problems and diseases in people, including neurodegenerative diseases. This article highlights and discussed some of the experimentally established mechanisms through which these processes lead to the development as well as the exacerbation of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Blessing Ariyo Obafemi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry Afe Babalola University, PMB 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Babatunji Emmanuel Oyinloye
- Department of Biochemistry Afe Babalola University, PMB 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, 3886, South Africa
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Balakrishnan R, Jannat K, Choi DK. Development of dietary small molecules as multi-targeting treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease. Redox Biol 2024; 71:103105. [PMID: 38471283 PMCID: PMC10945280 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103105] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction can occur both in normal aging and age-related neurological disorders, such as mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD). These disorders have few treatment options due to side effects and limited efficacy. New approaches to slow cognitive decline are urgently needed. Dietary interventions (nutraceuticals) have received considerable attention because they exhibit strong neuroprotective properties and may help prevent or minimize AD symptoms. Biological aging is driven by a series of interrelated mechanisms, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and autophagy, which function through various signaling pathways. Recent clinical and preclinical studies have shown that dietary small molecules derived from natural sources, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenolic acids, can modulate oxidative damage, cognitive impairments, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, autophagy dysregulation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. This paper reviews research on different dietary small molecules and their bioactive constituents in the treatment of AD. Additionally, the chemical structure, effective dose, and specific molecular mechanisms of action are comprehensively explored. This paper also discusses the advantages of using nanotechnology-based drug delivery, which significantly enhances oral bioavailability, safety, and therapeutic effect, and lowers the risk of adverse effects. These agents have considerable potential as novel and safe therapeutic agents that can prevent and combat age-related AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rengasamy Balakrishnan
- Department of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School, BK21 Program, Konkuk University, Chungju, 27478, South Korea; Department of Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Research Institute of Inflammatory Disease (RID), Konkuk University, Chungju, 27478, South Korea
| | - Khoshnur Jannat
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Research Institute of Inflammatory Disease (RID), Konkuk University, Chungju, 27478, South Korea
| | - Dong-Kug Choi
- Department of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School, BK21 Program, Konkuk University, Chungju, 27478, South Korea; Department of Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Research Institute of Inflammatory Disease (RID), Konkuk University, Chungju, 27478, South Korea.
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Almostafa MM, Mohamed ME, Younis NS. Ameliorative effects of vanillin against pentylenetetrazole-induced epilepsy and associated memory loss in mice: The role of Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 and HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/NFκB pathways. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 129:111657. [PMID: 38335655 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111657] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is a severe neurological disorder associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Vanillin (Van) is a natural phenolic aldehyde with beneficial pharmacological properties. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of Van in epilepsy and elucidated its mechanism of action. METHODS Swiss albino mice were divided into the following five groups: "normal group", 0.9 % saline; "pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) group", intraperitoneal administration of 35 mg/kg PTZ on alternate days up to 42 days; and "PTZ + Van 20", "PTZ + Van 40", and "PTZ + sodium valproate (Val)" groups received PTZ injections in conjunction withVan 20 mg, Van 40 mg/kg, and Val 300 mg/kg, respectively. Behavioural tests and hippocampal histopathological analysis were performed in all groups. The Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 and HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/NFκB pathways, oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation, and apoptotic markers were analysed. Furthermore, brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and levels of dopamine (DA), gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA, and serotonin 5-HT were assessed. RESULTS Van prolonged seizure manifestations and improved electroencephalogram (EEG)criteriain conjunction with 100 mg/kg PTZ once daily. Van administration increased Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 levels, with subsequent attenuation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels with elevated glutathione (GSH) levels and intensified superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities. Van reduced the gene and protein expression of HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/NFκB and decreased the levels of inflammatory and apoptotic markers. In addition, Van reduced AChE activity, and elevated glial fibrillary acidic proteins (GFAP) increased neurotransmitter and brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF). CONCLUSION By increasing Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 levels and downregulating the HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/ NFκB pathway, Van offered protection in PTZ-kindled mice with subsequent attenuation in lipid peroxidation, upregulation in antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduction in inflammation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervt M Almostafa
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Maged E Mohamed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt.
| | - Nancy S Younis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; Zagazig University Hospitals, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt.
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Yan L, Deng Y, Du Y, Fang X, Fang X, Zhang Q. Metabolic Regulations of Smilax china L. against β-Amyloid Toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Metabolites 2024; 14:49. [PMID: 38248852 PMCID: PMC10818737 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Smilax china L. (Chinaroot) is a natural herb that has multiple uses, such as being used to make tea and food. Both its roots and leaves have different uses due to their unique components. In this study, we analyzed the extract of S. china. roots using LC-HRMS and evaluated the neuroprotective effects and metabolic regulation of S. china on Caenorhabditis elegans. Chinaroot extract prolonged the life span of healthy nematodes, delayed the paralysis time of transgenic CL4176, and reduced the level of β-amyloid deposition in transgenic CL2006. The comprehensive analysis of metabolomics and qRT-PCR revealed that Chinaroot extract exerted neuroprotective effects through the valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation and fatty acid degradation pathways. Moreover, we first discovered that the expressions of T09B4.8, ech-7, and agxt-1 were linked to the neuroprotective effects of Chinaroot. The material exerted neuroprotective effects by modulating metabolic abnormalities in AD model C. elegans. Our study provides a new foundation for the development of functional food properties and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Yan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yuchan Deng
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yulan Du
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xutong Fang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xin Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
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