Induction of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway in differentiated Caco-2 cells by the potato glycoalkaloid α-chaconine

α-Chaconine Facilitates Chondrocyte Pyroptosis and Nerve Ingrowth to Aggravate Osteoarthritis Progression by Activating NF-κB Signaling

BACKGROUND

With the rapid growth of the elderly population, the incidence of osteoarthritis (OA) increases annually, which has attracted extensive attention in public health. The roles of dietary intake in controlling joint disorders are perhaps one of the most frequently posed questions by OA patients, while the information about the interaction between dietary intake and OA based on scientific research is limited. α-Chaconine is the richest glycoalkaloid in eggplants such as potatoes. Previous evidence suggests that α-Chaconine is a toxic compound to nervous and digestive systems with potentially severe and fatal consequences for humans and farm animals, but its effect on OA development remains obscure.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether α-Chaconine deteriorates OA progression through sensory innervation and chondrocyte pyroptosis via regulating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, providing evidence for a possible linkage between α-Chaconine and OA progression.

METHODS

We established a mouse OA model by destabilization of medial meniscus (DMM) surgery and then intra-articular injection of 20 or 100 μM α-Chaconine into the OA mice for 8 and 12 weeks. The severity of OA progression was evaluated by histological staining and radiographic analyses. The expressions of matrix metabolic indicators, Col2, Mmp3, and Mmp13, as well as pyroptosis-related proteins, Nlrp3, Caspase-1, Gsdmd, IL-1β, IL-18, were determined by immunohistochemistry. And the changes in sensory nerve ingrowth and activity of NF-κB signaling were determined by immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

We found that α-Chaconine could exacerbate mouse OA progression, resulting in subchondral sclerosis, osteophyte formation, and higher OARSI scores. Specifically, α-Chaconine could augment cartilage matrix degradation and induce chondrocyte pyroptosis and nerve ingrowth. Mechanistical analysis revealed that α-Chaconine stimulated NF-κB signaling by promoting I-κB α phosphorylation and p65 nuclear translocation.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our findings raise the possibility that α-Chaconine intake can boost chondrocyte pyroptosis and nerve ingrowth to potentiate OA progression by activating NF-κB signaling.

Providing Biological Plausibility for Exposure–Health Relationships for the Mycotoxins Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Fumonisin B1 (FB1) in Humans Using the AOP Framework

Humans are chronically exposed to the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin B1 (FB1), as indicated by their widespread presence in foods and occasional exposure in the workplace. This exposure is confirmed by human biomonitoring (HBM) studies on (metabolites of) these mycotoxins in human matrices. We evaluated the exposure–health relationship of the mycotoxins in humans by reviewing the available literature. Since human studies did not allow the identification of unequivocal chronic health effects upon exposure to DON and FB1, the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework was used to structure additional mechanistic evidence from in vitro and animal studies on the identified adverse effects. In addition to a preliminary AOP for DON resulting in the adverse outcome (AO) ‘reduced body weight gain’, we developed a more elaborated AOP for FB1, from the molecular initiating event (MIE) ‘inhibition of ceramide synthases’ leading to the AO ‘neural tube defects’. The mechanistic evidence from AOPs can be used to support the limited evidence from human studies, to focus FB1- and DON-related research in humans to identify related early biomarkers of effect. In order to establish additional human exposure–health relationships in the future, recommendations are given to maximize the information that can be obtained from HBM.

Toxicological assessment of a bioactive extract from Triplaris gardneriana Wedd. seeds using alternative models

The Triplaris gardneriana Wedd. seeds extract has great therapeutic potential due to numerous biological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which are associated with phenolic content. Although this herbal preparation has shown many benefits, recently their toxicity profile has begun to be explored. In this present study, the toxic effects of T. gardneriana seeds ethanolic extract (EETg) on biological systems of different taxonomical groups and levels of complexity (from cell culture to lower vertebrates) were assessed, through a variety of viability and toxicological assays. It was found that EETg did not impair the Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth at the highest tested concentration (200 µg/mL), and no toxicant evidence was observed in Aedes aegypti larvae or in Drosophila melanogaster adult stage. Contrarily, the extract reduced the viability of undifferentiated Caco-2 cells (250 µg/mL, 40% of viable cells), but did not affect differentiated ones. The embryotoxicity in Danio rerio model showed a LC₅₀ of 7.41 mg/L (95% confidence interval, 4.78 - 11.49 mg/L). EETg did not show signs of toxicity in the majority of the models used, but lethality and malformations in zebrafish embryos occurred. Further analyses are needed to better understand the selective toxicity mechanism of EETg on zebrafish, as well as whether the toxic effects happen in higher vertebrates.

The Nutritional Value and Biological Activity of Concentrated Protein Fraction of Potato Juice

Potato protein is recognized as one of the most valuable nonanimal proteins due to the high content of essential amino acids. So far, it has not been used in human nutrition on a large scale due to technological limitations regarding its acquisition. In this study, the protein fraction of potato juice was concentrated with the use of membrane separation. The obtained potato juice protein concentrate (PJPC) was characterized in terms of nutritional value and biological activity, and the amino acid composition, mineral content, and antioxidant properties were determined. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxic activity against cancer cells of the gastrointestinal tract was investigated. The results of the present study indicate that PJPC is an excellent source of lysine and threonine, while leucine is its limiting amino acid, with an amino acid score (AAS) of 65%. Moreover, PJPC contains substantial amounts of Fe, Mn, K, and Cu. As demonstrated experimentally, PJPC is also characterized by higher antioxidant potential than potato itself. Biological activity, however, is not limited to antioxidant activity alone. Cytotoxicity studies using a gastric cancer cell line (Hs 746T), a colon cancer cell line (HT-29), and human colon normal cells (CCD 841 CoN) proved that PJPC is characterized by selective activity against cancer cells. It can thus be concluded that the developed method of producing protein concentrate from potato juice affords a product with moderate nutritional value and interesting biological activity.

Effect of Thermal Processing on Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of Waste Potato Juice

Potato juice (PJ), commonly considered a burdensome waste, is rich in various compounds with bioactive properties. It has long been considered a remedy for gastric problems in traditional folk medicine. If valorization of PJ through implementation in the production of functional foods is to be considered, stabilization methods must be developed to allow long-term storage of this seasonal product. It is important that such methods are chosen with regard to their effect on the bioactive value of the obtained product. In this study, the impact of four stabilization methods on the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of PJ was investigated. Elevated temperatures were used in thermal deproteinization used to obtain DPJW (deproteinated potato juice water) and spray-drying of FPJ (fresh potato juice) that resulted in SDPJ. Freeze drying and cryoconcentration were the low temperature processing methods that yielded PJL (potato juice lyophilisate) and CPJ (cryocorncentrated potato juice), respectively. All processed materials were characterized chemically and compared with raw materials in terms of phenolic compounds content, antioxidant activity as well as cytotoxicity to human tumor cells isolated from the gastric mucosa (Hs476T cell line), colon (Caco-2 and HT-29 cell lines), and normal cells isolated from the small intestine and colon epithelium (IEC-6 and NCM460 cell lines). It was stated that high-temperature processes – thermal deproteinization and spray-drying – yielded products with increased antioxidant potential (TEAC) that also showed increased cytotoxic activity towards intestinal cancer cells. At the same time the cytotoxicity towards normal cells remained on par with that of fresh PJ (IEC-6 cells) or decreased (NCM460 cells). Thermal deproteinization significantly decreased the content of glycoalcaloids in the juice, while spray drying did not have such an effect. The two low-temperature processes investigated – cryoconcentration and freeze drying – did not affect the PJ cytotoxic activity towards any of the cell lines used in the tests, whereas they did affect the antioxidant properties and glycoalcaloids content of PJ.

Polyphenol Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of Seeds from Two Underexploited Wild Licania Species: L. rigida and L. tomentosa

Studies have shown the benefit of antioxidants in the prevention or treatment of human diseases and promoted a growing interest in new sources of plant antioxidants for pharmacological use. This study aimed to add value to two underexploited wild plant species (Licania rigida) and L. tomentosa) from Brazilian flora. Thus, the phenolic compounds profile of their seed ethanol extract and derived fractions were elucidated by HPLC, the antioxidant capacity was assessed by in vitro chemical tests and the cytotoxicity determined using the human carcinoma cell lines MCF-7 and Caco-2. Eleven phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts of each species. The extracts and fractions showed excellent antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay (SC₅₀, ranging from 9.15 to 248.8 µg/mL). The aqueous fraction of L. rigida seeds was most effective in preventing lipid peroxidation under basal conditions (IC₅₀ 60.80 µg/mL) whereas, in the presence of stress inducer, the methanolic fraction of L. tomentosa performed best (IC₅₀ 8.55 µg/mL). None of the samples showed iron chelating capacity. Ethanolic seed extracts of both species did not reveal any cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and Caco-2 cells. Both plant species showed a promising phenolic profile with potent antioxidant capacity and deserve attention to be sustainably explored.

A Review of Bioinsecticidal Activity of Solanaceae Alkaloids

Only a small percentage of insect species are pests. However, pest species cause significant losses in agricultural and forest crops, and many are vectors of diseases. Currently, many scientists are focused on developing new tools to control insect populations, including secondary plant metabolites, e.g., alkaloids, glycoalkaloids, terpenoids, organic acids and alcohols, which show promise for use in plant protection. These compounds can affect insects at all levels of biological organization, but their action generally disturbs cellular and physiological processes, e.g., by altering redox balance, hormonal regulation, neuronal signalization or reproduction in exposed individuals. Secondary plant metabolites cause toxic effects that can be observed at both lethal and sublethal levels, but the most important effect is repellence. Plants from the Solanaceae family, which contains numerous economically and ecologically important species, produce various substances that affect insects belonging to most orders, particularly herbivorous insects and other pests. Many compounds possess insecticidal properties, but they are also classified as molluscides, acaricides, nematocides, fungicides and bactericides. In this paper, we present data on the sublethal and lethal toxicity caused by pure metabolites and crude extracts obtained from Solanaceae plants. Pure substances as well as water and/or alcohol extracts cause lethal and sublethal effects in insects, which is important from the economical point of view. We discuss the results of our study and their relevance to plant protection and management.

Bioactivities of glycoalkaloids and their aglycones from Solanum species

Potatoes, tomatoes, and aubergines are all species of the Solanum genus and contain a vast array of secondary metabolites including calystegine alkaloids, phenolic compounds, lectins, and glycoalkaloids. Glycoalkaloids have been the subject of many literature papers, occur widely in the human diet, and are known to induce toxicity. Therefore, from a food safety perspective further information is required regarding their analysis, toxicity, and bioavailability. This is especially important in crop cultivars derived from wild species to prevent glycoalkaloid-induced toxicity. A comprehensive review of the bioactivity of glycoalkaloids and their aglycones of the Solanum species, particularly focused on comparison of their bioactivities including their anticancer, anticholesterol, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic effects, toxicity, and synergism of action of the principal Solanum glycoalkaloids, correlated to differences of their individual molecular structures is presented.

PI3K/AKT, JNK, and ERK pathways are not crucial for the induction of cholesterol biosynthesis gene transcription in intestinal epithelial cells following treatment with the potato glycoalkaloid alpha-chaconine

We previously reported that exposure of the intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cell line to noncytotoxic concentrations of potato glycoalkaloids resulted in increased expression of cholesterol biosynthesis genes. Genes involved in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homologue (AKT) pathways and their downstream effectors such as Jun, c-Myc, and Fos also were induced. MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways have been described to regulate the activity of sterol regulatory element binding transcription factors (SREBPs) and consequently the expression of cholesterol biosynthesis genes. In this study, to understand the mechanism of induction of cholesterol biosynthesis upon alpha-chaconine treatment, its effect on SREBP-2 protein levels was investigated. We also examined whether MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways are required for the observed induction of these genes following exposure of cells to alpha-chaconine. Differentiated Caco-2 cells were pretreated with LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor), PD98059 (MEK1 inhibitor), or SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) or a combination of all inhibitors for 24 h prior to coincubation with 10 microM alpha-chaconine for 6 h. Significant increases in precursor and mature protein levels of SREBP-2 were observed after alpha-chaconine exposure. We also observed that alpha-chaconine treatment resulted in significant phosphorylation of AKT, extracellular signal related protein kinase (ERK), and c-jun N terminal protein kinase (JNK) but not that of p38. In general, the kinase inhibitor experiments revealed that phosphorylation of kinases of PI3K/AKT, ERK, and JNK pathways was not crucial for the induction of expression of cholesterol biosynthesis genes, with the exception of SC5DL. The transcription of this later gene was reduced when all three pathways were inhibited. On the basis of these results, it can be postulated that other mechanisms, which may be independent of the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways, including possibly post-translational activation of SREBP-2, may be more pivotal for the induction of cholesterol biosynthesis genes following exposure of intestinal cells to alpha-chaconine.

Differential gene expression in intestinal epithelial cells induced by single and mixtures of potato glycoalkaloids

Alpha-chaconine and alpha-solanine are naturally occurring toxins. They account for 95% of the total glycoalkaloids in potatoes ( Solanum tuberosum L.). At high levels, these glycoalkaloids may be toxic to humans, mainly by disrupting cell membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Gene-profiling experiments were performed, whereby Caco-2 cells were exposed to equivalent concentrations (10 microM) of pure alpha-chaconine or alpha-solanine or glycoalkaloid mixtures of varying alpha-chaconine/alpha-solanine ratios for 6 h. In addition, lactate dehydrogenase, cell cycle, and apoptosis analyses experiments were also conducted to further elucidate the effects of glycoalkaloids. The main aims of the study were to determine the transcriptional effects of these glycoalkaloid treatments on Caco-2 cells and to investigate DNA microarray utility in conjunction with conventional toxicology in screening for potential toxicities and their severity. Gene expression and pathway analyses identified changes related to cholesterol biosynthesis, growth signaling, lipid and amino acid metabolism, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-kappaB cascades, cell cycle, and cell death/apoptosis. To varying extents, DNA microarrays discriminated the severity of the effect among the different glycoalkaloid treatments.