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Han J, Wu B, Wang D. The potential efficacy of sesquiterpenes and their derivatives in treating rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 141:112946. [PMID: 39159562 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112946] [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: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder primarily targeting peripheral joints. The global prevalence of RA is increasing, posing a significant challenge in patient care management. Despite therapeutic advancements, their inherent limitations highlight the need for further research on safer treatment interventions. Among potential candidates, sesquiterpenes, a subclass of plant secondary metabolites composed of three isoprene units, have exhibited remarkable efficacy in treating various inflammatory disorders, including RA. In this systematic review, we summarized the treatment evidence of sesquiterpenes and their derivatives on RA. Specific major sesquiterpenoids have been discussed in detail, as well as the possible mechanisms by which cells and chemical messengers are involved in treating RA. Our review indicated that sesquiterpenes are potential novel, bioactive compounds for RA prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Han
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bingrong Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Dongsheng Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.
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Zhang S, Chen Y, Wang Y, Wang H, Yao D, Chen G. Tau Accumulation in the Spinal Cord Contributes to Chronic Inflammatory Pain by Upregulation of IL-1β and BDNF. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:466-482. [PMID: 38148427 PMCID: PMC11003936 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01152-4] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated protein Tau is responsible for the stabilization of neuronal microtubules under normal physiological conditions. Much attention has been focused on Tau's contribution to cognition, but little research has explored its role in emotions such as pain, anxiety, and depression. In the current study, we found a significant increase in the levels of p-Tau (Thr231), total Tau, IL-1β, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on day 7 after complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection; they were present in the vast majority of neurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Microinjection of Mapt-shRNA recombinant adeno-associated virus into the spinal dorsal cord alleviated CFA-induced inflammatory pain and inhibited CFA-induced IL-1β and BDNF upregulation. Importantly, Tau overexpression was sufficient to induce hyperalgesia by increasing the expression of IL-1β and BDNF. Furthermore, the activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta partly contributed to Tau accumulation. These findings suggest that Tau in the dorsal horn could be a promising target for chronic inflammatory pain therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxia Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Yeru Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Anti-Cancer Medicine of Zhejiang Province and Holistic Integrative Pharmacy Institutes, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province, Holistic Integrative Pharmacy Institutes, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Dandan Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
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Arafat MAM, Khalil MNA, Mohamed OG, Abd El-Ghafar OAM, Tripathi A, Mahrous EA, Abd El-Kader EM, El-Hawary S. Vetiver aerial parts and roots ameliorate rheumatoid arthritis in complete Freund's adjuvant rat model, a phytochemical profiling and mechanistic study. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116764. [PMID: 37315650 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is indigenous to India where it is traditionally used to relief rheumatisms, lumbagos and sprains. Vetiver anti-inflammatory activity has not been previously investigated, and its specific interactions with body inflammation cascade remain largely unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY The present work was performed to validate the ethnobotanical use of the plant and compare the anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extracts of the most traditionally used part (aerial part) to that of the root. Furthermore, we attempt to reveal the molecular mechanism of this anti-inflammatory activity in correlation to the chemical composition of C. zizanioides aerial (CA) and root parts (CR). MATERIALS AND METHODS Ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC/HRMS) was used for comprehensive analysis of both CA and CR. The anti-inflammatory effect of both extracts was evaluated in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced RA model in Wistar rats. RESULTS Phenolic metabolites were predominant in CA and 42 were identified for the first time, while only 13 were identified in CR. Meanwhile, triterpenes and sesquiterpenes were confined to the root extract. In CFA arthritis model, CA showed better anti-inflammatory activity than CR marked by an increase in serum level of IL-10 with simultaneous decrease in pro-inflammatory markers; IL-6, ACPA and TNF-α and was evident in histopathological examination. This anti-inflammatory effect was accompanied by down-regulation of JAK2/STAT3/SOCs3, ERK1/ERK2, TRAF6/c-FOS/NFATC1, TRAF6/NF-κB/NFATC1 and RANKL pathways which were all upregulated after CFA injection. These pathways were modulated to larger extent by CA, except for ERK1/ERK2 which was downregulated more effectively by CR. This differential effect between CA and CR can be explained by the variability in their phytoconstituents profile. CONCLUSION In agreement with the ethnobotanical preference, CA extract was more effective than CR extract in reducing the symptoms of RA probably due to its enrichment with flavonoids, lignans, and flavolignans. Both CA and CR reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines through modulating various biological signaling pathways. These findings support the traditional use of vetiver leaves as a remedy for RA and suggest that the use of the whole plant may offer advantage by synergistically affecting more inflammatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A M Arafat
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, 11361, Egypt.
| | - Mohammed N A Khalil
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Osama G Mohamed
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt; Natural Products Discovery Core, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Omnia A M Abd El-Ghafar
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-sueif, Egypt
| | - Ashootosh Tripathi
- Natural Products Discovery Core, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Engy A Mahrous
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt; Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, 6th of October City, Giza, Egypt
| | - Essam M Abd El-Kader
- Timber Tree Research Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Seham El-Hawary
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
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Cai L, Zhang B. Identification of Inflammatory Gene in the Congenital Heart Surgery Patients following Cardiopulmonary Bypass via the Way of WGCNA and Machine Learning Algorithms. DISEASE MARKERS 2023; 2023:5493415. [PMID: 39281206 PMCID: PMC11401684 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5493415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Performing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to reduce ischemic injury during surgery is a common approach to cardiac surgery. However, this procedure can lead to systemic inflammation and multiorgan dysfunction. Therefore, elucidating the molecular mechanisms of CPB-induced inflammatory cytokine release is essential as a critical first step in identifying new targets for therapeutic intervention. The GSE143780 dataset which is mRNA sequencing from total circulating leukocytes of the neonatorum was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A total of 21 key module genes were obtained by analyzing the intersection of differentially expressed gene (DEG) and gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), and then, 4 genes (TRAF3IP2-AS1, PPARGC1B, CD4, and PDLIM5) were further confirmed after the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) screening and were used as hub genes for CPB-induced inflammatory cytokine release in patients with congenital heart defects. The enrichment analysis revealed 21 key module genes mainly related to the functions of developmental cell growth, regulation of monocyte differentiation, regulation of myeloid leukocyte differentiation, ERK1 and ERK2 cascade, volume-sensitive anion channel activity, and estrogen receptor binding. The result of gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that the hub genes were related to different physiological functions of cells. The ceRNA network established for hub genes includes 3 hub genes (PPARGC1B, CD4, and PDLIM5), 55 lncRNAs, and 34 miRNAs. In addition, 4 hub genes have 215 potential therapeutic agents. Finally, expression validation of the four hub genes revealed that they were all significantly low expressed in the surgical samples than before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Cai
- Department of Anesthesiology in Cardiovascular Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Bingdong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology in Cardiovascular Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Mostafa RE, Salama AAA. Eplerenone modulates the inflammatory response in monosodium iodoacetate-induced knee osteoarthritis in rats: Involvement of RANKL/OPG axis. Life Sci 2023; 316:121405. [PMID: 36681186 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial degenerative disease marked by the progressive deterioration of articular cartilage with inflammation of the synovium. OA's main symptoms include pain and function loss. Monosodium Iodoacetate (MIA) experimental model is widely-used for OS induction since it produces symptoms comparable to those occurring in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups (n = 8). The 1st group received saline and included the normal-control rats. Groups 2-4 received intra-articular injections of MIA (3 mg/50 μL) in the rats' knee joints to induce OA. Group 2 included the MIA-control rats. Groups 3 and 4 received intra-articular MIA followed by a 14-day oral eplerenone (50 and 100 mg/kg); respectively. KEY FINDINGS Intra-articular injection of MIA in rats' knee joints caused significant inflammation and pain, elevation of Akt and ERK gene expression in knee joints along with significant alterations in the histological pictures of knee joints and OARSI scores. RANKL/OPG Axis was significantly disrupted. SIGNIFICANCE Eplerenone treatment produced a significant improvement in motor coordination and spontaneous locomotor activity in rats and modulated the key inflammatory mediators in OA (TNF-α, NF-κβ, and IL-6). Eplerenone also suppressed the qRT-PCR gene expression of Akt and ERK in knee joint tissues and improved the histological pictures and OARSI scores of knee joints of treated rats. Eplerenone caused a decline in RANKL concentration accompanied by a rise in OPG concentration thus modulating the RANKL/OPG Axis. Consequently, eplerenone is a candidate for OA therapy due to its potential anti-inflammatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha E Mostafa
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre (ID: 60014618), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Abeer A A Salama
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre (ID: 60014618), Cairo, Egypt
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Attallah OA, Nady M, Al Gendy AM, Choucry M, Khalil MNA. Preparation and optimization of a molecularly imprinted polymers - solid phase extraction system for the extraction of bioactive sesquiterpene lactones of Ambrosia maritima plant. Nat Prod Res 2022; 37:1844-1850. [PMID: 36054814 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2022.2118744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
A solid phase extraction (SPE) system for sesquiterpene lactones of damsissa was developed utilising molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). The prepared MIPs had a mesoporous structure and particle size of ≈2.65 µm with 3.99 nm pore size. Additionally, MIPs exhibited high thermal stability with degradation temperature between 209 and 459 °C. Optimized MIP-SPE protocol conditions were set at loading step: 1 mL ethanol; washing step: 1 mL water; eluting step: 4 mL methanol. Developed MIP-SPE system showed a binding capacity of 66.66 mg/g based on Langmuir isotherm which was selected as the best fitting model isotherm. Good selectivity coefficients were observed for neoambrosin of 2.37, 1.31 and 1.14 against umbelliferone, quercetin glucoside and p-coumaric acid, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed MIP-SPE protocol displayed some potential in the isolation of sesquiterpene lactones from damsissa plant extract and laid a foundation for the development of more selective MIPs to nonpolar natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia A Attallah
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Martin Nady
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asmaa M Al Gendy
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mouchira Choucry
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chinese Egyptian University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammed N A Khalil
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo, Egypt
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Heimfarth L, Rezende MM, Pereira EWM, Passos FRS, Monteiro BS, Santos TKB, Lima NT, Souza ICL, de Albuquerque Junior RLC, de Souza Siqueira Lima P, de Souza Araújo AA, Quintans Júnior LJ, Kim B, Coutinho HDM, de Souza Siqueira Quintans J. Pharmacological effects of a complex α-bisabolol/β-cyclodextrin in a mice arthritis model with involvement of IL-1β, IL-6 and MAPK. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113142. [PMID: 35623175 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113142] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory arthritis is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory disease worldwide. The pathology of the disease is characterized by increased inflammation and oxidative stress, which leads to chronic pain and functional loss in the joints. Conventional anti-arthritic drugs used to relieve pain and other arthritic symptoms often cause severe side effects. α-bisabolol (BIS) is a sesquiterpene that exhibits high anti-inflammatory potential and a significant antinociceptive effect. This study evaluates the anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory and antihyperalgesic effects of BIS alone and in a β-cyclodextrin (βCD/BIS) inclusion complex in a CFA-induced arthritis model. Following the intra-articular administration of CFA, male mice were treated with vehicle, BIS and βCD/BIS (50 mg/kg, p.o.) or a positive control and pain-related behaviors, knee edema and inflammatory and oxidative parameters were evaluated on days 4, 11, 18 and/or 25. Ours findings shows that the oral administration of BIS and βCD/BIS significantly attenuated spontaneous pain-like behaviors, mechanical hyperalgesia, grip strength deficit and knee edema induced by repeated injections of CFA, reducing the joint pain and functional disability associated with arthritis. BIS and βCD/BIS also inhibited the generation of inflammatory and oxidative markers in the knee and blocked MAPK in the spinal cord. In addition, ours results also showed that the incorporation of BIS in cyclodextrin as a drug delivery system improved the pharmacological profile of this substance. Therefore, these results contribute to the pharmacological knowledge of BIS and demonstrated that this terpene appears to be able to mitigate deleterious symptoms of arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Heimfarth
- Multiuser Health Center Facility (CMulti-Saúde), Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Health Sciences Graduate Program (PPGCS), Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Marília Matos Rezende
- Multiuser Health Center Facility (CMulti-Saúde), Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Health Sciences Graduate Program (PPGCS), Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Erik Willyame Menezes Pereira
- Multiuser Health Center Facility (CMulti-Saúde), Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Health Sciences Graduate Program (PPGCS), Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Fabiolla Rocha Santos Passos
- Multiuser Health Center Facility (CMulti-Saúde), Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Health Sciences Graduate Program (PPGCS), Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Brenda Souza Monteiro
- Laboratory of Neurosciences and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Tiffany Karoline Barroso Santos
- Laboratory of Neurosciences and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Natália Teles Lima
- Laboratory of Neurosciences and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Isana Carla Leal Souza
- Laboratory of Morphology and Experimental Pathology, Research and Technology Institute, Tiradentes University (UNIT), Aracaju, SE, Brazil
| | | | - Pollyana de Souza Siqueira Lima
- Laboratory of Neurosciences and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | | | - Lucindo José Quintans Júnior
- Multiuser Health Center Facility (CMulti-Saúde), Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Health Sciences Graduate Program (PPGCS), Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Bonglee Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Henrique D M Coutinho
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri - URCA, Crato, Brazil.
| | - Jullyana de Souza Siqueira Quintans
- Multiuser Health Center Facility (CMulti-Saúde), Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Health Sciences Graduate Program (PPGCS), Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurosciences and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil.
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Anti-Inflammatory and Immunoregulatory Action of Sesquiterpene Lactones. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27031142. [PMID: 35164406 PMCID: PMC8839508 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27031142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Sesquiterpene lactones (SL), characterized by their high prevalence in the Asteraceae family, are one of the major groups of secondary metabolites found in plants. Researchers from distinct research fields, including pharmacology, medicine, and agriculture, are interested in their biological potential. With new SL discovered in the last years, new biological activities have been tested, different action mechanisms (synergistic and/or antagonistic effects), as well as molecular structure–activity relationships described. The review identifies the main sesquiterpene lactones with interconnections between immune responses and anti-inflammatory actions, within different cellular models as well in in vivo studies. Bioaccessibility and bioavailability, as well as molecular structure–activity relationships are addressed. Additionally, plant metabolic engineering, and the impact of sesquiterpene lactone extraction methodologies are presented, with the perspective of biological activity enhancement. Sesquiterpene lactones derivatives are also addressed. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the therapeutic potential of sesquiterpene lactones within immune and inflammatory activities, highlighting trends and opportunities for their pharmaceutical/clinical use.
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Anticancer Targets and Signaling Pathways Activated by Britannin and Related Pseudoguaianolide Sesquiterpene Lactones. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101325. [PMID: 34680439 PMCID: PMC8533303 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are abundant in plants and display a large spectrum of bioactivities. The compound britannin (BRT), found in different Inula species, is a pseudoguaianolide-type SL equipped with a typical and highly reactive α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety. The bioproperties of BRT and related pseudoguaianolide SLs, including helenalin, gaillardin, bigelovin and others, have been reviewed. Marked anticancer activities of BRT have been evidenced in vitro and in vivo with different tumor models. Three main mechanisms are implicated: (i) interference with the NFκB/ROS pathway, a mechanism common to many other SL monomers and dimers; (ii) blockade of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, with a covalent binding to a cysteine residue of Keap1 via the reactive α-methylene unit of BRT; (iii) a modulation of the c-Myc/HIF-1α signaling axis leading to a downregulation of the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint and activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The non-specific reactivity of the α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety with the sulfhydryl groups of proteins is discussed. Options to reduce or abolish this reactivity have been proposed. Emphasis is placed on the capacity of BRT to modulate the tumor microenvironment and the immune-modulatory action of the natural product. The present review recapitulates the anticancer effects of BRT, some central concerns with SLs and discusses the implication of the PD1/PD-L1 checkpoint in its antitumor action.
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