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Viglioli M, Rizzo SM, Alessandri G, Fontana F, Milani C, Turroni F, Mancabelli L, Croci N, Rivara S, Vacondio F, Ventura M, Mor M. Investigating drug-gut microbiota interactions: reductive and hydrolytic metabolism of oral glucocorticoids by in vitro artificial gut microbiota. Int J Pharm 2024; 665:124663. [PMID: 39265854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124663] [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: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Elucidation of the role of gut microbiota in the metabolism of orally administered drugs may improve therapeutic effectiveness and contribute to the development of personalized medicine. In this study, ten different artificial gut microbiota (AGM), obtained by culturing fecal samples in a continuous fermentation system, were challenged for their metabolizing capacity on a panel of six glucocorticoids selected from either prodrugs or drugs. Data from metabolic stability assays highlighted that, while the hydrolysis-mediated conversion of prodrugs to drugs represented only a minor metabolic pathway, significant differences in the stability of parent compounds and in their conversion rates to multiple reductive metabolites were obtained for the selected drugs. In the latter case, a taxonomic composition-dependent ability to convert parent drugs to metabolites was observed. Indeed, the artificial microbial communities dominated by the genus Bacteroides showed the maximal conversion of parent glucocorticoids to several metabolites. Furthermore, the effect of drugs on AGM was also evaluated through shallow shotgun sequencing and flow cytometry-based total bacterial cell count highlighting that these drugs can affect both the taxonomic composition and growth performances of the human gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Viglioli
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Sonia Mirjam Rizzo
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Alessandri
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Federico Fontana
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Christian Milani
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Turroni
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mancabelli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43120 Parma, Italy
| | - Nicole Croci
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Vacondio
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Ventura
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Wang W, Ou Z, Huang X, Wang J, Li Q, Wen M, Zheng L. Microbiota and glioma: a new perspective from association to clinical translation. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2394166. [PMID: 39185670 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2394166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Gliomas pose a significant challenge in oncology due to their malignant nature, aggressive growth, frequent recurrence, and complications posed by the blood-brain barrier. Emerging research has revealed the critical role of gut microbiota in influencing health and disease, indicating its possible impact on glioma pathogenesis and treatment responsiveness. This review focused on existing evidence and hypotheses on the relationship between microbiota and glioma from progression to invasion. By discussing possible mechanisms through which microbiota may affect glioma biology, this paper offers new avenues for targeted therapies and precision medicine in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zihao Ou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xixin Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianbei Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minghui Wen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors Targeting the Eph-Ephrin System with a Focus on Amino Acid Conjugates of Bile Acids. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020137. [PMID: 35215250 PMCID: PMC8880657 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of the Eph-ephrin system in the etiology of pathological conditions has been consolidated throughout the years. In this context, approaches directed against this signaling system, intended to modulate its activity, can be strategic therapeutic opportunities. Currently, the most promising class of compounds able to interfere with the Eph receptor-ephrin protein interaction is composed of synthetic derivatives of bile acids. In the present review, we summarize the progresses achieved, in terms of chemical expansions and structure-activity relationships, both in the steroidal core and the terminal carboxylic acid group, along with the pharmacological characterization for the most promising Eph-ephrin antagonists in in vivo settings.
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Ferlenghi F, Giorgio C, Incerti M, Guidetti L, Chiodelli P, Rusnati M, Tognolini M, Vacondio F, Mor M, Lodola A. Metabolic Soft Spot and Pharmacokinetics: Functionalization of C-3 Position of an Eph-Ephrin Antagonist Featuring a Bile Acid Core as an Effective Strategy to Obtain Oral Bioavailability in Mice. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:ph15010041. [PMID: 35056098 PMCID: PMC8779995 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010041] [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: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
UniPR129, an L-β-homotryptophan conjugate of the secondary bile acid lithocholic acid (LCA), acts as an effective protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitor of the Eph-ephrin system but suffers from a poor oral bioavailability in mice. To improve UniPR129 bioavailability, a metabolic soft spot, i.e., the 3α-hydroxyl group on the LCA steroidal ring, was functionalized to 3-hydroxyimine. In vitro metabolism of UniPR129 and 3-hydroxyimine derivative UniPR500 was compared in mouse liver subcellular fractions, and main metabolites were profiled by high resolution (HR-MS) and tandem (MS/MS) mass spectrometry. In mouse liver microsomes (MLM), UniPR129 was converted into several metabolites: M1 derived from the oxidation of the 3-hydroxy group to 3-oxo, M2-M7, mono-hydroxylated metabolites, M8-M10, di-hydroxylated metabolites, and M11, a mono-hydroxylated metabolite of M1. Phase II reactions were only minor routes of in vitro biotransformation. UniPR500 shared several metabolic pathways with parent UniPR129, but it showed higher stability in MLM, with a half-life (t1/2) of 60.4 min, if compared to a t1/2 = 16.8 min for UniPR129. When orally administered to mice at the same dose, UniPR500 showed an increased systemic exposure, maintaining an in vitro valuable pharmacological profile as an EphA2 receptor antagonist and an overall improvement in its physico-chemical profile (solubility, lipophilicity), if compared to UniPR129. The present work highlights an effective strategy for the pharmacokinetic optimization of aminoacid conjugates of bile acids as small molecule Eph-ephrin antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ferlenghi
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (F.F.); (C.G.); (M.I.); (L.G.); (M.T.); (A.L.)
| | - Carmine Giorgio
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (F.F.); (C.G.); (M.I.); (L.G.); (M.T.); (A.L.)
| | - Matteo Incerti
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (F.F.); (C.G.); (M.I.); (L.G.); (M.T.); (A.L.)
| | - Lorenzo Guidetti
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (F.F.); (C.G.); (M.I.); (L.G.); (M.T.); (A.L.)
| | - Paola Chiodelli
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (P.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Marco Rusnati
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (P.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Massimiliano Tognolini
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (F.F.); (C.G.); (M.I.); (L.G.); (M.T.); (A.L.)
| | - Federica Vacondio
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (F.F.); (C.G.); (M.I.); (L.G.); (M.T.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence: (F.V.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-0521-905076 (F.V.); +39-0521-905059 (M.M.)
| | - Marco Mor
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (F.F.); (C.G.); (M.I.); (L.G.); (M.T.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence: (F.V.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-0521-905076 (F.V.); +39-0521-905059 (M.M.)
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (F.F.); (C.G.); (M.I.); (L.G.); (M.T.); (A.L.)
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Xiao T, Xiao Y, Wang W, Tang YY, Xiao Z, Su M. Targeting EphA2 in cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:114. [PMID: 32811512 PMCID: PMC7433191 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00944-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Eph receptors and the corresponding Eph receptor-interacting (ephrin) ligands jointly constitute a critical cell signaling network that has multiple functions. The tyrosine kinase EphA2, which belongs to the family of Eph receptors, is highly produced in tumor tissues, while found at relatively low levels in most normal adult tissues, indicating its potential application in cancer treatment. After 30 years of investigation, a large amount of data regarding EphA2 functions have been compiled. Meanwhile, several compounds targeting EphA2 have been evaluated and tested in clinical studies, albeit with limited clinical success. The present review briefly describes the contribution of EphA2-ephrin A1 signaling axis to carcinogenesis. In addition, the roles of EphA2 in resistance to molecular-targeted agents were examined. In particular, we focused on EphA2's potential as a target for cancer treatment to provide insights into the application of EphA2 targeting in anticancer strategies. Overall, EphA2 represents a potential target for treating malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta Xiao
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042, China
| | - Yuhang Xiao
- Research Center of Carcinogenesis and Targeted Therapy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Wenxiang Wang
- Thoracic Surgery Department 2, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yan Yan Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Zhiqiang Xiao
- Research Center of Carcinogenesis and Targeted Therapy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Min Su
- Thoracic Surgery Department 2, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.
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Baudet S, Bécret J, Nicol X. Approaches to Manipulate Ephrin-A:EphA Forward Signaling Pathway. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13070140. [PMID: 32629797 PMCID: PMC7407804 DOI: 10.3390/ph13070140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma A (EphA) receptors and their ephrin-A ligands are key players of developmental events shaping the mature organism. Their expression is mostly restricted to stem cell niches in adults but is reactivated in pathological conditions including lesions in the heart, lung, or nervous system. They are also often misregulated in tumors. A wide range of molecular tools enabling the manipulation of the ephrin-A:EphA system are available, ranging from small molecules to peptides and genetically-encoded strategies. Their mechanism is either direct, targeting EphA receptors, or indirect through the modification of intracellular downstream pathways. Approaches enabling manipulation of ephrin-A:EphA forward signaling for the dissection of its signaling cascade, the investigation of its physiological roles or the development of therapeutic strategies are summarized here.
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Evaluation of the Anti-Tumor Activity of Small Molecules Targeting Eph/Ephrins in APC min/J Mice. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13040069. [PMID: 32316101 PMCID: PMC7243115 DOI: 10.3390/ph13040069] [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: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eph receptors are the largest receptors tyrosine kinases (RTKs) family in humans and together with ephrin ligands constitute a complex cellular communication system often dysregulated in many tumors. The role of the Eph-ephrin system in colorectal cancer (CRC) has been investigated and different expression of Eph receptors have been associated with tumor development and progression. In light of this evidence, we investigated if a pharmacological approach aimed at inhibiting Eph/ephrin interaction through small molecules could prevent tumor growth in APC min/J mice. The 8-week treatment with the Eph-ephrin antagonist UniPR129 significantly reduced the number of adenomas in the ileum and decreased the diameter of adenomas in the same region. Overall our data suggested as UniPR129 could be able to slow down the tumor development in APC min/J mice. These results further confirm literature data about Eph kinases as a new valuable target in the intestinal cancer and for the first time showed the feasibility of the Eph-ephrin inhibition as a useful pharmacological approach against the intestinal tumorigenesis. In conclusion this work paves the way for further studies with Eph-ephrin inhibitors in order to confirm the Eph antagonism as innovative pharmacological approach with preventive benefit in the intestinal tumor development.
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