1
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Ma G, Gao X, Zhang X, Li H, Geng Z, Gao J, Yang S, Sun Z, Lin Y, Wen X, Meng Q, Zhang L, Bi Y. Discovery of novel ocotillol derivatives modulating glucocorticoid receptor/NF-κB signaling for the treatment of sepsis. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 271:116427. [PMID: 38657479 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116427] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) have been used in the treatment of sepsis because of their potent anti-inflammatory effects. However, their clinical efficacy against sepsis remains controversial because of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) downregulation and side effects. Herein, we designed and synthesized 30 ocotillol derivatives and evaluated their anti-inflammatory activities. Ocotillol 24(R/S) differential isomers were stereoselective in their pharmacological action. Specifically, 24(S) derivatives had better anti-inflammatory activity than their corresponding 24(R) derivatives. Compound 20 most effectively inhibited NO release (85.97% reduction), and it exerted dose-dependent inhibitory effects on interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. Mechanistic studies revealed that compound 20 reduces the degradation of GR mRNA and GR protein. Meanwhile, compound 20 inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, thereby inhibiting the nuclear translocation of p65 and attenuating the inflammatory response. In vivo studies revealed that compound 20 attenuated hepatic, pulmonary, and renal pathology damage in mice with sepsis and suppressed the production of inflammatory mediators. These results indicated that compound 20 is a promising lead compound for designing and developing anti-sepsis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongshan Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Xiaojin Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Haixia Li
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Zhiyuan Geng
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Jing Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Shuxin Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Zhiruo Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Yuqi Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Xiaomei Wen
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Qingguo Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Leiming Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, PR China.
| | - Yi Bi
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China.
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2
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Ayipo YO, Ahmad I, Chong CF, Zainurin NA, Najib SY, Patel H, Mordi MN. Carbazole derivatives as promising competitive and allosteric inhibitors of human serotonin transporter: computational pharmacology. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:993-1014. [PMID: 37021485 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2198016] [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: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
The human serotonin transporters (hSERTs) are neurotransmitter sodium symporters of the aminergic G protein-coupled receptors, regulating the synaptic serotonin and neuropharmacological processes related to neuropsychiatric disorders, notably, depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine and (S)-citalopram are competitive inhibitors of hSERTs and are commonly the first-line medications for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, treatment-resistance and unpleasant aftereffects constitute their clinical drawbacks. Interestingly, vilazodone emerged with polypharmacological (competitive and allosteric) inhibitions on hSERTs, amenable to improved efficacy. However, its application usually warrants adjuvant/combination therapy, another subject of critical adverse events. Thus, the discovery of alternatives with polypharmacological potentials (one-drug-multiple-target) and improved safety remains essential. In this study, carbazole analogues from chemical libraries were explored using docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Selectively, two IBScreen ligands, STOCK3S-30866 and STOCK1N-37454 predictively bound to the active pockets and expanded boundaries (extracellular vestibules) of the hSERTs more potently than vilazodone and (S)-citalopram. For instance, the two ligands showed docking scores of -9.52 and -9.59 kcal/mol and MM-GBSA scores of -92.96 and -65.66 kcal/mol respectively compared to vilazodone's respective scores of -7.828 and -59.27 against the central active site of the hSERT (PDB 7LWD). Similarly, the two ligands also docked to the allosteric pocket (PDB 5I73) with scores of -8.15 and -8.40 kcal/mol and MM-GBSA of -96.14 and -68.46 kcal/mol whereas (S)-citalopram has -6.90 and -69.39 kcal/mol respectively. The ligands also conferred conformational stability on the receptors during 100 ns MD simulations and displayed interesting ADMET profiles, representing promising hSERT modulators for MDD upon experimental validation.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Oloruntoyin Ayipo
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Kwara State University, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Iqrar Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Prof Ravindra Nikam College of Pharmacy, Dhule, Maharashtra, India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, R C Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Chien Fung Chong
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Amira Zainurin
- Faculty of Agro-Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Sani Yahaya Najib
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Harun Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, R C Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mohd Nizam Mordi
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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3
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Liang Y, Jiang Q, Zou H, Zhao J, Zhang J, Ren L. Withaferin A: A potential selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator with anti-inflammatory effect. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 179:113949. [PMID: 37467946 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids have been widely applied to various clinical treatment, however some serious side effects may occur during the treatment. It is widely known that glucocorticoids produce a marked effect through binding to glucocorticoid receptor (GR). As withaferin A can provide multiple health benefits, this work aims to confirm withaferin A as a potential selective GR modulator with anti-inflammatory effect. Fluorescence polarization assay confirmed that withaferin A could steadily bind to GR with an IC50 value of 203.80 ± 0.36 μM. Meanwhile, glucocorticoid receptor translocation of withaferin A was measured by nuclear fractionation assay. Dual luciferase reporter assay showed that withaferin A did not activate GR transcription. Furthermore, withaferin A decreased the GR-related protein expression with less side effects. The result of molecular docking showed that hydrogen-bonding and hydrophobic interactions contributed to the binding of withaferin A with GR. In addition, the GR-withaferin A complex maintained a stable binding throughout the dynamics simulation process. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that withaferin A inhibited the production of cytokines, confirming its anti-inflammatory effect. These findings indicate that withaferin A is a potential selective GR modulator and this work may provide a research basis for developing dietary supplements and nutraceuticals against inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Qiuyan Jiang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Haoyang Zou
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Jingqi Zhao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Li Ren
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
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4
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Zare F, Solhjoo A, Sadeghpour H, Sakhteman A, Dehshahri A. Structure-based virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and MM/PBSA calculations towards identification of steroidal and non-steroidal selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:7640-7650. [PMID: 36134594 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2123392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids have been used in the treatment of many diseases including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Despite the wide therapeutic effects of synthetic glucocorticoids, the use of these compounds has been limited due to side effects such as osteoporosis, immunodeficiency, and hyperglycaemia. To this end, extensive studies have been performed to discover new glucocorticoid modulators with the aim of increasing affinity for the receptor and thus less side effects. In the present work, structure-based virtual screening was used for the identification of novel potent compounds with glucocorticoid effects. The molecules derived from ZINC database were screened on account of structural similarity with some glucocorticoid agonists as the template. Subsequently, molecular docking was performed on 200 selected compounds to obtain the best steroidal and non-steroidal conformations. Three compounds, namely ZINC_000002083318, ZINC_000253697499 and ZINC_000003845653, were selected with the binding energies of -11.5, -10.5, and -9.5 kcal/mol, respectively. Molecular dynamic simulations on superior structures were accomplished with the glucocorticoid receptor. Additionally, root mean square deviations, root mean square fluctuation, radius of gyration, hydrogen bonds, and binding-free energy analysis showed the binding stability of the proposed compounds compared to budesonide as an approved drug. The results demonstrated that all the compounds had suitable binding stability compared to budesonide, while ZINC_000002083318 showed a tighter binding energy compared to the other compounds.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Zare
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Aida Solhjoo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Sadeghpour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sakhteman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Dehshahri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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5
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Metin R, Akten ED. Drug repositioning to propose alternative modulators for glucocorticoid receptor through structure-based virtual screening. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:11418-11433. [PMID: 34355665 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1960608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Drug repositioning has recently become one of the widely used drug design approaches in proposing alternative compounds with potentially fewer side effects. In this study, structure-based pharmacophore modelling and docking was used to screen existing drug molecules to bring forward potential modulators for ligand-binding domain of human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR). There exist several drug molecules targeting hGR, yet their apparent side effects still persist. Our goal was to disclose new compounds via screening existing drug compounds to bring forward fast and explicit solutions. The so-called shared pharmacophore model was created using the most persistent pharmacophore features shared by several crystal structures of the receptor. The shared model was first used to screen a small database of 75 agonists and 300 antagonists/decoys, and exhibited a successful outcome in its ability to distinguish agonists from antagonists/decoys. Then, it was used to screen a database of over 5000 molecules composed of FDA-approved, worldwide used and investigational drug compounds. A total of 110 compounds satisfying the pharmacophore requirements were subjected to different docking experiments for further assessment of their binding ability. In the final hit list of 54 compounds which fulfilled all scoring criteria, 19 of them were nonsteroidal and when further investigated, each presented a unique scaffold with little structural resemblance to any known nonsteroidal GR modulators. Independent 100 ns long MD simulations conducted on three selected drug candidates in complex with hGR displayed stable conformations incorporating several hydrogen bonds common to all three compounds and the reference molecule dexamethasone.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhan Metin
- Graduate Program of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kadir Has University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ebru Demet Akten
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Kadir Has University, Istanbul, Turkey
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6
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Li D, Bao X, Pang J, Hu X, Wang L, Wang J, Yang Z, Xu L, Wang S, Weng Q, Cui S, Hou T. Discovery and Optimization of N-Acyl-6-sulfonamide-tetrahydroquinoline Derivatives as Novel Non-Steroidal Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulators. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15710-15724. [PMID: 36399795 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators (SGRMs), which can dissociate the transactivation from the transrepression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), are regarded as very promising therapeutics for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We previously discovered a SGRM HP-19 based on the passive antagonistic conformation of GR and bioassays. In this study, we further analyzed the dynamic changes of the passive antagonistic state upon the binding of HP-19 and designed and synthesized 62 N-acyl-6-sulfonamide-tetrahydroquinoline derivatives by structural optimization of HP-19. Therein, compound B53 exhibits the best transrepression activity (IC50 NF-κB = 0.009 ± 0.001 μM) comparable with dexamethasone (IC50 NF-κB = 0.005 ± 0.001 μM) and no transactivation activity. B53 can efficiently reduce the expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and so on and makes a milder adverse effect and is highly specific to GR. Furthermore, B53 is able to significantly relieve dermatitis on a mouse model via oral drug intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaodong Bao
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinping Pang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueping Hu
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, Shandong, China
| | - Longling Wang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhaoxu Yang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou 213001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Siyu Wang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qinjie Weng
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sunliang Cui
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Lab of CAD&CG, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
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7
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Locust bean gum-based hydrogel containing nanocapsules for 3,3′-diindolylmethane delivery in skin inflammatory conditions. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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8
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Hu X, Pang J, Chen C, Jiang D, Shen C, Chai X, Yang L, Zhang X, Xu L, Cui S, Hou T, Li D. Discovery of novel non-steroidal selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators by structure- and IGN-based virtual screening, structural optimization, and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 237:114382. [PMID: 35483323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the most commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs. However, their excellent therapeutic effects are often accompanied by undesirable side effects. To discover selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators (SGRMs) that preferentially induce transrepression with little or no transactivation activity, a structure-based virtual screening by combining molecular docking and InteractionGraphNet (IGN) rescoring was performed, and compound HP210 was identified. HP210 did not induce the transactivation functions of GR while still acted on the NF-κB mediated tethered transrepression function (IC50 = 2.32 μM), and suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammation cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. Compared with dexamethasone, HP210 showed no cross activities with phylogenetically related mineralcorticoid receptor and progesterone receptor and no significant effect on osteoprotegerin, exhibiting a reduced side-effect profile. Then, guided by the molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations, compound HP210_b4 with over two-fold higher transrepression activity (IC50 = 0.99 μM) was discovered. This study reported a group of non-steroidal new-scaffold SGRMs, providing valuable clues for the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueping Hu
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China; State Key Lab of CAD&CG, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Jinping Pang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Changwei Chen
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dejun Jiang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Chao Shen
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Xin Chai
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Xujun Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, 213001, China
| | - Sunliang Cui
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China; State Key Lab of CAD&CG, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Dan Li
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
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9
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Lengton R, Iyer AM, van der Valk ES, Hoogeveen EK, Meijer OC, van der Voorn B, van Rossum EFC. Variation in glucocorticoid sensitivity and the relation with obesity. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13401. [PMID: 34837448 PMCID: PMC9285588 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence points to a relation between increased glucocorticoid (GC) exposure and weight gain. In support, long-term cortisol measurements using hair analysis revealed that many individuals with obesity appear to have cortisol values in the high physiological range. The mechanisms behind this relationship need to be determined in order to develop targeted therapy to reach sustainable weight loss in these subgroups. The effect of GCs is not only determined by the plasma concentration of GCs but also by individual differences in GC sensitivity and the target tissue, which can be analyzed by functional GC assays. GC sensitivity is influenced by multiple genetic and acquired (e.g., disease-related) factors, including intracellular GC availability, hormone binding affinity, and expression levels of the GC receptors and their isoforms, as well as factors involved in the modulation of gene transcription. Interindividual differences in GC sensitivity also play a role in the response to exogenous GCs, with respect to both therapeutic and adverse effects. Accordingly, in this review, we summarize current knowledge on mechanisms that influence GC sensitivity and their relationships with obesity and discuss personalized treatment options targeting the GC receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Lengton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anand M Iyer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eline S van der Valk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen K Hoogeveen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bibian van der Voorn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth F C van Rossum
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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10
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Morgan LV, Petry F, Scatolin M, de Oliveira PV, Alves BO, Zilli GAL, Volfe CRB, Oltramari AR, de Oliveira D, Scapinello J, Müller LG. Investigation of the anti-inflammatory effects of stigmasterol in mice: insight into its mechanism of action. Behav Pharmacol 2021; 32:640-651. [PMID: 34657071 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Stigmasterol is a phytosterol that presents pharmacologic properties. However, its anti-inflammatory mechanism and antinociceptive effect are not yet elucidated. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of stigmasterol and its mechanism of action in mice. The antinociceptive activity was assessed by the acetic acid-induced writhing test, formalin test, and hot plate test. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by carrageenan-induced peritonitis and paw edema induced by arachidonic acid. The involvement of glucocorticoid receptors in the mechanism of stigmasterol anti-inflammatory action was investigated by molecular docking, also by pretreating mice with RU-486 (glucocorticoid receptor antagonist) in the acetic acid-induced writhing test. Mice motor coordination was evaluated by the rota-rod test and the locomotor activity by the open field test. The lowest effective dose of stigmasterol was standardized at 10 mg/kg (p.o.). It prevented abdominal writhes and paw licking, but it did not increase the latency time in the hot plate test, suggesting that stigmasterol does not show an antinociceptive effect in response to a thermal stimulus. Stigmasterol decreased leukocyte infiltration in peritonitis assay and reduced paw edema elicited by arachidonic acid. Molecular docking suggested that stigmasterol interacts with the glucocorticoid receptor. Also, RU-486 prevented the effect of stigmasterol in the acetic-acid abdominal writhing test, which might indicate the contribution of glucocorticoid receptors in the mechanism of stigmasterol action. Stigmasterol reduced the number of crossings but did not impair mice's motor coordination. Our results show that stigmasterol presents anti-inflammatory effects probably mediated by glucocorticoid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernanda Petry
- Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Community University of Chapecó Region (Unochapecó), Chapecó, Santa Catarina
| | - Mikaela Scatolin
- Area of Health Sciences, Community University of Chapecó Region (Unochapecó)
| | | | | | | | | | - Amanda Rebonatto Oltramari
- Area of Environmental and Exact Sciences, Community University of Chapecó Region (Unochapecó), Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Débora de Oliveira
- Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis
| | - Jaqueline Scapinello
- Area of Environmental and Exact Sciences, Community University of Chapecó Region (Unochapecó), Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Liz Girardi Müller
- Area of Health Sciences, Community University of Chapecó Region (Unochapecó)
- Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Community University of Chapecó Region (Unochapecó), Chapecó, Santa Catarina
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11
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Ryu J, Lee E, Kang C, Lee M, Kim S, Park S, Lee D, Kwon Y. Rapid Screening of Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) Effectors Using Cortisol-Detecting Sensor Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4747. [PMID: 33947115 PMCID: PMC8124850 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cortisol, a stress hormone, plays key roles in mediating stress and anti-inflammatory responses. As abnormal cortisol levels can induce various adverse effects, screening cortisol and cortisol analogues is important for monitoring stress levels and for identifying drug candidates. A novel cell-based sensing system was adopted for rapid screening of cortisol and its functional analogues under complex cellular regulation. We used glucocorticoid receptor (GR) fused to a split intein which reconstituted with the counterpart to trigger conditional protein splicing (CPS) in the presence of targets. CPS generates functional signal peptides which promptly translocate the fluorescent cargo. The sensor cells exhibited exceptional performance in discriminating between the functional and structural analogues of cortisol with improved sensitivity. Essential oil extracts with stress relief activity were screened using the sensor cells to identify GR effectors. The sensor cells responded to peppermint oil, and L-limonene and L-menthol were identified as potential GR effectors from the major components of peppermint oil. Further analysis indicated L-limonene as a selective GR agonist (SEGRA) which is a potential anti-inflammatory agent as it attenuates proinflammatory responses without causing notable adverse effects of GR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Youngeun Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Korea; (J.R.); (E.L.); (C.K.); (M.L.); (S.K.); (S.P.); (D.L.)
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12
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Karra AG, Tziortziou M, Kylindri P, Georgatza D, Gorgogietas VA, Makiou A, Krokida A, Tsialtas I, Kalousi FD, Papadopoulos GE, Papadopoulou KΚ, Psarra AMG. Boswellic acids and their derivatives as potent regulators of glucocorticoid receptor actions. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 695:108656. [PMID: 33127380 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid (GCs) hormones exert their actions via their cognate steroid receptors the Glucocorticoid Receptors (GR), by genomic or non-genomic mechanisms of actions. GCs regulate many cellular functions among them growth, metabolism, immune response and apoptosis. Due to their cell type specific induction of apoptosis GCs are used for the treatment of certain type of cancer. In addition, due to their anti-inflammatory actions, GCs are among the most highly prescribed drug to treat chronic inflammatory disorders, albeit to the many adverse side effects arising by their long term and high doses use. Thus, there is a high need for selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist - modulators (SEGRA- SGRMs) as effective as classic GCs, but with a reduced side effect profile. Boswellic acids (BAs) are triterpenes that show structural similarities with GCs and exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. In this study we examined whether BA alpha and beta and certain BAs derivatives exert their actions, at least in part, through the regulation of GR activities. Applying docking analysis we found that BAs can bind stably into the deacylcortivazol (DAC) accommodation pocket of GR. Moreover we showed that certain boswellic acids derivatives induce glucocorticoid receptor nuclear translocation, no activation of GRE dependent luciferase gene expression, and suppression of the TNF-α induced NF-κB transcriptional activation in GR positive HeLa and HEK293 cells, but not in low GR level COS-7 cells. Furthermore, certain boswellic acids compounds exert antagonistic effect on the DEX-induced GR transcriptional activation and induce cell type specific mitochondrial dependent apoptosis. Our results indicate that certain BAs are potent selective glucocorticoid receptor regulators and could have great potential for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini G Karra
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria Tziortziou
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Kylindri
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Dimitra Georgatza
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vyron A Gorgogietas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Anthi Makiou
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Afroditi Krokida
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tsialtas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Foteini D Kalousi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | | | - Anna-Maria G Psarra
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
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13
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Cheilari A, Vontzalidou A, Makropoulou M, Meligova AK, Fokialakis N, Mitakou S, Alexis MN, Aligiannis N. Isoflavonoid Profiling and Estrogen-Like Activity of Four Genista Species from the Greek Flora. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235507. [PMID: 33255446 PMCID: PMC7727843 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As part of our ongoing research on phytoestrogens, we investigated the phytochemical profile and estrogen-like activities of eight extracts from the aerial parts of four Genista species of Greek flora using estrogen-responsive cell lines. Ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of G. acanthoclada, G. depressa,G. hassertiana, and G. millii were obtained with accelerated solvent extraction and their phytochemical profiles were compared using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (uHPLC-HRMS). Fourteen isoflavonoids, previously isolated from G. halacsyi, were used as reference standards for their identification in the extracts. Thirteen isoflavonoids were detected in both extracts of G. acanthoclada and G. hassertiana, while fewer and far fewer were detected in G. millii and G. depressa, respectively. The ethyl acetate extracts of G. hassertiana and G. acanthoclada displayed 2.45- and 1.79-fold higher, respectively, estrogen-like agonist activity in Ishikawa cells compared to MCF-7 cells at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. Both these extracts, but not that of G. depressa, contained mono- and di-O-β-d-glucosides of genistein as well as the aglycone, all three of which are known to display full estrogen-like activity at lower-than-micromolar concentrations. The possibility of using preparations rich in G. hassertiana and/or G. acanthoclada extracts as a potentially safer substitute for low-dose vaginal estrogen for menopausal symptoms is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antigoni Cheilari
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopoli Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (A.C.); (A.V.); (M.M.); (N.F.); (S.M.)
| | - Argyro Vontzalidou
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopoli Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (A.C.); (A.V.); (M.M.); (N.F.); (S.M.)
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48, Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece;
| | - Maria Makropoulou
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopoli Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (A.C.); (A.V.); (M.M.); (N.F.); (S.M.)
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48, Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece;
| | - Aggeliki K. Meligova
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48, Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikolas Fokialakis
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopoli Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (A.C.); (A.V.); (M.M.); (N.F.); (S.M.)
| | - Sofia Mitakou
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopoli Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (A.C.); (A.V.); (M.M.); (N.F.); (S.M.)
| | - Michael N. Alexis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48, Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence: (M.N.A.); (N.A.); Tel.: +30-210-72-74-757 (N.A.)
| | - Nektarios Aligiannis
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopoli Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (A.C.); (A.V.); (M.M.); (N.F.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence: (M.N.A.); (N.A.); Tel.: +30-210-72-74-757 (N.A.)
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14
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Zhang T, Liang Y, Zhang J. Natural and synthetic compounds as dissociated agonists of glucocorticoid receptor. Pharmacol Res 2020; 156:104802. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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15
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Identification of 20(R, S)-protopanaxadiol and 20(R, S)-protopanaxatriol for potential selective modulation of glucocorticoid receptor. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 131:110642. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.110642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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