1
|
Kim Y, Kim J, Kim B, Kim R, Kim HJ, Lee EH, Kim J, Park J, Jeong Y, Park SI, Kim H, Kang M, Lee J, Bahn YS, Choi JW, Park JH, Park KD. Discovery and Optimization of a Series of Vinyl Sulfoximine-Based Analogues as Potent Nrf2 Activators for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. J Med Chem 2024; 67:17866-17892. [PMID: 39323296 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which leads to demyelination, axonal loss, and neurodegeneration. Increased oxidative stress and neurodegeneration have been implicated in all stages of MS, making neuroprotective therapeutics a promising strategy for its treatment. We previously have reported vinyl sulfones with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor that induces the expression of cytoprotective genes against oxidative stress. In this study, we synthesized vinyl sulfoximine derivatives by modifying the core structure and determined therapeutic potential as Nrf2 activators. Among them, 10v effectively activated Nrf2 (EC50 = 83.5 nM) and exhibited favorable drug-like properties. 10v successfully induced expression of Nrf2-dependent antioxidant enzymes and suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in BV-2 microglial cells. We also confirmed that 10v effectively reversed disease progression and attenuated demyelination in an experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) mouse model of MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoowon Kim
- Brain Disorders Research Center, Brain Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Science & Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehwan Kim
- Brain Disorders Research Center, Brain Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Science & Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungeun Kim
- Brain Disorders Research Center, Brain Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Science & Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Rium Kim
- Brain Disorders Research Center, Brain Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Science & Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Jeong Kim
- Brain Disorders Research Center, Brain Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Science & Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Elijah Hwejin Lee
- Brain Disorders Research Center, Brain Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Science & Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jushin Kim
- Brain Disorders Research Center, Brain Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Science & Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwoo Park
- Brain Disorders Research Center, Brain Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Science & Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeeun Jeong
- Brain Disorders Research Center, Brain Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Science & Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang In Park
- Brain Disorders Research Center, Brain Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Science & Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyemin Kim
- Brain Disorders Research Center, Brain Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Science & Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsik Kang
- Doping Control Center, KIST, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeick Lee
- Doping Control Center, KIST, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sun Bahn
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Choi
- Brain Disorders Research Center, Brain Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Science & Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Cureverse Co., Ltd., Seoul Biohub, Seoul 02455, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Hyun Park
- Brain Disorders Research Center, Brain Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Science & Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Duk Park
- Brain Disorders Research Center, Brain Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Science & Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pritzkow S, Schauer I, Tupaki-Sreepurna A, Morales R, Soto C. Screening of Anti-Prion Compounds Using the Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification Technology. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1113. [PMID: 39334879 PMCID: PMC11430292 DOI: 10.3390/biom14091113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are 100% fatal infectious neurodegenerative diseases affecting the brains of humans and other mammals. The disease is caused by the formation and replication of prions, composed exclusively of the misfolded prion protein (PrPSc). We invented and developed the protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) technology for in vitro prion replication, which allow us to replicate the infectious agent and it is commonly used for ultra-sensitive prion detection in biological fluids, tissues and environmental samples. In this article, we studied whether PMCA can be used to screen for chemical compounds that block prion replication. A small set of compounds previously shown to have anti-prion activity in various systems, mostly using cells infected with murine prions, was evaluated for their ability to prevent the replication of prions. Studies were conducted simultaneously with prions derived from 4 species, including human, cattle, cervid and mouse. Our results show that only one of these compounds (methylene blue) was able to completely inhibit prion replication in all species. Estimation of the IC50 for methylene blue inhibition of human prions causing variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) was 7.7 μM. Finally, we showed that PMCA can be used for structure-activity relationship studies of anti-prion compounds. Interestingly, some of the less efficient prion inhibitors altered the replication of prions in some species and not others, suggesting that PMCA is useful for studying the differential selectivity of potential drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Pritzkow
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Brain Disorders, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA (R.M.)
| | - Isaac Schauer
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Brain Disorders, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA (R.M.)
| | - Ananya Tupaki-Sreepurna
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Brain Disorders, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA (R.M.)
| | - Rodrigo Morales
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Brain Disorders, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA (R.M.)
- Centro Integrativo de Biologia y Quimica Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago 8370993, Chile
| | - Claudio Soto
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Brain Disorders, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA (R.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Singh R, Panghal A, Jadhav K, Thakur A, Verma RK, Singh C, Goyal M, Kumar J, Namdeo AG. Recent Advances in Targeting Transition Metals (Copper, Iron, and Zinc) in Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04256-8. [PMID: 38809370 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04256-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Changes in the transition metal homeostasis in the brain are closely linked with Alzheimer's disease (AD), including intraneuronal iron accumulation and extracellular copper and zinc pooling in the amyloid plague. The brain copper, zinc, and iron surplus are commonly acknowledged characteristics of AD, despite disagreements among some. This has led to the theory that oxidative stress resulting from abnormal homeostasis of these transition metals may be a causative explanation behind AD. In the nervous system, the interaction of metals with proteins appears to be an essential variable in the development or suppression of neurodegeneration. Chelation treatment may be an option for treating neurodegeneration induced by transition metal ion dyshomeostasis. Some clinicians even recommend using chelating agents as an adjunct therapy for AD. The current review also looks at the therapeutic strategies that have been attempted, primarily with metal-chelating drugs. Metal buildup in the nervous system, as reported in the AD, could be the result of compensatory mechanisms designed to improve metal availability for physiological functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raghuraj Singh
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Lab, Institutes of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector 81. Mohali, Punjab, 140306, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Archna Panghal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Krishna Jadhav
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Ashima Thakur
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ICFAI University, Baddi, Distt. Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 174103, India
| | - Rahul Kumar Verma
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Charan Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hemwati, Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar, Dist. Garhwal (Uttarakhand), 246174, India
| | - Manoj Goyal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hemwati, Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar, Dist. Garhwal (Uttarakhand), 246174, India
| | - Jayant Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hemwati, Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar, Dist. Garhwal (Uttarakhand), 246174, India.
| | - Ajay G Namdeo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hemwati, Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar, Dist. Garhwal (Uttarakhand), 246174, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Agafonova I, Chingizova E, Chaikina E, Menchinskaya E, Kozlovskiy S, Likhatskaya G, Sabutski Y, Polonik S, Aminin D, Pislyagin E. Protection Activity of 1,4-Naphthoquinones in Rotenone-Induced Models of Neurotoxicity. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:62. [PMID: 38393033 PMCID: PMC10890484 DOI: 10.3390/md22020062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The MTS cell viability test was used to screen a mini library of natural and synthetic 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives (1,4-NQs) from marine sources. This screening identified two highly effective compounds, U-443 and U-573, which showed potential in protecting Neuro-2a neuroblastoma cells from the toxic effects of rotenone in an in vitro model of neurotoxicity. The selected 1,4-NQs demonstrated the capability to reduce oxidative stress by decreasing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in Neuro-2a neuroblastoma cells and RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and displayed significant antioxidant properties in mouse brain homogenate. Normal mitochondrial function was restored and the mitochondrial membrane potential was also regained by 1,4-NQs after exposure to neurotoxins. Furthermore, at low concentrations, these compounds were found to significantly reduce levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-1β and notably inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results of docking studies showed that the 1,4-NQs were bound to the active site of COX-2, analogically to a known inhibitor of this enzyme, SC-558. Both substances significantly improved the behavioral changes in female CD1 mice with rotenone-induced early stage of Parkinson's disease (PD) in vivo. It is proposed that the 1,4-NQs, U-443 and U-573, can protect neurons and microglia through their potent anti-ROS and anti-inflammatory activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Agafonova
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (I.A.); (E.C.); (E.C.); (E.M.); (S.K.); (G.L.); (Y.S.); (S.P.); (D.A.)
| | - Ekaterina Chingizova
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (I.A.); (E.C.); (E.C.); (E.M.); (S.K.); (G.L.); (Y.S.); (S.P.); (D.A.)
| | - Elena Chaikina
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (I.A.); (E.C.); (E.C.); (E.M.); (S.K.); (G.L.); (Y.S.); (S.P.); (D.A.)
| | - Ekaterina Menchinskaya
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (I.A.); (E.C.); (E.C.); (E.M.); (S.K.); (G.L.); (Y.S.); (S.P.); (D.A.)
| | - Sergey Kozlovskiy
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (I.A.); (E.C.); (E.C.); (E.M.); (S.K.); (G.L.); (Y.S.); (S.P.); (D.A.)
| | - Galina Likhatskaya
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (I.A.); (E.C.); (E.C.); (E.M.); (S.K.); (G.L.); (Y.S.); (S.P.); (D.A.)
| | - Yuri Sabutski
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (I.A.); (E.C.); (E.C.); (E.M.); (S.K.); (G.L.); (Y.S.); (S.P.); (D.A.)
| | - Sergey Polonik
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (I.A.); (E.C.); (E.C.); (E.M.); (S.K.); (G.L.); (Y.S.); (S.P.); (D.A.)
| | - Dmitry Aminin
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (I.A.); (E.C.); (E.C.); (E.M.); (S.K.); (G.L.); (Y.S.); (S.P.); (D.A.)
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shin-Chuan 1st Road, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City 80708, Taiwan
| | - Evgeny Pislyagin
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (I.A.); (E.C.); (E.C.); (E.M.); (S.K.); (G.L.); (Y.S.); (S.P.); (D.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thornton T, Mills D, Bliss E. Capsaicin: A Potential Treatment to Improve Cerebrovascular Function and Cognition in Obesity and Ageing. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061537. [PMID: 36986266 PMCID: PMC10057869 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061537] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Impaired cognition is the primary symptom of dementia, which can lead to functional disability and reduced quality of life among an increasingly ageing population. Ageing is associated with increased oxidative stress, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, which reduces cerebrovascular function leading to cognitive decline. Chronic low-grade systemic inflammatory conditions, such as obesity, exacerbate this decline beyond normal ageing and predispose individuals to neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia. Capsaicin, the major pungent molecule of chilli, has recently demonstrated improvements in cognition in animal models via activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid channel 1 (TRPV1). Capsaicin-induced TRPV1 activation reduces adiposity, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress, as well as improves endothelial function, all of which are associated with cerebrovascular function and cognition. This review examines the current literature on capsaicin and Capsimax, a capsaicin supplement associated with reduced gastrointestinal irritation compared to capsaicin. Acute and chronic capsaicin treatment can improve cognition in animals. However, studies adequately assessing the effects of capsaicin on cerebrovascular function, and cognition in humans do not exist. Capsimax may be a potentially safe therapeutic intervention for future clinical trials testing the effects of capsaicin on cerebrovascular function and cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Thornton
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
| | - Dean Mills
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
- Respiratory and Exercise Physiology Research Group, School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
- Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
- Molecular Biomarkers Research Group, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
| | - Edward Bliss
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
- Respiratory and Exercise Physiology Research Group, School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
- Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
- Molecular Biomarkers Research Group, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Arteaga-Henríquez G, Gisbert L, Ramos-Quiroga JA. Immunoregulatory and/or Anti-inflammatory Agents for the Management of Core and Associated Symptoms in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review of Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:215-229. [PMID: 36913130 PMCID: PMC10024667 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-00993-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition with a so far poorly understood underlying pathogenesis, and few effective therapies for core symptoms. Accumulating evidence supports an association between ASD and immune/inflammatory processes, arising as a possible pathway for new drug intervention. However, current literature on the efficacy of immunoregulatory/anti-inflammatory interventions on ASD symptoms is still limited. The aim of this narrative review was to summarize and discuss the latest evidence on the use of immunoregulatory and/or anti-inflammatory agents for the management of this condition. During the last 10 years, several randomized, placebo-controlled trials on the effectiveness of (add-on) treatment with prednisolone, pregnenolone, celecoxib, minocycline, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), sulforaphane (SFN), and/or omega-3 fatty acids have been performed. Overall, a beneficial effect of prednisolone, pregnenolone, celecoxib, and/or omega-3 fatty acids on several core symptoms, such as stereotyped behavior, was found. (Add-on) treatment with prednisolone, pregnenolone, celecoxib, minocycline, NAC, SFN, and/or omega-3 fatty acids was also associated with a significantly higher improvement in other symptoms, such as irritability, hyperactivity, and/or lethargy when compared with placebo. The mechanisms by which these agents exert their action and improve symptoms of ASD are not fully understood. Interestingly, studies have suggested that all these agents may suppress microglial/monocyte proinflammatory activation and also restore several immune cell imbalances (e.g., T regulatory/T helper-17 cell imbalances), decreasing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and/or IL-17A, both in the blood and in the brain of individuals with ASD. Although encouraging, the performance of larger randomized placebo-controlled trials, including more homogeneous populations, dosages, and longer periods of follow-up, are urgently needed in order to confirm the findings and to provide stronger evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gara Arteaga-Henríquez
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- NCRR-The National Center for Register-Based Research, Aahrus University, Aahrus, Denmark
| | - Laura Gisbert
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hu MB, Gao KX, Wang Y, Liu YJ. Characterization of Polysaccharides from the Pericarp of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim by Saccharide Mapping and Their Neuroprotective Effects. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041813. [PMID: 36838801 PMCID: PMC9966022 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The pericarp of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim (PZM) is a commonly used spice and herbal medicine in China. In the present study, the structural characteristics of PPZM were investigated by saccharide mapping after enzymatic digestion by using high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and polysaccharide analysis by using carbohydrate gel electrophoresis (PACE). The mechanisms of protective effects of PPZM on Aβ25-35-induced oxidative damage were explored in PC12 cells. The results showed that PPZM contained 1,4-α-D-galactosidic, 1,4-α-D-galactosiduronic, and (1→4)-β-D-glucosidic linkages. Pretreatment with PPZM significantly increased the cell viability of Aβ25-35-injured PC12 cells. Flow cytometry and Hoechst/PI staining indicated that PPZM gradually relieved the apoptosis of the Aβ25-25-treated cells. PPZM markedly decreased the ROS level of PC12 cells and suppressed Aβ25-35-induced oxidative stress by increasing the SOD level, and decreasing the level of MDA and LDH. The mRNA expressions of caspase-3 and Bax were significantly downregulated, and Bcl-2 expression was upregulated by treatment with PPZM. PPZM significantly increased the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in Aβ25-35 treated cells. The results indicated that PPZM alleviated apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by Aβ25-25 through the inhibition of mitochondrial dependent apoptosis and activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. PPZM can be used as a potential protective agent against Aβ25-25-induced neurotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Bian Hu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical & Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing of Shanxi Province, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, China
| | - Kui-Xu Gao
- Institute of Pharmaceutical & Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing of Shanxi Province, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical & Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing of Shanxi Province, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, China
| | - Yu-Jie Liu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical & Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing of Shanxi Province, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Redox ticklers and beyond: Naphthoquinone repository in the spotlight against inflammation and associated maladies. Pharmacol Res 2021; 174:105968. [PMID: 34752922 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cellular redox status has been considered as a focal point for the pathogenesis of multiple disorders. High and persistent levels of free radicals kick off inflammation and associated disorders. Though oxidative stress at high levels is harmful but at low levels it has been shown to exert cytoprotective effects. Therefore, cytoprotection by perturbation in cellular redox balance is a leading strategy for therapeutic interventions. Prooxidants are potent redox modifiers that generate mild oxidative stress leading to a spectrum of bioactivities. Naphthoquinones are a group of highly reactive organic chemical species that interact with biological systems owing to their prooxidants nature. Owing to the ability of naphthoquinones and its derivatives to perturb redox balance in a cell and modulate redox signaling, they have been in epicenter of drug development for plausible utilization in multiple clinical settings. The present review highlights the potential of 1,4-naphthoquinone and its natural derivatives (plumbagin, juglone, lawsone, menadione, lapachol and β-lapachone) as redox modifiers with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-microbial activities for implication in therapeutic settings.
Collapse
|
9
|
Oxidative Stress and Beta Amyloid in Alzheimer's Disease. Which Comes First: The Chicken or the Egg? Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10091479. [PMID: 34573112 PMCID: PMC8468973 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease involves β amyloid (Aβ) accumulation known to induce synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. The brain's vulnerability to oxidative stress (OS) is considered a crucial detrimental factor in Alzheimer's disease. OS and Aβ are linked to each other because Aβ induces OS, and OS increases the Aβ deposition. Thus, the answer to the question "which comes first: the chicken or the egg?" remains extremely difficult. In any case, the evidence for the primary occurrence of oxidative stress in AD is attractive. Thus, evidence indicates that a long period of gradual oxidative damage accumulation precedes and results in the appearance of clinical and pathological AD symptoms, including Aβ deposition, neurofibrillary tangle formation, metabolic dysfunction, and cognitive decline. Moreover, oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of many risk factors for AD. Alzheimer's disease begins many years before its symptoms, and antioxidant treatment can be an important therapeutic target for attacking the disease.
Collapse
|
10
|
Kim JH, Lim DK, Suh YH, Chang KA. Long-Term Treatment of Cuban Policosanol Attenuates Abnormal Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response via Amyloid Plaques Reduction in 5xFAD Mice. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10081321. [PMID: 34439569 PMCID: PMC8389325 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting in cognitive decline or dementia, the number of patients with AD is continuously increasing. Although a lot of great progress has been made in research and development of AD therapeutics, there is no fundamental cure for this disease yet. This study demonstrated the memory-improving effects of Cuban policosanol (PCO) in 5xFAD mice, which is an animal model of AD. Following 4-months of treatment with PCO in 5xFAD mice, we found that the number of amyloid plaques decreased in the brain compared to the vehicle-treated 5xFAD mice. Long-term PCO treatment in 5xFAD mice resulted in the reduction of gliosis and abnormal inflammatory cytokines level (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) in the cortex and hippocampus. Levels of lipid peroxide (4-hydroxynonenal [4-HNE]) and superoxide dismutase (SOD1 and SOD2) levels were also recoverd in the brains of PCO-treated 5xFAD mice. Notably, PCO administration reduced memory deficits in the passive avoidance test, as well as synaptic loss (PSD-95, synaptophysin) in 5xFAD mice. Collectively, we identified the potential effects of PCO as a useful supplement to delay or prevent AD progression by inhibiting the formation of Aβ plaques in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ho Kim
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon Advanced Insiue for Healh Sciences & Technology (GAIHST), Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea;
| | - Dong-Kyun Lim
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Korea; (D.-K.L.); (Y.-H.S.)
| | - Yoo-Hun Suh
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Korea; (D.-K.L.); (Y.-H.S.)
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Keun-A Chang
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon Advanced Insiue for Healh Sciences & Technology (GAIHST), Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea;
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Korea; (D.-K.L.); (Y.-H.S.)
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-32-899-6411
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kane EI, Waters KL, Spratt DE. Intersection of Redox Chemistry and Ubiquitylation: Post-Translational Modifications Required for Maintaining Cellular Homeostasis and Neuroprotection. Cells 2021; 10:2121. [PMID: 34440890 PMCID: PMC8394436 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration has been predominantly recognized as neuronal breakdown induced by the accumulation of aggregated and/or misfolded proteins and remains a preliminary factor in age-dependent disease. Recently, critical regulating molecular mechanisms and cellular pathways have been shown to induce neurodegeneration long before aggregate accumulation could occur. Although this opens the possibility of identifying biomarkers for early onset diagnosis, many of these pathways vary in their modes of dysfunction while presenting similar clinical phenotypes. With selectivity remaining difficult, it is promising that these neuroprotective pathways are regulated through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). This essential post-translational modification (PTM) involves the specific attachment of ubiquitin onto a substrate, specifically marking the ubiquitin-tagged protein for its intracellular fate based upon the site of attachment, the ubiquitin chain type built, and isopeptide linkages between different ubiquitin moieties. This review highlights both the direct and indirect impact ubiquitylation has in oxidative stress response and neuroprotection, and how irregularities in these intricate processes lead towards the onset of neurodegenerative disease (NDD).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Donald E. Spratt
- Gustaf H. Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, 950 Main St., Worcester, MA 01610, USA; (E.I.K.); (K.L.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lodhi N, Singh R, Rajput SP, Saquib Q. SARS-CoV-2: Understanding the Transcriptional Regulation of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 and the Role of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) at Codon 72 of p53 in the Innate Immune Response against Virus Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8660. [PMID: 34445373 PMCID: PMC8395432 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human ACE2 and the serine protease TMPRSS2 of novel SARS-CoV-2 are primary entry receptors in host cells. Expression of these genes at the transcriptional level has not been much discussed in detail. The ISRE elements of the ACE2 promoter are a binding site for the ISGF3 complex of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. TMPRSS2, including IFNβ, STAT1, and STAT2, has the PARP1 binding site near to TSS either up or downstream promoter region. It is well documented that PARP1 regulates gene expression at the transcription level. Therefore, to curb virus infection, both promoting type I IFN signaling to boost innate immunity and prevention of virus entry by inhibiting PARP1, ACE2 or TMPRSS2 are safe options. Most importantly, our aim is to attract the attention of the global scientific community towards the codon 72 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) of p53 and its underneath role in the innate immune response against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we discuss codon 72 SNP of human p53's role in the different innate immune response to restrict virus-mediated mortality rate only in specific parts of the world. In addition, we discuss potential targets and emerging therapies using bioengineered bacteriophage, anti-sense, or CRISPR strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niraj Lodhi
- Clinical Research (Research and Development Division) miRNA Analytics LLC, Harlem Bio-Space, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Rubi Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | | | - Quaiser Saquib
- Department of Zoology, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia;
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Effect of celecoxib in treatment of burn-induced hypermetabolism. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:222637. [PMID: 32285919 PMCID: PMC7189361 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20191607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) catalyzes the rate-limiting step of prostanoid biosynthesis. Under pathologic conditions, COX-2 activity can produce reactive oxygen species and toxic prostaglandin metabolites that exacerbate injury and metabolic disturbance. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of Celecoxib (the inhibitor of COX-2) treatment on lipolysis in burn mice. Methods: One hundred male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into sham group, burn group, celecoxib group, and burn with celecoxib group (25 mice in each group). Thirty percent total body surface area (TBSA) full-thickness injury was made for mice to mimic burn injuries. Volume of oxygen uptake (VO2), volume of carbon dioxide output (VCO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), energy expenditure (EE), COX-2 and uncoupled protein-1 (UCP-1) expression in brown adipose tissue (BAT) were measured for different groups. Results: Adipose tissue (AT) activation was associated with the augmentation of mitochondria biogenesis, and UCP-1 expression in isolated iBAT mitochondria. In addition, VO2, VCO2, EE, COX-2, and UCP-1 expression were significantly higher in burn group than in burn with celecoxib group (P<0.05). Conclusion: BAT plays important roles in burn injury-induced hypermetabolism through its morphological changes and elevating the expression of UCP-1. Celecoxib could improve lipolysis after burn injury.
Collapse
|
14
|
Abd Rashed A, Abd Rahman AZ, Rathi DNG. Essential Oils as a Potential Neuroprotective Remedy for Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review. Molecules 2021; 26:1107. [PMID: 33669787 PMCID: PMC7922935 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26041107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the improvements in life expectancy, neurodegenerative conditions have arguably become the most dreaded maladies of older people. The neuroprotective and anti-ageing potentials of essential oils (EOs) are widely evaluated around the globe. The objective of this review is to analyse the effectiveness of EOs as neuroprotective remedies among the four common age-related neurodegenerative diseases. The literature was extracted from three databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar) between the years of 2010 to 2020 using the medical subject heading (MeSH) terms "essential oil", crossed with "Alzheimer's disease (AD)", "Huntington's disease (HD)", "Parkinson's disease (PD)" or "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)". Eighty three percent (83%) of the studies were focused on AD, while another 12% focused on PD. No classifiable study was recorded on HD or ALS. EO from Salvia officinalis has been recorded as one of the most effective acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors. However, only Cinnamomum sp. has been assessed for its effectiveness in both AD and PD. Our review provided useful evidence on EOs as potential neuroprotective remedies for age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aswir Abd Rashed
- Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, No.1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Seksyen U13 Setia Alam, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia;
| | - Ahmad Zuhairi Abd Rahman
- Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, No.1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Seksyen U13 Setia Alam, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia;
| | - Devi Nair Gunasegavan Rathi
- Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, No.1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Seksyen U13 Setia Alam, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Thellung S, Corsaro A, Bosio AG, Zambito M, Barbieri F, Mazzanti M, Florio T. Emerging Role of Cellular Prion Protein in the Maintenance and Expansion of Glioma Stem Cells. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111458. [PMID: 31752162 PMCID: PMC6912268 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a membrane-anchored glycoprotein representing the physiological counterpart of PrP scrapie (PrPSc), which plays a pathogenetic role in prion diseases. Relatively little information is however available about physiological role of PrPC. Although PrPC ablation in mice does not induce lethal phenotypes, impairment of neuronal and bone marrow plasticity was reported in embryos and adult animals. In neurons, PrPC stimulates neurite growth, prevents oxidative stress-dependent cell death, and favors antiapoptotic signaling. However, PrPC activity is not restricted to post-mitotic neurons, but promotes cell proliferation and migration during embryogenesis and tissue regeneration in adult. PrPC acts as scaffold to stabilize the binding between different membrane receptors, growth factors, and basement proteins, contributing to tumorigenesis. Indeed, ablation of PrPC expression reduces cancer cell proliferation and migration and restores cell sensitivity to chemotherapy. Conversely, PrPC overexpression in cancer stem cells (CSCs) from different tumors, including gliomas—the most malignant brain tumors—is predictive for poor prognosis, and correlates with relapses. The mechanisms of the PrPC role in tumorigenesis and its molecular partners in this activity are the topic of the present review, with a particular focus on PrPC contribution to glioma CSCs multipotency, invasiveness, and tumorigenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Thellung
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Alessia G. Bosio
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Martina Zambito
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Michele Mazzanti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence: (T.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-01-0353-8806 (T.F.); +39-02-5031-4958 (M.M.)
| | - Tullio Florio
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (T.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-01-0353-8806 (T.F.); +39-02-5031-4958 (M.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Thellung S, Corsaro A, Nizzari M, Barbieri F, Florio T. Autophagy Activator Drugs: A New Opportunity in Neuroprotection from Misfolded Protein Toxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20040901. [PMID: 30791416 PMCID: PMC6412775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to critically analyze promises and limitations of pharmacological inducers of autophagy against protein misfolding-associated neurodegeneration. Effective therapies against neurodegenerative disorders can be developed by regulating the “self-defense” equipment of neurons, such as autophagy. Through the degradation and recycling of the intracellular content, autophagy promotes neuron survival in conditions of trophic factor deprivation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial and lysosomal damage, or accumulation of misfolded proteins. Autophagy involves the activation of self-digestive pathways, which is different for dynamics (macro, micro and chaperone-mediated autophagy), or degraded material (mitophagy, lysophagy, aggrephagy). All neurodegenerative disorders share common pathogenic mechanisms, including the impairment of autophagic flux, which causes the inability to remove the neurotoxic oligomers of misfolded proteins. Pharmacological activation of autophagy is typically achieved by blocking the kinase activity of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) enzymatic complex 1 (mTORC1), removing its autophagy suppressor activity observed under physiological conditions; acting in this way, rapamycin provided the first proof of principle that pharmacological autophagy enhancement can induce neuroprotection through the facilitation of oligomers’ clearance. The demand for effective disease-modifying strategies against neurodegenerative disorders is currently stimulating the development of a wide number of novel molecules, as well as the re-evaluation of old drugs for their pro-autophagic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Thellung
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Mario Nizzari
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Tullio Florio
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Markowicz-Piasecka M, Huttunen KM, Sikora J. Metformin and its sulphonamide derivative simultaneously potentiateanti-cholinesterase activity of donepezil and inhibit beta-amyloid aggregation. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2018; 33:1309-1322. [PMID: 30251898 PMCID: PMC6161601 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2018.1499627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess in vitro the effects of sulphenamide and sulphonamide derivatives of metformin on the activity of human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), establish the type of inhibition, and assess the potential synergism between biguanides and donepezil towards both cholinesterases (ChEs) and the effects on the β-amyloid aggregation. Sulphonamide 5 with para-trifluoromethyl- and ortho-nitro substituents in aromatic ring inhibited AChE in a mixed-type manner at micromolar concentrations (IC50 = 212.5 ± 48.3 µmol/L). The binary mixtures of donepezil and biguanides produce an anti-AChE effect, which was greater than either compound had alone. A combination of donepezil and sulphonamide 5 improved the IC50 value by 170 times. Compound 5 at 200 µmol/L inhibited Aβ aggregation by ∼20%. In conclusion, para-trifluoromethyl-ortho-nitro-benzenesulphonamide presents highly beneficial anti-AChE and anti-Aβ aggregation properties which could serve as a promising starting point for the design and development of novel biguanide-based candidates for AD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Markowicz-Piasecka
- Laboratory of Bioanalysis, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Radiopharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Kristiina M. Huttunen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School Of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Joanna Sikora
- Laboratory of Bioanalysis, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Radiopharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Barbieri F, Würth R, Pattarozzi A, Verduci I, Mazzola C, Cattaneo MG, Tonelli M, Solari A, Bajetto A, Daga A, Vicentini LM, Mazzanti M, Florio T. Inhibition of Chloride Intracellular Channel 1 (CLIC1) as Biguanide Class-Effect to Impair Human Glioblastoma Stem Cell Viability. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:899. [PMID: 30186163 PMCID: PMC6110922 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The antidiabetic biguanide metformin exerts antiproliferative effects in different solid tumors. However, during preclinical studies, metformin concentrations required to induce cell growth arrest were invariably within the mM range, thus difficult to translate in a clinical setting. Consequently, the search for more potent metformin derivatives is a current goal for new drug development. Although several cell-specific intracellular mechanisms contribute to the anti-tumor activity of metformin, the inhibition of the chloride intracellular channel 1 activity (CLIC1) at G1/S transition is a key events in metformin antiproliferative effect in glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Here we tested several known biguanide-related drugs for the ability to affect glioblastoma (but not normal) stem cell viability, and in particular: phenformin, a withdrawn antidiabetic drug; moroxydine, a former antiviral agent; and proguanil, an antimalarial compound, all of them possessing a linear biguanide structure as metformin; moreover, we evaluated cycloguanil, the active form of proguanil, characterized by a cyclized biguanide moiety. All these drugs caused a significant impairment of GSC proliferation, invasiveness, and self-renewal reaching IC50 values significantly lower than metformin, (range 0.054–0.53 mM vs. 9.4 mM of metformin). All biguanides inhibited CLIC1-mediated ion current, showing the same potency observed in the antiproliferative effects, with the exception of proguanil which was ineffective. These effects were specific for GSCs, since no (or little) cytotoxicity was observed in normal umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells, whose viability was not affected by metformin and moroxydine, while cycloguanil and phenformin induced toxicity only at much higher concentrations than required to reduce GSC proliferation or invasiveness. Conversely, proguanil was highly cytotoxic also for normal mesenchymal stem cells. In conclusion, the inhibition of CLIC1 activity represents a biguanide class-effect to impair GSC viability, invasiveness, and self-renewal, although dissimilarities among different drugs were observed as far as potency, efficacy and selectivity as CLIC1 inhibitors. Being CLIC1 constitutively active in GSCs, this feature is relevant to grant the molecules with high specificity toward GSCs while sparing normal cells. These results could represent the basis for the development of novel biguanide-structured molecules, characterized by high antitumor efficacy and safe toxicological profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Barbieri
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Würth
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pattarozzi
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Ivan Verduci
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazzola
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria G Cattaneo
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Tonelli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Agnese Solari
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Adriana Bajetto
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio Daga
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Lucia M Vicentini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Mazzanti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pagano K, Galante D, D'Arrigo C, Corsaro A, Nizzari M, Florio T, Molinari H, Tomaselli S, Ragona L. Effects of Prion Protein on Aβ42 and Pyroglutamate-Modified AβpΕ3-42 Oligomerization and Toxicity. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:1957-1971. [PMID: 29981054 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1202-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Soluble Aβ oligomers are widely recognized as the toxic forms responsible for triggering AD, and Aβ receptors are hypothesized to represent the first step in a neuronal cascade leading to dementia. Cellular prion protein (PrP) has been reported as a high-affinity binder of Aβ oligomers. The interactions of PrP with both Aβ42 and the highly toxic N-truncated pyroglutamylated species (AβpE3-42) are here investigated, at a molecular level, by means of ThT fluorescence, NMR and TEM. We demonstrate that soluble PrP binds both Aβ42 and AβpE3-42, preferentially interacting with oligomeric species and delaying fibril formation. Residue level analysis of Aβ42 oligomerization process reveals, for the first time, that PrP is able to differently interact with the forming oligomers, depending on the aggregation state of the starting Aβ42 sample. A distinct behavior is observed for Aβ42 1-30 region and C-terminal residues, suggesting that PrP protects Aβ42 N-tail from entangling on the mature NMR-invisible fibril, consistent with the hypothesis that Aβ42 N-tail is the locus of interaction with PrP. PrP/AβpE3-42 interactions are here reported for the first time. All interaction data are validated and complemented by cellular tests performed on Wt and PrP-silenced neuronal cell lines, clearly showing PrP dependent Aβ oligomer cell internalization and toxicity. The ability of soluble PrP to compete with membrane-anchored PrP for binding to Aβ oligomers bears relevance for studies of druggable pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katiuscia Pagano
- Istituto per lo Studio delle Macromolecole (ISMAC), CNR, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Nizzari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Center of Excellence for Biomedical research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Simona Tomaselli
- Istituto per lo Studio delle Macromolecole (ISMAC), CNR, Milan, Italy.
| | - Laura Ragona
- Istituto per lo Studio delle Macromolecole (ISMAC), CNR, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Xu QX, Hu Y, Li GY, Xu W, Zhang YT, Yang XW. Multi-Target Anti-Alzheimer Activities of Four Prenylated Compounds from Psoralea Fructus. Molecules 2018. [PMID: 29518051 PMCID: PMC6017461 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23030614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease that is mediated by multiple signaling pathways. In recent years, the components of Psoralea Fructus (PF) have demonstrated some anti-Alzheimer effects both in vitro and in vivo. To further reveal the active compounds of PF and their mechanisms regulating key targets of AD, in this study, we identified four prenylated compounds from the 70% ethanolic aqueous extract of PF, namely bavachin, bavachinin, bavachalcone, and isobavachalcone. Multi-target bioactivity analysis showed that these compounds could differentially inhibit neuroinflammation, oxidative damage, and key AD-related protein targets, such as amyloid β-peptide 42, β-secretase, glycogen synthase kinase 3β, and acetylcholinesterase. These compounds may generate beneficial effects in AD prevention and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Xia Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Natural Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Ying Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Natural Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Gui-Yang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, State Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine and Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, No. 157, Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150086, China.
| | - Wei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Natural Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Ying-Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Natural Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Xiu-Wei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Natural Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Thellung S, Scoti B, Corsaro A, Villa V, Nizzari M, Gagliani MC, Porcile C, Russo C, Pagano A, Tacchetti C, Cortese K, Florio T. Pharmacological activation of autophagy favors the clearing of intracellular aggregates of misfolded prion protein peptide to prevent neuronal death. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:166. [PMID: 29416016 PMCID: PMC5833808 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0252-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
According to the “gain-of-toxicity mechanism”, neuronal loss during cerebral proteinopathies is caused by accumulation of aggregation-prone conformers of misfolded cellular proteins, although it is still debated which aggregation state actually corresponds to the neurotoxic entity. Autophagy, originally described as a variant of programmed cell death, is now emerging as a crucial mechanism for cell survival in response to a variety of cell stressors, including nutrient deprivation, damage of cytoplasmic organelles, or accumulation of misfolded proteins. Impairment of autophagic flux in neurons often associates with neurodegeneration during cerebral amyloidosis, suggesting a role in clearing neurons from aggregation-prone misfolded proteins. Thus, autophagy may represent a target for innovative therapies. In this work, we show that alterations of autophagy progression occur in neurons following in vitro exposure to the amyloidogenic and neurotoxic prion protein-derived peptide PrP90-231. We report that the increase of autophagic flux represents a strategy adopted by neurons to survive the intracellular accumulation of misfolded PrP90-231. In particular, PrP90-231 internalization in A1 murine mesencephalic neurons occurs in acidic structures, showing electron microscopy hallmarks of autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes. However, these structures do not undergo resolution and accumulate in cytosol, suggesting that, in the presence of PrP90-231, autophagy is activated but its progression is impaired; the inability to clear PrP90-231 via autophagy induces cytotoxicity, causing impairment of lysosomal integrity and cytosolic diffusion of hydrolytic enzymes. Conversely, the induction of autophagy by pharmacological blockade of mTOR kinase or trophic factor deprivation restored autophagy resolution, reducing intracellular PrP90-231 accumulation and neuronal death. Taken together, these data indicate that PrP90-231 internalization induces an autophagic defensive response in A1 neurons, although incomplete and insufficient to grant survival; the pharmacological enhancement of this process exerts neuroprotection favoring the clearing of the internalized peptide and could represents a promising neuroprotective tool for neurodegenerative proteinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Thellung
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Beatrice Scoti
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Valentina Villa
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Mario Nizzari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Gagliani
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Carola Porcile
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Claudio Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Aldo Pagano
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Carlo Tacchetti
- Centro Imaging Sperimentale, IRCCS Istituto Scientifico San Raffaele, Milano, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Katia Cortese
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
de Oliveira MR, Andrade CMB, Fürstenau CR. Naringenin Exerts Anti-inflammatory Effects in Paraquat-Treated SH-SY5Y Cells Through a Mechanism Associated with the Nrf2/HO-1 Axis. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:894-903. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2495-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
23
|
Different Molecular Mechanisms Mediate Direct or Glia-Dependent Prion Protein Fragment 90-231 Neurotoxic Effects in Cerebellar Granule Neurons. Neurotox Res 2017; 32:381-397. [PMID: 28540665 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9749-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Glia over-stimulation associates with amyloid deposition contributing to the progression of central nervous system neurodegenerative disorders. Here we analyze the molecular mechanisms mediating microglia-dependent neurotoxicity induced by prion protein (PrP)90-231, an amyloidogenic polypeptide corresponding to the protease-resistant portion of the pathological prion protein scrapie (PrPSc). PrP90-231 neurotoxicity is enhanced by the presence of microglia within neuronal culture, and associated to a rapid neuronal [Ca++] i increase. Indeed, while in "pure" cerebellar granule neuron cultures, PrP90-231 causes a delayed intracellular Ca++ entry mediated by the activation of NMDA receptors; when neuron and glia are co-cultured, a transient increase of [Ca++] i occurs within seconds after treatment in both granule neurons and glial cells, then followed by a delayed and sustained [Ca++] i raise, associated with the induction of the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and phagocytic NADPH oxidase. [Ca++] i fast increase in neurons is dependent on the activation of multiple pathways since it is not only inhibited by the blockade of voltage-gated channel activity and NMDA receptors but also prevented by the inhibition of nitric oxide and PGE2 release from glial cells. Thus, Ca++ homeostasis alteration, directly induced by PrP90-231 in cerebellar granule cells, requires the activation of NMDA receptors, but is greatly enhanced by soluble molecules released by activated glia. In glia-enriched cerebellar granule cultures, the activation of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and NADPH oxidase represents the main mechanism of toxicity since their pharmacological inhibition prevented PrP90-231 neurotoxicity, whereas NMDA blockade by D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid is ineffective; conversely, in pure cerebellar granule cultures, NMDA blockade but not iNOS inhibition strongly reduced PrP90-231 neurotoxicity. These data indicate that amyloidogenic peptides induce neurotoxic signals via both direct neuron interaction and glia activation through different mechanisms responsible of calcium homeostasis disruption in neurons and potentiating each other: the activation of excitotoxic pathways via NMDA receptors and the release of radical species that establish an oxidative milieu.
Collapse
|
24
|
Exploring Anti-Prion Glyco-Based and Aromatic Scaffolds: A Chemical Strategy for the Quality of Life. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22060864. [PMID: 28538692 PMCID: PMC6152669 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22060864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders caused by protein misfolding and aggregation, affecting the brain progressively and consequently the quality of life. Alzheimer’s is also a protein misfolding disease, causing dementia in over 40 million people worldwide. There are no therapeutics able to cure these diseases. Cellular prion protein is a high-affinity binding partner of amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers, the most toxic species in Alzheimer’s pathology. These findings motivate the development of new chemicals for a better understanding of the events involved. Disease control is far from being reached by the presently known therapeutics. In this review we describe the synthesis and mode of action of molecular entities with intervention in prion diseases’ biological processes and, if known, their role in Alzheimer’s. A diversity of structures is covered, based on glycans, steroids and terpenes, heterocycles, polyphenols, most of them embodying aromatics and a structural complexity. These molecules may be regarded as chemical tools to foster the understanding of the complex mechanisms involved, and to encourage the scientific community towards further developments for the cure of these devastating diseases.
Collapse
|