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Mor A, Tankiewicz-Kwedlo A, Ciwun M, Lewkowicz J, Pawlak D. Kynurenines as a Novel Target for the Treatment of Inflammatory Disorders. Cells 2024; 13:1259. [PMID: 39120289 PMCID: PMC11311768 DOI: 10.3390/cells13151259] [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: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
This review discusses the potential of targeting the kynurenine pathway (KP) in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The KP, responsible for the catabolism of the amino acid tryptophan (TRP), produces metabolites that regulate various physiological processes, including inflammation, cell cycle, and neurotransmission. These metabolites, although necessary to maintain immune balance, may accumulate excessively during inflammation, leading to systemic disorders. Key KP enzymes such as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (IDO2), tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), and kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) have been considered promising therapeutic targets. It was highlighted that both inhibition and activation of these enzymes may be beneficial, depending on the specific inflammatory disorder. Several inflammatory conditions, including autoimmune diseases, for which modulation of KP activity holds therapeutic promise, have been described in detail. Preclinical studies suggest that this modulation may be an effective treatment strategy for diseases for which treatment options are currently limited. Taken together, this review highlights the importance of further research on the clinical application of KP enzyme modulation in the development of new therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Mor
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, A. Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (A.M.); (M.C.); (D.P.)
| | - Anna Tankiewicz-Kwedlo
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, A. Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (A.M.); (M.C.); (D.P.)
| | - Marianna Ciwun
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, A. Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (A.M.); (M.C.); (D.P.)
| | - Janina Lewkowicz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Dariusz Pawlak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, A. Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (A.M.); (M.C.); (D.P.)
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Abad C, Karahoda R, Orbisova A, Kastner P, Heblik D, Kucera R, Portillo R, Staud F. Pathological shifts in tryptophan metabolism in human term placenta exposed to LPS or poly I:C†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:722-738. [PMID: 38145492 PMCID: PMC11017130 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad181] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation during pregnancy is a risk factor for offspring neuropsychiatric disorders. Among the mechanistic pathways by which maternal inflammation can affect fetal brain development and programming, those involving tryptophan (TRP) metabolism have drawn attention because various TRP metabolites have neuroactive properties. This study evaluates the effect of bacterial (lipopolysaccharides/LPS) and viral (polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid/poly I:C) placental infection on TRP metabolism using an ex vivo model. Human placenta explants were exposed to LPS or poly I:C, and the release of TRP metabolites was analyzed together with the expression of related genes and proteins and the functional activity of key enzymes in TRP metabolism. The rate-limiting enzyme in the serotonin pathway, tryptophan hydroxylase, showed reduced expression and functional activity in explants exposed to LPS or poly I:C. Conversely, the rate-limiting enzyme in the kynurenine pathway, indoleamine dioxygenase, exhibited increased activity, gene, and protein expression, suggesting that placental infection mainly promotes TRP metabolism via the kynurenine (KYN) pathway. Furthermore, we observed that treatment with LPS or poly I:C increased activity in the kynurenine monooxygenase branch of the KYN pathway. We conclude that placental infection impairs TRP homeostasis, resulting in decreased production of serotonin and an imbalance in the ratio between quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid. This disrupted homeostasis may eventually expose the fetus to suboptimal/toxic levels of neuroactive molecules and impair fetal brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cilia Abad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Rona Karahoda
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Orbisova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kastner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Heblik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Kucera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ramon Portillo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Staud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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Xodo S, Londero AP, Orsaria M, Marzinotto S, Colussi G, Cagnacci A, Mariuzzi L, Gri G. Examining the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Network in the Placental Tissues of Pregnancies Complicated by Pre-Eclampsia: An Explorative Case-Control Analysis. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2122. [PMID: 38004262 PMCID: PMC10672047 DOI: 10.3390/life13112122] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality associated with pre-eclampsia, which are caused partly by premature delivery, affect a factual proportion of pregnancies. Despite its prevalence, the underlying causes of pre-eclampsia remain elusive, with emerging evidence implicating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in its pathogenesis. This study sought to elucidate the involvement of the AhR and its associated pathway in pre-eclampsia by comparing placental components of the AhR pathway in pregnant individuals with and without pre-eclampsia. This case-control investigation was conducted at the University Hospital of Udine from May 2021 to February 2023. The AhR was assessed using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, and its mRNA was evaluated using a Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR. Levels of mRNA expression were also estimated for other components of the AhR pathway (CYP1B1, IDO1, ARNT, TIPARP, S100A4, and AHRR). Our findings show decreased levels of expression of AhR, IDO1, ARNT, TiPARP, and S100A4 in the placental tissues of individuals with pre-eclampsia compared to controls (p < 0.05). The AhR exhibited a distinct localization within the syncytiotrophoblast (nuclei and cytoplasm) and CD45-positive cells (nuclei and cytoplasm). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation between the AhR and S100A4 (rho = 0.81) was observed in normal placentas, while CYP1B1 displayed a significant negative correlation with the AhR (rho = -0.72), within addition to its negative correlation with TiPARP (rho = -0.83). This study illuminates pre-eclampsia's molecular aberrations, suggesting new diagnostic, therapeutic, and mechanistic approaches. This study emphasizes the need for more research to validate and broaden these findings to improve the management of this complex pregnancy condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Xodo
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine”, DAME, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Ambrogio P. Londero
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Orsaria
- Institute of Pathology, “Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine”, DAME, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (M.O.)
| | - Stefania Marzinotto
- Institute of Pathology, “Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine”, DAME, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (M.O.)
| | - Gianluca Colussi
- Hypertension Unit, Department of Medicine, ASFO “Santa Maria degli Angeli” Hospital of Pordenone, 33170 Pordenone, Italy;
| | - Angelo Cagnacci
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Mariuzzi
- Institute of Pathology, “Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine”, DAME, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (M.O.)
| | - Giorgia Gri
- DIMEC—Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
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Tu WB, Christofk HR, Plath K. Nutrient regulation of development and cell fate decisions. Development 2023; 150:dev199961. [PMID: 37260407 PMCID: PMC10281554 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199961] [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] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Diet contributes to health at all stages of life, from embryonic development to old age. Nutrients, including vitamins, amino acids, lipids and sugars, have instructive roles in directing cell fate and function, maintaining stem cell populations, tissue homeostasis and alleviating the consequences of aging. This Review highlights recent findings that illuminate how common diets and specific nutrients impact cell fate decisions in healthy and disease contexts. We also draw attention to new models, technologies and resources that help to address outstanding questions in this emerging field and may lead to dietary approaches that promote healthy development and improve disease treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B. Tu
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Heather R. Christofk
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kathrin Plath
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Azimnasab-Sorkhabi P, Soltani-Asl M, Yoshinaga TT, Zaidan Dagli ML, Massoco CDO, Kfoury Junior JR. Indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase: a fate-changer of the tumor microenvironment. Mol Biol Rep 2023:10.1007/s11033-023-08469-3. [PMID: 37217614 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08469-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase is a rate-limiting enzyme in the tryptophan catabolism in kynurenine pathways that has an immunosuppressive effect and supports cancer cells to evade the immune system in different cancer types. Diverse cytokines and pathways upregulate the production of indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase enzymes in the tumor microenvironment and cause more production and activity of this enzyme. Ultimately, this situation results in anti-tumor immune suppression which is in favor of tumor growth. Several inhibitors such as 1-methyl-tryptophan have been introduced for indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase enzyme and some of them are widely utilized in pre-clinical and clinical trials. Importantly at the molecular level, indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase is positioned in a series of intricate signaling and molecular networks. Here, the main objective is to provide a focused view of indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase enhancer pathways and propose further studies to cover the gap in available information on the function of indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase enzyme in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parviz Azimnasab-Sorkhabi
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Maryam Soltani-Asl
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Túlio Teruo Yoshinaga
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Lucia Zaidan Dagli
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina de Oliveira Massoco
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Roberto Kfoury Junior
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Broekhuizen M, Danser AHJ, Reiss IKM, Merkus D. The Function of the Kynurenine Pathway in the Placenta: A Novel Pharmacotherapeutic Target? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111545. [PMID: 34770059 PMCID: PMC8582682 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
(L-)tryptophan is metabolized via the kynurenine pathway into several kynurenine metabolites with distinct functions. Dysfunction of the kynurenine pathway can lead to impairments in vascular regulation, immune regulation, and tolerance. The first and rate limiting enzyme of this pathway, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), is highly expressed in the placenta and reduced in placentas from complicated pregnancies. IDO is essential during pregnancy, as IDO inhibition in pregnant mice resulted in fetal loss. However, the exact function of placental IDO, as well as its exact placental localization, remain controversial. This review identified that two isoforms of IDO; IDO1 and IDO2, are differently expressed between placental cells, suggesting spatial segregation. Furthermore, this review summarizes how the placental kynurenine pathway is altered in pregnancy complications, including recurrent miscarriage, preterm birth, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Importantly, we describe that these alterations do not affect maternally circulating metabolite concentrations, suggesting that the kynurenine pathway functions as a local signaling pathway. In the placenta, it is an important source of de novo placental NAD+ synthesis and regulates fetal tryptophan and kynurenine metabolite supply. Therefore, kynurenine pathway interventions might provide opportunities to treat pregnancy complications, and this review discusses how such treatment could affect placental function and pregnancy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Broekhuizen
- Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
| | - A. H. Jan Danser
- Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Irwin K. M. Reiss
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Daphne Merkus
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
- Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, University Clinic Munich, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
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