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Wróbel-Kwiatkowska M, Turski W, Silska G, Rakicka-Pustułka M, Dymińska L, Rymowicz W. Determination of Bioactive Compound Kynurenic Acid in Linum usitatissimum L. Molecules 2024; 29:1702. [PMID: 38675522 PMCID: PMC11051930 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081702] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a bioactive compound exhibiting multiple actions and positive effects on human health due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. KYNA has been found to have a beneficial effect on wound healing and the prevention of scarring. Despite notable progress in the research focused on KYNA observed during the last 10 years, KYNA's presence in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) has not been proven to date. In the present study, parts of flax plants were analysed for KYNA synthesis. Moreover, eight different cultivars of flax seeds were tested for the presence of KYNA, resulting in a maximum of 0.432 µg/g FW in the seeds of the cultivar Jan. The level of KYNA was also tested in the stems and roots of two selected flax cultivars: an oily cultivar (Linola) and a fibrous cultivar (Nike). The exposure of plants to the KYNA precursors tryptophan and kynurenine resulted in higher levels of KYNA accumulation in flax shoots and roots. Thus, the obtained results indicate that KYNA might be synthesized in flax. The highest amount of KYNA (295.9 µg/g dry weight [DW]) was detected in flax roots derived from plants grown in tissue cultures supplemented with tryptophan. A spectroscopic analysis of KYNA was performed using the FTIR/ATR method. It was found that, in tested samples, the characteristic KYNA vibration bands overlap with the bands corresponding to the vibrations of biopolymers (especially pectin and cellulose) present in flax plants and fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Wróbel-Kwiatkowska
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland (W.R.)
| | - Waldemar Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8B, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Grażyna Silska
- Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants—National Research Institute, Wojska Polskiego 71B, 60-630 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Rakicka-Pustułka
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland (W.R.)
| | - Lucyna Dymińska
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Production Engineering, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, Komandorska 118/120, 53-345 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Waldemar Rymowicz
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland (W.R.)
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Turska-Kozłowska M, Pedraz-Petrozzi B, Paluszkiewicz P, Parada-Turska J. Different Kynurenine Pathway Dysregulation in Systemic Sclerosis in Men and Women. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3842. [PMID: 38612652 PMCID: PMC11011858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073842] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), a predominantly female-affected systemic autoimmune disease, requires tailored treatment strategies contingent on organ involvement and symptom severity. Given SSc's inflammatory nature, the involvement of the kynurenine pathway (KP) in its pathophysiology is underexplored. Our study aimed to investigate sex-related differences in KP activation among SSc patients and assess the impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on KP metabolite concentrations. We enrolled 48 SSc patients and 53 healthy controls, quantifying KP metabolites (tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), and kynurenic acid (KYNA)) in serum via high-performance liquid chromatography. Separate multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVAs) for women and men were performed to ascertain mean differences between patients and healthy controls while correcting for age. For our secondary objective, we conducted a MANCOVA to explore disparities in ACE inhibitor users and non-users among patients, with BMI correction. Our findings revealed decreased TRP concentrations but increased KYNA/TRP ratio and KYN/TRP ratio in both male and female SSc patients compared to their respective controls. Unlike women, SSc males exhibited higher KYN concentrations and decreased KYNA/KYN ratio relative to their controls. Additionally, SSc patients using ACE inhibitors had higher serum KYNA levels than non-users. Notably, we established a significant correlation between eGFR and KYNA in SSc patients. These results indicate differential KP activation in male and female SSc patients, with males demonstrating heightened KP activation. While ACE inhibitors may influence the KP in SSc patients, further research is necessary to comprehensively understand their impact on symptoms and prognosis in the context of these KP alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Turska-Kozłowska
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynow 1H, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Bruno Pedraz-Petrozzi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany;
| | - Piotr Paluszkiewicz
- Department of General, Oncological and Metabolic Surgery, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Indiry Gandhi 14, 02-778 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Jolanta Parada-Turska
- Department of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
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Fernández-Gallego N, Sánchez-Madrid F, Cibrian D. Role of AHR Ligands in Skin Homeostasis and Cutaneous Inflammation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113176. [PMID: 34831399 PMCID: PMC8622815 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is an important regulator of skin barrier function. It also controls immune-mediated skin responses. The AHR modulates various physiological functions by acting as a sensor that mediates environment–cell interactions, particularly during immune and inflammatory responses. Diverse experimental systems have been used to assess the AHR’s role in skin inflammation, including in vitro assays of keratinocyte stimulation and murine models of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Similar approaches have addressed the role of AHR ligands, e.g., TCDD, FICZ, and microbiota-derived metabolites, in skin homeostasis and pathology. Tapinarof is a novel AHR-modulating agent that inhibits skin inflammation and enhances skin barrier function. The topical application of tapinarof is being evaluated in clinical trials to treat psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. In the present review, we summarize the effects of natural and synthetic AHR ligands in keratinocytes and inflammatory cells, and their relevance in normal skin homeostasis and cutaneous inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nieves Fernández-Gallego
- Immunology Service, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa (IIS-IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Vascular Pathophysiology Area, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Sánchez-Madrid
- Immunology Service, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa (IIS-IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Vascular Pathophysiology Area, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.S.-M.); (D.C.)
| | - Danay Cibrian
- Immunology Service, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa (IIS-IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Vascular Pathophysiology Area, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.S.-M.); (D.C.)
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Kynurenic Acid Accelerates Healing of Corneal Epithelium In Vitro and In Vivo. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080753. [PMID: 34451850 PMCID: PMC8398234 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous compound with a multidirectional effect. It possesses antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties that may be beneficial in the treatment of corneal injuries. Moreover, KYNA has been used successfully to improve the healing outcome of skin wounds. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of KYNA on corneal and conjunctival cells in vitro and the re-epithelization of corneal erosion in rabbits in vivo. Normal human corneal epithelial cell (10.014 pRSV-T) and conjunctival epithelial cell (HC0597) lines were used. Cellular metabolism, cell viability, transwell migration, and the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 were determined. In rabbits, after corneal de-epithelization, eye drops containing 0.002% and 1% KYNA were applied five times a day until full recovery. KYNA decreased metabolism but did not affect the proliferation of the corneal epithelium. It decreased both the metabolism and proliferation of conjunctival epithelium. KYNA enhanced the migration of corneal but not conjunctival epithelial cells. KYNA reduced the secretion of IL-1β and IL-6 from the corneal epithelium, leaving IL-10 secretion unaffected. The release of all studied cytokines from the conjunctival epithelium exposed to KYNA was unchanged. KYNA at higher concentration accelerated the healing of the corneal epithelium. These favorable properties of KYNA suggest that KYNA containing topical pharmaceutical products can be used in the treatment of ocular surface diseases.
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Antimisiaris S, Marazioti A, Kannavou M, Natsaridis E, Gkartziou F, Kogkos G, Mourtas S. Overcoming barriers by local drug delivery with liposomes. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 174:53-86. [PMID: 33539852 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Localized or topical administration of drugs may be considered as a potential approach for overcoming the problems caused by the various biological barriers encountered in drug delivery. The combination of using localized administration routes and delivering drugs in nanoparticulate formulations, such as liposomes, may have additional advantages. Such advantages include prolonged retention of high drug loads at the site of action and controlled release of the drug, ensuring prolonged therapeutic effect; decreased potential for side-effects and toxicity (due to the high topical concentrations of drugs); and increased protection of drugs from possible harsh environments at the site of action. The use of targeted liposomal formulations may further potentiate any acquired therapeutic advantages. In this review we present the most advanced cases of localized delivery of liposomal formulations of drugs, which have been investigated pre-clinically and clinically in the last ten years, together with the reported therapeutic advantages, in each case.
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Tryptophan Metabolism as a Pharmacological Target. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 42:60-73. [PMID: 33256987 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid required for protein synthesis. It undergoes an extensive and complex metabolism along several pathways, resulting in many bioactive molecules acting in various organs through different action mechanisms. Enzymes involved in its metabolism, metabolites themselves, or their receptors, represent potential therapeutic targets, which are the subject of dynamic research. Disruptions in L-tryptophan metabolism are reported in several neurological, metabolic, psychiatric, and intestinal disorders, paving the way to develop drugs to target it. This review will briefly describe L-tryptophan metabolism and present and discuss the most recent pharmacological developments targeting it.
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Walczak K, Wnorowski A, Turski WA, Plech T. Kynurenic acid and cancer: facts and controversies. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1531-1550. [PMID: 31659416 PMCID: PMC7162828 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03332-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous tryptophan metabolite exerting neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties in the brain. However, its importance on the periphery is still not fully elucidated. KYNA is produced endogenously in various types of peripheral cells, tissues and by gastrointestinal microbiota. Furthermore, it was found in several products of daily human diet and its absorption in the digestive tract was evidenced. More recent studies were focused on the potential role of KYNA in carcinogenesis and cancer therapy; however, the results were ambiguous and the biological activity of KYNA in these processes has not been unequivocally established. This review aims to summarize the current views on the relationship between KYNA and cancer. The differences in KYNA concentration between physiological conditions and cancer, as well as KYNA production by both normal and cancer cells, will be discussed. The review also describes the effect of KYNA on cancer cell proliferation and the known potential molecular mechanisms of this activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Walczak
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Artur Wnorowski
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar A Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Plech
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
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Zomer HD, Roballo KC, Lessa TB, Bressan FF, Gonçalves NN, Meirelles FV, Trentin AG, Ambrósio CE. Distinct features of rabbit and human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells: implications for biotechnology and translational research. STEM CELLS AND CLONING-ADVANCES AND APPLICATIONS 2018; 11:43-54. [PMID: 30425533 PMCID: PMC6204872 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s175749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Owing to their similarity with humans, rabbits are useful for multiple applications in biotechnology and translational research from basic to preclinical studies. In this sense, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known for their therapeutic potential and promising future in regenerative medicine. As many studies have been using rabbit adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) as a model of human ASCs (hASCs), it is fundamental to compare their characteristics and understand how distinct features could affect the translation to human medicine. Objective The aim of this study was to comparatively characterize rabbit ASCs (rASCs) and hASCs to further uses in biotechnology and translational studies. Materials and methods rASCs and hASCs were isolated and characterized by their immunophenotype, differentiation potential, proliferative profile, and nuclear stability in vitro. Results and discussion Both ASCs presented differentiation potential to osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes and shared similar immunophenotype expression to CD105+, CD34−, and CD45−, but rabbit cells expressed significantly lower CD73 and CD90 than human cells. In addition, rASCs presented greater clonogenic potential and proliferation rate than hASCs but no difference in nuclear alterations. Conclusion The distinct features of rASCs and hASCs can positively or negatively affect their use for different applications in biotechnology (such as cell reprogramming) and translational studies (such as cell transplantation, tissue engineering, and pharmacokinetics). Nevertheless, the particularities between rabbit and human MSCs should not prevent rabbit use in preclinical models, but care should be taken to interpret results and properly translate animal findings to medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Debiazi Zomer
- Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetic, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Santa Catarina Federal University (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil.,Department of Surgery, Sector Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil,
| | - Kelly Cs Roballo
- Department of Surgery, Sector Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil,
| | - Thais Borges Lessa
- Department of Surgery, Sector Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil,
| | - Fabiana Fernandes Bressan
- Department of Surgery, Sector Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil,
| | - Natália Nardeli Gonçalves
- Department of Surgery, Sector Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil,
| | - Flávio Vieira Meirelles
- Department of Surgery, Sector Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, .,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil,
| | - Andrea Gonçalves Trentin
- Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetic, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Santa Catarina Federal University (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Ambrósio
- Department of Surgery, Sector Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, .,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil,
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Dolivo DM, Larson SA, Dominko T. Tryptophan metabolites kynurenine and serotonin regulate fibroblast activation and fibrosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:3663-3681. [PMID: 30027295 PMCID: PMC11105268 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2880-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological form of aberrant tissue repair, the complications of which account for nearly half of all deaths in the industrialized world. All tissues are susceptible to fibrosis under particular pathological sets of conditions. Though each type of fibrosis has characteristics and hallmarks specific to that particular condition, there appear to be common factors underlying fibrotic diseases. One of these ubiquitous factors is the paradigm of the activated myofibroblast in the promotion of fibrotic phenotypes. Recent research has implicated metabolic byproducts of the amino acid tryptophan, namely serotonin and kynurenines, in the pathology or potential pharmacologic therapy of fibrosis, in part through their effects on development of myofibroblast phenotypes. Here, we review literature underlying what is known mechanistically about the effects of these compounds and their respective pathways on fibrosis. Pharmacologic administration of kynurenine improves scarring outcomes in vivo likely not only through its well-characterized immunosuppressive properties but also via its demonstrated antagonism of fibroblast activation and of collagen deposition. In contrast, serotonin directly promotes activation of fibroblasts via activation of canonical TGF-β signaling, and overstimulation with serotonin leads to fibrotic outcomes in vivo. Recently discovered feedback inhibition between serotonin and kynurenine pathways also reveals more information about the cellular physiology of tryptophan metabolism and may also underlie possible paradigms for anti-fibrotic therapy. Together, understanding of the effects of tryptophan metabolism on modulation of fibrosis may lead to the development of new therapeutic avenues for treatment through exploitation of these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Dolivo
- Biology and Biotechnology Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA
| | - Sara A Larson
- Biology and Biotechnology Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA
| | - Tanja Dominko
- Biology and Biotechnology Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA.
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