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Santus P, Signorello JC, Danzo F, Lazzaroni G, Saad M, Radovanovic D. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Properties of N-Acetylcysteine: A Fresh Perspective. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4127. [PMID: 39064168 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144127] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) was initially introduced as a treatment for mucus reduction and widely used for chronic respiratory conditions associated with mucus overproduction. However, the mechanism of action for NAC extends beyond its mucolytic activity and is complex and multifaceted. Contrary to other mucoactive drugs, NAC has been found to exhibit antioxidant, anti-infective, and anti-inflammatory activity in pre-clinical and clinical reports. These properties have sparked interest in its potential for treating chronic lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis (BE), cystic fibrosis (CF), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which are associated with oxidative stress, increased levels of glutathione and inflammation. NAC's anti-inflammatory activity is noteworthy, and it is not solely secondary to its antioxidant capabilities. In ex vivo models of COPD exacerbation, the anti-inflammatory effects have been observed even at very low doses, especially with prolonged treatment. The mechanism involves the inhibition of the activation of NF-kB and neurokinin A production, resulting in a reduction in interleukin-6 production, a cytokine abundantly present in the sputum and breath condensate of patients with COPD and correlates with the number of exacerbations. The unique combination of mucolytic, antioxidant, anti-infective, and anti-inflammatory properties positions NAC as a safe, cost-effective, and efficacious therapy for a plethora of respiratory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierachille Santus
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, "L. Sacco" University Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Juan Camilo Signorello
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, "L. Sacco" University Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Danzo
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, "L. Sacco" University Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Giada Lazzaroni
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, "L. Sacco" University Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Saad
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Dejan Radovanovic
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, "L. Sacco" University Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
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2
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Ben-Shushan S, Miller Y. Neuropeptides: Roles and Activities as Metal Chelators in Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:2796-2811. [PMID: 33570949 PMCID: PMC8389909 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c11151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), are characterized by deposits of amyloid proteins. The homeostasis of metal ions is crucial for the normal biological functions in the brain. However, in AD and PD, the imbalance of metal ions leads to formation of amyloid deposits. In the past four decades, there has been extensive effort to design compound agents than can chelate metal ions with the aim of preventing the formation of the amyloid deposits. Unfortunately, the compounds to date that were designed were not successful candidates to be used in clinical trials. Neuropeptides are small molecules that are produced and released by neurons. It has been shown that neuropeptides have neuroprotective effects in the brain and reduce the formation of amyloid deposits. This Review Article is focused on the function of neuropeptides as metal chelators. Experimental and computational studies demonstrated that neuropeptides could bind metal ions, such as Cu2+ and Zn2+. This Review Article provides perspectives and initiates future studies to investigate the role of neuropeptides as metal chelators in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Ben-Shushan
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Be'er Sheva 84105, Israel.,Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Yifat Miller
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Be'er Sheva 84105, Israel.,Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva 84105, Israel
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3
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Katrinli S, Zheng Y, Gautam A, Hammamieh R, Yang R, Venkateswaran S, Kilaru V, Lori A, Hinrichs R, Powers A, Gillespie CF, Wingo AP, Michopoulos V, Jovanovic T, Wolf EJ, McGlinchey RE, Milberg WP, Miller MW, Kugathasan S, Jett M, Logue MW, Ressler KJ, Smith AK. PTSD is associated with increased DNA methylation across regions of HLA-DPB1 and SPATC1L. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 91:429-436. [PMID: 33152445 PMCID: PMC7749859 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and arousal symptoms that adversely affect mental and physical health. Recent evidence links changes in DNA methylation of CpG cites to PTSD. Since clusters of proximal CpGs share similar methylation signatures, identification of PTSD-associated differentially methylated regions (DMRs) may elucidate the pathways defining differential risk and resilience of PTSD. Here we aimed to identify epigenetic differences associated with PTSD. DNA methylation data profiled from blood samples using the MethylationEPIC BeadChip were used to perform a DMR analysis in 187 PTSD cases and 367 trauma-exposed controls from the Grady Trauma Project (GTP). DMRs were assessed with R package bumphunter. We identified two regions that associate with PTSD after multiple test correction. These regions were in the gene body of HLA-DPB1 and in the promoter of SPATC1L. The DMR in HLA-DPB1 was associated with PTSD in an independent cohort. Both DMRs included CpGs whose methylation associated with nearby sequence variation (meQTL) and that associated with expression of their respective genes (eQTM). This study supports an emerging literature linking PTSD risk to genetic and epigenetic variation in the HLA region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyma Katrinli
- Emory University, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yuanchao Zheng
- Boston University School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aarti Gautam
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Rasha Hammamieh
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Ruoting Yang
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Suresh Venkateswaran
- Emory University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Varun Kilaru
- Emory University, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adriana Lori
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca Hinrichs
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Abigail Powers
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Charles F Gillespie
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aliza P Wingo
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA; Division of Mental Health, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Vasiliki Michopoulos
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Wayne State University, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Erika J Wolf
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Regina E McGlinchey
- Geriatric Research Educational and Clinical Center and Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders, Boston, USA; VA Boston Health Care System, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William P Milberg
- Geriatric Research Educational and Clinical Center and Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders, Boston, USA; VA Boston Health Care System, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W Miller
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Subra Kugathasan
- Emory University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marti Jett
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Mark W Logue
- Boston University School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Boston, MA, USA; National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Biomedical Genetics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Emory University, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Atlanta, GA, USA; Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Topercerova J, Kolomaznik M, Kopincova J, Nova Z, Urbanova A, Mokra D, Mokry J, Calkovska A. The effect of pulmonary surfactant on the airway smooth muscle after lipopolysaccharide exposure and its mechanisms. Physiol Res 2020; 68:S275-S285. [PMID: 31928045 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary surfactant has a relaxing effect on the airway smooth muscle (ASM), which suggests its role in the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases associated with hyperreactivity of the ASM, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The ASM tone may be directly or indirectly modified by bacterial wall component lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This study elucidated the effect of LPS on the ASM reactivity and the role of surfactant in this interaction. The experiments were performed using ASM of adult guinea pigs by in vitro method of tissue organ bath (ASM unexposed-healthy or exposed to LPS under in vitro conditions) and ASM of animals intraperitoneally injected with LPS at a dose 1 mg/kg of b.w. once a day during 4-day period. Variable response of LPS was controlled by cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin and relaxing effect of exogenous surfactant was studied using leukotriene and histamine receptor antagonists. The exogenous surfactant has relaxing effect on the ASM, but does not reverse LPS-induced smooth muscle contraction. The results further indicate participation of prostanoids and potential involvement of leukotriene and histamine H1 receptors in the airway smooth muscle contraction during LPS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Topercerova
- Department of Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovak Republic.
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Calzetta L, Matera MG, Rogliani P, Cazzola M. Multifaceted activity of N-acetyl-l-cysteine in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Expert Rev Respir Med 2018; 12:693-708. [DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2018.1495562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luigino Calzetta
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Matera
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Unit of Pharmacology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Rogliani
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Cazzola
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Cazzola M, Calzetta L, Facciolo F, Rogliani P, Matera MG. Pharmacological investigation on the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of N-acetylcysteine in an ex vivo model of COPD exacerbation. Respir Res 2017; 18:26. [PMID: 28118826 PMCID: PMC5260037 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-016-0500-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oxidative stress is recognized to be one of predisposing factor in the pathogenesis of COPD. The oxidant/antioxidant imbalance is significantly pronounced in patients with COPD exacerbation. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) seems to be able to reduce COPD exacerbations by modulating the oxidative stress in addition to its well-known mucolytic activity, but there are discordant findings on the actual anti-oxidant activity of NAC. Methods The anti-oxidant effect of NAC and its impact on the inflammatory response have been pharmacologically characterized on a human ex vivo model of COPD exacerbation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Results NAC prevented the desensitization induced by LPS incubation on the contractile tone in linear concentration-response manner. Concentrations of NAC ≥1 μM reduced the pro-oxidant response (peroxidase activity, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide), and improved the anti-oxidant response (total anti-oxidant capacity, glutathione, superoxide dismutase) induced by LPS. Lower concentrations of NAC (<1 μM) did not modulate the bronchial oxidative imbalance. Concentrations of NAC ≥300 μM inhibited the inflammatory response (release of IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α) of human airways induced by the overnight stimulation with LPS, whereas lower concentrations of NAC (≥1 μM) were sufficient to reduce the release of IL-6 elicited by LPS. Both the anti-oxidant effect and the anti-inflammatory effect of NAC were inversely correlated with the release of NKA. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that NAC may have a role in modulating the detrimental effect induced by LPS in course of COPD exacerbation. It may elicit both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects when administered at high concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Cazzola
- Department of Systems Medicine, Chair of Respiratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigino Calzetta
- Department of Systems Medicine, Chair of Respiratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesco Facciolo
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Thoracic Surgery Unit, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Rogliani
- Department of Systems Medicine, Chair of Respiratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Matera
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Unit of Pharmacology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Minowa S, Tsuchiya S, Someya A, Horie S, Murayama T. Role of neuropeptide receptor systems in vanilloid VR1 receptor-mediated gastric acid secretion in rat brain. Eur J Pharmacol 2005; 486:317-24. [PMID: 14985054 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2004.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2003] [Revised: 12/23/2003] [Accepted: 01/08/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we reported that the injection of capsaicin into the lateral cerebroventricle (i.c.v.) stimulated gastric acid secretion via vanilloid VR1 receptors and the vagal cholinergic pathways in anesthetized rats. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of receptor systems for neurokinin A, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and glutamate in the vanilloid VR1 receptor-mediated response. The i.c.v. injection of neurokinin A (30 nmol) stimulated gastric acid secretion in the presence of cis-2-(diphenylmethyl)-N-[(2-iodophenyl)methyl]-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-3-amine oxalate (L-703606, a tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, 30 nmol) and the effect was inhibited by cyclo[Gln-Trp-Phe-Gly-Leu-Met] (L-659877, a tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist, 30 nmol); the values were 145.9 +/- 32.3 and 21.1 +/- 16.6 microEq HCl per 120 min, respectively. The value in the control group was 14.3 +/- 3.8 microEq HCl. The tachykinin NK2 receptor-mediated secretion was inhibited by i.c.v. injections of antagonists of the CGRP1 receptor (human CGRP fragment 8-37, 15 nmol) and non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (non-NMDA)-type glutamate receptor (6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, 10.9 nmol); the values were 30.8+/-29.8 and 5.7+/-16.9 microEq HCl, respectively. Gastric acid secretion induced by the i.c.v. injection of 30 nmol capsaicin (178.4 +/- 34.0 microEq HCl) was inhibited by antagonists of tachykinin NK2 (23.7 +/- 6.2) and CGRP1 (21.2 +/- 8.5), but not tachykinin NK1 (181.4 +/- 37.0), receptors. The gastric acid secretion induced by capsaicin was decreased by the i.c.v. pre-injection of low doses of neurokinin A or CGRP, which alone had no effect on the secretion. These findings suggest the involvement of tachykinin NK2, CGRP and non-NMDA receptor systems in the vanilloid VR1 receptor-mediated regulation of gastric acid secretion in the rat brain regions close to the lateral cerebroventricle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachie Minowa
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
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