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Regazzoni L. State of the Art in the Development of Human Serum Carnosinase Inhibitors. Molecules 2024; 29:2488. [PMID: 38893364 PMCID: PMC11173852 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112488] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Human serum carnosinase is an enzyme that operates the preferential hydrolysis of dipeptides with a C-terminus histidine. Only higher primates excrete such an enzyme in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. In humans, the serum hydrolytic rate has high interindividual variability owing to gene polymorphism, although age, gender, diet, and also diseases and surgical interventions can modify serum activity. Human genetic diseases with altered carnosinase activity have been identified and associated with neurological disorders and age-related cognitive decline. On the contrary, low peripheral carnosinase activity has been associated with kidney protection, especially in diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, serum carnosinase is a druggable target for the development of selective inhibitors. However, only one molecule (i.e., carnostatine) has been discovered with the purpose of developing serum carnosinase inhibitors. Bestatin is the only inhibitor reported other than carnostatine, although its activity is not selective towards serum carnosinase. Herein, we present a review of the most critical findings on human serum carnosinase, including enzyme expression, localization and substrate selectivity, along with factors affecting the hydrolytic activity, its implication in human diseases and the properties of known inhibitors of the enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Regazzoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
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2
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Chmielewska K, Vittorio S, Gervasoni S, Dzierzbicka K, Inkielewicz-Stepniak I, Vistoli G. Human carnosinases: A brief history, medicinal relevance, and in silico analyses. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103860. [PMID: 38128717 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103860] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Carnosine, an endogenous dipeptide, has been found to have a plethora of medicinal properties, such as antioxidant, antiageing, and chelating effects, but with one downside: a short half-life. Carnosinases and two hydrolytic enzymes, which remain enigmatic, are responsible for these features. Hence, here we emphasize why research is valuable for better understanding crucial concepts like ageing, neurodegradation, and cancerogenesis, given that inhibition of carnosinases might significantly prolong carnosine bioavailability and allow its further use in medicine. Herein, we explore the literature regarding carnosinases and present a short in silico analysis aimed at elucidating the possible recognition pattern between CN1 and its ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Chmielewska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Serena Vittorio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Gervasoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy; Physics Department, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP 8 km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Krystyna Dzierzbicka
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Giulio Vistoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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3
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Toviwek B, Suwanasopee T, Koonawootrittriron S, Jattawa D, Pongprayoon P. Binding Modes of Carnostatine, Homocarnosine, and Ophidine to Human Carnosinase 1. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:42966-42975. [PMID: 38024708 PMCID: PMC10653059 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Carnosine (CAR), anserine (ANS), homocarnosine (H-CAR), and ophidine (OPH) are histidine-containing dipeptides that show a wide range of therapeutic properties. With their potential physiological effects, these bioactive dipeptides are considered as bioactive food components. However, such dipeptides display low stability due to their rapid degradation by human serum carnosinase 1 (CN1). A dimeric CN1 hydrolyzes such histidine-containing compounds with different degrees of reactivities. A selective CN inhibitor, carnostatine (CARN), was reported to effectively inhibit CN's activity. To date, the binding mechanisms of CAR and ANS have been recently reported, while no clear information about H-CAR, OPH, and CARN binding is available. Thus, in this work, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to elucidate the binding mechanism of H-CAR, OPH, and CARN. Among all, the amine end and imidazole ring are the main players for trapping all of the ligands in a pocket. OPH shows the poorest binding affinity, while CARN displays the tightest binding. Such firm binding is due to the longer amine chain and the additional hydroxyl (-OH) group of CARN. H-CAR and CARN are analogous, but the absence of the -OH moiety in H-CAR significantly enhances its mobility, resulting in the reduction in binding affinity. For OPH which is an ANS analogue, the methylated imidazole ring destroys the OPH-CN1 interaction network at this region, consequentially leading to the poor binding ability. An insight into how CN recognizes and binds its substrates obtained here will be useful for designing an effective strategy to prolong the lifetime of CAR and its analogues after ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borvornwat Toviwek
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart
University, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Thanathip Suwanasopee
- Department
of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Skorn Koonawootrittriron
- Department
of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Danai Jattawa
- Department
of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Prapasiri Pongprayoon
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart
University, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Center
for Advanced Studies in Nanotechnology for Chemical, Food and Agricultural
Industries, KU Institute for Advanced Studies, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
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4
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Tancharoen C, Tovivek B, Niramitranon J, Kityakarn S, Luksirikul P, Gorinstein S, Pongprayoon P. Exploring the structural and dynamic differences between human carnosinase I (CN1) and II (CN2). Proteins 2023; 91:822-830. [PMID: 36637795 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Human carnosinases (CNs) are dimeric dipeptidases in the metallopeptidase M20 family. Two isoforms of carnosinases (Zn2+ -containing carnosinase 1 (CN1) found in serum and Mn2+ -carnosinase 2 (CN2) in tissue) were identified. Both CNs cleave histidine-containing (Xaa-His) dipeptides such as carnosine where CN2 was found to accept a broader spectrum of substrates. A loss of CN function, resulting in a high carnosine concentration, reduces risk for diabetes and neurological disorders. Although several studies on CN activities and its Michaelis complex were conducted, all shed the light on CN1 activity where the CN2 data is limited. Also, the molecular details on CN1 and CN2 similarity and dissimilarity in structure and function remain unclear. Thus, in this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to study structure and dynamics of human CN1 and CN2 in comparison. The results show that the different catalytic ability of both CNs is due to their pocket size and environment. CN2 can accept a wider range of substrate due to the wider mouth of a binding pocket. The L1 loop seems to play a role in gating activity. Comparing to CN2, CN1 provides more electronegative entrance, more wettability, and higher stability of catalytic metal ion-pair in the active site which allow more efficient water-mediated catalysis. The microscopic understanding obtained here can serve as a basis for CN inhibition strategies resulting in higher carnosine levels and consequently mitigating complications associated with diseases such as diabetes and neurological disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Borvornwat Tovivek
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jitti Niramitranon
- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sutasinee Kityakarn
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Patraporn Luksirikul
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center for Advanced Studies in Nanotechnology for Chemical, Food and Agricultural Industries, KU Institute for Advanced Studies, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Shela Gorinstein
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Prapasiri Pongprayoon
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center for Advanced Studies in Nanotechnology for Chemical, Food and Agricultural Industries, KU Institute for Advanced Studies, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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5
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Toviwek B, Koonawootrittriron S, Suwanasopee T, Pongprayoon P. Molecular insights into the binding of carnosine and anserine to human serum carnosinase 1 (CN1). PEERJ PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.7717/peerj-pchem.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnosine (CAR) and anserine (ANS) are histidine-containing dipeptides that show the therapeutic properties and protective abilities against diabetes and cognitive deficit. Both dipeptides are rich in meat products and have been used as a supplement. However, in humans, both compounds have a short half-life due to the rapid degradation by dizinc carnosinase 1 (CN1) which is a hurdle for its therapeutic application. To date, a comparative study of carnosine- and anserine-CN1 complexes is limited. Thus, in this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to explore the binding of carnosine and anserine to CN1. CN1 comprises 2 chains (Chains A and B). Both monomers are found to work independently and alternatingly. The displacement of Zn2+ pair is found to disrupt the substrate binding. CN1 employs residues from the neighbour chain (H235, T335, and T337) to form the active site. This highlights the importance of a dimer for enzymatic activity. Anserine is more resistant to CN 1 than carnosine because of its bulky and dehydrated imidazole moiety. Although both dipeptides can direct the peptide oxygen to the active Zn2+ which can facilitate the catalytic reaction, the bulky methylated imidazole on anserine promotes various poses that can retard the hydrolytic activity in contrast to carnosine. Anserine is likely to be the temporary competitive inhibitor by retarding the carnosine catabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borvornwat Toviwek
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Thanathip Suwanasopee
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prapasiri Pongprayoon
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Advanced Studies in Nanotechnology for Chemical, Food and Agricultural Industries, KU Institute for Advanced Studies, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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6
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Gou D, Huang K, Liu Y, Shi H, Wu Z. Molecular Dynamics Research of Spatial Orientation and Kinetic Energy of Active Site Collision of Carnosine under Weak Microwave Irradiation. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:7686-7700. [PMID: 36134752 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c03930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanism of the microwave nonthermal effect is still not clear. This work investigated the spatial orientation and kinetic energy of active site collision of carnosine, a natural bioactive dipeptide, under the weak microwave irradiation using the molecular dynamics simulation. Our results showed the influences of the temperature, microwave intensity, microwave frequency, and microwave polarization mode (linear polarization and circular polarization) on the spatial orientation and kinetic energy of active site collision of carnosine. First, under the constant intensity and frequency of linear polarization microwave irradiation, the increment of the collision probability between the 6N atom of carnosine and the 28H atom of the other carnosine at effective space angle decreases from 85.0% to 3.5% with increasing temperature. Second, with the increase of microwave intensity, the change of spatial orientation and kinetic energy becomes more and more significant. However, the change of circular polarization microwaves on the spatial orientation and kinetic energy of collision is weaker than that of linear polarization. Third, under the constant intensity of linear polarization microwave irradiation, the collision probability between the 6N atom and the 28H atom at effective space angle decreases from 70.2% to 14.7% with increasing frequency. Finally, under the microwave polarization, the spatial orientation and kinetic energy of molecular collision are changed, which is summarized as the microwave postpolarization effect (MWPPE). The dependence of MWPPE on temperature, microwave intensity, microwave frequency, and polarization mode is very complicated. In the end, this effect can provide a new insight into the molecular mechanism of the microwave nonthermal effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezhi Gou
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Kama Huang
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Ying Liu
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Hongxiao Shi
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Zhiyan Wu
- College of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
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7
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Gervasoni S, Spencer J, Hinchliffe P, Pedretti A, Vairoletti F, Mahler G, Mulholland AJ. A multiscale approach to predict the binding mode of metallo beta-lactamase inhibitors. Proteins 2022; 90:372-384. [PMID: 34455628 PMCID: PMC8944931 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to global public health. β-lactamases, which catalyze breakdown of β-lactam antibiotics, are a principal cause. Metallo β-lactamases (MBLs) represent a particular challenge because they hydrolyze almost all β-lactams and to date no MBL inhibitor has been approved for clinical use. Molecular simulations can aid drug discovery, for example, predicting inhibitor complexes, but empirical molecular mechanics (MM) methods often perform poorly for metalloproteins. Here we present a multiscale approach to model thiol inhibitor binding to IMP-1, a clinically important MBL containing two catalytic zinc ions, and predict the binding mode of a 2-mercaptomethyl thiazolidine (MMTZ) inhibitor. Inhibitors were first docked into the IMP-1 active site, testing different docking programs and scoring functions on multiple crystal structures. Complexes were then subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and subsequently refined through QM/MM optimization with a density functional theory (DFT) method, B3LYP/6-31G(d), increasing the accuracy of the method with successive steps. This workflow was tested on two IMP-1:MMTZ complexes, for which it reproduced crystallographically observed binding, and applied to predict the binding mode of a third MMTZ inhibitor for which a complex structure was crystallographically intractable. We also tested a 12-6-4 nonbonded interaction model in MD simulations and optimization with a SCC-DFTB QM/MM approach. The results show the limitations of empirical models for treating these systems and indicate the need for higher level calculations, for example, DFT/MM, for reliable structural predictions. This study demonstrates a reliable computational pipeline that can be applied to inhibitor design for MBLs and other zinc-metalloenzyme systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gervasoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - James Spencer
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Philip Hinchliffe
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Franco Vairoletti
- Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Avda. General Flores 2124, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Graciela Mahler
- Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Avda. General Flores 2124, Montevideo, Uruguay
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8
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Jukić I, Kolobarić N, Stupin A, Matić A, Kozina N, Mihaljević Z, Mihalj M, Šušnjara P, Stupin M, Ćurić ŽB, Selthofer-Relatić K, Kibel A, Lukinac A, Kolar L, Kralik G, Kralik Z, Széchenyi A, Jozanović M, Galović O, Medvidović-Kosanović M, Drenjančević I. Carnosine, Small but Mighty-Prospect of Use as Functional Ingredient for Functional Food Formulation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1037. [PMID: 34203479 PMCID: PMC8300828 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnosine is a dipeptide synthesized in the body from β-alanine and L-histidine. It is found in high concentrations in the brain, muscle, and gastrointestinal tissues of humans and is present in all vertebrates. Carnosine has a number of beneficial antioxidant properties. For example, carnosine scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as alpha-beta unsaturated aldehydes created by peroxidation of fatty acid cell membranes during oxidative stress. Carnosine can oppose glycation, and it can chelate divalent metal ions. Carnosine alleviates diabetic nephropathy by protecting podocyte and mesangial cells, and can slow down aging. Its component, the amino acid beta-alanine, is particularly interesting as a dietary supplement for athletes because it increases muscle carnosine, and improves effectiveness of exercise and stimulation and contraction in muscles. Carnosine is widely used among athletes in the form of supplements, but rarely in the population of cardiovascular or diabetic patients. Much less is known, if any, about its potential use in enriched food. In the present review, we aimed to provide recent knowledge on carnosine properties and distribution, its metabolism (synthesis and degradation), and analytical methods for carnosine determination, since one of the difficulties is the measurement of carnosine concentration in human samples. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms of carnosine's biological effects in musculature, metabolism and on immunomodulation are discussed. Finally, this review provides a section on carnosine supplementation in the form of functional food and potential health benefits and up to the present, neglected clinical use of carnosine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Jukić
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.J.); (N.K.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (N.K.); (Z.M.); (M.M.); (P.Š.); (M.S.); (A.K.)
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
| | - Nikolina Kolobarić
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.J.); (N.K.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (N.K.); (Z.M.); (M.M.); (P.Š.); (M.S.); (A.K.)
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
| | - Ana Stupin
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.J.); (N.K.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (N.K.); (Z.M.); (M.M.); (P.Š.); (M.S.); (A.K.)
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
- Department of Pathophysiology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 10E, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Anita Matić
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.J.); (N.K.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (N.K.); (Z.M.); (M.M.); (P.Š.); (M.S.); (A.K.)
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
| | - Nataša Kozina
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.J.); (N.K.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (N.K.); (Z.M.); (M.M.); (P.Š.); (M.S.); (A.K.)
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
| | - Zrinka Mihaljević
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.J.); (N.K.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (N.K.); (Z.M.); (M.M.); (P.Š.); (M.S.); (A.K.)
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
| | - Martina Mihalj
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.J.); (N.K.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (N.K.); (Z.M.); (M.M.); (P.Š.); (M.S.); (A.K.)
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Osijek, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Petar Šušnjara
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.J.); (N.K.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (N.K.); (Z.M.); (M.M.); (P.Š.); (M.S.); (A.K.)
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
| | - Marko Stupin
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.J.); (N.K.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (N.K.); (Z.M.); (M.M.); (P.Š.); (M.S.); (A.K.)
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
- Department for Cardiovascular Disease, University Hospital Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Željka Breškić Ćurić
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Vinkovci, Zvonarska 57, HR-32100 Vinkovci, Croatia
| | - Kristina Selthofer-Relatić
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
- Department for Cardiovascular Disease, University Hospital Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Department for Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Aleksandar Kibel
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.J.); (N.K.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (N.K.); (Z.M.); (M.M.); (P.Š.); (M.S.); (A.K.)
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
- Department for Cardiovascular Disease, University Hospital Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Anamarija Lukinac
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Clinical Hospital Center Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Luka Kolar
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Vukovar General Hospital, HR-32000 Vukovar, Croatia
| | - Gordana Kralik
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
- Nutricin j.d.o.o. Darda, HR-31326 Darda, Croatia
| | - Zlata Kralik
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
- Department of Animal Production and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Aleksandar Széchenyi
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
- Department of Chemistry, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Marija Jozanović
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
- Department of Chemistry, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Olivera Galović
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
- Department of Chemistry, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Martina Medvidović-Kosanović
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
- Department of Chemistry, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ines Drenjančević
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.J.); (N.K.); (A.S.); (A.M.); (N.K.); (Z.M.); (M.M.); (P.Š.); (M.S.); (A.K.)
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; (Ž.B.Ć.); (K.S.-R.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (G.K.); (Z.K.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (O.G.); (M.M.-K.)
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9
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Development of a direct LC-ESI-MS method for the measurement of human serum carnosinase activity. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2020; 189:113440. [PMID: 32645617 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a natural peptide that have been described as a potential pharmacological agent owing to some positive outcomes from several pharmacological tests in animal models of human diseases. However, carnosine has limited activity in humans since the peptide upon absorption is rapidly hydrolyzed in the serum by the enzyme carnosinase (i.e. CN1; E.C. 3.4.13.20). Over the years the main approaches aimed at limiting carnosine hydrolysis have been focused on obtaining CN1-stable derivatives with an increased bioavailability and unmodified or enhanced activity. Only recently the hypothesis of co-administration of carnosine and selective inhibitors of CN1 have been proposed. Such an approach requires reliable methods for screening the effect on carnosine hydrolysis rate operated by CN1 in a throughput scale allowing to test from few compounds up to whole compound libraries. The only assay with such features available in literature relies on ortho-phtalaldehyde (OPA) derivatization of the hydrolysis product (i.e. histidine), followed by a fluorimetric read. Herein, we propose an alternative method based on a direct measurement of the residual substrate by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The assay demonstrated to be reliable since gave results comparable to literature data concerning the hydrolysis rate of carnosine as determined into human serum. Moreover, the method was quite flexible and easily adaptable to a substrate change, as demonstrated by the measurement of the hydrolysis rate of all the natural analogs of carnosine. In this context the data collected for anserine suggest that our method looked more reliable and substrate change can undergo an underestimation of hydrolytic activity in OPA -based assays.
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10
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Tanaka KI, Kawahara M. Carnosine and Lung Disease. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:1714-1725. [PMID: 31309876 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190712140545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a small dipeptide with numerous activities, including antioxidant effects, metal ion chelation, proton buffering capacity, and inhibitory effects on protein carbonylation and glycation. Carnosine has been mostly studied in organs where it is abundant, including skeletal muscle, cerebral cortex, kidney, spleen, and plasma. Recently, the effect of supplementation with carnosine has been studied in organs with low levels of carnosine, such as the lung, in animal models of influenza virus or lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis. Among the known protective effects of carnosine, its antioxidant effect has attracted increasing attention for potential use in treating lung disease. In this review, we describe the in vitro and in vivo biological and physiological actions of carnosine. We also report our recent study and discuss the roles of carnosine or its related compounds in organs where carnosine is present in only small amounts (especially the lung) and its protective mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-Ichiro Tanaka
- Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University, 1-1-20 Shinmachi, Nishitokyo-shi, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kawahara
- Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University, 1-1-20 Shinmachi, Nishitokyo-shi, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan
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11
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Peters V, Yard B, Schmitt CP. Carnosine and Diabetic Nephropathy. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:1801-1812. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190326111851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is a major complication in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
and represents the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Novel therapeutic approaches are
warranted. In view of a polymorphism in the carnosinase 1 gene CNDP1, resulting in reduced
carnosine degradation activity and a significant DN risk reduction, carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine)
has gained attention as a potential therapeutic target. Carnosine has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
anti-glycation and reactive carbonyl quenching properties. In diabetic rodents, carnosine supplementation
consistently improved renal histology and function and in most studies, also glucose metabolism.
Even though plasma half-life of carnosine in humans is short, first intervention studies in (pre-)
diabetic patients yielded promising results. The precise molecular mechanisms of carnosine mediated
protective action, however, are still incompletely understood. This review highlights the recent
knowledge on the role of the carnosine metabolism in DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Peters
- Centre for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benito Yard
- Vth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology), University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claus Peter Schmitt
- Centre for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Chmielewska K, Dzierzbicka K, Inkielewicz-Stępniak I, Przybyłowska M. Therapeutic Potential of Carnosine and Its Derivatives in the Treatment of Human Diseases. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:1561-1578. [PMID: 32202758 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, their occurrence and mortality are still high around the world. The resistance of cancer cells to the drugs remains a significant problem in oncology today, while in the case of neuro-degenerative diseases, therapies reversing the process are still yet to be found. Furthermore, it is important to seek new chemotherapeutics reversing side effects of currently used drugs or helping them perform their function to inhibit progression of the disease. Carnosine, a dipeptide constisting of β-alanine and l-histidine, has a variety of functions to mention: antioxidant, antiglycation, and reducing the toxicity of metal ions. It has therefore been proposed to act as a therapeutic agent for many pathological states. The aim of this paper was to find if carnosine and its derivatives can be helpful in treating various diseases. Literature search presented in this review includes review and original papers found in SciFinder, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Searches were based on substantial keywords concerning therapeutic usage of carnosine and its derivatives in several diseases including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. In this paper, we review articles and find that carnosine and its derivatives are potential therapeutic agents in many diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and schizophrenia. Carnosine and its derivatives can be used in treating neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes, or schizophrenia, although their usage is limited. Therefore, there's an urge to synthesize and analyze new substances, overcoming the limitation of carnosine itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Chmielewska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk 80-233, Poland
| | - Krystyna Dzierzbicka
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk 80-233, Poland
| | - Iwona Inkielewicz-Stępniak
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk 80-211, Poland
| | - Maja Przybyłowska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk 80-233, Poland
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13
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Effects of molecular crowding environment on the acquisition of toxic properties of wild-type SOD1. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2020; 1864:129401. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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14
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Pirone L, Di Gaetano S, Rizzarelli E, Bellia F, Pedone E. Focusing on the functional characterization of the anserinase from Oreochromis niloticus. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 130:158-165. [PMID: 30797810 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.02.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Carnosine, anserine and homocarnosine are the three most representative compounds of the histidine dipeptides family, widely distributed in mammals in different amounts depending on the species and the tissue considered. Histidine dipeptides are mainly degraded by two different carnosinase homologues: a highly specific metal-ion dependent carnosinase (CN1) located in serum and brain and a non-specific cytosolic form (CN2). The hydrolysis of such dipeptides in prokaryotes and eukaryotes is also catalyzed by the anserinase (ANSN). Such naturally occurring dipeptides represent an interesting topic because they seem to have numerous biological roles such as potential neuroprotective and neurotransmitter functions in the brain and therefore ANSN results to be a very interesting target of study. We here report, for the first time, cloning, expression of ANSN from the fish Oreochromis niloticus both in a mammalian and in a prokaryotic system, in order to perform deep functional studies by enzymatic assays in the presence of different metals and substrates. Furthermore, by means of a mass spectrometry-based proteomic approach, we analysed protein sequence and the potential presence of post-translational modifications in the mammalian recombinant protein. Finally, a preliminary structural characterization was carried out on ANSN produced in Escherichia coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Pirone
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | - S Di Gaetano
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | - E Rizzarelli
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR, Catania, Italy; Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - F Bellia
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR, Catania, Italy.
| | - E Pedone
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR, Napoli, Italy.
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15
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Detection of carnosinase-1 in urine of healthy individuals and patients with type 2 diabetes: correlation with albuminuria and renal function. Amino Acids 2018; 51:17-25. [PMID: 29961141 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2602-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Low serum carnosinase (CN-1) concentrations are associated with low risk for development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although CN-1 is expressed in the kidney, urinary CN-1 (CNU) excretion and its pathological relevance in patients with T2D have not been investigated to date. The present study therefore assessed the extent of CNU excretion in healthy subjects (n = 243) and in patients with T2D (n = 361) enrolled in the DIAbetes and LifEstyle Cohort Twente-1 (DIALECT-1) in relation to functional renal parameters. CNU was detected in a high proportion of healthy individuals, 180 (74%); median CNU excretion was 0.25 mg/24 h [(IQR 0-0.65 mg/24 h]. In patients with T2D the prevalence and extent of CNU increased in parallel with albuminuria (r = 0.59, p < 0.0001; median CNU 0.1 vs 0.2 vs 1.5 mg/24 h, p < 0.0001; prevalence of CNU 61 vs. 81 vs. 97% p < 0.05 in normo- (n = 241), micro- (n = 80) and macroalbuminuria (n = 40), respectively). Patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 displayed higher median CNU excretion rates in comparison to patients with preserved eGFR (> 90 ml/min/1.73 m2) (1.36 vs 0.13 mg/24 h, p < 0.05). Backward stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis revealed albuminuria, eGFR and glycosuria to be independent factors of CNU excretion rates, all together explaining 37% of variation of CNU excretion rates (R2 = 0.37, p < 0.0001). These results show for the first time that CN-1 can be detected in urine and warrants prospective studies to assess the relevance of CNU for renal function deterioration in diabetes patients.
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16
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17
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Barca A, Gatti F, Spagnolo D, Ippati S, Vetrugno C, Verri T. Responsiveness of Carnosine Homeostasis Genes in the Pancreas and Brain of Streptozotocin-Treated Mice Exposed to Dietary Carnosine. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061713. [PMID: 29890740 PMCID: PMC6032234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In excitable tissues, the endogenous dipeptide carnosine (CAR, β-Ala-l-His) sustains homeostatic responses to various challenges. By eliciting hypoglycemic effects via actions on the autonomic nervous system and protection of pancreatic beta-cells, CAR is also relevant in diabetes. We investigated the expression of genes involved in CAR biosynthesis, degradation, and membrane transport pathways, in the pancreas and brains of mice treated with streptozotocin (STZ) and then exposed to dietary CAR. We induced hyperglycemia by STZ intraperitoneal injections; then, STZ-treated mice received drinking water with or without CAR for two weeks. We report that CAR administration elicits beneficial effects on blood glucose levels and weight loss in STZ-treated mice and, remarkably, on the insulin gene products in the pancreas, preserving gene expression from STZ challenge. Also, we describe mRNA downregulation of the Slc15a2/Pept2 (dipeptide transporter) and Cndp2 (intracellular dipeptidase) genes in the pancreas of hyperglycemic mice, and dysregulation of Carns1 (CAR synthase), Pept2 and Cndp2 in brains; interestingly, dietary CAR elicits counteracting effects. These expression patterns associate with variations of CAR content in tissues of mice. Overall, our report suggests a direct role of CAR in the diabetes-affected pancreas and in the diabetes-targeted CNS, proposing (dys)regulation of CAR’s homeostasis as a marker condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amilcare Barca
- General Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Francesca Gatti
- K.G. Jebsen Inflammation Research Centre, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Daniela Spagnolo
- General Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Stefania Ippati
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Department of Neuroscience, 20156 Milan, Italy.
| | - Carla Vetrugno
- General Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Tiziano Verri
- General Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
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18
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Peters V, Zschocke J, Schmitt CP. Carnosinase, diabetes mellitus and the potential relevance of carnosinase deficiency. J Inherit Metab Dis 2018; 41:39-47. [PMID: 29027595 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-017-0099-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Carnosinase (CN1) is a dipeptidase, encoded by the CNDP1 gene, that degrades histidine-containing dipeptides, such as carnosine, anserine and homocarnosine. Loss of CN1 function (also called carnosinase deficiency or aminoacyl-histidine dipeptidase deficiency) has been reported in a small number of patients with highly elevated blood carnosine concentrations, denoted carnosinaemia; it is unclear whether the variety of clinical symptoms in these individuals is causally related to carnosinase deficiency. Reduced CN1 function should increase serum carnosine concentrations but the genetic basis of carnosinaemia has not been formally confirmed to be due to CNDP1 mutations. A CNDP1 polymorphism associated with low CN1 activity correlates with significantly reduced risk for diabetic nephropathy, especially in women with type 2 diabetes, and may slow progression of chronic kidney disease in children with glomerulonephritis. Studies in rodents demonstrate antiproteinuric and vasculoprotective effects of carnosine, the precise molecular mechanisms, however, are still incompletely understood. Thus, carnosinemia due to CN1 deficiency may be a non-disease; in contrast, carnosine may potentially protect against long-term sequelae of reactive metabolites accumulating, e.g. in diabetes and chronic renal failure.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors/diagnosis
- Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors/enzymology
- Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors/epidemiology
- Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors/genetics
- Animals
- Brain Diseases, Metabolic, Inborn/diagnosis
- Brain Diseases, Metabolic, Inborn/enzymology
- Brain Diseases, Metabolic, Inborn/epidemiology
- Brain Diseases, Metabolic, Inborn/genetics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/diagnosis
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/enzymology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/genetics
- Diabetic Nephropathies/diagnosis
- Diabetic Nephropathies/enzymology
- Diabetic Nephropathies/epidemiology
- Diabetic Nephropathies/genetics
- Dipeptidases/deficiency
- Dipeptidases/genetics
- Humans
- Mutation
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- Prognosis
- Protective Factors
- Risk Factors
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Peters
- Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 669, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Johannes Zschocke
- Division of Human Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Claus P Schmitt
- Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 669, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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19
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Peters V, Schmitt CP, Weigand T, Klingbeil K, Thiel C, van den Berg A, Calabrese V, Nawroth P, Fleming T, Forsberg E, Wagner AH, Hecker M, Vistoli G. Allosteric inhibition of carnosinase (CN1) by inducing a conformational shift. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2017; 32:1102-1110. [PMID: 28776438 PMCID: PMC6009930 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2017.1355793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, low serum carnosinase (CN1) activity protects patients with type 2 diabetes from diabetic nephropathy. We now characterized the interaction of thiol-containing compounds with CN1 cysteine residue at position 102, which is important for CN1 activity. Reduced glutathione (GSH), N-acetylcysteine and cysteine (3.2 ± 0.4, 2.0 ± 0.3, 1.6 ± 0.2 µmol/mg/h/mM; p < .05) lowered dose-dependently recombinant CN1 (rCN1) efficiency (5.2 ± 0.2 µmol/mg/h/mM) and normalized increased CN1 activity renal tissue samples of diabetic mice. Inhibition was allosteric. Substitution of rCN1 cysteine residues at position 102 (Mut1C102S) and 229 (Mut2C229S) revealed that only cysteine-102 is influenced by cysteinylation. Molecular dynamic simulation confirmed a conformational rearrangement of negatively charged residues surrounding the zinc ions causing a partial shift of the carnosine ammonium head and resulting in a less effective pose of the substrate within the catalytic cavity and decreased activity. Cysteine-compounds influence the dynamic behaviour of CN1 and therefore present a promising option for the treatment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Peters
- a Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine , University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Claus P Schmitt
- a Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine , University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Tim Weigand
- a Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine , University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Kristina Klingbeil
- a Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine , University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Christian Thiel
- a Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine , University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Antje van den Berg
- a Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine , University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Vittorio Calabrese
- b Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Peter Nawroth
- c Department of Internal Medicine , University Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Thomas Fleming
- c Department of Internal Medicine , University Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Elisabete Forsberg
- d The Rolf Luft Center Research Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Andreas H Wagner
- e Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, University Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Markus Hecker
- e Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, University Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Giulio Vistoli
- f Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
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20
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Ortega JA, Arencibia JM, La Sala G, Borgogno M, Bauer I, Bono L, Braccia C, Armirotti A, Girotto S, Ganesan A, De Vivo M. Pharmacophore Identification and Scaffold Exploration to Discover Novel, Potent, and Chemically Stable Inhibitors of Acid Ceramidase in Melanoma Cells. J Med Chem 2017; 60:5800-5815. [PMID: 28603987 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Acid ceramidase (AC) hydrolyzes ceramides, which are central lipid messengers for metabolism and signaling of sphingolipids. A growing body of evidence links deregulation of sphingolipids to several diseases, including cancer. Indeed, AC expression is abnormally high in melanoma cells. AC inhibition may thus be key to treating malignant melanoma. Here, we have used a systematic scaffold exploration to design a general pharmacophore for AC inhibition. This pharmacophore comprises a 6 + 5 fused ring heterocycle linked to an aliphatic substituent via a urea moiety. We have thus identified the novel benzimidazole derivatives 10, 21, 27, and 30, which are highly potent AC inhibitors. Their chemical and metabolic stabilities are comparable or superior to those of previously reported AC inhibitors. Moreover, they are potent against endogenous AC in intact melanoma cells. These novel inhibitors merit further characterization and can serve as a promising starting point for the discovery of new antimelanoma therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Antonio Ortega
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Jose M Arencibia
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuseppina La Sala
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Borgogno
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Inga Bauer
- CompuNet, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Bono
- D3-PharmaChemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Clarissa Braccia
- D3-PharmaChemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Armirotti
- D3-PharmaChemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefania Girotto
- CompuNet, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Anand Ganesan
- Department of Dermatology and Biological Chemistry, University of California , 202 Sprague Hall, 92697-2400 Irvine, United States
| | - Marco De Vivo
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy.,IAS-5/INM-9 Computational Biomedicine Forschungszentrum Jülich , Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany
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