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Su Y, Sun D, Cao C, Wang Y. Lanosterol regulates abnormal amyloid accumulation in LECs through the mediation of cholesterol pathway metabolism. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 38:101679. [PMID: 38501050 PMCID: PMC10945048 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related cataract (ARC) is the predominant cause of global blindness, linked to the progressive aging of the lens, oxidative stress, perturbed calcium homeostasis, hydration irregularities, and modifications in crystallin proteins. Currently, surgical intervention remains the sole efficacious remedy, albeit carrying inherent risks of complications that may culminate in irreversible blindness. It is urgent to explore alternative, cost-effective, and uncomplicated treatment modalities for cataracts. Lanosterol has been widely reported to reverse cataracts, but the mechanism of action is not yet clear. In this study, we elucidated the mechanism through which lanosterol operates in the context of cataract reversal. Through the targeted suppression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) followed by lanosterol treatment, we observed the restoration of lipid metabolism disorders induced by SREBP2 knockdown in lens epithelial cells (LECs). Notably, lanosterol exhibited the ability to effectively counteract amyloid accumulation and cellular apoptosis triggered by lipid metabolism disorders. In summary, our findings suggest that lanosterol, a pivotal intermediate in lipid metabolism, may exert its therapeutic effects on cataracts by influencing lipid metabolism. This study shed light on the treatment and pharmaceutical development targeting Age-related Cataracts (ARC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxue Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Danyuan Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chen Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yandong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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2
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Sousa JLC, Albuquerque HMT, Silva AMS. Drug Discovery Based on Oxygen and Nitrogen (Non-)Heterocyclic Compounds Developed @LAQV-REQUI MTE/Aveiro. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1668. [PMID: 38139794 PMCID: PMC10747949 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Artur Silva's research group has a long history in the field of medicinal chemistry. The development of new synthetic methods for oxygen (mostly polyphenols, e.g., 2- and 3-styrylchromones, xanthones, flavones) and nitrogen (e.g., pyrazoles, triazoles, acridones, 4-quinolones) heterocyclic compounds in order to be assessed as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer agents has been the main core work of our research interests. Additionally, the synthesis of steroid-type compounds as anti-Alzheimer drugs as well as of several chromophores as important dyes for cellular imaging broadened our research scope. In this review article, we intend to provide an enlightened appraisal of all the bioactive compounds and their biological properties that were synthesized and studied by our research group in the last two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Artur M. S. Silva
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.L.C.S.); (H.M.T.A.)
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3
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Abstract
Asymmetric de novo syntheses of euphol and tirucallol have been accomplished by way of a concise sequence of chemical steps featuring several modern stereoselective transformations. The preparative solution described for these complex problems in natural product synthesis departs significantly from biomimetic polyene cyclization chemistry, which has been leveraged to address related tetracyclic triterpenoid targets. In particular, a diastereoselective Friedel-Crafts-type cyclization was employed to establish a tetracycle bearing a stereodefined quaternary center at C9 (steroid numbering) that provided access to intermediates of relevance for introducing the C10 and C14 quaternary centers by sequential stereospecific 1,2-alkyl shifts (C9 → C10 and C15 → C14). Finally, the stereodefined C17 side chain was introduced in a single step by late-stage stereoselective conjugate addition to an intermediate possessing a D-ring enone. Notably, these de novo asymmetric syntheses are the first of their kind, providing completely synthetic access to enantiodefined euphane and tirucallane systems. Overall, each synthesis has been accomplished in fewer than 20 linear chemical steps from a simple Hajos-Parrish-derived ketone through a sequence that features just 15 chromatographic operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M. Nicholson
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Burke Laboratory, Hanover, NH 03755, United States
| | - Glenn C. Micalizio
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Burke Laboratory, Hanover, NH 03755, United States
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4
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Reddy GS, Corey EJ. Mechanism of the Reaction of Olefins with Nitrous Anhydride (O═N-O-N═O) to Form 1,2-Oxazetes. Org Lett 2023; 25:236-239. [PMID: 36583698 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.2c04080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The mechanistic pathway for the formation of 1,2-oxazetes by reaction of olefins with nitrous anhydride has been clarified. The initial reaction intermediate, a β-nitroso nitrite ester that is sensitive to light, undergoes O-NO fission to form a β-nitroso alkoxy radical, even with ambient fluorescent lighting but much faster with blue light irradiation. The oxygen of the alkoxy radical subsequently adds to the adjacent nitroso group to generate a cyclic four-membered nitrosyl radical. The 1,2-oxazete is then produced by elimination to generate the C═N bond. No 1,2-oxazete formation occurs in the dark.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Sudhakar Reddy
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - E J Corey
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
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5
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Yazdani M, Barta A, Berkecz R, Agbadua OG, Ványolós A, Hohmann J. Pholiols E-K, lanostane-type triterpenes from Pholiota populnea with anti-inflammatory properties. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2023; 205:113480. [PMID: 36279964 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Investigation of the chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of the edible mushroom Pholiota populnea led to the isolation of eight triterpenes, the undescribed natural products pholiols E-K and the known (+)-clavaric acid. HRESIMS and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy were employed to determine the structures of the undescribed compounds. The NOESY spectra were used to assign the relative configurations of triterpenes. The isolated compounds were screened for their anti-inflammatory activity on cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), and lipoxygenase (5-LOX and 15-LOX) inhibitory assays. Dose-response investigations revealed that lanostane derivatives exhibited moderate 5-LOX and COX-2 inhibitory activities, with pholiol F (IC50 194.5 μM against 5-LOX and 439.8 μM against COX-2) the most active among the isolated compounds. Our findings indicated that P. populnea is an abundant source of new bioactive lanostane-type triterpenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Yazdani
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anita Barta
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Róbert Berkecz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Analysis, University of Szeged, Somogyi u. 4, 6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Attila Ványolós
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Semmelweis University, Üllői u. 26, H-1085, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Hohmann
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary; Interdisciplinary Centre for Natural Products, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary; ELKH-USZ Biologically Active Natural Products Research Group, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary.
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6
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Jiang SY, Yang X, Yang Z, Li JW, Xu MQ, Qu YX, Tang JJ, Li YF, Wang L, Shao YW, Meng XY, Hu H, Song BL, Rao Y, Qi W. Discovery of an insulin-induced gene binding compound that ameliorates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by inhibiting sterol regulatory element-binding protein-mediated lipogenesis. Hepatology 2022; 76:1466-1481. [PMID: 35102596 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS NASH is associated with high levels of cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) in the liver; however, there is still no approved pharmacological therapy. Synthesis of cholesterol and TG is controlled by sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP), which is found to be abnormally activated in NASH patients. We aim to discover small molecules for treating NASH by inhibiting the SREBP pathway. APPROACH AND RESULTS Here, we identify a potent SREBP inhibitor, 25-hydroxylanosterol (25-HL). 25-HL binds to insulin-induced gene (INSIG) proteins, stimulates the interaction between INSIG and SCAP, and retains them in the endoplasmic reticulum, thereby suppressing SREBP activation and inhibiting lipogenesis. In NASH mouse models, 25-HL lowers levels of cholesterol and TG in serum and the liver, enhances energy expenditure to prevent obesity, and improves insulin sensitivity. 25-HL dramatically ameliorates hepatic steatosis, inflammation, ballooning, and fibrosis through down-regulating the expression of lipogenic genes. Furthermore, 25-HL exhibits both prophylactic and therapeutic efficacies of alleviating NASH and atherosclerosis in amylin liver NASH model diet-treated Ldlr-/- mice, and reduces the formation of cholesterol crystals and associated crown-like structures of Kupffer cells. Notably, 25-HL lowers lipid contents in serum and the liver to a greater extent than lovastatin or obeticholic acid. 25-HL shows a good safety and pharmacokinetics profile. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the proof of concept that inhibiting SREBP activation by targeting INSIG to lower lipids could be a promising strategy for treating NASH. It suggests the translational potential of 25-HL in human NASH and demonstrates the critical role of SREBP-controlled lipogenesis in the progression of NASH by pharmacological inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-You Jiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinglin Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zimo Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jue-Wan Li
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng-Qiang Xu
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Xiu Qu
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Jie Tang
- The State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun-Feng Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liguo Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Wen Shao
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Shandong University Cheeloo Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.,The Research Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Shandong University Cheeloo Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Meng
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Shandong University Cheeloo Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.,The Research Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Shandong University Cheeloo Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Huili Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Shandong University Cheeloo Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.,The Research Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Shandong University Cheeloo Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Bao-Liang Song
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Rao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Qi
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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7
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Rüttler F, Hammerschick T, Schlag S, Vetter W. Isolation of lanosterol and dihydrolanosterol from the unsaponifiable matter of lanolin by urea complexation and countercurrent chromatography in heart-cut recycling mode. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2022; 1210:123470. [PMID: 36191441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2022.123470] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
4,4-Dimethyl-substituted sterols are bioactive minor sterols of most animal fats and plant oils, but higher shares are present in lanolin (wool grease). Here, the isolation of the 4,4-dimethyl-substituted sterols dihydrolanosterol and lanosterol from lanolin by countercurrent chromatography (CCC) is described. An initial examination of the hexane extract of saponified lanolin showed the presence of relatively high portions of fatty alcohols which were known to co-elute with the target analytes in CCC. Hence, fatty alcohols were precipitated by urea complexation. Unexpectedly, 4,4-dimethyl-substituted sterols were also found in the crystalline fraction, while cholesterol and other desmethylsterols were detected in the liquid phase. Urea complexation represented a useful preparative method for the separation of desmethylsterols and 4,4-dimethyl-substituted sterols from lanolin. Shake flask experiments of 4,4-dimethyl-substituted sterols and fatty alcohols with 14 biphasic solvent systems indicated suitable partition coefficients (K values) with n-hexane/ethanol/water (12:8:1, v/v/v) and n-hexane/benzotrifluoride/acetonitrile (20:7:13, v/v/v). After initial tests with conventional CCC, the application of CCC in heart-cut recycling mode provided 4,4-dimethyl-substituted sterols with purities of 99 % (dihydrolanosterol) and 95 % (lanosterol).
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Rüttler
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Food Chemistry, Department of Food Chemistry (170b), Garbenstraße 28, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Tim Hammerschick
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Food Chemistry, Department of Food Chemistry (170b), Garbenstraße 28, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sarah Schlag
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Food Chemistry, Department of Food Chemistry (170b), Garbenstraße 28, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Walter Vetter
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Food Chemistry, Department of Food Chemistry (170b), Garbenstraße 28, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
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8
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Albuquerque HMT, Nunes da Silva R, Pereira M, Maia A, Guieu S, Soares AR, Santos CMM, Vieira SI, Silva AMS. Steroid-Quinoline Hybrids for Disruption and Reversion of Protein Aggregation Processes. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:443-448. [PMID: 35300075 PMCID: PMC8919386 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversing protein aggregation within cells may be an important tool to fight protein-misfolding disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cardiovascular diseases. Here we report the design and synthesis of a family of steroid-quinoline hybrid compounds based on the framework combination approach. This set of hybrid compounds effectively inhibited Aβ1-42 self-aggregation in vitro by delaying the exponential growth phase and/or reducing the quantity of fibrils in the steady state. Their disaggregation efficacy was further demonstrated against preaggregated Aβ1-42 peptides in cellular assays upon their endocytosis by neuroblastoma cells, as they reverted both the number and the average area of fibrils back to basal levels. The antiaggregation effect of these hybrids was further tested and demonstrated in a cellular model of general protein aggregation expressing a protein aggregation fluorescent sensor. Together, our results show that the new cholesterol-quinoline hybrids possess wide and marked disaggregation capacities and are therefore promising templates for the development of new drugs to deal with conformational disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélio M T Albuquerque
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Raquel Nunes da Silva
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.,Department of Medical Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine, IBiMED, University of Aveiro, Agras do Crasto, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marisa Pereira
- Department of Medical Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine, IBiMED, University of Aveiro, Agras do Crasto, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - André Maia
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S) and Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Samuel Guieu
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.,CICECO Aveiro-Institute of Materials and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3010-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Soares
- Department of Medical Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine, IBiMED, University of Aveiro, Agras do Crasto, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Clementina M M Santos
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.,Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Sandra I Vieira
- Department of Medical Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine, IBiMED, University of Aveiro, Agras do Crasto, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Artur M S Silva
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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9
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Chen X, Xu J, Chen X, Yao K. Cataract: Advances in surgery and whether surgery remains the only treatment in future. ADVANCES IN OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2021; 1:100008. [PMID: 37846393 PMCID: PMC10577864 DOI: 10.1016/j.aopr.2021.100008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Cataract is the world's leading eye disease that causes blindness. The prevalence of cataract aged 40 years and older is approximately 11.8%-18.8%. Currently, surgery is the only way to treat cataracts. Main Text From early intracapsular cataract extraction to extracapsular cataract extraction, to current phacoemulsification cataract surgery, the incision ranges from 12 to 3 mm, and sometimes to even 1.8 mm or less, and the revolution in cataract surgery is ongoing. Cataract surgery has transformed from vision recovery to refractive surgery, leading to the era of refractive cataract surgery, and premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) such as toric IOLs, multifocal IOLs, and extended depth-of-focus IOLs are being increasingly used to meet the individual needs of patients. With its advantages of providing better visual acuity and causing fewer complications, phacoemulsification is currently the mainstream cataract surgery technique worldwide. However, patient expectations for the safety and accuracy of the operation are continually increasing. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) has entered the public's field of vision. FLACS is a combination of new laser technology and artificial intelligence to replace fine manual clear corneal incision, capsulorhexis, and nuclear pre-fragmentation, providing new alternative technologies for patients and ophthalmologists. As FLACS matures, it is being increasingly applied in complex cases; however, some think it is not cost-effective. Although more than 26 million cataract surgeries are performed each year, there is still a gap in the prevalence of cataracts, especially in developing countries. Although cataract surgery is a nearly ideal procedure and complications are manageable, both patients and doctors dream of using drugs to cure cataracts. Is surgery really the only way to treat cataracts in the future? It has been verified by animal experiments that lanosterol therapy in rabbits and dogs could make cataract severity alleviated and lens transparency partially recovered. Although there is still much to learn about cataract reversal, this groundbreaking work provided a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of cataracts. Conclusions Although cataract surgery is nearly ideal, it is still insufficient, we expect the prospects for cataract drugs to be bright.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Chen
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Jingjie Xu
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
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10
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Gasymov OK, Mammedzade AM, Bakhishova MJ, Guliyeva AJ, Ragona L, Molinari H. Sodium fusidate prevents protein aggregation of silk fibroin and offers new perspectives for human lens material disaggregation. Biophys Chem 2021; 279:106680. [PMID: 34537590 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2021.106680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Silk fibroin (SF) is a non-pathological amyloidogenic protein prone, in solution, to the formation of amyloid-like aggregated species, displaying similarities in fibrillation kinetics with pathological amyloids, as widely reported in the literature. We show here, on the basis of different biophysical approaches (turbidity, Congo Red assays, CD, DLS and fluorescence), that fusidic acid (FA), a well-known antibiotic, acts on SF as an anti-aggregating agent in a dose-dependent manner, being also able to revert SF aggregation. FA binds to SF inducing changes in the environment of SF aromatic residues. We further provide the proof of principle that FA, already approved as drug on humans and used in ophthalmic preparations, displays its anti-aggregation properties also on lens material derived from cataract surgery and is capable of reducing aggregation. Thus it is suggested that FA can be foreseen as a therapeutic treatment for cataract and other protein aggregation disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oktay K Gasymov
- Institute of Biophysics of ANAS, 117 Z. Khalilov, AZ-1141 Baku, Azerbaijan.
| | - Aida M Mammedzade
- Institute of Biophysics of ANAS, 117 Z. Khalilov, AZ-1141 Baku, Azerbaijan
| | | | - Aytaj J Guliyeva
- Institute of Biophysics of ANAS, 117 Z. Khalilov, AZ-1141 Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Laura Ragona
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche (SCITEC), CNR, via Corti 12, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Henriette Molinari
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche (SCITEC), CNR, via Corti 12, 20133 Milano, Italy
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11
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Hubler Z, Friedrich RM, Sax JL, Allimuthu D, Gao F, Rivera-León AM, Pleshinger MJ, Bederman I, Adams DJ. Modulation of lanosterol synthase drives 24,25-epoxysterol synthesis and oligodendrocyte formation. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:866-875.e5. [PMID: 33636107 PMCID: PMC8217109 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules that promote the formation of new myelinating oligodendrocytes from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) are potential therapeutics for demyelinating diseases. We recently established inhibition of specific cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes and resulting accumulation of 8,9-unsaturated sterols as a unifying mechanism through which many such molecules act. To identify more potent sterol enhancers of oligodendrocyte formation, we synthesized a collection of 8,9-unsaturated sterol derivatives and found that 24,25-epoxylanosterol potently promoted oligodendrocyte formation. In OPCs, 24,25-epoxylanosterol was metabolized to 24,25-epoxycholesterol via the epoxycholesterol shunt pathway. Increasing flux through the epoxycholesterol shunt using genetic manipulation or small-molecule inhibition of lanosterol synthase (LSS) increased endogenous 24,25-epoxycholesterol levels and OPC differentiation. Notably, exogenously supplied 24,25-epoxycholesterol promoted oligodendrocyte formation despite lacking an 8,9-unsaturation. This work highlights epoxycholesterol shunt usage, controlled by inhibitors of LSS, as a target to promote oligodendrocyte formation. Additionally, sterols beyond the 8,9-unsaturated sterols, including 24,25-epoxycholesterol, drive oligodendrocyte formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zita Hubler
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ryan M Friedrich
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Joel L Sax
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Dharmaraja Allimuthu
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Farrah Gao
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Adrianna M Rivera-León
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Matthew J Pleshinger
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ilya Bederman
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Drew J Adams
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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Pfalzer AC, Wages PA, Porter NA, Bowman AB. Striatal Cholesterol Precursors Are Altered with Age in Female Huntington's Disease Model Mice. J Huntingtons Dis 2020; 8:161-169. [PMID: 30958310 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-180321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholesterol is necessary for proper neurodevelopment and neuronal health. The brain relies on neural and astrocytic de novo cholesterol synthesis. Huntington's disease presents with altered levels of cholesterol precursors however it is unknown when the disruption in this molecular pathway occurs and whether Manganese (Mn) may alter these metabolic alterations. OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of Mn exposure on cholesterol biosynthesis in pre-manifest and manifest Huntington's disease mice. METHODS 12-week (pre-manifest) male and female and 42-week old (manifest) female YAC128 and littermate control (WT) mice received 3 subcutaneous Mn or vehicle injections. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the final injection and striatum, cerebral cortex and cerebellum were collected to measure cholesterol and cholesterol precursors using LC/MS-MS. RESULTS Striatal desmosterol and cholesterol are increased in pre-manifest HD females compared to age-matched WT female mice. Striatal lanosterol, 8-DHC and desmosterol and cholesterol are reduced in manifest HD females compared to age-and sex-matched WT mice with minimal effects in the cortex and cerebellum. Mn treatment had no effect in the pre-manifest or manifest female brain except reduced lanosterol levels in the cortex of pre-manifest female mice. Neither Mn or HD altered brain cholesterol precursor levels in the pre-manifest HD or WT male mouse. CONCLUSIONS Cholesterol biosynthesis is impaired in early disease stage in female HD mice only and continues throughout disease. These alterations appear largely striatal-specific. Acute systemic exposure to Mn did not significantly alter cholesterol biosynthesis in the striatum at any disease stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Pfalzer
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Phillip A Wages
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ned A Porter
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Center in Molecular Toxicology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Age-related cataract occurs when crystallin proteins in the lens partially unfold and subsequently aggregate. Physicians and traditional healers alike have been exploring pharmacologic cataract treatment for hundreds of years. Currently, surgery is the only effective treatment. However, there are an abundance of homeopathic and alternative remedies that have been suggested as treatment for cataract. This article reviews the current understanding of cataract development and discusses several homeopathic remedies purported to treat age-related cataract. Additionally, we will present an overview of evidence regarding the development of pharmacologic cataract reversal therapies. RECENT FINDINGS Some homeopathic therapies have been shown to prevent cataract development in experimental models. More studies are required to elucidate the potential medicinal and toxic properties of the various alternative therapies. However, in recent years, scientists have begun to investigate substances that address cataract by reversing lens protein aggregation. One such compound, lanosterol, was reported to reverse cataract opacity in vitro and in animal models. Subsequently, 25-hydroxycholesterol and rosmarinic acid were identified as having similar properties. SUMMARY Although challenges and uncertainties remain, further research has the potential to lead to the development of a nonsurgical therapeutic option for age-related cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca R Lian
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Molnar KS, Dunyak BM, Su B, Izrayelit Y, McGlasson-Naumann B, Hamilton PD, Qian M, Covey DF, Gestwicki JE, Makley LN, Andley UP. Mechanism of Action of VP1-001 in cryAB(R120G)-Associated and Age-Related Cataracts. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:3320-3331. [PMID: 31369034 PMCID: PMC6676924 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose We previously identified an oxysterol, VP1-001 (also known as compound 29), that partially restores the transparency of lenses with cataracts. To understand the mechanism of VP1-001, we tested the ability of its enantiomer, ent-VP1-001, to bind and stabilize αB-crystallin (cryAB) in vitro and to produce a similar therapeutic effect in cryAB(R120G) mutant and aged wild-type mice with cataracts. VP1-001 and ent-VP1-001 have identical physicochemical properties. These experiments are designed to critically evaluate whether stereoselective binding to cryAB is required for activity. Methods We compared the binding of VP1-001 and ent-VP1-001 to cryAB using in silico docking, differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), and microscale thermophoresis (MST). Compounds were delivered by six topical administrations to mouse eyes over 2 weeks, and the effects on cataracts and lens refractive measures in vivo were examined. Additionally, lens epithelial and fiber cell morphologies were assessed via transmission electron microscopy. Results Docking studies suggested greater binding of VP1-001 into a deep groove in the cryAB dimer compared with ent-VP1-001. Consistent with this prediction, DSF and MST experiments showed that VP1-001 bound cryAB, whereas ent-VP1-001 did not. Accordingly, topical treatment of lenses with ent-VP1-001 had no effect, whereas VP1-001 produced a statistically significant improvement in lens clarity and favorable changes in lens morphology. Conclusions The ability of VP1-001 to bind native cryAB dimers is important for its ability to reverse lens opacity in mouse models of cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen S Molnar
- ViewPoint Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Bryan M Dunyak
- ViewPoint Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Bonnie Su
- ViewPoint Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California, United States
| | | | - Brittney McGlasson-Naumann
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Paul D Hamilton
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Mingxing Qian
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Jason E Gestwicki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Leah N Makley
- ViewPoint Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Usha P Andley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
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15
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Molecular genetics of congenital cataracts. Exp Eye Res 2019; 191:107872. [PMID: 31770519 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Congenital cataracts, the most common cause of visual impairment and blindness in children worldwide, have diverse etiologies. According to statistics analysis, about one quarter of congenital cataracts caused by genetic defects. Various mutations of more than one hundred genes have been identified in hereditary cataracts so far. In this review, we briefly summarize recent developments about the genetics, molecular mechanisms, and treatments of congenital cataracts. The studies of these pathogenic mutations and molecular genetics is making it possible for us to comprehend the underlying mechanisms of cataractogenesis and providing new insights into the preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of cataracts.
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16
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Pei H, Ma X, Pan Y, Han T, Lu Z, Wu R, Cao X, Zheng J. Separation and purification of lanosterol, dihydrolanosterol, and cholesterol from lanolin by high‐performance counter‐current chromatography dual‐mode elution method. J Sep Sci 2019; 42:2171-2178. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201900063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hairun Pei
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human HealthBeijing Technology & Business University Beijing P. R. China
| | - Xiaotong Ma
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human HealthBeijing Technology & Business University Beijing P. R. China
| | - Yan Pan
- Beijing Vocational College of Agriculture Beijing P. R. China
| | - Tian Han
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human HealthBeijing Technology & Business University Beijing P. R. China
| | - Zhifang Lu
- College of ChemistryBeijing Normal University Beijing P. R. China
| | - Ruijuan Wu
- College of ChemistryBeijing Normal University Beijing P. R. China
| | - Xueli Cao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human HealthBeijing Technology & Business University Beijing P. R. China
| | - Jimin Zheng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human HealthBeijing Technology & Business University Beijing P. R. China
- College of ChemistryBeijing Normal University Beijing P. R. China
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Lanosterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol dissociate crystallin aggregates isolated from cataractous human lens via different mechanisms. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 506:868-873. [PMID: 30392915 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.10.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cataract, a crystallin aggregation disease, is the leading cause of human blindness worldwide. Surgery is the only established treatment of cataracts and no anti-cataract drugs are available thus far. Recently lanosterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol have been reported to redissolve crystallin aggregates and partially restore lens transparency in animals. However, the efficacies of these two compounds have not been quantitatively studied ex vivo using patient tissues. In this research, we developed a quantitative assay applicable to efficacy validations and mechanistic studies by a protocol to isolate protein aggregates from the surgically removed cataractous human lens. Our results showed that both compounds were effective for human cataractous samples with EC50 values at ten micromolar level. The efficacies of both compounds strongly depended on cataract severity. Lanosterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol were two mechanistically different lead compounds of anti-cataract drug design.
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