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Germoush MO, Fouda MMA, Kamel M, Abdel-Daim MM. Spirulina platensis protects against microcystin-LR-induced toxicity in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:11320-11331. [PMID: 34533748 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16481-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microcystis aeruginosa produces an abundant cyanotoxin (microcystins (MCs) in freshwater supplies. MCs have adverse health hazards to animals and humans. Microcystin-leucine-arginine (microcystin-LR or MC-LR) is the most studied among these MCs due to their high toxicity. So, this study was designed to evaluate the possible therapeutic role of the natural algal food supplement, Spirulina platensis (SP), against MC-LR-induced toxic effects in male Wistar rats. Forty rats were randomly divided into five groups. Control and SP groups orally administered distilled water and SP (1000 mg/kg/daily), respectively, for 21 days. MC-LR group was intraperitoneally injected with MC-LR (10 μg/kg/day) for 14 days. MC-LR-SP500 and MC-LR-SP1000 groups were orally treated with SP (500 and 1000 mg/kg, respectively) for 7 days and concomitantly with MC-LR for 14 days. MC-LR induced oxidative hepatorenal damage, cardiotoxicity, and neurotoxicity greatly, which was represented by reduction of reduced glutathione content and the activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase and elevation of concentrations of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde in renal, hepatic, brain, and heart tissues. In addition, it increased serum levels of urea, creatinine, tumor necrosis factor-alfa, interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6 and serum activities of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and creatine kinase-MB. However, S. platensis restored normal levels of measured serum parameters, ameliorated MC-LR-induced oxidative damage, and normalized tissue antioxidant biomarkers. In conclusion, SP alleviated MC-induced organ toxicities by mitigating oxidative and nitrosative stress and lipid peroxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousa O Germoush
- Biology Department, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maged M A Fouda
- Biology Department, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assuit Branch, Assuit, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Kamel
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Abdel-Daim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah, 21442, Saudi Arabia.
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
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Zhao Q, Yan J, Li W, Yang Y, You L, Qin C. Molecular Mechanism of Gas Anesthetics on the Invasion, Metastasis, and Chemosensitivity of Osteosarcoma Cells. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6000385. [PMID: 34777566 PMCID: PMC8580651 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6000385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma is one of the most prominent bone cancers which has a predominant occurrence in children and adolescents. This study is focused on determining the effects of treatment of gas anesthetics on invasion, metastasis, and chemosensitivity in the progression of osteosarcoma cells. Material and Methods. The biological effects of the common gas anesthetics-desflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane-on osteosarcoma cells were studied and compared. The biological assays were performed for analysis of cell migration and proliferation. RESULTS Isoflurane and sevoflurane have shown significant inhibition in the osteosarcoma cells at clinically relevant concentrations. Desflurane has shown less potent action on cell migration and inhibition. All three gas anesthetics have shown inhibition in cell proliferation. The effective antiproliferative action was at a clinically significant dose. At low millimolar concentrations, cell apoptosis was moderately affected. Drug combination analysis with chemotherapeutic drugs showed relevant inhibition in cell migration. All three agents showed significant augmentation of chemotherapeutic drugs in suppression and inhibition of inducing apoptosis. The antimigration action is likely to affect the PI3K/AKT pathway and IGF-1. CONCLUSION The study demonstrates the proposed mechanisms of gas anesthetics and their differential effects on osteosarcoma cells and their survival, migration, growth, and chemosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guizhou, China
| | - Jianyong Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guizhou, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guizhou, China
| | - Ye Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guizhou Provincial Orthopaedic Hospital, Guizhou, China
| | - Lu You
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guizhou, China
| | - Chenguang Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guizhou, China
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Schreidah CM, Ratnayake K, Senarath K, Karunarathne A. Microcystins: Biogenesis, Toxicity, Analysis, and Control. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:2225-2246. [PMID: 32614166 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Microcystins are cyclic peptide toxins formed by cyanobacteria. These toxins are recognized for their association with algal blooms, posing a significant threat to ecosystems and drinking water quality. Due to the growing environmental concerns they raise, a comprehensive review on microcystins' genesis, toxicity, and analytical methods for their quantitative determination is outlined. Genes, including the mcyABC cluster, regulate microcystin biogenesis. Bioanalytical experiments have identified key environmental factors, such as temperature and nitrogen availability, that promote microcystin production. Microcystin toxicity is explored based on its modulatory effects on protein phosphatases 1 and 2A in specific tissues and organs. Additionally, biochemical mechanisms of chelation, transportation, resultant oxidative stress, and tumor promotion abilities of microcystins are also discussed. Various analytical methods to separate, detect, and quantify microcystins, including the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and chromatographic platforms-linked tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for unequivocal structural identification, are also reviewed. Since control of microcystins in water is of great necessity, both water treatment and mechanisms of abiotic transformation and microbial degradation are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine M Schreidah
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
| | - Kasun Ratnayake
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
| | - Kanishka Senarath
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
| | - Ajith Karunarathne
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
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Zhang Q, Wang G, Xie Y, Gao Z, Liang Z, Pan Z, Wang G, Feng W. Mechanical Changes and Microfilament Reorganization Involved in Microcystin-LR-Promoted Cell Invasion in DU145 and WPMY Cells. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:89. [PMID: 32174829 PMCID: PMC7054891 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) is a potent tumor initiator that can induce malignant cell transformation. Cellular mechanical characteristics are pivotal parameters that are closely related to cell invasion. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of MC-LR on mechanical parameters, microfilament, and cell invasion in DU145 and WPMY cells. Firstly, 10 μM MC-LR was selected as the appropriate concentration via cell viability assay. Subsequently, after MC-LR treatment, the cellular deformability and viscoelastic parameters were tested using the micropipette aspiration technique. The results showed that MC-LR increased the cellular deformability, reduced the cellular viscoelastic parameter values, and caused the cells to become softer. Furthermore, microfilament and microfilament-associated proteins were examined by immunofluorescence and Western blot, respectively. Our results showed that MC-LR induced microfilament reorganization and increased the expression of p-VASP and p-ezrin. Finally, the impact of MC-LR on cell invasion was evaluated. The results revealed that MC-LR promoted cell invasion. Taken together, our results suggested that mechanical changes and microfilament reorganization were involved in MC-LR-promoted cell invasion in DU145 and WPMY cells. Our data provide novel information to explain the toxicological mechanism of MC-LR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- College of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Guihua Wang
- Department of Fundamental Veterinary, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Yongfang Xie
- College of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zhiqin Gao
- College of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zumu Liang
- College of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zhifang Pan
- College of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Guohui Wang
- College of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Weiguo Feng
- College of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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Piperine Enhances the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Thymoquinone against Microcystin-LR-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Neurotoxicity in Mice. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:1309175. [PMID: 31178949 PMCID: PMC6501123 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1309175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Microcystin- (MC-) LR is the most frequent cyanotoxin produced by Microcystis aeruginosa cyanobacteria in the contaminated freshwater environment. MC represents a health hazard to humans and animals. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the potential ameliorative effect of thymoquinone (TQ) and/or piperine (PP) against MC toxicity in mice. Fifty-six mice were randomly divided into seven experimental groups. Group I is the normal control that received distilled water for 21 days; Group II (TQ) was treated with TQ (10 mg/kg, i.p) for 21 days; Group III (PP) was treated with PP (25 mg/kg, i.p) for 21 days; Group IV (MC) was treated with MC (10 μg/kg, i.p) for 14 days and served as the toxic control; and Groups V, VI, and VII received TQ and/or PP 7 days prior to MC and continued for 14 days with MC. The results revealed that MC elicited hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity which was evident due to the significant elevation of serum AST, ALT, γGT, ALP, LDH, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. Furthermore, MC markedly increased MDA and NO contents along with reduction of GSH, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in liver and brain tissues. The electron transport chain may be a possible target for MC. TQ and/or PP ameliorated the MC-mediated oxidative damage in the liver and brain which might be attributed to their antioxidant properties. However, the concurrent treatment of TQ and PP showed the best regimen as a result of the PP-enhanced bioavailability of TQ.
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Zhu Q, Wang Z, Zhou L, Ren Y, Gong Y, Qin W, Bai L, Hu J, Wang T. The role of cadherin-11 in microcystin-LR-induced migration and invasion in colorectal carcinoma cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 15:1417-1422. [PMID: 29399188 PMCID: PMC5774544 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to explore whether microcystin-LR (MC-LR; a well-known cyanobacterial toxin produced in eutrophic lakes or reservoirs) induced tumor progression by activating cadherin-11(CDH11). A previous tumor metastasis PCR array demonstrated that MC-LR exposure resulted in a significant increase in the expression of CDH11. In the present study, to confirm the effect of the MC-LR treatment on CDH11 expression, HT-29 cell migration and invasion following MC-LR treatment were tested by Transwell assays, and protein levels of CDH11 were tested by immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that MC-LR activated CDH11 expression in addition to cell migration and invasion in HT-29 cells. To further investigate the association between MC-LR-induced CDH11 upregulation, and higher motility and invasiveness in HT-29 cells, knockdown of CDH11 using small interfering RNA (siRNA) in HT-29 cells was performed. Subsequent Transwell assays confirmed that MC-LR-induced enhancement of migration and invasion was significantly decreased following CDH11 knockdown by CDH11-siRNA in HT-29 cells. The results from the present study indicate that MC-LR may act as a CDH11 activator to promote HT-29 cell migration and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangqiang Zhu
- Department of Cell Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Lihua Zhou
- Clinical Medicine School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China.,Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, P.R. China
| | - Yan Ren
- Department of Cell Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
| | - Ying Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth People's Hospital of Jinan City, Jinan, Shandong 250000, P.R. China
| | - Wei Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
| | - Lin Bai
- Clinical Medicine School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
| | - Jun Hu
- Clinical Medicine School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
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Buratti FM, Manganelli M, Vichi S, Stefanelli M, Scardala S, Testai E, Funari E. Cyanotoxins: producing organisms, occurrence, toxicity, mechanism of action and human health toxicological risk evaluation. Arch Toxicol 2017; 91:1049-1130. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1913-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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The toxic effects of microcystin-LR on mouse lungs and alveolar type II epithelial cells. Toxicon 2016; 115:81-8. [PMID: 26995211 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) is produced by cyanobacteria and can accumulate in lungs through blood circulation. However, the effect of MC-LR on lung remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the chronic, low-dose effect of MC-LR on mouse lung tissues and the influence of MC-LR on mouse alveolar type II epithelial cells (ATII cells). METHODS MC-LR was orally administered to mice at 0, 1, 10, and 40 μg/L for 6 consecutive months and mouse lungs were obtained for histopathological and immunoblot analysis. ATII cells were cultured in various concentrations of MC-LR (0, 0.5, 5, 50, 500 nmol/L) for indicated time and the cell viability and proteins change were tested. RESULTS Our study revealed that the chronic, low-dose MC-LR exposure induced alveolar collapse and lung cell apoptosis as well as the breach of cell junction integrity. Furthermore, following treatment with MC-LR, ATII cells could uptake MC-LR, resulting in apoptosis and disruption of cell junction integrity. CONCLUSIONS These data support the toxic potential of low-dose MC-LR in rendering chronic injury to lung tissues.
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Zhao Y, Xue Q, Su X, Xie L, Yan Y, Wang L, Steinman AD. First Identification of the Toxicity of Microcystins on Pancreatic Islet Function in Humans and the Involved Potential Biomarkers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:3137-3144. [PMID: 26859764 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b03369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Microcystins (MCs) produced by cyanobacteria have been recognized as a major public health threat. However, the toxicity of MCs to humans is still largely unknown. In this study, we examined the changes in pancreatic islet function in fishers exposed to ambient levels of MCs at Lake Taihu and, using a mouse model, explored the molecular mechanisms involved in toxicity. MCs content in the serum of fishers tested positive, with a range from 0.10 to 0.64 μg/L. Both lower blood insulin levels (2.26 ± 0.96 μIU/mL) and impaired fasting glucose were found in participants from the Meiliang Bay area in Lake Taihu, where MC-LR levels were substantially greater than the MC threshold established by WHO for drinking water. Animal experiments showed that glucose level increased by 27.9% in mice exposed to 5 μg/kg bw and decreased by 41.5% in mice exposed to 20 μg/kg bw. Blood insulin levels declined by 21.9% and 56.2% in mice exposed to 5 and 20 μg/kg bw MC-LR, respectively, which was consistent with the results observed in fishers. Furthermore, the diabetes gene pdx1 and several other proteins (such as Ppp3ca, Ide, Marcks, Pgk1, Suclg1, Ndufs4) involved in insulin secretion were identified for the first time in mice following MC-LR exposure; these biomarkers were considered responsible for MC-LR induced islet dysfunction. This study suggests that subchronic exposure to environmental levels of MCs may increase the risk of the occurrence of diabetes in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 73 East Beijing Road, Nanjing 210008, P. R. China
| | - Qingju Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 73 East Beijing Road, Nanjing 210008, P. R. China
| | - Xiaomei Su
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 73 East Beijing Road, Nanjing 210008, P. R. China
| | - Liqiang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 73 East Beijing Road, Nanjing 210008, P. R. China
| | - Yunjun Yan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Lixiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Alan D Steinman
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University , 740 West Shoreline Drive, Muskegon, Michigan 49441, United States
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Adamovsky O, Moosova Z, Pekarova M, Basu A, Babica P, Svihalkova Sindlerova L, Kubala L, Blaha L. Immunomodulatory Potency of Microcystin, an Important Water-Polluting Cyanobacterial Toxin. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:12457-12464. [PMID: 26380879 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b02049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Microcystins (MCs) are primarily hepatotoxins produced by cyanobacteria and are responsible for intoxication in humans and animals. There are many incidents of chronic exposure to MCs, which have been attributed to the inappropriate treatment of water supplies or contaminated food. Using RAW 264.7 macrophages, we showed the potency of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) to stimulate production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6) as a consequence of fast nuclear factor κB and nitrogen-activated protein kinase activation. In contrast to other studies, the observed effects were not attributed to the intracellular inhibition of protein phosphatases 1/2A due to lack of specific transmembrane transporters for MCs. However, the MC-LR-induced activation of macrophages was effectively inhibited by a specific peptide that blocks signaling of receptors, which play a pivotal role in the innate immune responses. Taken together, we showed for the first time that MC-LR could interfere with macrophage receptors that are responsible for triggering the above-mentioned signaling pathways. These findings provide an interesting mechanistic explanation of some adverse health outcomes associated with toxic cyanobacteria and MCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Adamovsky
- Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Masaryk University , Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdena Moosova
- Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Masaryk University , Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Pekarova
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences , Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Amrita Basu
- Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Masaryk University , Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Babica
- Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Masaryk University , Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Lukas Kubala
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences , Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ludek Blaha
- Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Masaryk University , Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
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Li T, Wang G. Computer-aided targeting of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway: toxicity reduction and therapeutic opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:18856-91. [PMID: 25334061 PMCID: PMC4227251 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151018856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Revised: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway plays an essential role in a wide range of biological functions, including metabolism, macromolecular synthesis, cell growth, proliferation and survival. Its versatility, however, makes it a conspicuous target of many pathogens; and the consequential deregulations of this pathway often lead to complications, such as tumorigenesis, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Molecular targeted therapy, aimed at modulating the deregulated pathway, holds great promise for controlling these diseases, though side effects may be inevitable, given the ubiquity of the pathway in cell functions. Here, we review a variety of factors found to modulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, including gene mutations, certain metabolites, inflammatory factors, chemical toxicants, drugs found to rectify the pathway, as well as viruses that hijack the pathway for their own synthetic purposes. Furthermore, this evidence of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway alteration and related pathogenesis has inspired the exploration of computer-aided targeting of this pathway to optimize therapeutic strategies. Herein, we discuss several possible options, using computer-aided targeting, to reduce the toxicity of molecularly-targeted therapy, including mathematical modeling, to reveal system-level control mechanisms and to confer a low-dosage combination therapy, the potential of PP2A as a therapeutic target, the formulation of parameters to identify patients who would most benefit from specific targeted therapies and molecular dynamics simulations and docking studies to discover drugs that are isoform specific or mutation selective so as to avoid undesired broad inhibitions. We hope this review will stimulate novel ideas for pharmaceutical discovery and deepen our understanding of curability and toxicity by targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan Li
- Department of Biology, South University of Science and Technology of China, 1088 Xueyuan Rd., Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Guanyu Wang
- Department of Biology, South University of Science and Technology of China, 1088 Xueyuan Rd., Shenzhen 518055, China.
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