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Bremer S, Weitkemper E, Häberlein H, Franken S. St. John's wort extract Ze 117 alters the membrane fluidity of C6 glioma cells by influencing cellular cholesterol metabolism. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9878. [PMID: 38684848 PMCID: PMC11059309 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60562-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). Increased glucocorticoid levels caused by uncontrolled release through the hypothalamic‒pituitary‒adrenal (HPA) axis can cause changes in the lipid content of the cellular plasma membrane. These changes are suspected to be involved in the development of depressive disorders. St. John's wort extract (SJW) Ze 117 has long been used as an alternative to synthetic antidepressants. Part of its effect may be due to an effect on the cellular lipid composition and thus on the properties of plasma membranes and receptor systems embedded therein. In this study, we investigated the effect of Ze 117 on that of dexamethasone and simvastatin. Dexamethasone increases the fluidity of C6 cell plasma membranes. This effect is counteracted by administration of Ze 117. Here we demonstrate that this is not due to a change in C16:1/16:0 and C18:1/18:0 ratios in C6 cell fatty acids. On the other hand, Ze 117 increased the cellular cholesterol content by 42.5%, whereas dexamethasone reduced cholesterol levels similarly to simvastatin. Lowering cholesterol levels by dexamethasone or simvastatin resulted in decreased β-arrestin 2 recruitment to the 5-HT1a receptor. This effect was counterbalanced by Ze 117, whereas the SJW extract had little effect on β-arrestin 2 recruitment in non-stressed cells. Taken together, in C6 cells, Ze 117 induces changes in membrane fluidity through its effect on cellular cholesterol metabolism rather than by affecting fatty acid saturation. This effect is reflected in an altered signal transduction of the 5-HT1a receptor under Ze 117 administration. The current in vitro results support the hypothesis that Ze 117 addresses relevant parts of the cellular lipid metabolism, possibly explaining some of the antidepressant actions of Ze 117.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swen Bremer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Nussallee 11, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eva Weitkemper
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Nussallee 11, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hanns Häberlein
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Nussallee 11, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Franken
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Nussallee 11, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
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Gao X, Chen J, Yin G, Liu Y, Gu Z, Sun R, Sun X, Jiao X, Wang L, Wang N, Zhang Y, Kan Y, Bi X, Du B. Hyperforin ameliorates neuroinflammation and white matter lesions by regulating microglial VEGFR 2 /SRC pathway in vascular cognitive impairment mice. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14666. [PMID: 38468126 PMCID: PMC10927933 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore the neuroprotective potential of hyperforin and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms involved in its therapeutic effects against vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). METHODS The active compounds and possible targets of Hypericum perforatum L. that may be effective against VCI were found by network pharmacology in this research. We utilized bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) surgery to induce a VCI mouse model. Morris water maze (MWM) and Y-maze tests were used to assess VCI mice's cognitive abilities following treatment with hyperforin. To evaluate white matter lesions (WMLs), we utilized Luxol fast blue (LFB) stain and immunofluorescence (IF). Neuroinflammation was assessed using IF, western blot (WB), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effects of hyperforin on microglia were investigated by subjecting the BV2 microglial cell line to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) stimulation. The expressions of VEGFR2 , p-SRC, SRC, VEGFA, and inflammatory markers including IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were subsequently assessed. RESULTS The VEGFR2 /SRC signaling pathway is essential for mediating the protective properties of hyperforin against VCI according to network pharmacology analysis. In vivo findings demonstrated that hyperforin effectively improved BCCAO-induced cognitive impairment. Furthermore, staining results showed that hyperforin attenuated WMLs and reduced microglial activation in VCI mice. The hyperforin treatment group's ELISA results revealed a substantial decrease in IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. According to the results of in vitro experiments, hyperforin decreased the release of pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and blocked microglial M1-polarization by modulating the VEGFR2 /SRC signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Hyperforin effectively modulated microglial M1 polarization and neuroinflammation by inhibiting the VEGFR2 /SRC signaling pathways, thereby ameliorating WMLs and cognitive impairment in VCI mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Gao
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jingjing Chen
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ge Yin
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yanqun Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zhengsheng Gu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Rui Sun
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xu Sun
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xuehao Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Nuo Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yanbo Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Yuting Kan
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaoying Bi
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Bingying Du
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University/Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
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Bouron A. Cellular neurobiology of hyperforin. Phytother Res 2024; 38:636-645. [PMID: 37963759 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Hyperforin is a phloroglucinol derivative isolated from the medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort, SJW). This lipophilic biomolecule displays antibacterial, pro-apoptotic, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, in vitro and in vivo data showed that hyperforin is a promising molecule with potential applications in neurology and psychiatry. For instance, hyperforin possesses antidepressant properties, impairs the uptake of neurotransmitters, and stimulates the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/TrkB neurotrophic signaling pathway, the adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and the brain homeostasis of zinc. In fact, hyperforin is a multi-target biomolecule with a complex neuropharmacological profile. However, one prominent pharmacological feature of hyperforin is its ability to influence the homeostasis of cations such as Ca2+ , Na+ , Zn2+ , and H+ . So far, the pathophysiological relevance of these actions is currently unknown. The main objective of the present work is to provide an overview of the cellular neurobiology of hyperforin, with a special focus on its effects on neuronal membranes and the movement of cations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Bouron
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, Inserm UA13 BGE, Grenoble, France
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Peslalz P, Kraus F, Izzo F, Bleisch A, El Hamdaoui Y, Schulz I, Kany AM, Hirsch AKH, Friedland K, Plietker B. Selective Activation of a TRPC6 Ion Channel Over TRPC3 by Metalated Type-B Polycyclic Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinols. J Med Chem 2023; 66:15061-15072. [PMID: 37922400 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Selective modulation of TRPC6 ion channels is a promising therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases and depression. A significant advancement showcases the selective activation of TRPC6 through metalated type-B PPAP, termed PPAP53. This success stems from PPAP53's 1,3-diketone motif facilitating metal coordination. PPAP53 is water-soluble and as potent as hyperforin, the gold standard in this field. In contrast to type-A, type-B PPAPs offer advantages such as gram-scale synthesis, easy derivatization, and long-term stability. Our investigations reveal PPAP53 selectively binding to the C-terminus of TRPC6. Although cryoelectron microscopy has resolved the majority of the TRPC6 structure, the binding site in the C-terminus remained unresolved. To address this issue, we employed state-of-the-art artificial-intelligence-based protein structure prediction algorithms to predict the missing region. Our computational results, validated against experimental data, indicate that PPAP53 binds to the 777LLKL780-region of the C-terminus, thus providing critical insights into the binding mechanism of PPAP53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Peslalz
- Chair of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technical University Dresden, Bergstr. 66, Dresden 01069, Germany
| | - Frank Kraus
- Institut für Organische Chemie, Universität Stuttgart , Pfaffenwaldring 55, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Flavia Izzo
- Institut für Organische Chemie, Universität Stuttgart , Pfaffenwaldring 55, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Anton Bleisch
- Chair of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technical University Dresden, Bergstr. 66, Dresden 01069, Germany
| | - Yamina El Hamdaoui
- Institut für Biomedizinische und Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Ina Schulz
- Institut für Biomedizinische und Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Andreas M Kany
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharm. Research Saarland (HIPS)-Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - Anna K H Hirsch
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharm. Research Saarland (HIPS)-Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - Kristina Friedland
- Institut für Biomedizinische und Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Bernd Plietker
- Chair of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technical University Dresden, Bergstr. 66, Dresden 01069, Germany
- Institut für Organische Chemie, Universität Stuttgart , Pfaffenwaldring 55, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
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Peslalz P, Grieshober M, Kraus F, Bleisch A, Izzo F, Lichtenstein D, Hammer H, Vorbach A, Momoi K, Zanger UM, Brötz-Oesterhelt H, Braeuning A, Plietker B, Stenger S. Unnatural Endotype B PPAPs as Novel Compounds with Activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. J Med Chem 2023; 66:15073-15083. [PMID: 37822271 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Pre-SARS-CoV-2, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death by a single pathogen. Repetitive exposure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) supported the development of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant strains, demanding novel drugs. Hyperforin, a natural type A polyprenylated polycyclic acylphloroglucinol from St. John's wort, exhibits antidepressant and antibacterial effects also against Mtb. Yet, Hyperforin's instability limits the utility in clinical practice. Here, we present photo- and bench-stable type B PPAPs with enhanced antimycobacterial efficacy. PPAP22 emerged as a lead compound, further improved as the sodium salt PPAP53, drastically enhancing solubility. PPAP53 inhibits the growth of virulent extracellular and intracellular Mtb without harming primary human macrophages. Importantly, PPAP53 is active against drug-resistant strains of Mtb. Furthermore, we analyzed the in vitro properties of PPAP53 in terms of CYP induction and the PXR interaction. Taken together, we introduce type PPAPs as a new class of antimycobacterial compounds, with remarkable antibacterial activity and favorable biophysical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Peslalz
- Chair of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technical University Dresden, Bergstr. 66, Dresden01069 ,Germany
| | - Mark Grieshober
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm D-89081, Germany
| | - Frank Kraus
- Institut für Organische Chemie, Universität Stuttgart,Pfaffenwaldring 55, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Anton Bleisch
- Chair of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technical University Dresden, Bergstr. 66, Dresden01069 ,Germany
| | - Flavia Izzo
- Institut für Organische Chemie, Universität Stuttgart,Pfaffenwaldring 55, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Dajana Lichtenstein
- Department of Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, Berlin 10589, Germany
| | - Helen Hammer
- SIGNATOPE GmbH, Markwiesenstr. 55, Reutlingen 72770, Germany
| | - Andreas Vorbach
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Kyoko Momoi
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology Auerbachstr. 112, University of Tübingen, 70376 Stuttgart, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Ulrich M Zanger
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology Auerbachstr. 112, University of Tübingen, 70376 Stuttgart, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Heike Brötz-Oesterhelt
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Albert Braeuning
- Department of Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, Berlin 10589, Germany
| | - Bernd Plietker
- Chair of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technical University Dresden, Bergstr. 66, Dresden01069 ,Germany
- Institut für Organische Chemie, Universität Stuttgart,Pfaffenwaldring 55, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Steffen Stenger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm D-89081, Germany
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Zernov N, Popugaeva E. Role of Neuronal TRPC6 Channels in Synapse Development, Memory Formation and Animal Behavior. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15415. [PMID: 37895105 PMCID: PMC10607207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member 6 (TRPC6), has been believed to adjust the formation of an excitatory synapse. The positive regulation of TRPC6 engenders synapse enlargement and improved learning and memory in animal models. TRPC6 is involved in different synaptoprotective signaling pathways, including antagonism of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and postsynaptic store-operated calcium entry. Positive regulation of TRPC6 channels has been repeatedly shown to be good for memory formation and storage. TRPC6 is mainly expressed in the hippocampus, particularly in the dentate granule cells, cornu Ammonis 3 (CA3) pyramidal cells and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons. It has been observed that TRPC6 agonists have a great influence on animal behavior including memory formation and storage The purpose of this review is to collect the available information on the role of TRPC6 in memory formation in various parts of the brain to understand how TRPC6-specific pharmaceutical agents will affect memory in distinct parts of the central nervous system (CNS).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Popugaeva
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia
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7
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Batool L, Hariharan K, Xu Y, Kaßmann M, Tsvetkov D, Gohlke BO, Kaden S, Gossen M, Nürnberg B, Kurtz A, Gollasch M. An inactivating human TRPC6 channel mutation without focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:265. [PMID: 37615749 PMCID: PMC10449997 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04901-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Transient receptor potential cation channel-6 (TRPC6) gene mutations cause familial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), which is inherited as an autosomal dominant disease. In patients with TRPC6-related FSGS, all mutations map to the N- or C-terminal TRPC6 protein domains. Thus far, the majority of TRPC6 mutations are missense resulting in increased or decreased calcium influx; however, the fundamental molecular mechanisms causing cell injury and kidney pathology are unclear. We report a novel heterozygous TRPC6 mutation (V691Kfs*) in a large kindred with no signs of FSGS despite a largely truncated TRPC6 protein. We studied the molecular effects of V691Kfs* TRPC6 mutant using the tridimensional cryo-EM structure of the tetrameric TRPC6 protein. The results indicated that V691 is localized at the pore-forming transmembrane region affecting the ion conduction pathway, and predicted that V691Kfs* causes closure of the ion-conducting pathway leading to channel inactivation. We assessed the impact of V691Kfs* and two previously reported TRPC6 disease mutants (P112Q and G757D) on calcium influx in cells. Our data show that the V691Kfs* fully inactivated the TRCP6 channel-specific calcium influx consistent with a complete loss-of-function phenotype. Furthermore, the V691Kfs* truncation exerted a dominant negative effect on the full-length TRPC6 proteins. In conclusion, the V691Kfs* non-functional truncated TRPC6 is not sufficient to cause FSGS. Our data corroborate recently characterized TRPC6 loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutants suggesting that one defective TRPC6 gene copy is not sufficient to cause FSGS. We underscore the importance of increased rather than reduced calcium influx through TRPC6 for podocyte cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilas Batool
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Krithika Hariharan
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer-Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT), Fraunhofer Project Center for Stem Cell Process Engineering, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yao Xu
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin D-Geriatrie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Mario Kaßmann
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin D-Geriatrie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Dmitry Tsvetkov
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin D-Geriatrie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Björn-Oliver Gohlke
- Department of Information Technology, Science-IT, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sylvia Kaden
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manfred Gossen
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Institut für Aktive Polymere, Hereon TeltowAbteilung Stammzellmodifikation und Biomaterialien, Teltow, Germany
| | - Bernd Nürnberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Experimental Therapy and Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Kurtz
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
- Biomedical Data and Bioethics, Fraunhofer-Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT), Berlin, Germany.
| | - Maik Gollasch
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin D-Geriatrie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, Greifswald, Germany.
- Klinik für Nephrologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Lei C, Li N, Chen J, Wang Q. Hypericin Ameliorates Depression-like Behaviors via Neurotrophin Signaling Pathway Mediating m6A Epitranscriptome Modification. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093859. [PMID: 37175269 PMCID: PMC10179818 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093859] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypericin, one of the major antidepressant constituents of St. John's wort, was shown to exert antidepressant effects by affecting cerebral CYP enzymes, serotonin homeostasis, and neuroinflammatory signaling pathways. However, its exact mechanisms are unknown. Previous clinical studies reported that the mRNA modification N6-methyladenosine (m6A) interferes with the neurobiological mechanism in depressed patients, and it was also found that the antidepressant efficacy of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) is related to m6A modifications. Therefore, we hypothesize that the antidepressant effect of hypericin may relate to the m6A modification of epitranscriptomic regulation. We constructed a UCMS mouse depression model and found that hypericin ameliorated depressive-like behavior in UCMS mice. Molecular pharmacology experiments showed that hypericin treatment upregulated the expression of m6A-modifying enzymes METTL3 and WTAP in the hippocampi of UCMS mice. Next, we performed MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq to study m6A modifications and changes in mRNA expression on a genome-wide scale. The genome-wide m6A assay and MeRIP-qPCR results revealed that the m6A modifications of Akt3, Ntrk2, Braf, and Kidins220 mRNA were significantly altered in the hippocampi of UCMS mice after stress stimulation and were reversed by hypericin treatment. Transcriptome assays and qPCR results showed that the Camk4 and Arhgdig genes might be related to the antidepressant efficacy of hypericin. Further gene enrichment results showed that the differential genes were mainly involved in neurotrophic factor signaling pathways. In conclusion, our results show that hypericin upregulates m6A methyltransferase METTL3 and WTAP in the hippocampi of UCMS mice and stabilizes m6A modifications to exert antidepressant effects via the neurotrophin signaling pathway. This suggests that METTL3 and WTAP-mediated changes in m6A modifications may be a potential mechanism for the pathogenesis of depression and the efficacy of antidepressants, and that the neurotrophin signaling pathway plays a key role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunguang Lei
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ningning Li
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jianhua Chen
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Qingzhong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
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Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activity of Hypericum perforatum L. Extracts against Human Melanoma Cells from Different Stages of Cancer Progression, Cultured under Normoxia and Hypoxia. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031509. [PMID: 36771178 PMCID: PMC9921514 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress and the hypoxic microenvironment play a key role in the progression of human melanoma, one of the most aggressive skin cancers. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of Hypericum perforatum extracts of different origins (both commercially available (HpEx2) and laboratory-prepared from wild grown (HpEx12) and in vitro cultured (HpEx13) plants) and hyperforin salt on WM115 primary and WM266-4 lymph node metastatic human melanoma cells cultured under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The polyphenol content, radical scavenging activity, and hyperforin concentration were determined in the extracts, while cell viability, apoptosis, ROS production, and expression of NRF2 and HO-1, important oxidative stress-related factors, were analyzed after 24 h of cell stimulation with HpExs and hyperforin salt. We found that cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic and antioxidant effects depend on the extract composition, the stage of melanoma progression, and the oxygen level. Hyperforin salt showed lower activity than H. perforatum extracts. Our study for the first time showed that the anticancer activity of H. perforatum extracts differs in normoxia and hypoxia. Importantly, the composition of extracts of various origins, including in vitro cultured, resulting in their unique properties, may be important in the selection of plants for therapeutic application.
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Matraszek-Gawron R, Chwil M, Terlecki K, Skoczylas MM. Current Knowledge of the Antidepressant Activity of Chemical Compounds from Crocus sativus L. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:58. [PMID: 36678554 PMCID: PMC9860663 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychotropic effect of Crocus sativus L. (family Iridaceae) biologically active chemical compounds are quite well documented and they can therefore be used in addition to the conventional pharmacological treatment of depression. This systematic review on antidepressant compounds in saffron crocus and their mechanisms of action and side effects is based on publications released between 1995−2022 and data indexed in 15 databases under the following search terms: antidepressant effect, central nervous system, Crocus sativus, cognitive impairement, crocin, crocetin, depression, dopamine, dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, picrocrocin, phytotherapy, neurotransmitters, safranal, saffron, serotonin, and biologically active compounds. The comparative analysis of the publications was based on 414 original research papers. The investigated literature indicates the effectiveness and safety of aqueous and alcoholic extracts and biologically active chemical compounds (alkaloids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, flavonoid, phenolic, saponins, and terpenoids) isolated from various organs (corms, leaves, flower petal, and stigmas) in adjuvant treatment of depression and anxiety. Monoamine reuptake inhibition, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-α agonism are the main proposed mechanism of the antidepressant action. The antidepressant and neuroprotective effect of extract components is associated with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The mechanism of their action, interactions with conventional drugs and other herbal preparations and the safety of use are not fully understood; therefore, further detailed research in this field is necessary. The presented results regarding the application of C. sativus in phytotherapy are promising in terms of the use of herbal preparations to support the treatment of depression. This is particularly important given the steady increase in the incidence of this disease worldwide and social effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Matraszek-Gawron
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 15 Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mirosława Chwil
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 15 Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Karol Terlecki
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, Medical University of Lublin, Racławickie 1 Street, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Marian Skoczylas
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1 Street, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
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