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Saleh NKM, Mohamed AEHA, Moussa MH, Assal Y, Lasheen NN. Garlic oil improves small intestinal motility in experimentally induced type II diabetes mellitus in female Wistar rats. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301621. [PMID: 38630691 PMCID: PMC11023395 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus adversely affects the contractile ability of the small intestine. However, there is a paucity of studies investigating the impact of garlic oil on small intestinal motility. This study aimed to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of garlic oil on type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats. Thirty-six adult female Wistar rats (n = 36) were divided into four groups: control, non-diabetic rats supplemented with garlic oil, diabetic rats, and diabetic rats treated with garlic oil. The rats were anesthetized using pentobarbitone (40 mg/kg BW); various motility parameters and oxidative markers were determined in small intestinal segments. Measurements were taken for naso-anal length, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose level (FBG), and plasma insulin level. Compared to the control group, the diabetic rats exhibited a reduction in the average force of contraction and motility index in all small intestinal segments. Furthermore, the rats exhibited a reduction in the average duration of muscle contraction only in the jejunum. The rats also exhibited hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, significant oxidative stress, and obesity. This was proven by changes in motility parameters, fasting blood glucose levels, HOMA-IR values, intestinal MDA levels, and waist circumference. The non-diabetic rats supplemented with garlic oil also exhibited a decrease in the average force of contraction and motility index in all small intestinal segments, despite having consistently higher Lee index and waist circumference values. However, the diabetic rats treated with garlic oil demonstrated improved small intestinal motility in nearly all small intestinal segments and a reduction in oxidative stress. In conclusion, rats with diabetes mellitus experienced a decrease in small intestinal motility, which is primarily driven by oxidative stress. Normal rats administered with garlic oil supplements exhibited similar effects. In contrast, garlic oil treatment in diabetic rats led to enhanced small intestinal motility and a notable anti-hyperglycemic effect, which can be attributed to the potent antioxidant properties of garlic oil.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yasmin Assal
- Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha N. Lasheen
- Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Medicine, Galala University, Suez, Egypt
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Chen Y, Jiang X, Yuan Y, Chen Y, Wei S, Yu Y, Zhou Q, Yu Y, Wang J, Liu H, Hua X, Yang Z, Chen Z, Li Y, Wang Q, Chen J, Wang Y. Coptisine inhibits neointimal hyperplasia through attenuating Pak1/Pak2 signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells without retardation of re-endothelialization. Atherosclerosis 2024; 391:117480. [PMID: 38447436 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.117480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Vascular injury-induced endothelium-denudation and profound vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation and dis-regulated apoptosis lead to post-angioplasty restenosis. Coptisine (CTS), an isoquinoline alkaloid, has multiple beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. Recent studies identified it selectively inhibits VSMCs proliferation. However, its effects on neointimal hyperplasia, re-endothelialization, and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. METHODS Cell viability was assayed by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence of Ki67 and TUNEL. Quantitative phosphoproteomics (QPP) was employed to screen CTS-responsive phosphor-sites in the key regulators of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Neointimal hyperplasia was induced by balloon injury of rat left carotid artery (LCA). Adenoviral gene transfer was conducted in both cultured cells and LCA. Re-endothelialization was evaluated by Evan's blue staining of LCA. RESULTS 1) CTS had strong anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in cultured rat VSMCs, with the EC50 4∼10-folds lower than that in endothelial cells (ECs). 2) Rats administered with CTS, either locally to LCA's periadventitial space or orally, demonstrated a potently inhibited balloon injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia, but had no delaying effect on re-endothelialization. 3) The QPP results revealed that the phosphorylation levels of Pak1S144/S203, Pak2S20/S197, Erk1T202/Y204, Erk2T185/Y187, and BadS136 were significantly decreased in VSMCs by CTS. 4) Adenoviral expression of phosphomimetic mutants Pak1D144/D203/Pak2D20/D197 enhanced Pak1/2 activities, stimulated the downstream pErk1T202/Y204/pErk2T185/Y187/pErk3S189/pBadS136, attenuated CTS-mediated inhibition of VSMCs proliferation and promotion of apoptosis in vitro, and potentiated neointimal hyperplasia in vivo. 5) Adenoviral expression of phosphoresistant mutants Pak1A144/A203/Pak2A20/A197 inactivated Pak1/2 and totally simulated the inhibitory effects of CTS on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated VSMCs proliferation and PDGF-inhibited apoptosis in vitro and neointimal hyperplasia in vivo. 6) LCA injury significantly enhanced the endogenous phosphorylation levels of all but pBadS136. CTS markedly attenuated all the enhanced levels. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that CTS is a promising medicine for prevention of post-angioplasty restenosis without adverse impact on re-endothelialization. CTS-directed suppression of pPak1S144/S203/pPak2S20/S197 and the subsequent effects on downstream pErk1T202/Y204/pErk2T185/Y187/pErk3S189 and pBadS136 underline its mechanisms of inhibition of VSMCs proliferation and stimulation of apoptosis. Therefore, the phosphor-sites of Pak1S144/S203/Pak2S20/S197 constitute a potential drug-screening target for fighting neointimal hyperplasia restenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Chen
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xueze Jiang
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China; Department of Cardiology, Baoshan Branch of Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yuchan Yuan
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Sisi Wei
- Children Inherited Metabolism and Endocrine Department, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511400, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Julie Wang
- Department of Computer Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Med, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xuesheng Hua
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhenwei Yang
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhiyong Chen
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yigang Li
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qunshan Wang
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Jie Chen
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Yuepeng Wang
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Li M, Yun W, Wang G, Li A, Gao J, He Q. Roles and mechanisms of garlic and its extracts on atherosclerosis: A review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:954938. [PMID: 36263122 PMCID: PMC9574545 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.954938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have achieved initial results, but the number of CVDs patients will increase rapidly in the next 10 years. Atherosclerosis (AS) is a significant risk factor for CVDs. The impact of lifestyle and daily diet varies considerably between different countries and continents and has been shown to affect the development of various diseases such as diabetes and CVDs. Primary and secondary prevention using alternative supplements and methods to avoid or reduce the use of traditional pharmacological drugs have also become popular. One of the reasons for this is that pharmacological drugs with lipid-lowering, and blood pressure-lowering effects cause many side effects that may negatively impact the quality of life. Patients are now emphasizing reliance on lifestyle changes to reduce cardiovascular risks. Garlic is a medicinal and edible plant that has been used for a long time. In order to reveal garlic application in the prevention and treatment of AS, reviewing the latest domestic and international studies through searching databases. The result shows that the antiatherogenic role of garlic is eximious. And the mechanisms are mainly related to hypolipidemic, antioxidant, antithrombotic, inhibiting angiogenesis, protecting endothelial cells, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, inhibiting vascular smooth muscle proliferation, and regulating gut microbiota. The main signaling pathways involve AMPK/TLRs, Keap1/Nrf2, PI3K/AKT, PPARγ/LXRα, GEF-H1/RhoA/Rac, etc. The antiatherogenic actions and molecular mechanism of garlic were reviewed in this study to obtain a robust evidence basis for the clinical application and mechanistic study and provide a theoretical basis for further utilization of garlic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Cardiology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wingyan Yun
- Department of Cardiology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Clinical Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guibin Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Anqi Li
- Department of Cardiology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Clinical Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Cardiology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Clinical Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qingyong He
- Department of Cardiology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qingyong He,
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Alves-Silva JM, Zuzarte M, Girão H, Salgueiro L. Natural Products in Cardiovascular Diseases: The Potential of Plants from the Allioideae Subfamily (Ex-Alliaceae Family) and Their Sulphur-Containing Compounds. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:1920. [PMID: 35893624 PMCID: PMC9332240 DOI: 10.3390/plants11151920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide and, together with associated risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia, greatly impact patients' quality of life and health care systems. This burden can be alleviated by fomenting lifestyle modifications and/or resorting to pharmacological approaches. However, due to several side effects, current therapies show low patient compliance, thus compromising their efficacy and enforcing the need to develop more amenable preventive/therapeutic strategies. In this scenario, medicinal and aromatic plants are a potential source of new effective agents. Specifically, plants from the Allioideae subfamily (formerly Alliaceae family), particularly those from the genus Allium and Tulbaghia, have been extensively used in traditional medicine for the management of several CVDs and associated risk factors, mainly due to the presence of sulphur-containing compounds. Bearing in mind this potential, the present review aims to gather information on traditional uses ascribed to these genera and provide an updated compilation of in vitro and in vivo studies validating these claims as well as clinical trials carried out in the context of CVDs. Furthermore, the effect of isolated sulphur-containing compounds is presented, and whenever possible, the relation between composition and activity and the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects are pointed out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge M. Alves-Silva
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.M.A.-S.); (M.Z.); (H.G.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mónica Zuzarte
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.M.A.-S.); (M.Z.); (H.G.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique Girão
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.M.A.-S.); (M.Z.); (H.G.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lígia Salgueiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, University of Coimbra, 3030-290 Coimbra, Portugal
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Ali R, Rooman M, Mussarat S, Norin S, Ali S, Adnan M, Khan SN. A Systematic Review on Comparative Analysis, Toxicology, and Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants Against Haemonchus contortus. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:644027. [PMID: 34040520 PMCID: PMC8141741 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.644027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:Haemonchus contortus is an important pathogenic nematode parasite and major economic constraint of small ruminants in tropics and subtropics regions. This review is an attempt to systematically address the; (a) efficacy of different plants against H. contortus by in vitro and in vivo proof; (b) toxicology, mechanism of action, and active phyto-compounds involve in anti-haemonchiasis activity; (c) and comparative analysis of plant species evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Online databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) were searched and published research articles (1980–2020) were gathered and reviewed. Results: A total of 187 plant species were reported belonging to 59 families and 145 genera with Asteraceae and Fabaceae being frequently used. Out of the total plant species, 171 species were found to be evaluated in vitro and only 40 species in vivo. Twenty-four species were commonly evaluated for in vitro and in vivo anti-haemonchiasis activity. Among the reported assays, egg hatching test (EHT) and fecal egg count reduction (FECR) were the most widely used assays in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Moreover, sheep were the frequently used experimental model in vivo. After comparative analysis, Lachesiodendron viridiflorum, Corymbia citriodora, Calotropis procera, and Artemisia herba-alba were found highly effective both in vitro and in vivo. L. viridiflorum inhibited enzymatic activities and metabolic processes of the parasite and was found to be safe without toxic effects. C. citriodora was moderately toxic in vivo, however, the plant extract produced promising nematicidal effects by causing muscular disorganization and changes in the mitochondrial profile. Additionally, C. procera and A. herba-alba despite of their high anti-haemonchiasis activity were found to be highly toxic at the tested concentrations. C. procera caused perforation and tegumental disorganization along with adult worm paralysis. Nineteen compounds were reported, among which anethole and carvone completely inhibited egg hatching in vitro and significantly reduced fecal egg count, decreased male length, and reproductive capacity of female in vivo. Conclusion: This review summarized different medicinal plants owing to nematicidal activities against H. contortus eggs, larvae, and adult worms. Plants like L. viridiflorum, C. citriodora, C. procera, and A. herba-alba, while compounds anethole and carvone having promising nematicidal activities and could be an alternative source for developing novel drugs after further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehman Ali
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Rooman
- Department of Zoology, Hazara University Mansehra, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Sakina Mussarat
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Norin
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Shandana Ali
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Adnan
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Niaz Khan
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
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Chan WJJ, McLachlan AJ, Luca EJ, Harnett JE. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) in the management of hypertension and dyslipidemia – A systematic review. J Herb Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2019.100292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Plant-Derived Products for Treatment of Vascular Intima Hyperplasia Selectively Inhibit Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Functions. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:3549312. [PMID: 30405738 PMCID: PMC6201497 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3549312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Natural products are used widely for preventing intimal hyperplasia (IH), a common cardiovascular disease. Four different cells initiate and progress IH, namely, vascular smooth muscle, adventitial and endothelial cells, and circulation or bone marrow-derived cells. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a critical role in initiation and development of intimal thickening and formation of neointimal hyperplasia. In this review, we describe the different originating cells involved in vascular IH and emphasize the effect of different natural products on inhibiting abnormal cellular functions, such as VSMC proliferation and migration. We further present a classification for the different natural products like phenols, flavonoids, terpenes, and alkaloids that suppress VSMC growth. Abnormal VSMC physiology involves disturbance in MAPKs, PI3K/AKT, JAK-STAT, FAK, and NF-κB signal pathways. Most of the natural isolate studies have revealed G1/S phase of cell cycle arrest, decreased ROS production, induced cell apoptosis, restrained migration, and downregulated collagen deposition. It is necessary to screen optimal drugs from natural sources that preferentially inhibit VSMC rather than vascular endothelial cell growth to prevent early IH, restenosis following graft implantation, and atherosclerotic diseases.
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Jung HY, Lee KY, Yoo DY, Kim JW, Yoo M, Lee S, Yoo KY, Yoon YS, Choi JH, Hwang IK. Essential oils from two Allium species exert effects on cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the mouse dentate gyrus by modulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor and acetylcholinesterase. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 16:431. [PMID: 27809818 PMCID: PMC5094052 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1384-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background In the present study, we investigated the effects of oil products from two Allium species: Allium sativum (garlic) and Allium hookeri (Chinese chives) on cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the mouse dentate gyrus. Methods Using corn oil as a vehicle, the essential oil from garlic (10 ml/kg), or Chinese chives (10 ml/kg) was administered orally to 9-week-old mice once a day for 3 weeks. One hour following the last treatment, a novel object recognition test was conducted and the animals were killed 2 h after the test. Results In comparison to the vehicle-treated group, garlic essential oil (GO) treatment resulted in significantly increased exploration time and discrimination index during the novel object recognition test, while Chinese chives essential oil (CO) reduced the exploration time and discrimination index in the same test. In addition, the number of Ki67-immunoreactive proliferating cells and doublecortin-immunoreactive neuroblasts significantly increased in the dentate gyrus of GO-treated animals. However, administration of CO significantly decreased cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation. Administration of GO significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the hippocampal homogenates. In contrast, administration of CO decreased BDNF protein levels and had no significant effect on AChE activity, compared to that in the vehicle-treated group. Conclusions These results suggest that GO significantly improves novel object recognition as well as increases cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation, by modulating hippocampal BDNF protein levels and AChE activity, while CO impairs novel object recognition and decreases cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation, by reducing BDNF protein levels in the hippocampus.
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Role of small GTPase protein Rac1 in cardiovascular diseases: development of new selective pharmacological inhibitors. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2014; 62:425-35. [PMID: 23921306 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0b013e3182a18bcc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A pathway-based genome-wide association analysis has recently identified Rac1 as one of the biologically important gene in coronary heart diseases. The role of the small GTPase Rac1 in cardiac hypertrophy and atherosclerosis has also been documented in clinical studies with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and in in vitro and in vivo settings using transgenic and knockout mice. Thus, Rac1 has emerged as a new pharmacological target for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The activation state of Rac1 depends on the release of guanosine diphosphate and the binding of guanosine triphosphate. This cycling is regulated by the guanine nucleotide exchange factors, as activators, and by the GTPase-activating proteins. Three categories of selective Rac1 inhibitors have been developed affecting different steps of this pathway: antagonists of Rac1-guanine nucleotide exchange factor interaction, allosteric inhibitors of nucleotide binding to Rac1, and antagonists of Rac1-mediated NADPH oxidase activity. These chemical compounds have shown to selectively inhibit Rac1 activation in cultured cell lines without affecting the homologous proteins RhoA and Cdc42. Moreover, pioneer studies have been conducted with Rac1 inhibitors in in vivo experimental models of cardiovascular diseases with encouraging results. The present review summarizes the current knowledge of the role of Rac1 in cardiovascular diseases and the pharmacological approaches that have been developed to selectively inhibit its function.
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Shouk R, Abdou A, Shetty K, Sarkar D, Eid AH. Mechanisms underlying the antihypertensive effects of garlic bioactives. Nutr Res 2014; 34:106-15. [PMID: 24461311 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 12/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide with hypertension being a major contributing factor to cardiovascular disease-associated mortality. On a population level, non-pharmacological approaches, such as alternative/complementary medicine, including phytochemicals, have the potential to ameliorate cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure. Several epidemiological studies suggest an antihypertensive effect of garlic (Allium sativum) and of many its bioactive components. The aim of this review is to present an in-depth discussion regarding the molecular, biochemical and cellular rationale underlying the antihypertensive properties of garlic and its bioactive constituents with a primary focus on S-allyl cysteine and allicin. Key studies, largely from PubMed, were selected and screened to develop a comprehensive understanding of the specific role of garlic and its bioactive constituents in the management of hypertension. We also reviewed recent advances focusing on the role of garlic bioactives, S-allyl cysteine and allicin, in modulating various parameters implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension. These parameters include oxidative stress, nitric oxide bioavailability, hydrogen sulfide production, angiotensin converting enzyme activity, expression of nuclear factor-κB and the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. This review suggests that garlic and garlic derived bioactives have significant medicinal properties with the potential for ameliorating hypertension and associated morbidity; however, further clinical and epidemiological studies are required to determine completely the specific physiological and biochemical mechanisms involved in disease prevention and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Shouk
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Aya Abdou
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kalidas Shetty
- Department of Plant Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, USA
| | - Dipayan Sarkar
- Department of Plant Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, USA
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Ferri N, Radice T, Antonino M, Beccalli EM, Tinelli S, Zunino F, Corsini A, Pratesi G, Ragg EM, Gelmi ML, Contini A. Synthesis, structural, and biological evaluation of bis-heteroarylmaleimides and bis-heterofused imides. Bioorg Med Chem 2011; 19:5291-9. [PMID: 21880496 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2011.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Revised: 07/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Bis-2,3-heteroarylmaleimides and polyheterocondensed imides joined through nitrogen atoms of the N,N'-bis(ethyl)-1,3-propanediamine linker were prepared from substituted maleic anhydrides and symmetrical diamines in good to satisfactory yields and short reaction times using microwave heating. The novel molecules were shown to inhibit proliferation of human tumor cells (NCI-H460 lung carcinoma) and rat aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) with variable potencies. Compound 11a, the most potent one of the series, showed IC(50) values comparable to those observed for the leading molecule elinafide in both cell lines, but with a higher selectivity toward human tumor cells. Compound 11a affected G1/S phase transition of the cell cycle, showed in vitro DNA intercalating activity and in vivo antitumor activity. A thorough structural analysis of the 11a-DNA complex was also made by mean of NMR and computational techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Ferri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Castro C, Lorenzo AG, González A, Cruzado M. Garlic components inhibit angiotensin II-induced cell-cycle progression and migration: Involvement of cell-cycle inhibitor p27(Kip1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase. Mol Nutr Food Res 2010; 54:781-7. [PMID: 19904760 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.200900108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Garlic has been used for prevention and treatment of hypertension; however, the molecular mechanisms of garlic's effects remain to be elucidated. In this study, the mechanisms of the in vitro effect of organosulphur compounds derived from garlic on growth and migration of cultured aortic smooth muscle cells isolated from spontaneously hypertensive rats were investigated. We demonstrated that allyl methyl sulphide (AMS) and diallyl sulphide (DAS) inhibited aortic smooth muscle cell angiotensin II-stimulated cell-cycle progression and migration. Neither cell viability nor annexin-V-binding analysis revealed cytotoxic effects of both organosulphur compounds at the used concentrations. Instead, their inhibitory effects were associated to the prevention of the cell-cycle inhibitor p27(Kip1) (p27) downregulation and the reduction of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation. When we assessed the antioxidant activity of AMS and DAS, we found that both organosulphur compounds inhibited angiotensin II-reactive oxygen species generation. Our findings show that AMS and DAS, compounds derivate from garlic, could be effective antioxidants targeted at the arterial remodelling seen in hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Castro
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology, IMBECU-CONICET, Avda. Libertador 80, Mendoza, Argentina.
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13
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Kim MJ, Kwak JH, Baek SH, Yeo HY, Song JH, Cho BJ, Kim OY. Diallyl Sulfides (DAS) and Diallyl Disulfides (DADS) Exhibit a Suppressive Effect on the Proliferation and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle. Prev Nutr Food Sci 2010. [DOI: 10.3746/jfn.2010.15.2.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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14
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Naznin MT, Maeda T, Morita N. Stability of E- and Z-Ajoene in Home-Made Mayonnaise. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD PROPERTIES 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/10942910802398461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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15
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Singh TU, Kumar D, Tandan SK, Mishra SK. Inhibitory effect of essential oils of Allium sativum and Piper longum on spontaneous muscular activity of liver fluke, Fasciola gigantica. Exp Parasitol 2009; 123:302-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2009.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2009] [Revised: 07/30/2009] [Accepted: 08/07/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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16
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Long C, Marcourt L, Raux R, David B, Gau C, Menendez C, Gao M, Laroche MF, Schambel P, Delaude C, Ausseil F, Lavaud C, Massiot G. Meroterpenes from Dichrostachys cinerea inhibit protein farnesyl transferase activity. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2009; 72:1804-1815. [PMID: 19761234 DOI: 10.1021/np900095z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Eighteen new meroterpene derivatives, dichrostachines A-R (1-18), have been isolated from the root and stem barks of Dichrostachys cinerea, and their structures determined by spectroscopic means and molecular modeling. From a biosynthetic standpoint these compounds arise from a Diels-Alder reaction between a labdane diene of the raimonol type and a flavonoid B-ring-derived quinone. The hypothesis was tested by the partial synthesis of similar compounds by simply mixing methyl communate and a synthetic flavonoid quinone. The hemisynthetic compounds were shown by NMR to have configurations different from those of the natural products, thus allowing a refinement of the biosynthesis hypothesis. Most of the compounds were assayed for their ability to inhibit the enzyme protein farnesyl transferase. The most active compounds exhibited IC50 and cytotoxicity values in the 1 microM range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Long
- Joint Service Unit No. 2597, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS)-Pierre Fabre, Sciences and Technologies Institute of Medicine of Toulouse, 31432 Toulouse, France
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17
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18
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Ferri N, Granata A, Pirola C, Torti F, Pfister PJ, Dorent R, Corsini A. Fluvastatin Synergistically Improves the Antiproliferative Effect of Everolimus on Rat Smooth Muscle Cells by Altering p27Kip1/Cyclin E Expression. Mol Pharmacol 2008; 74:144-53. [DOI: 10.1124/mol.108.046045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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19
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Ledezma E, Apitz-Castro R. Ajoene, el principal compuesto activo derivado del ajo (Allium sativum), un nuevo agente antifúngico. Rev Iberoam Micol 2006; 23:75-80. [PMID: 16854181 DOI: 10.1016/s1130-1406(06)70017-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The curative properties of garlic in medicine have been known for a long time. But, it was only in the last three decades when garlic properties were seriously investigated confirming its potential as therapeutic agent. Allicin, ajoene, thiosulfinates and a wide range of other organosulphurate compounds, are known to be the constituents linked to the garlic properties. Regarding the biochemical properties of these compounds, ajoene [(E,Z)-4,5,9 Trithiadodeca 1,6,11 Triene 9-oxide] is stable in water, and it can be obtained by chemical synthesis. There is evidence that some of the garlic constituents exert a wide variety of effects on different biological systems. However, ajoene is the garlic compound related to more biological activities, as showed in in vitro and in vivo systems. Those studies found that ajoene has antithrombotic, anti-tumoral,antifungal, and antiparasitic effects. This study deals with a recently described antifungal property of ajoene, and its potential use in clinical trails to treat several fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliades Ledezma
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Oriente, Núcleo Anzoátegui, Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela.
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20
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Tanabe H, Suzuki H, Nagatsu A, Mizukami H, Ogihara Y, Inoue M. Selective inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by coptisine isolated from Coptis rhizoma, one of the crude drugs composing Kampo medicines Unsei-in. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2006; 13:334-42. [PMID: 16635741 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2005.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2005] [Accepted: 02/28/2005] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Acceleration of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is closely linked to the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. We, therefore, focused on traditional Japanese herbal medicines (Kampo medicines) used to ameliorate the impairment of microcirculation or blood stasis and screened them for their ability to inhibit rat VSMC proliferation. Among them, Unsei-in was found to effectively suppress VSMC proliferation, and Coptis rhizome was the responsible constituent crude drug. The extract of Coptis rhizome inhibited VSMC proliferation with the GI(50) value of 4.4 microg/ml, which was much lower than those against the proliferation of 3Y1, dRLh-84, B16, and HeLa cells. The Coptis rhizome extract inhibited the progression of VSMC arrested at G(0)/G(1) phase from G(0)/G(1) to S phase, but not that of 3Y1 cells. Biological assay-guided fractionation revealed that an alkaloid of Coptis rhizome, coptisine, was the active ingredient in selectively preventing VSMC proliferation with GI(50) of 3.3 microM (1.2 microg/ml). When the structurally-related isoquinoline alkaloids of protoberberine class were studied for their inhibitory activities, berberine decreased the VSMC proliferation with GI(50) of 95.1 microM (35.4 microg/ml), about 30 times higher concentration than coptisine, while palmatine failed to show any activity. This study provides evidence that coptisine, an ingredient of Unsei-in, prevents VSMC proliferation selectively at lower concentrations compared with various cells or other structurally related alkaloids.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Berberine/analogs & derivatives
- Berberine/pharmacology
- Cell Cycle/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods
- Coptis/chemistry
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology
- HeLa Cells
- Humans
- Inhibitory Concentration 50
- Male
- Medicine, Kampo
- Melanoma, Experimental
- Mice
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Rhizome/chemistry
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Affiliation(s)
- H Tanabe
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, 3-1 Tanabe-dori, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan
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21
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Ferri N, Clerici F, Yokoyama K, Pocar D, Corsini A. Isothiazole dioxide derivative 6n inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and protein farnesylation. Biochem Pharmacol 2005; 70:1735-43. [PMID: 16257390 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2005.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2005] [Revised: 09/15/2005] [Accepted: 09/21/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Isothiazole dioxides have been shown to inhibit Trypanosoma brucei protein farnesyltransferase (PFTase) in isolated enzyme, but elicited only a minor effect on mammalian PFTase. In the present study we have evaluated the effect of 3-diethylamino-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-isothiazole 1,1-dioxides with different substituents at C5, on rat PFTase and protein geranylgeranyltransferase-I (PGGTase-I) with the final aims to improve the potency against mammalian PFTase and to identify new compounds with antiproliferative properties. For these purposes, in vitro and cell culture models have been utilized. The results showed that isothiazole dioxides with C4-C5 double bond and sulfaryl substituted at the C5 position but none of the dihydro-derivatives, were able to inhibit in vitro PFTase in a concentration dependent manner (IC50 ranging from 8.56 to 1015 microM). Among those, compound 6n (C5; methyl-S) displayed 500-fold higher inhibitory potency on PFTase than PGGTase-I. Compound 6n was shown to affect rat smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation at concentrations similar (IC50 = 61.4 microM) to those required to inhibit [3H]-farnesol incorporation into cellular proteins (-44.1% at 100 microM). Finally, compound 6n interferes with rat SMC proliferation by blocking the progression of G0/G1 phase without inducing apoptosis, as assessed by [3H]-thymidine incorporation assay and flow cytometry analysis. Taken together, we described a new PFTase inhibitor containing the isothiazole dioxide moiety that affects mammalian protein farnesylation and SMC proliferation by inhibiting G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Ferri
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan 20133, Italy.
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Tanabe H, Suzuki H, Mizukami H, Inoue M. Double blockade of cell cycle progression by coptisine in vascular smooth muscle cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2005; 70:1176-84. [PMID: 16140275 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2005.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2005] [Revised: 07/14/2005] [Accepted: 07/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Coptisine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from rhizome of Coptis japonica, inhibits proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the action of coptisine, along with berberine (a structurally similar isoquinoline alkaloid), on progression of the cell cycle in VSMCs. Coptisine displayed antiproliferative action against VSMCs by blocking the cell cycle at G(1) and G(2)/M phases. The G(1) block was shown by inhibition of [(3)H]thymidine incorporation into VSMCs at coptisine concentrations higher than 15 microM. The mechanism underlying the G(1) arrest involved a decrease in cyclin D1 protein, although cyclin E, A, and B were not affected by coptisine treatment. The selective reduction in cyclin D1 protein was mainly attributable to accelerated proteolysis via proteasome-dependent pathway, since it was inhibited by a proteasome inhibitor, N-carbobenzoxy-L-leucinyl-L-leucinyl-L-norleucinal (MG132) and further the mRNA level of cyclin D1, protein synthesis, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity remained unaltered. The mechanism underlying the G(2)/M arrest involved partial inhibition of tubulin polymerization, which was apparent at coptisine concentration of 3 microM. Berberine arrested the cell cycle at G(1) phase via a mechanism identical with coptisine, but did not cause block at G(2)/M phase. The results demonstrate that a small difference in the structure between isoquinoline alkaloids produces a big difference in activity, and that coptisine has a unique double action in arresting the cell cycle of VSMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Tanabe
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Mizuho-ku, Japan
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Ferri N, Paoletti R, Corsini A. Lipid-modified proteins as biomarkers for cardiovascular disease: a review. Biomarkers 2005; 10:219-37. [PMID: 16191483 DOI: 10.1080/13547500500216660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Lipid-modified proteins are classified based on the identity of the attached lipid, a post- or co-translational modification required for their biological function. At least five different lipid modifications of cysteines, glycines and other residues on the COOH- and NH(2)-terminal domains have been described. Cysteine residues may be modified by the addition of a 16-carbon saturated fatty acyl group by a labile thioester bond (palmitoylation) or by prenylation processes that catalyze the formation of thioether bond with mevalonate derived isoprenoids, farnesol and geranylgeraniol. The NH(2)-terminal glycine residues may undergo a quite distinct process involving the formation of an amide bond with a 14-carbon saturated acyl group (myristoylation), while glycine residues in the COOH-terminal may be covalently attached with a cholesterol moiety by an ester bond. Finally, cell surface proteins can be anchored to the membrane through the addition of glycosylphosphatidylinositol moiety. Several lines of evidence suggest that lipid-modified proteins are directly involved in different steps of the development of lesions of atherosclerosis, from leukocyte recruitment to plaque rupture, and their expression or lipid modification are likely altered during atherogenesis. This review will briefly summarize the different enzymatic pathways of lipid modification and propose a series of lipid-modified proteins that can be used as biomarkers for cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ferri
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Rose P, Whiteman M, Moore PK, Zhu YZ. Bioactive S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxide metabolites in the genus Allium: the chemistry of potential therapeutic agents. Nat Prod Rep 2005; 22:351-68. [PMID: 16010345 DOI: 10.1039/b417639c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
S-Alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides are odourless, non-protein sulfur amino acids typically found in members of the family Alliaceae and are the precursors to the lachrymatory and flavour compounds found in the agronomically important genus Allium. Traditionally, Allium species, particularly the onion (Allium cepa) and garlic (A. sativum), have been used for centuries in European, Asian and American folk medicines for the treatment of numerous human pathologies, however it is only recently that any significant progress has been made in determining their mechanisms of action. Indeed, our understanding of the role of Allium species in human health undoubtedly comes from the combination of several academic disciplines including botany, biochemistry and nutrition. During tissue damage, S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides are converted to their respective thiosulfinates or propanethial-S-oxide by the action of the enzyme alliinase (EC 4.4.1.4). Depending on the Allium species, and under differing conditions, thiosulfinates can decompose to form additional sulfur constituents including diallyl, methyl allyl, and diethyl mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexasulfides, the vinyldithiins and (E)- and (Z)-ajoene. Recent reports have shown onion and garlic extracts, along with several principal sulfur constituents, can induce phase II detoxification enzymes like glutathione-S-transferases (EC 2.5.1.18) and quinone reductase (QR) NAD(P)H: (quinine acceptor) oxidoreductase (EC 1.6.99.2) in mammalian tissues, as well as also influencing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in numerous in vitro cancer cell models. Moreover, studies are also beginning to highlight a role of Allium-derived sulfur compounds in cardiovascular protection. In this review, we discuss the chemical diversity of S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxide metabolites in the context of their biochemical and pharmacological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Rose
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117597.
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Xu B, Monsarrat B, Gairin JE, Girbal-Neuhauser E. Effect of ajoene, a natural antitumor small molecule, on human 20S proteasome activity in vitro and in human leukemic HL60 cells. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2004; 18:171-80. [PMID: 15066131 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-8206.2004.00219.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacologic properties of ajoene, the major sulfur-containing compound purified from garlic, and its possible role in the prevention and treatment of cancer has received increasing attention. Several studies demonstrated that induction of apoptosis and cell cycle blockade are typical biologic effects observed in tumor cells after proteasome inhibition. The proteasome is responsible for the degradation of a variety of intracellular proteins and plays a key role in the regulation of many cellular processes. The aim of the present work was therefore to explore the effects of ajoene on the proteasome activities. In vitro activities of 20S proteasome purified from human erythrocytes on fluorogenic peptide substrates specific for trypsin-like, chymotrypsin-like and peptidylglutamyl peptide hydrolyzing activities revealed that ajoene inhibited the trypsin-like activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Further, the ability of 20S proteasome to degrade the OVA(51-71) peptide, a model proteasomal substrate, was partially but significantly inhibited by ajoene. In addition, when human leukemia cell line HL60 was treated with ajoene, both trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like activities were affected, cells arrested in G2/M phase and total amount of cytosolic proteasome increased. All these data clearly indicate that ajoene may affect proteasome function and activity both in vitro and in the living cell. This is a novel aspect in the biologic profile of this garlic compound giving new insights into the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of its potential antitumor action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Xu
- Centre de Recherche en Pharmacologie Santé, UMR 2587 CNRS-Pierre Fabre, 205 route de Narbonne, 31400 Toulouse, France
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