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Liu TA, Stewart TM, Casero RA. The Synergistic Benefit of Combination Strategies Targeting Tumor Cell Polyamine Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8173. [PMID: 39125742 PMCID: PMC11311409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158173] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian polyamines, including putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are positively charged amines that are essential for all living cells including neoplastic cells. An increasing understanding of polyamine metabolism, its molecular functions, and its role in cancer has led to the interest in targeting polyamine metabolism as an anticancer strategy, as the metabolism of polyamines is frequently dysregulated in neoplastic disease. In addition, due to compensatory mechanisms, combination therapies are clinically more promising, as agents can work synergistically to achieve an effect beyond that of each strategy as a single agent. In this article, the nature of polyamines, their association with carcinogenesis, and the potential use of targeting polyamine metabolism in treating and preventing cancer as well as combination therapies are described. The goal is to review the latest strategies for targeting polyamine metabolism, highlighting new avenues for exploiting aberrant polyamine homeostasis for anticancer therapy and the mechanisms behind them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ann Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Tracy Murray Stewart
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
| | - Robert A. Casero
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
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2
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Coradduzza D, Solinas T, Azara E, Culeddu N, Cruciani S, Zinellu A, Medici S, Maioli M, Madonia M, Carru C. Plasma Polyamine Biomarker Panels: Agmatine in Support of Prostate Cancer Diagnosis. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040514. [PMID: 35454104 PMCID: PMC9024899 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most frequent malignant tumour among males (19%), often clinically silent and of difficult prognosis. Although several studies have highlighted the diagnostic and prognostic role of circulating biomarkers, such as PSA, their measurement does not necessarily allow the detection of the disease. Within this context, many authors suggest that the evaluation of circulating polyamines could represent a valuable tool, although several analytical problems still counteract their clinical practice. In particular, agmatine seems particularly intriguing, being a potential inhibitor of polyamines commonly derived from arginine. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the potential role of agmatine as a suitable biomarker for the identification of different classes of patients with prostate cancer (PC). For this reason, three groups of human patients—benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), precancerous lesion (PL), and prostate cancer (PC)—were recruited from a cohort of patients with suspected prostate cancer (n = 170), and obtained plasma was tested using the LC-HRMS method. Statistics on the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC), and multivariate analysis were used to examine the predictive value of markers for discrimination among the three patient groups. Statistical analysis models revealed good discrimination using polyamine levels to distinguish the three classes of patients. AUC above 0.8, sensitivity ranging from 67% to 89%, specificity ranging from 74% to 89% and accuracy from 73% to 86%, considering the validation set, were achieved. Agmatine plasma levels were measured in PC (39.9 ± 12.06 ng/mL), BPH (77.62 ± 15.05 ng/mL), and PL (53.31 ± 15.27 ng/mL) patients. ROC analysis of the agmatine panel showed an AUC of 0.959 and p ≤ 0.001. These results could represent a future tool able to discriminate patients belonging to the three different clinical groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Coradduzza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (D.C.); (S.C.); (A.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Tatiana Solinas
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Urologic Clinic, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (T.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Emanuela Azara
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (E.A.); (N.C.)
| | - Nicola Culeddu
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (E.A.); (N.C.)
| | - Sara Cruciani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (D.C.); (S.C.); (A.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Angelo Zinellu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (D.C.); (S.C.); (A.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Serenella Medici
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Margherita Maioli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (D.C.); (S.C.); (A.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Massimo Madonia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Urologic Clinic, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (T.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Ciriaco Carru
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (D.C.); (S.C.); (A.Z.); (M.M.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and University Hospital of Sassari (AOU), 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Correspondence:
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3
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Wiśniewska A, Stachowicz A, Kuś K, Ulatowska-Białas M, Totoń-Żurańska J, Kiepura A, Stachyra K, Suski M, Gajda M, Jawień J, Olszanecki R. Inhibition of Atherosclerosis and Liver Steatosis by Agmatine in Western Diet-Fed apoE-Knockout Mice Is Associated with Decrease in Hepatic De Novo Lipogenesis and Reduction in Plasma Triglyceride/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910688. [PMID: 34639029 PMCID: PMC8509476 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis and NAFLD are the leading causes of death worldwide. The hallmark of NAFLD is triglyceride accumulation caused by an imbalance between lipogenesis de novo and fatty acid oxidation. Agmatine, an endogenous metabolite of arginine, exerts a protective effect on mitochondria and can modulate fatty acid metabolism. In the present study, we investigate the influence of agmatine on the progression of atherosclerotic lesions and the development of hepatic steatosis in apoE−/− mice fed with a Western high-fat diet, with a particular focus on its effects on the DNL pathway in the liver. We have proved that treatment of agmatine inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis and attenuates hepatic steatosis in apoE−/− mice on a Western diet. Such effects are associated with decreased total macrophage content in atherosclerotic plaque as well as a decrease in the TG levels and the TG/HDL ratio in plasma. Agmatine also reduced TG accumulation in the liver and decreased the expression of hepatic genes and proteins involved in lipogenesis de novo such as SREBP-1c, FASN and SCD1. In conclusion, agmatine may present therapeutic potential for the treatment of atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease. However, an exact understanding of the mechanisms of the advantageous actions of agmatine requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wiśniewska
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Aneta Stachowicz
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Katarzyna Kuś
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
| | | | - Justyna Totoń-Żurańska
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Anna Kiepura
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Kamila Stachyra
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Maciej Suski
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Mariusz Gajda
- Department of Histology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Cracow, Poland;
| | - Jacek Jawień
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Rafał Olszanecki
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland; (A.W.); (A.S.); (K.K.); (J.T.-Ż.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (M.S.); (J.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-12-421-1168
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4
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McGinity CL, Palmieri EM, Somasundaram V, Bhattacharyya DD, Ridnour LA, Cheng RYS, Ryan AE, Glynn SA, Thomas DD, Miranda KM, Anderson SK, Lockett SJ, McVicar DW, Wink DA. Nitric Oxide Modulates Metabolic Processes in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7068. [PMID: 34209132 PMCID: PMC8268115 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolic requirements and functions of cancer and normal tissues are vastly different. Due to the rapid growth of cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment, distorted vasculature is commonly observed, which creates harsh environments that require rigorous and constantly evolving cellular adaption. A common hallmark of aggressive and therapeutically resistant tumors is hypoxia and hypoxia-induced stress markers. However, recent studies have identified alterations in a wide spectrum of metabolic pathways that dictate tumor behavior and response to therapy. Accordingly, it is becoming clear that metabolic processes are not uniform throughout the tumor microenvironment. Metabolic processes differ and are cell type specific where various factors promote metabolic heterogeneity within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, within the tumor, these metabolically distinct cell types can organize to form cellular neighborhoods that serve to establish a pro-tumor milieu in which distant and spatially distinct cellular neighborhoods can communicate via signaling metabolites from stroma, immune and tumor cells. In this review, we will discuss how biochemical interactions of various metabolic pathways influence cancer and immune microenvironments, as well as associated mechanisms that lead to good or poor clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L. McGinity
- Laboratory of Cancer ImmunoMetabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (C.L.M.); (E.M.P.); (V.S.); (D.D.B.); (L.A.R.); (R.Y.S.C.); (S.K.A.); (D.W.M.)
| | - Erika M. Palmieri
- Laboratory of Cancer ImmunoMetabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (C.L.M.); (E.M.P.); (V.S.); (D.D.B.); (L.A.R.); (R.Y.S.C.); (S.K.A.); (D.W.M.)
| | - Veena Somasundaram
- Laboratory of Cancer ImmunoMetabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (C.L.M.); (E.M.P.); (V.S.); (D.D.B.); (L.A.R.); (R.Y.S.C.); (S.K.A.); (D.W.M.)
| | - Dibyangana D. Bhattacharyya
- Laboratory of Cancer ImmunoMetabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (C.L.M.); (E.M.P.); (V.S.); (D.D.B.); (L.A.R.); (R.Y.S.C.); (S.K.A.); (D.W.M.)
- Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (A.E.R.); (S.A.G.)
| | - Lisa A. Ridnour
- Laboratory of Cancer ImmunoMetabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (C.L.M.); (E.M.P.); (V.S.); (D.D.B.); (L.A.R.); (R.Y.S.C.); (S.K.A.); (D.W.M.)
| | - Robert Y. S. Cheng
- Laboratory of Cancer ImmunoMetabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (C.L.M.); (E.M.P.); (V.S.); (D.D.B.); (L.A.R.); (R.Y.S.C.); (S.K.A.); (D.W.M.)
| | - Aideen E. Ryan
- Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (A.E.R.); (S.A.G.)
| | - Sharon A. Glynn
- Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (A.E.R.); (S.A.G.)
| | - Douglas D. Thomas
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA;
| | | | - Stephen K. Anderson
- Laboratory of Cancer ImmunoMetabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (C.L.M.); (E.M.P.); (V.S.); (D.D.B.); (L.A.R.); (R.Y.S.C.); (S.K.A.); (D.W.M.)
| | - Stephen J. Lockett
- Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory, LEIDO Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Daniel W. McVicar
- Laboratory of Cancer ImmunoMetabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (C.L.M.); (E.M.P.); (V.S.); (D.D.B.); (L.A.R.); (R.Y.S.C.); (S.K.A.); (D.W.M.)
| | - David A. Wink
- Laboratory of Cancer ImmunoMetabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (C.L.M.); (E.M.P.); (V.S.); (D.D.B.); (L.A.R.); (R.Y.S.C.); (S.K.A.); (D.W.M.)
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5
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Insights into the Mn 2+ Binding Site in the Agmatinase-Like Protein (ALP): A Critical Enzyme for the Regulation of Agmatine Levels in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114132. [PMID: 32531922 PMCID: PMC7313459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Agmatine is a neurotransmitter with anticonvulsant, anti-neurotoxic and antidepressant-like effects, in addition it has hypoglycemic actions. Agmatine is converted to putrescine and urea by agmatinase (AGM) and by an agmatinase-like protein (ALP), a new type of enzyme which is present in human and rodent brain tissues. Recombinant rat brain ALP is the only mammalian protein that exhibits significant agmatinase activity in vitro and generates putrescine under in vivo conditions. ALP, despite differing in amino acid sequence from all members of the ureohydrolase family, is strictly dependent on Mn2+ for catalytic activity. However, the Mn2+ ligands have not yet been identified due to the lack of structural information coupled with the low sequence identity that ALPs display with known ureohydrolases. In this work, we generated a structural model of the Mn2+ binding site of the ALP and we propose new putative Mn2+ ligands. Then, we cloned and expressed a sequence of 210 amino acids, here called the “central-ALP”, which include the putative ligands of Mn2+. The results suggest that the central-ALP is catalytically active, as agmatinase, with an unaltered Km for agmatine and a decreased kcat. Similar to wild-type ALP, central-ALP is activated by Mn2+ with a similar affinity. Besides, a simple mutant D217A, a double mutant E288A/K290A, and a triple mutant N213A/Q215A/D217A of these putative Mn2+ ligands result on the loss of ALP agmatinase activity. Our results indicate that the central-ALP contains the active site for agmatine hydrolysis, as well as that the residues identified are relevant for the ALP catalysis.
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Jegatheesan P, Ramani D, Lhuillier M, El-Hafaia N, Ramassamy R, Aboubacar M, Nakib S, Chen H, Garbay C, Neveux N, Loï C, Cynober L, de Bandt JP. Is N-Carbamoyl Putrescine, the Decarboxylation Derivative of Citrulline, a Regulator of Muscle Protein Metabolism in Rats? Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11112637. [PMID: 31684160 PMCID: PMC6893778 DOI: 10.3390/nu11112637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
N-carbamoyl putrescine (NCP), the decarboxylation derivative of citrulline, metabolically related to polyamines, may exert biological effects in mammals. The aim of this study was (i) to evaluate the nutritional properties of NCP in healthy rats and (ii) to determine the effect of NCP administration on muscle metabolism in malnourished old rats. The nutritional properties of NCP were first evaluated in 20 8-week-old male rats randomized to receive for two weeks a standard diet either alone (C group) or supplemented with NCP, 5 or 50 mg/kg/d. In a second study, 29 malnourished 18-month-old male rats were studied either before or after a 4-day refeeding with a standard diet either alone (REN group) or supplemented with NCP, 1 or 10 mg/kg/d. NCP had no effect on weight gain and body composition in either of the two studies. In healthy rats, muscle protein content was significantly increased in the soleus with NCP 5 mg/kg/d. A decrease in plasma glutamine and kidney spermine was observed at the 50 mg/kg/d dose; otherwise, no significant changes in plasma chemistry and tissue polyamines were observed. In malnutrition-induced sarcopenic old rats, refeeding with NCP 10 mg/kg/d was associated with higher tibialis weight and a trend for increased protein content in extensor digitorum longus (EDL). While the muscle protein synthesis rate was similar between groups, ribosomal protein S6 kinase was increased in tibialis and higher in the EDL in NCP-treated rats. The muscle RING-finger protein-1 expression was decreased in tibialis and urinary 3-methyl-histidine to creatinine ratio slightly lower with the supply of NCP. However, this initial period of refeeding was also associated with elevated fasted plasma triglycerides and glucose, significant in NCP groups, suggesting glucose intolerance and possibly insulin resistance. NCP was well-tolerated in healthy young-adults and in malnourished old rats. In healthy adults, NCP at 5 mg/kg/d induced a significant increase in protein content in the soleus, a type I fiber-rich muscle. In malnourished old rats, NCP supply during refeeding, may help to preserve lean mass by limiting protein breakdown; however, these effects may be limited in our model by a possible immediate refeeding-associated glucose intolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Ramani
- EA4466, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris Descartes University, 75270 Paris, France.
- Clinical Chemistry Department, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 75679 Paris, France.
| | - Mickael Lhuillier
- EA4466, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris Descartes University, 75270 Paris, France.
| | - Naouel El-Hafaia
- EA4466, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris Descartes University, 75270 Paris, France.
| | - Radji Ramassamy
- EA4466, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris Descartes University, 75270 Paris, France.
| | - Mohamed Aboubacar
- EA4466, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris Descartes University, 75270 Paris, France.
| | - Samir Nakib
- EA4466, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris Descartes University, 75270 Paris, France.
- Clinical Chemistry Department, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 75679 Paris, France.
| | - Huixiong Chen
- Laboratory of Pharmacologic and Toxicologic Chemistry and Biochemistry, UMR 8601 CNRS, Paris Descartes University, 75270 Paris, France.
| | - Christiane Garbay
- Laboratory of Pharmacologic and Toxicologic Chemistry and Biochemistry, UMR 8601 CNRS, Paris Descartes University, 75270 Paris, France.
| | - Nathalie Neveux
- EA4466, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris Descartes University, 75270 Paris, France.
- Clinical Chemistry Department, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 75679 Paris, France.
| | - Cécile Loï
- EA4466, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris Descartes University, 75270 Paris, France.
| | - Luc Cynober
- EA4466, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris Descartes University, 75270 Paris, France.
- Clinical Chemistry Department, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 75679 Paris, France.
| | - Jean-Pascal de Bandt
- EA4466, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris Descartes University, 75270 Paris, France.
- Clinical Chemistry Department, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 75679 Paris, France.
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7
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Abstract
Cancer cells reprogramme metabolism to maximize the use of nitrogen and carbon for the anabolic synthesis of macromolecules that are required during tumour proliferation and growth. To achieve this aim, one strategy is to reduce catabolism and nitrogen disposal. The urea cycle (UC) in the liver is the main metabolic pathway to convert excess nitrogen into disposable urea. Outside the liver, UC enzymes are differentially expressed, enabling the use of nitrogen for the synthesis of UC intermediates that are required to accommodate cellular needs. Interestingly, the expression of UC enzymes is altered in cancer, revealing a revolutionary mechanism to maximize nitrogen incorporation into biomass. In this Review, we discuss the metabolic benefits underlying UC deregulation in cancer and the relevance of these alterations for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rom Keshet
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Peter Szlosarek
- Centre for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
- Barts Health NHS Trust, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Arkaitz Carracedo
- CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Ayelet Erez
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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8
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Chen GG, Almeida D, Fiori L, Turecki G. Evidence of Reduced Agmatine Concentrations in the Cerebral Cortex of Suicides. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 21:895-900. [PMID: 29986038 PMCID: PMC6165952 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The polyamines are a group of ubiquitous low-molecular-weight aliphatic molecules that play an essential role in various physiological functions of the mammalian CNS. Previous literature has indicated alterations in the expression of polyamine-related genes in the brains of individuals who died by suicide, including downregulation of spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase, a key enzyme involved in polyamine catabolism. One such polyamine, agmatine, has been shown to act as an antidepressant in animal models of depressive-like behavior. However, agmatine concentrations have not been explored in postmortem human brain of individuals who died by suicide. METHODS To measure agmatine in postmortem human brain tissue, we employed our previously published high-resolution capillary gas chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry method. Using this method, we analyzed agmatine levels in a total of 120 tissue samples from Brodmann areas 4, 11, and 44 of 40 male subjects comprising controls (n=13), individuals who died by suicide and met criteria for major depressive disorder (n=14), and subjects who died by suicide and did not meet criteria for major depressive disorder (n=13). RESULTS Agmatine fell within the expected nanomolar range and was significantly reduced in the cortex of suicides, irrespective of meeting criteria for major depressive disorder compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS This is the first gas chromatography-mass spectrometry study to analyze agmatine concentrations in human postmortem brain of individuals who died by suicide. These results add to our mechanistic understanding of the role that the polyamine stress response pathway may play in the neurobiology of major depression and/or suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary G Chen
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel Almeida
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - Laura Fiori
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Verdun, QC, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,Correspondence: Gustavo Turecki, MD, PhD, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Frank B Common Pavilion, Room F-3125, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, H4H 1R3 ()
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9
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Benítez J, García D, Romero N, González A, Martínez-Oyanedel J, Figueroa M, Salas M, López V, García-Robles M, Dodd PR, Schenk G, Carvajal N, Uribe E. Metabolic strategies for the degradation of the neuromodulator agmatine in mammals. Metabolism 2018; 81:35-44. [PMID: 29162499 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Agmatine (1-amino-4-guanidinobutane), a precursor for polyamine biosynthesis, has been identified as an important neuromodulator with anticonvulsant, antineurotoxic and antidepressant actions in the brain. In this context it has emerged as an important mediator of addiction/satiety pathways associated with alcohol misuse. Consequently, the regulation of the activity of key enzymes in agmatine metabolism is an attractive strategy to combat alcoholism and related addiction disorders. Agmatine results from the decarboxylation of L-arginine in a reaction catalyzed by arginine decarboxylase (ADC), and can be converted to either guanidine butyraldehyde by diamine oxidase (DAO) or putrescine and urea by the enzyme agmatinase (AGM) or the more recently identified AGM-like protein (ALP). In rat brain, agmatine, AGM and ALP are predominantly localised in areas associated with roles in appetitive and craving (drug-reinstatement) behaviors. Thus, inhibitors of AGM or ALP are promising agents for the treatment of addictions. In this review, the properties of DAO, AGM and ALP are discussed with a view to their role in the agmatine metabolism in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Benítez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - David García
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nicol Romero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Arlette González
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - José Martínez-Oyanedel
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Maximiliano Figueroa
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Mónica Salas
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Vasthi López
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - María García-Robles
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Peter R Dodd
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Gerhard Schenk
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nelson Carvajal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Elena Uribe
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile.
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Agmatine: multifunctional arginine metabolite and magic bullet in clinical neuroscience? Biochem J 2017; 474:2619-2640. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20170007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine, the decarboxylation product of arginine, was largely neglected as an important player in mammalian metabolism until the mid-1990s, when it was re-discovered as an endogenous ligand of imidazoline and α2-adrenergic receptors. Since then, a wide variety of agmatine-mediated effects have been observed, and consequently agmatine has moved from a wallflower existence into the limelight of clinical neuroscience research. Despite this quantum jump in scientific interest, the understanding of the anabolism and catabolism of this amine is still vague. The purification and biochemical characterization of natural mammalian arginine decarboxylase and agmatinase still are open issues. Nevertheless, the agmatinergic system is currently one of the most promising candidates in order to pharmacologically interfere with some major diseases of the central nervous system, which are summarized in the present review. Particularly with respect to major depression, agmatine, its derivatives, and metabolizing enzymes show great promise for the development of an improved treatment of this common disease.
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Hussain T, Tan B, Ren W, Rahu N, Dad R, Kalhoro DH, Yin Y. Polyamines: therapeutic perspectives in oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases. Amino Acids 2017; 49:1457-1468. [PMID: 28733904 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-017-2447-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Polyamines are naturally occurring aliphatic compounds, particularly essential elements for biological functions. These compounds play a central role in regulating molecular pathways which are responsible for cellular proliferation, growth, and differentiation. Importantly, excessive polyamine catabolism can lead to a prominent source of oxidative stress which increases inflammatory response and thought to be involved in several diseases including stroke, renal failure, neurological disease, liver disease, and even cancer. Moreover, polyamine supplementation increases life span in model organisms and may encounter oxidative stress via exerting its potential anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The revealed literature indicates that an emerging role of polyamine biosynthetic pathway could be a novel target for drug development against inflammatory diseases. In this review, we expand the knowledge on the metabolism of polyamines, and its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities which might have future implications against inflammatory diseases in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarique Hussain
- National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 10008, People's Republic of China
| | - Bie Tan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wenkai Ren
- National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 10008, People's Republic of China
| | - Najma Rahu
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, 70050, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Rahim Dad
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Dildar Hussain Kalhoro
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, 70050, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Yulong Yin
- National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Effects of prolonged agmatine treatment in aged male Sprague-Dawley rats. Neuroscience 2013; 234:116-24. [PMID: 23318245 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Revised: 12/29/2012] [Accepted: 01/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that altered arginine metabolism contributes to cognitive decline during ageing. Agmatine, decarboxylated arginine, has a variety of pharmacological effects, including the modulation of behavioural function. A recent study demonstrated the beneficial effects of short-term agmatine treatment in aged rats. The present study investigated how intraperitoneal administration of agmatine (40mg/kg, once daily) over 4-6weeks affected behavioural function and neurochemistry in aged Sprague-Dawley rats. Aged rats treated with saline displayed significantly reduced exploratory activity in the open field, impaired spatial learning and memory in the water maze and object recognition memory relative to young rats. Prolonged agmatine treatment improved animals' performance in the reversal test of the water maze and object recognition memory test, and significantly suppressed age-related elevation in nitric oxide synthase activity in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. However, this prolonged supplementation was unable to improve exploratory activity and spatial reference learning and memory in aged rats. These findings further demonstrate that exogenous agmatine selectively improves behavioural function in aged rats.
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13
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Molderings GJ, Haenisch B. Agmatine (decarboxylated l-arginine): Physiological role and therapeutic potential. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 133:351-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2011.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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14
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Chronic exposure to agmatine results in the selection of agmatine-resistant hepatoma cells. Amino Acids 2011; 42:769-74. [PMID: 21901471 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-011-0993-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
During our study of the cytostatic effect of agmatine, we were able to isolate an agmatine resistant clone from a parental hepatoma cell line, HTC. These cells, called Agres, had slower growth rate than the parental cells when cultured in normal medium. The modification in polyamine content induced by agmatine was much lower in these cells and ornithine decarboxylase, S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase and spermidine/spermine acetyltransferase activities were much less affected. By investigating the mechanism responsible for these modifications, it was shown that agmatine and polyamines were not taken up by Agres cells. Their resistance to the antiproliferative effects of agmatine may thus arise from a lack of the polyamine transport system. Moreover, Agres cells were able to take up both glutamic acid and arginine at a rate significantly higher than that detected for HTC cells, most likely to provide components for compensatory increase of PA synthesis. These results emphasize the importance of polyamine transport for cell growth.
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Effects of exogenous agmatine in human leukemia HMC-1 and HL-60 cells on proliferation, polyamine metabolism and cell cycle. Leuk Res 2011; 35:1248-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2010.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Revised: 12/17/2010] [Accepted: 12/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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16
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Song HW, Kumar BK, Kim SH, Jeon YH, Lee YA, Lee WT, Park KA, Lee JE. Agmatine enhances neurogenesis by increasing ERK1/2 expression, and suppresses astrogenesis by decreasing BMP 2,4 and SMAD 1,5,8 expression in subventricular zone neural stem cells. Life Sci 2011; 89:439-49. [PMID: 21843531 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2011.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Revised: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 06/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
AIM Our study aimed to demonstrate whether agmatine (Ag) could regulate proliferation and cell fate determination of subventricular zone neural stem cells (SVZ NSCs). MAIN METHODS SVZ NSCs were grown in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) (20ng/ml) until 4days in vitro (DIV) and later the culture medium was replaced without EGF and bFGF until 11 DIV in the absence (EGF/bFGF(+/-)/Ag(-)) or presence of agmatine (EGF/bFGF(+/-)/Ag(+)). Another set SVZ NSCs were maintained with EGF and bFGF until 11 DIV without (EGF/bFGF(+/+)/Ag(-)) or with agmatine treatment (EGF/bFGF(+/+)/Ag(+)). Agmatine's effect on proliferation and cell death (H and PI staining and Caspase-3 immunostaining) was examined at DIV 4 and 11. Agmatine's (100μM) effect on cell fate determination was confirmed by immunostaining and Western blot at 11 DIV. KEY FINDINGS Agmatine treatment reduced the neurosphere size and total cell count number dose-dependently in all the experimental groups both at DIV 4 and11. Immunoblotting and staining results showed that agmatine increased the Tuj1 and Microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and decreased the Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) with no change in the Oligo2 protein expressions. This neurogenesis effect of agmatine seems to have a relation with Extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) activation and anti-astrogenesis effect is thought to be related with the suppression of Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) 2,4 and contraction of Sma and Mad (SMAD) 1,5,8 protein expression. SIGNIFICANCE This model could be an invaluable tool to study whether agmatine treated SVZ NSC transplantation to the central nervous system (CNS) injury could trigger neurogenesis and decrypt the full range of molecular events involved during neurogenesis in vivo as evidenced in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Won Song
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 250 Seongsanno, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752, South Korea
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17
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The agmatine-degrading enzyme agmatinase: a key to agmatine signaling in rat and human brain? Amino Acids 2010; 40:453-65. [PMID: 20563878 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0657-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2010] [Accepted: 06/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Agmatinase, an ureohydrolase belonging to the arginase family, is widely expressed in mammalian tissues including the brain. Here, it may serve two different functions, the inactivation of the arginine derivative agmatine, a putative neurotransmitter, and the formation of the diamine putrescine. In order to identify the cellular sources of agmatinase expression in the brain, we generated a polyclonal monospecific antibody against recombinant rat agmatinase. With immunocytochemistry, selected areas of rat and human brain were screened. Clearly, in both species agmatinase-like immunoreactivity was predominantly detected in distinct populations of neurons, especially cortical interneurons. Also, principal neurons in limbic regions like the habenula and in the cerebellum robustly expressed agmatinase protein. When comparing the overall agmatinase expression with immunocytochemical data available for agmatine and polyamine biosynthetic enzymes, the observed pattern may argue in favor of an agmatine inactivating function rather than fueling the alternative pathway of polyamine synthesis. The putative neurotransmitter agmatine is seemingly involved with mental disorders. Therefore, agmatinase may be similarly important for pathogenesis. The normal expression profile of the protein as described here may therefore be altered under pathological conditions.
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18
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Polyamines: fundamental characters in chemistry and biology. Amino Acids 2009; 38:393-403. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-009-0396-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2009] [Accepted: 10/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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19
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Battaglia V, Grancara S, Satriano J, Saccoccio S, Agostinelli E, Toninello A. Agmatine prevents the Ca(2+)-dependent induction of permeability transition in rat brain mitochondria. Amino Acids 2009; 38:431-7. [PMID: 20012118 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-009-0402-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 10/22/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The arginine metabolite agmatine is able to protect brain mitochondria against the drop in energy capacity by the Ca(2+)-dependent induction of permeability transition (MPT) in rat brain mitochondria. At normal levels, the amine maintains the respiratory control index and ADP/O ratio and prevents mitochondrial colloid-osmotic swelling and any electrical potential (DeltaPsi) drop. MPT is due to oxidative stress induced by the interaction of Ca(2+) with the mitochondrial membrane, leading to the production of hydrogen peroxide and, subsequently, other reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radicals. This production of ROS induces oxidation of sulfhydryl groups, in particular those of two critical cysteines, most probably located on adenine nucleotide translocase, and also oxidation of pyridine nucleotides, resulting in transition pore opening. The protective effect of agmatine is attributable to a scavenging effect on the most toxic ROS, i.e., the hydroxyl radical, thus preventing oxidative stress and consequent bioenergetic collapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Battaglia
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo, 3, 35121, Padua, Italy
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20
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Agmatine transport in brain mitochondria: a different mechanism from that in liver mitochondria. Amino Acids 2009; 38:423-30. [PMID: 19997762 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-009-0401-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 10/20/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The diamine agmatine (AGM), exhibiting two positive charges at physiological pH, is transported into rat brain mitochondria (RBM) by an electrophoretic mechanism, requiring high membrane potential values and exhibiting a marked non-ohmic force-flux relationship. The mechanism of this transport apparently resembles that observed in rat liver mitochondria (RLM), but there are several characteristics that strongly suggest the presence of a different transporter of agmatine in RBM. In this type of mitochondria, the extent of initial binding and total accumulation is higher and lower, respectively, than that in liver; saturation kinetics and the flux-voltage relationship also exhibit different trends, whereas idazoxan and putrescine, ineffective in RLM, act as inhibitors. The characteristics of agmatine uptake in RBM lead to the conclusion that its transporter is a channel with two asymmetric energy barriers, showing some characteristics similar to those of the imidazoline receptor I(2) and the sharing with the polyamine transporter.
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Arndt MA, Battaglia V, Parisi E, Lortie MJ, Isome M, Baskerville C, Pizzo DP, Ientile R, Colombatto S, Toninello A, Satriano J. The arginine metabolite agmatine protects mitochondrial function and confers resistance to cellular apoptosis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2009; 296:C1411-9. [PMID: 19321739 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00529.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine, an endogenous metabolite of arginine, selectively suppresses growth in cells with high proliferative kinetics, such as transformed cells, through depletion of intracellular polyamine levels. In the present study, we depleted intracellular polyamine content with agmatine to determine if attrition by cell death contributes to the growth-suppressive effects. We did not observe an increase in necrosis, DNA fragmentation, or chromatin condensation in Ha-Ras-transformed NIH-3T3 cells administered agmatine. In response to Ca(2+)-induced oxidative stress in kidney mitochondrial preparations, agmatine demonstrated attributes of a free radical scavenger by protecting against the oxidation of sulfhydryl groups and decreasing hydrogen peroxide content. The functional outcome was a protective effect against Ca(2+)-induced mitochondrial swelling and mitochondrial membrane potential collapse. We also observed decreased expression of proapoptotic Bcl-2 family members and of execution caspase-3, implying antiapoptotic potential. Indeed, we found that apoptosis induced by camptothecin or 5-fluorourocil was attenuated in cells administered agmatine. Agmatine may offer an alternative to the ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor difluoromethyl ornithine for depletion of intracellular polyamine content while avoiding the complications of increasing polyamine import and reducing the intracellular free radical scavenger capacity of polyamines. Depletion of intracellular polyamine content with agmatine suppressed cell growth, yet its antioxidant capacity afforded protection from mitochondrial insult and resistance to cellular apoptosis. These results could explain the beneficial outcomes observed with agmatine in models of injury and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ann Arndt
- Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
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Novel agmatine analogue, γ-guanidinooxypropylamine (GAPA) efficiently inhibits proliferation of Leishmania donovani by depletion of intracellular polyamine levels. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 375:168-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.07.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2008] [Accepted: 07/31/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Isome M, Lortie MJ, Murakami Y, Parisi E, Matsufuji S, Satriano J. The antiproliferative effects of agmatine correlate with the rate of cellular proliferation. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2007; 293:C705-11. [PMID: 17475661 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00084.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Polyamines are small cationic molecules required for cellular proliferation. Agmatine is a biogenic amine unique in its capacity to arrest proliferation in cell lines by depleting intracellular polyamine levels. We previously demonstrated that agmatine enters mammalian cells via the polyamine transport system. As polyamine transport is positively correlated with the rate of cellular proliferation, the current study examines the antiproliferative effects of agmatine on cells with varying proliferative kinetics. Herein, we evaluate agmatine transport, intracellular accumulation, and its effects on antizyme expression and cellular proliferation in nontransformed cell lines and their transformed variants. H-ras- and Src-transformed murine NIH/3T3 cells (Ras/3T3 and Src/3T3, respectively) that were exposed to exogenous agmatine exhibit increased uptake and intracellular accumulation relative to the parental NIH/3T3 cell line. Similar increases were obtained for human primary foreskin fibroblasts relative to a human fibrosarcoma cell line, HT1080. Agmatine increases expression of antizyme, a protein that inhibits polyamine biosynthesis and transport. Ras/3T3 and Src/3T3 cells demonstrated augmented increases in antizyme protein expression relative to NIH/3T3 in response to agmatine. All transformed cell lines were significantly more sensitive to the antiproliferative effects of agmatine than nontransformed lines. These effects were attenuated in the presence of exogenous polyamines or inhibitors of polyamine transport. In conclusion, the antiproliferative effects of agmatine preferentially target transformed cell lines due to the increased agmatine uptake exhibited by cells with short cycling times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Isome
- University of California San Diego and Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
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Grillo MA, Battaglia V, Colombatto S, Rossi CA, Simonian AR, Salvi M, Khomutov AR, Toninello A. Inhibition of agmatine transport in liver mitochondria by new charge-deficient agmatine analogues. Biochem Soc Trans 2007; 35:401-4. [PMID: 17371286 DOI: 10.1042/bst0350401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The charge of the agmatine analogues AO-Agm [N-(3-aminooxypropyl)guanidine], GAPA [N-(3-aminopropoxy)guanidine] and NGPG [N-(3-guanidinopropoxy)guanidine] is deficient as compared with that of agmatine and they are thus able to inhibit agmatine transport in liver mitochondria. The presence of the guanidine group is essential for an optimal effect, since AO-Agm and NGPG display competitive inhibition, whereas that of GAPA is non-competitive. NGPG is the most effective inhibitor (Ki=0.86 mM). The sequence in the inhibitory efficacy is not directly dependent on the degree of protonation of the molecules; in fact NGPG has almost the same charge as GAPA. When the importance of the guanidine group for agmatine uptake is taken into account, this observation suggests that the agmatine transporter is a single-binding, centre-gated pore rather than a channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Grillo
- Department of Medicine and Experimental Oncology, University of Turin, Italy
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Battaglia V, Rossi CA, Colombatto S, Grillo MA, Toninello A. Different behavior of agmatine in liver mitochondria: inducer of oxidative stress or scavenger of reactive oxygen species? BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2007; 1768:1147-53. [PMID: 17316555 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2007.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2006] [Revised: 12/14/2006] [Accepted: 01/16/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine, at concentrations of 10 microM or 100 microM, is able to induce oxidative stress in rat liver mitochondria (RLM), as evidenced by increased oxygen uptake, H(2)O(2) generation, and oxidation of sulfhydryl groups and glutathione. One proposal for the production of H(2)O(2) and, most probably, other reactive oxygen species (ROS), is that they are the reaction products of agmatine oxidation by an unknown mitochondrial amine oxidase. Alternatively, by interacting with an iron-sulfur center of the respiratory chain, agmatine can produce an imino radical and subsequently the superoxide anion and other ROS. The observed oxidative stress causes a drop in ATP synthesis and amplification of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) induced by Ca(2+). Instead, 1 mM agmatine generates larger amounts of H(2)O(2) than the lower concentrations, but does not affect RLM respiration or redox levels of thiols and glutathione. Indeed, it maintains the normal level of ATP synthesis and prevents Ca(2+)-induced MPT in the presence of phosphate. The self-scavenging effect against ROS production by agmatine at higher concentrations is also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Battaglia
- Dipartimento di Chimica Biologica, Università di Padova, Istituto di Neuroscienze del CNR, Padova, Italy
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Yarlett N, Waters WR, Harp JA, Wannemuehler MJ, Morada M, Bellcastro J, Upton SJ, Marton LJ, Frydman BJ. Activities of DL-alpha-difluoromethylarginine and polyamine analogues against Cryptosporidium parvum infection in a T-cell receptor alpha-deficient mouse model. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2007; 51:1234-9. [PMID: 17242149 PMCID: PMC1855503 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01040-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The in vivo effectiveness of a series of conformationally restricted polyamine analogues alone and selected members in combination with DL-alpha-difluoromethylarginine against Cryptosporidium parvum infection in a T-cell receptor alpha-deficient mouse model was tested. Polyamine analogues were selected from the extended bis(ethyl)-sym-homospermidine or bis(ethyl)-spermine backbone having cis or trans double bonds at the center of the molecule. The cis isomers were found to have significantly greater efficacy in both preventing and curing infection in a mouse model than the trans polyamine analogues when tested in a T-cell receptor alpha-deficient mouse model. When tested in combination with DL-alpha-difluoromethylarginine, the cis-restricted analogues were found to be more effective in preventing oocyst shedding. This study demonstrates the potential of polyamine analogues as anticryptosporidial agents and highlights the presence of multiple points in polyamine synthesis by this parasite that are susceptible to inhibition resulting in growth inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Yarlett
- Haskins Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Pace University, 41 Park Row, New York, NY 10038, USA.
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27
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Nikolic J, Stojanovic I, Pavlovic R, Sokolovic D, Bjelakovic G, Beninati S. The role of L-arginine in toxic liver failure: interrelation of arginase, polyamine catabolic enzymes and nitric oxide synthase. Amino Acids 2007; 32:127-31. [PMID: 16699819 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-006-0309-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2005] [Accepted: 03/02/2006] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The existing interrelation in metabolic pathways of L-arginine to polyamines, nitric oxide (NO) and urea synthesis could be affected in sepsis, inflammation, intoxication and other conditions. The role of polyamines and NO in the toxic effect of mercury chloride on rat liver function was studied. Administration of mercury chloride for 24 h led to significantly elevated plasma activities of Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate transaminase (AST). Malondyaldehyde (MDA) levels were unaffected (p > 0.05) and arginase activity was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) while nitrate/nitrite production was significantly elevated (p < 0.001) in liver tissue. Polyamine oxidase (PAO) and diamine oxidase (DAO) activities, enzymes involved in catabolism of polyamines, were decreased. L-arginine supplementation to intoxicated rats potentiated the effect of mercury chloride on NO production and it was ineffective on arginase activity. Results obtained in this study show that mercury chloride-induced toxicity leads to abnormally high levels of ALT and AST that may indicate liver damage with the involvement of polyamine catabolic enzymes and NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Nikolic
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia and Montenegro.
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28
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Salvi M, Battaglia V, Mancon M, Colombatto S, Cravanzola C, Calheiros R, Marques M, Grillo M, Toninello A. Agmatine is transported into liver mitochondria by a specific electrophoretic mechanism. Biochem J 2006; 396:337-45. [PMID: 16509824 PMCID: PMC1462718 DOI: 10.1042/bj20060003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine, a divalent diamine with two positive charges at physiological pH, is transported into the matrix of liver mitochondria by an energy-dependent mechanism the driving force of which is DeltaPsi (electrical membrane potential). Although this process showed strict electrophoretic behaviour, qualitatively similar to that of polyamines, agmatine is most probably transported by a specific uniporter. Shared transport with polyamines by means of their transporter is excluded, as divalent putrescine and cadaverine are ineffective in inhibiting agmatine uptake. Indeed, the use of the electroneutral transporter of basic amino acids can also be discarded as ornithine, arginine and lysine are completely ineffective at inducing the inhibition of agmatine uptake. The involvement of the monoamine transporter or the existence of a leak pathway are also unlikely. Flux-voltage analysis and the determination of activation enthalpy, which is dependent upon the valence of agmatine, are consistent with the hypothesis that the mitochondrial agmatine transporter is a channel or a single-binding centre-gated pore. The transport of agmatine was non-competitively inhibited by propargylamines, in particular clorgilyne, that are known to be inhibitors of MAO (monoamine oxidase). However, agmatine is normally transported in mitoplasts, thus excluding the involvement of MAO in this process. The I2 imidazoline receptor, which binds agmatine to the mitochondrial membrane, can also be excluded as a possible transporter since its inhibitor, idazoxan, was ineffective at inducing the inhibition of agmatine uptake. Scatchard analysis of membrane binding revealed two types of binding site, S1 and S2, both with mono-co-ordination, and exhibiting high-capacity and low-affinity binding for agmatine compared with polyamines. Agmatine transport in liver mitochondria may be of physiological importance as an indirect regulatory system of cytochrome c oxidase activity and as an inducer mechanism of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Salvi
- *Dipartimento di Chimica Biologica, Università di Padova, Istituto di Neuroscienze del C.N.R., Unità per lo studio delle Biomembrane, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Battaglia
- *Dipartimento di Chimica Biologica, Università di Padova, Istituto di Neuroscienze del C.N.R., Unità per lo studio delle Biomembrane, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Mario Mancon
- *Dipartimento di Chimica Biologica, Università di Padova, Istituto di Neuroscienze del C.N.R., Unità per lo studio delle Biomembrane, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Colombatto
- †Dipartimento di Medicina e Oncologia Sperimentale, Sezione di Biochimica, Università di Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Carlo Cravanzola
- †Dipartimento di Medicina e Oncologia Sperimentale, Sezione di Biochimica, Università di Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Rita Calheiros
- ‡Unidade de Quimica-Fisica Molecular, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria P. M. Marques
- ‡Unidade de Quimica-Fisica Molecular, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria A. Grillo
- †Dipartimento di Medicina e Oncologia Sperimentale, Sezione di Biochimica, Università di Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Antonio Toninello
- *Dipartimento di Chimica Biologica, Università di Padova, Istituto di Neuroscienze del C.N.R., Unità per lo studio delle Biomembrane, 35121 Padova, Italy
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (email )
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29
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Mayeur C, Veuillet G, Michaud M, Raul F, Blottière HM, Blachier F. Effects of agmatine accumulation in human colon carcinoma cells on polyamine metabolism, DNA synthesis and the cell cycle. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2005; 1745:111-23. [PMID: 16085059 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2004.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2004] [Revised: 12/17/2004] [Accepted: 12/20/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Putrescine, spermidine and spermine are low molecular polycations that play important roles in cell growth and cell cycle progression of normal and malignant cells. Agmatine (1-amino-4-guanidobutane), another polyamine formed through arginine decarboxylation, has been reported to act as an antiproliferative agent in several non-intestinal mammalian cell models. Using the human colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 Glc(-/+) cell line, we demonstrate that agmatine, which markedly accumulated inside the cells without being metabolised, exerted a strong cytostatic effect with an IC50 close to 2 mM. Agmatine decreased the rate of L-ornithine decarboxylation and induced a 70% down-regulation of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) expression. Agmatine caused a marked decrease in putrescine and spermidine cell contents, an increase in the N1-acetylspermidine level without altering the spermine pool. We show that agmatine induced the accumulation of cells in the S and G2/M phases, reduced the rate of DNA synthesis and decreased cyclin A and B1 expression. We conclude that the anti-metabolic action of agmatine on HT-29 cells is mediated by a reduction in polyamine biosynthesis and induction in polyamine degradation. The decrease in intracellular polyamine contents, the reduced rate of DNA synthesis and the cell accumulation in the S phase are discussed from a causal perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Mayeur
- Unité de Nutrition et Sécurité alimentaire, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
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30
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Reguera RM, Tekwani BL, Balaña-Fouce R. Polyamine transport in parasites: a potential target for new antiparasitic drug development. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2005; 140:151-64. [PMID: 15907761 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2005.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2004] [Revised: 02/07/2005] [Accepted: 02/08/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The metabolism of the naturally occurring polyamines-putrescine, spermidine and spermine-is a highly integrated system involving biosynthesis, uptake, degradation and interconversion. Metabolic differences in polyamine metabolism have long been considered to be a potential target to arrest proliferative processes ranging from cancer to microbial and parasitic diseases. Despite the early success of polyamine inhibitors such as alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) in treating the latter stages of African sleeping sickness, in which the central nervous system is affected, they proved to be ineffective in checking other major diseases caused by parasitic protozoa, such as Chagas' disease, leishmaniasis or malaria. In the use and design of new polyamine-based inhibitors, account must be taken of the presence of up-regulated polyamine transporters in the plasma membrane of the infectious agent that are able to circumvent the effect of the drug by providing the parasite with polyamines from the host. This review contains information on the polyamine requirements and molecular, biochemical and genetic characterization of different transport mechanisms in the parasitic agents responsible for a number of the deadly diseases that afflict underdeveloped and developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa María Reguera
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (INTOXCAL), University of Leon, Campus de Vegazana (s/n) 24071 Leon, Spain
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31
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Coleman CS, Hu G, Pegg AE. Putrescine biosynthesis in mammalian tissues. Biochem J 2004; 379:849-55. [PMID: 14763899 PMCID: PMC1224126 DOI: 10.1042/bj20040035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2004] [Revised: 02/02/2004] [Accepted: 02/06/2004] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
L-ornithine decarboxylase provides de novo putrescine biosynthesis in mammals. Alternative pathways to generate putrescine that involve ADC (L-arginine decarboxylase) occur in non-mammalian organisms. It has been suggested that an ADC-mediated pathway may generate putrescine via agmatine in mammalian tissues. Published evidence for a mammalian ADC is based on (i) assays using mitochondrial extracts showing production of 14CO2 from [1-14C]arginine and (ii) cloned cDNA sequences that have been claimed to represent ADC. We have reinvestigated this evidence and were unable to find any evidence supporting a mammalian ADC. Mitochondrial extracts prepared from freshly isolated rodent liver and kidney using a metrizamide/Percoll density gradient were assayed for ADC activity using L-[U-14C]-arginine in the presence or absence of arginine metabolic pathway inhibitors. Although 14CO2 was produced in substantial amounts, no labelled agmatine or putrescine was detected. [14C]Agmatine added to liver extracts was not degraded significantly indicating that any agmatine derived from a putative ADC activity was not lost due to further metabolism. Extensive searches of current genome databases using non-mammalian ADC sequences did not identify a viable candidate ADC gene. One of the putative mammalian ADC sequences appears to be derived from bacteria and the other lacks several residues that are essential for decarboxylase activity. These results indicate that 14CO2 release from [1-14C]arginine is not adequate evidence for a mammalian ADC. Although agmatine is a known constituent of mammalian cells, it can be transported from the diet. Therefore L-ornithine decarboxylase remains the only established route for de novo putrescine biosynthesis in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Coleman
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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32
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Molderings GJ, Kribben B, Heinen A, Schröder D, Brüss M, Göthert M. Intestinal tumor and agmatine (decarboxylated arginine): low content in colon carcinoma tissue specimens and inhibitory effect on tumor cell proliferation in vitro. Cancer 2004; 101:858-68. [PMID: 15305420 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.20407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The polyamine system is a promising target for anticancer therapy. Ideally, an antineoplastic compound affecting this system should inhibit both ornithine decarboxylase and the polyamine transporter, and toxicity should be mild. Agmatine, decarboxylated L-arginine, appears to be such a compound. METHODS Adenosine triphosphate levels and the protein content of cell populations in culture were identified as surrogate markers for cell count. Agmatine content in cells and tissue specimens was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Antizyme levels were estimated by Western blotting. RESULTS Agmatine inhibited the proliferation of six human intestinal tumor cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner; this inhibition probably was attributable to an interaction between agmatine and the intracellular polyamine system. Consistent with the inverse relation between cell proliferation and agmatine concentration was the finding that agmatine content in human colon carcinoma tissue was approximately one-half as great as it was in adjacent macroscopically normal tissue. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study were compatible with the hypothesis that agmatine possesses antineoplastic action against intestinal tumor cells. It is likely that this activity is attributable to agmatine's regulatory role in polyamine homeostasis.
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Abstract
Agmatine is a metabolite of L-arginine. It is formed by the decarboxylation of L-arginine via arginine decarboxylase in bacteria, plants and mammals. It is becoming clear that it has multiple physiological functions as a potential transmitter. Agmatine binds to alpha2-adrenoceptors and to imidazoline binding sites. It blocks NMDA receptors and other ligand-gated cation channels. It also inhibits nitric oxide synthase, induces release of peptide hormones and antizyme and plays a role during cell proliferation by interacting with the generation and transport of polyamines. Although the precise function of endogenously released agmatine is presently still unclear, this review will summarize several aspects concerning the biological function of agmatine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Berkels
- Institut für Pharmakologie, Klinikum der Universität zu Köln, Gleueler Str. 24, D-50931 Köln, Germany.
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34
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Gardini G, Cravanzola C, Autelli R, Testore G, Cesa R, Morando L, Solinas SP, Muzio G, Grillo MA, Colombatto S. Agmatine inhibits the proliferation of rat hepatoma cells by modulation of polyamine metabolism. J Hepatol 2003; 39:793-9. [PMID: 14568263 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(03)00386-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Previous experiments have shown that agmatine, the product of arginine decarboxylase, is transported in competition with putrescine into quiescent rat hepatocytes, where it promotes several effects, including marked decrease of intracellular polyamines and induction of apoptosis. The primary aim of the present study was to assess the action of agmatine on transformed and proliferating hepatic rat cells. METHODS To assess the effect of agmatine on hepatoma cells, analysis by flow cytometry, Western blotting, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence detection of beta-actin and alpha-tubulin were performed. RESULTS The results showed that agmatine has antiproliferative effects on the cell lines studied (HTC, JM2, HepG2). Further experiments were performed on HTC cells. The effect was proportional to agmatine concentration (in a range between 50 and 500 microM). It was not correlated with induction of necrosis or apoptosis and was accompanied by accumulation in G(2)/M cell cycle phase and by dramatic modification of cell morphology. Spermidine reversed these effects, suggesting that the marked decrease of the polyamine pool is the main target of agmatine . CONCLUSIONS The results obtained show a relationship between the decrease of intracellular polyamine content, the rate of cell growth and the cytoskeleton organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gardini
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Oncologia Sperimentale, Sezione di Biochimica, Università di Torino, Via Michelangelo 27, 10126 Turin, Italy
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35
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Medina MA, Urdiales JL, Rodríguez-Caso C, Ramírez FJ, Sánchez-Jiménez F. Biogenic amines and polyamines: similar biochemistry for different physiological missions and biomedical applications. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2003; 38:23-59. [PMID: 12641342 DOI: 10.1080/713609209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Biogenic amines are organic polycations derived from aromatic or cationic amino acids. All of them have one or more positive charges and a hydrophobic skeleton. Nature has evolved these molecules to play different physiological roles in mammals, but maintains similar patterns for their metabolic and intracellular handling. As deduced from this review, many questions still remain to be solved around their biochemistry and molecular biology, blocking our aims to control the relevant pathologies in which they are involved (cancer and immunological, neurological, and gastrointestinal diseases). Advances in this knowledge are dispersed among groups working on different biomedical areas. In these pages, we put together the most relevant information to remark how fruitful it can be to learn from Nature and to take advantage of the biochemical similarities (key protein structures and their regulation data on metabolic interplays and binding properties) to generate new hypothesis and develop different biomedical strategies based on biochemistry and molecular biology of these compounds.
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36
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Aubel C, Chabanon H, Carraro V, Wallace HM, Brachet P. Expression of spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase in HeLa cells is regulated by amino acid sufficiency. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2003; 35:1388-98. [PMID: 12798351 DOI: 10.1016/s1357-2725(03)00098-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The effect of amino acids on the regulation of the expression of spermidine/spermine N(1)-acetyltransferase (SSAT), the key enzyme of polyamine catabolism, was studied in HeLa cells. When compared with similar exposure to complete medium, deprivation of arginine, methionine or leucine gave rise to a time-dependent, slowly reversible increase in the cellular level of SSAT mRNA that started to be significant after 8, 12 or 16h and reached four-, five- and two-fold after 16h, respectively. Experiments utilizing (i) constructs containing fragments of the SSAT promoter linked to a luciferase reporter gene or (ii) actinomycin D (Act-D)-treated cells indicated that the increase in the SSAT mRNA level was due to an augmentation in gene transcription and message stability after omission of one of the polyamine precursor amino acids. By contrast, SSAT mRNA stabilisation was only observed when leucine was the omitted amino acid. Amino acid deprivation was also found to cause increased intracellular activity of SSAT concurrent with changes in the cell polyamine content, namely increased putrescine but decreased spermine levels. Furthermore, stable expression of a dominant negative mutant of stress-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (SAPK/ERK) kinase 1 in HeLa cells was found to inhibit the increase in SSAT mRNA by amino acid deprivation. The data suggest that c-Jun N-terminal kinase/SAPK (JNK/SAPK) may be involved in the amino acid-dependent regulation of SSAT expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Aubel
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine d'Auvergne, Theix, 63122 Saint-Genès Champanelle, France
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37
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Heinen A, Brüss M, Bönisch H, Göthert M, Molderings GJ. Pharmacological characteristics of the specific transporter for the endogenous cell growth inhibitor agmatine in six tumor cell lines. Int J Colorectal Dis 2003; 18:314-9. [PMID: 12774246 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-002-0466-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2002] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS This study examined agmatine transport into six human intestinal tumor cell lines and compared the pharmacological properties of this transporter with those of the agmatine carrier previously characterized in human glioblastoma cells. METHODS Carrier-mediated uptake was determined as specific accumulation of [(14)C]agmatine in the cells. The changes in intracellular agmatine concentration in the tumor cells after 24 h incubation with 1 mM agmatine was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS Specific [(14)C]agmatine accumulation was found in the six human intestinal tumor cell lines Caco2, Cx1, Colo320, HT29, Colo205E, and SW480. Specific [(14)C]agmatine accumulation was inhibited by phentolamine, putrescine, spermine, clonidine, and decynium-22 but not by corticosterone, O-methylisoprenaline, or l-carnitine. Incubation with exogenous agmatine for 24 h increased intracellular agmatine content in all cell lines by a multiple of the basal endogenous content. Transfection of HEK293 cells with cDNA encoding either hOCT1, hOCT2, or hOCT3 did not enhance [(14)C]agmatine accumulation compared to nontransfected cells. CONCLUSION All intestinal tumor cell lines investigated express a functional specific agmatine transporter which exhibit pharmacological characteristics similar to those of the agmatine transporter in glioblastoma cells. This agmatine carrier is not identical with any so far known organic cation transport system.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Heinen
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Bonn, Reuterstrasse 2b, 53113, Bonn, Germany
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38
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Bence AK, Worthen DR, Stables JP, Crooks PA. An in vivo evaluation of the antiseizure activity and acute neurotoxicity of agmatine. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2003; 74:771-5. [PMID: 12543244 DOI: 10.1016/s0091-3057(02)01079-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine, an endogenous cationic amine, exerts a wide range of biological effects, including modulation of glutamate-activated N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function in the central nervous system (CNS). Since glutamate and the NMDA receptor have been implicated in the initiation and spread of seizure activity, the capacity of agmatine to inhibit seizure spread was evaluated in vivo. Orally administered agmatine (30 mg/kg) protected against maximal electroshock seizure (MES)-induced seizure spread in rats as rapidly as 15 min and for as long as 6 h after administration. Inhibition of MES-induced seizure spread was also observed when agmatine was administered intraperitoneally. Agmatine's antiseizure activity did not appear to be dose-dependent. An in vivo neurotoxicity screen indicated that agmatine was devoid of any acute neurological toxicity at the doses tested. These preliminary data suggest that agmatine has promising anticonvulsant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee K Bence
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0082, USA
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39
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Dudkowska M, Lai J, Gardini G, Stachurska A, Grzelakowska-Sztabert B, Colombatto S, Manteuffel-Cymborowska M. Agmatine modulates the in vivo biosynthesis and interconversion of polyamines and cell proliferation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2003; 1619:159-66. [PMID: 12527112 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4165(02)00476-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine has recently gained wide interest as a bioactive arginine metabolite with a multitude of physiological functions. This study evaluates the in vivo role of agmatine in the modulation of metabolism and intracellular level of polyamines. Here, we report that agmatine, administered to mice, differentially affects the renal and liver activity of the two key enzymes regulating polyamine biosynthesis and interconversion/degradation. Thus, agmatine exerts a negative regulation of ODC activity and protein content, and positive regulation of SSAT activity, having no effect on ODC and SSAT transcript level. Agmatine modulation of ODC and SSAT activities is noticeably augmented by the inhibitor of its catabolism, aminoguanidine. Antizyme and eIF4E protein content appears to be affected by agmatine only insignificantly and apparently do not contribute to agmatine-induced down-regulation of ODC content. The homeostasis of spermidine and spermine is preserved after agmatine injection, while the putrescine level decreases. Furthermore, when tested in a mouse kidney injury model, agmatine, partially but significantly, reduces [3H] thymidine incorporation into DNA. This is consistent with suppressed renal tubule epithelial cell proliferation. The findings provide in vivo evidence of a substantial role of agmatine as a modulator of polyamine biosynthesis and degradation and suggest its suppressive effect on cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Dudkowska
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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40
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Abstract
Arginine decarboxylase (ADC) and agmatinase are part of an operon in Escherichia coli, which constitutes the primary pathway of polyamine synthesis from arginine. This pathway is also known to exist in plants, but until recently, neither agmatine nor ADC, the enzyme that synthesizes it, nor agmatinase the enzyme that is responsible for conversion of agmatine to putrescine, were known to exist in man or other mammals. We describe here the cloning of the agmatinase gene and the tissue distribution of its transcription product. Human agmatinase contains 352 amino acid residues and has a calculated molecular weight of 37,688 kDa. It has 56% similarity to E. coli agmatinase and 42% similarity to human arginases I and II and shares highly conserved substrate-binding domains with these well-characterized enzymes.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Blotting, Northern
- Cloning, Molecular
- DNA, Complementary/chemistry
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- Escherichia coli/genetics
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Molecular Sequence Data
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Recombinant Proteins/metabolism
- Sequence Alignment
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Urea/metabolism
- Ureohydrolases/genetics
- Ureohydrolases/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramaswamy K Iyer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90095-1732, USA.
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41
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Bordin L, Vargiu C, Clari G, Brunati AM, Colombatto S, Salvi M, Grillo MA, Toninello A. Phosphorylation of recombinant human spermidine/spermine N(1)-acetyltransferase by CK1 and modulation of its binding to mitochondria: a comparison with CK2. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2002; 290:463-8. [PMID: 11779193 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.6204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cytosolic spermidine/spermine acetyltransferase (SSAT) catalyzes the acetylation of the N(1)-propylamino groups of spermine and spermidine. The enzyme has a very short half-life and is rapidly induced by various stimuli. Once acetylated, these polyamines are subjected to the action of polyamine oxidase, which, besides initiating polyamine catabolism, may produce reactive oxygen species that in turn trigger modifications in subcellular compartments such as mitochondria. The present work evaluates the ability of the cAMP-independent Ser/Thr-protein kinase CK1 to phosphorylate SSAT. Results demonstrate that SSAT is phosphorylated by CK1, in sites distinct from those phosphorylated by CK2. Moreover, both phosphorylation processes are involved in the uptake of SSAT into rat liver mitochondria. Although CK2 is less effective than CK1 in phosphorylating SSAT, CK2 phosphorylation is much more powerful in preventing binding of SSAT to mitochondrial structures. These results suggest the involvement of CK1- and CK2-mediated SSAT phosphorylation in regulating the contents of polyamines and SSAT itself within subcellular compartments and implicate SSAT and polyamines as indirect modulators of progression through the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Bordin
- Dipartimento di Chimica Biologica, Università di Padova, Via G. Colombo 3, 35121 Padua, Italy
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42
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Satriano J, Schwartz D, Ishizuka S, Lortie MJ, Thomson SC, Gabbai F, Kelly CJ, Blantz RC. Suppression of inducible nitric oxide generation by agmatine aldehyde: beneficial effects in sepsis. J Cell Physiol 2001; 188:313-20. [PMID: 11473357 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.1119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) serves an important immuno-protective function in inflammatory states, but ungoverned nitric oxide (NO) generation can contribute to a number of pathologic consequences. Delineation of the mechanisms that can downregulate iNOS-generated NO in inflammation could have therapeutic relevance. Here we show that agmatine, a metabolite of arginine, inhibits iNOS mediated nitric oxide generation in cytokine stimulated cell culture preparations. This effect was not cell type specific. Increased diamine oxidase (DAO) and decreased aldehyde dehydrogenase (AldDH) activities are also representative of inflammatory settings. Increasing the conversion of agmatine to an aldehyde form by addition of purified DAO or suppression of aldehyde breakdown by inhibition of AldDH activity increases the inhibitory effects of agmatine in an additive fashion. Inhibitors of DAO, but not monoamine oxidase (MAO), decreased the inhibitory effects of agmatine, as did the addition of AldDH or reacting aldehydes with phenylhydrazine. We examined rats given lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to evaluate the potential effects of agmatine in vivo. Endotoxic rats administered agmatine prevented the decreases in blood pressure and renal function normally associated with sepsis. Agmatine treatment also increased the survival of LPS treated mice. Our data demonstrate the capacity of agmatine aldehyde to suppress iNOS mediated NO generation, and indicate a protective function of agmatine in a model of endotoxic shock. How agmatine may aid in coordinating the early NO phase and the later repair phase responses in models of inflammation is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Satriano
- Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego 92161, USA.
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43
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Abstract
The biochemistry and physiology of L-arginine have to be reconsidered in the light of the recent discovery that the amino acid is the only substrate of all isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Generation of nitric oxide, NO, a versatile molecule in signaling processes and unspecific immune defense, is intertwined with synthesis, catabolism and transport of arginine which thus ultimately participates in the regulation of a fine-tuned balance between normal and pathophysiological consequences of NO production. The complex composition of the brain at the cellular level is reflected in a complex differential distribution of the enzymes of arginine metabolism. Argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) and argininosuccinate lyase which together can recycle the NOS coproduct L-citrulline to L-arginine are expressed constitutively in neurons, but hardly colocalize with each other or with NOS in the same neuron. Therefore, trafficking of citrulline and arginine between neurons necessitates transport capacities in these cells which are fulfilled by well-described carriers for cationic and neutral amino acids. The mechanism of intercellular exchange of argininosuccinate, a prerequisite also for its proposed function as a neuromodulator, remains to be elucidated. In cultured astrocytes transcription and protein expression of arginine transport system y(+) and of ASS are upregulated concomittantly with immunostimulant-mediated induction of NOS-2. In vivo ASS-immunoreactivity was found in microglial cells in a rat model of brain inflammation and in neurons and glial cells in the brains of Alzheimer patients. Any attempt to estimate the contributions of arginine transport and synthesis to substrate supply for NOS has to consider competition for arginine between NOS and arginase, the latter enzyme being expressed as mitochondrial isoform II in nervous tissue. Generation of NOS inhibitors agmatine and methylarginines is documented for the nervous system. Suboptimal supply of NOS with arginine leads to production of detrimental peroxynitrite which may result in neuronal cell death. Data have been gathered recently which point to a particular role of astrocytes in neural arginine metabolism. Arginine appears to be accumulated in astroglial cells and can be released after stimulation with a variety of signals. It is proposed that an intercellular citrulline-NO cycle is operating in brain with astrocytes storing arginine for the benefit of neighbouring cells in need of the amino acid for a proper synthesis of NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Wiesinger
- Physiologisch-Chemisches Institut der Universität, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 4, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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44
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Satriano J, Isome M, Casero RA, Thomson SC, Blantz RC. Polyamine transport system mediates agmatine transport in mammalian cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2001; 281:C329-34. [PMID: 11401856 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.2001.281.1.c329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine is a biogenic amine with the capacity to regulate a number of nonreceptor-mediated functions in mammalian cells, including intracellular polyamine content and nitric oxide generation. We observed avid incorporation of agmatine into several mammalian cell lines and herein characterize agmatine transport in mammalian cells. In transformed NIH/3T3 cells, agmatine uptake is energy dependent with a saturable component indicative of carrier-mediated transport. Transport displays an apparent Michaelis-Menten constant of 2.5 microM and a maximal velocity of 280 pmol x min(-1) x mg(-1) protein and requires a membrane potential across the plasma membrane for uptake. Competition with polyamines, but not cationic molecules that utilize the y+ system transporter, suppresses agmatine uptake. Altering polyamine transporter activity results in parallel changes in polyamine and agmatine uptake. Furthermore, agmatine uptake is abrogated in a polyamine transport-deficient human carcinoma cell line. These lines of evidence demonstrate that agmatine utilizes, and is dependent on, the polyamine transporter for cellular uptake. The fact that this transport system is associated with proliferation could be of consequence to the antiproliferative effects of agmatine.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Satriano
- Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, University of California San Diego and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, La Jolla, California 92161, USA.
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45
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Raasch W, Schäfer U, Chun J, Dominiak P. Biological significance of agmatine, an endogenous ligand at imidazoline binding sites. Br J Pharmacol 2001; 133:755-80. [PMID: 11454649 PMCID: PMC1572857 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- W Raasch
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany.
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46
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Cabella C, Gardini G, Corpillo D, Testore G, Bedino S, Solinas SP, Cravanzola C, Vargiu C, Grillo MA, Colombatto S. Transport and metabolism of agmatine in rat hepatocyte cultures. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 2001; 268:940-7. [PMID: 11179960 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.2001.01955.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Rat hepatocytes in culture take up [14C]-agmatine by both a high-affinity transport system [KM = 0.03 mM; Vmax = 30 pmol x min x (mg protein)-1] and a low-affinity system. The high-affinity system also transports putrescine, but not cationic amino acids such as arginine, and the polyamines spermidine and spermine. The rate of agmatine uptake is increased in cells deprived of polyamines with difluoromethylornithine. Of the agmatine taken up, 10% is transformed into polyamines and 50% is transformed into 4-guanidinobutyrate, as demonstrated by HPLC and MS. Inhibition by aminoguanidine and pargyline shows that this is due to diamine oxidase and an aldehyde dehydrogenase. 14C-4-aminobutyrate is also accumulated in the presence of an inhibitor of 4-aminobutyrate transaminase.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cabella
- Sezione di Biochimica, Dipartimento di Medicina e Oncologia Sperimentale, Università di Torino, Italy
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47
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Fajardo I, Urdiales JL, Paz JC, Chavarría T, Sánchez-Jiménez F, Medina MA. Histamine prevents polyamine accumulation in mouse C57.1 mast cell cultures. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 2001; 268:768-73. [PMID: 11168417 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.2001.01930.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The effects of histamine on polyamine uptake and metabolism was studied in a mouse mast cell line (C57.1), as a cell model in which both biogenic amines are important for maintaining cell function and viability. Results obtained after incubations with exogenous histamine indicated that histamine prevents polyamine accumulation by affecting polyamine uptake. A plasma membrane transport system for polyamines has been also studied in mast cells. It seems to be a Na(+)-dependent uptake with high affinity for both spermine and spermidine and lower affinity for putrescine and agmatine. Polyamine uptake was reduced in both cells treated with exogenous histamine and histamine-preloaded cells. However, ornithine decarboxylase activity and cell proliferation were not affected by histamine. Incubation with histamine enhanced the spermidine/spermine acetyl transferase induction caused by N(1)-ethyl-N(11)-[(cyclopropyl)methyl]-4,8-diazaundecane, suggesting that polyamine acetylation could be another mechanism by which histamine prevents polyamine accumulation in C57.1 mast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Fajardo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus of Teatinos, Spain
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48
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del Valle AE, Paz JC, Sánchez-Jiménez F, Medina MA. Agmatine uptake by cultured hamster kidney cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 280:307-11. [PMID: 11162515 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2000.4101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine, the product of arginine decarboxylation, has been recently found in a wide variety of animal tissues. In spite of the emergent interest on agmatine in animals, the mechanism of agmatine uptake in mammalian cells has been scarcely studied. An analysis of radiolabeled agmatine uptake was carried out by using a classical, kinetic approach with BHK-21 hamster kidney cells in culture. A high affinity, temperature- and energy-dependent agmatine transport system in BHK-21 kidney cells is here kinetically characterized which seems to be a "general" transporter shared by di- and triamines and different to a highly specific carrier for the tetraamine spermine.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E del Valle
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
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49
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Lortie MJ, Ishizuka S, Schwartz D, Blantz RC. Bioactive products of arginine in sepsis: tissue and plasma composition after LPS and iNOS blockade. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2000; 278:C1191-9. [PMID: 10837347 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.2000.278.6.c1191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Blockade or gene deletion of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) fails to fully abrogate all the sequelae leading to the high morbidity of septicemia. An increase in substrate uptake may be necessary for the increased production of nitric oxide (NO), but arginine is also a precursor for other bioactive products. Herein, we demonstrate an increase in alternate arginine products via arginine and ornithine decarboxylase in rats given lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The expression of iNOS mRNA in renal tissue was evident 60 but not 30 min post-LPS, yet a rapid decrease in blood pressure was obtained within 30 min that was completely inhibited by selective iNOS blockade. Plasma levels of arginine and ornithine decreased by at least 30% within 60 min of LPS administration, an effect not inhibited by the iNOS blocker L-N(6)(1-iminoethyl)lysine (L-NIL). Significant increases in plasma nitrates and citrulline occurred only 3-4 h post-LPS, an effect blocked by L-NIL pretreatment. The intracellular composition of organs harvested 6 h post-LPS reflected tissue-specific profiles of arginine and related metabolites. Tissue arginine concentration, normally an order of magnitude higher than in plasma, did not decrease after LPS. Pretreatment with L-NIL had a significant impact on the disposition of tissue arginine that was organ specific. These data demonstrate changes in arginine metabolism before and after de novo iNOS activity. Selective blockade of iNOS did not prevent uptake and can deregulate the production of other bioactive arginine metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Lortie
- Division of Nephrology/Hypertension, University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Diego 92161, USA.
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50
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Babál P, Ruchko M, Olson JW, Gillespie MN. Interactions between agmatine and polyamine uptake pathways in rat pulmonary artery endothelial cells. GENERAL PHARMACOLOGY 2000; 34:255-61. [PMID: 11282219 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-3623(00)00072-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine, a product of arginine metabolism in vascular endothelial cells, is structurally similar to the natural polyamines, putrescine, spermidine and spermine. To test the hypothesis that agmatine and polyamines interacted at the level of the polyamine transporter, we determined if polyamines competed with agmatine for import and whether interventions modulating polyamine import exerted coordinate effects on agmatine uptake. Multiple lines of evidence were obtained to suggest that agmatine enters pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) via the polyamine transporter, though its intracellular disposition after uptake appears different from the natural polyamines.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Babál
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
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