1
|
Vartzoka F, Parlantza MA, Tarantilis PA, Pitsikas N. Co-administration of sub-effective doses of the constituents of Crocus sativus L. crocins with those of the antipsychotics clozapine and risperidone counteract memory deficits caused by blockade of the NMDA receptor in rats. Phytother Res 2024; 38:4140-4150. [PMID: 39031890 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Experimental evidence indicates that the noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists ketamine and MK-801 induce schizophrenia-like symptoms in rodents, including cognitive deficits. Crocins are among the active components of the plant Crocus sativus L. and were found to be effective in different models of psychiatric disorders comprising schizophrenia. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the joint administration of sub-effective doses of crocins with those of the atypical antipsychotics clozapine and risperidone in alleviating nonspatial recognition and emotional memory deficits induced either by ketamine (3 mg/kg) or MK-801 (0.1 mg/kg) in the rat. To this end, the object recognition and the step-through passive avoidance tests were used. Co-administration of sub-effective doses of crocins (5 mg/kg) with those of clozapine (0.1 mg/kg) or risperidone (0.03 mg/kg) counteracted nonspatial recognition and emotional memory deficits induced by NMDA receptor antagonists. The current findings suggest that this combinatorial treatment was efficacious in attenuating cognitive impairments related to the blockade of the NMDA receptor. In addition, the present results support the potential of crocins as an adjunctive drug for the therapy of schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Foteini Vartzoka
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria Anastasia Parlantza
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Petros A Tarantilis
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Pitsikas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rashid M, Rashid R, Saroya S, Deverapalli M, Brim H, Ashktorab H. Saffron as a Promising Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Nutrients 2024; 16:2353. [PMID: 39064796 PMCID: PMC11280066 DOI: 10.3390/nu16142353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory illness of the gastrointestinal tract (GI), characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation and tissue destruction. It affects an increasing number of individuals worldwide who suffer from Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). Despite substantial advances in understanding the underlying causes of IBD, the available treatments remain restricted and are sometimes accompanied by severe consequences. Consequently, there is an urgent need to study alternate therapeutic options. This review assesses the present drugs, identifies their limitations, and proposes the use of saffron, a natural plant with great therapeutic potential based on preclinical and clinical investigations. Saffron has gained attention for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating various ailments due to its established bioactive compounds possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review covers how saffron impacts the levels of calprotectin, an inflammatory marker, for various inflammatory responses in multiple diseases including IBD. Data from clinical trials were assessed to determine the efficacy and safety of using saffron to counter inflammation in multiple diseases. Studies have shown that saffron may protect against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through several mechanisms by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), reducing oxidative stress through antioxidant effects, enhancing mucosal barrier function by upregulating tight junction proteins, and modulating the gut microbiota composition to promote beneficial bacteria while suppressing pathogenic ones; these combined actions contribute to its therapeutic potential in managing and alleviating the symptoms of IBD. This will enable future research endeavors and expedite the translation of saffron-based interventions into clinical practice as a valuable adjunctive therapy or a potential alternative to conventional treatments, thereby enhancing the quality of life for individuals suffering from inflammatory diseases including IBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Hassan Ashktorab
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA; (M.R.); (R.R.); (S.S.); (M.D.); (H.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shehata NI, Abd EL-Salam DM, Hussein RM, Rizk SM. Effect of safranal or candesartan on 3-nitropropionicacid-induced biochemical, behavioral and histological alterations in a rat model of Huntington's disease. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293660. [PMID: 37910529 PMCID: PMC10619823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) is a potent mitochondrial inhibitor mycotoxin. Systemic administration of 3-NP can induce Huntington's disease (HD)-like symptoms in experimental animals. Safranal (Safr) that is found in saffron essential oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic actions. Candesartan (Cands) is an angiotensin receptor blocker that has the potential to prevent cognitive deficits. The present study aims to investigate the potential neuroprotective efficacy of Safr or Cands in 3-NP-induced rat model of HD. The experiments continued for nine consecutive days. Rats were randomly assigned into seven groups. The first group (Safr-control) was daily intraperitoneally injected with paraffin oil. The second group (Cands- and 3-NP-control) daily received an oral dose of 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose followed by an intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% saline. The third and fourth groups received a single daily dose of 50 mg/kg Safr (intraperitoneal) and 1 mg/kg Cands (oral), respectively. The sixth group was daily treated with 50 mg Safr kg/day (intraperitoneal) and was intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg 3-NP/ kg, from the 3rd till the 9th day. The seventh group was daily treated with 1 mg Cands /kg/day (oral) and was intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg 3-NP/ kg, from the 3rd till the 9th day. The present results revealed that 3-NP injection induced a considerable body weight loss, impaired memory and locomotor activity, reduced striatal monoamine levels. Furthermore, 3-NP administration remarkably increased striatal malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, whereas markedly decreased the total antioxidant capacity. Moreover, 3-NP significantly upregulated the activities of inducible nitric oxide synthase and caspase-3 as well as the Fas ligand, in striatum. On the contrary, Safr and Cands remarkably alleviated the above-mentioned 3-NP-induced alterations. In conclusion, Safr and Cands may prevent or delay the progression of HD and its associated impairments through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and neuromodulator effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sherine Maher Rizk
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Biochemistry Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu H, Li Y, Zhang Q, Wang H, Xiu W, Xu P, Deng Y, Huang W, Wang DO. Crocetin antagonizes parthanatos in ischemic stroke via inhibiting NOX2 and preserving mitochondrial hexokinase-I. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:50. [PMID: 36681688 PMCID: PMC9867762 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05581-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Parthanatos is one of the major pathways of programmed cell death in ischemic stroke characterized by DNA damage, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) activation, and poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR) formation. Here we demonstrate that crocetin, a natural potent antioxidant compound from Crocus sativus, antagonizes parthanatos in ischemic stroke. We reveal that mechanistically, crocetin inhibits NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) activation to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and PAR production at the early stage of parthanatos. Meanwhile we demonstrate that PARylated hexokinase-I (HK-I) is a novel substrate of E3 ligase RNF146 and that crocetin interacts with HK-I to suppress RNF146-mediated HK-I degradation at the later stage of parthanatos, preventing mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage that ultimately trigger the irreversible cell death. Our study supports further development of crocetin as a potential drug candidate for preventing and/or treating ischemic stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Ying Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Hanxun Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Wenyu Xiu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Pu Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yujie Deng
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510530, China
| | - Wanxu Huang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510700, China.
- State Key Laboratory of New-tech for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, 222001, China.
| | - Dan Ohtan Wang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 2-2-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshida Hon-Machi, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Makaritsis KP, Kotidis C, Papacharalampous K, Kouvaras E, Poulakida E, Tarantilis P, Asprodini E, Ntaios G, Koukoulis GΚ, Dalekos GΝ, Ioannou M. Mechanistic insights on the effect of crocin, an active ingredient of saffron, on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E knockout mice. Coron Artery Dis 2022; 33:394-402. [PMID: 35880561 DOI: 10.1097/mca.0000000000001142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the effect of crocin treatment on atherosclerosis and serum lipids in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice, focusing on the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and hypoxia-induced factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α). METHODS Sixty-two animals were divided into two groups and randomly allocated to crocin (100 mg/kg/day) in drinking water or no crocin. All mice were maintained on standard chow diet containing 5% fat. Crocin was initiated at the 16th week of age and continued for 16 additional weeks. At 32 weeks of age, after blood sampling for plasma lipid determination and euthanasia, proximal aorta was removed and 3 μm sections were used to measure the atherosclerotic area and determine the expression of eNOS and HIF-1α by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Each group consisted of 31 animals (17 males and 14 females in each group). Crocin significantly reduced the atherosclerotic area (mm2 ± SEM) in treated mice compared to controls, both in males (0.0798 ± 0.017 vs. 0.1918 ± 0.028, P < 0.002, respectively) and females (0.0986 ± 0.023 vs. 0.1765 ± 0.025, P < 0.03, respectively). eNOS expression was significantly increased in crocin-treated mice compared to controls, both in males (2.77 ± 0.24 vs. 1.50 ± 0.34, P=0.004, respectively) and females (3.41 ± 0.37 vs. 1.16 ± 0.44, P=0.003, respectively). HIF-1α expression was significantly decreased in crocin-treated mice compared to controls, both in males (21.25 ± 2.14 vs. 156.5 ± 6.67, P < 0.001, respectively) and females (35.3 ± 7.20 vs. 113.3 ± 9.0, P < 0.01, respectively). No difference was noticed in total, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol between treated and control mice. CONCLUSION Crocin reduces atherosclerosis possibly by modulation of eNOS and HIF-1α expression in ApoE-/- mice without affecting plasma cholesterol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos P Makaritsis
- Department of Medicine & Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Charalampos Kotidis
- Department of Medicine & Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
- East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Evangelos Kouvaras
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa
| | - Eirini Poulakida
- Department of Medicine & Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Petros Tarantilis
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, School of Food Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens
| | - Eftichia Asprodini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - George Ntaios
- Department of Medicine & Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - George Κ Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa
| | - George Ν Dalekos
- Department of Medicine & Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria Ioannou
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pinilla I, Maneu V, Campello L, Fernández-Sánchez L, Martínez-Gil N, Kutsyr O, Sánchez-Sáez X, Sánchez-Castillo C, Lax P, Cuenca N. Inherited Retinal Dystrophies: Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Their Physiopathology and Therapeutic Implications. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061086. [PMID: 35739983 PMCID: PMC9219848 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a large group of genetically and clinically heterogeneous diseases characterized by the progressive degeneration of the retina, ultimately leading to loss of visual function. Oxidative stress and inflammation play fundamental roles in the physiopathology of these diseases. Photoreceptor cell death induces an inflammatory state in the retina. The activation of several molecular pathways triggers different cellular responses to injury, including the activation of microglia to eliminate debris and recruit inflammatory cells from circulation. Therapeutical options for IRDs are currently limited, although a small number of patients have been successfully treated by gene therapy. Many other therapeutic strategies are being pursued to mitigate the deleterious effects of IRDs associated with oxidative metabolism and/or inflammation, including inhibiting reactive oxygen species’ accumulation and inflammatory responses, and blocking autophagy. Several compounds are being tested in clinical trials, generating great expectations for their implementation. The present review discusses the main death mechanisms that occur in IRDs and the latest therapies that are under investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Pinilla
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lozano Blesa, University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Surgery, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain;
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (P.L.); (N.C.)
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Laura Campello
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Laura Fernández-Sánchez
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Natalia Martínez-Gil
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Oksana Kutsyr
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Xavier Sánchez-Sáez
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Carla Sánchez-Castillo
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Pedro Lax
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (P.L.); (N.C.)
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (P.L.); (N.C.)
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kadagathur M, Sujat Shaikh A, Panda B, George J, Phanindranath R, Kumar Sigalapalli D, Bhale NA, Godugu C, Nagesh N, Shankaraiah N, Tangellamudi ND. Synthesis of indolo/pyrroloazepinone-oxindoles as potential cytotoxic, DNA-intercalating and Topo I inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2022; 122:105706. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
8
|
Kadoglou NPE, Christodoulou E, Kostomitsopoulos N, Valsami G. The cardiovascular-protective properties of saffron and its potential pharmaceutical applications: A critical appraisal of the literature. Phytother Res 2021; 35:6735-6753. [PMID: 34448254 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Saffron, the dried stigma of Crocus sativus L., is used in traditional medicine for its healing properties and the treatment of various pathological conditions. The present literature review aimed to summarize and evaluate the preclinical and clinical data regarding the protective effects and mechanisms of saffron and its main components (crocin, crocetin, safranal) on cardiovascular risk factors and diseases. Many in vitro and animal studies have been conducted implicating antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-diabetic, and antiinflammatory impact of saffron and its constituents. Notably, there is evidence of direct atherosclerosis regression and stabilization in valid atherosclerosis-prone animal models. However, current clinical trials have shown mostly weak effects of saffron and its constituents on cardiovascular risk factors: (a) Modest lowering of fasting blood glucose, without significant reduction of HbA1c in type 2 diabetic patients, (b) moderate/controversial hypolipidemic effects, (c) negligible hypotensive effect, and (d) inconsistent modification of metabolic syndrome parameters. There are important drawbacks in clinical trial design, including the absence of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic tests, the wide variance of doses and cohorts' characteristics, the small number of patients, the short duration. Therefore, large, properly designed, high-quality clinical trials, focusing on specific conditions are required to evaluate the biological/pharmacological activities and firmly establish the clinical efficacy of saffron and its possible therapeutic uses in cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eirini Christodoulou
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics-Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kostomitsopoulos
- Center of Clinical Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Valsami
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics-Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Crocins, the Bioactive Components of Crocus sativus L., Counteract the Disrupting Effects of Anesthetic Ketamine on Memory in Rats. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26030528. [PMID: 33498440 PMCID: PMC7864164 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26030528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Consistent experimental evidence suggests that anesthetic doses of the non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine cause severe memory impairments in rodents. Crocins are among the various bioactive ingredients of the plant Crocus sativus L., and their implication in memory is well-documented. It has not yet been elucidated if crocins are able to attenuate the memory deficits produced by anesthetic ketamine. The present study was undertaken aiming to clarify this issue in the rat. For this aim, the object recognition, the object location and the habituation tests, reflecting non-spatial recognition memory, spatial recognition memory and associative memory, respectively, were utilized. A post-training challenge with crocins (15–30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.), acutely) counteracted anesthetic ketamine (100 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced performance impairments in all the above-mentioned behavioral memory paradigms. The current findings suggest that crocins modulate anesthetic ketamine’s amnestic effects.
Collapse
|
10
|
The GABA A-Benzodiazepine Receptor Antagonist Flumazenil Abolishes the Anxiolytic Effects of the Active Constituents of Crocus sativus L. Crocins in Rats. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235647. [PMID: 33266149 PMCID: PMC7730330 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety is a chronic severe psychiatric disorder. Crocins are among the various bioactive components of the plant Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) and their implication in anxiety is well-documented. However, which is the mechanism of action underlying the anti-anxiety effects of crocins remains unknown. In this context, it has been suggested that these beneficial effects might be ascribed to the agonistic properties of these bioactive ingredients of saffron on the GABA type A receptor. The current experimentation was undertaken to clarify this issue in the rat. For this research project, the light/dark and the open field tests were used. A single injection of crocins (50 mg/kg, i.p., 60 min before testing) induces an anti-anxiety-like effect revealed either in the light-dark or open field tests. Acute administration of the GABAA-benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil (10 mg/kg, i.p., 30 min before testing) abolished the above mentioned anxiolytic effects of crocins. The current findings suggest a functional interaction between crocins and the GABAA receptor allosteric modulator flumazenil on anxiety.
Collapse
|
11
|
Szczepaniak O, Ligaj M, Kobus-Cisowska J, Tichoniuk M, Dziedziński M, Przeor M, Szulc P. The Genoprotective Role of Naringin. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10050700. [PMID: 32365989 PMCID: PMC7277402 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since ancient times, fruits and edible plants have played a special role in the human diet for enhancing health and maintaining youthfulness. The aim of our work was to determine the interactions between naringin, a natural ingredient of grapefruits, and DNA using an electrochemical biosensor. Electrochemical methods allow analyzing the damages occurring in the structure of nucleic acids and their interactions with xenobiotics. Our study showed that the changes in the location of electrochemical signals and their intensity resulted from the structural alterations in DNA. The signal of adenine was affected at lower concentrations of naringin, but the signal of guanine was unaffected in the same condition. The dynamics of changes occurring in the peak height and surface of adenine related to naringin concentration was also significantly lower. The complete binding of all adenine bases present in the tested double-stranded DNA solution was observed at naringin concentrations ranging from 8.5 to 10.0 µM. At larger concentrations, this active compound exerted an oxidizing effect on DNA. However, the critical concentrations of naringin were found to be more than twice as high as the dose absorbable in an average human (4 µM). The results of our work might be helpful in the construction of electrochemical sensors for testing the content of polyphenols and would allow determining their genoprotective functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Szczepaniak
- Department of Gastronomy Sciences and Functional Foods, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznań, Poland; (J.K.-C.); (M.D.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-61-848-6330
| | - Marta Ligaj
- Department of Industrial Products Quality and Packaging Development, Poznań University of Economics and Business, 61-875 Poznań, Poland; (M.L.); (M.T.)
| | - Joanna Kobus-Cisowska
- Department of Gastronomy Sciences and Functional Foods, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznań, Poland; (J.K.-C.); (M.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Mariusz Tichoniuk
- Department of Industrial Products Quality and Packaging Development, Poznań University of Economics and Business, 61-875 Poznań, Poland; (M.L.); (M.T.)
| | - Marcin Dziedziński
- Department of Gastronomy Sciences and Functional Foods, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznań, Poland; (J.K.-C.); (M.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Monika Przeor
- Department of Gastronomy Sciences and Functional Foods, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznań, Poland; (J.K.-C.); (M.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Piotr Szulc
- Department of Agronomy, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznań, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Antioxidant Saffron and Central Retinal Function in ABCA4-Related Stargardt Macular Dystrophy. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11102461. [PMID: 31618812 PMCID: PMC6835540 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal oxidative damage, associated with an ATP-binding cassette, sub-family A, member 4, also known as ABCA4 gene mutation, has been implicated as a major underlying mechanism for Stargardt disease/fundus flavimaculatus (STG/FF). Recent findings indicate that saffron carotenoid constituents crocins and crocetin may counteract retinal oxidative damage, inflammation and protect retinal cells from apoptosis. This pilot study aimed to evaluate central retinal function following saffron supplementation in STG/FF patients carrying ABCA4 mutations. Methods: in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01278277), 31 patients with ABCA4-related STG/FF and a visual acuity >0.25 were randomly assigned to assume oral saffron (20 mg) or placebo over a six month period and then reverted to P or S for a further six month period. Full ophthalmic examinations, as well as central 18° focal electroretinogram (fERG) recordings, were performed at baseline and after six months of either saffron or placebo. The fERG fundamental harmonic component was isolated by Fourier analysis. Main outcome measures were fERG amplitude (in µV) and phase (in degrees). The secondary outcome measure was visual acuity. Results: supplement was well tolerated by all patients throughout follow-up. After saffron, fERG amplitude was unchanged; after placebo, amplitude tended to decrease from baseline (mean change: −0.18 log µV, p < 0.05). Reverting the treatments, amplitude did not change significantly. fERG phase and visual acuity were unchanged throughout follow-up. Conclusions: short-term saffron supplementation was well tolerated and had no detrimental effects on the electroretinographic responses of the central retina and visual acuity. The current findings warrant further long-term clinical trials to assess the efficacy of saffron supplementation in slowing down the progression of central retinal dysfunction in ABCA4-related STG/FF.
Collapse
|
13
|
Save SS, Rachineni K, Hosur RV, Choudhary S. Natural compound safranal driven inhibition and dis-aggregation of α-synuclein fibrils. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 141:585-595. [PMID: 31505208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.09.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembly of α-synuclein (α-Syn) is linked with a variety of neurodegenerative diseases collectively called as α-synucleiopathies. Therefore, discovering suitable inhibitors for this self-association process of α-Syn is a subject of intense research. In this background, we have demonstrated here that the natural compound, Safranal, delays/inhibits α-Syn fibrillation/aggregation, and we have also characterized its mode of action. The α-Syn fibrillation/aggregation kinetics studies in combination with TEM studies demonstrated that Safranal effectively inhibits α-Syn fibrillation/aggregation. NMR studies revealed that Safranal binds with α-Syn and stabilizes the monomeric protein. ANS fluorescence and CD measurements indicated that Safranal binds to the hydrophobic residues of the protein and causes delay in the formation of β-sheet rich structures which are crucial for the fibrillation to occur. The results obtained from fluorescence quenching, NMR and ANS binding assays, when analysed taking into consideration the molecular structure of Safranal provide valuable insights into the mechanism of inhibition of α-Syn fibrillation/aggregation. We infer that inhibition of α-Syn fibrillation/aggregation is primarily driven by hydrophobic interactions between Safranal and the protein. Further, Safranal is also seen to dis-aggregates pre-formed α-Syn fibrils. These findings implicate that Safranal could become a potent therapeutic intervention in Parkinson's disease and other protein aggregation related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shreyada S Save
- UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, University of Mumbai, Vidhyanagri Campus, Kalina, Mumbai 400098, India
| | - Kavitha Rachineni
- UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, University of Mumbai, Vidhyanagri Campus, Kalina, Mumbai 400098, India
| | - Ramakrishna V Hosur
- UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, University of Mumbai, Vidhyanagri Campus, Kalina, Mumbai 400098, India
| | - Sinjan Choudhary
- UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, University of Mumbai, Vidhyanagri Campus, Kalina, Mumbai 400098, India.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Effects of the active constituents of Crocus sativus L. crocins and their combination with memantine on recognition memory in rats. Behav Pharmacol 2019; 29:400-412. [PMID: 29462109 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Crocus sativus L., is a plant cultivated in many countries of the world. Crocins are among the active constituents of C. sativus and their implication in cognition has been proposed. The present study was designed to investigate in the rat the effects of crocins on distinct recognition memory components (encoding, storage and retrieval). Subsequently, the potential use of crocins as adjunctive agents for the treatment of memory disorders was examined. Thus, the effects exerted by a combination of subthreshold doses of crocins and memantine on recognition memory were evaluated. To assess the effects of compounds on memory, the novel object-recognition task (NORT) was used. In a preliminary study, the influence of the retention time (the delay between the two trials) on the performance of rats was assessed. Rats' recognition memory abilities remained intact up to 6 h, but were extinguished when a delay of 24 h was utilized. Crocins, at any dose tested (5, 15, and 30 mg/kg), did not affect rats' performance, whereas administration of higher doses (15 and 30 mg/kg) reversed delay-dependent deficits in the NORT. The combination of subthreshold doses of crocins (5 mg/kg) and memantine (3 mg/kg) did not influence the performance, but counteracted delay-dependent deficits in the NORT. These findings suggest that crocins counteract natural forgetting and may modulate different aspects of recognition memory, and that the combined use of crocins and memantine might represent a novel strategy to treat memory disorders.
Collapse
|
15
|
Aydoğdu Tığ G, Koyuncu Zeybek D, Zeybek B, Pekyardımcı Ş. Interaction of prednisone with dsDNA at silver nanoparticles/poly(glyoxal-bis(2-hydroxyanil))/dsDNA modified electrode and its analytical application. Bioelectrochemistry 2019; 126:56-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
16
|
Shahabadi N, Momeni BZ, Zendehcheshm S. Studies on the Interaction of [SnMe 2Cl 2(bu 2bpy)] Complex with ct-DNA Using Multispectroscopic, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Molecular Docking. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 38:157-182. [PMID: 31044667 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2018.1506885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of SnMe2Cl2(bu2bpy)complex with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) has been explored following, using spectroscopic methods, viscosity measurements, Atomic force microscopy, Thermal denaturation and Molecular docking. It was found that Sn(IV) complex could bind with DNA via intercalation mode as evidenced by hyperchromism and bathochromic in UV-Vis spectrum; these spectral characteristics suggest that the Sn(IV) complex interacts with DNA most likely through a mode that involves a stacking interaction between the aromatic chromophore and the base pairs of DNA. In addition, the fluorescence emission spectra of intercalated methylene blue (MB) with increasing concentrations of SnMe2Cl2(bu2bpy) represented a significant increase of MB intensity as to release MB from MB-DNA system. Positive values of ΔH and ΔS imply that the complex is bound to ct-DNA mainly via the hydrophobic attraction. Large complexes contain the DNA chains with an average size of 859 nm were observed by using AFM for Sn(IV) Complex-DNA. The Fourier transform infrared study showed a major interaction of Sn(IV) complex with G-C and A-T base pairs and a minor perturbation of the backbone PO2 group. Addition of the Sn(IV)complex results in a noticeable rise in the Tm of DNA. In addition, the results of viscosity measurements suggest that SnMe2Cl2(bu2bpy) complex may bind with the classical intercalative mode. From spectroscopic and hydrodynamic studies, it has been found that Sn(IV)complex interacts with DNA by intercalation mode. Optimized docked model of DNA-complex mixture confirmed the experimental results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Shahabadi
- a Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry , Razi University , Kermanshah , Iran.,b Medical Biology Research Center (MBRC) , Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences , Kermanshah , Iran
| | - Badri Z Momeni
- c Department of Chemistry , K. N. Toosi University of Technology , Tehran , Iran
| | - Saba Zendehcheshm
- a Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry , Razi University , Kermanshah , Iran
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kaltsa O, Yanniotis S, Polissiou M, Mandala I. Stability, physical properties and acceptance of salad dressings containing saffron (Crocus sativus) or pomegranate juice powder as affected by high shear (HS) and ultrasonication (US) process. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
|
18
|
Marques RA, Gomes AO, de Brito MV, dos Santos AL, da Silva GS, de Lima LB, Nunes FM, de Mattos MC, de Oliveira FC, do Ó Pessoa C, de Moraes MO, de Fátima Â, Franco LL, Silva MDM, Dantas MDDA, Santos JC, Figueiredo IM, da Silva-Júnior EF, de Aquino TM, de Araújo-Júnior JX, de Oliveira MC, Leslie Gunatilaka A. Annonalide and derivatives: Semisynthesis, cytotoxic activities and studies on interaction of annonalide with DNA. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2018; 179:156-166. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
19
|
Bukhari SI, Manzoor M, Dhar MK. A comprehensive review of the pharmacological potential of Crocus sativus and its bioactive apocarotenoids. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 98:733-745. [PMID: 29306211 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.12.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Revised: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Crocus sativus is an herbaceous plant that belongs to family Iridaceae. It is commonly known as saffron and has been used for medicinal purposes since many centuries in India and other parts of the world. Saffron of commercial importance comprises of dried stigmas of the plant and is rich in flavonoids, vitamins, and carotenoids. Carotenoids represent the main components of saffron and their cleavage results in the formation of apocarotenoids such as crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal. Studies conducted during the past two decades have revealed the immense therapeutic potential of saffron. Most of the therapeutic properties are due to the presence of unique apocarotenoids having strong free radical scavenging activity. The mode of action of these apocarotenoids could be: modulatory effects on detoxifying enzymes involved in combating oxidative stress, decreasing telomerase activity, increased the proapoptotic effect, inhibition of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, and by a strong binding capacity of crocetin with tRNA. The present review focuses on the therapeutic role of saffron and its bio oxidative cleavage products and also highlights the possible molecular mechanism of action. The findings reported in this review describes the wide range of applications of saffron and attributes its free radical scavenging nature the main property which makes this spice a potent chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of various diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahreen Manzoor
- School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, Jammu, 180006, India
| | - M K Dhar
- School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, Jammu, 180006, India
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hadian Rasanani S, Eslami Moghadam M, Soleimani E, Divsalar A, Tarlani A. Improving activity of anticancer oxalipalladium analog by the modification of oxalate group with isopentylglycine. J COORD CHEM 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/00958972.2017.1395417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hadian Rasanani
- Inorganic Chemistry Research Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
| | | | - Esmaiela Soleimani
- Inorganic Chemistry Research Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
| | - Adeleh Divsalar
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aliakbar Tarlani
- Chemistry & Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Koul A, Abraham SK. Intake of saffron reduces γ-radiation-induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice. Toxicol Mech Methods 2017; 27:428-434. [PMID: 28298158 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2017.1307476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Saffron (SAF), the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus, is commonly used for flavoring and coloring food. Studies on bioactivity of SAF have demonstrated its in vivo antioxidant activity. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of SAF intake on γ-radiation (RAD) induced (a) chromosomal damage, (b) oxidative stress in liver and brain, and (c) histopathological effects in the intestinal cells and male germ cells in mice. Freeze-dried aqueous extract of SAF was used for the experiments. Our preliminary cell-free DNA nicking assay using pBR322 DNA revealed protective effects of freeze-dried SAF extract against hydroxyl radical induced DNA damage. For the in vivo investigations, freeze-dried SAF extract in distilled water was administered by gavage (40 mg/kg b.w.) to male Swiss albino mice for six consecutive days. On the sixth day, the animals were exposed to RAD (1 or 2 Gy) and sacrificed 24 h later to collect bone marrow cells for assessing chromosomal damage by measuring micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs). Liver and brain samples from animals exposed to 2 Gy RAD were used for evaluating lipid peroxidation and activity of antioxidant enzymes. The testis and intestine were used for histopathological analysis. Our results demonstrated significant protective effects of SAF against RAD-induced genotoxic damage. SAF pretreatment reduced the level of lipid peroxidation with concomitant increase in glutathione content and activity of glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. The histopathological analysis showed minimal impact of SAF on RAD-induced damage in the intestinal cells and male germ cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Apurva Koul
- a School of Life Sciences , Jawaharlal Nehru University , New Delhi , India
| | - Suresh K Abraham
- a School of Life Sciences , Jawaharlal Nehru University , New Delhi , India
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Pitsikas N, Tarantilis PA. Crocins, the active constituents of Crocus sativus L., counteracted apomorphine-induced performance deficits in the novel object recognition task, but not novel object location task, in rats. Neurosci Lett 2017; 644:37-42. [PMID: 28216334 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disease that affects nearly 1% of the population worldwide. Several lines of evidence suggest that the dopaminergic (DAergic) system might be compromised in schizophrenia. Specifically, the mixed dopamine (DA) D1/D2 receptor agonist apomorphine induces schizophrenia-like symptoms in rodents, including disruption of memory abilities. Crocins are among the active components of saffron (dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. plant) and their implication in cognition is well documented. The present study investigated whether crocins counteract non-spatial and spatial recognition memory deficits induced by apomorphine in rats. For this purpose, the novel object recognition task (NORT) and the novel object location task (NOLT) were used. The effects of compounds on mobility in a locomotor activity chamber were also investigated in rats. Post-training peripheral administration of crocins (15 and 30mg/kg) counteracted apomorphine (1mg/kg)-induced performance deficits in the NORT. Conversely, crocins did not attenuate spatial recognition memory deficits produced by apomorphine in the NOLT. The present data show that crocins reversed non-spatial recognition memory impairments produced by dysfunction of the DAergic system and modulate different aspects of memory components (storage and/or retrieval). The effects of compounds on recognition memory cannot be attributed to changes in locomotor activity. Further, our findings illustrate a functional interaction between crocins and the DAergic system that may be of relevance for schizophrenia-like behavioral deficits. Therefore, the utilization of crocins as an adjunctive agent, for the treatment of cognitive deficits observed in schizophrenic patients should be further investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Pitsikas
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Petros A Tarantilis
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Food Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ramani M, Mudge MC, Morris RT, Zhang Y, Warcholek SA, Hurst MN, Riviere JE, DeLong RK. Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-Poly I:C RNA Complexes: Implication as Therapeutics against Experimental Melanoma. Mol Pharm 2017; 14:614-625. [PMID: 28135100 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.6b00795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There is current interest in harnessing the combined anticancer and immunological effect of nanoparticles (NPs) and RNA. Here, we evaluate the bioactivity of poly I:C (pIC) RNA, bound to anticancer zinc oxide NP (ZnO-NP) against melanoma. Direct RNA association to unfunctionalized ZnO-NP is shown by observing change in size, zeta potential, and absorption/fluorescence spectra upon complexation. RNA corona was visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the first time. Binding constant (Kb = 1.6-2.8 g-1 L) was determined by modified Stern-Volmer, absorption, and biological surface activity index analysis. The pIC-ZnO-NP complex increased cell death for both human (A375) and mouse (B16F10) cell lines and suppressed tumor cell growth in BALB/C-B16F10 mouse melanoma model. Ex vivo tumor analysis indicated significant molecular activity such as changes in the level of phosphoproteins JNK, Akt, and inflammation markers IL-6 and IFN-γ. High throughput proteomics analysis revealed zinc oxide and poly I:C-specific and combinational patterns that suggested possible utility as an anticancer and immunotherapeutic strategy against melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Miranda C Mudge
- Department of Biomedical Science, Missouri State University , Springfield, Missouri 65897, United States
| | - R Tyler Morris
- Department of Biomedical Science, Missouri State University , Springfield, Missouri 65897, United States
| | | | | | - Miranda N Hurst
- Department of Biomedical Science, Missouri State University , Springfield, Missouri 65897, United States
| | | | - Robert K DeLong
- Department of Biomedical Science, Missouri State University , Springfield, Missouri 65897, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Koul A, Abraham SK. Efficacy of crocin and safranal as protective agents against genotoxic stress induced by gamma radiation, urethane and procarbazine in mice. Hum Exp Toxicol 2017; 37:13-20. [PMID: 28111973 DOI: 10.1177/0960327116689715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Crocin (CRO) and safranal (SAF) are bioactive constituents of saffron (dried stigma of Crocus sativus flower), an expensive spice with medicinal properties. Aqueous extract of saffron is known for its antigenotoxic effect against environmental genotoxins/carcinogens. However, there is need to identify saffron constituents responsible for this antigenotoxic effect. The aim of our investigation was to ascertain the role of CRO and SAF as inhibitors of in vivo genotoxic stress. For this purpose, Swiss albino mice were pretreated with CRO (50-mg/kg body weight (bw))/SAF (0.025- and 0.25-ml/kg bw) by gavage for 2 days. Thereafter, the pretreated mice were exposed to the genotoxic agents: (1) gamma radiation (GR; 2 Gy), (2) urethane (URE; 800 mg/kg) and (3) procarbazine (PCB; 60 mg/kg). In addition, CRO (50 mg/kg) was co-administered with the nitrosation reaction mixture of methylurea (MU; 300-mg/kg bw) + sodium nitrite (15 mg/kg) which can form N-nitroso-N-MU in the stomach. Genotoxic damage was measured by performing the bone marrow micronucleus test. Results obtained demonstrated significant reductions in the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in the bone marrow of mice pretreated with CRO/SAF before exposure to the above DNA damaging agents, GR, URE and PCB. Co-administration of CRO with the nitrosation reaction mixture led to significant decrease in genotoxicity when compared to nitrosation reaction mixture alone. Histopathological studies revealed that these saffron constituents reduced testicular cell damage induced by the test genotoxins. The cell-free DNA-nicking assay using pBR322 DNA showed significant protective effects of CRO against hydroxyl radical-induced strand breaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Koul
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - S K Abraham
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mahdavifard S, Bathaie S, Nakhjavani M, Taghikhani M. The synergistic effect of antiglycating agents (MB-92) on inhibition of protein glycation, misfolding and diabetic complications in diabetic-atherosclerotic rat. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 121:892-902. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
26
|
Hajizadeh Maleki B, Tartibian B, Mooren FC, Yaghoob Nezhad F, Yaseri M. Saffron supplementation ameliorates oxidative damage to sperm DNA following a 16-week low-to-intensive cycling training in male road cyclists. J Funct Foods 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2015.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
27
|
Hemachandran H, Anantharaman A, Priya RR, Doss GP, Siva R. Interaction of Catechu Dye with DNA: Spectroscopic and In Silico Approach. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 35:195-210. [PMID: 26913965 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2015.1124997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Catechin, a yellow colored molecule obtained from the wood of Acacia catechu was analyzed for its interaction with synthetic DNA duplexes using spectroscopic analysis. UV-Visible spectroscopic analysis revealed the non-intercalative binding mode. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis expose chemical shift indicated by various vibrational stretches and an increase in the intensity of base stacking was observed by Circular Dichroism (CD), respectively. This inference was further confirmed through nuclear staining technique and also in electrophoretic technique; the dye quenches the fluorescent intensity of ethidium bromide. The result of fluorescence spectroscopy was in concordance with the electrophoretic technique. In addition, the spectroscopic results were in accordance with the molecular docking studies of specific catechin compound from the catechu dye with CT-DNA. This kind of site specificity is a gain in the medicinal field as the drug can be DNA targeted for cancer therapeutics. The present work reveals that catechu dye has a noteworthy application in the field of medical bioscience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hridya Hemachandran
- a School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University , Vellore , 632014 , Tamil Nadu , India
| | - Amrita Anantharaman
- a School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University , Vellore , 632014 , Tamil Nadu , India
| | - Rajendra Rao Priya
- a School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University , Vellore , 632014 , Tamil Nadu , India
| | - George Priya Doss
- a School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University , Vellore , 632014 , Tamil Nadu , India
| | - Ramamoorthy Siva
- a School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University , Vellore , 632014 , Tamil Nadu , India
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Anantharaman A, Hemachandran H, Priya RR, Sankari M, Gopalakrishnan M, Palanisami N, Siva R. Inhibitory effect of apocarotenoids on the activity of tyrosinase: Multi-spectroscopic and docking studies. J Biosci Bioeng 2016; 121:13-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
|
29
|
A sensitive electrochemical DNA biosensor for antineoplastic drug 5-fluorouracil based on glassy carbon electrode modified with poly(bromocresol purple). Talanta 2015; 144:793-800. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2015.06.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
|
30
|
Christodoulou E, Kadoglou NPE, Kostomitsopoulos N, Valsami G. Saffron: a natural product with potential pharmaceutical applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 67:1634-49. [PMID: 26272123 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recently, a great deal of interest has been developed to isolate and investigate novel bioactive components from natural resources with health beneficial effects. Saffron is the dried stigma of Crocus sativus L. and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine mainly for its healing properties, as well as for the treatment of various pathological conditions. Objectives of the present review are to unravel its therapeutic properties and investigate the potential applications of saffron in contemporary therapy of a wide spectrum of diseases and summarize previous and current evidence regarding the biological/pharmacological activities of saffron and its active ingredients and their possible therapeutic uses. KEY FINDINGS Recent phytochemistry and pharmacological experiments have indicated that crocin and safranal, the major active ingredients of saffron, exert important actions, such as antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic. Unfortunately, the vast majority of those data derive from in vitro studies, whereas a limited number of in vivo experiments support the aforementioned effects. In addition to studies with mechanistic implications, very few clinical trials provide preliminary evidence of saffron potentiality to alleviate depression and increase cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. SUMMARY The history and structural features of saffron constituents are given in the first part of the review, followed by a comprehensive and critical presentation of the published preclinical and clinical studies and review papers on the pharmacology and possible therapeutic uses of saffron and its main active components crocin and safranal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Christodoulou
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics-Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos P E Kadoglou
- Center of Clinical Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Department of inherited cardiovascular diseases, The Heart Hospital, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nikolaos Kostomitsopoulos
- Center of Clinical Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Valsami
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics-Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Fernández-Sánchez L, Lax P, Noailles A, Angulo A, Maneu V, Cuenca N. Natural Compounds from Saffron and Bear Bile Prevent Vision Loss and Retinal Degeneration. Molecules 2015; 20:13875-93. [PMID: 26263962 PMCID: PMC6332441 DOI: 10.3390/molecules200813875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
All retinal disorders, regardless of their aetiology, involve the activation of oxidative stress and apoptosis pathways. The administration of neuroprotective factors is crucial in all phases of the pathology, even when vision has been completely lost. The retina is one of the most susceptible tissues to reactive oxygen species damage. On the other hand, proper development and functioning of the retina requires a precise balance between the processes of proliferation, differentiation and programmed cell death. The life-or-death decision seems to be the result of a complex balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic signals. It has been recently shown the efficacy of natural products to slow retinal degenerative process through different pathways. In this review, we assess the neuroprotective effect of two compounds used in the ancient pharmacopoeia. On one hand, it has been demonstrated that administration of the saffron constituent safranal to P23H rats, an animal model of retinitis pigmentosa, preserves photoreceptor morphology and number, the capillary network and the visual response. On the other hand, it has been shown that systemic administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), the major component of bear bile, to P23H rats preserves cone and rod structure and function, together with their contact with postsynaptic neurons. The neuroprotective effects of safranal and TUDCA make these compounds potentially useful for therapeutic applications in retinal degenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fernández-Sánchez
- Departament of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
| | - Pedro Lax
- Departament of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
| | - Agustina Noailles
- Departament of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
| | - Antonia Angulo
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Departament of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Chinnathambi S, Karthikeyan S, Velmurugan D, Hanagata N, Aruna P, Ganesan S. Investigations on the Interactions of 5-Fluorouracil with Herring Sperm DNA: Steady State/Time Resolved and Molecular Modeling Studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1142/s1793048015500034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the interaction of 5-Fluorouracil with herring sperm DNA is reported using spectroscopic and molecular modeling techniques. This binding study of 5-FU with hs-DNA is of paramount importance in understanding chemico–biological interactions for drug design, pharmacy and biochemistry without altering the original structure. The challenge of the study was to find the exact binding mode of the drug 5-Fluorouracil with hs-DNA. From the absorption studies, a hyperchromic effect was observed for the herring sperm DNA in the presence of 5-Fluorouracil and a binding constant of 6.153 × 103 M-1 for 5-Fluorouracil reveals the existence of weak interaction between the 5-Fluorouracil and herring sperm DNA. Ethidium bromide loaded herring sperm DNA showed a quenching in the fluorescence intensity after the addition of 5-Fluorouracil. The binding constants for 5-Fluorouracil stranded DNA and competitive bindings of 5-FU interacting with DNA–EB systems were examined by fluorescence spectra. The Stern–Volmer plots and fluorescence lifetime results confirm the static quenching nature of the drug-DNA complex. The binding constant Kb was 2.5 × 104 L mol-1 and the number of binding sites are 1.17. The 5-FU on DNA system was calculated using double logarithmic plot. From the Forster nonradiative energy transfer study it has been found that the distance of 5-FU from DNA was 4.24 nm. In addition to the spectroscopic results, the molecular modeling studies also revealed the major groove binding as well as the partial intercalation mode of binding between the 5-Fluorouracil and herring sperm DNA. The binding energy and major groove binding as -6.04 kcal mol-1 and -6.31 kcal mol-1 were calculated from the modeling studies. All the testimonies manifested that binding modes between 5-Fluorouracil and DNA were evidenced to be groove binding and in partial intercalative mode.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Subramani Karthikeyan
- Centre of Advanced Study in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India
| | - Devadasan Velmurugan
- Centre of Advanced Study in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India
- Bioinformatics Infrastructure Facility, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India
| | - Nobutaka Hanagata
- Nanotechnology Innovation Station, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, N10W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Prakasarao Aruna
- Department of Medical Physics, Anna University, Chennai 600025, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Preedia Babu E, Subastri A, Suyavaran A, Lokeshwara Rao P, Suresh Kumar M, Jeevaratnam K, Thirunavukkarasu C. Extracellularly synthesized ZnO nanoparticles interact with DNA and augment gamma radiation induced DNA damage through reactive oxygen species. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra09935h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ZnONPs were synthesized using ferulic acid as the reductant and the intricate twofold role as DNA binders and radio sensitizers was revealed, which can pave the way for anticancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. Preedia Babu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Pondicherry University
- India
| | - A. Subastri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Pondicherry University
- India
| | - A. Suyavaran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Pondicherry University
- India
| | - P. Lokeshwara Rao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Pondicherry University
- India
| | | | - K. Jeevaratnam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Pondicherry University
- India
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Janardan S, Suman P, Swapna G, Amrita A, Priya R, Siva R, Vijayakrishna K, Sivaramakrishna A. Evaluation of DNA Binding with Some Selected Hydrazide and Semicarbazide Derivatives. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2014; 173:596-608. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-014-0868-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
35
|
Kim SH, Lee JM, Kim SC, Park CB, Lee PC. Proposed cytotoxic mechanisms of the saffron carotenoids crocin and crocetin on cancer cell lines. Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 92:105-11. [DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2013-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the cytotoxic activities of crocin and crocetin, 2 major carotenoids isolated from the stigma of Crocus sativus (saffron), on 5 human cancer cell lines and proposed their possible anticancer mechanisms. Crocetin, a glycosylated carotenoid, showed approximately 5- to 18-fold higher cytotoxicity than crocin, a carboxylic carotenoid (IC50 of 0.16–0.61 mmol/L for crocetin vs. 2.0–5.5 mmol/L for crocin). This suggests that structural differences account for the different efficacies between them. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis showed that crocetin induced a significant level of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HeLa cells, whereas crocin did not. This ROS induction supported the cytotoxicity of crocetin, but not of crocin. A significant activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was observed in both HeLa cells treated with crocin and crocetin: a 3.0-fold increase by 1 mmol/L crocetin and a 1.6-fold increase by 0.8 mmol/L crocin compared to the control. Furthermore, both crocetin and crocin reduced the protein expression of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), one of the targets for chemoprevention in cancer cells, by 34.2% and 10.5%, respectively, compared to the control in HeLa cells. These findings suggest that crocetin and crocin have different mechanisms for their observed cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Se Hyeuk Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology and Department of Applied Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Ajou University, Woncheon-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 443-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Min Lee
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Woncheon-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 443-721, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Chang Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 373-1 Gwanhangno, Yusong-gu Taejon 305-701, Korea
| | - Chan Bae Park
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Woncheon-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 443-721, Republic of Korea
| | - Pyung Cheon Lee
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology and Department of Applied Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Ajou University, Woncheon-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 443-749, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Georgiadou G, Grivas V, Tarantilis PA, Pitsikas N. Crocins, the active constituents of Crocus Sativus L., counteracted ketamine-induced behavioural deficits in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:717-26. [PMID: 24096536 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3293-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Experimental evidence indicates that the non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine impairs cognition and can mimic certain aspects of positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia in rodents. Crocins are among the active components of the plant Crocus sativus L. and were found to be effective in different models of psychiatric disorders including anxiety and depression. OBJECTIVES The present study was designed to investigate the ability of crocins to counteract schizophrenia-like behavioural deficits produced by ketamine in rats. METHODS Crocin's ability to counteract hypermotility, stereotypies and ataxia induced by ketamine was evaluated in a motor activity cage. The ability of crocins to reverse ketamine-induced memory deficits was assessed using the novel object recognition task (NORT). The social interaction test was used in order to examine the effects of crocins on ketamine-induced social withdrawal. RESULTS Crocins (50 but not 30 mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated ketamine (25 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced hypermotility, stereotypies and ataxia. In a subsequent study, post-training administration of crocins (15 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed ketamine (3 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced performance deficits in the NORT. Finally, crocins (50 but not 30 mg/kg, i.p.) counteracted the ketamine (8 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced social isolation in the social interaction test. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that crocins attenuated schizophrenia-like behavioural deficits induced by the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist ketamine in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Georgiadou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Mezourlo, 411-10, Larissa, Greece
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Samarghandian S, Shabestari MM. DNA fragmentation and apoptosis induced by safranal in human prostate cancer cell line. Indian J Urol 2013; 29:177-83. [PMID: 24082436 PMCID: PMC3783695 DOI: 10.4103/0970-1591.117278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Apoptosis, an important mechanism that contributes to cell growth reduction, is reported to be induced by Crocus sativus (Saffron) in different cancer types. However, limited effort has been made to correlate these effects to the active ingredients of saffron. The present study was designed to elucidate cytotoxic and apoptosis induction by safranal, the major coloring compound in saffron, in a human prostate cancer cell line (PC-3). Materials and Methods: PC-3 and human fetal lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells were cultured and exposed to safranal (5, 10, 15, and 20 μg/ml). The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed to assess cytotoxicity. DNA fragmentation was assessed by gel electrophoresis. Cells were incubated with different concentrations of safranal, and cell morphologic changes and apoptosis were determined by the normal inverted microscope, Annexin V, and propidium iodide, followed by flow cytometric analysis, respectively. Results: MTT assay revealed a remarkable and concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect of safranal on PC-3 cells in comparison with non-malignant cell line. The morphologic alterations of the cells confirmed the MTT results. The IC50 values against PC-3 cells were found to be 13.0 0.07 and 6.4 0.09 μg/ml at 48 and 72 h, respectively. Safranal induced an early and late apoptosis in the flow cytometry histogram of treated cells, indicating apoptosis is involved in this toxicity. DNA analysis revealed typical ladders as early as 48 and 72 h after treatment, indicative of apoptosis. Conclusions: Our preclinical study demonstrated a prostate cancer cell line to be highly sensitive to safranal-mediated growth inhibition and apoptotic cell death. Although the molecular mechanisms of safranal action are not clearly understood, it appears to have potential as a therapeutic agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Samarghandian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Health Strategic Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Spectroscopic and In Silico Evaluation of Interaction of DNA with Six Anthraquinone Derivatives. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2013; 170:1127-37. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-013-0259-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
39
|
Interaction of plant pigment brazilin with synthetic and natural DNA: Spectroscopic and in silico perspective. Interdiscip Sci 2013; 5:53-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s12539-013-0148-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Revised: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 10/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
40
|
Georgiadou G, Tarantilis P, Pitsikas N. Effects of the active constituents of Crocus Sativus L., crocins, in an animal model of obsessive–compulsive disorder. Neurosci Lett 2012; 528:27-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.08.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Revised: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
41
|
Fernández-Sánchez L, Lax P, Esquiva G, Martín-Nieto J, Pinilla I, Cuenca N. Safranal, a saffron constituent, attenuates retinal degeneration in P23H rats. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43074. [PMID: 22900092 PMCID: PMC3416780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Saffron, an extract from Crocus sativus, has been largely used in traditional medicine for its antiapoptotic and anticarcinogenic properties. In this work, we investigate the effects of safranal, a component of saffron stigmas, in attenuating retinal degeneration in the P23H rat model of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. We demonstrate that administration of safranal to homozygous P23H line-3 rats preserves both photoreceptor morphology and number. Electroretinographic recordings showed higher a- and b-wave amplitudes under both photopic and scotopic conditions in safranal-treated versus non-treated animals. Furthermore, the capillary network in safranal-treated animals was preserved, unlike that found in untreated animals. Our findings indicate that dietary supplementation with safranal slows photoreceptor cell degeneration and ameliorates the loss of retinal function and vascular network disruption in P23H rats. This work also suggests that safranal could be potentially useful to retard retinal degeneration in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fernández-Sánchez
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Pedro Lax
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Gema Esquiva
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - José Martín-Nieto
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Isabel Pinilla
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Geromichalos GD, Lamari FN, Papandreou MA, Trafalis DT, Margarity M, Papageorgiou A, Sinakos Z. Saffron as a source of novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: molecular docking and in vitro enzymatic studies. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2012; 60:6131-6138. [PMID: 22655699 DOI: 10.1021/jf300589c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitors of acetylcholine breakdown by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) constitute the main therapeutic modality for Alzheimer's disease. In the search for natural products with inhibitory action on AChE, this study investigated the activity of saffron extract and its constituents by in vitro enzymatic and molecular docking studies. Saffron has been used in traditional medicine against Alzheimer's disease. Saffron extract showed moderate AChE inhibitory activity (up to 30%), but IC(50) values of crocetin, dimethylcrocetin, and safranal were 96.33, 107.1, and 21.09 μM, respectively. Kinetic analysis showed mixed-type inhibition, which was verified by in silico docking studies. Safranal interacts only with the binding site of the AChE, but crocetin and dimethylcrocetin bind simultaneously to the catalytic and peripheral anionic sites. These results reinforce previous findings about the beneficial action of saffron against Alzheimer's disease and may be of value for the development of novel therapeutic agents based on carotenoid-based dual binding inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George D Geromichalos
- Department of Cell Culture-Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Symeonidion Research Center, Theagenion Cancer Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Jangir DK, Dey SK, Kundu S, Mehrotra R. Assessment of amsacrine binding with DNA using UV-visible, circular dichroism and Raman spectroscopic techniques. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2012; 114:38-43. [PMID: 22677564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2011] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Proper understanding of the mechanism of binding of drugs to their targets in cell is a fundamental requirement to develop new drug therapy regimen. Amsacrine is a rationally designed anticancer drug, used to treat leukemia and lymphoma. Binding with cellular DNA is a crucial step in its mechanism of cytotoxicity. Despite numerous studies, DNA binding properties of amsacrine are poorly understood. Its reversible binding with DNA does not permit X-ray crystallography or NMR spectroscopic evaluation of amsacrine-DNA complexes. In the present work, interaction of amsacrine with calf thymus DNA is investigated at physiological conditions. UV-visible, FT-Raman and circular dichroism spectroscopic techniques were employed to determine the binding mode, binding constant, sequence specificity and conformational effects of amsacrine binding to native calf thymus DNA. Our results illustrate that amsacrine interacts with DNA by and large through intercalation between base pairs. Binding constant of the amsacrine-DNA complex was found to be K=1.2±0.1×10(4) M(-1) which is indicative of moderate type of binding of amsacrine to DNA. Raman spectroscopic results suggest that amsacrine has a binding preference of intercalation between AT base pairs of DNA. Minor groove binding is also observed in amsacrine-DNA complexes. These results are in good agreement with in silico investigation of amsacrine binding to DNA and thus provide detailed insight into DNA binding properties of amsacrine, which could ultimately, renders its cytotoxic efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumar Jangir
- Quantum Optics and Photon Physics, National Physical Laboratory, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Road, New Delhi 110 012, India
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Zhong YJ, Shi F, Zheng XL, Wang Q, Yang L, Sun H, He F, Zhang L, Lin Y, Qin Y, Liao LC, Wang X. Crocetin induces cytotoxicity and enhances vincristine-induced cancer cell death via p53-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2011; 32:1529-36. [PMID: 21986580 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2011.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the anticancer effect of crocetin, a major ingredient in saffron, and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Cervical cancer cell line HeLa, non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549 and ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 were treated with crocetin alone or in combination with vincristine. Cell proliferation was examined using MTT assay. Cell cycle distribution and sub-G(1) fraction were analyzed using flow cytometric analysis after propidium iodide staining. Apoptosis was detected using the Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit with flow cytometry. Cell death was measured based on the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The expression levels of p53 and p21(WAF1/Cip1) as well as caspase activation were examined using Western blot analysis. RESULTS Treatment of the 3 types of cancer cells with crocetin (60-240 μmol/L) for 48 h significantly inhibited their proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Crocetin (240 μmol/L) significantly induced cell cycle arrest through p53-dependent and -independent mechanisms accompanied with p21(WAF1/Cip1) induction. Crocetin (120-240 μmol/L) caused cytotoxicity in the 3 types of cancer cells by enhancing apoptosis in a time-dependent manner. In the 3 types of cancer cells, crocetin (60 μmol/L) significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity induced by vincristine (1 μmol/L). Furthermore, this synergistic effect was also detected in the vincristine-resistant breast cancer cell line MCF-7/VCR. CONCLUSION Ccrocetin is a potential anticancer agent, which may be used as a chemotherapeutic drug or as a chemosensitizer for vincristine.
Collapse
|
45
|
Jangir DK, Charak S, Mehrotra R, Kundu S. FTIR and circular dichroism spectroscopic study of interaction of 5-fluorouracil with DNA. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2011; 105:143-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2011.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2011] [Revised: 08/05/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
46
|
Ulbricht C, Conquer J, Costa D, Hollands W, Iannuzzi C, Isaac R, Jordan JK, Ledesma N, Ostroff C, Serrano JMG, Shaffer MD, Varghese M. An Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Saffron (Crocus sativus) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Diet Suppl 2011; 8:58-114. [DOI: 10.3109/19390211.2011.547666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
47
|
Bathaie SZ, Mousavi SZ. New Applications and Mechanisms of Action of Saffron and its Important Ingredients. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2010; 50:761-86. [DOI: 10.1080/10408390902773003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
48
|
Tyagi G, Jangir DK, Singh P, Mehrotra R. DNA interaction studies of an anticancer plant alkaloid, vincristine, using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. DNA Cell Biol 2010; 29:693-9. [PMID: 20662555 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2010.1035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The binding of vincristine with DNA has been investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Various changes in the double helical structure of DNA after addition of vincristine have been examined. It is evident from Fourier transform infrared results that vincristine-DNA interaction occurs through guanine and cytosine base pairs. External binding of vincristine with phosphate backbone of the DNA is also observed. Vincristine perturbs guanine band at 1714 cm(-1), cytosine band at 1488 cm(-1), and the phosphate vibrations at 1225 and 1086 cm(-1). The UV-visible spectra of vincristine-DNA complex show hypochromic and bathochromic shifts, indicating the intercalation of vincristine into the double helical structure of DNA. Both intercalative and external binding modes are observed for vincristine binding with DNA, with an estimated binding constant K = 1.0 × 10(3) M(-1).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gunjan Tyagi
- Optical Radiation Standards, National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Hsu CP, Lin YH, Zhou SP, Chung YC, Lin CC, Wang SC. Longan flower extract inhibits the growth of colorectal carcinoma. Nutr Cancer 2010; 62:229-36. [PMID: 20099197 DOI: 10.1080/01635580903305367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Longan flower extract (LFE) has been shown to exhibit free radical scavenging ability and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect of LFE treatment on the growth of colorectal cancer cells has not been evaluated. This study investigated the effect of LFE on two colorectal cancer cell lines, SW-480 and Colo 320DM, and the possible mechanisms involved. LFE-treated cells were assessed for viability by trypan blue exclusion, for in vitro tumorigenesis by seeding cells in soft agar to allow anchorage independent growth, for cell cycle distribution by flow cytometry, for loss of mitochondrial membrane potential by rhodamine 123 staining, for increased apoptosis by DNA fragmentation assay, and for changes in the levels of proteins involved in cell cycle control and apoptosis by immunoblotting. LFE (25-400 microg/ml) could inhibit proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The cell cycle of both LFE-treated cell lines showed obvious S phase block. Western blotting further showed the S phase block in these two cell lines was mainly due to cyclin E accumulation and cyclin A decrease. LFE treatment increased rhodamine 123-negative cells and DNA fragmentation in Colo 320DM cells but not in SW480 cells. Increased levels of the apoptosis activation protein, caspase 3, were also found in Colo 320DM cells. The activation of caspase 3 in LFE-treated SW480 cells was not significant. The caspase 3 activation in Colo 320DM cells by LFE was mediated by the suppression of Bcl-2 protein levels. LFE treatment could inhibit the proliferation and malignancy of colorectal cancer cell lines and was associated with S phase block of the cell cycle. An apoptotic mechanism induced by LFE involving a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase 3 activation was found in Colo 320DM cells but not in SW480 cells. The results of this study indicate that LFE has potential to be developed as a novel functional food or chemopreventive agent for colorectal cancer.
Collapse
|
50
|
Kanakis C, Tarantilis P, Pappas C, Bariyanga J, Tajmir-Riahi H, Polissiou M. An overview of structural features of DNA and RNA complexes with saffron compounds: Models and antioxidant activity. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2009; 95:204-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2009.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2009] [Revised: 03/13/2009] [Accepted: 03/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|