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Kubheka MX, Ndlovu SI, Mkhwanazi NP. Anti-HIV Activity and Immunomodulatory Properties of Fractionated Crude Extracts of Alternaria alternata. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1150. [PMID: 38930532 PMCID: PMC11205553 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing new anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug candidates that target different sites in HIV-1 replication, with better resistance profiles and lower drug toxicity, is essential to eradicating HIV. This study investigated the potential of fractionated crude extracts of Alternaria alternata as immunomodulatory or anti-HIV drug candidates. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) was used to fractionate A. alternata PO4PR2 using three different columns: MAX (Mixed-mode, strong Anion-eXchange), MCX (Mixed-mode, strong Cation-eXchange), and HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) with methanol gradient methods (5%, 45%, and 95%). An MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay was used to assess the cell viability and cytotoxicity of the fractionated crude extract A. alternata PO4PR2 in the TZM-bl cell lines. This was followed by a luciferase-based antiviral assay to assess the antiviral activity of A. alternata PO4PR2. A time of addition (TOA) assay was performed to ascertain the mechanism of inhibition employed by the fractionated crude extract of A. alternata PO4PR2 in the HIV life cycle. The p24 titer was determined using an ELISA, while a luciferase-based antiviral assay was used to evaluate the HIV percentage inhibition for different HIV-1 replication cycles. The TOA assay was established using antiviral drugs that target different sites in the HIV replication cycle. These included maraviroc, azidothymidine, raltegravir, and amprenavir. The immunomodulatory effect of the fractionated crude extracts on CD4+ T cells was measured by a flow cytometric analysis, for which fluorochrome-labelled monoclonal antibodies were used as markers for activation (CD38 and HLA-DR) and exhaustion (PD-1). The MCX fraction demonstrated a more significant anti-HIV inhibition than that of the fractions generated in other columns, with an IC50 of 0.3619 µg/mL, an HIV inhibition of 77%, 5% HLB (IC50: 0.7232 µg/mL; HIV inhibition of 64%), and 5% MAX (IC50: 5.240 µg/mL; HIV inhibition of 67%). It was evident from the time of addition data that the crude extract and the 5% MCX fraction inhibited viral binding (68%), reverse transcription (75%), integration (98%), and proteolysis (77%). It was shown that A. alternata (the MCX fraction) have a significant inhibitory effect on reverse transcription (75% HIV inhibition) and integration (100% HIV inhibition). The 5% MCX (p = 0.0062), 5% HLB (p = 0.0269), and 5% MAX (p = 0.0117) fractionated A. alternata crude extracts had low levels of CD4+ T cell (CD38 + HLA-DR+) activation compared to those of the AZT treatment, while CD4+ T cell activation was insignificant. The 5% MAX and HLB A. alternata fractions may possess immunomodulatory compounds with less anti-HIV-1 activity. A. alternata could be a key source of innovative anti-HIV drugs with immunomodulatory characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mbali X. Kubheka
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - Sizwe I. Ndlovu
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa;
| | - Nompumelelo P. Mkhwanazi
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
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Hu X, Li J, Yu L, Ifejola J, Guo Y, Zhang D, Khosravi Z, Zhang K, Cui H. Screening of anti-melanoma compounds from Morus alba L.: Sanggenon C promotes melanoma cell apoptosis by disrupting intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117759. [PMID: 38219884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Morus alba L. is a widespread plant that has long been considered to have remarkable medical values, including anti-inflammation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The components of Morus Alba L. constituents have been extensively studied and have been shown to have high prospects for cancer therapy. However, limited investigations have been done on the bioactive compounds in Morus alba L. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to systematically examine the anticancer properties of 28 commercially available compounds from Morus alba L. against melanoma cells in vitro. Additionally, the anticancer mechanisms of the bioactive compound exhibiting the most significant potential were further studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS The anti-proliferative effects of Morus alba L.-derived compounds on melanoma cells were determined by colony formation assays. Their effects on cell viability and apoptosis were determined using the CCK8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The binding affinity of identified Morus alba L. compounds with anticancer activities towards melanoma targets was analyzed via molecular docking. The molecular mechanism of Sanggenon C was explored using soft agar assays, EdU incorporation assays, flow cytometry, western blotting, transcriptome analysis, and xenograft assays. RESULTS Based on colony formation assays, 11 compounds at 20 μM significantly inhibited colony growth on a panel of melanoma cells. These compounds displayed IC50 values (half maximal inhibitory concentrations) ranging from 5 μM to 30 μM. Importantly, six compounds were identified as novel anti-melanoma agents, including Sanggenon C, 3'-Geranyl-3-prenyl-2',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone, Moracin P, Moracin O, Kuwanon A, and Kuwanon E. Among them, Sanggenon C showed the most potent effects, with an IC50 of about 5 μM, significantly reducing proliferation and inducing apoptosis in melanoma cells. Based on the xenograft model assay, Sanggenon C significantly inhibited melanoma cell proliferation in vivo. Sanggenon C triggered ER stress in a dose-dependent manner, which further disrupted cellular calcium ion (Ca2+) homeostasis. The Ca2+ chelator BAPTA partially restored cell apoptosis induced by Sanggenon C, confirming that Ca2+ signaling contributed to the anticancer activity of Sanggenon C against melanoma. CONCLUSIONS In our study, 11 compounds demonstrated anti-melanoma properties. Notably, Sanggenon C was found to promote apoptosis by disrupting the intracellular calcium homeostasis in melanoma cells. This study provides valuable information for the future development of novel cancer therapeutic agents from Morus alba L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
| | - Lang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
| | - Jemirade Ifejola
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
| | - Yan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
| | - Dandan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
| | - Zahra Khosravi
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
| | - Kui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
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Nzimande B, Makhwitine JP, Mkhwanazi NP, Ndlovu SI. Developments in Exploring Fungal Secondary Metabolites as Antiviral Compounds and Advances in HIV-1 Inhibitor Screening Assays. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051039. [PMID: 37243125 DOI: 10.3390/v15051039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of drug-resistant Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 strains against anti-HIV therapies in the clinical pipeline, and the persistence of HIV in cellular reservoirs remains a significant concern. Therefore, there is a continuous need to discover and develop new, safer, and effective drugs targeting novel sites to combat HIV-1. The fungal species are gaining increasing attention as alternative sources of anti-HIV compounds or immunomodulators that can escape the current barriers to cure. Despite the potential of the fungal kingdom as a source for diverse chemistries that can yield novel HIV therapies, there are few comprehensive reports on the progress made thus far in the search for fungal species with the capacity to produce anti-HIV compounds. This review provides insights into the recent research developments on natural products produced by fungal species, particularly fungal endophytes exhibiting immunomodulatory or anti-HIV activities. In this study, we first explore currently existing therapies for various HIV-1 target sites. Then we assess the various activity assays developed for gauging antiviral activity production from microbial sources since they are crucial in the early screening phases for discovering novel anti-HIV compounds. Finally, we explore fungal secondary metabolites compounds that have been characterized at the structural level and demonstrate their potential as inhibitors of various HIV-1 target sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Nzimande
- Discipline of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, Medical School, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - John P Makhwitine
- Discipline of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, Medical School, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Nompumelelo P Mkhwanazi
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Sizwe I Ndlovu
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Doornfontein Campus, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa
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Chemical and Biological Review of Endophytic Fungi Associated with Morus sp. (Moraceae) and In Silico Study of Their Antidiabetic Potential. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041718. [PMID: 36838706 PMCID: PMC9968060 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The chronic nature of diabetes mellitus motivates the quest for novel agents to improve its management. The scarcity and prior uncontrolled utilization of medicinal plants have encouraged researchers to seek new sources of promising compounds. Recently, endophytes have presented as eco-friendly leading sources for bioactive metabolites. This article reviewed the endophytic fungi associated with Morus species and their isolated compounds, in addition to the biological activities tested on their extracts and chemical constituents. The relevant literature was collected from the years 2008-2022 from PubMed and Web of Science databases. Notably, no antidiabetic activity was reported for any of the Morus-associated endophytic fungal extracts or their twenty-one previously isolated compounds. This encouraged us to perform an in silico study on the previously isolated compounds to explore their possible antidiabetic potential. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic and dynamic stability studies were performed on these compounds. Upon molecular docking, Colletotrichalactone A (14) showed a promising antidiabetic activity due to the inhibition of the α-amylase local target and the human sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (hSGT2) systemic target with safe pharmacokinetic features. These results provide an in silico interpretation of the possible anti-diabetic potential of Morus endophytic metabolites, yet further study is required.
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