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Comazzetto S, Cassidy DL, DeVilbiss AW, Jeffery EC, Ottesen BR, Reyes AR, Muh S, Mathews TP, Chen B, Zhao Z, Morrison SJ. Ascorbate depletion increases quiescence and self-renewal potential in hematopoietic stem cells and multipotent progenitors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.01.587574. [PMID: 38617357 PMCID: PMC11014518 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.01.587574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Ascorbate (vitamin C) limits hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function and suppresses leukemia development by promoting the function of the Tet2 tumor suppressor. In humans, ascorbate is obtained from the diet while in mice it is synthesized in the liver. In this study, we show that deletion of the Slc23a2 ascorbate transporter severely depleted ascorbate from hematopoietic cells. Slc23a2 deficiency increased HSC reconstituting potential and self-renewal potential upon transplantation into irradiated mice. Slc23a2 deficiency also increased the reconstituting and self-renewal potential of multipotent hematopoietic progenitors (MPPs), conferring the ability to long-term reconstitute irradiated mice. Slc23a2-deficient HSCs and MPPs divided much less frequently than control HSCs and MPPs. Increased self-renewal and reconstituting potential were observed particularly in quiescent Slc23a2-deficient HSCs and MPPs. The effect of Slc23a2 deficiency on MPP self-renewal was not mediated by reduced Tet2 function. Ascorbate thus regulates quiescence and restricts self-renewal potential in HSCs and MPPs such that ascorbate depletion confers MPPs with long-term self-renewal potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Comazzetto
- Children’s Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Daniel L. Cassidy
- Children’s Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Andrew W. DeVilbiss
- Children’s Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Elise C. Jeffery
- Children’s Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Bethany R. Ottesen
- Children’s Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Amanda R. Reyes
- Children’s Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sarah Muh
- Children’s Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Thomas P. Mathews
- Children’s Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Brandon Chen
- Children’s Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Zhiyu Zhao
- Children’s Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sean J. Morrison
- Children’s Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Guarnieri L, Bosco F, Leo A, Citraro R, Palma E, De Sarro G, Mollace V. Impact of micronutrients and nutraceuticals on cognitive function and performance in Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102210. [PMID: 38296163 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102210] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major global health problem today and is the most common form of dementia. AD is characterized by the formation of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary clusters, leading to decreased brain acetylcholine levels in the brain. Another mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of AD is the abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein that accumulates at the level of neurofibrillary aggregates, and the areas most affected by this pathological process are usually the cholinergic neurons in cortical, subcortical, and hippocampal areas. These effects result in decreased cognitive function, brain atrophy, and neuronal death. Malnutrition and weight loss are the most frequent manifestations of AD, and these are also associated with greater cognitive decline. Several studies have confirmed that a balanced low-calorie diet and proper nutritional intake may be considered important factors in counteracting or slowing the progression of AD, whereas a high-fat or hypercholesterolemic diet predisposes to an increased risk of developing AD. Especially, fruits, vegetables, antioxidants, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and micronutrients supplementation exert positive effects on aging-related changes in the brain due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and radical scavenging properties. The purpose of this review is to summarize some possible nutritional factors that may contribute to the progression or prevention of AD, understand the role that nutrition plays in the formation of Aβ plaques typical of this neurodegenerative disease, to identify some potential therapeutic strategies that may involve some natural compounds, in delaying the progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Guarnieri
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Bosco
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Antonio Leo
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; Research Center FAS@UMG, Department of Health Science, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; Research Center FAS@UMG, Department of Health Science, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Section of Pharmacology, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; Research Center FAS@UMG, Department of Health Science, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mollace
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Salazar K, Jara N, Ramírez E, de Lima I, Smith-Ghigliotto J, Muñoz V, Ferrada L, Nualart F. Role of vitamin C and SVCT2 in neurogenesis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1155758. [PMID: 37424994 PMCID: PMC10324519 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1155758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Different studies have established the fundamental role of vitamin C in proliferation, differentiation, and neurogenesis in embryonic and adult brains, as well as in in vitro cell models. To fulfill these functions, the cells of the nervous system regulate the expression and sorting of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2), as well as the recycling of vitamin C between ascorbic acid (AA) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) via a bystander effect. SVCT2 is a transporter preferentially expressed in neurons and in neural precursor cells. In developmental stages, it is concentrated in the apical region of the radial glia, and in adult life, it is expressed preferentially in motor neurons of the cerebral cortex, starting on postnatal day 1. In neurogenic niches, SVCT2 is preferentially expressed in precursors with intermediate proliferation, where a scorbutic condition reduces neuronal differentiation. Vitamin C is a potent epigenetic regulator in stem cells; thus, it can induce the demethylation of DNA and histone H3K27m3 in the promoter region of genes involved in neurogenesis and differentiation, an effect mediated by Tet1 and Jmjd3 demethylases, respectively. In parallel, it has been shown that vitamin C induces the expression of stem cell-specific microRNA, including the Dlk1-Dio3 imprinting region and miR-143, which promotes stem cell self-renewal and suppresses de novo expression of the methyltransferase gene Dnmt3a. The epigenetic action of vitamin C has also been evaluated during gene reprogramming of human fibroblasts to induced pluripotent cells, where it has been shown that vitamin C substantially improves the efficiency and quality of reprogrammed cells. Thus, for a proper effect of vitamin C on neurogenesis and differentiation, its function as an enzymatic cofactor, modulator of gene expression and antioxidant is essential, as is proper recycling from DHA to AA by various supporting cells in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katterine Salazar
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
- Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Nery Jara
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Eder Ramírez
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Isabelle de Lima
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Javiera Smith-Ghigliotto
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Valentina Muñoz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Luciano Ferrada
- Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Francisco Nualart
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
- Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
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Taira A, Palin K, Kuosmanen A, Välimäki N, Kuittinen O, Kuismin O, Kaasinen E, Rajamäki K, Aaltonen LA. Vitamin C boosts DNA demethylation in TET2 germline mutation carriers. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:7. [PMID: 36639817 PMCID: PMC9840351 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01404-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate regulation of DNA methylation is necessary for normal cells to differentiate, develop and function. TET2 catalyzes stepwise DNA demethylation in hematopoietic cells. Mutations in the TET2 gene predispose to hematological malignancies by causing DNA methylation overload and aberrant epigenomic landscape. Studies on mice and cell lines show that the function of TET2 is boosted by vitamin C. Thus, by strengthening the demethylation activity of TET2, vitamin C could play a role in the prevention of hematological malignancies in individuals with TET2 dysfunction. We recently identified a family with lymphoma predisposition where a heterozygous truncating germline mutation in TET2 segregated with nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. The mutation carriers displayed a hypermethylation pattern that was absent in the family members without the mutation. METHODS In a clinical trial of 1 year, we investigated the effects of oral 1 g/day vitamin C supplementation on DNA methylation by analyzing genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression patterns from the family members. RESULTS We show that vitamin C reinforces the DNA demethylation cascade, reduces the proportion of hypermethylated loci and diminishes gene expression differences between TET2 mutation carriers and control individuals. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that vitamin C supplementation increases DNA methylation turnover and provide a basis for further work to examine the potential benefits of vitamin C supplementation in individuals with germline and somatic TET2 mutations. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered at EudraCT with reference number of 2018-000155-41 (01.04.2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Taira
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kimmo Palin
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Kuosmanen
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Niko Välimäki
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Outi Kuittinen
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland ,grid.410705.70000 0004 0628 207XCancer Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Outi Kuismin
- grid.10858.340000 0001 0941 4873PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland ,grid.10858.340000 0001 0941 4873Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland ,grid.412326.00000 0004 4685 4917Department of Clinical Genetics, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Eevi Kaasinen
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristiina Rajamäki
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri A. Aaltonen
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Tsai CH, Chuang YM, Li X, Yu YR, Tzeng SF, Teoh ST, Lindblad KE, Di Matteo M, Cheng WC, Hsueh PC, Kao KC, Imrichova H, Duan L, Gallart-Ayala H, Hsiao PW, Mazzone M, Ivanesevic J, Liu X, de Visser KE, Lujambio A, Lunt SY, Kaech SM, Ho PC. Immunoediting instructs tumor metabolic reprogramming to support immune evasion. Cell Metab 2023; 35:118-133.e7. [PMID: 36599297 PMCID: PMC10375941 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Immunoediting sculpts immunogenicity and thwarts host anti-tumor responses in tumor cells during tumorigenesis; however, it remains unknown whether metabolic programming of tumor cells can be guided by immunosurveillance. Here, we report that T cell-mediated immunosurveillance in early-stage tumorigenesis instructs c-Myc upregulation and metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells. This previously unexplored tumor-immune interaction is controlled by non-canonical interferon gamma (IFNγ)-STAT3 signaling and supports tumor immune evasion. Our findings uncover that immunoediting instructs deregulated bioenergetic programs in tumor cells to empower them to disarm the T cell-mediated immunosurveillance by imposing metabolic tug-of-war between tumor and infiltrating T cells and forming the suppressive tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Hsien Tsai
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ming Chuang
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yi-Ru Yu
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sheue-Fen Tzeng
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shao Thing Teoh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Katherine E Lindblad
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mario Di Matteo
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and angiogenesis, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wan-Chen Cheng
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pei-Chun Hsueh
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kung-Chi Kao
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hana Imrichova
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Wien, Austria
| | - Likun Duan
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Hector Gallart-Ayala
- Metabolomics Platform, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pei-Wen Hsiao
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and angiogenesis, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julijana Ivanesevic
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Wien, Austria
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Karin E de Visser
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Amaia Lujambio
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sophia Y Lunt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Susan M Kaech
- NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ping-Chih Ho
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Duque P, Vieira CP, Bastos B, Vieira J. The evolution of vitamin C biosynthesis and transport in animals. BMC Ecol Evol 2022; 22:84. [PMID: 35752765 PMCID: PMC9233358 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-022-02040-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vitamin C (VC) is an indispensable antioxidant and co-factor for optimal function and development of eukaryotic cells. In animals, VC can be synthesized by the organism, acquired through the diet, or both. In the single VC synthesis pathway described in animals, the penultimate step is catalysed by Regucalcin, and the last step by l-gulonolactone oxidase (GULO). The GULO gene has been implicated in VC synthesis only, while Regucalcin has been shown to have multiple functions in mammals. Results Both GULO and Regucalcin can be found in non-bilaterian, protostome and deuterostome species. Regucalcin, as here shown, is involved in multiple functions such as VC synthesis, calcium homeostasis, and the oxidative stress response in both Deuterostomes and Protostomes, and in insects in receptor-mediated uptake of hexamerin storage proteins from haemolymph. In Insecta and Nematoda, however, there is no GULO gene, and in the latter no Regucalcin gene, but species from these lineages are still able to synthesize VC, implying at least one novel synthesis pathway. In vertebrates, SVCT1, a gene that belongs to a family with up to five members, as here shown, is the only gene involved in the uptake of VC in the gut. This specificity is likely the result of a subfunctionalization event that happened at the base of the Craniata subphylum. SVCT-like genes present in non-Vertebrate animals are likely involved in both VC and nucleobase transport. It is also shown that in lineages where GULO has been lost, SVCT1 is now an essential gene, while in lineages where SVCT1 gene has been lost, GULO is now an essential gene. Conclusions The simultaneous study, for the first time, of GULO, Regucalcin and SVCTs evolution provides a clear picture of VC synthesis/acquisition and reveals very different selective pressures in different animal taxonomic groups. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12862-022-02040-7.
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Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) as a Cosmeceutical to Increase Dermal Collagen for Skin Antiaging Purposes: Emerging Combination Therapies. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091663. [PMID: 36139737 PMCID: PMC9495646 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascorbic acid (AA) is an essential nutrient and has great potential as a cosmeceutical that protects the health and beauty of the skin. AA is expected to attenuate photoaging and the natural aging of the skin by reducing oxidative stress caused by external and internal factors and by promoting collagen gene expression and maturation. In this review, the biochemical basis of AA associated with collagen metabolism and clinical evidence of AA in increasing dermal collagen and inhibiting skin aging were discussed. In addition, we reviewed emerging strategies that have been developed to overcome the shortcomings of AA as a cosmeceutical and achieve maximum efficacy. Because extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagen, have unique amino acid compositions, their production in cells is influenced by the availability of specific amino acids. For example, glycine residues occupy 1/3 of amino acid residues in collagen protein, and the supply of glycine can be a limiting factor for collagen synthesis. Experiments showed that glycinamide was the most effective among the various amino acids and amidated amino acids in stimulating collagen production in human dermal fibroblasts. Thus, it is possible to synergistically improve collagen synthesis by combining AA analogs and amino acid analogs that act at different stages of the collagen production process. This combination therapy would be useful for skin antiaging that requires enhanced collagen production.
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Ni Y, Wu GH, Cai JJ, Zhang R, Zheng Y, Liu JQ, Yang XH, Yang X, Shen Y, Lai JM, Ye XM, Mo SJ. Tubule-mitophagic secretion of SerpinG1 reprograms macrophages to instruct anti-septic acute kidney injury efficacy of high-dose ascorbate mediated by NRF2 transactivation. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:5168-5184. [PMID: 35982894 PMCID: PMC9379417 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.74430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
High-dose ascorbate confers tubular mitophagy responsible for septic acute kidney injury (AKI) amelioration, yet its biological roles in immune regulation remain poorly understood. Methods: The role of tubular mitophagy in macrophage polarization upon high-dose ascorbate treatment was assessed by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis (FACS) in vitro and by immunofluorescence in AKI models of LPS-induced endotoxemia (LIE) from Pax8-cre; Atg7flox/flox mice. The underlying mechanisms were revealed by RNA-sequencing, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and adeno-associated viral vector serotype 9 (AAV9) delivery assays. Results: High-dose ascorbate enables conversion of macrophages from a pro-inflammatory M1 subtype to an anti-inflammatory M2 subtype in murine AKI models of LIE, leading to decreased renal IL-1β and IL-18 production, reduced mortality and alleviated tubulotoxicity. Blockade of tubular mitophagy abrogates anti-inflammatory macrophages polarization under the high-dose ascorbate-exposed coculture systems. Similar abrogations are verified in LIE mice with tubular epithelium-specific ablation of Atg7, where the high-dose ascorbate-inducible renal protection and survival improvement are substantially weaker than their control littermates. Mechanistically, high-dose ascorbate stimulates tubular secretion of serpin family G member 1 (SerpinG1) through maintenance of mitophagy, for which nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (NRF2) transactivation is required. SerpinG1 perpetuates anti-inflammatory macrophages to prevent septic AKI, while kidney-specific disruption of SerpinG1 by adeno-associated viral vector serotype 9 (AAV9)-short hairpin RNA (shRNA) delivery thwarts the anti-inflammatory macrophages polarization and anti-septic AKI efficacy of high-dose ascorbate. Conclusion: Our study identifies SerpinG1 as an intermediate of tubular mitophagy-orchestrated myeloid function during septic AKI and reveals a novel rationale for ascorbate-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Ni
- Emergency and Intensive Care Unit Center, Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P.R.China
| | - Guo-Hua Wu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, Zhejiang, P.R.China
| | - Juan-Juan Cai
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P.R.China
| | - Run Zhang
- Emergency and Intensive Care Unit Center, Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P.R.China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Emergency and Intensive Care Unit Center, Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P.R.China
| | - Jing-Quan Liu
- Emergency and Intensive Care Unit Center, Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P.R.China
| | - Xiang-Hong Yang
- Emergency and Intensive Care Unit Center, Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P.R.China
| | - Xue Yang
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P.R.China
| | - Ye Shen
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Intensive Rehabilitation Care Unit, Zhejiang P rovincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P.R.China.,Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P.R.China
| | - Jun-Mei Lai
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Intensive Rehabilitation Care Unit, Zhejiang P rovincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P.R.China.,Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P.R.China
| | - Xiang-Ming Ye
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Intensive Rehabilitation Care Unit, Zhejiang P rovincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P.R.China.,Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P.R.China
| | - Shi-Jing Mo
- Emergency and Intensive Care Unit Center, Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P.R.China.,Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Intensive Rehabilitation Care Unit, Zhejiang P rovincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P.R.China.,Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, P.R.China
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9
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Travaglini S, Gurnari C, Antonelli S, Silvestrini G, Noguera NI, Ottone T, Voso MT. The Anti-Leukemia Effect of Ascorbic Acid: From the Pro-Oxidant Potential to the Epigenetic Role in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:930205. [PMID: 35938170 PMCID: PMC9352950 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.930205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Data derived from high-throughput sequencing technologies have allowed a deeper understanding of the molecular landscape of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic options, with a higher efficacy and a lower toxicity than conventional chemotherapy. In the antileukemia drug development scenario, ascorbic acid, a natural compound also known as Vitamin C, has emerged for its potential anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities on leukemic cells. However, the role of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the treatment of AML has been debated for decades. Mechanistic insight into its role in many biological processes and, especially, in epigenetic regulation has provided the rationale for the use of this agent as a novel anti-leukemia therapy in AML. Acting as a co-factor for 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2-OGDDs), ascorbic acid is involved in the epigenetic regulations through the control of TET (ten-eleven translocation) enzymes, epigenetic master regulators with a critical role in aberrant hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. In line with this discovery, great interest has been emerging for the clinical testing of this drug targeting leukemia epigenome. Besides its role in epigenetics, ascorbic acid is also a pivotal regulator of many physiological processes in human, particularly in the antioxidant cellular response, being able to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) to prevent DNA damage and other effects involved in cancer transformation. Thus, for this wide spectrum of biological activities, ascorbic acid possesses some pharmacologic properties attractive for anti-leukemia therapy. The present review outlines the evidence and mechanism of ascorbic acid in leukemogenesis and its therapeutic potential in AML. With the growing evidence derived from the literature on situations in which the use of ascorbate may be beneficial in vitro and in vivo, we will finally discuss how these insights could be included into the rational design of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Travaglini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - C. Gurnari
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - S. Antonelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Silvestrini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - N. I. Noguera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - T. Ottone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - M. T. Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: M. T. Voso,
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10
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Ottone T, Faraoni I, Fucci G, Divona M, Travaglini S, De Bellis E, Marchesi F, Angelini DF, Palmieri R, Gurnari C, Giansanti M, Nardozza AM, Montesano F, Fabiani E, Lindfors Rossi EL, Cerretti R, Cicconi L, De Bardi M, Catanoso ML, Battistini L, Massoud R, Venditti A, Voso MT. Vitamin C Deficiency in Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Oncol 2022; 12:890344. [PMID: 35832559 PMCID: PMC9271703 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.890344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C has been shown to play a significant role in suppressing progression of leukemia through epigenetic mechanisms. We aimed to study the role of vitamin C in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) biology and clinical course. To this purpose, the plasma levels of vitamin C at diagnosis in 62 patients with AML (including 5 cases with acute promyelocytic leukemia, APL),7 with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and in 15 healthy donors (HDs) were studied. As controls, vitamins A and E levels were analysed. Expression of the main vitamin C transporters and of the TET2 enzyme were investigated by a specific RQ-PCR while cytoplasmic vitamin C concentration and its uptake were studied in mononuclear cells (MNCs), lymphocytes and blast cells purified from AML samples, and MNCs isolated from HDs. There were no significant differences in vitamin A and E serum levels between patients and HDs. Conversely, vitamin C concentration was significantly lower in AML as compared to HDs (p<0.0001), inversely correlated with peripheral blast‐counts (p=0.029), significantly increased at the time of complete remission (CR) (p=0.04) and further decreased in resistant disease (p=0.002). Expression of the main vitamin C transporters SLC23A2, SLC2A1 and SLC2A3 was also significantly reduced in AML compared to HDs. In this line, cytoplasmic vitamin C levels were also significantly lower in AML-MNCs versus HDs, and in sorted blasts compared to normal lymphocytes in individual patients. No association was found between vitamin C plasma levels and the mutation profile of AML patients, as well as when considering cytogenetics or 2017 ELN risk stratification groups. Finally, vitamin C levels did not play a predictive role for overall or relapse-free survival. In conclusion, our study shows that vitamin C levels are significantly decreased in patients with AML at the time of initial diagnosis, further decrease during disease progression and return to normal upon achievement of CR. Correspondingly, low intracellular levels may mirror increased vitamin C metabolic consumption in proliferating AML cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Ottone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Tiziana Ottone,
| | - Isabella Faraoni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Fucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariadomenica Divona
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- UniCamillus‐Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Travaglini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora De Bellis
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, PhD in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Struttura Complessa (SC) Ematologia, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Marchesi
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Francesca Angelini
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Palmieri
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmelo Gurnari
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, PhD in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Manuela Giansanti
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Nardozza
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Montesano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Emiliano Fabiani
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- UniCamillus‐Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Cerretti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Cicconi
- Ospedale Santo Spirito, Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Roma 1, Reparto di Ematologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco De Bardi
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Catanoso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, PhD in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesú, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Battistini
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Renato Massoud
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Venditti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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11
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Vitamin C Status in People with Types 1 and 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Varying Degrees of Renal Dysfunction: Relationship to Body Weight. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020245. [PMID: 35204128 PMCID: PMC8868094 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder and is associated with depleted vitamin C status. The underlying aetiologies and pathogeneses responsible for this association are poorly understood. This retrospective study explored the vitamin C status of 136 adult outpatients with types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM/T2DM), with a focus on indices of renal function and metabolic health, including body weight. In the T1DM group (n = 73), the median plasma vitamin C concentration was 33 (18, 48) µmol/L, with 37% hypovitaminosis C and 12% deficiency. In the T2DM group (n = 63), the median plasma concentration was 15 (7, 29) µmol/L, with 68% hypovitaminosis C and 38% deficiency. Lower vitamin C was associated with macroalbuminuria (p = 0.03), renal dysfunction (p = 0.08), and hypertension (p = 0.0005). Inverse associations were also observed between plasma vitamin C and various other metabolic health parameters (p < 0.05), especially body weight (p < 0.0001), which was higher in those with hypovitaminosis C (<23 µmol/L; p = 0.0001). The association with bodyweight remained, even after multivariable analysis. In summary, body weight was a significant predictor of low vitamin C status in people with diabetes. This suggests that people with both diabetes and a high body weight may have greater than average vitamin C requirements.
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12
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Bertolone L, Shin HKH, Baek JH, Gao Y, Spitalnik SL, Buehler PW, D'Alessandro A. ZOOMICS: Comparative Metabolomics of Red Blood Cells From Guinea Pigs, Humans, and Non-human Primates During Refrigerated Storage for Up to 42 Days. Front Physiol 2022; 13:845347. [PMID: 35388289 PMCID: PMC8977988 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.845347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike other rodents, guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) have evolutionarily lost their capacity to synthesize vitamin C (ascorbate) de novo and, like several non-human primates and humans, rely on dietary intake and glutathione-dependent recycling to cope with oxidant stress. This is particularly relevant in red blood cell physiology, and especially when modeling blood storage, which exacerbates erythrocyte oxidant stress. Herein we provide a comprehensive metabolomics analysis of fresh and stored guinea pig red blood cell concentrates (n = 20), with weekly sampling from storage day 0 through 42. Results were compared to previously published ZOOMICS studies on red blood cells from three additional species with genetic loss of L-gulonolactone oxidase function, including humans (n = 21), olive baboons (n = 20), and rhesus macaques (n = 20). While metabolic trends were comparable across all species, guinea pig red blood cells demonstrated accelerated alterations of the metabolic markers of the storage lesion that are consistent with oxidative stress. Compared to the other species, guinea pig red blood cells showed aberrant glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway end product metabolites, purine breakdown products, methylation, glutaminolysis, and markers of membrane lipid remodeling. Consistently, guinea pig red blood cells demonstrated higher end storage hemolysis, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed a higher degree of morphological alterations of their red blood cells, as compared to the other species. Despite a genetic inability to produce ascorbate that is common to the species evaluated, guinea pig red blood cells demonstrate accelerated oxidant stress under standard storage conditions. These data may offer relevant insights into the basal and cold storage metabolism of red blood cells from species that cannot synthesize endogenous ascorbate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Bertolone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Hye Kyung H Shin
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Jin Hyen Baek
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Yamei Gao
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Steven L Spitalnik
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Paul W Buehler
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Center for Blood Oxygen Transport and Hemostasis, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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13
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Smith-Díaz CC, Magon NJ, McKenzie JL, Hampton MB, Vissers MCM, Das AB. Ascorbate Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes Myeloid Differentiation in TP53-Mutant Leukemia. Front Oncol 2021; 11:709543. [PMID: 34497762 PMCID: PMC8419345 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.709543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the DNA demethylase TET2 are associated with the dysregulation of hematopoietic stem cell differentiation and arise in approximately 10% of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML). TET2 mutations coexist with other mutations in AML, including TP53 mutations, which can indicate a particularly poor prognosis. Ascorbate can function as an epigenetic therapeutic in pathological contexts involving heterozygous TET2 mutations by restoring TET2 activity. How this response is affected when myeloid leukemia cells harbor mutations in both TET2 and TP53 is unknown. Therefore, we examined the effects of ascorbate on the SKM-1 AML cell line that has mutated TET2 and TP53. Sustained treatment with ascorbate inhibited proliferation and promoted the differentiation of these cells. Furthermore, ascorbate treatment significantly increased 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, suggesting increased TET activity as the likely mechanism. We also investigated whether ascorbate affected the cytotoxicity of Prima-1Met, a drug that reactivates some p53 mutants and is currently in clinical trials for AML. We found that the addition of ascorbate had a minimal effect on Prima-1Met–induced cytotoxicity, with small increases or decreases in cytotoxicity being observed depending on the timing of treatment. Collectively, these data suggest that ascorbate could exert a beneficial anti-proliferative effect on AML cells harboring both TET2 and TP53 mutations whilst not interfering with targeted cytotoxic therapies such as Prima-1Met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos C Smith-Díaz
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Nicholas J Magon
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Judith L McKenzie
- Haematology Research Group, Christchurch Hospital and Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Mark B Hampton
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Margreet C M Vissers
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Andrew B Das
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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14
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Enhancing in vitro oocyte maturation competence and embryo development in farm animals: roles of vitamin-based antioxidants – a review. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2021-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Oocyte/embryo in vitro culture is one of the most important assisted reproductive technologies used as a tool for maintaining genetic resources biodiversity and the inheritance of valuable genetic resources through generations. The success of such processes affects the final goal of the in vitro culture, getting viable and healthy offspring. In common in vitro oocyte maturation and/or embryo development techniques, the development of oocytes/embryos is carried out at 5% carbon dioxide and roughly 20% atmosphere-borne oxygen ratios in cell culture incubators due to their reduced cost in comparison with low atmospheric oxygen-tension incubators. These conditions are usually accompanying by the emergence of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can extremely damage cell membrane integrity and other vital cellular organelles, as well as genetic material. The present review mainly focuses on the antioxidant roles of different vitamins on in vitro oocyte maturation competence and embryo development in farm animals. Because, the conditions of in vitro embryo production (IVEP) are usually accompanying by the emergence of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can extremely damage cell membrane integrity and other vital cellular organelles as well as genetic material. The use of antioxidant agents may prevent the extreme augmentation of ROS generation and enhance in vitro matured oocyte competence and embryo development. Therefore, this review aimed to provide an updated outline of the impact of antioxidant vitamin (Vit) supplementations during in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) on oocyte maturation and consequent embryo development, in various domestic animal species. Thus, the enrichment of the culture media with antioxidant agents may prevent and neutralize the extreme augmentation of ROS generation and enhance the in vitro embryo production (IVEP) outcomes.
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15
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TET2 as a tumor suppressor and therapeutic target in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2110758118. [PMID: 34413196 PMCID: PMC8403940 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110758118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive malignancy in need of novel targeted therapies to prevent relapse and lessen treatment toxicity. We reveal frequent (∼88%) transcriptional silencing or repression of the tumor suppressor TET2 in T-ALL. We show that loss of TET2 in T-ALL is correlated with hypermethylation of the TET2 promoter and that TET2 expression can be rescued by treatment with the DNA demethylating agent, 5-azacytidine (5-aza). We further reveal that the TET2 cofactor vitamin C exerts a strong synergistic effect on global transcriptional changes when added to 5-aza treatment. Importantly, 5-aza treatment results in increased cell death, specifically in T-ALL cells lacking TET2. Thus, we clearly identify 5-aza as a potentially targeted therapy for TET2-silenced T-ALL. Pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive malignancy resulting from overproduction of immature T-cells in the thymus and is typified by widespread alterations in DNA methylation. As survival rates for relapsed T-ALL remain dismal (10 to 25%), development of targeted therapies to prevent relapse is key to improving prognosis. Whereas mutations in the DNA demethylating enzyme TET2 are frequent in adult T-cell malignancies, TET2 mutations in T-ALL are rare. Here, we analyzed RNA-sequencing data of 321 primary T-ALLs, 20 T-ALL cell lines, and 25 normal human tissues, revealing that TET2 is transcriptionally repressed or silenced in 71% and 17% of T-ALL, respectively. Furthermore, we show that TET2 silencing is often associated with hypermethylation of the TET2 promoter in primary T-ALL. Importantly, treatment with the DNA demethylating agent, 5-azacytidine (5-aza), was significantly more toxic to TET2-silenced T-ALL cells and resulted in stable re-expression of the TET2 gene. Additionally, 5-aza led to up-regulation of methylated genes and human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), which was further enhanced by the addition of physiological levels of vitamin C, a potent enhancer of TET activity. Together, our results clearly identify 5-aza as a potential targeted therapy for TET2-silenced T-ALL.
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16
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Tveden-Nyborg P. Vitamin C Deficiency in the Young Brain-Findings from Experimental Animal Models. Nutrients 2021; 13:1685. [PMID: 34063417 PMCID: PMC8156420 DOI: 10.3390/nu13051685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe and long-term vitamin C deficiency can lead to fatal scurvy, which is fortunately considered rare today. However, a moderate state of vitamin C (vitC) deficiency (hypovitaminosis C)-defined as a plasma concentration below 23 μM-is estimated to affect up to 10% of the population in the Western world, albeit clinical hallmarks in addition to scurvy have not been linked to vitC deficiency. The brain maintains a high vitC content and uniquely high levels during deficiency, supporting vitC's importance in the brain. Actions include both antioxidant and co-factor functions, rendering vitamin C deficiency likely to affect several targets in the brain, and it could be particularly significant during development where a high cellular metabolism and an immature antioxidant system might increase sensitivity. However, investigations of a non-scorbutic state of vitC deficiency and effects on the developing young brain are scarce. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the complex mechanisms that regulate vitC homeostasis in vivo and in the brain in particular. Functions of vitC in the brain and the potential consequences of deficiency during brain development are highlighted, based primarily on findings from experimental animal models. Perspectives for future investigations of vitC are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernille Tveden-Nyborg
- Section of Experimental Animal Models, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Pizzagalli MD, Bensimon A, Superti‐Furga G. A guide to plasma membrane solute carrier proteins. FEBS J 2021; 288:2784-2835. [PMID: 32810346 PMCID: PMC8246967 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This review aims to serve as an introduction to the solute carrier proteins (SLC) superfamily of transporter proteins and their roles in human cells. The SLC superfamily currently includes 458 transport proteins in 65 families that carry a wide variety of substances across cellular membranes. While members of this superfamily are found throughout cellular organelles, this review focuses on transporters expressed at the plasma membrane. At the cell surface, SLC proteins may be viewed as gatekeepers of the cellular milieu, dynamically responding to different metabolic states. With altered metabolism being one of the hallmarks of cancer, we also briefly review the roles that surface SLC proteins play in the development and progression of cancer through their influence on regulating metabolism and environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia D. Pizzagalli
- CeMM, Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of SciencesViennaAustria
| | - Ariel Bensimon
- CeMM, Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of SciencesViennaAustria
| | - Giulio Superti‐Furga
- CeMM, Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of SciencesViennaAustria
- Center for Physiology and PharmacologyMedical University of ViennaAustria
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18
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Pozzer D, Invernizzi RW, Blaauw B, Cantoni O, Zito E. Ascorbic Acid Route to the Endoplasmic Reticulum: Function and Role in Disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 34:845-855. [PMID: 31867990 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2019.7912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Humans cannot synthesize ascorbic acid (AscH2) (vitamin C), so deficiencies in dietary AscH2 cause the life-threatening disease of scurvy and many other diseases. After oral ingestion, plasma AscH2 concentrations are strictly controlled by transporters, which are required for entry into the cell and into intracellular organelles. Recent Advances: Besides its general antioxidant function, AscH2 is a cofactor for endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized collagen hydroxylases. Its important role in ER homeostasis is also highlighted by the fact that AscH2 deficiency in auxotrophic species triggers ER stress. Critical Issues: Characterizations of the molecular basis of diseases suggest that intracellular AscH2 deficiency is due not only to limited dietary access but also to its limited intracellular transport and net loss under conditions of intracellular hyperoxidation in the ER. This essay will offer an overview of the different transporters of vitamin C regulating its intracellular concentration, its function inside the ER, and the phenotypes of the diseases that can be triggered by increased depletion of this vitamin in the ER. Future Directions: When considering the benefits of increasing dietary AscH2, it is important to consider pharmacokinetic differences in the bioavailability between orally and intravenously administered AscH2: the latter bypasses intestinal absorption and is, therefore, the only route that can lead to the high plasma concentrations that may provide some health effects, and it is this route that needs to be chosen in clinical trials for those diseases associated with a deficiency of AscH2. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 34, 845-855.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Pozzer
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Bert Blaauw
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Orazio Cantoni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Ester Zito
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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19
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Boel A, Veszelyi K, Németh CE, Beyens A, Willaert A, Coucke P, Callewaert B, Margittai É. Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome: An Ascorbate Compartmentalization Disorder? Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 34:875-889. [PMID: 31621376 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2019.7843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Cardiovascular disorders are the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. Monogenic developmental disorders of the heart and vessels are highly valuable to study the physiological and pathological processes in cardiovascular system homeostasis. The arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) is a rare, autosomal recessive connective tissue disorder showing lengthening, tortuosity, and stenosis of the large arteries, with a propensity for aneurysm formation. In histopathology, it associates with fragmentation and disorganization of elastic fibers in several tissues, including the arterial wall. ATS is caused by pathogenic variants in SLC2A10 encoding the facilitative glucose transporter (GLUT)10. Critical Issues: Although several hypotheses have been forwarded, the molecular mechanisms linking disrupted GLUT10 activity with arterial malformations are largely unknown. Recent Advances: The vascular and systemic manifestations and natural history of ATS patients have been largely delineated. GLUT10 was identified as an intracellular transporter of dehydroascorbic acid, which contributes to collagen and elastin cross-linking in the endoplasmic reticulum, redox homeostasis in the mitochondria, and global and gene-specific methylation/hydroxymethylation affecting epigenetic regulation in the nucleus. We revise here the current knowledge on ATS and the role of GLUT10 within the compartmentalization of ascorbate in physiological and diseased states. Future Directions: Centralization of clinical, treatment, and outcome data will enable better management for ATS patients. Establishment of representative animal disease models could facilitate the study of pathomechanisms underlying ATS. This might be relevant for other forms of vascular dysplasia, such as isolated aneurysm formation, hypertensive vasculopathy, and neovascularization. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 34, 875-889.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annekatrien Boel
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Krisztina Veszelyi
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Molecular Biology, and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla E Németh
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology, and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Aude Beyens
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andy Willaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paul Coucke
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bert Callewaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Éva Margittai
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Molecular Biology, and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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20
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Chen ZD, Hu BC, Shao XP, Hong J, Zheng Y, Zhang R, Shao ZQ, Liu JQ, Yang XH, Sun RH, Mo SJ. Ascorbate uptake enables tubular mitophagy to prevent septic AKI by PINK1-PARK2 axis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 554:158-165. [PMID: 33798942 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.03.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ascorbate (Vitamin C) has been proposed as a promising therapeutic agent against sepsis in clinical trials, but there is little experimental evidence on its anti-septic efficacy. We report that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation by LPS stimuli augments ascorbate uptake in murine and human tubular cells through upregulation of two ascorbate transporters SVCT-1 and -2 mediated by Fn14/SCFFbxw7α cascade. Ascorbate restriction, or knockout of SVCT-1 and -2, the circumstance reminiscent to blockade of ascorbate uptake, endows tubular cells more vulnerable to the LPS-inducible apoptosis, whereas exogenous administration of ascorbate overrides the ruin execution, for which the PINK1-PARK2, rather than BNIP3-NIX axis is required. Ascorbate increases, while SVCT-1 and -2 knockout or ascorbate restriction dampens tubular mitophagy upon LPS stimuli. Treatment of endotoxemic mice with high-dose ascorbate confers mitophagy and substantial protection against mortality and septic acute kidney injury (AKI). Our work provides a rationale for clinical management of septic AKI with high doses of ascorbate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Dong Chen
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou Normal College, Huzhou, 313000, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Bang-Chuan Hu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xue-Ping Shao
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou Normal College, Huzhou, 313000, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jun Hong
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Run Zhang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Zi-Qiang Shao
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jin-Quan Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xiang-Hong Yang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Ren-Hua Sun
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Shi-Jing Mo
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, PR China.
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21
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High-Dose Vitamin C: Preclinical Evidence for Tailoring Treatment in Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061428. [PMID: 33804775 PMCID: PMC8003833 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Vitamin C is an indispensable micronutrient in the human diet due to the multiple functions it carries out in the body. Reports of clinical studies have indicated that, when administered at high dosage by the intravenous route, vitamin C may exert beneficial antitumor effects in patients with advanced stage cancers, including those refractory to previous treatment with chemotherapy. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current scientific evidence concerning the different mechanisms of action by which high-dose vitamin C may kill tumor cells. A special focus will be given to those mechanisms that provide the rationale basis for tailoring vitamin C treatment according to specific molecular alterations present in the tumor and for the selection of the most appropriate companion drugs. Abstract High-dose vitamin C has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach for patients with advanced tumors who failed previous treatment with chemotherapy. Due to vitamin C complex pharmacokinetics, only intravenous administration allows reaching sufficiently high plasma concentrations required for most of the antitumor effects observed in preclinical studies (>0.250 mM). Moreover, vitamin C entry into cells is tightly regulated by SVCT and GLUT transporters, and is cell type-dependent. Importantly, besides its well-recognized pro-oxidant effects, vitamin C modulates TET enzymes promoting DNA demethylation and acts as cofactor of HIF hydroxylases, whose activity is required for HIF-1α proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, at pharmacological concentrations lower than those required for its pro-oxidant activity (<1 mM), vitamin C in specific genetic contexts may alter the DNA damage response by increasing 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels. These more recently described vitamin C mechanisms offer new treatment opportunities for tumors with specific molecular defects (e.g., HIF-1α over-expression or TET2, IDH1/2, and WT1 alterations). Moreover, vitamin C action at DNA levels may provide the rationale basis for combination therapies with PARP inhibitors and hypomethylating agents. This review outlines the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of vitamin C to be taken into account in designing clinical studies that evaluate its potential use as anticancer agent.
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22
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Fletcher BD, Flett JAM, Wickham SR, Pullar JM, Vissers MCM, Conner TS. Initial Evidence of Variation by Ethnicity in the Relationship between Vitamin C Status and Mental States in Young Adults. Nutrients 2021; 13:792. [PMID: 33673717 PMCID: PMC7997165 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Higher fruit and vegetable intake has been associated with improved mood, greater vitality, and lower stress. Although the nutrients driving these benefits are not specifically identified, one potentially important micronutrient is vitamin C, an important co-factor for the production of peptide hormones, carnitine and neurotransmitters that are involved in regulation of physical energy and mood. The aim of our study was to investigate the cross-sectional relationship between blood plasma vitamin C status and mood, vitality and perceived stress. A sample of 419 university students (aged 18 to 35; 67.8% female) of various ethnicities (49.2% European, 16.2% East Asian, 8.1% Southeast/Other Asian, 9.1% Māori/Pasifika, 11.5% Other) provided a fasting blood sample to determine vitamin C status and completed psychological measures consisting of the Profile of Mood States Short Form (POMS-SF), the vitality subscale of the Rand 36-Item Short Form (SF-36), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Participants were screened for prescription medication, smoking history, vitamin C supplementation, fruit/juice and vegetable consumption, kiwifruit allergies, excessive alcohol consumption and serious health issues, and provided age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status information, which served as covariates. There were no significant associations between vitamin C status and the psychological measures for the sample overall. However, associations varied by ethnicity. Among Māori/Pasifika participants, higher vitamin C was associated with greater vitality and lower stress, whereas among Southeast Asian participants, higher vitamin C was associated with greater confusion on the POMS-SF subscale. These novel findings demonstrate potential ethnicity-linked differences in the relationship between vitamin C and mental states. Further research is required to determine whether genetic variation or cultural factors are driving these ethnicity differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D. Fletcher
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (B.D.F.); (S.-R.W.)
| | | | - Shay-Ruby Wickham
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (B.D.F.); (S.-R.W.)
| | - Juliet M. Pullar
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand; (J.M.P.); (M.C.M.V.)
| | - Margreet C. M. Vissers
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand; (J.M.P.); (M.C.M.V.)
| | - Tamlin S. Conner
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (B.D.F.); (S.-R.W.)
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23
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Bae DH, Gholam Azad M, Kalinowski DS, Lane DJR, Jansson PJ, Richardson DR. Ascorbate and Tumor Cell Iron Metabolism: The Evolving Story and Its Link to Pathology. Antioxid Redox Signal 2020; 33:816-838. [PMID: 31672021 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2019.7903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Vitamin C or ascorbate (Asc) is a water-soluble vitamin and an antioxidant that is involved in many crucial biological functions. Asc's ability to reduce metals makes it an essential enzyme cofactor. Recent Advances: The ability of Asc to act as a reductant also plays an important part in its overall role in iron metabolism, where Asc induces both nontransferrin-bound iron and transferrin-bound iron uptake at physiological concentrations (∼50 μM). Moreover, Asc has emerged to play an important role in multiple diseases and its effects at pharmacological doses could be important for their treatment. Critical Issues: Asc's role as a regulator of cellular iron metabolism, along with its cytotoxic effects and different roles at pharmacological concentrations, makes it a candidate as an anticancer agent. Ever since the controversy regarding the studies from the Mayo Clinic was finally explained, there has been a renewed interest in using Asc as a therapeutic approach toward cancer due to its minimal side effects. Numerous studies have been able to demonstrate the anticancer activity of Asc through selective oxidative stress toward cancer cells via H2O2 generation at pharmacological concentrations. Studies have demonstrated that Asc's cytotoxic mechanism at concentrations (>1 mM) has been associated with decreased cellular iron uptake. Future Directions: Recent studies have also suggested other mechanisms, such as Asc's effects on autophagy, polyamine metabolism, and the cell cycle. Clearly, more has yet to be discovered about Asc's mechanism of action to facilitate safe and effective treatment options for cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hun Bae
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mahan Gholam Azad
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Danuta S Kalinowski
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Darius J R Lane
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa-ku, Japan
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24
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Galmés S, Serra F, Palou A. Current State of Evidence: Influence of Nutritional and Nutrigenetic Factors on Immunity in the COVID-19 Pandemic Framework. Nutrients 2020; 12:E2738. [PMID: 32911778 PMCID: PMC7551697 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic caused by the new coronavirus has caused shock waves in many countries, producing a global health crisis worldwide. Lack of knowledge of the biological mechanisms of viruses, plus the absence of effective treatments against the disease (COVID-19) and/or vaccines have pulled factors that can compromise the proper functioning of the immune system to fight against infectious diseases into the spotlight. The optimal status of specific nutrients is considered crucial to keeping immune components within their normal activity, helping to avoid and overcome infections. Specifically, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluated and deems six vitamins (D, A, C, Folate, B6, B12) and four minerals (zinc, iron, copper and selenium) to be essential for the normal functioning of the immune system, due to the scientific evidence collected so far. In this report, an update on the evidence of the contribution of nutritional factors as immune-enhancing aspects, factors that could reduce their bioavailability, and the role of the optimal status of these nutrients within the COVID-19 pandemic context was carried out. First, a non-systematic review of the current state of knowledge regarding the impact of an optimal nutritional status of these nutrients on the proper functioning of the immune system as well as their potential role in COVID-19 prevention/treatment was carried out by searching for available scientific evidence in PubMed and LitCovid databases. Second, a compilation from published sources and an analysis of nutritional data from 10 European countries was performed, and the relationship between country nutritional status and epidemiological COVID-19 data (available in the Worldometers database) was evaluated following an ecological study design. Furthermore, the potential effect of genetics was considered through the selection of genetic variants previously identified in Genome-Wide Association studies (GWAs) as influencing the nutritional status of these 10 considered nutrients. Therefore, access to genetic information in accessible databases (1000genomes, by Ensembl) of individuals from European populations enabled an approximation that countries might present a greater risk of suboptimal status of the nutrients studied. Results from the review approach show the importance of maintaining a correct nutritional status of these 10 nutrients analyzed for the health of the immune system, highlighting the importance of Vitamin D and iron in the context of COVID-19. Besides, the ecological study demonstrates that intake levels of relevant micronutrients-especially Vitamins D, C, B12, and iron-are inversely associated with higher COVID-19 incidence and/or mortality, particularly in populations genetically predisposed to show lower micronutrient status. In conclusion, nutrigenetic data provided by joint assessment of 10 essential nutrients for the functioning of the immune system and of the genetic factors that can limit their bioavailability can be a fundamental tool to help strengthen the immune system of individuals and prepare populations to fight against infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastià Galmés
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology, NUO Group, Universitat de les Illes Balears, 07122 Palma, Spain; (S.G.); (A.P.)
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain
- Alimentómica S.L., Spin-off n.1 of the University of the Balearic Islands, 07121 Palma, Spain
| | - Francisca Serra
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology, NUO Group, Universitat de les Illes Balears, 07122 Palma, Spain; (S.G.); (A.P.)
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain
- Alimentómica S.L., Spin-off n.1 of the University of the Balearic Islands, 07121 Palma, Spain
| | - Andreu Palou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology, NUO Group, Universitat de les Illes Balears, 07122 Palma, Spain; (S.G.); (A.P.)
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain
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25
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Plaza-Oliver M, Beloqui A, Santander-Ortega MJ, Castro-Vázquez L, Rodríguez-Robledo V, Arroyo-Jiménez MM, Préat V, Lozano MV. Ascorbyl-dipalmitate-stabilised nanoemulsions as a potential localised treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. Int J Pharm 2020; 586:119533. [PMID: 32534160 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Current efforts on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) treatment are focused on strategies for localised drug delivery at the intestinal mucosa. Despite the potential of curcumin (CC) for IBD treatment, its low solubility and stability limit its application. Thus, the design of nanocarriers that focus CC delivery at the intestinal epithelium is an area of interest. This work proposes α-tocopherol nanoemulsions (NE) stabilised by ascorbyl-2,6-dipalmitate (ADP) as intestinal CC-carriers. The antioxidant capacity of α-tocopherol and ADP could have a synergistic effect on IBD-affected tissues, characterised by an oxidative environment. We obtained nanoemulsions (NE-ADP) with size below 200 nm, negative surface charge, stable in gastrointestinal media and no toxic in the Caco-2 cell model. Intracellular retention of NE-ADP in Caco-2 cells was observed by confocal microscopy. The extremely low Papp values obtained for CC and α-tocopherol indicated the lack of transport across the Caco-2 monolayer. Control nanoemulsion stabilised by lecithin (NE-L) was greatly transported across the Caco-2 cells monolayer, confirming the relevance of ADP on the cellular retention of NE-ADP. The therapeutic potential of NE-ADP was shown by the significant decrease of intracellular ROS levels. Altogether, these results indicate the potential of NE-ADP as a novel approach for the treatment of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Plaza-Oliver
- Cellular Neurobiology and Molecular Chemistry of the Central Nervous System Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Spain; Regional Centre of Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete 02008, Spain
| | - A Beloqui
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - M J Santander-Ortega
- Cellular Neurobiology and Molecular Chemistry of the Central Nervous System Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Spain; Regional Centre of Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete 02008, Spain
| | - L Castro-Vázquez
- Cellular Neurobiology and Molecular Chemistry of the Central Nervous System Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Spain; Regional Centre of Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete 02008, Spain
| | - V Rodríguez-Robledo
- Cellular Neurobiology and Molecular Chemistry of the Central Nervous System Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Spain; Regional Centre of Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete 02008, Spain
| | - M M Arroyo-Jiménez
- Cellular Neurobiology and Molecular Chemistry of the Central Nervous System Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Spain; Regional Centre of Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete 02008, Spain
| | - V Préat
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Brussels 1200, Belgium.
| | - M V Lozano
- Cellular Neurobiology and Molecular Chemistry of the Central Nervous System Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Spain; Regional Centre of Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete 02008, Spain.
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26
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Saitoh Y, Umezaki T, Yonekura N, Nakawa A. Resveratrol potentiates intracellular ascorbic acid enrichment through dehydroascorbic acid transport and/or its intracellular reduction in HaCaT cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2020; 467:57-64. [PMID: 32080778 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-03700-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
L-Ascorbic acid (AsA), a reduced vitamin C (VC), is an important antioxidant, and the internal accumulation and maintenance of AsA are thought to play a significant role in various physiological activities in humans. We focused on resveratrol (RSV), a natural polyphenolic compound, as a candidate for an AsA transport modulator and investigated whether RSV can affect the intracellular VC accumulation after either AsA or dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) addition in HaCaT keratinocytes. Our results demonstrate that RSV treatment could significantly enhance intracellular VC levels after either AsA or DHA supplementation, and intracellular VC accumulated mainly as AsA. Our results also indicate that most of the intracellular transported DHA was reduced to AsA and accumulated after uptake into cells. In addition, RSV could induce several AsA or DHA transport-related and intracellular DHA reduction-related genes including SVCT2, GLUT3, TXNRD2, and TXNRD3, necessary for AsA transport, DHA transport, and DHA reduction/regeneration, respectively. On the other hand, the both protein expression levels and the localizations of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters 2 (SVCT2) and glucose transporter 3(GLUT3) were scarcely affected by RSV treatment. Furthermore, RSV-induced enrichment of intracellular AsA levels was completely suppressed by a GLUT inhibitor cytochalasin B. These results suggest that RSV can potentiate intracellular AsA accumulation via activation of the DHA transport and subsequent intracellular reduction from DHA to AsA. Thus, RSV might be useful for maintaining substantial AsA accumulation in the skin keratinocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasukazu Saitoh
- Laboratory of Bioscience & Biotechnology for Cell Function Control, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, 5562 Nanatsuka, Shobara, Hiroshima, 727-0023, Japan.
| | - Taiki Umezaki
- Laboratory of Bioscience & Biotechnology for Cell Function Control, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, 5562 Nanatsuka, Shobara, Hiroshima, 727-0023, Japan
| | - Nene Yonekura
- Laboratory of Bioscience & Biotechnology for Cell Function Control, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, 5562 Nanatsuka, Shobara, Hiroshima, 727-0023, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakawa
- Laboratory of Bioscience & Biotechnology for Cell Function Control, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, 5562 Nanatsuka, Shobara, Hiroshima, 727-0023, Japan
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27
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Edgar JA. L-ascorbic acid and the evolution of multicellular eukaryotes. J Theor Biol 2019; 476:62-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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28
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Ballaz SJ, Rebec GV. Neurobiology of vitamin C: Expanding the focus from antioxidant to endogenous neuromodulator. Pharmacol Res 2019; 146:104321. [PMID: 31229562 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ascorbic acid (AA) is a water-soluble vitamin (C) found in all bodily organs. Most mammals synthesize it, humans are required to eat it, but all mammals need it for healthy functioning. AA reaches its highest concentration in the brain where both neurons and glia rely on tightly regulated uptake from blood via the glucose transport system and sodium-coupled active transport to accumulate and maintain AA at millimolar levels. As a prototype antioxidant, AA is not only neuroprotective, but also functions as a cofactor in redox-coupled reactions essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine and norepinephrine) and paracrine lipid mediators (e.g., epoxiecoisatrienoic acids) as well as the epigenetic regulation of DNA. Although redox capacity led to the promotion of AA in high doses as potential treatment for various neuropathological and psychiatric conditions, ample evidence has not supported this therapeutic strategy. Here, we focus on some long-neglected aspects of AA neurobiology, including its modulatory role in synaptic transmission as demonstrated by the long-established link between release of endogenous AA in brain extracellular fluid and the clearance of glutamate, an excitatory amino acid. Evidence that this link can be disrupted in animal models of Huntington´s disease is revealing opportunities for new research pathways and therapeutic applications (e.g., epilepsy and pain management). In fact, we suggest that improved understanding of the regulation of endogenous AA and its interaction with key brain neurotransmitter systems, rather than administration of AA in excess, should be the target of future brain-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago J Ballaz
- School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech University, Urcuqui, Ecuador.
| | - George V Rebec
- Program in Neuroscience, Department Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA.
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29
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Wohlrab C, Kuiper C, Vissers MC, Phillips E, Robinson BA, Dachs GU. Ascorbate modulates the hypoxic pathway by increasing intracellular activity of the HIF hydroxylases in renal cell carcinoma cells. HYPOXIA 2019; 7:17-31. [PMID: 31192266 PMCID: PMC6527796 DOI: 10.2147/hp.s201643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Protein levels and activity of the hypoxia-inducible transcription factors HIF-1 and HIF-2 are controlled by hydroxylation of the regulatory alpha chains. Proline hydroxylases (PHDs) target the protein for degradation via the von-Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-ubiquitin-ligase complex, and asparagine hydroxylation by Factor Inhibiting HIF (FIH) leads to transcriptional inactivation. In cell-free systems, these enzymes require ascorbate as a cofactor, and this is also inferred to be an intracellular requirement for effective hydroxylation. However, how intracellular concentrations of ascorbate affect hydroxylase activity is unknown. In this study, we investigated the modulation of the regulatory hydroxylases in cancer cells by intracellular ascorbate. Materials and methods: To facilitate this investigation, we used clear cell renal carcinoma cell lines that were VHL-proficient (Caki-1), with a normal hypoxic response, or VHL-defective (Caki-2 and 786-0), with uncontrolled accumulation of HIF-α chains. We monitored the effect of intracellular ascorbate on the hypoxia-induced accumulation of HIF-1α, HIF-2α and the expression of downstream HIF targets BNIP3, cyclin D1 and GLUT1. Changes in hydroxylation of the HIF-1α protein in response to ascorbate were also investigated in 786-0 cells gene-modified to express full-length HIF-1α (786-HIF1). Results: In VHL-proficient cells, hypoxia induced accumulation of HIF-1α and BNIP3 which was dampened in mild hypoxia by elevated intracellular ascorbate. Increased HIF-2α accumulation occurred only under severe hypoxia and this was not modified by ascorbate availability. In VHL-defective cells, ascorbate supplementation induced additional accumulation of HIF under hypoxic conditions and HIF pathway proteins were unchanged by oxygen supply. In 786-HIF1 cells, levels of hydroxylated HIF-1α were elevated in response to increasing intracellular ascorbate levels. Conclusion: Our data provide evidence that the hypoxic pathway can be modulated by increasing HIF hydroxylase activity via intracellular ascorbate availability. In VHL-defective cells, accumulation of HIF-alpha proteins is independent of hydroxylation and is unaffected by intracellular ascorbate levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Wohlrab
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Caroline Kuiper
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Margreet Cm Vissers
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Elisabeth Phillips
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Bridget A Robinson
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Canterbury Regional Cancer and Hematology Service, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Gabi U Dachs
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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30
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Abstract
Over the past century, the notion that vitamin C can be used to treat cancer has generated much controversy. However, new knowledge regarding the pharmacokinetic properties of vitamin C and recent high-profile preclinical studies have revived interest in the utilization of high-dose vitamin C for cancer treatment. Studies have shown that pharmacological vitamin C targets many of the mechanisms that cancer cells utilize for their survival and growth. In this Opinion article, we discuss how vitamin C can target three vulnerabilities many cancer cells share: redox imbalance, epigenetic reprogramming and oxygen-sensing regulation. Although the mechanisms and predictive biomarkers that we discuss need to be validated in well-controlled clinical trials, these new discoveries regarding the anticancer properties of vitamin C are promising to help identify patient populations that may benefit the most from high-dose vitamin C therapy, developing effective combination strategies and improving the overall design of future vitamin C clinical trials for various types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Ngo
- Meyer Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Justin M Van Riper
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lewis C Cantley
- Meyer Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jihye Yun
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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31
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Peña E, Roa FJ, Inostroza E, Sotomayor K, González M, Gutierrez-Castro FA, Maurin M, Sweet K, Labrousse C, Gatica M, Aylwin CF, Mendoza P, Maldonado M, Delgado C, Madariaga J, Panes J, Silva-Grecchi T, Concha II, Moraga-Cid G, Reyes AM, Muñoz-Montesino C, Vera JC, Rivas CI. Increased expression of mitochondrial sodium-coupled ascorbic acid transporter-2 (mitSVCT2) as a central feature in breast cancer. Free Radic Biol Med 2019; 135:283-292. [PMID: 30902760 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The potential role of vitamin C in cancer prevention and treatment remains controversial. While normal human cells obtain vitamin C as ascorbic acid, the prevalent form of vitamin C in vivo, the uptake mechanisms by which cancer cells acquire vitamin C has remained unclear. The aim of this study is to characterize how breast cancer cells acquire vitamin C. For this, we determined the expression of vitamin C transporters in normal and breast cancer tissue samples, and in ZR-75, MCF-7, MDA-231 and MDA-468 breast cancer cell lines. At the same time, reduced (AA) and oxidized (DHA) forms of vitamin C uptake experiments were performed in all cell lines. We show here that human breast cancer tissues differentially express a form of SVCT2 transporter, that is systematically absent in normal breast tissues and it is increased in breast tumors. In fact, estrogen receptor negative breast cancer tissue, exhibit the most elevated SVCT2 expression levels. Despite this, our analysis in breast cancer cell lines showed that these cells are not able to uptake ascorbic acid and depend on glucose transporter for the acquisition of vitamin C by a bystander effect. This is consistent with our observations that this form of SVCT2 is completely absent from the plasma membrane and is overexpressed in mitochondria of breast cancer cells, where it mediates ascorbic acid transport. This work shows that breast cancer cells acquire vitamin C in its oxidized form and are capable of accumulated high concentrations of the reduced form. Augmented expression of an SVCT2 mitochondrial form appears to be a common hallmark across all human cancers and might have implications in cancer cells survival capacity against pro-oxidant environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Peña
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Francisco J Roa
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Eveling Inostroza
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Kirsty Sotomayor
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Mauricio González
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Francisco A Gutierrez-Castro
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Michelle Maurin
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Karen Sweet
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Claire Labrousse
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Marcell Gatica
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Carlos F Aylwin
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Pamela Mendoza
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Mafalda Maldonado
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Carolina Delgado
- Departamento de Especialidades Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Jaime Madariaga
- Departamento de Especialidades Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Jessica Panes
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Tiare Silva-Grecchi
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ilona I Concha
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Campus Isla Teja, PO Box 567, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Gustavo Moraga-Cid
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Alejandro M Reyes
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Campus Isla Teja, PO Box 567, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carola Muñoz-Montesino
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile.
| | - Juan Carlos Vera
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Coralia I Rivas
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, PO Box 160C, Concepción, Chile.
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Campbell EJ, Dachs GU, Morrin HR, Davey VC, Robinson BA, Vissers MCM. Activation of the hypoxia pathway in breast cancer tissue and patient survival are inversely associated with tumor ascorbate levels. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:307. [PMID: 30943919 PMCID: PMC6448303 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5503-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) -1 drives tumor growth and metastasis and is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. Ascorbate can moderate HIF-1 activity in vitro and is associated with HIF pathway activation in a number of cancer types, but whether tissue ascorbate levels influence the HIF pathway in breast cancer is unknown. In this study we investigated the association between tumor ascorbate levels and HIF-1 activation and patient survival in human breast cancer. Methods In a retrospective analysis of human breast cancer tissue, we analysed primary tumor and adjacent uninvolved tissue from 52 women with invasive ductal carcinoma. We measured HIF-1α, HIF-1 gene targets CAIX, BNIP-3 and VEGF, and ascorbate content. Patient clinical outcomes were evaluated against these parameters. Results HIF-1 pathway proteins were upregulated in tumor tissue and increased HIF-1 activation was associated with higher tumor grade and stage, with increased vascular invasion and necrosis, and with decreased disease-free and disease-specific survival. Grade 1 tumors had higher ascorbate levels than did grade 2 or 3 tumors. Higher ascorbate levels were associated with less tumor necrosis, with lower HIF-1 pathway activity and with increased disease-free and disease-specific survival. Conclusions Our findings indicate that there is a direct correlation between intracellular ascorbate levels, activation of the HIF-1 pathway and patient survival in breast cancer. This is consistent with the known capacity of ascorbate to stimulate the activity of the regulatory HIF hydroxylases and suggests that optimisation of tumor ascorbate could have clinical benefit via modulation of the hypoxic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Campbell
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand.,Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Gabi U Dachs
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Helen R Morrin
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand.,Cancer Society Tissue Bank, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Valerie C Davey
- Christchurch Breast Cancer Patient Register, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Bridget A Robinson
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand.,Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, and Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Margreet C M Vissers
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand.
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33
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Chen WT, Shie CB, Yang CC, Lee TM. Blockade of Cardiac Proton Pump Impairs Ventricular Remodeling Through a Superoxide-DDAH-Dependent Pathway in Infarcted Rats. ACTA CARDIOLOGICA SINICA 2019; 35:165-178. [PMID: 30930564 DOI: 10.6515/acs.201903_35(2).20180917a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently used to prevent or treat peptic ulcers. Recently, PPIs have been shown to increase the risk of myocardial infarction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PPIs adversely affect ventricular remodeling in infarcted rats. Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receive either vehicle, omeprazole, omeprazole + vitamin C, omeprazole + olmesartan, or famotidine treatment for 4 weeks starting 24 hours after inducing myocardial infarction by ligating coronary arteries. Results Compared with vehicle-treated infarcted rats, omeprazole-treated infarcted rats had significant changes with reduced myocardial vitamin C levels, increased oxidant production, and decreased dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 2 (DDAH2) activity, which in turn increased asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels and impaired ventricular remodeling. With gastric protection similar to omeprazole, the H2 blocker famotidine had no effect on ventricular remodeling. In contrast to the in vivo results, the ex vivo study showed similar superoxide and DDAH2 protein levels between vehicle- and omeprazole-treated infarcted rats, suggesting involvement of gastric vitamin C uptake rather than myocardial vitamin C in mediating the impaired axis of vitamin C-superoxide-DDAH2 in the in vivo measurements. The administration of PPIs was associated with impaired DDAH2 expression and increased myocardial ADMA, which impaired ventricular remodeling after infarction. These effects were prevented by the coadministration of vitamin C or olmesartan. Conclusions Our results indicate that the administration of PPIs was associated with impaired DDAH2 expression and increased myocardial ADMA by reducing gastric vitamin C uptake, which impaired ventricular remodeling after infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chang-Bie Shie
- Gastrointestinal Section, Department of Medicine, China Medical University-An Nan Hospital, Tainan
| | | | - Tsung-Ming Lee
- Cardiovascular Institute.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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34
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Cantoni O, Guidarelli A, Fiorani M. Mitochondrial Uptake and Accumulation of Vitamin C: What Can We Learn from Cell Culture Studies? Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 29:1502-1515. [PMID: 28699359 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE The mitochondrial fraction of l-ascorbic acid (AA) is of critical importance for the regulation of the redox status of these organelles and for cell survival. Recent Advances: Most cell types take up AA by the high-affinity sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2) sensitive to inhibition by dehydroascorbic acid (DHA). DHA can also be taken up by glucose transporters (GLUTs) and then reduced back to AA. DHA concentrations, normally very low in biological fluids, may only become significant next to superoxide-releasing cells. Very little is known about the mechanisms mediating the mitochondrial transport of the vitamin. CRITICAL ISSUES Information on AA transport is largely derived from studies using cultured cells and is therefore conditioned by possible cell culture effects as overexpression of SVCT2 in the plasma membrane and mitochondria. Mitochondrial SVCT2 is susceptible to inhibition by DHA and transports AA with a low affinity as a consequence of the restrictive ionic conditions. In some cells, however, high-affinity mitochondrial transport of AA is observed. Mitochondrial uptake of DHA may take place through GLUTs, an event followed by its prompt reduction to AA in the matrix. Intracellular levels of DHA are, however, normally very low. FUTURE DIRECTIONS We need to establish, or rule out, the role and significance of mitochondrial SVCT2 in vivo. The key question for mitochondrial DHA transport is instead related to its very low intracellular concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orazio Cantoni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo ," Urbino, Italy
| | - Andrea Guidarelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo ," Urbino, Italy
| | - Mara Fiorani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo ," Urbino, Italy
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35
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Cimmino L, Neel BG, Aifantis I. Vitamin C in Stem Cell Reprogramming and Cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2018; 28:698-708. [PMID: 29724526 PMCID: PMC6102081 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin C is an essential dietary requirement for humans. In addition to its known role as an antioxidant, vitamin C is a cofactor for Fe2+- and α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (Fe2+/α-KGDDs) which comprise a large number of diverse enzymes, including collagen prolyl hydroxylases and epigenetic regulators of histone and DNA methylation. Vitamin C can modulate embryonic stem cell (ESC) function, enhance reprogramming of fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and hinder the aberrant self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) through its ability to enhance the activity of either Jumonji C (JmjC) domain-containing histone demethylases or ten-eleven translocation (TET) DNA hydroxylases. Given that epigenetic dysregulation is a known driver of malignancy, vitamin C may play a novel role as an epigenetic anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Cimmino
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.,Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center and Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Stem Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.,To Whom Correspondence Should Be Addressed: Luisa Cimmino, Ph.D. or Iannis Aifantis, Ph.D. Department of Pathology and Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine 521 First Avenue, Smilow 1303 New York, NY 10016 or
| | - Benjamin G. Neel
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center and Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Stem Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Iannis Aifantis
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.,Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center and Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Stem Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.,To Whom Correspondence Should Be Addressed: Luisa Cimmino, Ph.D. or Iannis Aifantis, Ph.D. Department of Pathology and Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine 521 First Avenue, Smilow 1303 New York, NY 10016 or
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36
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Vissers MCM, Das AB. Potential Mechanisms of Action for Vitamin C in Cancer: Reviewing the Evidence. Front Physiol 2018; 9:809. [PMID: 30018566 PMCID: PMC6037948 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether vitamin C (ascorbate) has a role to play as an anti-cancer agent has been debated for decades. Ascorbate has been used by cancer patients in an unregulated environment, either as a dietary supplement or in pharmacological doses administered by infusion, with numerous reports of clinical benefit, but in the absence of rigorous clinical trial data. The design of appropriate clinical trials has been hindered by a lack of understanding of the mechanism(s) of action that would inform the choice of effective dose, timing of administration and likely responsive cancer models. More recently, expanded understanding of the biological activities of ascorbate has led to a number of plausible hypotheses for mechanisms of anti-cancer activity. Prominent among these are the generation of significant quantities of hydrogen peroxide by the autoxidation of supra-physiological concentrations of ascorbate and stimulation of the 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase family of enzymes (2-OGDDs) that have a cofactor requirement for ascorbate. Hydrogen peroxide generation is postulated to generate oxidative stress that preferentially targets cancer cells. The 2-OGDDs include the hydroxylases that regulate the hypoxic response, a major driver of tumor survival, angiogenesis, stem cell phenotype and metastasis, and the epigenetic histone and DNA demethylases. The latter are of particular interest, with recent studies suggesting a promising role for ascorbate in the regulation of the ten-eleven translocase (TET) DNA demethylases in hematological cancers. Support for these proposed mechanisms has come from many in vitro studies, and xenograft animal models have consistently shown an anti-cancer effect of ascorbate administration. However, decisive evidence for any particular mechanism(s) of action is not yet available from an in vivo setting. With a number of early phase clinical trials currently underway, evidence for potential mechanism(s) of action is required to inform the most appropriate study design and choice of cancer model. Hopefully such information will result in sound clinical data that will avert adding any further controversy to this already contentious debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margreet C M Vissers
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Andrew B Das
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
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37
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Ascorbic acid induces global epigenetic reprogramming to promote meiotic maturation and developmental competence of porcine oocytes. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6132. [PMID: 29666467 PMCID: PMC5904140 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24395-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) can enhance the meiotic maturation and developmental competence of porcine oocytes, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains obscure. Here we show the role of ascorbic acid in regulating epigenetic status of both nucleic acids and chromatin to promote oocyte maturation and development in pigs. Supplementation of 250 μM L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate sesquimagnesium salt hydrate (AA2P) during in vitro maturation significantly enhanced the nuclear maturation (as indicated by higher rate of first polar body extrusion and increased Bmp15 mRNA level), reduced level of reactive oxygen species, and promoted developmental potency (higher cleavage and blastocyst rates of parthenotes, and decreased Bax and Caspase3 mRNA levels in blastocysts) of pig oocytes. AA2P treatment caused methylation erasure in mature oocytes on nucleic acids (5-methylcytosine (5 mC) and N 6 -methyladenosine (m6A)) and histones (Histone H3 trimethylations at lysines 27, H3K27me3), but establishment of histone H3 trimethylations at lysines 4 (H3K4me3) and 36 (H3K36me3). During the global methylation reprogramming process, levels of TET2 (mRNA and protein) and Dnmt3b (mRNA) were significantly elevated, but simultaneously DNMT3A (mRNA and protein), and also Hif-1α, Hif-2α, Tet3, Mettl14, Kdm5b and Eed (mRNA) were significantly inhibited. Our findings support that ascorbic acid can reprogram the methylation status of not only DNA and histone, but also RNA, to improve pig oocyte maturation and developmental competence.
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38
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Ascorbate regulates haematopoietic stem cell function and leukaemogenesis. Nature 2017; 549:476-481. [PMID: 28825709 PMCID: PMC5910063 DOI: 10.1038/nature23876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 354] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell fate can be influenced by metabolite levels in culture but it is unknown whether physiological variations in metabolite levels in normal tissues regulate stem cell function in vivo. We developed a metabolomics method for analysis of rare cell populations isolated directly from tissues and used it to compare haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to restricted haematopoietic progenitors. Each haematopoietic cell type had a distinct metabolic signature. Human and mouse HSCs had unusually high levels of ascorbate, which declined with differentiation. Systemic ascorbate depletion in mice increased HSC frequency and function, partly by reducing Tet2 function, a dioxygenase tumor suppressor. Ascorbate depletion cooperated with Flt3ITD leukaemic mutations to accelerate leukaemogenesis, though cell-autonomous and possibly non-cell-autonomous mechanisms, in a manner that was reversed by dietary ascorbate. Ascorbate acted cell-autonomously to negatively regulate HSC function and myelopoiesis through Tet2-dependent and Tet2-independent mechanisms. Ascorbate thus accumulates within HSCs to promote Tet function in vivo, limiting HSC frequency and suppressing leukaemogenesis.
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39
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Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients 2017; 9:E866. [PMID: 28805671 PMCID: PMC5579659 DOI: 10.3390/nu9080866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary function of the skin is to act as a barrier against insults from the environment, and its unique structure reflects this. The skin is composed of two layers: the epidermal outer layer is highly cellular and provides the barrier function, and the inner dermal layer ensures strength and elasticity and gives nutritional support to the epidermis. Normal skin contains high concentrations of vitamin C, which supports important and well-known functions, stimulating collagen synthesis and assisting in antioxidant protection against UV-induced photodamage. This knowledge is often used as a rationale for the addition of vitamin C to topical applications, but the efficacy of such treatment, as opposed to optimising dietary vitamin C intake, is poorly understood. This review discusses the potential roles for vitamin C in skin health and summarises the in vitro and in vivo research to date. We compare the efficacy of nutritional intake of vitamin C versus topical application, identify the areas where lack of evidence limits our understanding of the potential benefits of vitamin C on skin health, and suggest which skin properties are most likely to benefit from improved nutritional vitamin C intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet M Pullar
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch, P.O. Box 4345, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
| | - Anitra C Carr
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch, P.O. Box 4345, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
| | - Margreet C M Vissers
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch, P.O. Box 4345, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
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Ascorbic acid, but not dehydroascorbic acid increases intracellular vitamin C content to decrease Hypoxia Inducible Factor -1 alpha activity and reduce malignant potential in human melanoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 86:502-513. [PMID: 28012930 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.12.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Accumulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) in malignant tissue is known to contribute to oncogenic progression and is inversely associated with patient survival. Ascorbic acid (AA) depletion in malignant tissue may contribute to aberrant normoxic activity of HIF-1α. While AA supplementation has been shown to attenuate HIF-1α function in malignant melanoma, the use of dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) as a therapeutic means to increase intracellular AA and modulate HIF-1α function is yet to be evaluated. Here we compared the ability of AA and DHA to increase intracellular vitamin C content and decrease the malignant potential of human melanoma by reducing the activity of HIF-1α. METHODS HIF-1α protein accumulation was evaluated by western blot and transcriptional activity was evaluated by reporter gene assay using a HIF-1 HRE-luciferase plasmid. Protein expressions and subcellular localizations of vitamin C transporters were evaluated by western blot and confocal imaging. Intracellular vitamin C content following AA, ascorbate 2-phosphate (A2P), or DHA supplementation was determined using a vitamin C assay. Malignant potential was accessed using a 3D spheroid Matrigel invasion assay. Data was analyzed by One or Two-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparisons test as appropriate with p<0.05 considered significant. RESULTS Melanoma cells expressed both sodium dependent vitamin C (SVCT) and glucose (GLUT) transporters for AA and DHA transport respectively, however advanced melanomas responded favorably to AA, but not DHA. Physiological glucose conditions significantly impaired intracellular vitamin C accumulation following DHA treatment. Consequently, A2P and AA, but not DHA treated cells demonstrated lower HIF-1α protein expression and activity, and reduced malignant potential. The ability of AA to regulate HIF-1α was dependent on SVCT2 function and SVCT2 was not significantly inhibited at pH representative of the tumor microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS The use of ascorbic acid as an adjuvant cancer therapy remains under investigated. While AA and A2P were capable of modulating HIF-1α protein accumulation/activity, DHA supplementation resulted in minimal intracellular vitamin C activity with decreased ability to inhibit HIF-1α activity and malignant potential in advanced melanoma. Restoring AA dependent regulation of HIF-1α in malignant cells may prove beneficial in reducing chemotherapy resistance and improving treatment outcomes.
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Modrzejewska M, Gawronski M, Skonieczna M, Zarakowska E, Starczak M, Foksinski M, Rzeszowska-Wolny J, Gackowski D, Olinski R. Vitamin C enhances substantially formation of 5-hydroxymethyluracil in cellular DNA. Free Radic Biol Med 2016; 101:378-383. [PMID: 27833031 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.10.535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The most plausible mechanism behind active demethylation of 5-methylcytosine involves TET proteins which participate in oxidation of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine; the latter is further oxidized to 5-formylcytosine and 5-carboxycytosine. 5-Hydroxymethyluracil can be also generated from thymine in a TET-catalyzed process. Ascorbate was previously demonstrated to enhance generation of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in cultured cells. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of the abovementioned TET-mediated oxidation products of 5-methylcytosine and thymine after addition of ascorbate, using an isotope-dilution automated online two-dimensional ultra-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Intracellular concentration of ascorbate was determined by means of ultra-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Irrespective of its concentration in culture medium (10-100µM) and inside the cell, ascorbate stimulated a moderate (2- to 3-fold) albeit persistent (up to 96-h) increase in the level of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. However, exposure of cells to higher concentrations of ascorbate (100µM or 1mM) stimulated a substantial increase in 5-formylcytosine and 5-carboxycytosine levels. Moreover, for the first time we demonstrated a spectacular (up to 18.5-fold) increase in 5-hydroxymethyluracil content what, in turn, suggests that TET enzymes contributed to the presence of the modification in cellular DNA. These findings suggest that physiological concentrations of ascorbate in human serum (10-100µM) are sufficient to maintain a stable level of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in cellular DNA. However, markedly higher concentrations of ascorbate (ca. 100µM in the cell milieu or ca. 1mM inside the cell) were needed to obtain a sustained increase in 5-formylcytosine, 5-carboxycytosine and 5-hydroxymethyluracil levels. Such feedback to elevated concentrations of ascorbate may reflect adaptation of the cell to environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Modrzejewska
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Karlowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Maciej Gawronski
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Karlowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Skonieczna
- Biosystems Group, Institute of Automatic Control, Faculty of Automatics, Electronics, and Informatics, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 16, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland.
| | - Ewelina Zarakowska
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Karlowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Marta Starczak
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Karlowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Marek Foksinski
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Karlowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Joanna Rzeszowska-Wolny
- Biosystems Group, Institute of Automatic Control, Faculty of Automatics, Electronics, and Informatics, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 16, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland.
| | - Daniel Gackowski
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Karlowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Ryszard Olinski
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Karlowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
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Campbell EJ, Vissers MCM, Wohlrab C, Hicks KO, Strother RM, Bozonet SM, Robinson BA, Dachs GU. Pharmacokinetic and anti-cancer properties of high dose ascorbate in solid tumours of ascorbate-dependent mice. Free Radic Biol Med 2016; 99:451-462. [PMID: 27567539 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent evidence for an anti-tumour role for high-dose ascorbate, potential mechanisms of action are still unclear. At mM concentrations that are achieved with high-dose intravenous administration, autoxidation of ascorbate can generate cytotoxic levels of H2O2. Ascorbate is also a required co-factor for the hydroxylases that suppress the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1). HIF-1 supports an aggressive tumour phenotype and is associated with poor prognosis, and previous studies have shown that optimizing intracellular ascorbate levels down-regulates HIF-1 activation. In this study we have simultaneously measured ascorbate concentrations and the HIF-1 pathway activity in tumour tissue following high dose ascorbate administration, and have studied tumour growth and physiology. Gulo-/- mice, a model of the human ascorbate dependency condition, were implanted with syngeneic Lewis lung tumours, 1g/kg ascorbate was administered into the peritoneum, and ascorbate concentrations were monitored in plasma, liver and tumours. Ascorbate levels peaked within 30min, and although plasma and liver ascorbate returned to baseline within 16h, tumour levels remained elevated for 48h, possibly reflecting increased stability in the hypoxic tumour environment. The expression of HIF-1 and its target proteins was down-regulated with tumour ascorbate uptake. Elevated tumour ascorbate levels could be maintained with daily administration, and HIF-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor protein levels were reduced in these conditions. Increased tumour ascorbate was associated with slowed tumour growth, reduced tumour microvessel density and decreased hypoxia. Alternate day administration of ascorbate resulted in lower tumour levels and did not consistently decrease HIF-1 pathway activity. Levels of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters 1 and 2 were not clearly associated with ascorbate accumulation by murine tumour cells in vitro or in vivo. Our results support the suppression of the hypoxic response by ascorbate as a plausible mechanism of action of its anti-tumour activity, and this may be useful in a clinical setting.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/blood
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacokinetics
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antioxidants/metabolism
- Antioxidants/pharmacokinetics
- Antioxidants/pharmacology
- Ascorbic Acid/blood
- Ascorbic Acid/pharmacokinetics
- Ascorbic Acid/pharmacology
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/genetics
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/pathology
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/antagonists & inhibitors
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Isoenzymes/genetics
- Isoenzymes/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Signal Transduction
- Sodium-Coupled Vitamin C Transporters/genetics
- Sodium-Coupled Vitamin C Transporters/metabolism
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/antagonists & inhibitors
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/genetics
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Campbell
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Margreet C M Vissers
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Christina Wohlrab
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Kevin O Hicks
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - R Matthew Strother
- Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Stephanie M Bozonet
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Bridget A Robinson
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand; Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand; Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Gabi U Dachs
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand.
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43
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Spector R. Dehydroascorbic acid for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Med Hypotheses 2016; 89:32-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2016.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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May JM, Qu ZC. Ascorbic acid efflux from human brain microvascular pericytes: role of re-uptake. Biofactors 2015; 41:330-8. [PMID: 26340060 PMCID: PMC4624047 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Microvascular pericytes take up ascorbic acid on the ascorbate transporter SVCT2. Intracellular ascorbate then protects the cells against apoptosis induced by culture at diabetic glucose concentrations. To investigate whether pericytes might also provide ascorbate to the underlying endothelial cells, we studied ascorbate efflux from human pericytes. When loaded with ascorbate to intracellular concentrations of 0.8-1.0 mM, almost two-thirds of intracellular ascorbate effluxed from the cells over 2 H. This efflux was opposed by ascorbate re-uptake from the medium, since preventing re-uptake by destroying extracellular ascorbate with ascorbate oxidase increased ascorbate loss even further. Ascorbate re-uptake occurred on the SVCT2, since its blockade by replacing medium sodium with choline, by the SVCT2 inhibitor sulfinpyrazone, or by extracellular ascorbate accelerated ascorbate loss from the cells. This was supported by finding that net efflux of radiolabeled ascorbate was increased by unlabeled extracellular ascorbate with a half-maximal effect in the range of the high affinity Km of the SVCT2. Intracellular ascorbate did not inhibit its efflux. To assess the mechanism of ascorbate efflux, known inhibitors of volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) were tested. These potently inhibited ascorbate transport into cells on the SVCT2, but not its efflux. An exception was the anion transport inhibitor DIDS, which, despite inhibition of ascorbate uptake, also inhibited net efflux at 25-50 µM. These results suggest that ascorbate efflux from vascular pericytes occurs on a DIDS-inhibitable transporter or channel different from VRACs. Further, ascorbate efflux is opposed by re-uptake of ascorbate on the SVCT2, providing a potential regulatory mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. May
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: Dr. James May, 7465 Medical Research Building IV, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-0475. Tel. (615) 936-1653; Fax: (615) 936-1667.
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45
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Intracellular dehydroascorbic acid inhibits SVCT2-dependent transport of ascorbic acid in mitochondria. Pharmacol Res 2015; 99:289-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that ascorbate, the dominant form of vitamin C under physiological pH conditions, influences activity of the genome via regulating epigenomic processes. Ascorbate serves as a cofactor for Ten-eleven translocation (TET) dioxygenases that catalyze the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), and further to 5-formylcytosine (5fC) and to 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC), which are ultimately replaced by unmodified cytosine. The Jumonji C (JmjC)-domain-containing histone demethylases also require ascorbate as a cofactor for histone demethylation. Thus, by primarily participating in the demethylation of both DNA and histones, ascorbate appears to be a mediator of the interface between the genome and environment. Furthermore, redox status has a profound impact on the bioavailability of ascorbate in the nucleus. In order to bridge the gap between redox biology and genomics, we suggest an interdisciplinary research field that can be termed redox genomics to study dynamic redox processes in health and diseases. This review examines the evidence and potential molecular mechanism of ascorbate in the demethylation of the genome, and it highlights potential epigenetic roles of ascorbate in various diseases.
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47
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Huijskens MJAJ, Walczak M, Sarkar S, Atrafi F, Senden-Gijsbers BLMG, Tilanus MGJ, Bos GMJ, Wieten L, Germeraad WTV. Ascorbic acid promotes proliferation of natural killer cell populations in culture systems applicable for natural killer cell therapy. Cytotherapy 2015; 17:613-20. [PMID: 25747742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2015.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy is a promising treatment for a variety of malignancies. However, generating sufficient cell numbers for therapy remains a challenge. To achieve this, optimization of protocols is required. METHODS Mature NK cells were expanded from peripheral blood mononuclear cells PBMCs in the presence of anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody and interleukin-2. Additionally, NK-cell progenitors were generated from CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells or different T/NK-cell progenitor populations. Generated NK cells were extensively phenotyped, and functionality was determined by means of cytotoxicity assay. RESULTS Addition of ascorbic acid (AA) resulted in more proliferation of NK cells without influencing NK-cell functionality. In more detail, PBMC-derived NK cells expanded 2362-fold (median, range: 90-31,351) in the presence of AA and were capable of killing tumor cells under normoxia and hypoxia. Moreover, hematopoietic stem cell-derived progenitors appeared to mature faster in the presence of AA, which was also observed in the NK-cell differentiation from early T/NK-cell progenitors. CONCLUSIONS Mature NK cells proliferate faster in the presence of phospho-L-AA, resulting in higher cell numbers with accurate functional capacity, which is required for adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirelle J A J Huijskens
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Haematology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mateusz Walczak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Haematology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Subhashis Sarkar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Haematology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Florance Atrafi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Haematology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit L M G Senden-Gijsbers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Haematology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel G J Tilanus
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard M J Bos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Haematology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte Wieten
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred T V Germeraad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Haematology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Guidarelli A, Fiorani M, Azzolini C, Cerioni L, Scotti M, Cantoni O. U937 cell apoptosis induced by arsenite is prevented by low concentrations of mitochondrial ascorbic acid with hardly any effect mediated by the cytosolic fraction of the vitamin. Biofactors 2015; 41:101-10. [PMID: 25809564 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Arsenite directly triggers cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO release in mitochondria isolated from U937 cells. These effects were not observed in mitochondria pre-exposed for 15 min to 10 µM L-ascorbic acid (AA). In other experiments, intact cells treated for 24-72 h with arsenite were found to die by apoptosis through a mechanism involving mitochondrial permeability transition. Pre-exposure (15 min) to low micromolar concentrations of AA and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), resulting in identical cytosolic levels of the vitamin, had a diverse impact on cell survival, as cytoprotection was only observed after treatment with AA. Also the mitochondrial accumulation of the vitamin was restricted to AA exposure. An additional indication linking cytoprotection to the mitochondrial fraction of the vitamin was obtained in experiments measuring susceptibility to arsenite in parallel with loss of mitochondrial and cytosolic AA at different times after vitamin exposure. Finally, we took advantage of our recent findings that DHA potently inhibits AA transport to demonstrate that DHA abolishes all the protective effects of AA, under the same conditions in which the mitochondrial accumulation of the vitamin is prevented without affecting the overall cellular accumulation of the vitamin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Guidarelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
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Parker WH, Qu ZC, May JM. Ascorbic acid transport in brain microvascular pericytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 458:262-7. [PMID: 25645015 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.01.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, has been shown to prevent the apoptosis of cultured vascular pericytes under simulated diabetic conditions. We sought to determine the mechanism by which ascorbate is transported into pericytes prior to exerting this protective effect. Measuring intracellular ascorbate, we found that pericytes display a linear uptake over 30 min and an apparent transport Km of 21 μM, both of which are consistent with activity of the Sodium-dependent Vitamin C Transporter 2 (SVCT2). Uptake of both radiolabeled and unlabeled ascorbate was prevented by inhibiting SVCT2 activity, but not by inhibiting the activity of GLUT-type glucose transporters, which import dehydroascorbate to also generate intracellular ascorbate. Likewise, uptake of dehydroascorbate was prevented with the inhibition of GLUTs, but not by inhibiting the SVCT2, indicating substrate specificity of both transporters. Finally, presence of the SVCT2 in pericytes was confirmed by western blot analysis, and immunocytochemistry was used to localize it to the plasma membrane and intracellular sites. Together, these data clarify previous inconsistencies in the literature, implicate SVCT2 as the pericyte ascorbate transporter, and show that pericytes are capable of concentrating intracellular ascorbate against a gradient in an energy- and sodium-dependent fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Parker
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-0475, USA
| | - Zhi-Chao Qu
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-0475, USA
| | - James M May
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-0475, USA.
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Kuiper C, Vissers MCM. Ascorbate as a co-factor for fe- and 2-oxoglutarate dependent dioxygenases: physiological activity in tumor growth and progression. Front Oncol 2014; 4:359. [PMID: 25540771 PMCID: PMC4261134 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascorbate is a specific co-factor for a large family of enzymes known as the Fe- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases. These enzymes are found throughout biology and catalyze the addition of a hydroxyl group to various substrates. The proline hydroxylase that is involved in collagen maturation is well known, but in recent times many new enzymes and functions have been uncovered, including those involved in epigenetic control and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) regulation. These discoveries have provided crucial mechanistic insights into how ascorbate may affect tumor biology. In particular, there is growing evidence that HIF-1-dependent tumor progression may be inhibited by increasing tumor ascorbate levels. However, rigorous clinical intervention studies are lacking. This review will explore the physiological role of ascorbate as an enzyme co-factor and how this mechanism relates to cancer biology and treatment. The use of ascorbate in cancer should be informed by clinical studies based on such mechanistic hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Kuiper
- Department of Pathology, Centre for Free Radical Research, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Margreet C. M. Vissers
- Department of Pathology, Centre for Free Radical Research, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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