1
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Liu T, Liu Y, Zhao X, Zhang L, Wang W, Bai D, Liao Y, Wang Z, Wang M, Zhang J. Thermodynamically stable ionic liquid microemulsions pioneer pathways for topical delivery and peptide application. Bioact Mater 2024; 32:502-513. [PMID: 38026438 PMCID: PMC10643103 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) are a powerful hair growth promoter with minimal side effects when compared with minoxidil and finasteride; however, challenges in delivering GHK-Cu topically limits their non-invasive applications. Using theoretical calculations and pseudo-ternary phase diagrams, we designed and constructed a thermodynamically stable ionic liquid (IL)-based microemulsion (IL-M), which integrates the high drug solubility of ILs and high skin permeability of microemulsions, thus improving the local delivery of copper peptides by approximately three-fold while retaining their biological function. Experiments in mice validated the effectiveness of our proposed IL-M system. Furthermore, the exact effects of the IL-M system on the expression of growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, were revealed, and it was found that microemulsion increased the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which includes factors involved in hair growth regulation. Overall, the safe and non-invasive IL microemulsion system developed in this study has great potential for the clinical treatment of hair loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Research Center of Printed Flexible Electronics, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Liguo Zhang
- Harbin Voolga Technology Co., Ltd., Harbin, 150070, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Harbin Voolga Technology Co., Ltd., Harbin, 150070, China
| | - De Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Research Center of Printed Flexible Electronics, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ya Liao
- Shenzhen Shinehigh Innovation Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhenyuan Wang
- Shenzhen Shinehigh Innovation Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Mi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Research Center of Printed Flexible Electronics, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jiaheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Research Center of Printed Flexible Electronics, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Shenzhen Shinehigh Innovation Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518055, China
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2
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Ringström N, Edling C, Nalesso G, Jeevaratnam K. Framing Heartaches: The Cardiac ECM and the Effects of Age. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4713. [PMID: 36902143 PMCID: PMC10003270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) is involved in several pathological conditions, and age itself is also associated with certain changes in the heart: it gets larger and stiffer, and it develops an increased risk of abnormal intrinsic rhythm. This, therefore, makes conditions such as atrial arrythmia more common. Many of these changes are directly related to the ECM, yet the proteomic composition of the ECM and how it changes with age is not fully resolved. The limited research progress in this field is mainly due to the intrinsic challenges in unravelling tightly bound cardiac proteomic components and also the time-consuming and costly dependency on animal models. This review aims to give an overview of the composition of the cardiac ECM, how different components aid the function of the healthy heart, how the ECM is remodelled and how it is affected by ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, UK
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3
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Jeong EK, Selvaraj B, Clovis S, Son YJ, Park TH, Veeramanoharan A, Kim HI, Yoo KY, Lee JW, Park CM. Synthesis and neuroprotective effects of H 2S-donor-peptide hybrids on hippocampal neuronal cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 194:316-325. [PMID: 36528123 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as an endogenous signaling molecule that functions in many physiological and pathological processes of human cells in health and disease, including neuromodulation and neuroprotection, inflammation, angiogenesis, and vasorelaxation. The limited clinical applications of current H2S donors have led to the development of H2S donor hybrid compounds that combine current H2S donors with bioactive molecules. Finely tuned multi-targeting hybrid molecules have been shown to have complementary neuroprotective effects against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative stress. In this study, we developed hybrid molecules combining a dithiolethione-based slow-releasing H2S donor that exerts neuroprotective effects, with the tripeptides glycyl-L-histidyl-l-lysine (GHK) and L-alanyl-L-cystinyl-l-glutamine (ACQ), two natural products that exhibit powerful antioxidant effects. In particular, a hybrid combination of a dithiolethione-based slow-releasing H2S donor and ACQ exhibited significant neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced oxidative damage in HT22 hippocampal neuronal cells. This hybrid remarkably suppressed Ca2+ accumulation and ROS production. Furthermore, it efficiently inhibited apoptotic neuronal cell death by blocking apoptosis-inducing factor release and its translocation to the nucleus. These results indicate that the hybrid efficiently inhibited apoptotic neuronal cell damage by complementary neuroprotective actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eui Kyun Jeong
- Department of Chemistry, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Gangwon, 25457, South Korea
| | - Baskar Selvaraj
- Natural Product Research Center, Institute of Natural Product, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung, Gangwon, 25451, South Korea
| | - Shyaka Clovis
- Department of Chemistry, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Gangwon, 25457, South Korea
| | - Yun Jeong Son
- Department of Chemistry, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Gangwon, 25457, South Korea
| | - Tae Hoo Park
- Natural Product Research Center, Institute of Natural Product, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung, Gangwon, 25451, South Korea
| | - Ashokkumar Veeramanoharan
- Department of Chemistry, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Gangwon, 25457, South Korea
| | - Hoe-In Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Gangwon, 25457, South Korea
| | - Ki-Yeon Yoo
- Department of Anatomy, College of Dentistry, Reseach Institute of Oral Sciences, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Gangwon, 25457, South Korea
| | - Jae Wook Lee
- Natural Product Research Center, Institute of Natural Product, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung, Gangwon, 25451, South Korea.
| | - Chung-Min Park
- Department of Chemistry, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Gangwon, 25457, South Korea.
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4
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Ufnalska I, Drew SC, Zhukov I, Szutkowski K, Wawrzyniak UE, Wróblewski W, Frączyk T, Bal W. Intermediate Cu(II)-Thiolate Species in the Reduction of Cu(II)GHK by Glutathione: A Handy Chelate for Biological Cu(II) Reduction. Inorg Chem 2021; 60:18048-18057. [PMID: 34781677 PMCID: PMC8653159 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.1c02669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Gly-His-Lys (GHK)
is a tripeptide present in the human bloodstream
that exhibits a number of biological functions. Its activity is attributed
to the copper-complexed form, Cu(II)GHK. Little is known, however,
about the molecular aspects of the mechanism of its action. Here,
we examined the reaction of Cu(II)GHK with reduced glutathione (GSH),
which is the strongest reductant naturally occurring in human plasma.
Spectroscopic techniques (UV–vis, CD, EPR, and NMR) and cyclic
voltammetry helped unravel the reaction mechanism. The impact of temperature,
GSH concentration, oxygen access, and the presence of ternary ligands
on the reaction were explored. The transient GSH-Cu(II)GHK complex
was found to be an important reaction intermediate. The kinetic and
redox properties of this complex, including tuning of the reduction
rate by ternary ligands, suggest that it may provide a missing link
in copper trafficking as a precursor of Cu(I) ions, for example, for
their acquisition by the CTR1 cellular copper transporter. Gly-His-Lys (GHK) is a human bioactive
tripeptide thought
to be activated by Cu(II) binding, but little is known about the molecular
aspects of its action. UV−vis, circular dichroism (CD), EPR,
and NMR spectroscopies, and cyclic voltammetry were used to examine
the reduction of Cu(II)GHK with glutathione (GSH), the most abundant
biological thiol. A semistable GSH-Cu(II)GHK reaction intermediate
was discovered, with properties suitable for delivering Cu(I) to biological
transport proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Ufnalska
- Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, Warsaw 00-664, Poland
| | - Simon C Drew
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Igor Zhukov
- Polish Academy of Sciences Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Pawińskiego 5a, Warsaw 02-106, Poland
| | - Kosma Szutkowski
- NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University, Wszechnicy Piastowskiej 3, Poznań 61-614, Poland
| | - Urszula E Wawrzyniak
- Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, Warsaw 00-664, Poland
| | - Wojciech Wróblewski
- Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, Warsaw 00-664, Poland
| | - Tomasz Frączyk
- Polish Academy of Sciences Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Pawińskiego 5a, Warsaw 02-106, Poland
| | - Wojciech Bal
- Polish Academy of Sciences Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Pawińskiego 5a, Warsaw 02-106, Poland
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5
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Wang X, Li Y, Han L, Li J, Liu C, Sun C. Role of Flavonoids in the Treatment of Iron Overload. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:685364. [PMID: 34291050 PMCID: PMC8287860 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.685364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron overload, a high risk factor for many diseases, is seen in almost all human chronic and common diseases. Iron chelating agents are often used for treatment but, at present, most of these have a narrow scope of application, obvious side effects, and other disadvantages. Recent studies have shown that flavonoids can affect iron status, reduce iron deposition, and inhibit the lipid peroxidation process caused by iron overload. Therefore, flavonoids with iron chelating and antioxidant activities may become potential complementary therapies. In this study, we not only reviewed the research progress of iron overload and the regulation mechanism of flavonoids, but also studied the structural basis and potential mechanism of their function. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of flavonoids as plant iron chelating agents are discussed to provide a foundation for the prevention and treatment of iron homeostasis disorders using flavonoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Wang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ye Li
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Li Han
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Changgang Sun
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China.,Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
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6
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Yalovega GE, Kremennaya MA. Structural Diagnostics of Biological Systems Based on X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy. CRYSTALLOGR REP+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1063774520060395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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7
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Zhang H, Wang Y, Lian L, Zhang C, He Z. Glycine-Histidine-Lysine (GHK) Alleviates Astrocytes Injury of Intracerebral Hemorrhage via the Akt/miR-146a-3p/AQP4 Pathway. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:576389. [PMID: 33192260 PMCID: PMC7658812 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.576389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a major type of cerebrovascular disease with poor prognosis. Recent studies have shown that Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine (GHK) is a kind of natural human tripeptide which could inhibit inflammation and against neurodegenerative diseases, but neither its role nor the mechanisms in ICH have yet been explicit. Currently, we investigated the possible strategies of GHK on ICH injury. Neurological deficit scores, brain water content, Nissl staining, and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) immunohistochemistry were detected in different groups of rats. The expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) was examined by real-time PCR. Inflammatory factors were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cell viability and cell proliferation were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1), AQP4 expression were detected/assessed using western blot. We observed that 5 and 10 μg/g of GHK improved neurological recovery by significantly reducing brain water content, improving neurological deficits, and promoting neuron survival. Besides, GHK alleviated inflammatory reaction and downregulated AQP4 expression. Furthermore, the effects of GHK on astrocyte were associated with the upregulation of miRNA-146a-3p, which partially regulated the expression of AQP4. Our results demonstrated that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway participated in the GHK-induced upregulation of miR-146a-3p and miR-146a-3p/AQP4 interaction plays a role in the injury following ICH. These findings suggested that GHK could provide a novel therapeutic strategy for ICH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heyu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Neurology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanzhe Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ling Lian
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyi He
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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8
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Ternary Cu(II) Complex with GHK Peptide and Cis-Urocanic Acid as a Potential Physiologically Functional Copper Chelate. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176190. [PMID: 32867146 PMCID: PMC7503498 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tripeptide NH2–Gly–His–Lys–COOH (GHK), cis-urocanic acid (cis-UCA) and Cu(II) ions are physiological constituents of the human body and they co-occur (e.g., in the skin and the plasma). While GHK is known as Cu(II)-binding molecule, we found that urocanic acid also coordinates Cu(II) ions. Furthermore, both ligands create ternary Cu(II) complex being probably physiologically functional species. Regarding the natural concentrations of the studied molecules in some human tissues, together with the affinities reported here, we conclude that the ternary complex [GHK][Cu(II)][cis-urocanic acid] may be partly responsible for biological effects of GHK and urocanic acid described in the literature.
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9
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Ishikawa Y, Pieczonka TD, Bragiel-Pieczonka AM, Seta H, Ohkuri T, Sasanuma Y, Nonaka Y. Long-Term Oral Administration of LLHK, LHK, and HK Alters Gene Expression Profile and Restores Age-Dependent Atrophy and Dysfunction of Rat Salivary Glands. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8020038. [PMID: 32093221 PMCID: PMC7168239 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8020038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, is caused by a reduction in salivary secretion and by changes in the composition of saliva associated with the malfunction of salivary glands. Xerostomia decreases quality of life. In the present study, we investigated the effects of peptides derived from β-lactoglobulin C on age-dependent atrophy, gene expression profiles, and the dysfunction of salivary glands. Long-term oral administration of Leu57-Leu58-His59-Lys60 (LLHK), Leu58-His59-Lys60 (LHK) and His59-Lys60 (HK) peptides induced salivary secretion and prevented and/or reversed the age-dependent atrophy of salivary glands in older rats. The transcripts of 78 genes were upregulated and those of 81 genes were downregulated by more than 2.0-fold (p ≤ 0.05) after LHK treatment. LHK upregulated major salivary protein genes such as proline-rich proteins (Prpmp5, Prb3, Prp2, Prb1, Prp15), cystatins (Cst5, Cyss, Vegp2), amylases (Amy1a, Amy2a3), and lysozyme (Lyzl1), suggesting that LLHK, LHK, and HK restored normal salivary function. The AP-2 transcription factor gene (Tcfap2b) was also induced significantly by LHK treatment. These results suggest that LLHK, LHK, and HK-administration may prevent and/or reverse the age-dependent atrophy and functional decline of salivary glands by affecting gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Ishikawa
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15, Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan; (T.D.P.); (A.M.B.-P.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +80-3928-9628
| | - Tomasz D Pieczonka
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15, Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan; (T.D.P.); (A.M.B.-P.)
| | - Aneta M Bragiel-Pieczonka
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15, Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan; (T.D.P.); (A.M.B.-P.)
| | - Harumichi Seta
- Suntory Global Innovation Center Ltd., Suntory World Research Center, 8-1-1 Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0284, Japan; (H.S.); (T.O.); (Y.S.); (Y.N.)
| | - Tadahiro Ohkuri
- Suntory Global Innovation Center Ltd., Suntory World Research Center, 8-1-1 Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0284, Japan; (H.S.); (T.O.); (Y.S.); (Y.N.)
| | - Yumi Sasanuma
- Suntory Global Innovation Center Ltd., Suntory World Research Center, 8-1-1 Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0284, Japan; (H.S.); (T.O.); (Y.S.); (Y.N.)
| | - Yuji Nonaka
- Suntory Global Innovation Center Ltd., Suntory World Research Center, 8-1-1 Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0284, Japan; (H.S.); (T.O.); (Y.S.); (Y.N.)
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10
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Nelson AM, Ortiz AE. Effects of anhydrous gel with TriHex peptides on healing after hybrid laser resurfacing. J Cosmet Dermatol 2020; 19:925-929. [PMID: 31957958 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13270] [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: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hybrid fractional laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that combines fractional nonablative and ablative wavelengths to improve photoaging. The postoperative period involves overt skin swelling, redness, and roughness. OBJECTIVE A single-center, randomized trial was performed to compare the effect of a standard Skincare regimen, with and without an anhydrous gel with TriHex peptides (a proprietary tripeptide and hexapeptide blend), on recovery after hybrid laser resurfacing of the face. METHODS Five subjects were assigned to a split-face protocol. Use of the skin regimen began approximately 2 weeks before the hybrid laser resurfacing and ended 7 days after. Subjects were evaluated by a physician for postprocedural healing. Additionally, the subjects were photographed and completed surveys to assess postprocedural healing and overall preference for Skincare regimen. RESULTS Based on physician assessment, mean redness on postoperative days 1 and 4 and mean roughness on the postoperative days 3 and 4 were significantly (P < .05) improved on the side of the face using the anhydrous gel with TriHex peptides compared with the side using a standard skin regimen. Based on subject assessment, 4 out of 5 subjects thought that their skin and complexion appeared better on the anhydrous gel-treated side and preferred the Skincare regimen with the gel. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that using the anhydrous gel with TriHex peptides before and after hybrid fractional laser skin resurfacing can minimize the postoperative redness and roughness that are typical and expected for this procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aislyn M Nelson
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego, CA
| | - Arisa E Ortiz
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego, CA
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11
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Protective effects of GHK-Cu in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation pathways. Life Sci 2019; 241:117139. [PMID: 31809714 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious lung problem with advancing and diffusive pulmonary fibrosis as the pathologic basis, and with oxidative stress and inflammation as the key pathogenesis. Glycyl-L-histidyl-l-lysine (GHK) is a tripeptide participating into wound healing and regeneration. GHK-Cu complexes improve GHK bioavailability. Thus, the current study aimed to explore the therapeutic role of GHK-Cu on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in a mouse model. METHODS BLM (3 mg/kg) was administered via tracheal instillation (TI) to induce a pulmonary fibrosis model in C57BL/6j mice 21 days after the challenge of BLM. GHK-Cu was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) at different dosage of 0.2, 2 and 20 μg/g/day in 0.5 ml PBS on alternate day. The histological changes, inflammation response, the collagen deposition and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was evaluated in the lung tissue. EMT was evaluated by ɑ-SMA and fibronectin expression in the lung tissue. NF-κB p65, Nrf2 and TGFβ1/Smad2/3 signalling pathways were detected by immunoblotting analysis. RESULTS GHK-Cu complex inhibited BLM-induced inflammatory and fibrotic pathological changes, alleviated the inflammatory response in the BALF by reducing the levels of the inflammatory cytokines, TNF-ɑ and IL-6 and the activity of MPO as well as reduced collagen deposition. In addition, the GHK-Cu treatment significantly reversed the MMP-9/TIMP-1 imbalance and partially prevented EMT via Nrf2, NF-κB and TGFβ1 pathways, as well as Smad2/3 phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS GHK-Cu presented a protective effect in BLM-induced inflammation and oxidative stress by inhibiting EMT progression and suppressing TGFβ1/Smad2/3 signalling in pulmonary fibrosis.
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12
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Stevenson MJ, Uyeda KS, Harder NHO, Heffern MC. Metal-dependent hormone function: the emerging interdisciplinary field of metalloendocrinology. Metallomics 2019; 11:85-110. [PMID: 30270362 PMCID: PMC10249669 DOI: 10.1039/c8mt00221e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
For over 100 years, there has been an incredible amount of knowledge amassed concerning hormones in the endocrine system and their central role in human health. Hormones represent a diverse group of biomolecules that are released by glands, communicate signals to their target tissue, and are regulated by feedback loops to maintain organism health. Many disease states, such as diabetes and reproductive disorders, stem from misregulation or dysfunction of hormones. Increasing research is illuminating the intricate roles of metal ions in the endocrine system where they may act advantageously in concert with hormones or deleteriously catalyze hormone-associated disease states. As the critical role of metal ions in the endocrine system becomes more apparent, it is increasingly important to untangle the complex mechanisms underlying the connections between inorganic biochemistry and hormone function to understand and control endocrinological phenomena. This tutorial review harmonizes the interdisciplinary fields of endocrinology and inorganic chemistry in the newly-termed field of "metalloendocrinology". We describe examples linking metals to both normal and aberrant hormone function with a focus on highlighting insight to molecular mechanisms. Hormone activities related to both essential metal micronutrients, such as copper, iron, zinc, and calcium, and disruptive nonessential metals, such as lead and cadmium are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Stevenson
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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13
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Zhang H, Wang Y, He Z. Glycine-Histidine-Lysine (GHK) Alleviates Neuronal Apoptosis Due to Intracerebral Hemorrhage via the miR-339-5p/VEGFA Pathway. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:644. [PMID: 30294253 PMCID: PMC6158323 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycine-histidine-lysine (GHK) is a human tripeptide that enhances wound healing, exerts neuroprotective effects against neurodegenerative disease, and improves tissue regeneration. This study examined whether GHK can alleviate injury due to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Briefly, adult Wistar rats in GHK pretreatment groups were injected with GHK (1 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) every 24 h for 3 days. Water content and intact neurons were detected in the rats 3 days after ICH, and the neurological deficit scores were examined in the rats at 4, 24, 72, and 168 h after ICH. Apoptosis was evaluated via caspase-3 immunohistochemistry, Nissl staining, and TUNEL assay. We also examined the effect of GHK on the expression of related proteins in SH-SY5Y cells via Western blotting. The expression of miR-339-5p was examined via real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses. GHK improved neurological deficits, reduced water content in the brain and inhibited neuronal apoptosis in ICH rats. It also prevented the apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells with hemin treatment. Furthermore, GHK downregulated miR-339-5p expression, and overexpression of miR-339-5p partially reversed the anti-apoptotic effects of GHK in SH-SY5Y cells. Our findings suggest that the p38 MAPK pathway is involved in the GHK-induced downregulation of miR-339-5p, and that the miR-339-5p/VEGFA axis plays a role in preventing neuronal apoptosis following ICH injury. These findings indicate that GHK may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for ICH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heyu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Yanzhe Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhiyi He
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
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Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19071987. [PMID: 29986520 PMCID: PMC6073405 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The human peptide GHK (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine) has multiple biological actions, all of which, according to our current knowledge, appear to be health positive. It stimulates blood vessel and nerve outgrowth, increases collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, as well as supports the function of dermal fibroblasts. GHK’s ability to improve tissue repair has been demonstrated for skin, lung connective tissue, boney tissue, liver, and stomach lining. GHK has also been found to possess powerful cell protective actions, such as multiple anti-cancer activities and anti-inflammatory actions, lung protection and restoration of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) fibroblasts, suppression of molecules thought to accelerate the diseases of aging such as NFκB, anti-anxiety, anti-pain and anti-aggression activities, DNA repair, and activation of cell cleansing via the proteasome system. Recent genetic data may explain such diverse protective and healing actions of one molecule, revealing multiple biochemical pathways regulated by GHK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren Pickart
- R&D Skin Biology; 4122 Factoria Boulevard SE, Suite Number 200, Bellevue, WA 98006, USA.
| | - Anna Margolina
- R&D Skin Biology; 4122 Factoria Boulevard SE, Suite Number 200, Bellevue, WA 98006, USA.
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15
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16
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Zhou XM, Wang GL, Wang XB, Liu L, Zhang Q, Yin Y, Wang QY, Kang J, Hou G. GHK Peptide Inhibits Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by Suppressing TGFβ1/Smad-Mediated Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:904. [PMID: 29311918 PMCID: PMC5733019 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an irreversible and progressive fibrotic lung disease that leads to declines in pulmonary function and, eventually, respiratory failure and has no effective treatment. Gly-His-Lys (GHK) is a tripeptide involved in the processes of tissue regeneration and wound healing and has significant inhibitory effects on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 secretion. The effect of GHK on fibrogenesis in pulmonary fibrosis and the exact underlying mechanism have not been studied previously. Thus, this study investigated the effects of GHK on bleomycin (BLM)-induced fibrosis and identified the pathway that is potentially responsible for these effects. Methods: Intratracheal injections of 3 mg/kg BLM were administered to induce pulmonary fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice. GHK was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 2.6, 26, and 260 μg/ml/day every other day from the 4th to the 21st day after BLM instillation. Three weeks after BLM instillation, pulmonary injury and pulmonary fibrosis was evaluated by the hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson’s trichrome (MT) staining. Chronic inflammation index was used for the histological assessments by two pathologists blindly to each other. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6 levels in BALF and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in lung extracts were measured. For the pulmonary fibrosis evaluation, the fibrosis index calculated based on MT staining, collagen deposition and active TGF-β1 expression detected by ELISA, and the expression of TGF-β1, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), fibronectin, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 by western blotting. The epithelial mesenchymal transition index, E-cadherin, and vimentin was also detected by western blot. The statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA and the comparison between different groups were performed. Results: Treatment with GHK at all three doses reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and interstitial thickness and attenuated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. GHK treatment significantly improved collagen deposition, and MMP-9/TIMP-1 imbalances in lung tissue and also reduced TNF-α, IL-6 expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and MPO in lung extracts. Furthermore, GHK reversed BLM-induced increases in TGF-β1, p-Smad2, p-Smad-3 and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) expression. Conclusion: GHK inhibits BLM-induced fibrosis progression, the inflammatory response and EMT via the TGF-β1/Smad 2/3 and IGF-1 pathway. Thus, GHK may be a potential treatment for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ming Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Gui-Liang Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan Yin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiu-Yue Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Kang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Gang Hou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Wang X, Liu B, Xu Q, Sun H, Shi M, Wang D, Guo M, Yu J, Zhao C, Feng B. GHK-Cu-liposomes accelerate scald wound healing in mice by promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Wound Repair Regen 2017; 25:270-278. [DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Wang
- Department of Biotechnology; Dalian Medical University; Dalian China
| | - Baoquan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresources Utilization; (Dalian Minzu University), Ministry of Education; Dalian China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Faculty of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Science and Technology; Dalian University of Technology; Dalian China
| | - Haiyang Sun
- Department of Biotechnology; Dalian Medical University; Dalian China
| | - Meijun Shi
- Department of Biotechnology; Dalian Medical University; Dalian China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Biotechnology; Dalian Medical University; Dalian China
| | - Meihua Guo
- Department of Biotechnology; Dalian Medical University; Dalian China
| | - Jiawen Yu
- Department of Biotechnology; Dalian Medical University; Dalian China
| | - Chunhui Zhao
- College of Life Sciences; Liaoning Normal University; Dalian China
| | - Bin Feng
- Department of Biotechnology; Dalian Medical University; Dalian China
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Ricard-Blum S, Vallet SD. Proteases decode the extracellular matrix cryptome. Biochimie 2015; 122:300-13. [PMID: 26382969 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix is comprised of 1100 core-matrisome and matrisome-associated proteins and of glycosaminoglycans. This structural scaffold contributes to the organization and mechanical properties of tissues and modulates cell behavior. The extracellular matrix is dynamic and undergoes constant remodeling, which leads to diseases if uncontrolled. Bioactive fragments, called matricryptins, are released from the extracellular proteins by limited proteolysis and have biological activities on their own. They regulate numerous physiological and pathological processes such as angiogenesis, cancer, diabetes, wound healing, fibrosis and infectious diseases and either improve or worsen the course of diseases depending on the matricryptins and on the molecular and biological contexts. Several protease families release matricryptins from core-matrisome and matrisome-associated proteins both in vitro and in vivo. The major proteases, which decrypt the extracellular matrix, are zinc metalloproteinases of the metzincin superfamily (matrixins, adamalysins and astacins), cysteine proteinases and serine proteases. Some matricryptins act as enzyme inhibitors, further connecting protease and matricryptin fates and providing intricate regulation of major physiopathological processes such as angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. They strengthen the role of the extracellular matrix as a key player in tissue failure and core-matrisome and matrisome-associated proteins as important therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Ricard-Blum
- UMR 5086 CNRS - Université Lyon 1, 7 Passage du Vercors, 69367 Lyon Cedex 07, France.
| | - Sylvain D Vallet
- UMR 5086 CNRS - Université Lyon 1, 7 Passage du Vercors, 69367 Lyon Cedex 07, France.
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GHK-Cu may Prevent Oxidative Stress in Skin by Regulating Copper and Modifying Expression of Numerous Antioxidant Genes. COSMETICS 2015. [DOI: 10.3390/cosmetics2030236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:648108. [PMID: 26236730 PMCID: PMC4508379 DOI: 10.1155/2015/648108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is present in human plasma, saliva, and urine but declines with age. It is proposed that GHK functions as a complex with copper 2+ which accelerates wound healing and skin repair. GHK stimulates both synthesis and breakdown of collagen and glycosaminoglycans and modulates the activity of both metalloproteinases and their inhibitors. It stimulates collagen, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and the small proteoglycan, decorin. It also restores replicative vitality to fibroblasts after radiation therapy. The molecule attracts immune and endothelial cells to the site of an injury. It accelerates wound-healing of the skin, hair follicles, gastrointestinal tract, boney tissue, and foot pads of dogs. It also induces systemic wound healing in rats, mice, and pigs. In cosmetic products, it has been found to tighten loose skin and improve elasticity, skin density, and firmness, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce photodamage, and hyperpigmentation, and increase keratinocyte proliferation. GHK has been proposed as a therapeutic agent for skin inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and metastatic colon cancer. It is capable of up- and downregulating at least 4,000 human genes, essentially resetting DNA to a healthier state. The present review revisits GHK's role in skin regeneration in the light of recent discoveries.
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