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Chang J, Huang C, Li S, Jiang X, Chang H, Li M. Research Progress Regarding the Effect and Mechanism of Dietary Polyphenols in Liver Fibrosis. Molecules 2023; 29:127. [PMID: 38202710 PMCID: PMC10779665 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010127] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of liver fibrosis is a result of chronic liver injuries may progress to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. In recent years, liver fibrosis has become a major global problem, and the incidence rate and mortality are increasing year by year. However, there are currently no approved treatments. Research on anti-liver-fibrosis drugs is a top priority. Dietary polyphenols, such as plant secondary metabolites, have remarkable abilities to reduce lipid metabolism, insulin resistance and inflammation, and are attracting more and more attention as potential drugs for the treatment of liver diseases. Gradually, dietary polyphenols are becoming the focus for providing an improvement in the treatment of liver fibrosis. The impact of dietary polyphenols on the composition of intestinal microbiota and the subsequent production of intestinal microbial metabolites has been observed to indirectly modulate signaling pathways in the liver, thereby exerting regulatory effects on liver disease. In conclusion, there is evidence that dietary polyphenols can be therapeutically useful in preventing and treating liver fibrosis, and we highlight new perspectives and key questions for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayin Chang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China; (J.C.); (C.H.); (S.L.); (X.J.)
| | - Congying Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China; (J.C.); (C.H.); (S.L.); (X.J.)
| | - Siqi Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China; (J.C.); (C.H.); (S.L.); (X.J.)
| | - Xiaolei Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China; (J.C.); (C.H.); (S.L.); (X.J.)
| | - Hong Chang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China; (J.C.); (C.H.); (S.L.); (X.J.)
| | - Minhui Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China; (J.C.); (C.H.); (S.L.); (X.J.)
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot 010020, China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Characteristic Geoherbs Resources Protection and Utilization, Baotou 014040, China
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Luccarini A, Zuccarotto A, Galeazzi R, Morresi C, Masullo M, Castellano I, Damiani E. Insights on the UV-Screening Potential of Marine-Inspired Thiol Compounds. Mar Drugs 2023; 22:2. [PMID: 38276640 PMCID: PMC10817281 DOI: 10.3390/md22010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the major threats to skin aging and the risk of developing skin cancer is excessive exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The use of sunscreens containing different synthetic, organic, and inorganic UVR filters is one of the most widespread defensive measures. However, increasing evidence suggests that some of these compounds are potentially eco-toxic, causing subtle damage to the environment and to marine ecosystems. Resorting to natural products produced in a wide range of marine species to counteract UVR-mediated damage could be an alternative strategy. The present work investigates marine-inspired thiol compounds, derivatives of ovothiol A, isolated from marine invertebrates and known to exhibit unique antioxidant properties. However, their potential use as photoprotective molecules for biocompatible sunscreens and anti-photo aging formulations has not yet been investigated. Here, we report on the UVR absorption properties, photostability, and in vitro UVA shielding activities of two synthetic ovothiol derivatives, 5-thiohistidine and iso-ovothiol A, by spectrophotometric and fluorimetric analysis. We found that the UVA properties of these compounds increase upon exposure to UVA and that their absorption activity is able to screen UVA rays, thus reducing the oxidative damage induced to proteins and lipids. The results of this work demonstrate that these novel marine-inspired compounds could represent an alternative eco-friendly approach for UVR skin protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Luccarini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (A.L.); (R.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Annalisa Zuccarotto
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy;
| | - Roberta Galeazzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (A.L.); (R.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Camilla Morresi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (A.L.); (R.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Mariorosario Masullo
- Department of Medical, Movement and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Immacolata Castellano
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy;
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Damiani
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (A.L.); (R.G.); (C.M.)
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Mitrić A, Castellano I. Targeting gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase: A pleiotropic enzyme involved in glutathione metabolism and in the control of redox homeostasis. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 208:672-683. [PMID: 37739139 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is an enzyme located on the outer membrane of the cells where it regulates the metabolism of glutathione (GSH), the most abundant intracellular antioxidant thiol. GGT plays a key role in the control of redox homeostasis, by hydrolyzing extracellular GSH and providing the cell with the recovery of cysteine, which is necessary for de novo intracellular GSH and protein biosynthesis. Therefore, the upregulation of GGT confers to the cell greater resistance to oxidative stress and the advantage of growing fast. Indeed, GGT is upregulated in inflammatory conditions and in the progression of various human tumors and it is involved in many physiological disorders related to oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Currently, increased GGT expression is considered a marker of liver damage, cancer, and low-grade chronic inflammation. This review addresses the current knowledge on the structure-function relationship of GGT, focusing on human GGT, and provides information on the pleiotropic biological role and relevance of the enzyme as a target of drugs aimed at alleviating oxidative stress-related diseases. The development of new GGT inhibitors is critically discussed, as are the advantages and disadvantages of their potential use in clinics. Considering its pleiotropic activities and evolved functions, GGT is a potential "moonlighting protein".
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Mitrić
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Immacolata Castellano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy; Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy.
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4
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Roy JR, Janaki CS, Jayaraman S, Veeraraghavan VP, Periyasamy V, Balaji T, Vijayamalathi M, Bhuvaneswari P, Swetha P. Hypoglycemic Potential of Carica papaya in Liver Is Mediated through IRS-2/PI3K/SREBP-1c/GLUT2 Signaling in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Type-2 Diabetic Male Rats. TOXICS 2023; 11:240. [PMID: 36977005 PMCID: PMC10054599 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11030240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Regardless of socioeconomic or demographic background, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which affects more than half a billion people worldwide, has been steadily increasing over time. The health, emotional, sociological, and economic well-being of people would suffer if this number is not successfully handled. The liver is one of the key organs accountable for sustaining metabolic balance. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species inhibit the recruitment and activation of IRS-1, IRS-2, and PI3K-Akt downstream signaling cascade. These signaling mechanisms reduce hepatic glucose absorption and glycogenesis while increasing hepatic glucose output and glycogenolysis. In our work, an analysis of the molecular mechanism of Carica papaya in mitigating hepatic insulin resistance in vivo and in silico was carried out. The gluconeogenic enzymes, glycolytic enzymes, hepatic glycogen tissue concentration, oxidative stress markers, enzymatic antioxidants, protein expression of IRS-2, PI3K, SREBP-1C, and GLUT-2 were evaluated in the liver tissues of high-fat-diet streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats using q-RT-PCR as well as immunohistochemistry and histopathology. Upon treatment, C. papaya restored the protein and gene expression in the liver. In the docking analysis, quercetin, kaempferol, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid present in the extract were found to have high binding affinities against IRS-2, PI3K, SREBP-1c, and GLUT-2, which may have contributed much to the antidiabetic property of C. papaya. Thus, C. papaya was capable of restoring the altered levels in the hepatic tissues of T2DM rats, reversing hepatic insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeane Rebecca Roy
- Department of Anatomy, Bhaarath Medical College and Hospital, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER), Chennai 600 073, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Coimbatore Sadagopan Janaki
- Department of Anatomy, Bhaarath Medical College and Hospital, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER), Chennai 600 073, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Selvaraj Jayaraman
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vishnu Priya Veeraraghavan
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vijayalakshmi Periyasamy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Holy Cross College, Trichy 620 002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Thotakura Balaji
- Department of Anatomy, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chennai 603 103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Madhavan Vijayamalathi
- Department of Physiology, Bhaarath Medical College and Hospital, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER), Chennai 600 073, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ponnusamy Bhuvaneswari
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Panneerselvam Swetha
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India
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Russo MT, Santin A, Zuccarotto A, Leone S, Palumbo A, Ferrante MI, Castellano I. The first genetic engineered system for ovothiol biosynthesis in diatoms reveals a mitochondrial localization for the sulfoxide synthase OvoA. Open Biol 2023; 13:220309. [PMID: 36722300 PMCID: PMC9890322 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Diatoms represent one of the most abundant groups of microalgae in the ocean and are responsible for approximately 20% of photosynthetically fixed CO2 on Earth. Due to their complex evolutionary history and ability to adapt to different environments, diatoms are endowed with striking molecular biodiversity and unique metabolic activities. Their high growth rate and the possibility to optimize their biomass make them very promising 'biofactories' for biotechnological applications. Among bioactive compounds, diatoms can produce ovothiols, histidine-derivatives, endowed with unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and occurring in many marine invertebrates, bacteria and pathogenic protozoa. However, the functional role of ovothiols biosynthesis in organisms remains almost unexplored. In this work, we have characterized the thiol fraction of Phaeodactylum tricornutum, providing the first evidence of the presence of ovothiol B in pennate diatoms. We have used P. tricornutum to overexpress the 5-histidylcysteine sulfoxide synthase ovoA, the gene encoding the key enzyme involved in ovothiol biosynthesis and we have discovered that OvoA localizes in the mitochondria, a finding that uncovers new concepts in cellular redox biochemistry. We have also obtained engineered biolistic clones that can produce higher amount of ovothiol B compared to wild-type cells, suggesting a new strategy for the eco-sustainable production of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monia Teresa Russo
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Santin
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Zuccarotto
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Leone
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Immacolata Ferrante
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy
| | - Immacolata Castellano
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Yang N, Ko M, Ahn M, Shin T. Hepatoprotective effects of norgalanthamine on carbon tetrachloride induced-hepatotoxicity in mice. Drug Chem Toxicol 2023; 46:144-154. [PMID: 34915776 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2021.2015241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Norgalanthamine is a major component of Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum that exhibits several biological activities. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of norgalanthamine in mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury. Norgalanthamine (1 and 10 mg/kg) was orally administered to mice for 7 or 14 days, after which liver injury was induced by CCl4 (1.5 ml/kg, i.p.). The vehicle and positive controls consisted of phosphate-buffered saline and silymarin (100 mg/kg), respectively. In CCl4-injured mice, norgalanthamine pretreatment significantly reversed the increases in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin levels, and the decrease in the serum glucose level. In the liver, norgalanthamine restored the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase, while reducing lipid accumulation and, concurrently, the expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and adipocyte protein-2. Norgalanthamine also ameliorated inflammation by down-regulating the expression of the pro-inflammatory mediators, TNF-α, IL-1β, and MCP-1, and up-regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. In addition, norgalanthamine decreased collagen deposition in liver tissue as shown on picrosirius red staining by down-regulating expression of the fibrosis-related genes αSMA and fibronectin. Collectively, these findings imply that norgalanthamine mitigates CCl4-induced hepatic injury by increasing anti-oxidative activity, down-regulating pro-inflammatory mediators and fibrosis-related genes in the liver.HighlightsNorgalanthamine ameliorated the hepatotoxicity after CCl4 injury.Norgalanthamine suppressed the activation of Kupffer cells and macrophages.Norgalanthamine down-regulated pro-inflammatory mediators.Norgalanthamine increased anti-oxidative activity via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.Norgalanthamine downregulated fibrosis-related genes in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayeon Yang
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Myungsoon Ko
- Poultry Clinic and Laboratory of Bansuk Ltc, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Meejung Ahn
- Department of Animal Science, College of Life Science, Sangji University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Taekyun Shin
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
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Salaheldin AT, Shehata MR, Sakr HI, Atia T, Mohamed AS. Therapeutic Potency of Ovothiol A on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Wistar Rats. Mar Drugs 2022. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3390/md21010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptic ulcer is a widespread disease, with a lifetime frequency of 5–10% among the general population and an annual incidence of 0.1–0.3%. Ovothiol A is naturally produced from sea urchin eggs with special antioxidant activity. Gastric ulcers were induced in rats by a single ethanol dose (5 mL/kg). The rats were divided into control, ulcer, and ulcer with 250 and 500 mg/kg ovothiol A doses. Molecular docking studies were used to examine the interactions between ovothiol A and the H+/K+ ATPase active site residues. Ovothiol A led to a significant decline (p < 0.05) in gastric juice volume, ulcer index, MDA, IL-6, and cytochrome c, while levels of gastric juice pH, GSH, CAT, GST, SOD, and NO increased. Histopathological investigation of stomach sections revealed architecture preservation of the gastric mucosa after ovothiol A administration. The anti-ulcerogenic activity of ovothiol A includes scavenging free radicals, inhibition of inflammation, regulation of apoptosis, and stabilization of fibroblast growth factors to promote gastric ulcers healing.
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Salaheldin AT, Shehata MR, Sakr HI, Atia T, Mohamed AS. Therapeutic Potency of Ovothiol A on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Wistar Rats. Mar Drugs 2022; 21:md21010025. [PMID: 36662198 PMCID: PMC9862145 DOI: 10.3390/md21010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptic ulcer is a widespread disease, with a lifetime frequency of 5−10% among the general population and an annual incidence of 0.1−0.3%. Ovothiol A is naturally produced from sea urchin eggs with special antioxidant activity. Gastric ulcers were induced in rats by a single ethanol dose (5 mL/kg). The rats were divided into control, ulcer, and ulcer with 250 and 500 mg/kg ovothiol A doses. Molecular docking studies were used to examine the interactions between ovothiol A and the H+/K+ ATPase active site residues. Ovothiol A led to a significant decline (p < 0.05) in gastric juice volume, ulcer index, MDA, IL-6, and cytochrome c, while levels of gastric juice pH, GSH, CAT, GST, SOD, and NO increased. Histopathological investigation of stomach sections revealed architecture preservation of the gastric mucosa after ovothiol A administration. The anti-ulcerogenic activity of ovothiol A includes scavenging free radicals, inhibition of inflammation, regulation of apoptosis, and stabilization of fibroblast growth factors to promote gastric ulcers healing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hader I. Sakr
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
- Department of Medical Physiology, Medicine Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tarek Atia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 16273, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman Saber Mohamed
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
- Correspondence:
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Salaheldin AT, Shehata MR, Sakr HI, Atia T, Mohamed AS. Therapeutic Potency of Ovothiol A on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Wistar Rats. Mar Drugs 2022. [DOI: doi.org/10.3390/md21010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptic ulcer is a widespread disease, with a lifetime frequency of 5–10% among the general population and an annual incidence of 0.1–0.3%. Ovothiol A is naturally produced from sea urchin eggs with special antioxidant activity. Gastric ulcers were induced in rats by a single ethanol dose (5 mL/kg). The rats were divided into control, ulcer, and ulcer with 250 and 500 mg/kg ovothiol A doses. Molecular docking studies were used to examine the interactions between ovothiol A and the H+/K+ ATPase active site residues. Ovothiol A led to a significant decline (p < 0.05) in gastric juice volume, ulcer index, MDA, IL-6, and cytochrome c, while levels of gastric juice pH, GSH, CAT, GST, SOD, and NO increased. Histopathological investigation of stomach sections revealed architecture preservation of the gastric mucosa after ovothiol A administration. The anti-ulcerogenic activity of ovothiol A includes scavenging free radicals, inhibition of inflammation, regulation of apoptosis, and stabilization of fibroblast growth factors to promote gastric ulcers healing.
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Brancaccio M, Milito A, Viegas CA, Palumbo A, Simes DC, Castellano I. First evidence of dermo-protective activity of marine sulfur-containing histidine compounds. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 192:224-234. [PMID: 36174879 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Among natural products, ovothiol (ovo), produced by marine invertebrates, bacteria, and microalgae, is receiving increasing interest for its unique antioxidant properties. Recently, ovo has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in an in vitro model of endothelial dysfunction and in an in vivo model of liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ovo and its precursor 5-thiohistidine (5-thio) in comparison with ergothioneine (erg), in human skin cells and tissues upon inflammation. We used both an in vitro and ex vivo model of human skin, represented by a keratinocytes cell line (HaCaT) and skin biopsies, respectively. We observed that ovo, 5-thio, and erg were not cytotoxic in HaCaT cells, but instead exerted a protective function against TNF-α -induced inflammation. In order to get insights on their mechanism of action, we performed western blot analysis of ERK and JNK, as well as sub-cellular localization of Nrf2, a key mediator of the anti-inflammatory response. The results indicated that the pre-treatment with ovo, 5-thio, and erg differently affected the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK. However, all the three molecules promoted the accumulation of Nrf2 in the nucleus of HaCaT cells. In addition, gene expression analysis by RTqPCR and ELISA assays performed in ex vivo human skin tissues pre-treated with thiohistidines and then inflamed with IL-1β revealed a significant downregulation of IL-8, TNF-α and COX-2 genes and a concomitant significant decrease in the cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α production. Moreover, the protective action of ovo and 5-thio resulted to be stronger when compared with dexamethasone, a corticosteroid drug currently used to treat skin inflammatory conditions. Our findings suggest that ovo and 5-thio can ameliorate skin damage and may be used to develop natural skin care products to prevent the inflammatory status induced by environmental stressors and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariarita Brancaccio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonsina Milito
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics - CRAG, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Carla Alexandra Viegas
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal; GenoGla Diagnostics, Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy
| | - Dina Costa Simes
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal; GenoGla Diagnostics, Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Immacolata Castellano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy; Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy.
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Xu X, Li Y, Niu Z, Xia J, Dai K, Wang C, Yao W, Guo Y, Deng X, He J, Deng M, Si H, Hao C. Inhibition of HIF-1α Attenuates Silica-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116775. [PMID: 35682354 PMCID: PMC9180362 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Background: Excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix is a key feature of pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and myofibroblasts are the main producers of extracellular matrix. Fibroblasts are the major source of myofibroblasts, but the mechanisms of transdifferentiation are unclear. Methods: In vitro, transforming growth factor-β1 was used to induce NIH-3T3 cell transdifferentiation. DMOG was used to increase hypoxia-inducible factor-1α subunit (HIF-1α) expression. KC7F2 and siRNA decreased HIF-1α expression. In vivo, silica particles were used to induce PF in C57BL/6N mice, and KC7F2 was used to reduce HIF-1α expression in C57BL/6N mice. Western blot was used to detect the expression of collagen type 1 alpha 1(COL1A1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), SMAD family member (SAMD) 3, Phospho-SMAD3 (PSMAD3), and HIF-1α. PCR was used to detect the expression of COL1A1, α-SMA, and HIF-1α. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of COL1A1 and HIF-1α. Results: In vitro, compared to the control group, COL1A1, α-SMA, PSMAD3, and HIF-1α expression were elevated in the DMOG group, and COL1A1, α-SMA, PSMAD3, and HIF-1α expression were decreased in the KC7F2 group and siRNA group. Compared to the DMOG group, COL1A1, α-SMA, and PSMAD3 expression were decreased in the DMOG + SIS3 group. In vivo, compared to the saline group, COL1A1, α-SMA, PSMAD3, and HIF-1α expression were increased in the pulmonary tissue of C57BL/6N mice in the silica group. Compared to the silica group, COL1A1, α-SMA, PSMAD3, and HIF-1α expression and the degree of PF were decreased in the silica + KC7F2 group. Conclusion: Inhibition of HIF-1α reduced α-SMA, decreased COL1A1 expression, and attenuated the degree of PF in C57BL/6N mice. Therefore, HIF-1α may be a new target for the treatment of silica-induced PF.
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12
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Cordell GA, Lamahewage SNS. Ergothioneine, Ovothiol A, and Selenoneine-Histidine-Derived, Biologically Significant, Trace Global Alkaloids. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27092673. [PMID: 35566030 PMCID: PMC9103826 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The history, chemistry, biology, and biosynthesis of the globally occurring histidine-derived alkaloids ergothioneine (10), ovothiol A (11), and selenoneine (12) are reviewed comparatively and their significance to human well-being is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey A. Cordell
- Natural Products Inc., Evanston, IL 60202, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Sujeewa N. S. Lamahewage
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ruhuna, Matara 81000, Sri Lanka
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13
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A Survey on the Distribution of Ovothiol and ovoA Gene Expression in Different Tissues and Cells: A Comparative Analysis in Sea Urchins and Mussels. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20040268. [PMID: 35447941 PMCID: PMC9029387 DOI: 10.3390/md20040268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovothiols are histidine-derived thiols produced by a variety of marine invertebrates, protists and bacteria. These compounds, which are among the strongest natural antioxidants, are involved in controlling the cellular redox balance due to their redox exchange with glutathione. Although ovothiols were initially reported as protective agents against environmental stressors, new evidence suggests that they can also act as pheromones and participate in fundamental biological processes such as embryogenesis. To get further insight into the biological roles of ovothiols, we compared ovothiol biosynthesis in the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus and in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, the two species that represent the richest sources of these compounds among marine invertebrates. Ovothiol content was measured in different tissues and in the immune cells from both species and the expression levels of ovoA, the gene responsible for ovothiol biosynthesis, was inferred from publicly available transcriptomes. A comparative analysis of ovothiol biosynthesis in the two species allowed the identification of the tissues and cells synthesizing the metabolite and highlighted analogies and differences between sea urchins and mussels. By improving our knowledge on the biological roles of ovothiols and pointing out the existence of sustainable natural sources for their isolation, this study provides the basis for future biotechnological investigations on these valuable compounds.
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14
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Wei Q, Guo JS. Developing natural marine products for treating liver diseases. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:2369-2381. [PMID: 35434070 PMCID: PMC8968605 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i8.2369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, marine-derived bioactive compounds have gained increasing attention because of their higher biodiversity vs land-derived compounds. A number of marine-derived compounds are proven to improve lipid metabolism, modulate the gut microbiota, and possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor activities. With the increasing understanding of the molecular landscape underlying the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases, interest has spiked in developing new therapeutic drugs and medicine food homology from marine sources for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jin-Sheng Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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15
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Milito A, Cocurullo M, Columbro A, Nonnis S, Tedeschi G, Castellano I, Arnone MI, Palumbo A. Ovothiol ensures the correct developmental programme of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus embryo. Open Biol 2022; 12:210262. [PMID: 35042403 PMCID: PMC8767189 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210262] [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] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovothiols are π-methyl-5-thiohistidines produced in great amounts in sea urchin eggs, where they can act as protective agents against the oxidative burst at fertilization and environmental stressors during development. Here we examined the biological relevance of ovothiol during the embryogenesis of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus by assessing the localization of the key biosynthetic enzyme OvoA, both at transcript and protein level, and perturbing its protein translation by morpholino antisense oligonucleotide-mediated knockdown experiments. In addition, we explored the possible involvement of ovothiol in the inflammatory response by assessing ovoA gene expression and protein localization following exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide. The results of the present study suggest that ovothiol may be a key regulator of cell proliferation in early developing embryos. Moreover, the localization of OvoA in key larval cells and tissues, in control and inflammatory conditions, suggests that ovothiol may ensure larval skeleton formation and mediate inflammatory processes triggered by bacterial infection. This work significantly contributes to the understanding of the biological function of ovothiols in marine organisms, and may provide new inspiration for the identification of the biological activities of ovothiols in humans, considering the pharmacological potential of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonsina Milito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Genetics, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Cocurullo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Columbro
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Nonnis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,CRC 'Innovation for Well-Being and Environment' (I-WE), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Tedeschi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,CRC 'Innovation for Well-Being and Environment' (I-WE), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Immacolata Castellano
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Ina Arnone
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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16
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Pretreatment of Garlic Oil Extracts Hampers Epithelial Damage in Cell Culture Model of Peptic Ulcer Disease. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58010091. [PMID: 35056399 PMCID: PMC8780497 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58010091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Peptic ulcer disease is a chronic disease affecting up to 10% of the world’s population. Proton pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole are the gold standard in the treatment of ulcer disease. However, various studies have shown the effectiveness of garlic oil extracts in the treatment of ulcer disease. A cellular model can be established in the human gastric cell line by sodium taurocholate. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of garlic oil extracts pretreatment and LPZ addition in the cell culture model of peptic ulcer disease by examining oxidative stress and F-actin distribution. Materials and Methods: Evaluation was performed by determination of glutathione and prostaglandin E2 concentrations by ELISA; human gastric cell line proliferation by cell counting; expression of ATP-binding cassette, sub-family G, member 2; nuclear factor kappa B subunit 2 by RT PCR; and F-actin cytoskeleton visualization by semi-quantification of Rhodamine Phalloidin stain. Results: Our results showed significant reduction of cell damage after sodium taurocholate incubation when the gastric cells were pretreated with lansoprazole (p < 0.001) and increasing concentrations of garlic oil extracts (p < 0.001). Pretreatment with lansoprazole and different concentrations of garlic oil extracts increased prostaglandin E2 and glutathione concentrations in the cell culture model of peptic ulcer disease (p < 0.001). Positive correlation of nuclear factor kappa B subunit 2 (p < 0.01) with lansoprazole and garlic oil extracts pretreatment was seen, while ATP-binding cassette, sub-family G, member 2 expression was not changed. Treatment with sodium taurocholate as oxidative stress on F actin structure was less pronounced, although the highest concentration of garlic oil extracts led to a statistically significant increase of total amount of F-actin (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Hence, pretreatment with garlic oil extracts had gastroprotective effect in the cell model of peptic ulcer disease. However, further experiments are needed to fully elucidate the mechanism of this protective role.
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17
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First Report of OvoA Gene in Marine Arthropods: A New Candidate Stress Biomarker in Copepods. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19110647. [PMID: 34822518 PMCID: PMC8623360 DOI: 10.3390/md19110647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovothiol is one of the most powerful antioxidants acting in marine organisms as a defense against oxidative stress during development and in response to environmental cues. The gene involved in the ovothiol biosynthesis, OvoA, is found in almost all metazoans, but open questions existed on its presence among arthropods. Here, using an in silico workflow, we report a single OvoA gene in marine arthropods including copepods, decapods, and amphipods. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that OvoA from marine arthropods separated from the other marine phyla (e.g., Porifera, Mollusca) and divided into two separate branches, suggesting a possible divergence through evolution. In the copepod Calanus finmarchicus, we suggest that OvoA has a defense role in oxidative stress as shown by its high expression in response to a toxic diet and during the copepodite stage, a developmental stage that includes significant morphological changes. Overall, the results of our study open possibilities for the use of OvoA as a biomarker of stress in copepods and possibly also for other marine holozooplankters. The finding of OvoA in copepods is also promising for the drug discovery field, suggesting the possibility of using copepods as a new source of bioactive compounds to be tested in the marine biotechnological sector.
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18
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Brancaccio M, Tangherlini M, Danovaro R, Castellano I. Metabolic adaptations to marine environments: molecular diversity and evolution of ovothiol biosynthesis in Bacteria. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:6323227. [PMID: 34272861 PMCID: PMC8433421 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovothiols are sulfur-containing amino acids synthesized by marine invertebrates, protozoans, and bacteria. They act as pleiotropic molecules in signaling and protection against oxidative stress. The discovery of ovothiol biosynthetic enzymes, sulfoxide synthase OvoA and β-lyase OvoB, paves the way for a systematic investigation of ovothiol distribution and molecular diversification in nature. In this work, we conducted genomic and metagenomics data mining to investigate the distribution and diversification of ovothiol biosynthetic enzymes in Bacteria. We identified the bacteria endowed with this secondary metabolic pathway, described their taxonomy, habitat and biotic interactions in order to provide insight into their adaptation to specific environments. We report that OvoA and OvoB are mostly encountered in marine aerobic Proteobacteria, some of them establishing symbiotic or parasitic relationships with other organisms. We identified a horizontal gene transfer event of OvoB from Bacteroidetes living in symbiosis with Hydrozoa. Our search within the Ocean Gene Atlas revealed the occurrence of ovothiol biosynthetic genes in Proteobacteria living in a wide range of pelagic and highly oxygenated environments. Finally, we tracked the evolutionary history of ovothiol biosynthesis from marine bacteria to unicellular eukaryotes and metazoans. Our analysis provides new conceptual elements to unravel the evolutionary and ecological significance of ovothiol biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariarita Brancaccio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Michael Tangherlini
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Fano Marine Centre, Fano, Italy
| | - Roberto Danovaro
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy
| | - Immacolata Castellano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Napoli, Naples, Italy
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19
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Tang Y, Ma N, Luo H, Chen S, Yu F. Downregulated long non-coding RNA LINC01093 in liver fibrosis promotes hepatocyte apoptosis via increasing ubiquitination of SIRT1. J Biochem 2021; 167:525-534. [PMID: 32044992 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvaa013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The apoptosis of hepatocytes contributes to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), thus promoting the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins and aggravating liver fibrosis. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) is an anti-fibrotic protein whose downregulation induces hepatocyte apoptosis. This study aims to identify whether SIRT1 is regulated by long non-coding RNA LINC01093 and explore its underlying mechanisms. Liver fibrosis was induced in mice using CCl4, and the differential expressions of several fibrosis-related long noncoding RNAs were detected in liver tissues. The effect of LINC01093 on cell apoptosis and viability of hepatocytes were investigated after LINC01093 overexpression or knockdown using flow cytometry and MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. The anti-fibrotic effect of LINC01093 overexpression was observed in vivo. LncRNA LINC01093 is downregulated in CCl4-induced liver tissues and TGF-β1-stimulated hepatocytes. Downregulated LINC01093 promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited cell viability of hepatocytes. The co-culture between LINC01093-knockdown hepatocytes and HSCs increased the expressions of pro-fibrotic proteins. Downregulated LINC01093 promoted hepatocyte apoptosis via promoting degradation and ubiquitination of SIRT1 under TGF-β1 stimulation. The injection of LINC01093-overexpressing vectors alleviated liver fibrosis in vivo. In liver fibrosis, the downregulated LINC01093 promoted hepatocyte apoptosis, which is mediated by increasing the degradation and ubiquitination of SIRT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhe Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 205 Wenrui Avenue, Wenzhou 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Naijing Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 205 Wenrui Avenue, Wenzhou 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 205 Wenrui Avenue, Wenzhou 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shizuan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 205 Wenrui Avenue, Wenzhou 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuxiang Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 205 Wenrui Avenue, Wenzhou 325000, People's Republic of China
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20
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Scudiero O, Lombardo B, Brancaccio M, Mennitti C, Cesaro A, Fimiani F, Gentile L, Moscarella E, Amodio F, Ranieri A, Gragnano F, Laneri S, Mazzaccara C, Di Micco P, Caiazza M, D’Alicandro G, Limongelli G, Calabrò P, Pero R, Frisso G. Exercise, Immune System, Nutrition, Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases during COVID-19: A Complex Combination. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:904. [PMID: 33494244 PMCID: PMC7908487 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18030904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) represent a large family of RNA viruses that can infect different living species, posing a global threat to human health. CoVs can evade the immune response, replicate within the host, and cause a rapid immune compromise culminating in severe acute respiratory syndrome. In humans, the immune system functions are influenced by physical activity, nutrition, and the absence of respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. This review provides an in-depth study between the interactions of the immune system and coronaviruses in the host to defend against CoVs disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Scudiero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (O.S.); (B.L.); (C.M.); (C.M.)
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, 80100 Naples, Italy
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate S. C. a R. L., 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.G.); (A.R.)
| | - Barbara Lombardo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (O.S.); (B.L.); (C.M.); (C.M.)
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate S. C. a R. L., 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.G.); (A.R.)
| | - Mariarita Brancaccio
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy;
| | - Cristina Mennitti
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (O.S.); (B.L.); (C.M.); (C.M.)
| | - Arturo Cesaro
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (A.C.); (E.M.); (F.A.); (F.G.)
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. “Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Fabio Fimiani
- Unit of Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale AORN Dei Colli, “V.Monaldi”, 80122 Naples, Italy;
| | - Luca Gentile
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate S. C. a R. L., 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.G.); (A.R.)
| | - Elisabetta Moscarella
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (A.C.); (E.M.); (F.A.); (F.G.)
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. “Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Federica Amodio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (A.C.); (E.M.); (F.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Annaluisa Ranieri
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate S. C. a R. L., 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.G.); (A.R.)
| | - Felice Gragnano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (A.C.); (E.M.); (F.A.); (F.G.)
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. “Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Sonia Laneri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II Via Montesano, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Cristina Mazzaccara
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (O.S.); (B.L.); (C.M.); (C.M.)
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, 80100 Naples, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Di Micco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Emergency Room, Ospedale Buon Consiglio Fatebenefratelli, 80123 Naples, Italy;
| | - Martina Caiazza
- Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, 81100 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giovanni D’Alicandro
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Center of Sports Medicine and Disability, AORN, Santobono-Pausillipon, 80122 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Limongelli
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Respiratory Sciences, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Paolo Calabrò
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (A.C.); (E.M.); (F.A.); (F.G.)
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. “Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Raffaela Pero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (O.S.); (B.L.); (C.M.); (C.M.)
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, 80100 Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Frisso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (O.S.); (B.L.); (C.M.); (C.M.)
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, 80100 Naples, Italy
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21
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Brancaccio M, Mennitti C, Cesaro A, Fimiani F, Moscarella E, Caiazza M, Gragnano F, Ranieri A, D’Alicandro G, Tinto N, Mazzaccara C, Lombardo B, Pero R, Limongelli G, Frisso G, Calabrò P, Scudiero O. Dietary Thiols: A Potential Supporting Strategy against Oxidative Stress in Heart Failure and Muscular Damage during Sports Activity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249424. [PMID: 33339141 PMCID: PMC7765667 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Moderate exercise combined with proper nutrition are considered protective factors against cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal disorders. However, physical activity is known not only to have positive effects. In fact, the achievement of a good performance requires a very high oxygen consumption, which leads to the formation of oxygen free radicals, responsible for premature cell aging and diseases such as heart failure and muscle injury. In this scenario, a primary role is played by antioxidants, in particular by natural antioxidants that can be taken through the diet. Natural antioxidants are molecules capable of counteracting oxygen free radicals without causing cellular cytotoxicity. In recent years, therefore, research has conducted numerous studies on the identification of natural micronutrients, in order to prevent or mitigate oxidative stress induced by physical activity by helping to support conventional drug therapies against heart failure and muscle damage. The aim of this review is to have an overview of how controlled physical activity and a diet rich in antioxidants can represent a “natural cure” to prevent imbalances caused by free oxygen radicals in diseases such as heart failure and muscle damage. In particular, we will focus on sulfur-containing compounds that have the ability to protect the body from oxidative stress. We will mainly focus on six natural antioxidants: glutathione, taurine, lipoic acid, sulforaphane, garlic and methylsulfonylmethane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariarita Brancaccio
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy;
| | - Cristina Mennitti
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (N.T.); (C.M.); (B.L.); (R.P.)
| | - Arturo Cesaro
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (E.M.); (F.G.); (G.L.)
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. “Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Fabio Fimiani
- Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, 81100 Naples, Italy; (F.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Elisabetta Moscarella
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (E.M.); (F.G.); (G.L.)
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. “Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Martina Caiazza
- Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, 81100 Naples, Italy; (F.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Felice Gragnano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (E.M.); (F.G.); (G.L.)
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. “Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni D’Alicandro
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Center of Sports Medicine and Disability, AORN, Santobono-Pausillipon, 80122 Naples, Italy;
| | - Nadia Tinto
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (N.T.); (C.M.); (B.L.); (R.P.)
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate S. C. a R. L., 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Cristina Mazzaccara
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (N.T.); (C.M.); (B.L.); (R.P.)
| | - Barbara Lombardo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (N.T.); (C.M.); (B.L.); (R.P.)
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate S. C. a R. L., 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Raffaela Pero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (N.T.); (C.M.); (B.L.); (R.P.)
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, 80100 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Limongelli
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (E.M.); (F.G.); (G.L.)
- Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, 81100 Naples, Italy; (F.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Giulia Frisso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (N.T.); (C.M.); (B.L.); (R.P.)
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate S. C. a R. L., 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: (G.F.); (P.C.); (O.S.); Tel.: +39-347-240-9595 (G.F.); +39-338-434-6963 (P.C.); +39-339-613-9908 (O.S.)
| | - Paolo Calabrò
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (E.M.); (F.G.); (G.L.)
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. “Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.F.); (P.C.); (O.S.); Tel.: +39-347-240-9595 (G.F.); +39-338-434-6963 (P.C.); +39-339-613-9908 (O.S.)
| | - Olga Scudiero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (N.T.); (C.M.); (B.L.); (R.P.)
- Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate S. C. a R. L., 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, 80100 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.F.); (P.C.); (O.S.); Tel.: +39-347-240-9595 (G.F.); +39-338-434-6963 (P.C.); +39-339-613-9908 (O.S.)
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Milito A, Orefice I, Smerilli A, Castellano I, Napolitano A, Brunet C, Palumbo A. Insights into the Light Response of Skeletonema marinoi: Involvement of Ovothiol. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18090477. [PMID: 32962291 PMCID: PMC7551349 DOI: 10.3390/md18090477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diatoms are one of the most widespread groups of microalgae on Earth. They possess extraordinary metabolic capabilities, including a great ability to adapt to different light conditions. Recently, we have discovered that the diatom Skeletonema marinoi produces the natural antioxidant ovothiol B, until then identified only in clams. In this study, we investigated the light-dependent modulation of ovothiol biosynthesis in S. marinoi. Diatoms were exposed to different light conditions, ranging from prolonged darkness to low or high light, also differing in the velocity of intensity increase (sinusoidal versus square-wave distribution). The expression of the gene encoding the key ovothiol biosynthetic enzyme, ovoA, was upregulated by high sinusoidal light mimicking natural conditions. Under this situation higher levels of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide as well as ovothiol and glutathione increase were detected. No ovoA modulation was observed under prolonged darkness nor low sinusoidal light. Unnatural conditions such as continuous square-wave light induced a very high oxidative stress leading to a drop in cell growth, without enhancing ovoA gene expression. Only one of the inducible forms of nitric oxide synthase, nos2, was upregulated by light with consequent production of NO under sinusoidal light and darkness conditions. Our data suggest that ovothiol biosynthesis is triggered by a combined light stress caused by natural distribution and increased photon flux density, with no influence from the daily light dose. These results open new perspectives for the biotechnological production of ovothiols, which are receiving a great interest for their biological activities in human model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonsina Milito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy;
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics, Cerdanyola, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: or (A.M.); (A.P.); Tel.: +39-081-5833 (ext. 293/276) (A.M.)
| | - Ida Orefice
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy; (I.O.); (A.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Arianna Smerilli
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy; (I.O.); (A.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Immacolata Castellano
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Napolitano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy;
| | - Christophe Brunet
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy; (I.O.); (A.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy;
- Correspondence: or (A.M.); (A.P.); Tel.: +39-081-5833 (ext. 293/276) (A.M.)
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23
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Milito A, Castellano I, Burn R, Seebeck FP, Brunet C, Palumbo A. First evidence of ovothiol biosynthesis in marine diatoms. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 152:680-688. [PMID: 31935446 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Ovothiols are histidine-derived thiols that are receiving a great interest for their biological activities in human model systems. Thanks to the position of the thiol group on the imidazole ring of histidine, these compounds exhibit unusual antioxidant properties. They have been revealing a very promising pharmacological potential due to their anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as anti-fibrotic activities not always related to their antioxidant power. Ovothiols occur in three differentially methylated forms (A, B and C), isolated from ovary, eggs and biological fluids of many marine invertebrates, mollusks, microalgae, and pathogenic protozoa. These molecules are synthesized by two enzymes: the sulfoxide synthase OvoA and the sulfoxide lyase OvoB. OvoA catalyzes the insertion of the sulfur atom of cysteine on the imidazole ring of histidine, leading to the formation of a sulfoxide intermediate. This is then cleaved by OvoB, giving 5-thiohistidine, finally methylated on the imidazole ring thanks to the methyltransferase domain of OvoA. Recent studies have shown that OvoA homologs are encoded in a wide variety of genomes suggesting that ovothiol biosynthesis is much more widespread in nature than initially thought. Here we have investigated the OvoA occurrence in diatoms, one of the most abundant group of microalgae, dominating marine and freshwater environments. They are considered a very good model system for both biology/photophysiology studies and for biotechnological applications. We have performed comparative sequence and phylogenetic analyses of OvoA from diatoms, highlighting a high degree of conservation of the canonical domain architecture in the analyzed species, as well as a clear clustering of OvoA in the two different morphological groups, i.e. centric and pennate diatoms. The in silico analyses have also revealed that OvoA gene expression is modulated by growth conditions. More importantly, we have characterized the thiol fraction from cultures of the coastal centric diatom Skeletonema marinoi, providing the first evidence of ovothiol B biosynthesis in diatoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonsina Milito
- Dept. of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Immacolata Castellano
- Dept. of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Reto Burn
- Dept. of Chemistry, University of Basel, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Christophe Brunet
- Dept. of Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Dept. of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121, Naples, Italy.
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24
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Gerdol M, Sollitto M, Pallavicini A, Castellano I. The complex evolutionary history of sulfoxide synthase in ovothiol biosynthesis. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20191812. [PMID: 31771466 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.1812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulfoxide synthases are enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of small sulfur-containing natural products. Their enzymatic activity represents a unique sulfur transfer strategy in nature that is the insertion of a sulfur atom on the imidazole ring of histidine. To date, only two enzymes are known to carry out this function: the sulfoxide synthase EgtB, involved in the biosynthesis of ergothioneine in fungi and bacteria, and the 5-histidylcysteine sulfoxide synthase OvoA, involved in the biosynthesis of ovothiols, found in the eggs and biological fluids of marine invertebrates, some proteobacteria and protists. In particular, ovothiols, thanks to their unique redox properties, are probably the most intriguing marine sulfur-containing molecules. Although they have long been considered as cellular protective molecules, new evidence suggest that their biological activities and ecological role might be more complex than originally thought. Here, we investigate the evolutionary history of OvoA in Metazoa, reporting its monophyletic ancient origins, which could be traced back to the latest common ancestor of Choanozoa. Nevertheless, we show that OvoA is missing in several major extant taxa and we discuss this patchy distribution in the light of the massive genome reduction events documented in Metazoa. We also highlight two interesting cases of secondary acquisition through horizontal gene transfer, which occurred in hydrozoans and bdelloid rotifers. The evolutionary success of this metabolic pathway is probably ascribable to its role in the maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis, which enables organisms to survive in different environmental niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gerdol
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Sollitto
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alberto Pallavicini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Immacolata Castellano
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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25
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Milito A, Brancaccio M, Lisurek M, Masullo M, Palumbo A, Castellano I. Probing the Interactions of Sulfur-Containing Histidine Compounds with Human Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17120650. [PMID: 31757046 PMCID: PMC6949936 DOI: 10.3390/md17120650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is a cell surface enzyme involved in glutathione metabolism and maintenance of redox homeostasis. High expression of GGT on tumor cells is associated with an increase of cell proliferation and resistance against chemotherapy. GGT inhibitors that have been evaluated in clinical trials are too toxic for human use. We have previously identified ovothiols, 5(Nπ)-methyl-thiohistidines of marine origin, as non-competitive-like inhibitors of GGT that are more potent than the known GGT inhibitor, 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine (DON), and are not toxic for human embryonic cells. We extended these studies to the desmethylated form of ovothiol, 5-thiohistidine, and confirmed that this ovothiol derivative also acts as a non-competitive-like GGT inhibitor, with a potency comparable to ovothiol. We also found that both 5-thiohistidine derivatives act as reversible GGT inhibitors compared to the irreversible DON. Finally, we probed the interactions of 5-thiohistidines with GGT by docking analysis and compared them with the 2-thiohistidine ergothioneine, the physiological substrate glutathione, and the DON inhibitor. Overall, our results provide new insight for further development of 5-thiohistidine derivatives as therapeutics for GGT-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonsina Milito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Mariarita Brancaccio
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Michael Lisurek
- Department of Computational Chemistry and Drug Design, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, 13125 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Mariorosario Masullo
- Department of Human Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Immacolata Castellano
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-5833206
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26
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Natural Sulfur-Containing Compounds: An Alternative Therapeutic Strategy against Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111356. [PMID: 31671675 PMCID: PMC6929087 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathophysiologic process involving the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins as collagen deposition. Advanced liver fibrosis can evolve in cirrhosis, portal hypertension and often requires liver transplantation. At the cellular level, hepatic fibrosis involves the activation of hepatic stellate cells and their transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts. Numerous pro-fibrogenic mediators including the transforming growth factor-β1, the platelet-derived growth factor, endothelin-1, toll-like receptor 4, and reactive oxygen species are key players in this process. Knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying hepatic fibrosis development need to be extended to find novel therapeutic strategies. Antifibrotic therapies aim to inhibit the accumulation of fibrogenic cells and/or prevent the deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. Natural products from terrestrial and marine sources, including sulfur-containing compounds, exhibit promising activities for the treatment of fibrotic pathology. Although many therapeutic interventions are effective in experimental models of liver fibrosis, their efficacy and safety in humans are largely unknown. This review aims to provide a reference collection on experimentally tested natural anti-fibrotic compounds, with particular attention on sulfur-containing molecules. Their chemical structure, sources, mode of action, molecular targets, and pharmacological activity in the treatment of liver disease will be discussed.
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27
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Brancaccio M, Russo M, Masullo M, Palumbo A, Russo GL, Castellano I. Sulfur-containing histidine compounds inhibit γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in human cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:14603-14614. [PMID: 31375562 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is an enzyme located on the surface of cellular membranes and involved in GSH metabolism and maintenance of redox homeostasis. High GGT expression on tumor cells is associated with increased cell proliferation and resistance against chemotherapy. GGT inhibitors evaluated so far in clinical trials are too toxic for human use. In this study, using enzyme kinetics analyses, we demonstrate that ovothiols, 5(Nπ)-methyl thiohistidines of marine origin, act as noncompetitive inhibitors of GGT, with an apparent Ki of 21 μm, when we fixed the concentrations of the donor substrate. We found that these compounds are more potent than the known GGT inhibitor 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine and are not toxic toward human embryonic cells. In particular, cellular process-specific fluorescence-based assays revealed that ovothiols induce a mixed cell-death phenotype of apoptosis and autophagy in GGT-overexpressing cell lines, including human liver cancer and chronic B leukemic cells. The findings of our study provide the basis for further development of 5-thiohistidines as therapeutics for GGT-positive tumors and highlight that GGT inhibition is involved in autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariarita Brancaccio
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Russo
- Institute of Food Sciences, National Research Council, 83100 Avellino, Italy
| | - Mariorosario Masullo
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples "Parthenope," 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Palumbo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Russo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy.,Institute of Food Sciences, National Research Council, 83100 Avellino, Italy
| | - Immacolata Castellano
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy
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