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Hoelm M, Chowdhury N, Biswas S, Bagchi A, Małecka M. Theoretical Investigations on Free Energy of Binding Cilostazol with Different Cyclodextrins as Complex for Selective PDE3 Inhibition. Molecules 2024; 29:3824. [PMID: 39202903 PMCID: PMC11357564 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29163824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cilostazol is a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor characterized by poor solubility. This limitation can be overcome by using a drug carrier capable of delivering the drug to the target site. Cyclodextrins are essential as drug carriers because of their outstanding complexation abilities and their capacity to improve drug bioavailability. This study comprises two stages: The first involves verifying different cyclodextrins and their complexation abilities towards cilostazol. This was accomplished using molecular docking simulations (MDS) and density functional theory (DFT). Both techniques indicate that the largest Sulfobutyl Ether-β-Cyclodextrin forms the most stable complex with cilostazol. Additionally, other important parameters of the complex are described, including binding sites, dominant interactions, and thermodynamic parameters such as complexation enthalpy, Gibbs free energy, and Gibbs free energy of solvation. The second stage involves a binding study between cilostazol and Phosphodiesterse3 (PDE3). This study was conducted using molecular docking simulations, and the most important energetic parameters are detailed. This is the first such report, and we believe that the results of our predictions will pave the way for future drug development efforts using cyclodextrin-cilostazol complexes as potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Hoelm
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz, Pomorska 163/165, 90-236 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Nilkanta Chowdhury
- Department of Biotechnology, Ranchi—Purulia Road Campus, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia 723104, West Bengal, India;
| | - Sima Biswas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal, India;
| | - Angshuman Bagchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal, India;
| | - Magdalena Małecka
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz, Pomorska 163/165, 90-236 Lodz, Poland;
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Brazão SC, Lima GF, Autran LJ, Mendes ABA, Dos Santos BA, Magliano DC, de Brito FCF, Motta NAV. Subacute administration of cilostazol modulates PLC-γ/PKC-α/p38/NF-kB pathway and plays vascular protective effects through eNOS activation in early stages of atherosclerosis development. Life Sci 2023; 332:122082. [PMID: 37722587 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Hypercholesterolemia is an important risk factor for development of cardiovascular disturbances, such as atherosclerosis, and its treatment remains challenging in modern medicine. Cilostazol is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3 clinically prescribed for intermittent claudication treatment. Due to its pleiotropic properties, such as lipid lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, the therapeutic repurposing of cilostazol has become a strategic approach for atherosclerosis treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of subacute administration of cilostazol on the aortas of hypercholesterolemic rats, focusing on the signaling pathways involved in these actions. MAIN METHODS A murine model of hypercholesterolemia was employed to mimic the early stages of atherosclerosis development. Vascular reactivity assays were performed on thoracic aorta rings to assess the vascular response, as well as the non-invasive blood pressure was evaluated by plethysmography method. Pro-inflammatory markers and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of cilostazol. Western Blot analysis was performed in aortas homogenates to evaluate the role of cilostazol on PLC-γ/PKC-α/p38-MAPK/IκB-α/NF-кB and PKA/eNOS/PKG pathways. KEY FINDINGS The hypercholesterolemic diet induced the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, TXB2, VCAM, and worsened vascular function, marked by increased contractile response, decreased maximum relaxation, and elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Cilostazol seems to counteract the deleterious effects promoted by hypercholesterolemic diet, showing important anti-inflammatory and vasculoprotective properties possibly through the inhibition of the PLC-γ/PKC-α/p38-MAPK/IκB-α/NF-кB pathway and activation of the PKA/eNOS/PKG pathway. SIGNIFICANCE Cilostazol suppressed hypercholesterolemia-induced vascular dysfunction and inflammation. Our data suggest the potential repurposing of cilostazol as a pharmacological treatment for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephani Correia Brazão
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 310, Valonguinho, 24020-150 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Ferreira Lima
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 310, Valonguinho, 24020-150 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lis Jappour Autran
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 310, Valonguinho, 24020-150 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz Araújo Mendes
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 310, Valonguinho, 24020-150 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Alexandre Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Morphological and Metabolic Analyses, Department of Morphology Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Brazil
| | - Dangelo Carlo Magliano
- Laboratory of Morphological and Metabolic Analyses, Department of Morphology Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Brazil
| | - Fernanda Carla Ferreira de Brito
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 310, Valonguinho, 24020-150 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Nadia Alice Vieira Motta
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 310, Valonguinho, 24020-150 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
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de Oliveira Lopes R, Lima GF, Mendes ABA, Autran LJ, de Assis Pereira NC, Brazão SC, Alexandre-Santos B, Frantz EDC, Scaramello CBV, Brito FCF, Motta NAV. Cilostazol attenuates cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation in hypercholesterolemic rats. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2022; 395:789-801. [PMID: 35384464 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02233-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial chronic disease associated with pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative cardiovascular states. Cilostazol, a selective phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor (PDE3), is clinically used in the treatment of intermittent claudication and secondary prevention of cerebral infarction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of cilostazol and the molecular mechanisms involved in hypercholesterolemic rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control group (C) and control + cilostazol group (C+CILO), that were fed a standard chow diet, and hypercholesterolemic diet group (HCD) and HCD + cilostazol (HCD+CILO) that were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet. Cilostazol treatment started after 30 days for C+CILO and HCD+CILO groups. Animals were administered cilostazol once a day for 15 days. Subsequently, serum and left ventricles were extracted for evaluation of lipid profile, inflammatory, and oxidative biomarkers. The HCD group displayed increased serum lipid levels, inflammatory cytokines production, and cardiac NF-kB protein expression and decreased cardiac Nrf2-mediated antioxidant activity. Conversely, the cilostazol treatment improved all these cardiac deleterious effects, inhibiting NF-kB activation and subsequently decreasing inflammatory mediators, reestablishing the antioxidant properties through Nrf2-mediated pathway, including increased SOD, GPx, and catalase expression. Taken together, our results indicated that cilostazol protects hypercholesterolemia-induced cardiac damage by molecular mechanisms targeting the crosstalk between Nrf2 induction and NF-kB inhibition in the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosane de Oliveira Lopes
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 204-A, Niteroi, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Ferreira Lima
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 204-A, Niteroi, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz Araújo Mendes
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 204-A, Niteroi, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil.,Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology Doris Rosenthal, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lis Jappour Autran
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 204-A, Niteroi, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Nikolas Cunha de Assis Pereira
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 204-A, Niteroi, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Stephani Correia Brazão
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 204-A, Niteroi, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Alexandre-Santos
- Laboratory of Exercise Sciences (LACE), Department of Morphology, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eliete Dalla Corte Frantz
- Laboratory of Exercise Sciences (LACE), Department of Morphology, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - Christianne Brêtas Vieira Scaramello
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 204-A, Niteroi, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Carla Ferreira Brito
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 204-A, Niteroi, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil.
| | - Nadia Alice Vieira Motta
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 204-A, Niteroi, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
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Xie Y, Xing Z, Wei J, Sun X, Zhao B, Chen Y, Geng Y, Jia Z, Zou H. Levosimendan Postconditioning Attenuates Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis after Myocardial Infarction. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:2988756. [PMID: 35132355 PMCID: PMC8817859 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2988756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Levosimendan preconditioning has been shown to attenuate myocardial apoptosis in animal models. However, protective effects of levosimendan postconditioning against myocardial apoptosis following myocardial infarction (MI) have not been evaluated. Therefore, we investigated the effects of levosimendan postconditioning on myocardial apoptosis in MI rat models. METHODS In an anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) model, H9c2 cells were pretreated with or without levosimendan postconditioning after which their apoptosis rates were assessed by flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and western blot analyses. Then, postconditioning was performed with or without levosimendan in MI rat models. Myocardiocyte apoptosis was evaluated by echocardiography, TTC staining, TUNEL staining, immunohistochemical staining, RT-qPCR, and western blot analysis. RESULTS Levosimendan postconditioning inhibited H9c2 cell apoptosis in A/R models by elevating Bcl-2 while suppressing Caspase-3 and Bax at both mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, it improved cardiac functions and reduced the left ventricle infarction area in MI rat models. Compared to the MI control group, cardiomyocyte apoptosis rates in the levosimendan postconditioning group were low. The reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis rates were associated with downregulation of Bax and Caspase-3 as well as with upregulation of Bcl-2 at mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSIONS Levosimendan postconditioning of MI rat models protected against cardiomyocyte apoptosis, implying that it is a potential strategy for preventing cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the treatment of cardiac dysfunction following MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xie
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, No. 245,Renmin East Road, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650051, China
| | - Zhengjiang Xing
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, No. 245,Renmin East Road, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650051, China
| | - Jie Wei
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, No. 245,Renmin East Road, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650051, China
| | - Xiaolin Sun
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, No. 245,Renmin East Road, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650051, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, No. 245,Renmin East Road, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650051, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, No. 245,Renmin East Road, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650051, China
| | - Yue Geng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, No. 245,Renmin East Road, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650051, China
| | - Zheng Jia
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, No. 245,Renmin East Road, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650051, China
| | - Honglin Zou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, No. 245,Renmin East Road, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650051, China
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Tawfik MK, Keshawy MM, Makary S. Blocking angiotensin 2 receptor attenuates diabetic nephropathy via mitigating ANGPTL2/TL4/NF-κB expression. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:6457-6470. [PMID: 34431038 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06647-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a consequence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is associated with early changes in renal angiotensin II (ANG II). These changes were evaluated using ANG II blocker valsartan early from week two of diabetes (experiment I, renoprotective) and late from week nine of diabetes (experiment II, renotherapeutic) to the end of both experiments at week twelve. METHODS AND RESULTS In both experiments, adult male Wister rats were divided into (i) vehicle group; (ii) valsartan received oral 30 mg/Kg/day; (iii) diabetic received single 50 mg/Kg intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection; (iv) renoprotection, diabetic rats received valsartan treated in experiments I and II. DM effects on urine albumin excretion, blood pressure, and renal ANG II were measured. Urinary nephrin, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), renal angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2), and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR 4) mRNA expression were tested. DM-initiated fibrotic markers integrin, α-smooth muscle actin expression, and collagen IV and apoptotic protein caspase 3 were tested. DM induced early changes starting from week four in the tested variables. At week twelve, in both experiments, valsartan intervention showed a significant reduction in ANG II, ANGPTL2, TLR 4 and integrin expression and improvement in albuminuria, blood pressure, urinary biomarkers, fibrotic and apoptotic markers. CONCLUSIONS Changes leading to DN starts early in the disease course and ANG II reduction decreased the expression of ANGPTL2 and integrin which preserve the glomerular barrier. Blocking ANG II was able to decrease TLR 4 and inflammatory cytokines leading to decreasing DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona K Tawfik
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mohammed M Keshawy
- Nephrology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
| | - Samy Makary
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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Häberle HA. [Levosimendan - a 20-Year Experience]. Anasthesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2021; 56:414-426. [PMID: 34187074 DOI: 10.1055/a-1214-4485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Levosimendan is a calcium sensitizer and opens adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium channels. Since 20 years, it is approved for acute decompensated heart failure. It has been tested in many clinical trials for treatment of at-risk patients in cardiac surgery, right ventricular failure, pulmonary hypertension, weaning of extracorporeal systems, cardiogenic shock, septic shock, ARDS and others.Levosimendan has diverse positive effects next to positive inotropy. It improves ventriculoarterial coupling, increases peripheral perfusion, increases kidney glomerular filtration rate, coronary blood flow and it reduces preload and afterload as well as pulmonary capillary wedge pressure.Due to the opening of potassium channels, it also acts on mitochondria resulting in organ protection. Levosimendan acts anti-apoptotic. These positive effects were described in many small studies. Although this sounds like a promising drug for a variety of settings, results of several multicentre randomized placebo-controlled studies were frustrating. This review resumes some facts of levosimendan in different diseases.
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Zhao Y, Qian Y, Sun Z, Shen X, Cai Y, Li L, Wang Z. Role of PI3K in the Progression and Regression of Atherosclerosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:632378. [PMID: 33767629 PMCID: PMC7985550 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.632378] [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: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) is a key molecule in the initiation of signal transduction pathways after the binding of extracellular signals to cell surface receptors. An intracellular kinase, PI3K activates multiple intracellular signaling pathways that affect cell growth, proliferation, migration, secretion, differentiation, transcription and translation. Dysregulation of PI3K activity, and as aberrant PI3K signaling, lead to a broad range of human diseases, such as cancer, immune disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. A growing number of studies have shown that PI3K and its signaling pathways play key roles in the pathophysiological process of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, drugs targeting PI3K and its related signaling pathways are promising treatments for atherosclerosis. Therefore, we have reviewed how PI3K, an important regulatory factor, mediates the development of atherosclerosis and how targeting PI3K can be used to prevent and treat atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yongjiang Qian
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhen Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xinyi Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yaoyao Cai
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Lihua Li
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhongqun Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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Motta NAV, Autran LJ, Brazão SC, Lopes RDO, Scaramello CBV, Lima GF, Brito FCFD. Could cilostazol be beneficial in COVID-19 treatment? Thinking about phosphodiesterase-3 as a therapeutic target. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 92:107336. [PMID: 33418248 PMCID: PMC7768212 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has emerged and rapidly spread across the world. The COVID-19 severity is associated to viral pneumonia with additional extrapulmonary complications. Hyperinflammation, dysfunctional immune response and hypercoagulability state are associated to poor prognosis. Therefore, the repositioning of multi-target drugs to control the hyperinflammation represents an important challenge for the scientific community. Cilostazol, a selective phosphodiesterase type-3 inhibitor (PDE-3), is an antiplatelet and vasodilator drug, that presents a range of pleiotropic effects, such as antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective activities. Cilostazol also can inhibit the adenosine uptake, which enhances intracellular cAMP levels. In the lungs, elevated cAMP promotes anti-fibrotic, vasodilator, antiproliferative effects, as well as mitigating inflammatory events. Interestingly, a recent study evaluated antiplatelet FDA-approved drugs through molecular docking-based virtual screening on viral target proteins. This study revealed that cilostazol is a promising drug against COVID-19 by inhibiting both main protease (Mpro) and Spike glycoprotein, reinforcing its use as a promising therapeutic approach for COVID-19. Considering the complexity associated to COVID-19 pathophysiology and observing its main mechanisms, this article raises the hypothesis that cilostazol may act on important targets in development of the disease. This review highlights the importance of drug repurposing to address such an urgent clinical demand safely, effectively and at low cost, reinforcing the main pharmacological actions, to support the hypothesis that a multi-target drug such as cilostazol could play an important role in the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Alice Vieira Motta
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 204-A, 24420-210 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lis Jappour Autran
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 204-A, 24420-210 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Stephani Correia Brazão
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 204-A, 24420-210 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosane de Oliveira Lopes
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 204-A, 24420-210 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Christianne Brêtas Vieira Scaramello
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 204-A, 24420-210 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Ferreira Lima
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 204-A, 24420-210 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Carla Ferreira de Brito
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 204-A, 24420-210 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
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Protective Effect of Geraniol on Oxidative, Inflammatory and Apoptotic Alterations in Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiotoxicity: Role of the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathways. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9100977. [PMID: 33053761 PMCID: PMC7599734 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9100977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is still a major contributor to mortality worldwide, and therefore, searching for new drugs is an urgent priority. Natural products are a renewable source for medicinally and pharmacologically active molecules. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of geraniol, a monoterpene alcohol, to protect against MI. Methods: Five groups of Wister rats were used: a control group; a group treated only with geraniol; a group treated only with isoproterenol, to induce MI; and two groups pretreated with geraniol (100 or 200 mg/kg, respectively) for 14 days and challenged with isoproterenol on the 13th and 14th days. Several parameters were measured including electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac markers, the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and other downstream antioxidant enzymes, as well as the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and other downstream apoptotic and inflammatory mediators. Results: Geraniol treatment reduced the size of the infarct region, attenuated the levels of cardiac indicators, and diminished myocardial necrosis and immune cell infiltration. Geraniol treatment also activated the Keap1/Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, modulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and ameliorated myocardial autophagy, inflammation, and apoptosis. Conclusion: Geraniol may possess a protective effect against MI through moderating MI-induced myocardial oxidative stress (glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and Keap1/Nrf2 pathway), inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)), apoptosis (caspase-3, caspase-9, Bcl2, and Bax), and autophagy (PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway).
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10
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Potential of the Cardiovascular Drug Levosimendan in the Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Overview of a Working Hypothesis. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2020; 74:389-399. [PMID: 31730560 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Levosimendan is a calcium sensitizer that promotes myocyte contractility through its calcium-dependent interaction with cardiac troponin C. Administered intravenously, it has been used for nearly 2 decades to treat acute and advanced heart failure and to support the heart function in various therapy settings characterized by low cardiac output. Effects of levosimendan on noncardiac muscle suggest a possible new application in the treatment of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive weakness, and eventual paralysis. Previous attempts to improve the muscle response in ALS patients and thereby maintain respiratory function and delay progression of disability have produced some mixed results. Continuing this line of investigation, levosimendan has been shown to enhance in vitro the contractility of the diaphragm muscle fibers of non-ALS patients and to improve in vivo diaphragm neuromuscular efficiency in healthy subjects. Possible positive effects on respiratory function in people with ALS were seen in an exploratory phase 2 study, and a phase 3 clinical trial is now underway to evaluate the potential benefit of an oral form of levosimendan on both respiratory and overall functions in patients with ALS. Here, we will review the various known pharmacologic effects of levosimendan, considering their relevance to people living with ALS.
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Mohammad HMF, Makary S, Atef H, El-Sherbiny M, Atteia HH, Ibrahim GA, Mohamed AS, Zaitone SA. Clopidogrel or prasugrel reduces mortality and lessens cardiovascular damage from acute myocardial infarction in hypercholesterolemic male rats. Life Sci 2020; 247:117429. [PMID: 32061670 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Hypercholesterolemia is a hazard for increasing susceptibility of the heart to myocardial infarction (MI) by inducing platelet hyperaggregability. Clopidogrel and prasugrel have documented cardioprotective effects in clinical studies. Herein, we investigated whether clopidogrel and prasugrel could protect against isoproterenol-induced acute MI (A-MI) under hypercholesterolemic conditions in rats. MAIN METHODS Dietary hypercholesterolemic rats were subjected to acute doses of isoproterenol. Serum lipids, inflammatory markers, aortic endothelin1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNAs expression and immunexpression of BCL2 were determined. KEY FINDINGS Hypercholesterolemic rats showed infiltration of inflammatory cells and reduction in aortic wall thickness, deposition of fibrous tissue between cardiac muscle fibers. Protective doses of prasugrel or clopidogrel for 28 days before A-MI increased survival, amended the ECG parameters -including ST segment elevation- and improved the histopathological picture in hypercholesterolemic rats. This was coupled with reductions in platelet aggregation, creatine kinase-MB activity, endothelin 1, systemic inflammation and cardiac lipid peroxidation and increment in aortic eNOS expression. Clopidogrel and prasugrel groups showed enhanced BCL2 expression in cardiac fibers and aortic wall. SIGNIFICANCE Prasugrel and clopidogrel protected against A-MI via anti-aggregatory and anti-inflammatory effects. These results add to the value of these drugs in correcting cardiovascular dysfunction in patients vulnerable to A-MI after confirmation by appropriate human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala M F Mohammad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt; Central Lab., Center of Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Medicine (CEMCM), Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Samy Makary
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Hoda Atef
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Sherbiny
- Anatomy department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; Anatomy department, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hebatallah H Atteia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, El-Sharkia, Egypt; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gehan A Ibrahim
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Abdelaty Shawky Mohamed
- Pathology department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; Pathology department, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sawsan A Zaitone
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, 41522 Ismailia, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
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Shi L, Liu L, Lv X, Ma Z, Yang Y, Li Y, Zhao F, Sun D, Han B. Polymorphisms and genetic effects of PRLR, MOGAT1, MINPP1 and CHUK genes on milk fatty acid traits in Chinese Holstein. BMC Genet 2019; 20:69. [PMID: 31419940 PMCID: PMC6698030 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-019-0769-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our initial genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 20 promising candidate genes for milk fatty acid (FA) traits in a Chinese Holstein population, including PRLR, MOGAT1, MINPP1 and CHUK genes. In this study, we performed whether they had significant genetic effects on milk FA traits in Chinese Holstein. RESULTS We re-sequenced the entire exons and 3000 bp of the 5' and 3' flanking regions, and identified 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), containing four in PRLR, two in MOGAT1, two in MINPP1, and three in CHUK. The SNP-based association analyses showed that all the 11 SNPs were significantly associated with at least one milk FA trait (P = 0.0456 ~ < 0.0001), and none of them had association with C11:0, C13:0, C15:0 and C16:0 (P > 0.05). By the linkage disequilibrium (LD) analyses, we found two, one, one, and one haplotype blocks in PRLR, MOGAT1, MINPP1, and CHUK, respectively, and each haplotype block was significantly associated with at least one milk FA trait (P = 0.0456 ~ < 0.0001). Further, g.38949011G > A in PRLR, and g.111599360A > G and g.111601747 T > A in MOGAT1 were predicted to alter the transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs). A missense mutation, g.39115344G > A, could change the PRLR protein structure. The g.20966385C > G of CHUK varied the binding sequences for microRNAs. Therefore, we deduced the five SNPs as the potential functional mutations. CONCLUSION In summary, we first detected the genetic effects of PRLR, MOGAT1, MINPP1 and CHUK genes on milk FA traits, and researched the potential functional mutations. These data provided the basis for further investigation on function validation of the four genes in Chinese Holstein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Shi
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Lin Liu
- Beijing Dairy Cattle Center, Beijing, 100192 China
| | - Xiaoqing Lv
- Beijing Dairy Cattle Center, Beijing, 100192 China
| | - Zhu Ma
- Beijing Dairy Cattle Center, Beijing, 100192 China
| | - Yuze Yang
- Beijing General Station of Animal Husbandry, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Yanhua Li
- Beijing Dairy Cattle Center, Beijing, 100192 China
| | - Feng Zhao
- Beijing Dairy Cattle Center, Beijing, 100192 China
| | - Dongxiao Sun
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193 China
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Makary S, Abdo M, Hassan WA, Tawfik MK. Angiotensin blockade attenuates diabetic nephropathy in hypogonadal adult male rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2019; 97:708-720. [PMID: 30970225 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the effect of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole (0.5 mg/kg) alone or in combination with the angiotensin-receptor blocker valsartan (30 mg/kg) against streptozocin-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) in hypogonadal (HG) rats for 12 weeks. First, we tested the HG effect on hormone levels, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress in nondiabetic (ND) and diabetic (D) rats. HG was induced with the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonist cetrorelix (0.71 mg/kg). Diabetes enhanced hormonal hypogonadism and increased inflammation and oxidative stress. Next, experiments examined the effect of early letrozole and valsartan intervention on DN in HG rats. HG-ND and HG-D rats were treated with letrozole alone or in combination with valsartan. HG-D rats developed proteinuria and had increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, and histopathological evidence of renal injury, including glomerular hypertrophy and mesangial expansion. Valsartan alone or in combination with letrozole reduced proteinuria, improved renal functions, and reduced diabetes-induced renal angiotensin II. Both agents ameliorated nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells, interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels. The combination decreased superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase levels, and prevented glomerular hypertrophy. In HG-D rats, valsartan reduced renal collagen IV and transforming growth factor-beta 1, especially when the testosterone level was corrected by letrozole. Thus, normalizing testosterone and inhibiting renal angiotensin II have a renoprotective effect against DN in HG male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samy Makary
- a Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abdo
- a Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Wael Abdo Hassan
- b Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.,c Department of Basic Sciences, Sulaiman Al-Rajhi College of Medicine, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona K Tawfik
- d Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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