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Hou LS, Zhai XP, Zhang YW, Xing JH, Li C, Zhou SY, Zhu XH, Zhang BL. Targeted inhibition of autophagy in hepatic stellate cells by hydroxychloroquine: An effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Liver Int 2024; 44:1937-1951. [PMID: 38606676 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing reaction which is the main cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide. The activated hepatic stellate cell (aHSC) is the main driving factor in the development of liver fibrosis. Inhibiting autophagy of aHSC can prevent the progression of liver fibrosis, but inhibiting autophagy of other liver cells has opposite effects. Hence, targeted inhibition of autophagy in aHSC is quite necessary for the treatment of liver fibrosis, which prompts us to explore the targeted delivery system of small molecule autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) that can target aHSC and alleviate the liver fibrosis. METHODS The delivery system of HCQ@retinol-liposome nanoparticles (HCQ@ROL-LNPs) targeting aHSC was constructed by the film dispersion and pH-gradient method. TGF-β-induced HSC activation and thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis mice model were established, and the targeting ability and therapeutic effect of HCQ@ROL-LNPs in liver fibrosis were studied subsequently in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS HCQ@ROL-LNPs have good homogeneity and stability. They inhibited the autophagy of aHSC selectively by HCQ and reduced the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the damage to other liver cells. Compared with the free HCQ and HCQ@LNPs, HCQ@ROL-LNPs had good targeting ability, showing enhanced therapeutic effect and low toxicity to other organs. CONCLUSION Construction of HCQ@ROL-LNPs delivery system lays a theoretical and experimental foundation for the treatment of liver fibrosis and promotes the development of clinical therapeutic drugs for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Shuang Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Pei Zhai
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yao-Wen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie-Hua Xing
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Si-Yuan Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Zhu
- Department of Drug Quality Management, Shannxi Institute for Food and Drug Control, Xi'an, China
| | - Bang-Le Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Andrew A. Understanding the "Infodemic" Threat: A Case Study of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Korean J Fam Med 2024; 45:183-188. [PMID: 38720234 PMCID: PMC11273163 DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.23.0274] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is notable among infectious diseases for its distinctive impact, which has halted millions of livelihoods owing to strict social distancing rules and lockdowns. Consequently, millions of individuals have turned to online sources, particularly social media, to remain informed about the virus. The transition to digital sources has resulted in an abundance of information, including both accurate and misleading or false content being shared and consumed on online platforms, contributing to what is commonly referred to as an "infodemic." Although these platforms have been valuable tools for healthcare professionals and public health authorities in disseminating crucial public health messages, they have also aided in the spread of misleading and false information. The widespread dissemination of false information has been instrumental in propagating harmful beliefs and behaviors such as vaccine hesitancy, promoting discriminatory attitudes, and endorsing false beliefs about the efficacy of certain therapeutic products for treating COVID-19. False information has undoubtedly become a challenge and burden for governments, health professionals, and the general population. This review has three main objectives: (1) to assess the scope of the "infodemic" issue, including investigating the factors contributing to the spread of false information online; (2) to examine the multifaceted consequences resulting from false information; and (3) to argue that an interdisciplinary, multi-layered approach, encompassing a focus on prevention, deterrence, and education, should be adopted to prevent the conception and dissemination of false information in this modern digital age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Andrew
- School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Sabir DK, Al-Masri A, Aldayel MF, Sharaf AA. Modulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunctions on cardiotoxicity induced by aluminum phosphide pesticide using resveratrol. Toxicol Mech Methods 2024; 34:727-735. [PMID: 38486414 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2024.2331768] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The agricultural fumigant pesticide aluminum phosphide (AlP) is cardiotoxic. Water causes AlP to emit phosphine gas, a cardiac toxin that affects heart function and causes cardiogenic shock. AlP poisoning's high fatality rate is due to cardiotoxicity. This study examines how resveratrol reduces oxidative stress, mitochondrial activity, and apoptosis in human cardiac myocyte (HCM) cells. After determining the optimal doses of resveratrol using the MTT test, HCM cells were subjected to a 24-h treatment of resveratrol following exposure to AlP (2.36 μM). The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, mitochondrial swelling, mitochondrial cytochrome c release, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in HCM cells were investigated. Also, the expression of Bax and Bcl-2, caspace-3 activity, and apoptosis were assessed. The present investigation revealed that AlP substantially increased the level of ROS and decreased SOD activation, which were significantly modulated by resveratrol in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, AlP induced an elevation of mitochondrial swelling, cytochrome c release, and MMP collapse. Co-administration of resveratrol significantly reduced above mitochondrial markers. AlP also significantly upregulated BAX and downregulated Bcl-2 expression, elevated caspace-3 activity, and apoptosis. Resveratrol co-administration was able to meaningfully modulate the mentioned parameters and finally reduce apoptosis. In conclusion, resveratrol, via its pleotropic properties, significantly demonstrated cytoprotective effects on HCM cytotoxicity induced by AlP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deema K Sabir
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer Al-Masri
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Munirah F Aldayel
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer A Sharaf
- Jeddah Second Health Cluster-King Fahad General Hospital, Laboratory and Blood Bank Department-NAT Lab, Saudi Arabia
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Palomba M, Vecchio D, Allavena G, Capaccio V, De Mei C, Scarpelli R, Grimaldi B. Identification of a Dual Autophagy and REV-ERB Inhibitor with in Vivo Anticancer Efficacy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:349-379. [PMID: 38117953 PMCID: PMC10788905 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The autophagy process appears as a promising target for anticancer interventions. Chloroquine (CQ) and its derivative hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) are the only FDA-approved autophagy flux inhibitors. Although diverse anticancer clinical trials are providing encouraging results, several limitations associated with the need of high dosage and long-term administration of these autophagy inhibitors are also emerging. We showed that the inhibition of REV-ERB, a nuclear receptor regulating circadian rhythm and metabolism, enhances CQ-mediated cancer cell death and identified a class of dual inhibitors of autophagy and REV-ERB displaying an in vitro anticancer activity against diverse tumor cells greatly higher than CQ. Herein, we describe our lead optimization strategy that led to the identification of compound 24 as a dual autophagy and REV-ERB inhibitor, showing improved potency in blocking autophagy, enhanced toxicity against cancer cells, optimal drug-like properties, and efficacy in a mouse xenograft model of melanoma as a single anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Palomba
- Molecular
Medicine, Medicinal Chemistry and Technologies for Drug Discovery and Delivery
Facility, Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications, Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, I-16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Donatella Vecchio
- Molecular
Medicine, Medicinal Chemistry and Technologies for Drug Discovery and Delivery
Facility, Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications, Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, I-16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Allavena
- Molecular
Medicine, Medicinal Chemistry and Technologies for Drug Discovery and Delivery
Facility, Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications, Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, I-16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Vito Capaccio
- Molecular
Medicine, Medicinal Chemistry and Technologies for Drug Discovery and Delivery
Facility, Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications, Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, I-16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Claudia De Mei
- Molecular
Medicine, Medicinal Chemistry and Technologies for Drug Discovery and Delivery
Facility, Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications, Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, I-16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Rita Scarpelli
- Molecular
Medicine, Medicinal Chemistry and Technologies for Drug Discovery and Delivery
Facility, Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications, Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, I-16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Benedetto Grimaldi
- Molecular
Medicine, Medicinal Chemistry and Technologies for Drug Discovery and Delivery
Facility, Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications, Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, I-16163 Genova, Italy
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