1
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Bou Ghanem GO, Wareham LK, Calkins DJ. Addressing neurodegeneration in glaucoma: Mechanisms, challenges, and treatments. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101261. [PMID: 38527623 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101261] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. The disease causes vision loss due to neurodegeneration of the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) projection to the brain through the optic nerve. Glaucoma is associated with sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP). Thus, mainstay treatments seek to manage IOP, though many patients continue to lose vision. To address neurodegeneration directly, numerous preclinical studies seek to develop protective or reparative therapies that act independently of IOP. These include growth factors, compounds targeting metabolism, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, and neuromodulators. Despite success in experimental models, many of these approaches fail to translate into clinical benefits. Several factors contribute to this challenge. Firstly, the anatomic structure of the optic nerve head differs between rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans. Additionally, animal models do not replicate the complex glaucoma pathophysiology in humans. Therefore, to enhance the success of translating these findings, we propose two approaches. First, thorough evaluation of experimental targets in multiple animal models, including nonhuman primates, should precede clinical trials. Second, we advocate for combination therapy, which involves using multiple agents simultaneously, especially in the early and potentially reversible stages of the disease. These strategies aim to increase the chances of successful neuroprotective treatment for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazi O Bou Ghanem
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Lauren K Wareham
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - David J Calkins
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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2
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Sonsalla G, Malpartida AB, Riedemann T, Gusic M, Rusha E, Bulli G, Najas S, Janjic A, Hersbach BA, Smialowski P, Drukker M, Enard W, Prehn JHM, Prokisch H, Götz M, Masserdotti G. Direct neuronal reprogramming of NDUFS4 patient cells identifies the unfolded protein response as a novel general reprogramming hurdle. Neuron 2024; 112:1117-1132.e9. [PMID: 38266647 PMCID: PMC10994141 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.12.020] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria account for essential cellular pathways, from ATP production to nucleotide metabolism, and their deficits lead to neurological disorders and contribute to the onset of age-related diseases. Direct neuronal reprogramming aims at replacing neurons lost in such conditions, but very little is known about the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on the direct reprogramming of human cells. Here, we explore the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction on the neuronal reprogramming of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived astrocytes carrying mutations in the NDUFS4 gene, important for Complex I and associated with Leigh syndrome. This led to the identification of the unfolded protein response as a major hurdle in the direct neuronal conversion of not only astrocytes and fibroblasts from patients but also control human astrocytes and fibroblasts. Its transient inhibition potently improves reprogramming by influencing the mitochondria-endoplasmic-reticulum-stress-mediated pathways. Taken together, disease modeling using patient cells unraveled novel general hurdles and ways to overcome these in human astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Sonsalla
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, BMC, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152 Germany
| | - Ana Belen Malpartida
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany; International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Molecular Life Sciences, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Therese Riedemann
- Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Mirjana Gusic
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstaedter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ejona Rusha
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
| | - Giorgia Bulli
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, BMC, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152 Germany
| | - Sonia Najas
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Aleks Janjic
- Anthropology and Human Genomics, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Bob A Hersbach
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, BMC, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152 Germany
| | - Pawel Smialowski
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany; Biomedical Center Munich, Bioinformatic Core Facility, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Micha Drukker
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Gorlaeus Building, 2333 CC RA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang Enard
- Anthropology and Human Genomics, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Jochen H M Prehn
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Holger Prokisch
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstaedter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Institute of Human Genetics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany; Excellence Cluster of Systems Neurology (SYNERGY), Munich, Germany.
| | - Giacomo Masserdotti
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; Biomedical Center Munich, Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany.
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3
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Yu-Wai-Man P, Carelli V, Newman NJ, Silva MJ, Linden A, Van Stavern G, Szaflik JP, Banik R, Lubiński W, Pemp B, Liao YJ, Subramanian PS, Misiuk-Hojło M, Newman S, Castillo L, Kocięcki J, Levin MH, Muñoz-Negrete FJ, Yagan A, Cherninkova S, Katz D, Meunier A, Votruba M, Korwin M, Dziedziak J, Jurkutė N, Harvey JP, La Morgia C, Priglinger C, Llòria X, Tomasso L, Klopstock T. Therapeutic benefit of idebenone in patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy: The LEROS nonrandomized controlled trial. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101437. [PMID: 38428428 PMCID: PMC10982982 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a mitochondrial disease leading to rapid and severe bilateral vision loss. Idebenone has been shown to be effective in stabilizing and restoring vision in patients treated within 1 year of onset of vision loss. The open-label, international, multicenter, natural history-controlled LEROS study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02774005) assesses the efficacy and safety of idebenone treatment (900 mg/day) in patients with LHON up to 5 years after symptom onset (N = 199) and over a treatment period of 24 months, compared to an external natural history control cohort (N = 372), matched by time since symptom onset. LEROS meets its primary endpoint and confirms the long-term efficacy of idebenone in the subacute/dynamic and chronic phases; the treatment effect varies depending on disease phase and the causative mtDNA mutation. The findings of the LEROS study will help guide the clinical management of patients with LHON.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Yu-Wai-Man
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK; MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; Cambridge Eye Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK; Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Valerio Carelli
- IRCCS Istituto di Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Nancy J Newman
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurological Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jacek P Szaflik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rudrani Banik
- New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Wojciech Lubiński
- Samodzielny Publiczny Szpital Kliniczny Nr 2 PUM w Szczecinie, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Berthold Pemp
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Prem S Subramanian
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers University of Colorado Eye Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | | | - Steven Newman
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | | | - Jarosław Kocięcki
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marc H Levin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA
| | | | - Ali Yagan
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | | | - David Katz
- Bethesda Neurology LLC, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Audrey Meunier
- Department of Ophthalmology, CHU Saint-Pierre, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marcela Votruba
- Cardiff Eye Unit, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Magdalena Korwin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Dziedziak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland; Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Neringa Jurkutė
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK; Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK; The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Joshua P Harvey
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK; Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Chiara La Morgia
- IRCCS Istituto di Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Priglinger
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), 80336 Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Klopstock
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 81377 Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377 Munich, Germany; Friedrich Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany.
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4
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Sharma A, Verwilst P, Li M, Ma D, Singh N, Yoo J, Kim Y, Yang Y, Zhu JH, Huang H, Hu XL, He XP, Zeng L, James TD, Peng X, Sessler JL, Kim JS. Theranostic Fluorescent Probes. Chem Rev 2024; 124:2699-2804. [PMID: 38422393 PMCID: PMC11132561 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The ability to gain spatiotemporal information, and in some cases achieve spatiotemporal control, in the context of drug delivery makes theranostic fluorescent probes an attractive and intensely investigated research topic. This interest is reflected in the steep rise in publications on the topic that have appeared over the past decade. Theranostic fluorescent probes, in their various incarnations, generally comprise a fluorophore linked to a masked drug, in which the drug is released as the result of certain stimuli, with both intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli being reported. This release is then signaled by the emergence of a fluorescent signal. Importantly, the use of appropriate fluorophores has enabled not only this emerging fluorescence as a spatiotemporal marker for drug delivery but also has provided modalities useful in photodynamic, photothermal, and sonodynamic therapeutic applications. In this review we highlight recent work on theranostic fluorescent probes with a particular focus on probes that are activated in tumor microenvironments. We also summarize efforts to develop probes for other applications, such as neurodegenerative diseases and antibacterials. This review celebrates the diversity of designs reported to date, from discrete small-molecule systems to nanomaterials. Our aim is to provide insights into the potential clinical impact of this still-emerging research direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Sharma
- Amity
School of Chemical Sciences, Amity University
Punjab, Sector 82A, Mohali 140 306, India
| | - Peter Verwilst
- Rega
Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box 1041, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mingle Li
- College
of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen
University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Dandan Ma
- College
of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen
University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- College
of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Nem Singh
- Department
of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Jiyoung Yoo
- Department
of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Yujin Kim
- Department
of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Ying Yang
- School of
Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi
University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Jing-Hui Zhu
- College
of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen
University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- College
of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Haiqiao Huang
- College
of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen
University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- College
of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xi-Le Hu
- Key
Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research
Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa
Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, School of Chemistry and
Molecular Engineering, East China University
of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xiao-Peng He
- Key
Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research
Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa
Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, School of Chemistry and
Molecular Engineering, East China University
of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
- National
Center for Liver Cancer, the International Cooperation Laboratory
on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary
Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Lintao Zeng
- School of
Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi
University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
| | - Tony D. James
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
- School
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan
Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Xiaojun Peng
- College
of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen
University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- State
Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian
University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Jonathan L. Sessler
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Texas at
Austin, Texas 78712-1224, United
States
| | - Jong Seung Kim
- Department
of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- TheranoChem Incorporation, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea
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5
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Aleo SJ, Del Dotto V, Romagnoli M, Fiorini C, Capirossi G, Peron C, Maresca A, Caporali L, Capristo M, Tropeano CV, Zanna C, Ross-Cisneros FN, Sadun AA, Pignataro MG, Giordano C, Fasano C, Cavaliere A, Porcelli AM, Tioli G, Musiani F, Catania A, Lamperti C, Marzoli SB, De Negri A, Cascavilla ML, Battista M, Barboni P, Carbonelli M, Amore G, La Morgia C, Smirnov D, Vasilescu C, Farzeen A, Blickhaeuser B, Prokisch H, Priglinger C, Livonius B, Catarino CB, Klopstock T, Tiranti V, Carelli V, Ghelli AM. Genetic variants affecting NQO1 protein levels impact the efficacy of idebenone treatment in Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101383. [PMID: 38272025 PMCID: PMC10897523 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101383] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Idebenone, the only approved treatment for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), promotes recovery of visual function in up to 50% of patients, but we can neither predict nor understand the non-responders. Idebenone is reduced by the cytosolic NAD(P)H oxidoreductase I (NQO1) and directly shuttles electrons to respiratory complex III, bypassing complex I affected in LHON. We show here that two polymorphic variants drastically reduce NQO1 protein levels when homozygous or compound heterozygous. This hampers idebenone reduction. In its oxidized form, idebenone inhibits complex I, decreasing respiratory function in cells. By retrospectively analyzing a large cohort of idebenone-treated LHON patients, classified by their response to therapy, we show that patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous NQO1 variants have the poorest therapy response, particularly if carrying the m.3460G>A/MT-ND1 LHON mutation. These results suggest consideration of patient NQO1 genotype and mitochondrial DNA mutation in the context of idebenone therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Jasmine Aleo
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy; Departments of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Del Dotto
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Romagnoli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Fiorini
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giada Capirossi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Camille Peron
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Maresca
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leonardo Caporali
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mariantonietta Capristo
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Zanna
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Alfredo A Sadun
- Doheny Eye Institute, Pasadena, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maria Gemma Pignataro
- Departments of Radiology, Oncology, and Pathology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Giordano
- Departments of Radiology, Oncology, and Pathology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Fasano
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Cavaliere
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Porcelli
- Departments of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gaia Tioli
- Departments of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Musiani
- Departments of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Catania
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Costanza Lamperti
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Stefania Bianchi Marzoli
- Neuro-Ophthalmology Center and Ocular Electrophysiology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Capitanio Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Michele Carbonelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Amore
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara La Morgia
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dmitrii Smirnov
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; Institute of Neurogenomics, Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Catalina Vasilescu
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; Institute of Neurogenomics, Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Aiman Farzeen
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; Institute of Neurogenomics, Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Beryll Blickhaeuser
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; Institute of Neurogenomics, Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Holger Prokisch
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; Institute of Neurogenomics, Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Priglinger
- Department of Ophthalmology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bettina Livonius
- Department of Ophthalmology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia B Catarino
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich Baur Institute, LMU Klinikum, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Klopstock
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich Baur Institute, LMU Klinikum, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
| | - Valeria Tiranti
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Valerio Carelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Ghelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy; Departments of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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6
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Hong S, Kim S, Kim K, Lee H. Clinical Approaches for Mitochondrial Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:2494. [PMID: 37887337 PMCID: PMC10605124 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are subcontractors dedicated to energy production within cells. In human mitochondria, almost all mitochondrial proteins originate from the nucleus, except for 13 subunit proteins that make up the crucial system required to perform 'oxidative phosphorylation (OX PHOS)', which are expressed by the mitochondria's self-contained DNA. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) also encodes 2 rRNA and 22 tRNA species. Mitochondrial DNA replicates almost autonomously, independent of the nucleus, and its heredity follows a non-Mendelian pattern, exclusively passing from mother to children. Numerous studies have identified mtDNA mutation-related genetic diseases. The consequences of various types of mtDNA mutations, including insertions, deletions, and single base-pair mutations, are studied to reveal their relationship to mitochondrial diseases. Most mitochondrial diseases exhibit fatal symptoms, leading to ongoing therapeutic research with diverse approaches such as stimulating the defective OXPHOS system, mitochondrial replacement, and allotropic expression of defective enzymes. This review provides detailed information on two topics: (1) mitochondrial diseases caused by mtDNA mutations, and (2) the mechanisms of current treatments for mitochondrial diseases and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongho Hong
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02708, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghun Kim
- Laboratory Animal Resource and Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju 28116, Republic of Korea;
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunji Lee
- Department of Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02708, Republic of Korea
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7
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Wang Y, Wang J, Zhang X, Feng Y, Yuan Y. Neuroprotective effects of idebenone on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage in retinal ganglion cells-5. Int Ophthalmol 2023; 43:3831-3839. [PMID: 37561250 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-023-02831-x] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the neuroprotective effect of idebenone against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage in retinal ganglion cells-5 (RGC-5 cells). METHODS RGC-5 cells were pre-treated with various idebenone concentrations (5, 10, and 20 µM) for 12 h and were then subjected to 300 µM H2O2 for a further 12 h. Apoptosis in RGC-5 was measured by flow cytometry. The changes of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected by JC-1 staining. Autophagy in RGC-5 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Western blots were used to measure the expression of autophagy-related protein light chain 3 (LC3), Beclin-1, and the release of Cytochrome c (Cyt-c). RESULTS Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rates in the normal control group, H2O2 group, and idebenone groups were 6.48 ± 0.55%, 27.3 ± 0.51%, 22.8 ± 0.52%, 15.45 ± 0.81%, and 12.59 ± 0.58%, respectively (F = 559.7, P < 0.0001). After incubation with H2O2, the number of autophagosomes increased significantly, whereas it was decreased in the idebenone groups. After incubation of RGC-5 cells with H2O2, MMP levels were significantly decreased, while idebenone could prevent the decrease in MMP levels. Compared with that in the normal control group, LC3 II/I, the expression levels of Beclin-1 and Cyt-c were increased significantly in the H2O2 group (P < 0.05). Compared with that in the H2O2 group, LC3 II/I, the expression of Beclin-1 and Cyt-c was significantly decreased in idebenone groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Idebenone protects RGC-5 cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage by reducing mitochondrial damage and autophagic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jing'an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yuanzhi Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, China.
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8
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Yu W, Jiang W, Wu W, Wang G, Zhao D, Yan C, Lin P. Combining idebenone and rosuvastatin prevents atherosclerosis by suppressing oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 955:175911. [PMID: 37451421 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175911] [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: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a progressive inflammatory disease activated by excessive oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Statins are the first-line choice to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, statin-associated side effects prompt dose reduction or discontinuation. Idebenone could protect against atherosclerosis by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although both idebenone and statins have certain efficacy, neither of them can achieve a completely satisfactory effect. Here, we aim to investigate the anti-atherosclerotic effect of the combination of idebenone and statins. Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice were given idebenone (400 mg/kg/d), rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg/d) or a combination of idebenone and rosuvastatin. Histological and immunohistochemical staining were used to analyze the size and composition of the plaque. In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to explore the possible mechanism. Idebenone and rosuvastatin both reduced plaque burden and increased the stability of atherosclerotic plaques in the ApoE-/- mice. Mice receiving the combination therapy had even reduced and more stable atherosclerotic plaques than mice treated with idebenone or rosuvastatin alone. NLRP3 and IL-1β were further downregulated in mice receiving combination therapy compared with mice treated with monotherapy. The combination treatment also markedly reduced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that the combination of idebenone and rosuvastatin works synergistically to inhibit atherosclerosis, and that the use of both substances together is more effective than using either substance alone. From a therapeutic point, combining idebenone and rosuvastatin appears to be a promising strategy to further prevent atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfei Yu
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China; University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, No. 17, Shandong Road, Shinan District, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wenjing Wu
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Guangyu Wang
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Dandan Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chuanzhu Yan
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Pengfei Lin
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China.
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9
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Baglivo M, Nasca A, Lamantea E, Vinci S, Spagnolo M, Marchet S, Prokisch H, Catania A, Lamperti C, Ghezzi D. Evaluation of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Idebenone Responsiveness in Fibroblasts from Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) Subjects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12580. [PMID: 37628761 PMCID: PMC10454080 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a disease that affects the optical nerve, causing visual loss. The diagnosis of LHON is mostly defined by the identification of three pathogenic variants in the mitochondrial DNA. Idebenone is widely used to treat LHON patients, but only some of them are responders to treatment. In our study, we assessed the maximal respiration rate (MRR) and other respiratory parameters in eight fibroblast lines from subjects carrying LHON pathogenic variants. We measured also the effects of idebenone treatment on cell growth and mtDNA amounts. Results showed that LHON fibroblasts had significantly reduced respiratory parameters in untreated conditions, but no significant gain in MRR after idebenone supplementation. No major toxicity toward mitochondrial function and no relevant compensatory effect in terms of mtDNA quantity were found for the treatment at the tested conditions. Our findings confirmed that fibroblasts from subjects harboring LHON pathogenic variants displayed impaired respiration, regardless of the disease penetrance and severity. Testing responsiveness to idebenone treatment in cultured cells did not fully recapitulate in vivo data. The in-depth evaluation of cellular respiration in fibroblasts is a good approach to evaluating novel mtDNA variants associated with LHON but needs further evaluation as a potential biomarker for disease prognosis and treatment responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Baglivo
- Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Nasca
- Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Lamantea
- Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Vinci
- Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Spagnolo
- Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchet
- Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Holger Prokisch
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Munich, Germany
| | - Alessia Catania
- Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Costanza Lamperti
- Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Ghezzi
- Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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10
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Juracic ES, Brahmbhatt AN, Hawke TJ. Therapeutic targeting of mitochondria in muscular dystrophies. Editorial focus on: "Mitochondrial creatine sensitivity is lost in the D2. mdx model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and rescued by the mitochondrial-enhancing compound Olesoxime". Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C563-C564. [PMID: 37458438 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00301.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma S Juracic
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aditya N Brahmbhatt
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas J Hawke
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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11
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López-Lluch G. Coenzyme Q-related compounds to maintain healthy mitochondria during aging. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 136:277-308. [PMID: 37437981 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2023.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the main factors that affects aging progression and many age-related diseases. Accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria can be driven by unbalanced mito/autophagy or by decrease in mitochondrial biosynthesis and turnover. Coenzyme Q is an essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and a key factor in the protection of membrane and mitochondrial DNA against oxidation. Coenzyme Q levels decay during aging and this can be considered an accelerating factor in mitochondrial dysfunction and aging progression. Supplementation with coenzyme Q is successful for some tissues and organs but not for others. For this reason, the role of coenzyme Q in systemic aging is a complex picture that needs different strategies depending on the organ considered the main objective to be addressed. In this chapter we focus on the different effects of coenzyme Q and related compounds and the probable strategies to induce endogenous synthesis to maintain healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo López-Lluch
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, CABD-CSIC, CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain.
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12
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Boyuklieva R, Hristozova A, Pilicheva B. Synthesis and Characterization of PCL-Idebenone Nanoparticles for Potential Nose-to-Brain Delivery. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051491. [PMID: 37239161 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The present work is focused on the preparation of an optimal model of poly-ε-caprolactone nanoparticles as potential carriers for nasal administration of idebenone. A solvent/evaporation technique was used for nanoparticle preparation. Poly-ε-caprolactone with different molecular weights (14,000 and 80,000 g/mol) was used. Polysorbate 20 and Poloxamer 407, alone and in combination, were used as emulsifiers at different concentrations to obtain a stable formulation. The nanoparticles were characterized using dynamic light scattering, SEM, TEM, and FTIR. The resulting structures were spherical in shape and their size distribution depended on the type of emulsifier. The average particle size ranged from 188 to 628 nm. The effect of molecular weight and type of emulsifier was established. Optimal models of appropriate size for nasal administration were selected for inclusion of idebenone. Three models of idebenone-loaded nanoparticles were developed and the effect of molecular weight on the encapsulation efficiency was investigated. Increased encapsulation efficiency was found when poly-ε-caprolactone with lower molecular weight was used. The molecular weight also affected the drug release from the nanostructures. Dissolution study data were fitted into various kinetic models and the Korsmeyer-Peppas model was found to be indicative of the release mechanism of idebenone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radka Boyuklieva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Asya Hristozova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Computational Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Plovdiv "Paisii Hilendarski", 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Bissera Pilicheva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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13
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Jagtap YA, Kumar P, Kinger S, Dubey AR, Choudhary A, Gutti RK, Singh S, Jha HC, Poluri KM, Mishra A. Disturb mitochondrial associated proteostasis: Neurodegeneration and imperfect ageing. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1146564. [PMID: 36968195 PMCID: PMC10036443 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1146564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The disturbance in mitochondrial functions and homeostasis are the major features of neuron degenerative conditions, like Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease, along with protein misfolding. The aberrantly folded proteins are known to link with impaired mitochondrial pathways, further contributing to disease pathogenesis. Despite their central significance, the implications of mitochondrial homeostasis disruption on other organelles and cellular processes remain insufficiently explored. Here, we have reviewed the dysfunction in mitochondrial physiology, under neuron degenerating conditions. The disease misfolded proteins impact quality control mechanisms of mitochondria, such as fission, fusion, mitophagy, and proteasomal clearance, to the detriment of neuron. The adversely affected mitochondrial functional roles, like oxidative phosphorylation, calcium homeostasis, and biomolecule synthesis as well as its axes and contacts with endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes are also discussed. Mitochondria sense and respond to multiple cytotoxic stress to make cell adapt and survive, though chronic dysfunction leads to cell death. Mitochondria and their proteins can be candidates for biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Investigation of internetworking between mitochondria and neurodegeneration proteins can enhance our holistic understanding of such conditions and help in designing more targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuvraj Anandrao Jagtap
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sumit Kinger
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ankur Rakesh Dubey
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Akash Choudhary
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ravi Kumar Gutti
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sarika Singh
- Division of Neuroscience and Ageing Biology, Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Hem Chandra Jha
- Infection Bioengineering Group, Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, Simrol, India
| | - Krishna Mohan Poluri
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- *Correspondence: Amit Mishra,
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14
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Karaa A, Klopstock T. Clinical trials in mitochondrial diseases. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 194:229-250. [PMID: 36813315 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-821751-1.00002-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Primary mitochondrial diseases are some of the most common and complex inherited inborn errors of metabolism. Their molecular and phenotypic diversity has led to difficulties in finding disease-modifying therapies and clinical trial efforts have been slow due to multiple significant challenges. Lack of robust natural history data, difficulties in finding specific biomarkers, absence of well-validated outcome measures, and small patient numbers have made clinical trial design and conduct difficult. Encouragingly, new interest in treating mitochondrial dysfunction in common diseases and regulatory incentives to develop therapies for rare conditions have led to significant interest and efforts to develop drugs for primary mitochondrial diseases. Here, we review past and present clinical trials and future strategies of drug development in primary mitochondrial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amel Karaa
- Mitochondrial Disease Program, Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Thomas Klopstock
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany; German Network for mitochondrial disorders (mitoNET), Munich, Germany
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15
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Chhetri J, Dilek J, Davies N, Jacobson G, Dallmann R, Gueven N. NQO1 protects against clioquinol toxicity. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1000278. [PMID: 36267290 PMCID: PMC9576850 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1000278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Clioquinol (CQ) was widely used as oral antibiotic before being taken off the market in many countries in 1970, after it was linked to subacute myelo-optic neuropathy (SMON) in Japan, leading to vision loss with many patients left wheelchair-bound. The common pathology of CQ-associated SMON was reproduced in animals but none of the proposed modes of toxicity explained the restriction of CQ-induced SMON to Japan. Given a re-emergence of CQ and related analogues as neuroprotectants, it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanism of CQ-induced toxicity to prevent any potential CQ-associated risks to future patients. A small molecule screen to find drugs that induce mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro identified CQ and the structurally related 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-OHQ). Their mitochondrial liability, pro-oxidative and cytotoxic activity was subsequently confirmed in some cell lines but surprisingly not in others. Subsequent studies in isogenic cell lines demonstrated that the antioxidant protein NQO1 is differentially expressed in the cell lines tested and potently protects against CQ toxicity. CQ-induced reduction of cellular ATP levels, increased lipid peroxidation and elevated cell death was also attenuated by antioxidants, implicating oxidative stress as the core mechanism of CQ-induced toxicity. These in-vitro findings were replicated in zebrafish. Visual acuity in zebrafish larvae that do not express NQO1, was reduced by CQ in a dose-dependent manner, while CQ did not affect visual function in the adult zebrafish that express NQO1. Similarly, pharmacological inhibition of NQO1 activity resulted in CQ-induced oxidative stress in the retina and severe acute systemic toxicity in the adult fish. Given the much higher prevalence of the inactivating C609T NQO1 polymorphism in the Japanese population compared to the European population, the results of this study could for the first time indicate how the geographic restriction of SMON cases to Japan could be explained. Importantly, if CQ or its derivatives are to be used safely for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, it seems imperative that NQO1 levels and activity of prospective patients should be ascertained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamuna Chhetri
- School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Jem Dilek
- School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Noel Davies
- Central Science Laboratory, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Glenn Jacobson
- School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Robert Dallmann
- Division of Biomedical Science, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Nuri Gueven
- School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
- *Correspondence: Nuri Gueven,
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16
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Buttari B, Arese M, Oberley-Deegan RE, Saso L, Chatterjee A. NRF2: A crucial regulator for mitochondrial metabolic shift and prostate cancer progression. Front Physiol 2022; 13:989793. [PMID: 36213236 PMCID: PMC9540504 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.989793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic alterations are a common survival mechanism for prostate cancer progression and therapy resistance. Oxidative stress in the cellular and tumor microenvironment dictates metabolic switching in the cancer cells to adopt, prosper and escape therapeutic stress. Therefore, regulation of oxidative stress in tumor cells and in the tumor-microenvironment may enhance the action of conventional anticancer therapies. NRF2 is the master regulator for oxidative stress management. However, the overall oxidative stress varies with PCa clinical stage, metabolic state and therapy used for the cancer. In agreement, the blanket use of NRF2 inducers or inhibitors along with anticancer therapies cause adverse effects in some preclinical cancer models. In this review, we have summarized the levels of oxidative stress, metabolic preferences and NRF2 activity in the different stages of prostate cancer. We also propose condition specific ways to use NRF2 inducers or inhibitors along with conventional prostate cancer therapies. The significance of this review is not only to provide a detailed understanding of the mechanism of action of NRF2 to regulate oxidative stress-mediated metabolic switching by prostate cancer cells to escape the radiation, chemo, or hormonal therapies, and to grow aggressively, but also to provide a potential therapeutic method to control aggressive prostate cancer growth by stage specific proper use of NRF2 regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitta Buttari
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-metabolic Diseases and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Arese
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rebecca E. Oberley-Deegan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology ‘‘Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Arpita Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- *Correspondence: Arpita Chatterjee,
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17
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Stramkauskaitė A, Povilaityte I, Glebauskiene B, Liutkeviciene R. Clinical Overview of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. Acta Med Litu 2022; 29:9-18. [PMID: 36061944 PMCID: PMC9428633 DOI: 10.15388/amed.2022.29.1.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Leber hereditary ptic neuropathy (LHON) is a disease of young adults with bilateral, painless, subacute visual loss. The peak age of onset of LHON is in the second and third decades of life. Men are 4 times more likely to be affected than women. In about 25-50% of cases, both eyes are affected simultaneously. In unilateral cases, the other eye is usually affected 2 to 3 months later. Visual acuity deteriorates to counting fingers or worse with a dense central or centrocecal scotoma. In the subacute phase, the optic disc may appear hyperemic with swelling of the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer, peripapillary telangiectasias, and increased vascular tortuosity. Ocular coherence tomography of the macula shows marked thinning of the ganglion cell complex even at this stage. The diagnosis of LHON is made in a subject with a consistent clinical history and/or one of three common pathogenic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants identified by molecular genetic testing. Idebenone was approved by the European Medicines Agency under exceptional circumstances for the treatment of LHON. Current evidence suggests some benefit to vision in a subset of affected individuals treated with idebenone, particularly when treated within the first year of onset of vision loss. In this article, we discuss aetiology, clinical features, diagnosis, differential dignosis, prognosis and treatment.
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18
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Stephenson KAJ, McAndrew J, Kenna PF, Cassidy L. The Natural History of Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy in an Irish Population and Assessment for Prognostic Biomarkers. Neuroophthalmology 2022; 46:159-170. [PMID: 35574161 PMCID: PMC9103396 DOI: 10.1080/01658107.2022.2032761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we have assessed the clinical and genetic characteristics of an Irish Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) cohort and assessed for useful biomarkers of visual prognosis. We carried out a retrospective review of clinical data of patients with genetically confirmed LHON presenting to an Irish tertiary referral ophthalmic hospital. LHON diagnosis was made on classic clinical signs with genetic confirmation. Alternate diagnoses were excluded with serological investigations and neuro-imaging. Serial logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity (VA) was stratified into 'on-chart' for logMAR 1.0 or better and 'off-chart' if worse than logMAR 1.0. Serial optical coherence tomography scans of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) monitored structure. Idebenone-treated and untreated patients were contrasted. Statistical analyses were performed to assess correlations of presenting characteristics with final VA. Forty-four patients from 34 pedigrees were recruited, of which 87% were male and 75% harboured the 11778 mutation. Legal blindness status was reached in 56.8% of patients by final review (mean 74 months). Preservation of initial nasal RNFL was the best predictor of on-chart final VA. Females had worse final VA than males and patients presenting at < 20 years of age had superior final VA. Idebenone therapy (50% of cohort) yielded no statistically significant benefit to final VA, although study design precludes definitive comment on efficacy. The reported cases represent the calculated majority of LHON pedigrees in Ireland. Visual outcomes were universally poor; however, VA may not be the most appropriate outcome measure and certain patient-reported outcome measures may be of more use when assessing future LHON interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk A. J. Stephenson
- Department of Neuro-ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland,CONTACT Kirk A. J. Stephenson Department of Neuro-ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Adelaide Road, Dublin2 D02 XK51, Ireland
| | - Joseph McAndrew
- Department of Neuro-ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul F. Kenna
- Department of Neuro-ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lorraine Cassidy
- Department of Neuro-ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Targeting HIF-1α Function in Cancer through the Chaperone Action of NQO1: Implications of Genetic Diversity of NQO1. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050747. [PMID: 35629169 PMCID: PMC9146583 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
HIF-1α is a master regulator of oxygen homeostasis involved in different stages of cancer development. Thus, HIF-1α inhibition represents an interesting target for anti-cancer therapy. It was recently shown that the HIF-1α interaction with NQO1 inhibits proteasomal degradation of the former, thus suggesting that targeting the stability and/or function of NQO1 could lead to the destabilization of HIF-1α as a therapeutic approach. Since the molecular interactions of NQO1 with HIF-1α are beginning to be unraveled, in this review we discuss: (1) Structure–function relationships of HIF-1α; (2) our current knowledge on the intracellular functions and stability of NQO1; (3) the pharmacological modulation of NQO1 by small ligands regarding function and stability; (4) the potential effects of genetic variability of NQO1 in HIF-1α levels and function; (5) the molecular determinants of NQO1 as a chaperone of many different proteins including cancer-associated factors such as HIF-1α, p53 and p73α. This knowledge is then further discussed in the context of potentially targeting the intracellular stability of HIF-1α by acting on its chaperone, NQO1. This could result in novel anti-cancer therapies, always considering that the substantial genetic variability in NQO1 would likely result in different phenotypic responses among individuals.
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Clementi ME, Pizzoferrato M, Bianchetti G, Brancato A, Sampaolese B, Maulucci G, Tringali G. Cytoprotective Effect of Idebenone through Modulation of the Intrinsic Mitochondrial Pathway of Apoptosis in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Exposed to Oxidative Stress Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020503. [PMID: 35203712 PMCID: PMC8962354 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Idebenone is a ubiquinone short-chain synthetic analog with antioxidant properties, which is believed to restore mitochondrial ATP synthesis. As such, idebenone is investigated in numerous clinical trials for diseases of mitochondrial aetiology and it is authorized as a drug for the treatment of Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy. Mitochondria of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) are particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage associated with cellular senescence. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore idebenone’s cytoprotective effect and its underlying mechanism. We used a human-RPE cell line (ARPE-19) exposed to idebenone pre-treatment for 24 h followed by conditions inducing H2O2 oxidative damage for a further 24 h. We found that idebenone: (a) ameliorated H2O2-lowered cell viability in the RPE culture; (b) activated Nrf2 signaling pathway by promoting Nrf2 nuclear translocation; (c) increased Bcl-2 protein levels, leaving unmodified those of Bax, thereby reducing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio; (d) maintained the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) at physiological levels, preserving the functionality of mitochondrial respiratory complexes and counteracting the excessive production of ROS; and (e) reduced mitochondrial cytochrome C-mediated caspase-3 activity. Taken together, our findings show that idebenone protects RPE from oxidative damage by modulating the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, suggesting its possible role in retinal epitheliopathies associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisabetta Clementi
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Technologies “Giulio Natta” (SCITEC)-CNR, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.E.C.); (B.S.)
| | - Michela Pizzoferrato
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Giada Bianchetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (G.M.)
- Biophysics Section, Neuroscience Department, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Brancato
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Beatrice Sampaolese
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Technologies “Giulio Natta” (SCITEC)-CNR, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.E.C.); (B.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Maulucci
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (G.M.)
- Biophysics Section, Neuroscience Department, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tringali
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Biophysics Section, Neuroscience Department, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-063-015-4367
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21
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Aoyama Y, Inagaki S, Aoshima K, Iwata Y, Nakamura S, Hara H, Shimazawa M. Involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress in rotenone-induced leber hereditary optic neuropathy model and the discovery of new therapeutic agents. J Pharmacol Sci 2021; 147:200-207. [PMID: 34384568 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is caused by mitochondrial DNA mutations and is the most common inherited mitochondrial disease. It is responsible for central vision loss in young adulthood. However, the precise mechanisms of onset are unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying LHON pathology and to discover new therapeutic agents. First, we assessed whether rotenone, a mitochondrial complex Ⅰ inhibitor, induced retinal degeneration such as that in LHON in a mouse model. Rotenone decreased the thickness of the inner retina and increased the expression levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and immunoglobulin heavy-chain binding protein (BiP). Second, we assessed whether rotenone reproduces LHON pathologies on RGC-5, a neural progenitor cell derived from the retina. Rotenone increased the cell death rate, ROS production and the expression levels of ER stress markers. During chemical compounds screening, we used anti-oxidative compounds, ER stress inhibitors and anti-inflammatory compounds in a rotenone-induced in vitro model. We found that SUN N8075, an ER stress inhibitor, reduced mitochondrial ROS production and improved the mitochondrial membrane potential. Consequently, the ER stress response is strongly related to the pathologies of LHON, and ER stress inhibitors may have a protective effect against LHON.
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MESH Headings
- Aniline Compounds/pharmacology
- Animals
- Cells, Cultured
- DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drug Discovery
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/drug effects
- Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/genetics
- Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/physiology
- Male
- Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects
- Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/genetics
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Mutation
- Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber/chemically induced
- Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber/drug therapy
- Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber/genetics
- Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber/pathology
- Piperazines/pharmacology
- Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
- Retina/drug effects
- Retina/metabolism
- Retina/pathology
- Retinal Degeneration/chemically induced
- Retinal Degeneration/genetics
- Retinal Degeneration/pathology
- Rotenone/adverse effects
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakumo Aoyama
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inagaki
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kota Aoshima
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yuki Iwata
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nakamura
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hideaki Hara
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Shimazawa
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan.
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22
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Improving Sperm Oxidative Stress and Embryo Quality in Advanced Paternal Age Using Idebenone In Vitro-A Proof-of-Concept Study. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071079. [PMID: 34356315 PMCID: PMC8301200 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071079] [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: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced paternal age is associated with increased sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased fertilization and pregnancy rates. Sperm washing during infertility treatment provides an opportunity to reduce high sperm ROS concentrations associated with advanced paternal age through the addition of idebenone. Sperm from men aged >40 years and older CBAF1 mice (12–18 months), were treated with 5 µM and 50 µM of idebenone and intracellular and superoxide ROS concentrations assessed. Following in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo development, blastocyst differentiation, DNA damage and cryosurvival, pregnancy and implantation rates and fetal and placental weights were assessed. Five µM of idebenone given to aged human and mouse sperm reduced superoxide concentrations ~20% (p < 0.05), while both 5 and 50 µM reduced sperm intracellular ROS concentrations in mice ~30% (p < 0.05). Following IVF, 5 µM of idebenone to aged sperm increased fertilization rates (65% vs. 60%, p < 0.05), blastocyst total, trophectoderm and inner cell mass cell numbers (73 vs. 66, 53 vs. 47 and 27 vs. 24, respectively, p < 0.01). Treatment with idebenone also increased blastocyst cryosurvival rates (96% vs. 78%, p < 0.01) and implantation rates following embryo transfer (35% vs. 18%, p < 0.01). Placental weights were smaller (107 mg vs. 138 mg, p < 0.05), resulting in a larger fetal to placental weight ratio (8.3 vs. 6.3, p = 0.07) after sperm idebenone treatment. Increased sperm ROS concentrations associated with advanced paternal age are reduced with the addition of idebenone in vitro, and are associated with improved fertilization rates, embryo quality and implantation rates after IVF.
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23
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Rashid MH, Babu D, Siraki AG. Interactions of the antioxidant enzymes NAD(P)H: Quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and NRH: Quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) with pharmacological agents, endogenous biochemicals and environmental contaminants. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 345:109574. [PMID: 34228969 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
NAD(P)H Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is an antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes the two-electron reduction of several different classes of quinone-like compounds (quinones, quinone imines, nitroaromatics, and azo dyes). One-electron reduction of quinone or quinone-like metabolites is considered to generate semiquinones to initiate redox cycling that is responsible for the generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress and may contribute to the initiation of adverse drug reactions and adverse health effects. On the other hand, the two-electron reduction of quinoid compounds appears important for drug activation (bioreductive activation) via chemical rearrangement or autoxidation. Two-electron reduction decreases quinone levels and opportunities for the generation of reactive species that can deplete intracellular thiol pools. Also, studies have shown that induction or depletion (knockout) of NQO1 were associated with decreased or increased susceptibilities to oxidative stress, respectively. Moreover, another member of the quinone reductase family, NRH: Quinone Oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2), has a significant functional and structural similarity with NQO1. The activity of both antioxidant enzymes, NQO1 and NQO2, becomes critically important when other detoxification pathways are exhausted. Therefore, this article summarizes the interactions of NQO1 and NQO2 with different pharmacological agents, endogenous biochemicals, and environmental contaminants that would be useful in the development of therapeutic approaches to reduce the adverse drug reactions as well as protection against quinone-induced oxidative damage. Also, future directions and areas of further study for NQO1 and NQO2 are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Harunur Rashid
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Institute of Food and Radiation Biology, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Bangladesh
| | - Dinesh Babu
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Arno G Siraki
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
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24
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Tsvetkov P, Adler J, Strobelt R, Adamovich Y, Asher G, Reuven N, Shaul Y. NQO1 Binds and Supports SIRT1 Function. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:671929. [PMID: 34234670 PMCID: PMC8255383 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.671929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Silent information regulator 2-related enzyme 1 (SIRT1) is an NAD+-dependent class III deacetylase and a key component of the cellular metabolic sensing pathway. The requirement of NAD+ for SIRT1 activity led us to assume that NQO1, an NADH oxidoreductase producing NAD+, regulates SIRT1 activity. We show here that SIRT1 is capable of increasing NQO1 (NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase Quinone 1) transcription and protein levels. NQO1 physically interacts with SIRT1 but not with an enzymatically dead SIRT1 H363Y mutant. The interaction of NQO1 with SIRT1 is markedly increased under mitochondrial inhibition. Interestingly, under this condition the nuclear pool of NQO1 is elevated. Depletion of NQO1 compromises the role of SIRT1 in inducing transcription of several target genes and eliminates the protective role of SIRT1 following mitochondrial inhibition. Our results suggest that SIRT1 and NQO1 form a regulatory loop where SIRT1 regulates NQO1 expression and NQO1 binds and mediates the protective role of SIRT1 during mitochondrial stress. The interplay between an NADH oxidoreductase enzyme and an NAD+ dependent deacetylase may act as a rheostat in sensing mitochondrial stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Tsvetkov
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Julia Adler
- Department of Molecular Genetics Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Romano Strobelt
- Department of Molecular Genetics Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yaarit Adamovich
- Department of Molecular Genetics Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gad Asher
- Department of Molecular Genetics Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nina Reuven
- Department of Molecular Genetics Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yosef Shaul
- Department of Molecular Genetics Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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25
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Bandara AB, Drake JC, Brown DA. Complex II subunit SDHD is critical for cell growth and metabolism, which can be partially restored with a synthetic ubiquinone analog. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:35. [PMID: 34118887 PMCID: PMC8196461 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-021-00370-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Succinate dehydrogenase (Complex II) plays a dual role in respiration by catalyzing the oxidation of succinate to fumarate in the mitochondrial Krebs cycle and transferring electrons from succinate to ubiquinone in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). Mutations in Complex II are associated with a number of pathologies. SDHD, one of the four subunits of Complex II, serves by anchoring the complex to the inner-membrane and transferring electrons from the complex to ubiquinone. Thus, modeling SDHD dysfunction could be a valuable tool for understanding its importance in metabolism and developing novel therapeutics, however no suitable models exist. Results Via CRISPR/Cas9, we mutated SDHD in HEK293 cells and investigated the in vitro role of SDHD in metabolism. Compared to the parent HEK293, the knockout mutant HEK293ΔSDHD produced significantly less number of cells in culture. The mutant cells predictably had suppressed Complex II-mediated mitochondrial respiration, but also Complex I-mediated respiration. SDHD mutation also adversely affected glycolytic capacity and ATP synthesis. Mutant cells were more apoptotic and susceptible to necrosis. Treatment with the mitochondrial therapeutic idebenone partially improved oxygen consumption and growth of mutant cells. Conclusions Overall, our results suggest that SDHD is vital for growth and metabolism of mammalian cells, and that respiratory and growth defects can be partially restored with treatment of a ubiquinone analog. This is the first report to use CRISPR/Cas9 approach to construct a knockout SDHD cell line and evaluate the efficacy of an established mitochondrial therapeutic candidate to improve bioenergetic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aloka B Bandara
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0913, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0342, USA.
| | - Joshua C Drake
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0913, USA
| | - David A Brown
- Mitochondrial Solutions, LLC, 800 Draper Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
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26
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Failed, Interrupted, or Inconclusive Trials on Neuroprotective and Neuroregenerative Treatment Strategies in Multiple Sclerosis: Update 2015-2020. Drugs 2021; 81:1031-1063. [PMID: 34086251 PMCID: PMC8217012 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-021-01526-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the recent past, a plethora of drugs have been approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). These therapeutics are mainly confined to immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive strategies but do not sufficiently address remyelination and neuroprotection. However, several neuroregenerative agents have shown potential in pre-clinical research and entered Phase I to III clinical trials. Although none of these compounds have yet proceeded to approval, understanding the causes of failure can broaden our knowledge about neuroprotection and neuroregeneration in MS. Moreover, most of the investigated approaches are characterised by consistent mechanisms of action and proved convincing efficacy in animal studies. Therefore, learning from their failure will help us to enforce the translation of findings acquired in pre-clinical studies into clinical application. Here, we summarise trials on MS treatment published since 2015 that have either failed or were interrupted due to a lack of efficacy, adverse events, or for other reasons. We further outline the rationale underlying these drugs and analyse the background of failure to gather new insights into MS pathophysiology and optimise future study designs. For conciseness, this review focuses on agents promoting remyelination and medications with primarily neuroprotective properties or unconventional approaches. Failed clinical trials that pursue immunomodulation are presented in a separate article.
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27
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Baschiera E, Sorrentino U, Calderan C, Desbats MA, Salviati L. The multiple roles of coenzyme Q in cellular homeostasis and their relevance for the pathogenesis of coenzyme Q deficiency. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 166:277-286. [PMID: 33667628 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a redox active lipid that plays a central role in cellular homeostasis. It was discovered more than 60 years ago because of its role as electron transporter in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Since then it has become evident that CoQ has many other functions, not directly related to bioenergetics. It is a cofactor of several mitochondrial dehydrogenases involved in the metabolism of lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides, and in sulfide detoxification. It is a powerful antioxidant and it is involved in the control of programmed cell death by modulating both apoptosis and ferroptosis. CoQ deficiency is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the impairment of CoQ biosynthesis. CoQ deficient patients display defects in cellular bioenergetics, but also in the other pathways in which CoQ is involved. In this review we will focus on the functions of CoQ not directly related to the respiratory chain, and on how their impairment is relevant for the pathophysiology of CoQ deficiency. A better understanding of the complex set of events triggered by CoQ deficiency will allow to design novel approaches for the treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Baschiera
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova and IPR Città Della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Ugo Sorrentino
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova and IPR Città Della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Calderan
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova and IPR Città Della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Andrea Desbats
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova and IPR Città Della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Leonardo Salviati
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova and IPR Città Della Speranza, Padova, Italy.
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28
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Bandara AB, Drake JC, James CC, Smyth JW, Brown DA. Complex I protein NDUFS2 is vital for growth, ROS generation, membrane integrity, apoptosis, and mitochondrial energetics. Mitochondrion 2021; 58:160-168. [PMID: 33744462 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Complex I is the largest and most intricate of the protein complexes of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). This L-shaped enzyme consists of a peripheral hydrophilic matrix domain and a membrane-bound orthogonal hydrophobic domain. The interfacial region between these two arms is known to be critical for binding of ubiquinone moieties and has also been shown to be the binding site of Complex I inhibitors. Knowledge on specific roles of the ETC interfacial region proteins is scarce due to lack of knockout cell lines and animal models. Here we mutated nuclear encoded NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] iron-sulfur protein 2 (NDUFS2), one of three protein subunits of the interfacial region, in a human embryonic kidney cell line 293 using a CRISPR/Cas9 procedure. Disruption of NDUFS2 significantly decreased cell growth in medium, Complex I specific respiration, glycolytic capacity, ATP pool and cell-membrane integrity, but significantly increased Complex II respiration, ROS generation, apoptosis, and necrosis. Treatment with idebenone, a clinical benzoquinone currently being investigated in other indications, partially restored growth, ATP pool, and oxygen consumption of the mutant. Overall, our results suggest that NDUFS2 is vital for growth and metabolism of mammalian cells, and respiratory defects of NDUFS2 dysfunction can be partially corrected with treatment of an established mitochondrial therapeutic candidate. This is the first report to use CRISPR/Cas9 approach to construct a knockout NDUFS2 cell line and use the constructed mutant to evaluate the efficacy of a known mitochondrial therapeutic to enhance bioenergetic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aloka B Bandara
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.
| | - Joshua C Drake
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Carissa C James
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, United States; Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - James W Smyth
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, United States; Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - David A Brown
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States; Mitochondrial Solutions, LLC, 800 Draper Road, Blacksburg VA 24060, United States
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29
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Feng Z, Nadikudi M, Woolley KL, Hemasa AL, Chear S, Smith JA, Gueven N. Bioactivity Profiles of Cytoprotective Short-Chain Quinones. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26051382. [PMID: 33806577 PMCID: PMC7961879 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Short-chain quinones (SCQs) have been investigated as potential therapeutic candidates against mitochondrial dysfunction, which was largely thought to be associated with the reversible redox characteristics of their active quinone core. We recently reported a library of SCQs, some of which showed potent cytoprotective activity against the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone in the human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2. To better characterize the cytoprotection of SCQs at a molecular level, a bioactivity profile for 103 SCQs with different compound chemistries was generated that included metabolism related markers, redox activity, expression of cytoprotective proteins and oxidative damage. Of all the tested endpoints, a positive correlation with cytoprotection by SCQs in the presence of rotenone was only observed for the NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)-dependent reduction of SCQs, which also correlated with an acute rescue of ATP levels. The results of this study suggest an unexpected mode of action for SCQs that appears to involve a modification of NQO1-dependent signaling rather than a protective effect by the reduced quinone itself. This finding presents a new selection strategy to identify and develop the most promising compounds towards their clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zikai Feng
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (Z.F.); (M.N.); (A.L.H.); (S.C.)
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (K.L.W.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Monila Nadikudi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (Z.F.); (M.N.); (A.L.H.); (S.C.)
| | - Krystel L. Woolley
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (K.L.W.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Ayman L. Hemasa
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (Z.F.); (M.N.); (A.L.H.); (S.C.)
| | - Sueanne Chear
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (Z.F.); (M.N.); (A.L.H.); (S.C.)
| | - Jason A. Smith
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (K.L.W.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Nuri Gueven
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (Z.F.); (M.N.); (A.L.H.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Avcı B, Günaydın C, Güvenç T, Yavuz CK, Kuruca N, Bilge SS. Idebenone Ameliorates Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease in Rats Through Decreasing Lipid Peroxidation. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:513-522. [PMID: 33247801 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03186-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is considered one of the mechanisms responsible for neurodegenerative diseases, especially for Parkinson's disease. Since oxidative stress causes pathological changes in neuronal structures antioxidant compounds gained significant attention the last decades. Although several antioxidant compounds showed neuroprotective actions in Parkinson's disease models, only a few of them demonstrated protective effects against loss of striatal dopaminergic neurons. Idebenone is an analog of the well-known antioxidant compound coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Clinical safety of idebenone is well described, and due to its high antioxidant capacity currently used to treat Freidrich's ataxia and Alzheimer's disease. Like Parkinson's disease, these diseases are characterized by oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial balance in neurons. However, knowledge about the effects of idebenone on Parkinson's disease is limited. Therefore, in this study we aimed to investigate and delineate the possible effects of idebenone in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease models. Idebenone (200 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited the decrease of striatal expression of NAD(P)H dehydrogenase[quinone]-1, which is an essential element for mitochondrial respiration. Idebenone decreased the striatal levels of the lipid peroxidation products and increased the expression of glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPx-4), which is primarily known for lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Furthermore, idebenone mitigated motor impairment and increased tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neuron survival. Together our results thus indicate that that idebenone has protective effects against a rotenone insult with pleiotropic actions on the cellular oxidative enzymes and lipid peroxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahattin Avcı
- School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Caner Günaydın
- School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Tolga Güvenç
- Faculty of Veterinary, Department of Pathology, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Canan Kulcu Yavuz
- School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Nilufer Kuruca
- Faculty of Veterinary, Department of Pathology, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - S Sirri Bilge
- School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey.
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Coenzyme Q 10 Analogues: Benefits and Challenges for Therapeutics. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020236. [PMID: 33557229 PMCID: PMC7913973 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 or ubiquinone) is a mobile proton and electron carrier of the mitochondrial respiratory chain with antioxidant properties widely used as an antiaging health supplement and to relieve the symptoms of many pathological conditions associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Even though the hegemony of CoQ10 in the context of antioxidant-based treatments is undeniable, the future primacy of this quinone is hindered by the promising features of its numerous analogues. Despite the unimpeachable performance of CoQ10 therapies, problems associated with their administration and intraorganismal delivery has led clinicians and scientists to search for alternative derivative molecules. Over the past few years, a wide variety of CoQ10 analogues with improved properties have been developed. These analogues conserve the antioxidant features of CoQ10 but present upgraded characteristics such as water solubility or enhanced mitochondrial accumulation. Moreover, recent studies have proven that some of these analogues might even outperform CoQ10 in the treatment of certain specific diseases. The aim of this review is to provide detailed information about these Coenzyme Q10 analogues, as well as their functionality and medical applications.
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Novel Short-Chain Quinones to Treat Vision Loss in a Rat Model of Diabetic Retinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031016. [PMID: 33498409 PMCID: PMC7864174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), one of the leading causes of blindness, is mainly diagnosed based on the vascular pathology of the disease. Current treatment options largely focus on this aspect with mostly insufficient therapeutic long-term efficacy. Mounting evidence implicates mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the central etiology of DR. Consequently, drug candidates that aim at normalizing mitochondrial function could be an attractive therapeutic approach. This study compared the mitoprotective compounds, idebenone and elamipretide, side-by-side against two novel short-chain quinones (SCQs) in a rat model of DR. The model effectively mimicked type 2 diabetes over 21 weeks. During this period, visual acuity was monitored by measuring optokinetic response (OKR). Vision loss occurred 5–8 weeks after the onset of hyperglycemia. After 10 weeks of hyperglycemia, visual function was reduced by 65%. From this point, the right eyes of the animals were topically treated once daily with the test compounds. The left, untreated eye served as an internal control. Only three weeks of topical treatment significantly restored vision from 35% to 58–80%, while visual acuity of the non-treated eyes continued to deteriorate. Interestingly, the two novel SCQs restored visual acuity better than idebenone or elamipretide. This was also reflected by protection of retinal pathology against oxidative damage, retinal ganglion cell loss, reactive gliosis, vascular leakage, and retinal thinning. Overall, mitoprotective and, in particular, SCQ-based compounds have the potential to be developed into effective and fast-acting drug candidates against DR.
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Pemp B, Mitsch C, Kircher K, Reitner A. Changes in Visual Function and Correlations with Inner Retinal Structure in Acute and Chronic Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy Patients after Treatment with Idebenone. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10010151. [PMID: 33406801 PMCID: PMC7795141 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10010151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive impairment and degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and nerve fibers in Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) usually cause permanent visual loss. Idebenone is currently the only approved treatment. However, its therapeutic potential in different stages of LHON has not been definitely clarified. We aimed to investigate the changes in visual function and correlations with retinal structure in acute and in chronic LHON patients after treatment with idebenone. Twenty-three genetically confirmed LHON patients were followed during treatment using logMAR charts, automated perimetry and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Mean visual acuity improved significantly in acute patients treated within 1 year from onset (−0.52 ± 0.46 logMAR from nadir), in early chronic patients who started after 1–5 years (−0.39 ± 0.27 logMAR from baseline), and in late chronic patients with treatment initiation after >5 years (−0.33 ± 0.28 logMAR from baseline, p < 0.001 all groups). In acute and in chronic patients, strong correlations between OCT and visual function parameters were present only after treatment. This and the sustained visual recovery after treatment may indicate a reactivated signal transduction in dysfunctional RGC that survive the acute phase. Our results support previous evidence that idebenone has therapeutic potential in promoting visual recovery in LHON.
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Amore G, Romagnoli M, Carbonelli M, Barboni P, Carelli V, La Morgia C. Therapeutic Options in Hereditary Optic Neuropathies. Drugs 2021; 81:57-86. [PMID: 33159657 PMCID: PMC7843467 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-020-01428-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Options for the effective treatment of hereditary optic neuropathies have been a long time coming. The successful launch of the antioxidant idebenone for Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), followed by its introduction into clinical practice across Europe, was an important step forward. Nevertheless, other options, especially for a variety of mitochondrial optic neuropathies such as dominant optic atrophy (DOA), are needed, and a number of pharmaceutical agents, acting on different molecular pathways, are currently under development. These include gene therapy, which has reached Phase III development for LHON, but is expected to be developed also for DOA, whilst most of the other agents (other antioxidants, anti-apoptotic drugs, activators of mitobiogenesis, etc.) are almost all at Phase II or at preclinical stage of research. Here, we review proposed target mechanisms, preclinical evidence, available clinical trials with primary endpoints and results, of a wide range of tested molecules, to give an overview of the field, also providing the landscape of future scenarios, including gene therapy, gene editing, and reproductive options to prevent transmission of mitochondrial DNA mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Amore
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Romagnoli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Carbonelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Valerio Carelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara La Morgia
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy.
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Ng WSV, Trigano M, Freeman T, Varrichio C, Kandaswamy DK, Newland B, Brancale A, Rozanowska M, Votruba M. New avenues for therapy in mitochondrial optic neuropathies. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN RARE DISEASE 2021; 2:26330040211029037. [PMID: 37181108 PMCID: PMC10032437 DOI: 10.1177/26330040211029037] [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: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial optic neuropathies are a group of optic nerve atrophies exemplified by the two commonest conditions in this group, autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) and Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). Their clinical features comprise reduced visual acuity, colour vision deficits, centro-caecal scotomas and optic disc pallor with thinning of the retinal nerve fibre layer. The primary aetiology is genetic, with underlying nuclear or mitochondrial gene mutations. The primary pathology is owing to retinal ganglion cell dysfunction and degeneration. There is currently only one approved treatment and no curative therapy is available. In this review we summarise the genetic and clinical features of ADOA and LHON and then examine what new avenues there may be for therapeutic intervention. The therapeutic strategies to manage LHON and ADOA can be split into four categories: prevention, compensation, replacement and repair. Prevention is technically an option by modifying risk factors such as smoking cessation, or by utilising pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, although this is unlikely to be applied in mitochondrial optic neuropathies due to the non-life threatening and variable nature of these conditions. Compensation involves pharmacological interventions that ameliorate the mitochondrial dysfunction at a cellular and tissue level. Replacement and repair are exciting new emerging areas. Clinical trials, both published and underway, in this area are likely to reveal future potential benefits, since new therapies are desperately needed. Plain language summary Optic nerve damage leading to loss of vision can be caused by a variety of insults. One group of conditions leading to optic nerve damage is caused by defects in genes that are essential for cells to make energy in small organelles called mitochondria. These conditions are known as mitochondrial optic neuropathies and two predominant examples are called autosomal dominant optic atrophy and Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. Both conditions are caused by problems with the energy powerhouse of cells: mitochondria. The cells that are most vulnerable to this mitochondrial malfunction are called retinal ganglion cells, otherwise collectively known as the optic nerve, and they take the electrical impulse from the retina in the eye to the brain. The malfunction leads to death of some of the optic nerve cells, the degree of vision loss being linked to the number of those cells which are impacted in this way. Patients will lose visual acuity and colour vision and develop a central blind spot in their field of vision. There is currently no cure and very few treatment options. New treatments are desperately needed for patients affected by these devastating diseases. New treatments can potentially arise in four ways: prevention, compensation, replacement and repair of the defects. Here we explore how present and possible future treatments might provide hope for those suffering from these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthieu Trigano
- Mitochondria and Vision Lab, School of
Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Thomas Freeman
- Mitochondria and Vision Lab, School of
Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Carmine Varrichio
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Dinesh Kumar Kandaswamy
- Mitochondria and Vision Lab, School of
Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ben Newland
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Malgorzata Rozanowska
- Mitochondria and Vision Lab, School of
Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Marcela Votruba
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences,
Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, Wales, UK; Cardiff Eye
Unit, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
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Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy: course of disease in consideration of idebenone treatment and type of mutation. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2020; 259:1009-1013. [PMID: 33337510 PMCID: PMC8016777 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-020-05045-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In September 2015, the first and so far only medication for treatment of Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) was approved in the EU. The drug in question is idebenone (©Raxone) and has been given to all newly diagnosed patients of the University Eye Hospital Tuebingen since the approval of the drug. The aim of the study was to find out whether regular administration of the drug led to an improvement in vision. We retrospectively examined 2 cohorts of consecutive patients with newly occurred visual impairment and LHON diagnosis: One with the initial diagnosis made from January 2010 until April 2014 and a second from October 2015 until January 2020. Methods Retrospective, observational cohort study. All electronic medical files of newly diagnosed and genetically confirmed LHON patients of the University Eye Hospital Tuebingen from January 2010 until April 2014 (cohort 1) and October 2015 until January 2020 (cohort 2) with at least 12 months of follow-up examinations have been analyzed. Results Five patients were included in the first and 7 patients in the second cohort. Patients of cohort 1 received no medication; patients of cohort 2, a daily dose of 900 mg idebenone. The primary visual acuity (VA) ranged between 0.03 and 0.5 in cohort 1 and did not improve during the observation period (median 60 months, range 23–87 months). The patients of cohort 2 have been observed for a median of 23 months (range 12–35 m). The primary VA ranged from 0.01 to 0.16. A recovery in one or both eyes with a final VA from 0.8 to 1.0 was experienced in 3 out of 7 patients. All patients showing a recovery of VA carried the m.11778G>A mutation. Conclusion The observed improvement in the treated cohort may be considered as a hint on the efficacy of idebenone in LHON. The time course of improvement suggests that idebenone should be given 1.5 years in newly diagnosed LHON cases.
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Catarino CB, von Livonius B, Priglinger C, Banik R, Matloob S, Tamhankar MA, Castillo L, Friedburg C, Halfpenny CA, Lincoln JA, Traber GL, Acaroglu G, Black GCM, Doncel C, Fraser CL, Jakubaszko J, Landau K, Langenegger SJ, Muñoz-Negrete FJ, Newman NJ, Poulton J, Scoppettuolo E, Subramanian P, Toosy AT, Vidal M, Vincent AL, Votruba M, Zarowski M, Zermansky A, Lob F, Rudolph G, Mikazans O, Silva M, Llòria X, Metz G, Klopstock T. Real-World Clinical Experience With Idebenone in the Treatment of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. J Neuroophthalmol 2020; 40:558-565. [PMID: 32991388 PMCID: PMC7657145 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) leads to bilateral central vision loss. In a clinical trial setting, idebenone has been shown to be safe and to provide a trend toward improved visual acuity, but long-term evidence of effectiveness in real-world clinical practice is sparse. METHODS Open-label, multicenter, retrospective, noncontrolled analysis of long-term visual acuity and safety in 111 LHON patients treated with idebenone (900 mg/day) in an expanded access program. Eligible patients had a confirmed mitochondrial DNA mutation and had experienced the onset of symptoms (most recent eye) within 1 year before enrollment. Data on visual acuity and adverse events were collected as per normal clinical practice. Efficacy was assessed as the proportion of patients with either a clinically relevant recovery (CRR) or a clinically relevant stabilization (CRS) of visual acuity. In the case of CRR, time to and magnitude of recovery over the course of time were also assessed. RESULTS At time of analysis, 87 patients had provided longitudinal efficacy data. Average treatment duration was 25.6 months. CRR was observed in 46.0% of patients. Analysis of treatment effect by duration showed that the proportion of patients with recovery and the magnitude of recovery increased with treatment duration. Average gain in best-corrected visual acuity for responders was 0.72 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR), equivalent to more than 7 lines on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart. Furthermore, 50% of patients who had a visual acuity below 1.0 logMAR in at least one eye at initiation of treatment successfully maintained their vision below this threshold by last observation. Idebenone was well tolerated, with most adverse events classified as minor. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate the benefit of idebenone treatment in recovering lost vision and maintaining good residual vision in a real-world setting. Together, these findings indicate that idebenone treatment should be initiated early and be maintained more than 24 months to maximize efficacy. Safety results were consistent with the known safety profile of idebenone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia B Catarino
- Department of Neurology (CBC, OM, TK), Friedrich-Baur-Institute, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (CBC, TK), Munich, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology (BL, CP, FL, GR), University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany; New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (RB), New York, New York; Ophthalmology Department (SM), Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand; Scheie Eye Institute (MAT), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institut Català de Retina (LC), Barcelona, Spain; Augenklinik (CF), Universitätsklinikum Giessen, Giessen, Germany; University Hospital Southampton (CAH), Southampton, United Kingdom; McGovern Medical School (JAL), UTHealth, Houston, Texas; Department of Ophthalmology (GLT, KL, SJL), University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuro-ophthalmology Associates (GA), Ankara, Turkey; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine (GCMB), Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom; Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences (GCMB), Neuroscience and Mental Health Domain, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicines and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom; Ophthalmology Unit (CD), Hospital de Poniente, El Ejido, Almería, Spain; Save Sight Institute (CLF), University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Pediatric Traumatology and Emergency Medicine (JJ), Wroclaw Medical University, Poland; Poland SPEKTRUM Ophthalmology Clinic (JJ), Wroclaw, Poland; University Hospital Ramon y Cajal (FJM-N), IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain; Emory University School of Medicine (NJN), Atlanta Georgia; Nuffield Dept Obstetrics and Gynaecology (JP), University of Oxford, The Women's Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology (ES), East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Neuro-Ophthalmology Division (PS), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Neuroinflammation (ATT), Queen Square MS Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona (MV), Barcelona, Spain; Eye Department (ALV), Greenlane Clinical Centre, Auckland, New Zealand; School of Optometry and Vision Sciences (MV), Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Department of Developmental Neurology (MZ), Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Manchester Centre for Clinical Neuroscience (AZ), Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, United Kingdom; Neuro-ophthalmology Unit (MS, XL, GM) Santhera Pharmaceuticals, Pratteln, Switzerland; and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy) (TK), Munich, Germany
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Gueven N, Ravishankar P, Eri R, Rybalka E. Idebenone: When an antioxidant is not an antioxidant. Redox Biol 2020; 38:101812. [PMID: 33254077 PMCID: PMC7708875 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Idebenone is a well described drug that was initially developed against dementia. The current literature widely portrays this molecule as a potent antioxidant and CoQ10 analogue. While numerous papers seem to support this view, a closer look indicates that the pharmacokinetics of idebenone do not support these claims. A major discrepancy between achievable tissue levels, especially in target tissues such as the brain, and doses required to show the proposed effects, significantly questions our current understanding. This review explains how this has happened and highlights the discrepancies in the current literature. More importantly, based on some recent discoveries, a new framework is presented that can explain the mode of action of this molecule and can align formerly contradictory results. Finally, this new appreciation of the molecular activities of idebenone provides a rational approach to test idebenone in novel indications that might have not been considered previously for this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuri Gueven
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
| | - Pranathi Ravishankar
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Rajaraman Eri
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Emma Rybalka
- Victoria University, Institute for Health and Sport, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Varricchio C, Beirne K, Aeschlimann P, Heard C, Rozanowska M, Votruba M, Brancale A. Discovery of Novel 2-Aniline-1,4-naphthoquinones as Potential New Drug Treatment for Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). J Med Chem 2020; 63:13638-13655. [PMID: 33180495 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a rare genetic mitochondrial disease and the primary cause of chronic visual impairment for at least 1 in 10 000 individuals in the U.K. Treatment options remain limited, with only a few drug candidates and therapeutic approaches, either approved or in development. Recently, idebenone has been investigated as drug therapy in the treatment of LHON, although evidence for the efficacy of idebenone is limited in the literature. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and mitochondrial complex III were identified as the major enzymes involved in idebenone activity. Based on this mode of action, computer-aided techniques and structure-activity relationship (SAR) optimization studies led to the discovery of a series naphthoquinone-related small molecules, with comparable adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) rescue activity to idebenone. Among these, three compounds showed activity in the nanomolar range and one, 2-((4-fluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)amino)-3-(methylthio)naphthalene-1,3-dione (1), demonstrated significantly higher potency ex vivo, and significantly lower cytotoxicity, than idebenone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Varricchio
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, Wales, U.K.,School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, Wales, U.K
| | - Kathy Beirne
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, Wales, U.K
| | - Pascale Aeschlimann
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, Wales, U.K.,School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, Wales, U.K
| | - Charles Heard
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, Wales, U.K
| | - Malgorzata Rozanowska
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, Wales, U.K
| | - Marcela Votruba
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, Wales, U.K.,Cardiff Eye Unit, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF24 4LU, Wales, U.K
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, Wales, U.K
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Diabetic Retinopathy: The Role of Mitochondria in the Neural Retina and Microvascular Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9100905. [PMID: 32977483 PMCID: PMC7598160 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9100905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a common chronic complication of diabetes mellitus and the leading cause of vision loss in the working-age population, is clinically defined as a microvascular disease that involves damage of the retinal capillaries with secondary visual impairment. While its clinical diagnosis is based on vascular pathology, DR is associated with early abnormalities in the electroretinogram, indicating alterations of the neural retina and impaired visual signaling. The pathogenesis of DR is complex and likely involves the simultaneous dysregulation of multiple metabolic and signaling pathways through the retinal neurovascular unit. There is evidence that microvascular disease in DR is caused in part by altered energetic metabolism in the neural retina and specifically from signals originating in the photoreceptors. In this review, we discuss the main pathogenic mechanisms that link alterations in neural retina bioenergetics with vascular regression in DR. We focus specifically on the recent developments related to alterations in mitochondrial metabolism including energetic substrate selection, mitochondrial function, oxidation-reduction (redox) imbalance, and oxidative stress, and critically discuss the mechanisms of these changes and their consequences on retinal function. We also acknowledge implications for emerging therapeutic approaches and future research directions to find novel mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies to correct bioenergetics in diabetes. We conclude that retinal bioenergetics is affected in the early stages of diabetes with consequences beyond changes in ATP content, and that maintaining mitochondrial integrity may alleviate retinal disease.
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Zhang J, Dong Y, Lining Huang, Xu X, Liang F, Soriano SG, Zhang Y, Xie Z. Interaction of Tau, IL-6 and mitochondria on synapse and cognition following sevoflurane anesthesia in young mice. Brain Behav Immun Health 2020; 8:100133. [PMID: 34589883 PMCID: PMC8474534 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau phosphorylation is associated with cognitive impairment in young mice. However, the underlying mechanism and targeted interventions remain mostly unknown. We set out to determine the potential interactions of Tau, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and mitochondria following treatment of anesthetic sevoflurane and to assess their influences on synapse number and cognition in young mice. Sevoflurane (3% for 2 h) was given to wild-type, Tau knockout, IL-6 knockout, and cyclophilin D (CypD) knockout mice on postnatal (P) day 6, 7 and 8. We measured amounts of phosphorylated Tau, IL-6, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP, postsynaptic density 95 (PSD-95), synaptophysin, N-cadherin, synapse number, and cognitive function in the mice, employing Western blot, electron microscope and Morris water maze among others. Here we showed that sevoflurane increased Tau phosphorylation and caused IL-6 elevation, mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic loss and cognitive impairment in young wild-type, but not Tau knockout, mice. In young IL-6 knockout mice, sevoflurane increased Tau phosphorylation but did not cause mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic loss or cognitive impairment. Finally, sevoflurane increased Tau phosphorylation and IL-6 amount, but did not induce synaptic loss and cognitive impairment, in young CypD knockout mice or WT mice pretreated with idebenone, an analog of co-enzyme Q10. In conclusion, sevoflurane increased Tau phosphorylation, which caused IL-6 elevation, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction in young mice. Such interactions caused synaptic loss and cognitive impairment in the mice. Idebenone mitigated sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in young mice. These studies would promote more research to study Tau in young mice. Research in context.Evidence before this studyTau, a microtubule-associated protein that is predominantly expressed inside neurons, is associated with microtubule assembly and function. Tau phosphorylation, aggregation and spread all serve as the pathogenesis of age-dependent neurodegeneration in the old brain, as well as the neuropathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the effects of Tau on the cellular changes and the function of the young brain are undetermined. Our previous studies showed that anesthetic sevoflurane induced Tau phosphorylation, IL-6 elevation, mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptic loss in brain tissues of neonatal mice, as well as cognitive impairment in the mice. However, the potential interactions of the Tau phosphorylation, IL-6 elevation and mitochondrial dysfunction and the influences of these interactions on synapse number and cognitive function in neonatal mice remains largely unknown.
Added value of studyEmploying sevoflurane as a clinically relevant tool, and using the approaches including wild-type, Tau, IL-6, and CypD knockout neonatal mice, the present studies showed that Tau phosphorylation caused IL-6 elevation, which induced mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to synaptic loss and cognitive impairment in the neonatal mice. Idebenone, a synthetic analog of coenzyme Q10, mitigated the sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in the neonatal mice.
Implications of all the available evidenceThese findings demonstrated the role of Tau phosphorylation in cognitive impairment in neonatal mice, revealed the effects of the interactions of Tau phosphorylation, IL-6 elevation and mitochondrial dysfunction on the synapse number and cognitive function in the mice, and identified potential targeted intervention of the cognitive impairment in the neonatal mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.,Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA
| | - Yuanlin Dong
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA
| | - Lining Huang
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Xiaoming Xu
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA.,Department of Forensic Clinical Medicine, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Feng Liang
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA
| | - Sulpicio G Soriano
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yiying Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA
| | - Zhongcong Xie
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129-2060, USA
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Chen X, Li C, Jin DY, Ingram B, Hao Z, Bai X, Stafford DW, Hu K, Tie JK. A cell-based high-throughput screen identifies drugs that cause bleeding disorders by off-targeting the vitamin K cycle. Blood 2020; 136:898-908. [PMID: 32374827 PMCID: PMC7426647 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019004234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-induced bleeding disorders contribute to substantial morbidity and mortality. Antithrombotic agents that cause unintended bleeding of obvious cause are relatively easy to control. However, the mechanisms of most drug-induced bleeding disorders are poorly understood, which makes intervention more difficult. As most bleeding disorders are associated with the dysfunction of coagulation factors, we adapted our recently established cell-based assay to identify drugs that affect the biosynthesis of active vitamin K-dependent (VKD) coagulation factors with possible adverse off-target results. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Collection (NCC) library containing 727 drugs was screened, and 9 drugs were identified, including the most commonly prescribed anticoagulant warfarin. Bleeding complications associated with most of these drugs have been clinically reported, but the pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. Further characterization of the 9 top-hit drugs on the inhibition of VKD carboxylation suggests that warfarin, lansoprazole, and nitazoxanide mainly target vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR), whereas idebenone, clofazimine, and AM404 mainly target vitamin K reductase (VKR) in vitamin K redox cycling. The other 3 drugs mainly affect vitamin K availability within the cells. The molecular mechanisms underlying the inactivation of VKOR and VKR by these drugs are clarified. Results from both cell-based and animal model studies suggest that the anticoagulation effect of drugs that target VKOR, but not VKR, can be rescued by the administration of vitamin K. These findings provide insights into the prevention and management of drug-induced bleeding disorders. The established cell-based, high-throughput screening approach provides a powerful tool for identifying new vitamin K antagonists that function as anticoagulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejie Chen
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; and
| | - Caihong Li
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Da-Yun Jin
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; and
| | - Brian Ingram
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; and
| | - Zhenyu Hao
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; and
| | - Xue Bai
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Darrel W Stafford
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; and
| | - Keping Hu
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Ke Tie
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; and
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Feng Z, Sedeeq M, Daniel A, Corban M, Woolley KL, Condie R, Azimi I, Smith JA, Gueven N. Comparative In Vitro Toxicology of Novel Cytoprotective Short-Chain Naphthoquinones. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13080184. [PMID: 32784558 PMCID: PMC7463972 DOI: 10.3390/ph13080184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Short-chain quinones (SCQs) have been identified as potential drug candidates against mitochondrial dysfunction, which largely depends on the reversible redox characteristics of the active quinone core. We recently identified 11 naphthoquinone derivatives, 1–11, from a library of SCQs that demonstrated enhanced cytoprotection and improved metabolic stability compared to the clinically used benzoquinone idebenone. Since the toxicity properties of our promising SCQs were unknown, this study developed multiplex methods and generated detailed toxicity profiles from 11 endpoint measurements using the human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2. Overall, the toxicity profiles were largely comparable across different assays, with simple standard assays showing increased sensitivity compared to commercial toxicity assays. Within the 11 naphthoquinones tested, the L-phenylalanine derivative 4 consistently demonstrated the lowest toxicity across all assays. The results of this study not only provide useful information about the toxicity features of SCQs but will also enable the progression of the most promising drug candidates towards their clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zikai Feng
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (M.S.); (A.D.); (M.C.); (I.A.)
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (K.L.W.); (R.C.); (J.A.S.)
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (N.G.)
| | - Mohammed Sedeeq
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (M.S.); (A.D.); (M.C.); (I.A.)
| | - Abraham Daniel
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (M.S.); (A.D.); (M.C.); (I.A.)
| | - Monika Corban
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (M.S.); (A.D.); (M.C.); (I.A.)
| | - Krystel L. Woolley
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (K.L.W.); (R.C.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Ryan Condie
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (K.L.W.); (R.C.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Iman Azimi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (M.S.); (A.D.); (M.C.); (I.A.)
| | - Jason A. Smith
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (K.L.W.); (R.C.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Nuri Gueven
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (M.S.); (A.D.); (M.C.); (I.A.)
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (N.G.)
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Kosa P, Wu T, Phillips J, Leinonen M, Masvekar R, Komori M, Wichman A, Sandford M, Bielekova B. Idebenone does not inhibit disability progression in primary progressive MS. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020; 45:102434. [PMID: 32784117 PMCID: PMC9386688 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). While current MS therapies target the inflammatory processes, no treatment explicitly targets mitochondrial dysfunction and resulting axonal loss. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether idebenone inhibits mitochondrial dysfunction and accumulation of disability in primary progressive MS (PPMS) and to enhance understanding of pathogenic mechanisms of PPMS progression using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers. Methods: The double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase I/II clinical trial of Idebenone in patients with Primary Progressive MS (IPPoMS; NCT00950248) was an adaptively designed, baseline-versus-treatment, placebo-controlled, CSF-biomarker-supported trial. Based on interim analysis of the 1-year pre-treatment data, change in the area under the curve of Combinatorial Weight-Adjusted Disability Score (CombiWISE) became the primary outcome, with >80% power to detect ≥40% efficacy with 28 patients/arm treated for 2 years in baseline versus treatment paradigm. Changes in traditional disability scales and in brain ventricular volume were secondary outcomes. Exploratory outcomes included CSF biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction (Growth/differentiation factor 15 [GDF15] and lactate), axonal damage (neurofilament light chain [NFL]), innate immunity (sCD14), blood brain barrier leakage (albumin quotient) and retinal nerve fiber layer thinning. Results: Idebenone was well tolerated but did not inhibit disability progression or CNS tissue destruction. Concentrations of GDF15, secreted predominantly by astrocytes and choroid plexus epithelium in vitro, increased after exposure to mitochondrial toxin rotenone, validating the ability of this biomarker to measure intrathecal mitochondrial damage. CSF GDF15 levels correlated strongly with age and MS patients had CSF levels of GDF15 significantly above age-adjusted healthy volunteers, with highest levels measured in PPMS. Idebenone did not change CSF GDF15 levels. Conclusion: Mitochondrial dysfunction exceeding normal aging reflected by age-adjusted CSF GDF15 is present in the majority of PPMS patients, but it is not inhibited by idebenone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kosa
- Neuroimmunological Diseases Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tianxia Wu
- Clinical trials Unit, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan Phillips
- Neuroimmunological Diseases Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mika Leinonen
- Santhera Pharmaceuticals (Switzerland) AG, Pratteln Switzerland
| | - Ruturaj Masvekar
- Neuroimmunological Diseases Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mika Komori
- Neuroimmunological Diseases Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alison Wichman
- Neuroimmunological Diseases Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mary Sandford
- Neuroimmunological Diseases Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bibiana Bielekova
- Neuroimmunological Diseases Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Hearne A, Chen H, Monarchino A, Wiseman JS. Oligomycin-induced proton uncoupling. Toxicol In Vitro 2020; 67:104907. [PMID: 32502624 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2020.104907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Oligomycin is a classical mitochondrial reagent that binds to the proton channel on the Fo component of ATP synthase. As a result, oligomycin blocks mitochondrial ATP synthesis, proton translocation, and O2 uptake. Here we show that oligomycin induces proton uncoupling subsequent to inhibition of ATP synthesis, as evidenced by recovery of O2 uptake to near baseline levels. Uncoupling is uniquely rapid and readily observed in HepG2 cells but is also observed at longer times in the unrelated H1299 cell line. Proton fluxes plateau at oligomycin concentrations in the region 0.25-5 μM. At the plateau, fluxes are lower than expected for the classical mitochondrial permeability transition pore, although in H1229 cells, fluxes increase to levels consistent with pore opening at higher oligomycin concentrations. Uncoupling is observed in cells metabolizing either pyruvate or lactate and reversed by addition of glucose to restore ATP synthesis. Uncoupling is not sensitive to cyclosporin A and is not reversed by the ANT inhibitor bongkrekic acid. However, bongkrekic acid inhibits uncoupling if added before oligomycin, which we interpret in terms of maintenance of mitochondrial ATP levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby Hearne
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.
| | - Haotong Chen
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.
| | - Anna Monarchino
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.
| | - Jeffrey S Wiseman
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.
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Varricchio C, Beirne K, Heard C, Newland B, Rozanowska M, Brancale A, Votruba M. The ying and yang of idebenone: Not too little, not too much - cell death in NQO1 deficient cells and the mouse retina. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 152:551-560. [PMID: 31775023 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Idebenone has recently been investigated as a drug therapy for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), a rare genetic mitochondrial disease that causes rapid and progressive bilateral vision loss. Although several studies have shown that idebenone can promote vision recovery in patients with LHON, the evidence for the efficacy of idebenone is still limited. Idebenone failed to demonstrate superiority over placebo in the primary end-points of the only published randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. There appears to be a patient-specific response to idebenone with high variability in therapeutic outcomes. A recent study suggested that the cytosolic enzyme NAD(P)H: quinone acceptor oxidoreductase (NQO1) is the major enzyme involved in the activation of idebenone, and the beneficial effects of idebenone are dependent on the expression of NQO1. Here, we confirm the NQO1-dependent activity of idebenone, but we also show, for the first time, that the cytotoxicity of idebenone is linked to cellular expression of NQO1. Upon idebenone administration, cells deficient in NQO1 show a marked decrease in viability in comparison to NQO1 expressing cells, with idebenone causing ROS production and deleterious effects on ATP levels and cell viability. In addition, our data highlights that only cells expressing NQO1 can significantly activate idebenone, indicating that other proposed metabolic activation pathways, such as complex II and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, do not play a significant role in idebenone activation. Furthermore, we provide evidence of idebenone-induced toxicity in the retina ex-vivo, which can be explained by the variation of NQO1 expression between different cell types in the mouse retina. Idebenone mediated cell rescue in the rotenone ex vivo model also indicated that this drug has a narrow therapeutic window. These findings will help to guide the development of future therapies and drug delivery strategies including intra-ocular administration. The specific dependence of idebenone activity on NQO1 may also explain the variation in patient outcomes in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Varricchio
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3NB, Wales, UK; School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3NB, Wales, UK
| | - K Beirne
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3NB, Wales, UK
| | - C Heard
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3NB, Wales, UK
| | - B Newland
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3NB, Wales, UK; Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF), Hohe Straße 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - M Rozanowska
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3NB, Wales, UK
| | - A Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3NB, Wales, UK
| | - M Votruba
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3NB, Wales, UK; Cardiff Eye Unit, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF24 4LU, Wales, UK.
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Idebenone Has Distinct Effects on Mitochondrial Respiration in Cortical Astrocytes Compared to Cortical Neurons Due to Differential NQO1 Activity. J Neurosci 2020; 40:4609-4619. [PMID: 32350039 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1632-17.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Idebenone is a synthetic quinone that on reduction in cells can bypass mitochondrial Complex I defects by donating electrons to Complex III. The drug is used clinically to treat the Complex I disease Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), but has been less successful in clinical trials for other neurodegenerative diseases. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) appears to be the main intracellular enzyme catalyzing idebenone reduction. However, NQO1 is not universally expressed by cells of the brain. Using primary rat cortical cells pooled from both sexes, we tested the hypotheses that the level of endogenous NQO1 activity limits the ability of neurons, but not astrocytes, to use idebenone as an electron donor to support mitochondrial respiration. We then tested the prediction that NQO1 induction by pharmacological activation of the transcription factor nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) enables idebenone to bypass Complex I in cells with poor NQO1 expression. We found that idebenone stimulated respiration by astrocytes but reduced the respiratory capacity of neurons. Importantly, idebenone supported mitochondrial oxygen consumption in the presence of a Complex I inhibitor in astrocytes but not neurons, and this ability was reversed by inhibiting NQO1. Conversely, recombinant NQO1 delivery to neurons prevented respiratory impairment and conferred Complex I bypass activity. Nrf2 activators failed to increase NQO1 in neurons, but carnosic acid induced NQO1 in COS-7 cells that expressed little endogenous enzyme. Carnosic acid-idebenone combination treatment promoted NQO1-dependent Complex I bypass activity in these cells. Thus, combination drug strategies targeting NQO1 may promote the repurposing of idebenone for additional disorders.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Idebenone is used clinically to treat loss of visual acuity in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. Clinical trials for several additional diseases have failed. This study demonstrates a fundamental difference in the way idebenone affects mitochondrial respiration in cortical neurons compared with cortical astrocytes. Cortical neurons are unable to use idebenone as a direct mitochondrial electron donor due to NQO1 deficiency. Our results suggest that idebenone behaves as an NQO1-dependent prodrug, raising the possibility that lack of neuronal NQO1 activity has contributed to the limited efficacy of idebenone in neurodegenerative disease treatment. Combination therapy with drugs able to safely induce NQO1 in neurons, as well as other brain cell types, may be able to unlock the neuroprotective therapeutic potential of idebenone or related quinones.
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Sadik NAH, El-Boghdady NA, Omar NN, Al-Hamid HA. Esculetin and idebenone ameliorate galactose-induced cataract in a rat model. J Food Biochem 2020; 44:e13230. [PMID: 32301145 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Cataract is the principal cause of blindness. The enzyme, aldose reductase (AR) is a key player in polyol pathway. Buildup of polyols and oxidative stress are the main causes of cataractogenesis. This study investigated the cytoprotective properties of esculetin and idebenone in galactose-induced cataract. Rats were partitioned into four groups each of ten rats. Control group was fed with normal diet; group 2 rats were fed with galactose diet (50%); groups 3, 4 rats were fed with galactose diet concurrently with either esculetin (50 mg/kg BW) or idebenone (100 mg/kg BW), for 20 days. The study revealed that esculetin and idebenone significantly reduced the elevated levels of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, malondialdehyde, and DNA fragmentation and increased total antioxidant capacity level in lenses compared to the cataract-induced group. Only esculetin decreased AR, galactitol, and advanced glycated end products levels in lenses. Histopathological examinations supported the biochemical findings. Esculetin and idebenone may have chemopreventive effects for sugar cataract. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Cataract is an age-related disease that might cause blindness in older adult people. Presently, no absolute pharmacological treatment is accessible for cataract. The use of natural products or their derivatives attract particular attention in modern medicines as they are believed to be safer with few or no side effects. Esculetin is a polyphenolic compound found in many medicinal plants. Idebenone is a synthetic analogue of coenzyme Q10. The current study is an approach to explore the anticataract effects of esculetin and idebenone in galactose-induced cataract in rats. Our study proved that both agents have anticataractogenic potentials due to their antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nesreen Nabil Omar
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hager Abd Al-Hamid
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information, Cairo, Egypt
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Zhao X, Zhang Y, Lu L, Yang H. Therapeutic Effects of Idebenone on Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. Curr Eye Res 2020; 45:1315-1323. [PMID: 32111141 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2020.1736307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To characterize the potential therapeutic effects of idebenone on Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) in terms of visual acuity (VA), visual field (VF) defects, visual evoked potential (VEP) and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements. Methods: This was a retrospective case-controlled study of the effect of idebenone (900 mg/d) on 30 patients with LHON due to m.3460 G > A, m.11778 G > A and m.14484 T > C mutations. The primary end-point was the recovery in VA after 3 and 6 mon. The main secondary end-point was the change in VF, VEP and RNFL thickness. The other secondary end-point was the correlation between visual changes after 6 mon and the VF, VEP and RNFL thickness at baseline of the groups. Results: Idebenone was shown to be safe and well tolerated. The primary end-point reached statistical significance. The VA in the idebenone group improved in both the best eye and worst eye. The mean defect of VF decreased and amplitude of VEP increased. There was no significant difference in latency and RNFL thickness between the groups. The treatment, together with the VA and amplitude at baseline, had a significant effect on the improvement in VA at 6 mon. Conclusion: This case-controlled study of LHON provides evidence that idebenone treatment may be beneficial in cases of LHON and that the influential factors governing outcomes are the VA and amplitude of the VEP at baseline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lin Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou, P.R. China
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Metabolic Stability of New Mito-Protective Short-Chain Naphthoquinones. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13020029. [PMID: 32059451 PMCID: PMC7169385 DOI: 10.3390/ph13020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Short-chain quinones (SCQs) have been identified as potential drug candidates against mitochondrial dysfunction, which is largely dependent on their reversible redox characteristics of the active quinone core. We recently synthesized a SCQ library of > 148 naphthoquinone derivatives and identified 16 compounds with enhanced cytoprotection compared to the clinically used benzoquinone idebenone. One of the major drawbacks of idebenone is its high metabolic conversion in the liver, which significantly restricts its therapeutic activity. Therefore, this study assessed the metabolic stability of the 16 identified naphthoquinone derivatives 1–16 using hepatocarcinoma cells in combination with an optimized reverse-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) method. Most of the derivatives showed significantly better stability than idebenone over 6 hours (p < 0.001). By extending the side-chain of SCQs, increased stability for some compounds was observed. Metabolic conversion from the derivative 3 to 5 and reduced idebenone metabolism in the presence of 5 were also observed. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of naphthoquinone-based SCQs and provide essential insights for future drug design, prodrug therapy and polytherapy, respectively.
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