1
|
Lockwood TD. Coordination chemistry suggests that independently observed benefits of metformin and Zn 2+ against COVID-19 are not independent. Biometals 2024; 37:983-1022. [PMID: 38578560 PMCID: PMC11255062 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-024-00590-5] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Independent trials indicate that either oral Zn2+ or metformin can separately improve COVID-19 outcomes by approximately 40%. Coordination chemistry predicts a mechanistic relationship and therapeutic synergy. Zn2+ deficit is a known risk factor for both COVID-19 and non-infectious inflammation. Most dietary Zn2+ is not absorbed. Metformin is a naked ligand that presumably increases intestinal Zn2+ bioavailability and active absorption by cation transporters known to transport metformin. Intracellular Zn2+ provides a natural buffer of many protease reactions; the variable "set point" is determined by Zn2+ regulation or availability. A Zn2+-interactive protease network is suggested here. The two viral cysteine proteases are therapeutic targets against COVID-19. Viral and many host proteases are submaximally inhibited by exchangeable cell Zn2+. Inhibition of cysteine proteases can improve COVID-19 outcomes and non-infectious inflammation. Metformin reportedly enhances the natural moderating effect of Zn2+ on bioassayed proteome degradation. Firstly, the dissociable metformin-Zn2+ complex could be actively transported by intestinal cation transporters; thereby creating artificial pathways of absorption and increased body Zn2+ content. Secondly, metformin Zn2+ coordination can create a non-natural protease inhibitor independent of cell Zn2+ content. Moderation of peptidolytic reactions by either or both mechanisms could slow (a) viral multiplication (b) viral invasion and (c) the pathogenic host inflammatory response. These combined actions could allow development of acquired immunity to clear the infection before life-threatening inflammation. Nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid®) opposes COVID-19 by selective inhibition the viral main protease by a Zn2+-independent mechanism. Pending safety evaluation, predictable synergistic benefits of metformin and Zn2+, and perhaps metformin/Zn2+/Paxlovid® co-administration should be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Lockwood
- Department Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Metformin Attenuates Inflammation and Fibrosis in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415508. [PMID: 36555150 PMCID: PMC9778898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is still unclear, and therapeutic drugs have great limitations. As metformin has multiple therapeutic effects in many autoimmune diseases, we explored the effects of metformin on TAO in an in vitro fibroblast model. We used orbital connective tissues and fibroblasts that were obtained from TAO patients and normal controls. The activity of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the levels of inflammatory or fibrotic factors were examined by immunofluorescence (IF) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), cytokine quantification by enzyme-linked immunosorbent sssay (ELISA), IF, and western blotting (WB) were used to measure the expression of factors related to inflammation, fibrosis, and autophagy. To determine the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic mechanisms of metformin, we pretreated cells with metformin, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR, an AMPK activator) or compound C (CC, an AMPK inhibitor) for 24 h and used WB to verify the changes in protein levels in the AMPK/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. We determined that the low activity of AMPK in the periorbital tissue of TAO patients may be closely related to the occurrence and development of inflammation and fibrosis, and metformin exerts multiple effects by activating AMPK in TAO. Furthermore, we suggest that AMPK may be a potential target of TAO therapy.
Collapse
|
3
|
Ge X, He X, Liu J, Zeng F, Chen L, Xu W, Shao R, Huang Y, Farag MA, Capanoglu E, El-Seedi HR, Zhao C, Liu B. Amelioration of type 2 diabetes by the novel 6, 8-guanidyl luteolin quinone-chromium coordination via biochemical mechanisms and gut microbiota interaction. J Adv Res 2022; 46:173-188. [PMID: 35700921 PMCID: PMC10105086 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Luteolin is a plant-derived flavonoid that exhibits a broad range of pharmacological activities. Studies on luteolin have mainly focused on its use for hyperlipidaemia prevention, whereas the capacity of the flavonoid to hinder hyperglycaemia development remains underexplored. OBJECTIVES To probe the anti-hyperglycemic mechanism of 6,8-guanidyl luteolin quinone-chromium coordination (GLQ.Cr), and to assess its regulatory effect on intestinal microbiota in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice. METHODS High-sucrose/high-fat diet-induced and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin was used to develop a T2DM model. Glycometabolism related indicators, histopathology, and gut microbiota composition in caecum samples were evaluated, and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of liver samples was conducted. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was further used to verify the anti-hyperglycemic activity of intestinal microbiota. RESULTS The administration of GLQ.Cr alleviated hyperglycaemia symptoms by improving liver and pancreatic functions and modulating gut microbe communities (Lactobacillus, Alistipes, Parabacteroides, Lachnoclostridium, and Desulfovibrio). RNA-seq analysis showed that GLQ.Cr mainly affected the peroxisome proliferative activated receptor (PPAR) signalling pathway in order to regulate abnormal glucose metabolism. FMT significantly modulated the abundance of Lactobacillus, Alloprevotella, Alistipes, Bacteroides, Ruminiclostridium, Brevundimonas and Pseudomonas in the caecum to balance blood glucose levels and counteract T2DM mice inflammation. CONCLUSION GLQ.Cr improved the abnormal glucose metabolism in T2DM mice by regulating the PPAR signalling pathway and modulating intestinal microbial composition. FMT can improve the intestinal microecology of the recipient and in turn ameliorate the symptoms of T2DM-induced hyperglycaemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Ge
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Xiaoyu He
- National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Junwei Liu
- College of Marine and Bioengineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224051, China
| | - Feng Zeng
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Ligen Chen
- College of Marine and Bioengineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224051, China
| | - Wei Xu
- College of Marine and Bioengineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224051, China
| | - Rong Shao
- College of Marine and Bioengineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224051, China
| | - Ying Huang
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Mohamed A Farag
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Esra Capanoglu
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak 34469 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hesham R El-Seedi
- Pharmacognosy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, BMC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Box 591, SE 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Chao Zhao
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China; College of Marine Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China.
| | - Bin Liu
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China; National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kim JW, Choe JY, Park SH. Metformin and its therapeutic applications in autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease. Korean J Intern Med 2022; 37:13-26. [PMID: 34879473 PMCID: PMC8747910 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2021.363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a first-line therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes. Apart from its glucose-lowering effect, metformin is attracting interest regarding possible therapeutic benefits in various other conditions. As metformin regulates cell metabolism, proliferation, growth, and autophagy, it may also modulate immune cell functions. Given that metformin acts on multiple intracellular signaling pathways, including adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, and that AMPK and its downstream intracellular signaling control the activation and differentiation of T and B cells and inflammatory responses, metformin may exert immunomodulatory and anti- inflammatory effects. The efficacy of metformin has been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies on rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout. In this review, we discuss the potential mechanisms through which metformin exerts its therapeutic effects in these diseases, focusing particularly on rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Won Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu,
Korea
| | - Jung-Yoon Choe
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu,
Korea
| | - Sung-Hwan Park
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Torres W, Nava M, Galbán N, Gómez Y, Morillo V, Rojas M, Cano C, Chacín M, D Marco L, Herazo Y, Velasco M, Bermúdez V, Rojas-Quintero J. Anti-Aging Effect of Metformin: A Molecular and Therapeutical Perspective. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 26:4496-4508. [PMID: 32674728 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200716161610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a time-dependent inevitable process, in which cellular homeostasis is affected, which has an impact on tissue function. This represents a risk factor for the development of numerous non-transmissible diseases. In consequence, the scientific community continues to search for therapeutic measures capable of improving quality of life and delaying cellular aging. At the center of this research is metformin, a widely used drug in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus treatment that has a reduced adverse effects profile. Furthermore, there is evidence that this drug has beneficial health effects that go beyond its anti-hyperglycemic properties. Among these effects, its geronto-protection capability stands out. There is growing evidence that points out to an increased life expectancy as well as the quality of life in model organisms treated with metformin. Therefore, there is an abundance of research centered on elucidating the mechanism through which metformin has its anti-aging effects. Among these, the AMPK, mTORC1, SIRT1, FOXO, NF.kB, and DICER1 pathways can be mentioned. Furthermore, studies have highlighted the possibility of a role for the gut microbiome in these processes. The next step is the design of clinical essays that have as a goal evaluating the efficacy and safety of metformin as an anti-aging drug in humans to create a paradigm in the medical horizon. The question being if metformin is, in fact, the new antiaging therapy in humans?
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wheeler Torres
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Manuel Nava
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Nestor Galbán
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Yosselin Gómez
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Valery Morillo
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Milagros Rojas
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Clímaco Cano
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Maricarmen Chacín
- Universidad Simón Bolívar, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Luis D Marco
- Hospital Clínico Universitario, INCLIVA, Nephrology Department, Valencia, España
| | - Yaneth Herazo
- Universidad Simón Bolívar, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Manuel Velasco
- Clinical Pharmacologic Unit, Vargas School of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas,
Venezuela
| | - Valmore Bermúdez
- Universidad Simón Bolívar, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Joselyn Rojas-Quintero
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School,
Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Salvatore T, Pafundi PC, Galiero R, Gjeloshi K, Masini F, Acierno C, Di Martino A, Albanese G, Alfano M, Rinaldi L, Sasso FC. Metformin: A Potential Therapeutic Tool for Rheumatologists. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13090234. [PMID: 32899806 PMCID: PMC7560003 DOI: 10.3390/ph13090234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is an oral antihyperglycemic drug widely used to treat type 2 diabetes, acting via indirect activation of 5′ Adenosine Monophosphate-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK). Actually, evidence has accumulated of an intriguing anti-inflammatory activity, mainly mediated by AMPK through a variety of mechanisms such as the inhibition of cytokine-stimulated Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) and the downregulation of the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathways. Moreover, AMPK plays an important role in the modulation of T lymphocytes and other pivotal cells of the innate immune system. The current understanding of these AMPK effects provides a strong rationale for metformin repurposing in the management of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Several studies demonstrated metformin’s beneficial effects on both animal and human rheumatologic diseases, especially on rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, even though data are large and remarkable, they almost exclusively come from experimental investigations with only a few from clinical trials. The lack of support from prospective placebo-controlled trials does not allow metformin to enter the therapeutic repertoire of rheumatologists. However, a large proportion of rheumatologic patients can currently benefit from metformin, such as those with concomitant obesity and type 2 diabetes, two conditions strongly associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout, as well as those with diabetes secondary to steroid therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Salvatore
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via de Crecchio, 7, I-80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Pia Clara Pafundi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza L. Miraglia, 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (K.G.); (F.M.); (C.A.); (A.D.M.); (G.A.); (M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Raffaele Galiero
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza L. Miraglia, 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (K.G.); (F.M.); (C.A.); (A.D.M.); (G.A.); (M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Klodian Gjeloshi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza L. Miraglia, 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (K.G.); (F.M.); (C.A.); (A.D.M.); (G.A.); (M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Francesco Masini
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza L. Miraglia, 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (K.G.); (F.M.); (C.A.); (A.D.M.); (G.A.); (M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Carlo Acierno
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza L. Miraglia, 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (K.G.); (F.M.); (C.A.); (A.D.M.); (G.A.); (M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Anna Di Martino
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza L. Miraglia, 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (K.G.); (F.M.); (C.A.); (A.D.M.); (G.A.); (M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Gaetana Albanese
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza L. Miraglia, 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (K.G.); (F.M.); (C.A.); (A.D.M.); (G.A.); (M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Maria Alfano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza L. Miraglia, 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (K.G.); (F.M.); (C.A.); (A.D.M.); (G.A.); (M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Luca Rinaldi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza L. Miraglia, 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (K.G.); (F.M.); (C.A.); (A.D.M.); (G.A.); (M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza L. Miraglia, 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (K.G.); (F.M.); (C.A.); (A.D.M.); (G.A.); (M.A.); (L.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-566-5010
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Thomas HE, Zhang Y, Stefely JA, Veiga SR, Thomas G, Kozma SC, Mercer CA. Mitochondrial Complex I Activity Is Required for Maximal Autophagy. Cell Rep 2020; 24:2404-2417.e8. [PMID: 30157433 PMCID: PMC6298213 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.07.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells adapt to nutrient and energy deprivation by inducing autophagy, which is regulated by the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and AMP-activated protein kinases (AMPKs). We found that cell metabolism significantly influences the ability to induce autophagy, with mitochondrial complex I function being an important factor in the initiation, amplitude, and duration of the response. We show that phenformin or genetic defects in complex I suppressed autophagy induced by mTOR inhibitors, whereas autophagy was enhanced by strategies that increased mitochondrial metabolism. We report that mTOR inhibitors significantly increased select phospholipids and mitochondrial-associated membranes (MAMs) in a complex I-dependent manner. We attribute the complex I autophagy defect to the inability to increase MAMs, limiting phosphatidylserine decarboxylase (PISD) activity and mitochondrial phosphatidylethanolamine (mtPE), which support autophagy. Our data reveal the dynamic and metabolic regulation of autophagy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hala Elnakat Thomas
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan A Stefely
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sonia R Veiga
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Cancer, Catalan Institute of Oncology, ICO, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, IDIBELL, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - George Thomas
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Laboratory of Metabolism and Cancer, Catalan Institute of Oncology, ICO, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, IDIBELL, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; Unit de Biochemistry, Department of Physiological Sciences II, Faculty of Medicine, Campus Universitari de Bellvitge-IDIBELL, University of Barcelona, 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sara C Kozma
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Laboratory of Metabolism and Cancer, Catalan Institute of Oncology, ICO, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, IDIBELL, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carol A Mercer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Soukas AA, Hao H, Wu L. Metformin as Anti-Aging Therapy: Is It for Everyone? Trends Endocrinol Metab 2019; 30:745-755. [PMID: 31405774 PMCID: PMC6779524 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2019.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Metformin is the most widely prescribed oral hypoglycemic medication for type 2 diabetes worldwide. Metformin also retards aging in model organisms and reduces the incidence of aging-related diseases such as neurodegenerative disease and cancer in humans. In spite of its widespread use, the mechanisms by which metformin exerts favorable effects on aging remain largely unknown. Further, not all individuals prescribed metformin derive the same benefit and some develop side effects. Before metformin finds its way to mainstay therapy for anti-aging, a more granular understanding of the effects of the drug in humans is needed. This review provides an overview of recent findings from metformin studies in aging and longevity and discusses the use of metformin to combat aging and aging-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Soukas
- Department of Medicine, Diabetes Unit and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Haibin Hao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study and School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Lianfeng Wu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study and School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Biguanide is a modifiable pharmacophore for recruitment of endogenous Zn 2+ to inhibit cysteinyl cathepsins: review and implications. Biometals 2019; 32:575-593. [PMID: 31044334 PMCID: PMC6647370 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-019-00197-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Excessive activities of cysteinyl cathepsins (CysCts) contribute to the progress of many diseases; however, therapeutic inhibition has been problematic. Zn2+ is a natural inhibitor of proteases with CysHis dyads or CysHis(Xaa) triads. Biguanide forms bidentate metal complexes through the two imino nitrogens. Here, it is discussed that phenformin (phenylethyl biguanide) is a model for recruitment of endogenous Zn2+ to inhibit CysHis/CysHis(X) peptidolysis. Phenformin is a Zn2+-interactive, anti-proteolytic agent in bioassay of living tissue. Benzoyl-L-arginine amide (BAA) is a classical substrate of papain-like proteases; the amide bond is scissile. In this review, the structures of BAA and the phenformin-Zn2+ complex were compared in silico. Their chemistry and dimensions are discussed in light of the active sites of papain-like proteases. The phenyl moieties of both structures bind to the "S2" substrate-binding site that is typical of many proteases. When the phenyl moiety of BAA binds to S2, then the scissile amide bond is directed to the position of the thiolate-imidazolium ion pair, and is then hydrolyzed. However, when the phenyl moiety of phenformin binds to S2, then the coordinated Zn2+ is directed to the identical position; and catalysis is inhibited. Phenformin stabilizes a "Zn2+ sandwich" between the drug and protease active site. Hundreds of biguanide derivatives have been synthesized at the 1 and 5 nitrogen positions; many more are conceivable. Various substituent moieties can register with various arrays of substrate-binding sites so as to align coordinated Zn2+ with catalytic partners of diverse proteases. Biguanide is identified here as a modifiable pharmacophore for synthesis of therapeutic CysCt inhibitors with a wide range of potencies and specificities. Phenformin-Zn2+ Complex.
Collapse
|
10
|
Rezaei M, Keshtzar E, Khodayar MJ, Javadipour M. SirT3 regulates diabetogenic effects caused by arsenic: An implication for mitochondrial complex II modification. Toxicol Lett 2019; 301:24-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
11
|
Cuyàs E, Verdura S, Llorach-Pares L, Fernández-Arroyo S, Luciano-Mateo F, Cabré N, Stursa J, Werner L, Martin-Castillo B, Viollet B, Neuzil J, Joven J, Nonell-Canals A, Sanchez-Martinez M, Menendez JA. Metformin directly targets the H3K27me3 demethylase KDM6A/UTX. Aging Cell 2018; 17:e12772. [PMID: 29740925 PMCID: PMC6052472 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin, the first drug chosen to be tested in a clinical trial aimed to target the biology of aging per se, has been clinically exploited for decades in the absence of a complete understanding of its therapeutic targets or chemical determinants. We here outline a systematic chemoinformatics approach to computationally predict biomolecular targets of metformin. Using several structure‐ and ligand‐based software tools and reference databases containing 1,300,000 chemical compounds and more than 9,000 binding sites protein cavities, we identified 41 putative metformin targets including several epigenetic modifiers such as the member of the H3K27me3‐specific demethylase subfamily, KDM6A/UTX. AlphaScreen and AlphaLISA assays confirmed the ability of metformin to inhibit the demethylation activity of purified KDM6A/UTX enzyme. Structural studies revealed that metformin might occupy the same set of residues involved in H3K27me3 binding and demethylation within the catalytic pocket of KDM6A/UTX. Millimolar metformin augmented global levels of H3K27me3 in cultured cells, including reversion of global loss of H3K27me3 occurring in premature aging syndromes, irrespective of mitochondrial complex I or AMPK. Pharmacological doses of metformin in drinking water or intraperitoneal injection significantly elevated the global levels of H3K27me3 in the hepatic tissue of low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐deficient mice and in the tumor tissues of highly aggressive breast cancer xenograft‐bearing mice. Moreover, nondiabetic breast cancer patients receiving oral metformin in addition to standard therapy presented an elevated level of circulating H3K27me3. Our biocomputational approach coupled to experimental validation reveals that metformin might directly regulate the biological machinery of aging by targeting core chromatin modifiers of the epigenome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Cuyàs
- ProCURE (Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance); Metabolism & Cancer Group; Catalan Institute of Oncology; Girona Catalonia Spain
- Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI); Girona Spain
| | - Sara Verdura
- ProCURE (Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance); Metabolism & Cancer Group; Catalan Institute of Oncology; Girona Catalonia Spain
- Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI); Girona Spain
| | | | - Salvador Fernández-Arroyo
- Unitat de Recerca Biomèdica; Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan; IISPV; Rovira i Virgili University; Reus Spain
| | - Fedra Luciano-Mateo
- Unitat de Recerca Biomèdica; Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan; IISPV; Rovira i Virgili University; Reus Spain
| | - Noemí Cabré
- Unitat de Recerca Biomèdica; Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan; IISPV; Rovira i Virgili University; Reus Spain
| | - Jan Stursa
- Institute of Chemical Technology; Prague Czech Republic
- Institute of Biotechnology; Czech Academy of Sciences; Prague-West Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Werner
- Institute of Chemical Technology; Prague Czech Republic
- Institute of Biotechnology; Czech Academy of Sciences; Prague-West Czech Republic
| | | | - Benoit Viollet
- INSERM U1016; Institut Cochin; Paris France
- CNRS UMR 8104; Paris France
- Université Paris Descartes; Sorbonne Paris Cité; Paris France
| | - Jiri Neuzil
- Institute of Biotechnology; Czech Academy of Sciences; Prague-West Czech Republic
- School of Medical Science; Menzies Health Institute Queensland; Griffith University; Southport Queensland Australia
| | - Jorge Joven
- Unitat de Recerca Biomèdica; Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan; IISPV; Rovira i Virgili University; Reus Spain
| | | | | | - Javier A. Menendez
- ProCURE (Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance); Metabolism & Cancer Group; Catalan Institute of Oncology; Girona Catalonia Spain
- Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI); Girona Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Qin X, Jiang T, Liu S, Tan J, Wu H, Zheng L, Zhao J. Effect of metformin on ossification and inflammation of fibroblasts in ankylosing spondylitis: An in vitro study. J Cell Biochem 2017; 119:1074-1082. [PMID: 28696014 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibroblasts ossification. However, effective drug therapy for AS is lacking. As an antidiabetic drug, metformin has demonstrated an antiosteogenic effect on osteoblasts in vitro. And it is also a kind of specific agonists for adenosine 5'-monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is blocked in the process of AS. Given the role in antiosteogenesis and AMPK activating, metformin was investigated of its effect on fibroblasts harvested from capsular ligament of patients with femoral neck fracture and AS. Osteogenic specific makers (Alp, Bglap, Runx2, Bmp2, and Col1) in fibroblasts administered with metformin (20 μg/mL) were detected by ALP staining, alizarin red staining, qPCR, and Western blotting after 7 and 14 days of culture. Inflammation genes (il1-β and il6) and pathway (Pi3k, Akt, and Ampk) associated markers were also evaluated. Our results showed that osteogenic specific markers were greatly downregulated and ossification was effectively inhibited in AS fibroblasts after addition of metformin. Levels of inflammation markers were also decreased by metformin. Thus, metformin exerts potent effect on suppression of ossification and inflammation in AS fibroblasts via the activation of Pi3k/Akt and AMPK pathways, which may be developed as a potential agent for treatment of AS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Qin
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Guangxi Biological Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Department of Orthopaedics Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Tongmeng Jiang
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Guangxi Biological Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Department of Orthopaedics Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Sijia Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Guangxi Biological Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiachang Tan
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Guangxi Biological Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Department of Orthopaedics Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Huayu Wu
- Department of Cell Biology & Genetics, School of Premedical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Li Zheng
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Guangxi Biological Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jinmin Zhao
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Materials for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Guangxi Biological Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Department of Orthopaedics Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
The obtaining of nutrients is the most important task in our lives. Energy is central to life's evolutions; this was one of the aspect that induced the selection of the more adaptable and more energetically profitable species. Nowadays things have changed in our modern society. A high proportion of people has access to plenty amount of food and the obesity appear as one of the pathological characteristics of our society. Energy is obtained essentially in the mitochondria with the transfer of protons across the inner membrane that produce ATP. The exactly regulation of the synthesis and degradation of ATP (ATP ↔ ADP + phosphate) is essential to all form of life. This task is performed by the 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). mtDNA is highly exposed to oxidative damage and could play a central role in human health and disease. This high potential rate of abnormalities is controlled by one of the most complex mechanism: the autophagy. AMPK appears to be the key cellular energy sensor involved in multiple cellular mechanisms and is essential to have a good metabolic homeostasis to face all the aggression and start the inflammatory reaction. Therefore its disturbances have been related with multiple diseases. Recent findings support the role of AMPK in inflammation and immunity such as Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity and Diabetes. All these Metabolic Disorders are considered pandemics and they need an adequate control and prevention. One important way to achieve it is deepen in the pathogenic mechanisms. Mitochondria and AMPK are the key elements through which it happen, their knowledge and research allow us to a better management. The discovery and use of drugs that can modulate them is imperative to improve our way of manage the metabolic disorders.
Collapse
|
14
|
Antidiabetic agents: Potential anti-inflammatory activity beyond glucose control. DIABETES & METABOLISM 2015; 41:183-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diabet.2015.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
15
|
Glossmann H, Reider N. A marriage of two "Methusalem" drugs for the treatment of psoriasis?: Arguments for a pilot trial with metformin as add-on for methotrexate. DERMATO-ENDOCRINOLOGY 2014; 5:252-63. [PMID: 24194965 PMCID: PMC3772913 DOI: 10.4161/derm.23874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this article we present arguments that the “antidiabetic” drug metformin could be useful as an add-on therapy to methotrexate for the treatment of psoriasis and, perhaps, for rheumatoid arthritis as well. Biochemical data suggest that both drugs may share a common cellular target, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This enzyme is a master regulator of metabolism and controls a number of downstream targets, e.g., important for cellular growth or function in many tissues including T-lymphocytes. Clinical observations as well as experimental results argue for anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic and antiproliferative activities of metformin and a case-control study suggests that the drug reduces the risk for psoriasis.
Patients with psoriasis have higher risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular mortality. Metformin has proven efficacy in the treatment of prediabetes and leads to a pronounced and sustained weight loss in overweight individuals. We expect that addition of metformin to methotrexate can lead to positive effects with respect to the PASI score, reduction of the weekly methotrexate dose and of elevated cardiovascular risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome and psoriasis. For reasons explained later we suggest that only male, overweight patients are to be included in a pilot trial. On the other side of the coin are concerns that the gastrointestinal side effects of metformin are intolerable for patients under low dose, intermittent methotrexate therapy. Metformin has another side effect, namely interference with vitamin B12 and folate metabolism, leading to elevated homocysteine serum levels. As patients must receive folate supplementation and will be controlled with respect to their B12 status increased hematological toxicity is unlikely to result.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hartmut Glossmann
- Institute for Biochemical Pharmacology; Department of Dermatology; Medical University of Innsbruck; Innsbruck, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Woetzel D, Huber R, Kupfer P, Pohlers D, Pfaff M, Driesch D, Häupl T, Koczan D, Stiehl P, Guthke R, Kinne RW. Identification of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients by transcriptome-based rule set generation. Arthritis Res Ther 2014; 16:R84. [PMID: 24690414 PMCID: PMC4060460 DOI: 10.1186/ar4526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Discrimination of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients from patients with other inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases or healthy individuals purely on the basis of genes differentially expressed in high-throughput data has proven very difficult. Thus, the present study sought to achieve such discrimination by employing a novel unbiased approach using rule-based classifiers. METHODS Three multi-center genome-wide transcriptomic data sets (Affymetrix HG-U133 A/B) from a total of 79 individuals, including 20 healthy controls (control group - CG), as well as 26 osteoarthritis (OA) and 33 RA patients, were used to infer rule-based classifiers to discriminate the disease groups. The rules were ranked with respect to Kiendl's statistical relevance index, and the resulting rule set was optimized by pruning. The rule sets were inferred separately from data of one of three centers and applied to the two remaining centers for validation. All rules from the optimized rule sets of all centers were used to analyze their biological relevance applying the software Pathway Studio. RESULTS The optimized rule sets for the three centers contained a total of 29, 20, and 8 rules (including 10, 8, and 4 rules for 'RA'), respectively. The mean sensitivity for the prediction of RA based on six center-to-center tests was 96% (range 90% to 100%), that for OA 86% (range 40% to 100%). The mean specificity for RA prediction was 94% (range 80% to 100%), that for OA 96% (range 83.3% to 100%). The average overall accuracy of the three different rule-based classifiers was 91% (range 80% to 100%). Unbiased analyses by Pathway Studio of the gene sets obtained by discrimination of RA from OA and CG with rule-based classifiers resulted in the identification of the pathogenetically and/or therapeutically relevant interferon-gamma and GM-CSF pathways. CONCLUSION First-time application of rule-based classifiers for the discrimination of RA resulted in high performance, with means for all assessment parameters close to or higher than 90%. In addition, this unbiased, new approach resulted in the identification not only of pathways known to be critical to RA, but also of novel molecules such as serine/threonine kinase 10.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Woetzel
- BioControl Jena GmbH, Wildenbruchstraße 15, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Rene Huber
- Experimental Rheumatology Unit, Department of Orthopedics, Jena University Hospital, Waldkrankenhaus Rudolf Elle, Klosterlausnitzer Straße 81, 07607 Eisenberg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Kupfer
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Dirk Pohlers
- Experimental Rheumatology Unit, Department of Orthopedics, Jena University Hospital, Waldkrankenhaus Rudolf Elle, Klosterlausnitzer Straße 81, 07607 Eisenberg, Germany
- Present address: Center of Diagnostics GmbH, Chemnitz Hospital, Flemmingstr. 2, 09116 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Michael Pfaff
- BioControl Jena GmbH, Wildenbruchstraße 15, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Department of Medical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Jena, Carl-Zeiss-Promenade 2, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Dominik Driesch
- BioControl Jena GmbH, Wildenbruchstraße 15, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Häupl
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charite-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dirk Koczan
- Institute of Immunology, University of Rostock, Schillingallee 68, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Peter Stiehl
- Institute of Pathology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstraße 24, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Reinhard Guthke
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Raimund W Kinne
- Experimental Rheumatology Unit, Department of Orthopedics, Jena University Hospital, Waldkrankenhaus Rudolf Elle, Klosterlausnitzer Straße 81, 07607 Eisenberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lockwood TD. Lysosomal metal, redox and proton cycles influencing the CysHis cathepsin reaction. Metallomics 2013; 5:110-24. [PMID: 23302864 DOI: 10.1039/c2mt20156a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In the 1930's pioneers discovered that maximal autolysis in tissue homogenates requires metal chelator, sulfhydryl reducing agent and acid pH. However, metals, reducing equivalents and protons (MR&P) have been overlooked as combined catalytic controls. Three categories of lysosomal machinery drive three distinguishable cycles importing and exporting MR&P. Zn(2+) preemptively inhibits CysHis catalysis under otherwise optimal protonation and reduction. Protein-bound cell Zn(2+) concentration is 200-2000 times the non-sequestered inhibitory concentration. Following autophagy, lysosomal proteolysis liberates much inhibitory Zn(2+). The vacuolar proton pump is the driving force for Zn(2+) export, as well as protonation of the peptidolytic mechanism. Other machinery of lysosomal cycles includes proton-driven Zn(2+) exporters (e.g. SLC11A1), Zn(2+) channels (e.g. TRPML-1), lysosomal thiol reductase, etc. The CysHis dyad is a sensor of the vacuolar environment of MR&P, an integrator of these simultaneous variables, and a catalytic responder. Rate-determination can shift between autophagic substrate acquisition (swallowing) and substrate degradation (digesting). Zn(2+) recycling from degraded proteins to new proteins is a fourth cycle that might pace lysosomal function under some conditions. Heritable insufficient or excess functions of CysHis cathepsins are associated with dysfunctional inflammation and immunity/auto-immunity, including diabetic pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Lockwood
- Dept. of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45435, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Connor AM, Mahomed N, Gandhi R, Keystone EC, Berger SA. TNFα modulates protein degradation pathways in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts. Arthritis Res Ther 2012; 14:R62. [PMID: 22417670 PMCID: PMC3446430 DOI: 10.1186/ar3778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2011] [Revised: 02/01/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory and destructive disease of the joint. The synovial lining consists of two main types of cells: synovial fibroblasts and macrophages. The macrophage-derived cytokine TNFα stimulates RA synovial fibroblasts to proliferate and produce growth factors, chemokines, proteinases and adhesion molecules, making them key players in the RA disease process. If proteins are not correctly folded, cellular stress occurs that can be relieved in part by increased degradation of the aberrant proteins by the proteasome or autophagy. We hypothesized that the activity of the protein degradation pathways would be increased in response to TNFα stimulation in RA synovial fibroblasts compared with control fibroblasts. METHODS Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers were examined in synovial fibroblasts by immunoblotting and PCR. Use of the autophagy and proteasome protein degradation pathways in response to TNFα stimulation was determined using a combination of experiments involving chemical inhibition of the autophagy or proteasome pathways followed by immunoblotting for the autophagy marker LC3, measurement of proteasome activity and long-lived protein degradation, and determination of cellular viability. RESULTS RA synovial fibroblasts are under acute ER stress, and the stress is increased in the presence of TNFα. Autophagy is the main pathway used to relieve the ER stress in unstimulated fibroblasts, and both autophagy and the proteasome are more active in RA synovial fibroblasts compared with control fibroblasts. In response to TNFα, the autophagy pathway but not the proteasome is consistently stimulated, yet there is an increased dependence on the proteasome for cell viability. If autophagy is blocked in the presence of TNFα, an increase in proteasome activity occurs in RA synovial fibroblasts but not in control cells. CONCLUSIONS TNFα stimulation of synovial fibroblasts results in increased expression of ER stress markers. Survival of synovial fibroblasts is dependent on continuous removal of proteins by both the lysosome/autophagy and ubiquitin/proteasome protein degradation pathways. Both pathways are more active in RA synovial fibroblasts compared with control fibroblasts. These results may provide a better understanding of the mechanism of TNFα on prolonging the survival of synovial fibroblasts in RA tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Connor
- Arthritis and Immune Disorder Research Centre, University Health Network, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, 10th Floor, Room 10-358, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Trautwein C, Kümmerer K. Incomplete aerobic degradation of the antidiabetic drug Metformin and identification of the bacterial dead-end transformation product Guanylurea. CHEMOSPHERE 2011; 85:765-73. [PMID: 21752423 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2011] [Revised: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/12/2011] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Active pharmaceutical ingredients as well as personal care products are detected in increasing prevalence in different environmental compartments such as surface water, groundwater and soil. Still little is known about the environmental fate of these substances. The type II antidiabetic drug Metformin has already been detected in different surface waters worldwide, but concentrations were significantly lower than the corresponding predicted environmental concentration (PEC). In human and mammal metabolism so far no metabolites of Metformin have been identified, so the expected environmental concentrations should be very high. To assess the aerobic biodegradability of Metformin and the possible formation of degradation products, three Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) test series were performed in the present study. In the Closed Bottle test (OECD 301 D), a screening test that simulates the conditions of an environmental surface water compartment, Metformin was classified as not readily biodegradable (no biodegradation). In the Manometric Respiratory test (OEDC 301 F) working with high bacterial density, Metformin was biodegraded in one of three test bottles to 48.7% and in the toxicity control bottle to 57.5%. In the Zahn-Wellens test (OECD 302 B) using activated sludge, Metformin was biodegraded in both test vessels to an extent of 51.3% and 49.9%, respectively. Analysis of test samples by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to multiple stage mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS(n)) showed in the tests vessels were biodegradation was observed full elimination of Metformin and revealed Guanylurea (Amidinourea, Dicyandiamidine) as single and stable aerobic bacterial degradation product. In another Manometric Respiratory test Guanylurea showed no more transformation. Photodegradation of Guanylurea was also negative. A first screening in one of the greatest sewage treatment plant in southern Germany found Metformin with high concentrations (56.8 μg L⁻¹) in the influent (PEC=79.8 μg L⁻¹), but effluent concentration was much lower (0.76 μg L⁻¹) whereas Guanylurea was detected in a low influent and high effluent concentration (1.86 μg L⁻¹). These data support the experimental findings in the OECD tests and analytical results of other studies, that Metformin under aerobic conditions can bacterially be degraded to the stable dead-end transformation product Guanylurea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Trautwein
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|