1
|
Macedo PE, Batista JES, Souza LR, Dafre AL, Farina M, Kuca K, Posser T, Pinto PM, Boldo JT, Franco JL. Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism for screening acetylcholinesterase reactivators. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2024; 87:953-972. [PMID: 39292449 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2024.2401382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
The widely used insecticide chlorpyrifos (CP) is known to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity attributed to result in various neurological disorders and acetylcholine-dependent organ functions including heart, skeletal muscle, lung, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous systems. Enzyme reactivators, such as oximes, are known to restore AChE activity and mitigate adverse effects. The identification of compounds that reactivate AChE constitute agents with important therapeutic beneficial effects in cases of pesticide poisoning. However, the screening of novel drugs using traditional models may raise ethical concerns. This study aimed to investigate the potential of Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism for screening AChE reactivators, with a focus on organophosphate poisoning. The efficacy of several oximes, including pralidoxime, trimedoxime, obidoxime, methoxime, HI-6, K027, and K048, against CP-induced AChE activity inhibition in D. melanogaster was determined in silico, in vitro, and in vivo experiments. Molecular docking studies indicated a strong interaction between studied oximes and the active-site gorge of AChE. Data showed that selected oximes (100 μM) are effective in the reactivation of AChE inhibited by CP (10 μM) in vitro. Finally, in vivo investigations demonstrated that selected oximes, pralidoxime and K048 (1.5 ppm), reversed the locomotor deficits, inhibition of AChE activity as well as lowered the mortality rates induced by CP (0.75 ppm). Our findings contribute to utilization of D. melanogaster as a robust model for determination of actions of identified new AChE inhibitory agents with more effective therapeutic properties that those currently in use in the clinical practice in treatment of AChE associated disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Echeverria Macedo
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, Brazil
| | | | - Lorena Raspanti Souza
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, Brazil
| | - Alcir Luiz Dafre
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Farina
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Thais Posser
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, Brazil
| | - Paulo Marcos Pinto
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, Brazil
| | - Juliano Tomazzoni Boldo
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, Brazil
| | - Jeferson Luis Franco
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Niazi SK, Mariam Z. Computer-Aided Drug Design and Drug Discovery: A Prospective Analysis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 17:22. [PMID: 38256856 PMCID: PMC10819513 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In the dynamic landscape of drug discovery, Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) emerges as a transformative force, bridging the realms of biology and technology. This paper overviews CADDs historical evolution, categorization into structure-based and ligand-based approaches, and its crucial role in rationalizing and expediting drug discovery. As CADD advances, incorporating diverse biological data and ensuring data privacy become paramount. Challenges persist, demanding the optimization of algorithms and robust ethical frameworks. Integrating Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence amplifies CADDs predictive capabilities, yet ethical considerations and scalability challenges linger. Collaborative efforts and global initiatives, exemplified by platforms like Open-Source Malaria, underscore the democratization of drug discovery. The convergence of CADD with personalized medicine offers tailored therapeutic solutions, though ethical dilemmas and accessibility concerns must be navigated. Emerging technologies like quantum computing, immersive technologies, and green chemistry promise to redefine the future of CADD. The trajectory of CADD, marked by rapid advancements, anticipates challenges in ensuring accuracy, addressing biases in AI, and incorporating sustainability metrics. This paper concludes by highlighting the need for proactive measures in navigating the ethical, technological, and educational frontiers of CADD to shape a healthier, brighter future in drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zamara Mariam
- Centre for Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry City CV1 5FB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pereira MMA, Dini C, Souza JGS, Barão VAR, de Avila ED. Translating the determinant aspects on the study design in the dental implant field. Biomater Investig Dent 2023; 10:2287014. [PMID: 38204474 PMCID: PMC10763864 DOI: 10.1080/26415275.2023.2287014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective In this article, we analyzed the important categories capable of interfering with the determinants of scientific advancement in the type of study, considering seven leading journals over a 20-year. Methodology A bibliometric review was performed at the website of well-established implant dentistry journals in five-time points defined to represent a 20-year period of observation. The measures associated with the type of study design were: the country of origin of the article, country income, continent of the corresponding author, inter-institutional collaboration, interdisciplinary collaboration, type of funding, and topic of research. Logistic regression was used in the multiple models to identify the exploratory factors associated with the type of study. Results From a total of 1,944 articles, 50.6% comprised clinical studies. High-income countries and continents stood out for developing more clinical research than others. Since research funders request more collaborative research, overall clinical studies depended upon more inter-institutional collaboration than the others. Most clinical studies were partly supported by research institutes or universities and by industry. About the research topic, the majority of the clinical and animal studies disclosed surgical procedures. Conclusions High-income countries and continents are more likely to develop clinical studies in the surgical procedures field. The highest collaborations in terms of the number of institutions and funding sources are more prevalent in clinical research designs. Indeed, most in vivo studies in dental implant fields are performed to evaluate new materials or even new surgical procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Maria Alves Pereira
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caroline Dini
- Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Gabriel Silva Souza
- Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
- Dental Research Division, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil
- Dentistry Science School (Faculdade de Ciências Odontológicas - FCO), Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Valentim Adelino R. Barão
- Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Erica Dorigatti de Avila
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry at Araçatuba, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kyun ML, Park T, Jung H, Kim I, Kwon JI, Jeong SY, Choi M, Park D, Lee YB, Moon KS. Development of an In Vitro Model for Inflammation Mediated Renal Toxicity Using 3D Renal Tubules and Co-Cultured Human Immune Cells. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2023; 20:1173-1190. [PMID: 37843784 PMCID: PMC10645777 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-023-00602-4] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of various infectious diseases and the toxic effects of hyperinflammation by biotherapeutics have highlighted the need for in vitro preclinical models mimicking the human immune system. In vitro models studying the relationship between hyperinflammation and acute renal injury mainly rely on 2D culture systems, which have shown limitations in recapitulating kidney function. Herein, we developed an in vitro kidney toxicity model by co-culturing 3D engineered kidney proximal tubules cells (RPTEC/TERT1) with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). METHODS RPTEC/TERT1 were sandwich cultured to form 3D renal tubules for 16 days. The tubules were then co-cultured with PBMC using transwell (0.4 μm pores) for 24 h. Hyperinflammation of PBMC was induced during co-culture using polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (polyI:C) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to investigate the effects of the induced hyperinflammation on the renal tubules. RESULTS Encapsulated RPTEC/TERT1 cells in Matrigel exhibited elevated renal function markers compared to 2D culture. The coexistence of PBMC and polyI:C induced a strong inflammatory response in the kidney cells. This hyperinflammation significantly reduced primary cilia formation and upregulated kidney injury markers along the 3D tubules. Similarly, treating co-cultured PBMC with LPS to induce hyperinflammation resulted in comparable inflammatory responses and potential kidney injury. CONCLUSION The model demonstrated similar changes in kidney injury markers following polyI:C and LPS treatment, indicating its suitability for detecting immune-associated kidney damage resulting from infections and biopharmaceutical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Lang Kyun
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Tamina Park
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyewon Jung
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Inhye Kim
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-In Kwon
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Yule Jeong
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeongjin Choi
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeui Park
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Bin Lee
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyoung-Sik Moon
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Baby K, Maity S, Mehta CH, Nayak UY, Shenoy GG, Pai KSR, Harikumar KB, Nayak Y. Computational drug repurposing of Akt-1 allosteric inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7947. [PMID: 37193898 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35122-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) are the predominant form of lung malignancy and the reason for the highest number of cancer-related deaths. Widespread deregulation of Akt, a serine/threonine kinase, has been reported in NSCLC. Allosteric Akt inhibitors bind in the space separating the Pleckstrin homology (PH) and catalytic domains, typically with tryptophan residue (Trp-80). This could decrease the regulatory site phosphorylation by stabilizing the PH-in conformation. Hence, in this study, a computational investigation was undertaken to identify allosteric Akt-1 inhibitors from FDA-approved drugs. The molecules were docked at standard precision (SP) and extra-precision (XP), followed by Prime molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on selected hits. Post XP-docking, fourteen best hits were identified from a library of 2115 optimized FDA-approved compounds, demonstrating several beneficial interactions such as pi-pi stacking, pi-cation, direct, and water-bridged hydrogen bonds with the crucial residues (Trp-80 and Tyr-272) and several amino acid residues in the allosteric ligand-binding pocket of Akt-1. Subsequent MD simulations to verify the stability of chosen drugs to the Akt-1 allosteric site showed valganciclovir, dasatinib, indacaterol, and novobiocin to have high stability. Further, predictions for possible biological interactions were performed using computational tools such as ProTox-II, CLC-Pred, and PASSOnline. The shortlisted drugs open a new class of allosteric Akt-1 inhibitors for the therapy of NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krishnaprasad Baby
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Swastika Maity
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Chetan Hasmukh Mehta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Usha Y Nayak
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Gautham G Shenoy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576 104, India
| | - Karkala Sreedhara Ranganath Pai
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Kuzhuvelil B Harikumar
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - Yogendra Nayak
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Harbison CE, Aulbach AD, Bennet BM, Boyle MH, Carsillo ME, Crabbs TA, Keirstead ND, La Perle KMD, Pandiri AR, Shoieb AM, Siska WD. Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee Points to Consider: Biological Sample Retention From Nonclinical Toxicity Studies. Toxicol Pathol 2021; 50:252-265. [PMID: 34702102 DOI: 10.1177/01926233211049156] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Samples of biologic specimens and their derivatives (eg, wet tissues, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, histology slides, frozen tissues, whole blood, serum/plasma, and urine) are routinely collected during the course of nonclinical toxicity studies. Good Laboratory Practice regulations and/or guidance specify minimum requirements for specimen retention duration, with the caveat that retention of biologic specimens need not extend beyond the duration of sample stability. However, limited availability of published data regarding stability for various purposes following storage of each specimen type has resulted in confusion, uncertainty, and inconsistency as to the appropriate duration for storage of these specimens. To address these issues, a working group of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee was formed to review published information, regulations, and guidance pertinent to this topic and to summarize the current practices and rationales for retention duration through a survey-based approach. Information regarding experiences reaccessing biologic specimens and performing sample stability investigations was also collected. Based on this combined information, the working group developed several points to consider that may be referenced when developing or revising sample retention practices. [Box: see text].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Torrie A Crabbs
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Krista M D La Perle
- Comparative Pathology & Digital Imaging Shared Resource, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Arun R Pandiri
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch, Division of National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Subcutaneous toxicity of melittin-dKLA in ICR mice. Mol Cell Toxicol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13273-021-00148-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
8
|
Ferreira NH, Cunha NL, de Melo MRS, Fernandes FS, de Freitas KS, do Nascimento S, Ribeiro AB, de A E Silva ML, Cunha WR, Tavares DC. Betulinic acid exerts antigenotoxic and anticarcinogenic activities via inhibition of COX-2 and PCNA in rodents. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2021; 35:e22917. [PMID: 34541749 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Phytochemicals have been suggested as an effective strategy for cancer prevention. Within this context, triterpene betulinic acid (BA) exhibits several biological properties but its chemopreventive effect has not been fully demonstrated. The present study investigated the antigenotoxic potential of BA against doxorubicin (DXR)-induced genotoxicity using the mouse peripheral blood micronucleus assay, as well as its anticarcinogenic activity against 1,2dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colorectal lesions in rats. Micronuclei (MN) assay and aberrant crypt foci assay were used to assess the antigenotoxic and the anticarcinogenic potential, respectively. The molecular mechanisms underlying the anticarcinogenic activity of BA were evaluated by assessing anti-inflammatory (COX-2) and antiproliferative (PCNA) pathways. The results demonstrated that BA at the dose of 0.5 mg/kg bodyweight exerted antigenotoxic effects against DXR, with a reduction of 70.2% in the frequencies of chromosomal damage. Animals treated with BA showed a 64% reduction in the number of preneoplastic lesions when compared to those treated with the carcinogen alone. The levels of COX-2 and PCNA expression in the colon were significantly lower in animals treated with BA and DMH compared to those treated with the carcinogen alone. The chemopreventive effect of BA is related, at least in part, to its antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory activity, indicating a promising potential of this triterpene in anticancer therapies, especially for colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natália H Ferreira
- Mutagenesis Laboratory and Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Franca, Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nayanne L Cunha
- Mutagenesis Laboratory and Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Franca, Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Matheus R S de Melo
- Mutagenesis Laboratory and Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Franca, Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda S Fernandes
- Mutagenesis Laboratory and Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Franca, Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karoline S de Freitas
- Mutagenesis Laboratory and Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Franca, Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samuel do Nascimento
- Mutagenesis Laboratory and Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Franca, Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arthur B Ribeiro
- Mutagenesis Laboratory and Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Franca, Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Márcio L de A E Silva
- Mutagenesis Laboratory and Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Franca, Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wilson R Cunha
- Mutagenesis Laboratory and Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Franca, Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Denise C Tavares
- Mutagenesis Laboratory and Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Franca, Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shukla R, Singh TR. High-throughput screening of natural compounds and inhibition of a major therapeutic target HsGSK-3β for Alzheimer's disease using computational approaches. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2021; 19:61. [PMID: 33945025 PMCID: PMC8096881 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-021-00163-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease is a leading neurodegenerative disease worldwide and is the 6th leading cause of death in the USA. AD is a very complex disease and the drugs available in the market cannot fully cure it. The glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta plays a major role in the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein which forms the neurofibrillary tangles which is a major hallmark of AD. In this study, we have used a series of computational approaches to find novel inhibitors against GSK-3β to reduce the TAU hyperphosphorylation. RESULTS We have retrieved a set of compounds (n=167,741) and screened against GSK-3β in four sequential steps. The resulting analysis of virtual screening suggested that 404 compounds show good binding affinity and can be employed for pharmacokinetic analysis. From here, we have selected 20 compounds those were good in terms of pharmacokinetic parameters. All these compounds were re-docked by using Autodock Vina followed by Autodock. Four best compounds were employed for MDS and here predicted RMSD, RMSF, Rg, hydrogen bonds, SASA, PCA, and binding-free energy. From all these analyses, we have concluded that out of 167,741 compounds, the ZINC15968620, ZINC15968622, and ZINC70707119 can act as lead compounds against HsGSK-3β to reduce the hyperphosphorylation. CONCLUSION The study suggested three compounds (ZINC15968620, ZINC15968622, and ZINC70707119) have great potential to be a drug candidate and can be tested using in vitro and in vivo experiments for further characterization and applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Shukla
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Waknaghat, Solan, H.P., 173234, India
| | - Tiratha Raj Singh
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Waknaghat, Solan, H.P., 173234, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
van Steenwijk HP, Bast A, de Boer A. Immunomodulating Effects of Fungal Beta-Glucans: From Traditional Use to Medicine. Nutrients 2021; 13:1333. [PMID: 33920583 PMCID: PMC8072893 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of a well-functioning and balanced immune system has become more apparent in recent decades. Various elements have however not yet been uncovered as shown, for example, in the uncertainty on immune system responses to COVID-19. Fungal beta-glucans are bioactive molecules with immunomodulating properties. Insights into the effects and function of beta-glucans, which have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, advances with the help of modern immunological and biotechnological methods. However, it is still unclear into which area beta-glucans fit best: supplements or medicine? This review has highlighted the potential application of fungal beta-glucans in nutrition and medicine, reviewing their formulation, efficacy, safety profile, and immunomodulating effects. The current status of dietary fungal glucans with respect to the European scientific requirements for health claims related to the immune system and defense against pathogens has been reviewed. Comparing the evidence base of the putative health effects of fungal beta-glucan supplements with the published guidance documents by EFSA on substantiating immune stimulation and pathogen defense by food products shows that fungal beta-glucans could play a role in supporting and maintaining health and, thus, can be seen as a good health-promoting substance from food, which could mean that this effect may also be claimed if approved. In addition to these developments related to food uses of beta-glucan-containing supplements, beta-glucans could also hold a novel position in Western medicine as the concept of trained immunity is relatively new and has not been investigated to a large extent. These innovative concepts, together with the emerging success of modern immunological and biotechnological methods, suggest that fungal glucans may play a promising role in both perspectives, and that there are possibilities for traditional medicine to provide an immunological application in both medicine and nutrition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hidde P. van Steenwijk
- Campus Venlo, Food Claims Centre Venlo, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, 5911 BV Venlo, The Netherlands;
| | - Aalt Bast
- Campus Venlo, University College Venlo, Maastricht University, 5911 BV Venlo, The Netherlands;
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health, Maastricht University, 5911 BV Venlo, The Netherlands
| | - Alie de Boer
- Campus Venlo, Food Claims Centre Venlo, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, 5911 BV Venlo, The Netherlands;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Innovation in bioanalytical strategies and in vitro drug-drug interaction study approaches in drug discovery. Bioanalysis 2021; 13:513-532. [PMID: 33682424 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2021-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Failure to evaluate actual toxicities of investigational molecules in drug discovery is majorly due to inadequate evaluation of their pharmacokinetics. Limitation of conventional drug metabolism profiling procedure demands advancement of existing approaches. Various techniques such as 3D cell culture system, bio microfluidic OoC model, sandwich culture model is in pipeline to be employed at their full potential in drug discovery phase. Although they outweigh the conventional techniques in various aspects, a more detailed exploration of applicability in terms of automation and high throughput analysis is required. This review extensively discusses various ongoing innovations in bioanalytical techniques. The review also proposed various scientific strategies to be adopted for prior assessment of interaction possibilities in translational drug discovery research.
Collapse
|
12
|
Lacalle D, Castro-Abril HA, Randelovic T, Domínguez C, Heras J, Mata E, Mata G, Méndez Y, Pascual V, Ochoa I. SpheroidJ: An Open-Source Set of Tools for Spheroid Segmentation. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2021; 200:105837. [PMID: 33221056 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2020.105837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Spheroids are the most widely used 3D models for studying the effects of different micro-environmental characteristics on tumour behaviour, and for testing different preclinical and clinical treatments. In order to speed up the study of spheroids, imaging methods that automatically segment and measure spheroids are instrumental; and, several approaches for automatic segmentation of spheroid images exist in the literature. However, those methods fail to generalise to a diversity of experimental conditions. The aim of this work is the development of a set of tools for spheroid segmentation that works in a diversity of settings. METHODS In this work, we have tackled the spheroid segmentation task by first developing a generic segmentation algorithm that can be easily adapted to different scenarios. This generic algorithm has been employed to reduce the burden of annotating a dataset of images that, in turn, has been employed to train several deep learning architectures for semantic segmentation. Both our generic algorithm and the constructed deep learning models have been tested with several datasets of spheroid images where the spheroids were grown under several experimental conditions, and the images acquired using different equipment. RESULTS The developed generic algorithm can be particularised to different scenarios; however, those particular algorithms fail to generalise to different conditions. By contrast, the best deep learning model, constructed using the HRNet-Seg architecture, generalises properly to a diversity of scenarios. In order to facilitate the dissemination and use of our algorithms and models, we present SpheroidJ, a set of open-source tools for spheroid segmentation. CONCLUSIONS In this work, we have developed an algorithm and trained several models for spheroid segmentation that can be employed with images acquired under different conditions. Thanks to this work, the analysis of spheroids acquired under different conditions will be more reliable and comparable; and, the developed tools will help to advance our understanding of tumour behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Lacalle
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of La Rioja, Spain
| | - Héctor Alfonso Castro-Abril
- Tissue MicroEnvironment (TME) lab, Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain; Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Grupo de modelado y métodos numéricos en Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia
| | - Teodora Randelovic
- Tissue MicroEnvironment (TME) lab, Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain; Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - César Domínguez
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of La Rioja, Spain
| | - Jónathan Heras
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of La Rioja, Spain.
| | - Eloy Mata
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of La Rioja, Spain
| | - Gadea Mata
- Confocal Microscopy Core Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Méndez
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of La Rioja, Spain
| | - Vico Pascual
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of La Rioja, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue MicroEnvironment (TME) lab, Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain; Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Emmerich CH, Gamboa LM, Hofmann MCJ, Bonin-Andresen M, Arbach O, Schendel P, Gerlach B, Hempel K, Bespalov A, Dirnagl U, Parnham MJ. Improving target assessment in biomedical research: the GOT-IT recommendations. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:64-81. [PMID: 33199880 PMCID: PMC7667479 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-0087-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Academic research plays a key role in identifying new drug targets, including understanding target biology and links between targets and disease states. To lead to new drugs, however, research must progress from purely academic exploration to the initiation of efforts to identify and test a drug candidate in clinical trials, which are typically conducted by the biopharma industry. This transition can be facilitated by a timely focus on target assessment aspects such as target-related safety issues, druggability and assayability, as well as the potential for target modulation to achieve differentiation from established therapies. Here, we present recommendations from the GOT-IT working group, which have been designed to support academic scientists and funders of translational research in identifying and prioritizing target assessment activities and in defining a critical path to reach scientific goals as well as goals related to licensing, partnering with industry or initiating clinical development programmes. Based on sets of guiding questions for different areas of target assessment, the GOT-IT framework is intended to stimulate academic scientists' awareness of factors that make translational research more robust and efficient, and to facilitate academia-industry collaboration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorena Martinez Gamboa
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- QUEST Center for Transforming Biomedical Research, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martine C J Hofmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine & Pharmacology TMP, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marc Bonin-Andresen
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olga Arbach
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- SPARK-Validation Fund, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pascal Schendel
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Katja Hempel
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Anton Bespalov
- PAASP GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology, Pavlov Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ulrich Dirnagl
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- QUEST Center for Transforming Biomedical Research, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael J Parnham
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine & Pharmacology TMP, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry & Pharmacy, J.W. Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Huang L, Luo H, Li S, Wu FX, Wang J. Drug-drug similarity measure and its applications. Brief Bioinform 2020; 22:5956929. [PMID: 33152756 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug similarities play an important role in modern biology and medicine, as they help scientists gain deep insights into drugs' therapeutic mechanisms and conduct wet labs that may significantly improve the efficiency of drug research and development. Nowadays, a number of drug-related databases have been constructed, with which many methods have been developed for computing similarities between drugs for studying associations between drugs, human diseases, proteins (drug targets) and more. In this review, firstly, we briefly introduce the publicly available drug-related databases. Secondly, based on different drug features, interaction relationships and multimodal data, we summarize similarity calculation methods in details. Then, we discuss the applications of drug similarities in various biological and medical areas. Finally, we evaluate drug similarity calculation methods with common evaluation metrics to illustrate the important roles of drug similarity measures on different applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lan Huang
- Hunan Provincial Key Lab of Bioinformatics, School of Computer Science and Engineering at Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Huimin Luo
- School of Computer and Information Engineering at Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Suning Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Lab of Bioinformatics, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fang-Xiang Wu
- College of Engineering and Department of Computer Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Jianxin Wang
- Hunan Provincial Key Lab of Bioinformatics, School of Computer Science and Engineering at Central South University, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Giubilato E, Cazzagon V, Amorim MJB, Blosi M, Bouillard J, Bouwmeester H, Costa AL, Fadeel B, Fernandes TF, Fito C, Hauser M, Marcomini A, Nowack B, Pizzol L, Powell L, Prina-Mello A, Sarimveis H, Scott-Fordsmand JJ, Semenzin E, Stahlmecke B, Stone V, Vignes A, Wilkins T, Zabeo A, Tran L, Hristozov D. Risk Management Framework for Nano-Biomaterials Used in Medical Devices and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:E4532. [PMID: 33066064 PMCID: PMC7601697 DOI: 10.3390/ma13204532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The convergence of nanotechnology and biotechnology has led to substantial advancements in nano-biomaterials (NBMs) used in medical devices (MD) and advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP). However, there are concerns that applications of NBMs for medical diagnostics, therapeutics and regenerative medicine could also pose health and/or environmental risks since the current understanding of their safety is incomplete. A scientific strategy is therefore needed to assess all risks emerging along the life cycles of these products. To address this need, an overarching risk management framework (RMF) for NBMs used in MD and ATMP is presented in this paper, as a result of a collaborative effort of a team of experts within the EU Project BIORIMA and with relevant inputs from external stakeholders. The framework, in line with current regulatory requirements, is designed according to state-of-the-art approaches to risk assessment and management of both nanomaterials and biomaterials. The collection/generation of data for NBMs safety assessment is based on innovative integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATA). The framework can support stakeholders (e.g., manufacturers, regulators, consultants) in systematically assessing not only patient safety but also occupational (including healthcare workers) and environmental risks along the life cycle of MD and ATMP. The outputs of the framework enable the user to identify suitable safe(r)-by-design alternatives and/or risk management measures and to compare the risks of NBMs to their (clinical) benefits, based on efficacy, quality and cost criteria, in order to inform robust risk management decision-making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Giubilato
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy; (E.G.); (V.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Virginia Cazzagon
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy; (E.G.); (V.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Mónica J. B. Amorim
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Magda Blosi
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-ISTEC), Via Granarolo 64, 48018 Faenza, Italy; (M.B.); (A.L.C.)
| | - Jacques Bouillard
- Institut National de l’Environnement industriel et des Risques, Parc Technologique ALATA, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France; (J.B.); (A.V.)
| | - Hans Bouwmeester
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Anna Luisa Costa
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-ISTEC), Via Granarolo 64, 48018 Faenza, Italy; (M.B.); (A.L.C.)
| | - Bengt Fadeel
- Division of Molecular Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Teresa F. Fernandes
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK;
| | - Carlos Fito
- Instituto Tecnologico del Embalaje, Transporte y Logistica, 46980 Paterna-Valencia, Spain;
| | - Marina Hauser
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland; (M.H.); (B.N.)
| | - Antonio Marcomini
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy; (E.G.); (V.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland; (M.H.); (B.N.)
| | - Lisa Pizzol
- GreenDecision Srl, Via delle Industrie, 21/8, 30175 Venice, Italy; (L.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Leagh Powell
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (L.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Adriele Prina-Mello
- Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland;
| | - Haralambos Sarimveis
- School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Elena Semenzin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy; (E.G.); (V.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.)
| | | | - Vicki Stone
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (L.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Alexis Vignes
- Institut National de l’Environnement industriel et des Risques, Parc Technologique ALATA, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France; (J.B.); (A.V.)
| | - Terry Wilkins
- Nanomanufacturing Institute, School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
| | - Alex Zabeo
- GreenDecision Srl, Via delle Industrie, 21/8, 30175 Venice, Italy; (L.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Lang Tran
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Research Avenue North, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AP, UK;
| | - Danail Hristozov
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy; (E.G.); (V.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Potluri V, Shandil RK, Gavara R, Sambasivam G, Campo B, Wittlin S, Narayanan S. Discovery of FNDR-20123, a histone deacetylase inhibitor for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Malar J 2020; 19:365. [PMID: 33046062 PMCID: PMC7549214 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03421-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Emergence of anti-malarial drug resistance and perpetual increase in malaria incidence necessitates the development of novel anti-malarials. Histone deacetylases (HDAC) has been shown to be a promising target for malaria, despite this, there are no HDAC inhibitors in clinical trials for malaria treatment. This can be attributed to the poor pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and selectivity of the HDAC inhibitors. Methods A collection of HDAC inhibitors were screened for anti-malarial activity, and the best candidate was profiled in parasite-killing kinetics, growth inhibition of sensitive and multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains and against gametocytes. Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion pharmacokinetics (ADME-PK) parameters of FNDR-20123 were determined, and in vivo efficacy was studied in a mouse model for Plasmodium falciparum infection. Results A compound library of HDAC inhibitors (180 in number) was screened for anti-malarial activity, of which FNDR-20123 was the most potent candidate. The compound had been shown to inhibit Plasmodium HDAC with IC50 of 31 nM and human HDAC with IC50 of 3 nM. The IC50 obtained for P. falciparum in asexual blood-stage assay was 42 nM. When compared to atovaquone and pyrimethamine, the killing profiles of FNDR-20123 were better than atovaquone and comparable to pyrimethamine. The IC50 values for the growth inhibition of sensitive and MDR strains were similar, indicating that there is no cross-resistance and a low risk of resistance development. The selected compound was also active against gametocytes, indicating a potential for transmission control: IC50 values being 190 nM for male and > 5 µM for female gametocytes. FNDR-20123 is a stable candidate in human/mouse/rat liver microsomes (> 75% remaining post 2-h incubation), exhibits low plasma protein binding (57% in humans) with no human Ether-à-go–go-Related Gene (hERG) liability (> 100 µM), and does not inhibit any of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms tested (IC50 > 25 µM). It also shows negligible cytotoxicity to HepG-2 and THP-1 cell lines. The oral pharmacokinetics in rats at 100 mg/kg body weight shows good exposures (Cmax = 1.1 µM) and half-life (T1/2 = 5.5 h). Furthermore, a 14-day toxicokinetic study at 100 mg/kg daily dose did not show any abnormality in body weight or gross organ pathology. FNDR-20123 is also able to reduce parasitaemia significantly in a mouse model for P. falciparum infection when dosed orally and subcutaneously. Conclusion FNDR-20123 may be a suitable candidate for the treatment of malaria, which can be further developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Potluri
- Foundation for Neglected Disease Research, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - R Gavara
- Anthem Biosciences Private Limited, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Brice Campo
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Wittlin
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hassan Q, Ahmadi S, Kerman K. Recent Advances in Monitoring Cell Behavior Using Cell-Based Impedance Spectroscopy. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:E590. [PMID: 32545753 PMCID: PMC7345285 DOI: 10.3390/mi11060590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based impedance spectroscopy (CBI) is a powerful tool that uses the principles of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) by measuring changes in electrical impedance relative to a voltage applied to a cell layer. CBI provides a promising platform for the detection of several properties of cells including the adhesion, motility, proliferation, viability and metabolism of a cell culture. This review gives a brief overview of the theory, instrumentation, and detection principles of CBI. The recent applications of the technique are given in detail for research into cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, toxicology as well as its application to 2D and 3D in vitro cell cultures. CBI has been established as a biophysical marker to provide quantitative cellular information, which can readily be adapted for single-cell analysis to complement the existing biomarkers for clinical research on disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kagan Kerman
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada; (Q.H.); (S.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Campbell A, Mohl JE, Gutierrez DA, Varela-Ramirez A, Boland T. Thermal Bioprinting Causes Ample Alterations of Expression of LUCAT1, IL6, CCL26, and NRN1L Genes and Massive Phosphorylation of Critical Oncogenic Drug Resistance Pathways in Breast Cancer Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:82. [PMID: 32154227 PMCID: PMC7047130 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioprinting technology merges engineering and biological fields and together, they possess a great translational potential, which can tremendously impact the future of regenerative medicine and drug discovery. However, the molecular effects elicited by thermal inkjet bioprinting in breast cancer cells remains elusive. Previous studies have suggested that bioprinting can be used to model tissues for drug discovery and pharmacology. We report viability, apoptosis, phosphorylation, and RNA sequence analysis of bioprinted MCF7 breast cancer cells at separate timepoints post-bioprinting. An Annexin A5-FITC apoptosis stain was used in combination with flow cytometry at 2 and 24 h post-bioprinting. Antibody arrays using a Human phospho-MAPK array kit was performed 24 h post-bioprinting. RNA sequence analysis was conducted in samples collected at 2, 7, and 24 h post-bioprinting. The post-bioprinting cell viability averages were 77 and 76% at 24 h and 48 h, with 31 and 64% apoptotic cells at 2 and 24 h after bioprinting. A total of 21 kinases were phosphorylated in the bioprinted cells and 9 were phosphorylated in the manually seeded controls. The RNA seq analysis in the bioprinted cells identified a total of 12,235 genes, of which 9.7% were significantly differentially expressed. Using a ±2-fold change as the cutoff, 266 upregulated and 206 downregulated genes were observed in the bioprinted cells, with the following 5 genes uniquely expressed NRN1L, LUCAT1, IL6, CCL26, and LOC401585. This suggests that thermal inkjet bioprinting is stimulating large scale gene alterations that could potentially be utilized for drug discovery. Moreover, bioprinting activates key pathways implicated in drug resistance, cell motility, proliferation, survival, and differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleli Campbell
- Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Jonathon E Mohl
- Department of Mathematical Sciences and Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Denisse A Gutierrez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Armando Varela-Ramirez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Thomas Boland
- Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Shukla R, Munjal NS, Singh TR. Identification of novel small molecules against GSK3β for Alzheimer's disease using chemoinformatics approach. J Mol Graph Model 2019; 91:91-104. [PMID: 31202091 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a rapidly increasing neurodegenerative disease. It is a multifactorial disease and also a global threat. Several enzymes are implicated in the disease in which Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta is a key enzyme to increase the disease progression by the hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein. We have used an integrative chemoinformatics and pharmacokinetics approach for the identification of novel small molecules. We have retrieved a subset from the ZINC database (n = 5,36,709) and screened against GSK3β in four steps. From here top 298 potent compounds were selected and employed for their pharmacokinetics analysis. We had seen that 29 compounds showed the key characteristics to be a novel drug candidate therefore, all these compounds were employed for redocking studies using Autodock Vina and Autodock. This analysis revealed that four compounds were showing good binding affinity. All these four compounds were employed for MDS analysis of 100 ns From here using a bunch of MD analyses we have found that out of four compounds GSK3β-ZINC21011059 and GSK3β-ZINC21011066 act as a stable protein-ligand complex. Therefore we proposed ZINC21011059 and ZINC21011066 can serve as a novel compounds against GSK3β and predicted scaffold can be used for further optimization towards the improvement of isoform selectivity, and warranting further investigations towards their in vitro and in vivo validation of the bioactivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Shukla
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Waknaghat, Solan, H.P, 173234, India
| | - Nupur S Munjal
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Waknaghat, Solan, H.P, 173234, India
| | - Tiratha Raj Singh
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Waknaghat, Solan, H.P, 173234, India.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Jamuna S, Rathinavel A, Mohammed Sadullah SS, Devaraj SN. In silico approach to study the metabolism and biological activities of oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes. Indian J Pharmacol 2019; 50:242-250. [PMID: 30636827 PMCID: PMC6302699 DOI: 10.4103/ijp.ijp_36_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Over the past three decades, numerous studies have focused on the biological activities of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) in the prevention of many diseases such as neurodegeneration, atherosclerosis, tumorigenesis, and microbial infections. OPC has redox-active metabolites which could modulate the intracellular redox equilibrium to maintain the antioxidant homeostasis. This redox-modulating efficiency of OPC could provide new insights into therapeutic approaches that could reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases. The main objective of this study was to explore the biological and metabolic activities of OPC using in silico approaches. METHODS: To validate the above objective, chemoinformatic tools were used to predict the metabolism of OPC after ingestion, based on both the ligand and structure of the constituent compounds. RESULTS: OPC showed possible sites for Phase I metabolism by cytochrome P450, and the metabolites obtained thereafter may be responsible for its biological activities. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity properties showed efficient absorption, distribution, and metabolism of OPC, without toxicity. CONCLUSION: Thus, from the results obtained, OPC could be strongly recommended as a cardioprotective drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sankar Jamuna
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
da Silva E Silva JV, Cordovil Brigido HP, Oliveira de Albuquerque KC, Miranda Carvalho J, Ferreira Reis J, Vinhal Faria L, Coelho-Ferreira M, Silveira FT, da Silva Carneiro A, Percário S, do Rosário Marinho AM, Dolabela MF. Flavopereirine-An Alkaloid Derived from Geissospermum vellosii-Presents Leishmanicidal Activity In Vitro. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24040785. [PMID: 30795632 PMCID: PMC6412932 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24040785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is limited in the treatment of leishmaniasis due to the toxic effects of drugs, low efficacy of alternative treatments, and resistance of the parasite. This work assesses the in vitro activity of flavopereirine on promastigote cultures of Leishmania amazonensis. In addition, an in silico evaluation of the physicochemical characteristics of this alkaloid is performed. The extract and fractions were characterized by thin-layer chromatography and HPLC-DAD, yielding an alkaloid identified by NMR. The antileishmanial activity and cytotoxicity were assayed by cell viability test (MTT). The theoretical molecular properties were calculated on the Molinspiration website. The fractionation made it possible to isolate a beta-carboline alkaloid (flavopereirine) in the alkaloid fraction. Moreover, it led to obtaining a fraction with greater antileishmanial activity, since flavopereirine is very active. Regarding the exposure time, a greater inhibitory effect of flavopereirine was observed at 24 h and 72 h (IC50 of 0.23 and 0.15 μg/mL, respectively). The extract, fractions, and flavopereirine presented low toxicity, with high selectivity for the alkaloid. Furthermore, flavopereirine showed no violation of Lipinski's rule of five, showing even better results than the known inhibitor of oligopeptidase B, antipain, with three violations. Flavopereirine also interacted with residue Tyr-499 of oligopeptidase B during the molecular dynamics simulations, giving a few insights of a possible favorable mechanism of interaction and a possible inhibitory pathway. Flavopereirine proved to be a promising molecule for its antileishmanial activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Victor da Silva E Silva
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, 66075-110 PA, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Immunomodulation and Protozoology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | - Lara Vinhal Faria
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Pará, Belém, 66075-110 PA, Brazil.
| | - Márlia Coelho-Ferreira
- Emílio Goeldi Paraense Museum, Coordination of Botany, Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communications. Belém, 66077-530 PA, Brazil.
| | - Fernando Tobias Silveira
- Evandro Chagas Institute, National Health Foundation, BR-316 Highway km 7, Ananindeua, 67030-000 PA, Brazil.
| | | | - Sandro Percário
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, 30329 GA, USA.
- Oxidative Stress Research Lab, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará, Belém, 66075-110 PA, Brazil.
| | | | - Maria Fâni Dolabela
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, 66075-110 PA, Brazil.
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Innovation, Federal University of Pará, Belém, 66075-110 PA, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Scavone C, di Mauro G, Mascolo A, Berrino L, Rossi F, Capuano A. The New Paradigms in Clinical Research: From Early Access Programs to the Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Unmet Medical Needs. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:111. [PMID: 30814951 PMCID: PMC6381027 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite several innovative medicines gaining worldwide approval in recent years, there are still therapeutic areas for which unsatisfied therapeutic needs persist. For example, high unmet clinical need was observed in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hemophilia, as well as in specific age groups, such as the pediatric population. Given the urgent need to improve the therapy of clinical conditions for which unmet clinical need is established, clinical testing, and approval of new medicines are increasingly being carried out through accelerated authorization procedures. Starting from 1992, the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency have supported the so-called Early Access Programs (EAPs). Such procedures, which can be based on incomplete clinical data, allow an accelerated marketing authorization for innovative medicines. The growth in pharmaceutical research has also resulted in the development of novel therapeutic approaches, such as biotech drugs and advanced therapy medicinal products, including new monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of asthma, antisense oligonucleotides for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy, and new anticancer drugs that act on genetic biomarkers rather than any specific type of cancer. Even though EAPs and novel therapeutic approaches have brought huge benefits for public health, their implementation is limited by several challenges, including the high risk of safety-related label changes for medicines authorized through the accelerated procedure, the high costs, and the reimbursement and access concerns. In this context, regulatory agencies should provide the best conditions for the implementation of the described new tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Scavone
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella di Mauro
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Mascolo
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Liberato Berrino
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Rossi
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Capuano
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
van Weelden G, Bobiński M, Okła K, van Weelden WJ, Romano A, Pijnenborg JMA. Fucoidan Structure and Activity in Relation to Anti-Cancer Mechanisms. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:E32. [PMID: 30621045 PMCID: PMC6356449 DOI: 10.3390/md17010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fucoidan is a natural derived compound found in different species of brown algae and in some animals, that has gained attention for its anticancer properties. However, the exact mechanism of action is currently unknown. Therefore, this review will address fucoidans structure, the bioavailability, and all known different pathways affected by fucoidan, in order to formulate fucoidans structure and activity in relation to its anti-cancer mechanisms. The general bioactivity of fucoidan is difficult to establish due to factors like species-related structural diversity, growth conditions, and the extraction method. The main pathways influenced by fucoidan are the PI3K/AKT, the MAPK pathway, and the caspase pathway. PTEN seems to be important in the fucoidan-mediated effect on the AKT pathway. Furthermore, the interaction with VEGF, BMP, TGF-β, and estrogen receptors are discussed. Also, fucoidan as an adjunct seems to have beneficial effects, for both the enhanced effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduced toxicity in healthy cells. In conclusion, the multipotent character of fucoidan is promising in future anti-cancer treatment. However, there is a need for more specified studies of the structure⁻activity relationship of fucoidan from the most promising seaweed species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geert van Weelden
- Faculty of Science, (Medical) Biology, Radboud University, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- The First Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Marcin Bobiński
- The First Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Karolina Okła
- The First Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Willem Jan van Weelden
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Andrea Romano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Johanna M A Pijnenborg
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Li H, Wang X, Yu H, Zhu J, Jin H, Wang A, Yang Z. Combining in vitro and in silico Approaches to Find New Candidate Drugs Targeting the Pathological Proteins Related to the Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:758-768. [PMID: 29086699 PMCID: PMC6080099 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666171030142108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as the most common cause of dementia among older people has aroused the universal concern of the whole world. However, until now there is still none effective treatments. Consequently, the development of new drugs targeting this complicated brain disorder is urgent and needs more efforts. In this review, we detailed the current state of knowledge about new candidate drugs targeting the pathological proteins especially the drugs which are employed using the combined methods of in vitro and in silico. Methods: We looked up and reviewed online papers related to the pathogenesis and new drugs development of AD. Then, articles up to the requirements were respectively analyzed and summaried to provide the latest knowledge about the pathogenic effect and the new candidate drugs targeting Aβ and Tau proteins. Results: New candidate drugs targeting the Aβ include decreasing the production, promoting the clearence and preventing aggregation. However these drugs have mostly failed in Phase III clinical trial stage due to the unsuccessful of reversing cognition symptoms. As to tau protein, the prevention of tau aggregation and propagation is a promising strategy to synthesize/design mechanism-based drugs against tauopathies. Some candidate drugs are under research. Moreover, because of the complex pathogenesis of AD, multi-target drugs have also shed light on the treatment of AD. Conclusion: Given to the consecutive failure of Aβ-directed drugs and the feasibilities of tau-targeted therapy, more and more researchers suggested that the AD treatment should be moved from Aβ to tau or focused on considering the soluble form of Aβ and tau as a whole. Moreover, the novel in silico methods also have great potential in drug discovery, drug repositioning, virtual screening of chemical libraries. No matter how many difficulties and challenges in prevention and treatment of AD, we firmly believe that the effective and safe drugs will be found using the combined methods in the immediate future with the global effort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiaobing Wang
- Tumor Marker Research Center, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Hongmei Yu
- China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
| | - Hongtao Jin
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Aiping Wang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zhaogang Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Daggupati T, Pamanji R, Yeguvapalli S. In silico screening and identification of potential GSK3β inhibitors. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2018; 38:279-289. [DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2018.1478854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rishika Pamanji
- Department of Computer Science Engineering, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pharmacokinetic parameters explain the therapeutic activity of antimicrobial agents in a silkworm infection model. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1578. [PMID: 29371643 PMCID: PMC5785531 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19867-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor pharmacokinetic parameters are a major reason for the lack of therapeutic activity of some drug candidates. Determining the pharmacokinetic parameters of drug candidates at an early stage of development requires an inexpensive animal model with few associated ethical issues. In this study, we used the silkworm infection model to perform structure-activity relationship studies of an antimicrobial agent, GPI0039, a novel nitrofuran dichloro-benzyl ester, and successfully identified compound 5, a nitrothiophene dichloro-benzyl ester, as a potent antimicrobial agent with superior therapeutic activity in the silkworm infection model. Further, we compared the pharmacokinetic parameters of compound 5 with a nitrothiophene benzyl ester lacking chlorine, compound 7, that exerted similar antimicrobial activity but had less therapeutic activity in silkworms, and examined the metabolism of these antimicrobial agents in human liver fractions in vitro. Compound 5 had appropriate pharmacokinetic parameters, such as an adequate half-life, slow clearance, large area under the curve, low volume of distribution, and long mean residence time, compared with compound 7, and was slowly metabolized by human liver fractions. These findings suggest that the therapeutic effectiveness of an antimicrobial agent in the silkworms reflects appropriate pharmacokinetic properties.
Collapse
|
27
|
Mazza G, Al-Akkad W, Rombouts K. Engineering in vitro models of hepatofibrogenesis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 121:147-157. [PMID: 28578016 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide marked by chronic inflammation and fibrosis/scarring, resulting in end-stage liver disease and its complications. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are a dominant contributor to liver fibrosis by producing excessive extracellular matrix (ECM), irrespective of the underlying disease aetiologies, and for many decades research has focused on the development of a number of anti-fibrotic strategies targeting this cell. Despite major improvements in two-dimensional systems (2D) by using a variety of cell culture models of different complexity, an efficient anti-fibrogenic therapy has yet to be developed. The development of well-defined three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models, which mimic ECM structures as found in vivo, have demonstrated the importance of cell-matrix bio-mechanics, the complex interactions between HSCs and hepatocytes and other non-parenchymal cells, and this to improve and promote liver cell-specific functions. Henceforth, refinement of these 3D in vitro models, which reproduce the liver microenvironment, will lead to new objectives and to a possible new era in the search for antifibrogenic compounds.
Collapse
|
28
|
Non-Clinical Studies for Evaluation of 8-C-Rhamnosyl Apigenin Purified from Peperomia obtusifolia against Acute Edema. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18091972. [PMID: 28906474 PMCID: PMC5618621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18091972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Compound 8-C-rhamnosyl apigenin (8CR) induced a moderate reduction in the enzymatic activity of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) from Crotalus durissus terrificus and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), but the compound also significantly inhibited the enzymatic activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase. In vitro assays showed that the compound induced a slight change in the secondary structure of sPLA2 from Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom. In vivo assays were divided into two steps. In the first step, the 8CR compound was administered by intraperitoneal injections 30 min prior to administration of sPLA2. In this condition, 8CR inhibited edema and myonecrosis induced by the sPLA2 activity of Crotalus durissus terrificus in a dose-dependent manner by decreasing interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and lipid peroxidation. This has been demonstrated by monitoring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat paws after the course of edema induced by sPLA2. These results, for the first time, show that sPLA2 of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom induces massive muscle damage, as well as significant edema by mobilization of cyclooxygenase enzymes. Additionally, its pharmacological activity involves increased lipid peroxidation as well as TNF-α and IL-1β production. Previous administration by the peritoneal route has shown that dose-dependent 8CR significantly decreases the enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes. This resulted in a decrease of the amount of bioactive lipids involved in inflammation; it also promoted a significant cellular protection against lipid peroxidation. In vivo experiments performed with 8CR at a concentration adjusted to 200 μg (8 mg/kg) of intraperitoneal injection 15 min after sPLA2 injection significantly reduced sPLA2 edema and the myotoxic effect induced by sPLA2 through the decrease in the enzymatic activity of cPLA2, cyclooxygenase, and a massive reduction of lipid peroxidation. These results clearly show that 8CR is a potent anti-inflammatory that inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and it may modulate the enzymatic activity of sPLA2 and cPLA2. In addition, it was shown that Crotalus durissus terrificus sPLA2 increases cell oxidative stress during edema and myonecrosis, and the antioxidant properties of the polyphenolic compound may be significant in mitigating the pharmacological effect induced by sPLA2 and other snake venom toxins.
Collapse
|