1
|
La Monica G, Bono A, Alamia F, Lauria A, Martorana A. Bioisosteric heterocyclic analogues of natural bioactive flavonoids by scaffold-hopping approaches: State-of-the-art and perspectives in medicinal chemistry. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 109:117791. [PMID: 38870715 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117791] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The flavonoid family is a set of well-known bioactive natural molecules, with a wide range of potential therapeutic applications. Despite the promising results obtained in preliminary in vitro/vivo studies, their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles are severely compromised by chemical instability. To address this issue, the scaffold-hopping approach is a promising strategy for the structural optimization of natural leads to discover more potent analogues. In this scenario, this Perspective provides a critical analysis on how the replacement of the chromon-4-one flavonoid core with other bioisosteric nitrogen/sulphur heterocycles might affect the chemical, pharmaceutical and biological properties of the resulting new chemical entities. The investigated derivatives were classified on the basis of their biological activity and potential therapeutic indications. For each session, the target(s), the specific mechanism of action, if available, and the key pharmacophoric moieties were highlighted, as revealed by X-ray crystal structures and in silico structure-based studies. Biological activity data, in vitro/vivo studies, were examined: a particular focus was given on the improvements observed with the new heterocyclic analogues compared to the natural flavonoids. This overview of the scaffold-hopping advantages in flavonoid compounds is of great interest to the medicinal chemistry community to better exploit the vast potential of these natural molecules and to identify new bioactive molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele La Monica
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17, I-90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessia Bono
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17, I-90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Federica Alamia
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17, I-90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Lauria
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17, I-90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Annamaria Martorana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17, I-90128 Palermo, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Candib A, Lee N, Sam N, Cho E, Rojas J, Hastings R, DeAlva K, Khon D, Gonzalez A, Molina B, Torabzadeh G, Vu J, Hasenstab K, Sant K, Phillips JA, Finley K. The Influence of Cannabinoids on Drosophila Behaviors, Longevity, and Traumatic Injury Responses of the Adult Nervous System. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:e886-e896. [PMID: 37158809 PMCID: PMC11295667 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0285] [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] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The legalization of cannabis products has increased their usage in the United States. Among the ∼500 active compounds, this is especially true for cannabidiol (CBD)-based products, which are being used to treat a range of ailments. Research is ongoing regarding the safety, therapeutic potential, and molecular mechanism of cannabinoids. Drosophila (fruit flies) are widely used to model a range of factors that impact neural aging, stress responses, and longevity. Materials and Methods: Adult wild-type Drosophila melanogaster cohorts (w1118/+) were treated with different Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD dosages and examined for neural protective properties using established neural aging and trauma models. The therapeutic potential of each compound was assessed using circadian and locomotor behavioral assays and longevity profiles. Changes to NF-κB pathway activation were assessed by measuring expression levels of downstream targets using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of neural cDNAs. Results: Flies exposed to different CBD or THC dosages showed minimal effects to sleep and circadian-based behaviors or the age-dependent decline in locomotion. The 2-week CBD (3 μM) treatment did significantly enhance longevity. Flies exposed to different CBD and THC dosages were also examined under stress conditions, using the Drosophila mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) model (10×). Pretreatment with either compound did not alter baseline expression of key inflammatory markers (NF-κB targets), but did reduce neural mRNA profiles at a key 4-h time point following mTBI exposure. Locomotor responses were also significantly improved 1 and 2 weeks following mTBI. After mTBI (10×) exposure, the 48-h mortality rate improved for CBD (3 μM)-treated flies, as were global average longevity profiles for other CBD doses tested. While not significant, THC (0.1 μM)-treated flies show a net positive impact on acute mortality and longevity profiles following mTBI (10×) exposure. Conclusions: This study shows that the CBD and THC dosages examined had at most a modest impact on basal neural function, while demonstrating that CBD treatments had significant neural protective properties for flies following exposure to traumatic injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alec Candib
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Nicholas Lee
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Natasha Sam
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Eddie Cho
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jesse Rojas
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Reina Hastings
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kyle DeAlva
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Diana Khon
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Andrea Gonzalez
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Brandon Molina
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Gina Torabzadeh
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Josephine Vu
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kyle Hasenstab
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Karylin Sant
- Division of Environmental Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Joy A. Phillips
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kim Finley
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Division of Environmental Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dafre AL, Zahid S, Probst JJ, Currais A, Yu J, Schubert D, Maher P. CMS121: a novel approach to mitigate aging-related obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:4980-4999. [PMID: 38517358 PMCID: PMC11006478 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205673] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modulated by differences in genetic and environmental factors, laboratory mice often show progressive weight gain, eventually leading to obesity and metabolic dyshomeostasis. Since the geroneuroprotector CMS121 has a positive effect on energy metabolism in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes, we investigated the potential of CMS121 to counteract the metabolic changes observed during the ageing process of wild type mice. METHODS Control or CMS121-containing diets were supplied ad libitum for 6 months, and mice were sacrificed at the age of 7 months. Blood, adipose tissue, and liver were analyzed for glucose, lipids, and protein markers of energy metabolism. RESULTS The CMS121 diet induced a 40% decrease in body weight gain and improved both glucose and lipid indexes. Lower levels of hepatic caspase 1, caspase 3, and NOX4 were observed with CMS121 indicating a lower liver inflammatory status. Adipose tissue from CMS121-treated mice showed increased levels of the transcription factors Nrf1 and TFAM, as well as markers of mitochondrial electron transport complexes, levels of GLUT4 and a higher resting metabolic rate. Metabolomic analysis revealed elevated plasma concentrations of short chain acylcarnitines and butyrate metabolites in mice treated with CMS121. CONCLUSIONS The diminished de novo lipogenesis, which is associated with increased acetyl-CoA, acylcarnitine, and butyrate metabolite levels, could contribute to safeguarding not only the peripheral system but also the aging brain. By mimicking the effects of ketogenic diets, CMS121 holds promise for metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, since these diets are hard to follow over the long term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alcir L. Dafre
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Saadia Zahid
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jessica Jorge Probst
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Antonio Currais
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jingting Yu
- The Razavi Newman Integrative Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - David Schubert
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Pamela Maher
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu SZ, Chiao YA, Rabinovitch PS, Marcinek DJ. Mitochondrial Targeted Interventions for Aging. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041199. [PMID: 37788882 PMCID: PMC10910403 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Changes in mitochondrial function play a critical role in the basic biology of aging and age-related disease. Mitochondria are typically thought of in the context of ATP production and oxidant production. However, it is clear that the mitochondria sit at a nexus of cell signaling where they affect metabolite, redox, and energy status, which influence many factors that contribute to the biology of aging, including stress responses, proteostasis, epigenetics, and inflammation. This has led to growing interest in identifying mitochondrial targeted interventions to delay or reverse age-related decline in function and promote healthy aging. In this review, we discuss the diverse roles of mitochondria in the cell. We then highlight some of the most promising strategies and compounds to target aging mitochondria in preclinical testing. Finally, we review the strategies and compounds that have advanced to clinical trials to test their ability to improve health in older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Z Liu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Ying Ann Chiao
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, USA
| | - Peter S Rabinovitch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - David J Marcinek
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Oberman K, van Leeuwen BL, Nabben M, Villafranca JE, Schoemaker RG. J147 affects cognition and anxiety after surgery in Zucker rats. Physiol Behav 2024; 273:114413. [PMID: 37989448 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114413] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Vulnerable patients are at risk for neuroinflammation-mediated post-operative complications, including depression (POD) and cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Zucker rats, expressing multiple risk factors for post-operative complications in humans, may provide a clinically relevant model to study pathophysiology and explore potential interventions. J147, a newly developed anti-dementia drug, was shown to prevent POCD in young healthy rats, and improved early post-surgical recovery in Zucker rats. Aim of the present study was to investigate POCD and the therapeutic potential of J147 in male Zucker rats. Risk factors in the Zucker rat strain were evaluated by comparison with lean littermates. Zucker rats were subjected to major abdominal surgery. Acute J147 treatment was provided by a single iv injection (10 mg/kg) at the start of surgery, while chronic J147 treatment was provided in the food (aimed at 30 mg/kg/day), starting one week before surgery and up to end of protocol. Effects on behavior were assessed, and plasma, urine and brain tissue were collected and processed for immunohistochemistry and molecular analyses. Indeed, Zucker rats displayed increased risk factors for POCD, including obesity, high plasma triglycerides, low grade systemic inflammation, impaired spatial learning and decreased neurogenesis. Surgery in Zucker rats reduced exploration and increased anxiety in the Open Field test, impaired short-term spatial memory, induced a shift in circadian rhythm and increased plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), microglia activity in the CA1 and blood brain barrier leakage. Chronic, but not acute J147 treatment reduced anxiety in the Open Field test and protected against the spatial memory decline. Moreover, chronic J147 increased glucose sensitivity. Acute J147 treatment improved long-term spatial memory and reversed the circadian rhythm shift. No anti-inflammatory effects were seen for J147. Although Zucker rats displayed risk factors, surgery did not induce extensive POCD. However, increased anxiety may indicate POD. Treatment with J147 showed positive effects on behavioral and metabolic parameters, but did not affect (neuro)inflammation. The mixed effect of acute and chronic treatment may suggest a combination for optimal treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Oberman
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - B L van Leeuwen
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Nabben
- Departments of Genetics & Cell Biology and Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - J E Villafranca
- Abrexa Pharmaceuticals Inc., San Diego, United States of America
| | - R G Schoemaker
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, the Netherlands; University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Reed AL, Mitchell W, Alexandrescu AT, Alder NN. Interactions of amyloidogenic proteins with mitochondrial protein import machinery in aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1263420. [PMID: 38028797 PMCID: PMC10652799 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1263420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Most mitochondrial proteins are targeted to the organelle by N-terminal mitochondrial targeting sequences (MTSs, or "presequences") that are recognized by the import machinery and subsequently cleaved to yield the mature protein. MTSs do not have conserved amino acid compositions, but share common physicochemical properties, including the ability to form amphipathic α-helical structures enriched with basic and hydrophobic residues on alternating faces. The lack of strict sequence conservation implies that some polypeptides can be mistargeted to mitochondria, especially under cellular stress. The pathogenic accumulation of proteins within mitochondria is implicated in many aging-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. Mechanistically, these diseases may originate in part from mitochondrial interactions with amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) or its cleavage product amyloid-β (Aβ), α-synuclein (α-syn), and mutant forms of huntingtin (mHtt), respectively, that are mediated in part through their associations with the mitochondrial protein import machinery. Emerging evidence suggests that these amyloidogenic proteins may present cryptic targeting signals that act as MTS mimetics and can be recognized by mitochondrial import receptors and transported into different mitochondrial compartments. Accumulation of these mistargeted proteins could overwhelm the import machinery and its associated quality control mechanisms, thereby contributing to neurological disease progression. Alternatively, the uptake of amyloidogenic proteins into mitochondria may be part of a protein quality control mechanism for clearance of cytotoxic proteins. Here we review the pathomechanisms of these diseases as they relate to mitochondrial protein import and effects on mitochondrial function, what features of APP/Aβ, α-syn and mHtt make them suitable substrates for the import machinery, and how this information can be leveraged for the development of therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L. Reed
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Wayne Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andrei T. Alexandrescu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Nathan N. Alder
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Qiu F, Wang Y, Du Y, Zeng C, Liu Y, Pan H, Ke C. Current evidence for J147 as a potential therapeutic agent in nervous system disease: a narrative review. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:317. [PMID: 37674139 PMCID: PMC10481599 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03358-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects and is used to treat diseases such as dermatological diseases, infection, stress, depression, and anxiety. J147, an analogue of curcumin, is designed and synthesized with better stability and bioavailability. Accumulating evidence demonstrates the potential role of J147 in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, diabetic neuropathy, ischemic stroke, depression, anxiety, and fatty liver disease. In this narrative review, we summarized the background and biochemical properties of J147 and discussed the role and mechanism of J147 in different diseases. Overall, the mechanical attributes of J147 connote it as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Qiu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, 518110, Guangdong, China
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanmei Wang
- Department of critical care medicine, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunbo Du
- Department of critical care medicine, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Changchun Zeng
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuqiang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518025, Guangdong, China.
| | - Haobo Pan
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| | - Changneng Ke
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, 518110, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zahid S, Dafre AL, Currais A, Yu J, Schubert D, Maher P. The Geroprotective Drug Candidate CMS121 Alleviates Diabetes, Liver Inflammation, and Renal Damage in db/db Leptin Receptor Deficient Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6828. [PMID: 37047807 PMCID: PMC10095029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
db/db mice, which lack leptin receptors and exhibit hyperphagia, show disturbances in energy metabolism and are a model of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The geroneuroprotector drug candidate CMS121 has been shown to be effective in animal models of Alzheimer's disease and aging through the modulation of metabolism. Thus, the hypothesis was that CMS121 could protect db/db mice from metabolic defects and thereby reduce liver inflammation and kidney damage. The mice were treated with CMS121 in their diet for 6 months. No changes were observed in food and oxygen consumption, body mass, or locomotor activity compared to control db/db mice, but a 5% reduction in body weight was noted. Improved glucose tolerance and reduced HbA1c and insulin levels were also seen. Blood and liver triglycerides and free fatty acids decreased. Improved metabolism was supported by lower levels of fatty acid metabolites in the urine. Markers of liver inflammation, including NF-κB, IL-18, caspase 3, and C reactive protein, were lowered by the CMS121 treatment. Urine markers of kidney damage were improved, as evidenced by lower urinary levels of NGAL, clusterin, and albumin. Urine metabolomics studies provided further evidence for kidney protection. Mitochondrial protein markers were elevated in db/db mice, but CMS121 restored the renal levels of NDUFB8, UQCRC2, and VDAC. Overall, long-term CMS121 treatment alleviated metabolic imbalances, liver inflammation, and reduced markers of kidney damage. Thus, this study provides promising evidence for the potential therapeutic use of CMS121 in treating metabolic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saadia Zahid
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Alcir L. Dafre
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Biochemistry Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Antonio Currais
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jingting Yu
- The Razavi Newman Integrative Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - David Schubert
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Pamela Maher
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cummings J, Leisgang Osse AM, Kinney J. Geroscience and Alzheimer's Disease Drug Development. J Prev Alzheimers Dis 2023; 10:620-632. [PMID: 37874083 PMCID: PMC10720397 DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2023.103] [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] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Age is the most important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The acceptable age range for participation in AD clinical trials is 50 to 90, and this 40-year span incorporates enormous age-related change. Clinical trial participants tend to be younger and healthier than the general population. They are also younger than the general population of AD patients. Drug development from a geroscience perspective would take greater account of effects of aging on clinical trial outcomes. The AD clinical trial pipeline has diversified beyond the canonical targets of amyloid beta protein and tau. Many of these interventions apply to age-related disorders. Anti-inflammatory agents and bioenergetic and metabolic therapies are among the well represented classes in the pipeline and are applicable to AD and non-AD age-related conditions. Drug development strategies can be adjusted to better inform outcomes of trials regarding aged individuals. Inclusion of older individuals in the multiple ascending dose trials of Phase 1, use of geriatric-related clinical outcomes and biomarkers in Phase 2, and extension of these Phase 2 learnings to Phase 3 will result in a more comprehensive understanding of AD therapies and their relationship to aging. Clinical trials can employ a more comprehensive geriatric assessment approach and biomarkers more relevant to aging at baseline and as exploratory outcomes. Greater attention to the role of aging and its influence in AD clinical trials can result in better understanding of the generalizability of clinical trial findings to the older AD population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Cummings
- Jeffrey Cummings, 1380 Opal valley street, Henderson, Nevada 89052, USA,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Identification of a Hydroxygallic Acid Derivative, Zingibroside R1 and a Sterol Lipid as Potential Active Ingredients of Cuscuta chinensis Extract That Has Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Effects in Aged Caenorhabditis elegans. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194199. [PMID: 36235851 PMCID: PMC9570774 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the effects of the extracts from two traditional Chinese medicine plants, Cuscuta chinensis and Eucommia ulmoides, on the healthspan of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. C. chinensis increased the short-term memory and the mechanosensory response of aged C. elegans. Furthermore, both extracts improved the resistance towards oxidative stress, and decreased the intracellular level of reactive oxygen species. Chemical analyses of the extracts revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds such as chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, and quercetin. A fraction from the C. chinensis extract enriched in zingibroside R1 improved the lifespan, the survival after heat stress, and the locomotion in a manner similar to the full C. chinensis extract. Thus, zingibroside R1 could be (partly) responsible for the observed health benefits of C. chinensis. Furthermore, a hydroxygallic acid derivative and the sterol lipid 4-alpha-formyl-stigmasta-7,24(241)-dien-3-beta-ol are abundantly present in the C. chinensis extract and its most bioactive fraction, but hardly in E. ulmoides, making them good candidates to explain the overall healthspan benefits of C. chinensis compared to the specific positive effects on stress resistance by E. ulmoides. Our findings highlight the overall anti-aging effects of C. chinensis in C. elegans and provide first hints about the components responsible for these effects.
Collapse
|
11
|
Kepchia D, Huang L, Currais A, Liang Z, Fischer W, Maher P. The Alzheimer's disease drug candidate J147 decreases blood plasma fatty acid levels via modulation of AMPK/ACC1 signaling in the liver. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 147:112648. [PMID: 35051863 PMCID: PMC8854339 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
J147 is a novel drug candidate developed to treat neurological dysfunction. Numerous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of J147 in cellular and animal models of disease which has led to the transitioning of the compound into human clinical trials. However, no biomarkers for its target engagement have been identified. Here, we determined if specific metabolites in the plasma could be indicative of J147's activity in vivo. Plasma lipidomics data from three independent rodent studies were assessed along with liver lipidomics data from one of the studies. J147 consistently reduced plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels across the independent studies. Decreased FFA levels were also found in the livers of J147-treated mice that correlated well with those in the plasma. These changes in the liver were associated with activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase/acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 signaling pathway. A reduction in FFA levels by J147 was confirmed in HepG2 cells, where activation of the AMPK/ACC1 pathway was seen along with increases in acetyl-CoA and ATP levels which correlated with enhanced cellular bioenergetics. Our data show that J147 targets liver cells to activate the AMPK/ACC1 signaling pathway and preserve energy at the expense of inhibiting FFA synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devin Kepchia
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Ling Huang
- The Razavi Newman Integrative Genomics and Bioinformatics
Core, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Rd. La Jolla,
CA 92037, USA
| | - Antonio Currais
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for
Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Rd. La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Zhibin Liang
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for
Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Rd. La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Wolfgang Fischer
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for
Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Rd. La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Pamela Maher
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Molina B, Mastroianni J, Suarez E, Soni B, Forsberg E, Finley K. Treatment with Bacterial Biologics Promotes Healthy Aging and Traumatic Brain Injury Responses in Adult Drosophila, Modeling the Gut-Brain Axis and Inflammation Responses. Cells 2021; 10:900. [PMID: 33919883 PMCID: PMC8070821 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila are widely used to study neural development, immunity, and inflammatory pathways and processes associated with the gut-brain axis. Here, we examine the response of adult Drosophila given an inactive bacteriologic (IAB; proprietary lysate preparation of Lactobacillus bulgaricus, ReseT®) and a probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, LGG). In vitro, the IAB activates a subset of conserved Toll-like receptor (TLR) and nucleotide-binding, oligomerization domain-containing protein (NOD) receptors in human cells, and oral administration slowed the age-related decline of adult Drosophila locomotor behaviors. On average, IAB-treated flies lived significantly longer (+23%) and had lower neural aggregate profiles. Different IAB dosages also improved locomotor function and longevity profiles after traumatic brain injury (TBI) exposure. Mechanistically, short-term IAB and LGG treatment altered baseline nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κβ) signaling profiles in neural and abdominal tissues. Overall, at select dosages, IAB and LGG exposure has a positive impact on Drosophila longevity, neural aging, and mild traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related responses, with IAB showing greater benefit. This includes severe TBI (sTBI) responses, where IAB treatment was protective and LGG increased acute mortality profiles. This work shows that Drosophila are an effective model for testing bacterial-based biologics, that IAB and probiotic treatments promote neuronal health and influence inflammatory pathways in neural and immune tissues. Therefore, targeted IAB treatments are a novel strategy to promote the appropriate function of the gut-brain axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Molina
- Department of Biology, Shiley BioScience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; (B.M.); (J.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Jessica Mastroianni
- Department of Biology, Shiley BioScience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; (B.M.); (J.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Ema Suarez
- Department of Biology, Shiley BioScience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; (B.M.); (J.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Brijinder Soni
- Department Chemistry and Biohemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; (B.S.); (E.F.)
| | - Erica Forsberg
- Department Chemistry and Biohemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; (B.S.); (E.F.)
| | - Kim Finley
- Department of Biology, Shiley BioScience Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; (B.M.); (J.M.); (E.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Okechukwu C. Deciphering and manipulating the epigenome for the treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. MGM JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/mgmj.mgmj_90_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
|