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Alves LDF, Moore JB, Kell DB. The Biology and Biochemistry of Kynurenic Acid, a Potential Nutraceutical with Multiple Biological Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9082. [PMID: 39201768 PMCID: PMC11354673 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25169082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an antioxidant degradation product of tryptophan that has been shown to have a variety of cytoprotective, neuroprotective and neuronal signalling properties. However, mammalian transporters and receptors display micromolar binding constants; these are consistent with its typically micromolar tissue concentrations but far above its serum/plasma concentration (normally tens of nanomolar), suggesting large gaps in our knowledge of its transport and mechanisms of action, in that the main influx transporters characterized to date are equilibrative, not concentrative. In addition, it is a substrate of a known anion efflux pump (ABCC4), whose in vivo activity is largely unknown. Exogeneous addition of L-tryptophan or L-kynurenine leads to the production of KYNA but also to that of many other co-metabolites (including some such as 3-hydroxy-L-kynurenine and quinolinic acid that may be toxic). With the exception of chestnut honey, KYNA exists at relatively low levels in natural foodstuffs. However, its bioavailability is reasonable, and as the terminal element of an irreversible reaction of most tryptophan degradation pathways, it might be added exogenously without disturbing upstream metabolism significantly. Many examples, which we review, show that it has valuable bioactivity. Given the above, we review its potential utility as a nutraceutical, finding it significantly worthy of further study and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana de Fátima Alves
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Building 220, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - J. Bernadette Moore
- School of Food Science & Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Douglas B. Kell
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Building 220, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
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Halliwell B, Cheah I. Are age-related neurodegenerative diseases caused by a lack of the diet-derived compound ergothioneine? Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 217:60-67. [PMID: 38492784 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
We propose that the diet-derived compound ergothioneine (ET) is an important nutrient in the human body, especially for maintenance of normal brain function, and that low body ET levels predispose humans to significantly increased risks of neurodegenerative (cognitive impairment, dementia, Parkinson's disease) and possibly other age-related diseases (including frailty, cardiovascular disease, and eye disease). Hence, restoring ET levels in the body could assist in mitigating these risks, which are rapidly increasing due to ageing populations globally. Prevention of neurodegeneration is especially important, since by the time dementia is usually diagnosed damage to the brain is extensive and likely irreversible. ET and vitamin E from the diet may act in parallel or even synergistically to protect different parts of the brain; both may be "neuroprotective vitamins". The present article reviews the substantial scientific basis supporting these proposals about the role of ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry Halliwell
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Centre for Life Sciences, #05-01A, 28 Medical Drive, 117456, Singapore.
| | - Irwin Cheah
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Centre for Life Sciences, #05-01A, 28 Medical Drive, 117456, Singapore.
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Chen L, Zhang L, Ye X, Deng Z, Zhao C. Ergothioneine and its congeners: anti-ageing mechanisms and pharmacophore biosynthesis. Protein Cell 2024; 15:191-206. [PMID: 37561026 PMCID: PMC10903977 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ergothioneine, Ovothiol, and Selenoneine are sulfur/selenium-containing histidine-derived natural products widely distributed across different organisms. They exhibit significant antioxidant properties, making them as potential lead compounds for promoting health. Increasing evidence suggests that Ergothioneine is positively correlated with healthy ageing and longevity. The mechanisms underlying Ergothioneine's regulation of the ageing process at cellular and molecular levels are beginning to be understood. In this review, we provide an in-depth and extensive coverage of the anti-ageing studies on Ergothioneine and discuss its possible intracellular targeting pathways. In addition, we highlight the recent efforts in elucidating the biosynthetic details for Ergothioneine, Ovothiol, and Selenoneine, with a particular focus on the study of their pharmacophore-forming enzymology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatory Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatory Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xujun Ye
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zixin Deng
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatory Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Changming Zhao
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatory Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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Arslan NP, Dawar P, Albayrak S, Doymus M, Azad F, Esim N, Taskin M. Fungi-derived natural antioxidants. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-24. [PMID: 38156661 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2298770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
In humans, exogenous antioxidants aid the endogenous antioxidant system to detoxify excess ROS generated during oxidative stress, thereby protecting the body against various diseases and stressful conditions. The majority of natural antioxidants available on the consumer market are plant-based; however, fungi are being recognized as alternative sources of various natural antioxidants such as polysaccharides, pigments, peptides, sterols, phenolics, alkaloids, and flavonoids. In addition, some exogenous antioxidants are exclusively found in fungi. Fungi-derived antioxidants exhibit scavenging activities against DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide radicals in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo models, application of fungal-derived antioxidants increase the level of various antioxidant enzymes, such as catalases, superoxide dismutases, and glutathione peroxidases, and reduce the level of malondialdehyde. Therefore, fungi-derived antioxidants have potential to be used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. This review summarizes the antioxidant potential of different fungi (mushrooms, yeasts, and molds)-derived natural compounds such as polysaccharides, pigments, peptides, ergothioneine, ergosterol, phenolics, alkaloids, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pranav Dawar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Seyda Albayrak
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Meryem Doymus
- Vocational School of Health Services of Hinis, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Fakhrul Azad
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nevzat Esim
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Art Faculty, Bingol University, Bingol, Turkey
| | - Mesut Taskin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
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Kurnijasanti R, Wardani G, Mustafa MR, Sudjarwo SA. Protective Mechanism Pathway of Swietenia macrophylla Extract Nanoparticles against Cardiac Cell Damage in Diabetic Rats. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:973. [PMID: 37513885 PMCID: PMC10383692 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperglycemia causes cardiac cell damage through increasing ROS production during diabetic complications. The current study proves the antioxidant activity of Swietenia macrophylla (S. macrophylla) extract nanoparticles as a protector against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced cardiac cell damage. In this research, high-energy ball milling is used to create S. macrophylla extract nanoparticles. The active chemical compounds in the S. macrophylla extract nanoparticles were analyzed through phytochemical screening and GC-MS. Furthermore, we characterized the size of S. macrophylla extract nanoparticles with Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Forty male rats were divided randomly into five groups. In the control group, rats received aqua dest orally; in the diabetic group, rats were injected intraperitoneally with STZ; in the S. macrophylla group, rats were injected with STZ and orally given S. macrophylla extract nanoparticles. The results of phytochemical screening showed that S. macrophylla extract nanoparticles contain saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics and tannins. Seven chemical compounds in S. macrophylla extract nanoparticles were identified using GC-MS, including phenol, piperidine, imidazole, hexadecene, heptadecanol, dihexylsulfide and heptanol. DLS showed that the S. macrophylla extract nanoparticles' size was 91.50 ± 23.06 nm. Injection with STZ significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in cardiac tissue and creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in serum. STZ also significantly reduced the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in cardiac tissue compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast, the administration of S. macrophylla extract nanoparticles can prevent STZ-induced cardiac cell damage through decreasing the level of CK-MB and LDH in serum and the level of MDA in cardiac tissue. S. macrophylla extract nanoparticles also significantly increased Nrf2 expression as well as SOD and GPx levels in cardiac tissue. These effects are related to the prevention of cardiac histopathological alteration (degeneration and necrosis) in diabetic rats. These results suggest that S. macrophylla nanoparticles contain active compounds such as flavonoids, phenols, piperidine, imidazole and hexadecene and have strong antioxidant activity. These can act as a potential cardioprotective agent against STZ-induced cardiac cell damage due to its antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rochmah Kurnijasanti
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| | - Giftania Wardani
- Program Study of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hang Tuah University, Surabaya 60239, Indonesia
| | - Mohd Rais Mustafa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Malaya University, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Sri Agus Sudjarwo
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
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Protection against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Ergothioneine. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020320. [PMID: 36829879 PMCID: PMC9951880 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Anthracyclines such as doxorubicin remain a primary treatment for hematological malignancies and breast cancers. However, cardiotoxicity induced by anthracyclines, possibly leading to heart failure, severely limits their application. The pathological mechanisms of anthracycline-induced cardiac injury are believed to involve iron-overload-mediated formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. The dietary thione, ergothioneine (ET), is avidly absorbed and accumulated in tissues, including the heart. Amongst other cytoprotective properties, ET was shown to scavenge ROS, decrease proinflammatory mediators, and chelate metal cations, including Fe2+, preventing them from partaking in redox activities, and may protect against mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. Plasma ET levels are also strongly correlated to a decreased risk of cardiovascular events in humans, suggesting a cardioprotective role. This evidence highlights ET's potential to counteract anthracycline cardiotoxicity. Methods and Findings: We investigated whether ET supplementation can protect against cardiac dysfunction in mice models of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and revealed that it had significant protective effects. Moreover, ET administration in a mouse breast cancer model did not exacerbate the growth of the tumor or interfere with the chemotherapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin. Conclusion: These results suggest that ET could be a viable co-therapy to alleviate the cardiotoxic effects of anthracyclines in the treatment of cancers.
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Pan HY, Ye ZW, Zheng QW, Yun F, Tu MZ, Hong WG, Chen BX, Guo LQ, Lin JF. Ergothioneine exhibits longevity-extension effect in Drosophila melanogaster via regulation of cholinergic neurotransmission, tyrosine metabolism, and fatty acid oxidation. Food Funct 2022; 13:227-241. [PMID: 34877949 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo02758a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have demonstrated the protective effect of ergothioneine (EGT), the unique sulfur-containing antioxidant found in mushrooms, on several aging-related diseases. Nevertheless, to date, no single study has explored the potential role of EGT in the lifespan of animal models. We show here that EGT consistently extends fly lifespan in diverse genetic backgrounds and both sexes, as well as in a dose and gender-dependent manner. Additionally, EGT is shown to increases the climbing activity of flies, enhance acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity, and maintain the ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG)of aged flies. The increase in lifespan by EGT is gut microorganism dependent. We proposed potential mechanisms of lifespan extension in Drosophila by EGT through RNA-seq analysis: preservation of the normal status of the central nervous system via the coordination of cholinergic neurotransmission, tyrosine metabolism, and peroxisomal proteins, regulation of autophagic activity by altering the lysosomal protein CTSD, and the preservation of normal mitochondrial function through controlled substrate feeding into the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, the major energy-yielding metabolic process in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yu Pan
- College of Food Science & Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China. .,Research Center for Micro-Ecological Agent Engineering and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Ye
- College of Food Science & Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China. .,Research Center for Micro-Ecological Agent Engineering and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Qian-Wang Zheng
- College of Food Science & Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China. .,Research Center for Micro-Ecological Agent Engineering and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Fan Yun
- Guangzhou Alchemy Biotechnology Co., Guangzhou 510760, China
| | - Ming-Zhen Tu
- College of Food Science & Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Wei-Guo Hong
- College of Food Science & Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Bai-Xiong Chen
- College of Food Science & Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China. .,Research Center for Micro-Ecological Agent Engineering and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Li-Qiong Guo
- College of Food Science & Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China. .,Research Center for Micro-Ecological Agent Engineering and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Jun-Fang Lin
- College of Food Science & Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China. .,Research Center for Micro-Ecological Agent Engineering and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510640, China
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Yadan JC. Matching chemical properties to molecular biological activities opens a new perspective on L-ergothioneine. FEBS Lett 2021; 596:1299-1312. [PMID: 34928499 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
L-ergothioneine is a low-molecular weight natural product, the chemical structure of which comprises oxygen-, nitrogen- and sulfur-containing functional groups. This gives L-ergothioneine specific physicochemical properties and allows to better understanding its chemical reactivity, which is primarily due to the 2-thio-imidazole group. Here, I review how different modes of chemical reactivity account for the reported molecular biological activities of L-ergothioneine. By matching the physicochemical properties to the biological properties of L-ergothioneine, a new perspective of the function and the mode of action of this enigmatic molecule emerges into the limelight.
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Tian X, Cioccoloni G, Sier JH, Naseem KM, Thorne JL, Moore JB. Ergothioneine supplementation in people with metabolic syndrome (ErgMS): protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2021; 7:193. [PMID: 34715934 PMCID: PMC8555363 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-021-00929-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring metabolite of histidine found in many foods and in high amounts in mushrooms. In vivo, ergothioneine acts as an antioxidant and is widely distributed in most mammalian tissues. While ergothioneine is sold as a dietary supplement for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, to date there are no published intervention trials examining its health benefits in humans. The aim of this work was to develop a study protocol for a pilot interventional trial that will establish the primary and secondary outcomes, and the power required, for a definitive randomised controlled trial to test the hypothesis that ergothioneine supplementation is beneficial for people with metabolic syndrome. Methods We have designed the ErgMS study as a single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-arm parallel, pilot intervention trial, which aims to supplement participants with either placebo, 5 or 30 mg/day ergothioneine for 12 weeks. Measurements of metabolic syndrome risk factors, serum markers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation), inflammation, blood platelet function and liver function will take place at baseline, and after 6 weeks and 12 weeks of supplementation. In addition, we will examine if there are any changes in the serum metabolome in response to ergothioneine supplementation. Linear regression and two-way ANOVA will be utilised to analyse the association between ergothioneine and measured variables. Discussion The ErgMS study will be the first study to address the question does ergothioneine supplementation have health benefits for people with metabolic syndrome. Study results will provide preliminary data as to which dose may improve inflammatory markers in adults with metabolic syndrome and will inform dose and primary outcome selection for a definitive randomised controlled trial. Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN25890011 Registered February 10th, 2021 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-021-00929-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Tian
- School of Food Science & Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Giorgia Cioccoloni
- School of Food Science & Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Joanna H Sier
- School of Food Science & Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Khalid M Naseem
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - James L Thorne
- School of Food Science & Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - J Bernadette Moore
- School of Food Science & Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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