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Pinto AV, Ferreira P, Cunha AV, Havenith RWA, Magalhães AL, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. Revisiting the reaction pathways for phospholipid hydrolysis catalyzed by phospholipase A2 with QM/MM methods. Chem Sci 2024; 15:9793-9805. [PMID: 38939148 PMCID: PMC11206408 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc02315c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is a Ca2+-dependent, widely distributed enzyme superfamily in almost all mammalian tissues and bacteria. It is also a critical component of the venom of nearly all snakes, as well as many invertebrate species. In non-venomous contexts, sPLA2 assumes significance in cellular signaling pathways by binding cell membranes and catalyzing ester bond hydrolysis at the sn-2 position of phospholipids. Elevated levels of GIIA sPLA2 have been detected in the synovial fluid of arthritis patients, where it exhibits a pro-inflammatory function. Consequently, identifying sPLA2 inhibitors holds promise for creating highly effective pharmaceutical treatments. Beyond arthritis, the similarities among GIIA sPLA2s offer an opportunity for developing treatments against snakebite envenoming, the deadliest neglected tropical disease. Despite decades of study, the details of PLA2 membrane-binding, substrate-binding, and reaction mechanism remain elusive, demanding a comprehensive understanding of the sPLA2 catalytic mechanism. This study explores two reaction mechanism hypotheses, involving one or two water molecules, and distinct roles for the Ca2+ cofactor. Our research focuses on the human synovial sPLA2 enzyme bound to lipid bilayers of varying phospholipid compositions, and employing adiabatic QM/MM and QM/MM MD umbrella sampling methods to energetically and geometrically characterize the structures found along both reaction pathways. Our studies demonstrate the higher frequency of productive conformations within the single-water pathway, also revealing a lower free energy barrier for hydrolyzing POPC. Furthermore, we observe that the TS of this concerted one-step reaction closely resembles transition state geometries observed in X-ray crystallography complexes featuring high-affinity transition state analogue inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre V Pinto
- LAQV/Requimte, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n 4169-007 Porto Portugal
| | - Pedro Ferreira
- LAQV/Requimte, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n 4169-007 Porto Portugal
| | - Ana V Cunha
- MolSpec, Departement Chemie, Universiteit Antwerpen Groenenborgerlaan 171 2020 Antwerpen Belgium
| | - Remco W A Havenith
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry and Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen Nijenborgh 4 9747 AG Groningen Netherlands
- The Netherlands and Ghent Quantum Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, Ghent University Krijgslaan 281 (S3) B-9000 Gent Belgium
| | - Alexandre L Magalhães
- LAQV/Requimte, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n 4169-007 Porto Portugal
| | - Maria J Ramos
- LAQV/Requimte, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n 4169-007 Porto Portugal
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- LAQV/Requimte, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n 4169-007 Porto Portugal
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Liu C, Huang J, Qiu J, Jiang H, Liang S, Su Y, Lin J, Zheng J. Quercitrin improves cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction by regulating macrophage polarization and metabolic reprogramming. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 127:155467. [PMID: 38447360 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The death and disability caused by myocardial infarction is a health problem that needs to be addressed worldwide, and poor cardiac repair and fibrosis after myocardial infarction seriously affect patient recovery. Postmyocardial infarction repair by M2 macrophages is of great significance for ventricular remodeling. Quercitrin (Que) is a common flavonoid in fruits and vegetables that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and other effects, but whether it has a role in the treatment of myocardial infarction is unclear. In this study, we constructed a mouse myocardial infarction model and administered Que. We found through cardiac ultrasound that Que administration improved cardiac ejection fraction and reduced ventricular remodeling. Staining of heart sections and detection of fibrosis marker protein levels revealed that Que administration slowed fibrosis after myocardial infarction. Flow cytometry showed that the proportion of M2 macrophages in the mouse heart was increased and that the expression levels of M2 macrophage markers were increased in the Que-treated group. Finally, we identified by metabolomics that Que reduces glycolysis, increases aerobic phosphorylation, and alters arginine metabolic pathways, polarizing macrophages toward the M2 phenotype. Our research lays the foundation for the future application of Que in myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congyong Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jungang Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Junxiong Qiu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Huiqi Jiang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Shi Liang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yangfan Su
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jun Lin
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Junmeng Zheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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Vlase AM, Toiu A, Gligor O, Muntean D, Casian T, Vlase L, Filip A, Bȃldea I, Clichici S, Decea N, Moldovan R, Toma VA, Virag P, Crișan G. Investigation of Epilobium hirsutum L. Optimized Extract's Anti-Inflammatory and Antitumor Potential. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:198. [PMID: 38256751 PMCID: PMC10819739 DOI: 10.3390/plants13020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Epilobium hirsutum L., commonly known as hairy willowherb, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia. In Romania, the Epilobium genus includes 17 species that are used in folk medicine for various purposes. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antitumor potential of the optimized extract of Epilobium hirsutum (EH) in animal models. The first study investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of EH optimized extract and the model used was carrageenan-induced paw inflammation. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: negative control, positive control treated with indomethacin, and a group treated with the extract. Oxidative stress markers, cytokine levels, and protein expressions were assessed. The extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties comparable to those of the control group. In the second study, the antitumor effects of the extract were assessed using the tumor model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. Swiss albino mice with Ehrlich ascites were divided into four groups: negative, positive treated with cyclophosphamide (Cph), Group 3 treated with Cph and EH optimized extract, and Group 4 treated with extract alone. Samples from the ascites fluid, liver, and heart were analyzed to evaluate oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer markers. The extract showed a reduction in tumor-associated inflammation and oxidative stress. Overall, the EH optimized extract exhibited promising anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects in the animal models studied. These findings suggest its potential as a natural adjuvant therapeutic agent for addressing inflammation and oxidative stress induced by different pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Vlase
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-M.V.); (O.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Anca Toiu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Octavia Gligor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-M.V.); (O.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Dana Muntean
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.M.); (T.C.)
| | - Tibor Casian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.M.); (T.C.)
| | - Laurian Vlase
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.M.); (T.C.)
| | - Adriana Filip
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.F.); (S.C.); (N.D.); (R.M.)
| | - Ioana Bȃldea
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.F.); (S.C.); (N.D.); (R.M.)
| | - Simona Clichici
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.F.); (S.C.); (N.D.); (R.M.)
| | - Nicoleta Decea
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.F.); (S.C.); (N.D.); (R.M.)
| | - Remus Moldovan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.F.); (S.C.); (N.D.); (R.M.)
| | - Vlad-Alexandru Toma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, 44 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Institute of Biological Research, Branch of NIRDBS, 48 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Piroska Virag
- Department of Radiobiology and Tumor Biology, The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuță”, 34-36 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Gianina Crișan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-M.V.); (O.G.); (G.C.)
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Mohammadhosseinpour S, Bhandari M, Lee DA, Clack B. Anti-Proliferative and Apoptotic Activities of Rumex crispus. Life (Basel) 2023; 14:8. [PMID: 38276257 PMCID: PMC10819952 DOI: 10.3390/life14010008] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death and the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. Several anticancer compounds from natural products have been of great interest in cancer chemotherapy and are currently in clinical trials. Natural products that present the targeted killing of cancerous cell and are soluble in water with minimal side effects are ideal candidates. In this study, water-soluble compounds from Rumex crispus plants were screened for anti-proliferative and apoptotic activity against human colorectal adenocarcinoma (DLD-1) cells. The most potent fraction with the highest cell killing and caspase fold change rates was selected for further experiments. The observed changes were further validated by measuring the caspase fold change using RT-qPCR. Furthermore, gene transcript levels were evaluated using an RT2 Profiler assay and a microarray experiment. Our results showed that the most potent L19 fraction exhibits anti-proliferative activity in a dose-dependent manner. The L19 fraction was found to induce apoptotic pathways by triggering different caspases and inflammatory pathways through the activation of non-apoptotic genes. Our study identified and validated the anticancer property of the L19 fraction, which can serve as a strong lead compound for the synthesis of other novel potent analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Mohammadhosseinpour
- Department of Biotechnology, Stephen F. Austin State University, The UT System, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, USA (D.A.L.); (B.C.)
- Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Mukund Bhandari
- Department of Biotechnology, Stephen F. Austin State University, The UT System, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, USA (D.A.L.); (B.C.)
- Greehey Children Cancer Research Institute, UT Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Dallas A. Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Stephen F. Austin State University, The UT System, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, USA (D.A.L.); (B.C.)
- MSEC Program, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
| | - Beatrice Clack
- Department of Biotechnology, Stephen F. Austin State University, The UT System, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, USA (D.A.L.); (B.C.)
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