1
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Kamel AA, Nassar AY, Meligy FY, Omar YA, Nassar GAY, Ezzat GM. Acetylated oligopeptide and N-acetylcysteine protect against iron overload-induced dentate gyrus hippocampal degeneration through upregulation of Nestin and Nrf2/HO-1 and downregulation of MMP-9/TIMP-1 and GFAP. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3958. [PMID: 38396357 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Iron accumulation in the brain causes oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, and neurodegeneration. We examined the preventive effects of acetylated oligopeptides (AOP) from whey protein on iron-induced hippocampal damage compared to N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). This 5-week study used 40 male albino rats. At the start, all rats received 150 mg/kg/day of oral NAC for a week. The 40 animals were then randomly divided into four groups: Group I (control) received a normal diet; Group II (iron overload) received 60 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal iron dextran 5 days a week for 4 weeks; Group III (NAC group) received 150 mg/kg/day NAC and iron dextran; and Group IV (AOP group) received 150 mg/kg/day AOP and iron dextran. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, spectrophotometry, and qRT-PCR were used to measure MMP-9, tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), MDA, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene expression. Histopathological and immunohistochemical detection of nestin, claudin, caspase, and GFAP was also done. MMP-9, TIMP-1, MDA, caspase, and GFAP rose in the iron overload group, while GSH, Nrf2, HO-1, nestin, and claudin decreased. The NAC and AOP administrations improved iron overload-induced biochemical and histological alterations. We found that AOP and NAC can protect the brain hippocampus from iron overload, improve BBB disruption, and provide neuroprotection with mostly no significant difference from healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira A Kamel
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Y Nassar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Fatma Y Meligy
- Department of Restorative Dentistry and Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Petra, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Yomna A Omar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Gamal A Y Nassar
- Metabolic and Genetic Disorders Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ghada M Ezzat
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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2
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Fraternale A, Green KA, Schiavano GF, Bruschi M, Retini M, Magnani M, Green WR. Inhibition of myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) activity by redox-modulating agents restores T and B cell proliferative responses in murine AIDS. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110882. [PMID: 37659111 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110882] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms by which myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) mediate inhibition prominently include the production of reactive nitrogen species, in particular those generated by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and reactive oxygen species. LP-BM5 murine retroviral infection results in a profound immunodeficiency, known as murine AIDS, as well as in increased numbers and activity of monocytic-type MDSCs (M-MDSCs) that suppress both T and B cell responses. While M-MDSCs suppress T cells ex vivo in a fully iNOS/NO-dependent manner, M-MDSC suppression of B cell responses is only partially due to iNOS/NO. This study preliminarily explored the role of two redox-modulating compounds in inhibiting the M-MDSC suppressive activity in LP-BM5 infection. The tested molecules were: I-152 consisting in a conjugate of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and S-acetyl-cysteamine (SMEA) and C4-GSH that is the n-butanoyl glutathione (GSH) derivative. The results show that both molecules, tested in a concentration range between 3 and 20 mM, blocked the M-MDSC suppression of activated B and T cells ex vivo and restored their proliferative capacity in vivo. Ex vivo I-152 blockade of M-MDSC suppressiveness was more significant for T cell (about 70%) while M-MDSC blockade by C4-GSH was preferential for B cell responsiveness (about 60%), which was also confirmed by in vivo investigation. Beyond insights into redox-dependent suppressive effector mechanism(s) of M-MDSCs in LP-BM5 infection, these findings may ultimately be important to identify new immunotherapeutics against infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Fraternale
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy.
| | - Kathy A Green
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, NH, United States
| | | | - Michela Bruschi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Michele Retini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - William R Green
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, NH, United States
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3
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Bruschi M, Biancucci F, Masini S, Piacente F, Ligi D, Bartoccini F, Antonelli A, Mannello F, Bruzzone S, Menotta M, Fraternale A, Magnani M. The influence of redox modulation on hypoxic endothelial cell metabolic and proteomic profiles through a small thiol-based compound tuning glutathione and thioredoxin systems. Biofactors 2023; 49:1205-1222. [PMID: 37409789 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Reduction in oxygen levels is a key feature in the physiology of the bone marrow (BM) niche where hematopoiesis occurs. The BM niche is a highly vascularized tissue and endothelial cells (ECs) support and regulate blood cell formation from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). While in vivo studies are limited, ECs when cultured in vitro at low O2 (<5%), fail to support functional HSC maintenance due to oxidative environment. Therefore, changes in EC redox status induced by antioxidant molecules may lead to alterations in the cellular response to hypoxia likely favoring HSC self-renewal. To evaluate the impact of redox regulation, HUVEC, exposed for 1, 6, and 24 h to 3% O2 were treated with N-(N-acetyl-l-cysteinyl)-S-acetylcysteamine (I-152). Metabolomic analyses revealed that I-152 increased glutathione levels and influenced the metabolic profiles interconnected with the glutathione system and the redox couples NAD(P)+/NAD(P)H. mRNA analysis showed a lowered gene expression of HIF-1α and VEGF following I-152 treatment whereas TRX1 and 2 were stimulated. Accordingly, the proteomic study revealed the redox-dependent upregulation of thioredoxin and peroxiredoxins that, together with the glutathione system, are the main regulators of intracellular ROS. Indeed, a time-dependent ROS production under hypoxia and a quenching effect of the molecule were evidenced. At the secretome level, the molecule downregulated IL-6, MCP-1, and PDGF-bb. These results suggest that redox modulation by I-152 reduces oxidative stress and ROS level in hypoxic ECs and may be a strategy to fine-tune the environment of an in vitro BM niche able to support functional HSC maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Bruschi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Federica Biancucci
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Sofia Masini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Francesco Piacente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, and CEBR, University of Genoa, Genoa, GE, Italy
| | - Daniela Ligi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Francesca Bartoccini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Antonella Antonelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Mannello
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Santina Bruzzone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, and CEBR, University of Genoa, Genoa, GE, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, GE, Italy
| | - Michele Menotta
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fraternale
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, PU, Italy
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4
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Colomba M, Benedetti S, Fraternale D, Guidarelli A, Coppari S, Freschi V, Crinelli R, Kass GEN, Gorassini A, Verardo G, Roselli C, Meli MA, Di Giacomo B, Albertini MC. Nrf2-Mediated Pathway Activated by Prunus spinosa L. (Rosaceae) Fruit Extract: Bioinformatics Analyses and Experimental Validation. Nutrients 2023; 15:2132. [PMID: 37432298 PMCID: PMC10181019 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092132] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In our previous studies, Prunus spinosa fruit (PSF) ethanol extract was showed to exert antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities. In the present study, an integrated bioinformatics analysis combined with experimental validation was carried out to investigate the biological mechanism(s) that are responsible for the reported PSF beneficial effects as an antioxidant during a pro-inflammatory TLR4 insult. Bioinformatics analysis using miRNet 2.0 was carried out to address which biological process(es) the extract could be involved in. In addition, Chemprop was employed to identify the key targets of nuclear receptor (NR) signaling and stress response (SR) pathways potentially modulated. The miRNet analysis suggested that the PSF extract mostly activates the biological process of cellular senescence. The Chemprop analysis predicted three possible targets for nine phytochemicals found in the extract: (i) ARE signaling, (ii) mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and (iii) p53 SR pathways. The PSF extract antioxidant effect was also experimentally validated in vitro using the human monocyte U937 cell line. Our findings showed that Nrf2 is modulated by the extract with a consequent reduction of the oxidative stress level. This was confirmed by a strong decrease in the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) observed in the PSF-treated cells subjected to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (6 h treatment, 1 µg/mL). No visible effects were observed on p53 and MMP modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariastella Colomba
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.C.); (S.B.); (D.F.); (A.G.); (S.C.); (R.C.); (C.R.); (M.A.M.); (B.D.G.)
| | - Serena Benedetti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.C.); (S.B.); (D.F.); (A.G.); (S.C.); (R.C.); (C.R.); (M.A.M.); (B.D.G.)
| | - Daniele Fraternale
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.C.); (S.B.); (D.F.); (A.G.); (S.C.); (R.C.); (C.R.); (M.A.M.); (B.D.G.)
| | - Andrea Guidarelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.C.); (S.B.); (D.F.); (A.G.); (S.C.); (R.C.); (C.R.); (M.A.M.); (B.D.G.)
| | - Sofia Coppari
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.C.); (S.B.); (D.F.); (A.G.); (S.C.); (R.C.); (C.R.); (M.A.M.); (B.D.G.)
| | - Valerio Freschi
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences (DiSPeA), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy;
| | - Rita Crinelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.C.); (S.B.); (D.F.); (A.G.); (S.C.); (R.C.); (C.R.); (M.A.M.); (B.D.G.)
| | | | - Andrea Gorassini
- Department of Humanities and Cultural Heritage, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy;
| | - Giancarlo Verardo
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy;
| | - Carla Roselli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.C.); (S.B.); (D.F.); (A.G.); (S.C.); (R.C.); (C.R.); (M.A.M.); (B.D.G.)
| | - Maria Assunta Meli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.C.); (S.B.); (D.F.); (A.G.); (S.C.); (R.C.); (C.R.); (M.A.M.); (B.D.G.)
| | - Barbara Di Giacomo
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.C.); (S.B.); (D.F.); (A.G.); (S.C.); (R.C.); (C.R.); (M.A.M.); (B.D.G.)
| | - Maria Cristina Albertini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DiSB), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (M.C.); (S.B.); (D.F.); (A.G.); (S.C.); (R.C.); (C.R.); (M.A.M.); (B.D.G.)
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5
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Fraternale A, De Angelis M, De Santis R, Amatore D, Masini S, Monittola F, Menotta M, Biancucci F, Bartoccini F, Retini M, Fiori V, Fioravanti R, Magurano F, Chiarantini L, Lista F, Piersanti G, Palamara AT, Nencioni L, Magnani M, Crinelli R. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 by synthetic dual-acting thiol compounds that inhibit Spike/ACE2 interaction and viral protein production. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22741. [PMID: 36583713 PMCID: PMC9880737 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201157rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 life cycle is strictly dependent on the environmental redox state that influences both virus entry and replication. A reducing environment impairs the binding of the spike protein (S) to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2), while a highly oxidizing environment is thought to favor S interaction with ACE2. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 interferes with redox homeostasis in infected cells to promote the oxidative folding of its own proteins. Here we demonstrate that synthetic low molecular weight (LMW) monothiol and dithiol compounds induce a redox switch in the S protein receptor binding domain (RBD) toward a more reduced state. Reactive cysteine residue profiling revealed that all the disulfides present in RBD are targets of the thiol compounds. The reduction of disulfides in RBD decreases the binding to ACE2 in a cell-free system as demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays. Moreover, LMW thiols interfere with protein oxidative folding and the production of newly synthesized polypeptides in HEK293 cells expressing the S1 and RBD domain, respectively. Based on these results, we hypothesize that these thiol compounds impair both the binding of S protein to its cellular receptor during the early stage of viral infection, as well as viral protein folding/maturation and thus the formation of new viral mature particles. Indeed, all the tested molecules, although at different concentrations, efficiently inhibit both SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication in Vero E6 cells. LMW thiols may represent innovative anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics acting directly on viral targets and indirectly by inhibiting cellular functions mandatory for viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta De Angelis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Sofia Masini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Francesca Monittola
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Michele Menotta
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Federica Biancucci
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Francesca Bartoccini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Michele Retini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | | | - Raoul Fioravanti
- Department of Infectious Disease, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Magurano
- Department of Infectious Disease, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Chiarantini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Piersanti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Anna T Palamara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Infectious Disease, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Rita Crinelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
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6
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Benedetti S, Catalani S, De Stefani S, Primiterra M, Fraternale A, Palma F, Palini S. A microplate-based DCFH-DA assay for the evaluation of oxidative stress in whole semen. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10642. [PMID: 36158085 PMCID: PMC9489972 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The well-documented relationship between sperm oxidation and male infertility strongly encourages the development of assays for reactive oxygen species detection in semen samples. The present study aims to apply the microplate-based 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay to the evaluation of oxidative stress in unprocessed whole semen, thus avoiding sample centrifugations and other manipulations that may cause significant reactive oxygen species increments. Main methods The fluorescence assay consisted in the quantification of both intracellular and extracellular reactive oxygen species levels in unwashed semen specimens by using the probe 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate into a 96-well plate. The method was useful for the preliminary assessment of the oxidation levels of whole semen samples from men undergoing standard sperm analysis as well as to evaluate the effect of some pro-glutathione molecules on semen oxidative status. Key findings The 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay was successfully adapted to the evaluation of oxidative stress in whole semen, effectively revealing the perturbation of the redox homeostasis of the sample. Accordingly, specimens with abnormal sperm parameters (n = 10) presented oxidation indexes significantly higher than those with normospermia (n = 10) [7729 (range 3407–12769) vs. 1356 (range 470–2711), p < 0.001]; in addition, semen oxidation indexes negatively correlated to sperm motility and morphology. Noteworthy, whole semen exposure to pro-glutathione compounds led to reduced semen oxidation levels and sperm protection against oxidative damage. Significance Based on our pilot experimental data, the microplate-based 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay appears to be a convenient method for the detection of reactive oxygen species levels in whole semen samples, avoiding artifacts due to semen centrifugation steps. At the same time, the test could be a helpful tool for the basic and quick screening of antioxidant molecules able to preserve semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Benedetti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino, Via Saffi 2, Urbino, Italy
| | - Simona Catalani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino, Via Saffi 2, Urbino, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandra Fraternale
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino, Via Saffi 2, Urbino, Italy
| | - Francesco Palma
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino, Via Saffi 2, Urbino, Italy
| | - Simone Palini
- Physiopathology of Reproduction Unit, Cervesi Hospital, Via Ludwig Van Beethoven 1, Cattolica, Italy
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7
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Bartoccini F, Retini M, Crinelli R, Menotta M, Fraternale A, Piersanti G. Dithiol Based on l-Cysteine and Cysteamine as a Disulfide-Reducing Agent. J Org Chem 2022; 87:10073-10079. [PMID: 35862282 PMCID: PMC9361291 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c01050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
We report the synthesis, chemical properties, and disulfide
bond-reducing
performance of a dithiol called NACMEAA, conceived as a hybrid of
two biologically relevant thiols: cysteine and cysteamine. NACMEAA
is conveniently prepared from inexpensive l-cystine in an
efficient manner. As a nonvolatile, highly soluble, and neutral compound
at physiological pH with the first thiol pKa value of 8.0, NACMEAA is reactive and user-friendly. We also demonstrate
that NACMEAA reduces disulfide bonds in GSSG and lysozyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bartoccini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Michele Retini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Rita Crinelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Michele Menotta
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fraternale
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Giovanni Piersanti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy
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8
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Fernandes AS. Redox-Active Molecules as Therapeutic Agents. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11051004. [PMID: 35624867 PMCID: PMC9137761 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11051004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Fernandes
- CBIOS, Universidade Lusófona's Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
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9
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Kasuno K, Yodoi J, Iwano M. Urinary Thioredoxin as a Biomarker of Renal Redox Dysregulation and a Companion Diagnostic to Identify Responders to Redox-Modulating Therapeutics. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 36:1051-1065. [PMID: 34541903 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Significance: The development and progression of renal diseases, including acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), are the result of heterogeneous pathophysiology that reflects a range of environmental factors and, in a lesser extent, genetic mutations. The pathophysiology specific to most kidney diseases is not currently identified; therefore, these diseases are diagnosed based on non-pathological factors. For that reason, pathophysiology-based companion diagnostics for selection of pathophysiology-targeted treatments have not been available, which impedes personalized medicine in kidney disease. Recent Advances: Pathophysiology-targeted therapeutic agents are now being developed for the treatment of redox dysregulation. Redox modulation therapeutics, including bardoxolone methyl, suppresses the onset and progression of AKI and CKD. On the other hand, pathophysiology-targeted diagnostics for renal redox dysregulation are also being developed. Urinary thioredoxin (TXN) is a biomarker that can be used to diagnose tubular redox dysregulation. AKI causes oxidation and urinary excretion of TXN, which depletes TXN from the tubules, resulting in tubular redox dysregulation. Urinary TXN is selectively elevated at the onset of AKI and correlates with the progression of CKD in diabetic nephropathy. Critical Issues: Diagnostic methods should provide information about molecular mechanisms that aid in the selection of appropriate therapies to improve the prognosis of kidney disease. Future Directions: A specific diagnostic method enabling detection of redox dysregulation based on pathological molecular mechanisms is much needed and could provide the first step toward personalized medicine in kidney disease. Urinary TXN is a candidate for a companion diagnostic method to identify responders to redox-modulating therapeutics. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 1051-1065.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Kasuno
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.,Life Science Innovation Center, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Junji Yodoi
- Institute for Virus Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Japan Biostress Research Promotion Alliance (JBPA), Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masayuki Iwano
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
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10
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The protective effect of N-acetylcysteine on antimycin A-induced respiratory chain deficiency in mesenchymal stem cells. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 360:109937. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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11
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Liu S, Pi J, Zhang Q. Mathematical modeling reveals quantitative properties of KEAP1-NRF2 signaling. Redox Biol 2021; 47:102139. [PMID: 34600335 PMCID: PMC8531862 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Under oxidative and electrophilic stresses, cells launch an NRF2-mediated transcriptional antioxidant program. The activation of NRF2 depends on a redox sensor, KEAP1, which promotes the ubiquitination and degradation of NRF2. While a great deal has been learned about this duo, its quantitative signaling properties are largely unexplored. Here we examined these properties, including half-life, maximal activation, and response steepness (ultrasensitivity) of NRF2, through mathematical modeling. The models describe the binding of KEAP1 and NRF2 via ETGE and DLG motifs, NRF2 production, KEAP1-dependent and independent NRF2 degradation, and perturbations by different classes of NRF2 activators. Simulations revealed at the basal condition, NRF2 is sequestered by KEAP1 and the KEAP1-NRF2 complex is distributed comparably in an ETGE-bound (open) state and an ETGE and DLG dual-bound (closed) state. When two-step ETGE binding is considered, class I–V, electrophilic NRF2 activators shift the balance to a closed state incompetent to degrade NRF2, while the open and closed KEAP1-NRF2 complexes transition from operating in cycle mode to equilibrium mode. Ultrasensitive NRF2 activation (a steep rise of free NRF2) can occur when NRF2 nearly saturates KEAP1. The ultrasensitivity results from zero-order degradation through DLG binding and protein sequestration through ETGE binding. Optimal abundances of cytosolic and nuclear KEAP1 exist to maximize ultrasensitivity. These response characteristics do not require disruption of DLG binding as suggested by the hinge-latch hypothesis. In comparison, class VI NRF2 activators cause a shift to the open KEAP1-NRF2 complex and ultimately its complete dissociation, resulting in a fast release of NRF2 followed by stabilization. However, ultrasensitivity is lost due to decreasing free KEAP1 abundance. In summary, by simulating the dual role of KEAP1, i.e., sequestering and promoting degradation of NRF2, our modeling provides novel quantitative insights into NRF2 activation, which may help design novel NRF2 modulators and understand the oxidative actions of environmental stressors. Steep (ultrasensitive) NRF2 activation can occur when it rises to saturate KEAP1. Ultrasensitivity results from zero-order degradation and protein sequestration. Optimal cytosolic and nuclear KEAP1 abundances exist for maximal ultrasensitivity. Open and closed KEAP1-NRF2 complexes transition in cycle and equilibrium mode. NRF2 activation by KEAP1-NRF2 interaction inhibitors is more gradual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Liu
- Program of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China; Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Jingbo Pi
- Program of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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