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Milan A, Mioc M, Mioc A, Gogulescu A, Mardale G, Avram Ș, Maksimović T, Mara B, Șoica C. Cytotoxic Potential of Betulinic Acid Fatty Esters and Their Liposomal Formulations: Targeting Breast, Colon, and Lung Cancer Cell Lines. Molecules 2024; 29:3399. [PMID: 39064977 PMCID: PMC11279467 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29143399] [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: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Betulinic acid is a lupane-type pentacyclic triterpene mostly found in birch bark and thoroughly explored for its wide range of pharmacological activities. Despite its impressive biological potential, its low bioavailability has challenged many researchers to develop different formulations for achieving better in vitro and in vivo effects. We previously reported the synthesis of fatty acid esters of betulinic acid using butyric, stearic, and palmitic acids (But-BA, St-BA, and Pal-BA) and included them in surfaced-modified liposomes (But-BA-Lip, St-BA-Lip, Pal-BA-Lip). In the current study, we evaluated the cytotoxic effects of both fatty acid esters and their respective liposomal formulations against MCF-7, HT-29, and NCI-H460 cell line. The cytotoxic assessment of BA derivatives revealed that both the fatty esters and their liposomal formulations acted as cytotoxic agents in a dose- and time-dependent manner. But-BA-Lip exerted stronger cytotoxic effects than the parent compound, BA and its liposomal formulation, and even stronger effects than 5-FU against HT-29 cells (IC50 of 30.57 μM) and NCI-H460 cells (IC50 of 30.74 μM). BA's fatty esters and their respective liposomal formulations facilitated apoptosis in cancer cells by inducing nuclear morphological changes and increasing caspase-3/-7 activity. The HET-CAM assay proved that none of the tested compounds induced any irritative effect, suggesting that they can be used safely for local applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Milan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (G.M.); (Ș.A.); (T.M.); (B.M.); (C.Ș.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (G.M.); (Ș.A.); (T.M.); (B.M.); (C.Ș.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (G.M.); (Ș.A.); (T.M.); (B.M.); (C.Ș.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Armand Gogulescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Gabriel Mardale
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (G.M.); (Ș.A.); (T.M.); (B.M.); (C.Ș.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Ștefana Avram
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (G.M.); (Ș.A.); (T.M.); (B.M.); (C.Ș.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Tamara Maksimović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (G.M.); (Ș.A.); (T.M.); (B.M.); (C.Ș.)
| | - Bogdan Mara
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (G.M.); (Ș.A.); (T.M.); (B.M.); (C.Ș.)
- Institute of Chemistry Coriolan Drăgulescu, 24 Mihai Viteazu Ave, 300223 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Codruța Șoica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.M.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (G.M.); (Ș.A.); (T.M.); (B.M.); (C.Ș.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
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Putri AF, Utomo DH, Tunjung WAS, Putri WA. Analysis of the anti-Alzheimer potential of bioactive compounds from Citrus hystrix DC. peel, leaf, and essential oil by network pharmacology. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33496. [PMID: 39050443 PMCID: PMC11267028 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most known neurodegenerative disease, and its prevalence is predicted to increase significantly. Discovering novel drugs and treatments for AD is urgently needed. Drugs from natural products have been preferred lately due to their high potential and low toxicity. Citrus hystrix DC. (kaffir lime; KL) is one such herbal plant that is found abundantly in Southeast Asia with many biological activities. In this study, the potential of bioactive compounds from KL peel, leaf, and essential oil as anti-AD agents was explored using network pharmacology. First, the compounds were identified with KNApSAcK database and related literature. Subsequently, the targets of each corresponding compound were determined with SEA Search Server and Swiss Target Prediction, while the proteins associated with AD were identified using OMIM, GenCLiP3, and DisGeNET. Furthermore, a protein-protein interaction network and a compound-target interaction network were constructed to identify the most crucial proteins and compounds in the network by employing Cytoscape v3.9.1. The study continued with pathway enrichment analysis using STRING v1.7.1, molecular docking with PyRx and SwissDock, and molecular dynamics simulation with YASARA for further confirmation. Our results showed that almost all the secondary metabolites of KL targeted AD-associated genes, with oxypeucedanin and citrusoside A showing the highest anti-AD potential and targeting essential genes, EGFR and MAPK14, respectively. These targets were associated with inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, indicating the potential mechanism of KL in attenuating AD clinical manifestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adhisa Fathirisari Putri
- Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Teknika Selatan, Sekip Utara, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
- Bioinformatics Research Center, INBIO-Indonesia, Malang, 65162, Indonesia
| | - Didik Huswo Utomo
- Bioinformatics Research Center, INBIO-Indonesia, Malang, 65162, Indonesia
- Biosystem Education Center, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
| | - Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung
- Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Teknika Selatan, Sekip Utara, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Wahyu Aristyaning Putri
- Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Teknika Selatan, Sekip Utara, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
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Banerjee S, Banerjee S, Bishayee A, Da Silva MN, Sukocheva OA, Tse E, Casarcia N, Bishayee A. Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the potential of betulinic acid in cancer prevention and treatment. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 132:155858. [PMID: 39053249 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Betulinic acid (BA), which is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in the bark of plane, birch, and eucalyptus trees, has emerged as a compound of significant interest in scientific research due to its potential therapeutic applications. BA has a range of well-documented pharmacological and biological effects, including antibacterial, immunomodulatory, diuretic, antiviral, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities. Although numerous research studies have explored the potential anticancer effects of BA, there is a noticeable gap in the literature, highlighting the need for a more up-to-date and comprehensive evaluation of BA's anticancer potential. PURPOSE The aim of this work is to critically assess the reported cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the cancer preventive and therapeutic effects of BA. METHODS Relevant research on the inhibitory effects of BA against cancerous cells was searched using Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS The anticancer properties of BA are mediated by the activation of cell death and cell cycle arrest, production of reactive oxygen species, increased mitochondrial permeability, modulation of nuclear factor-κB and Bcl-2 family signaling. Emerging evidence also underscores the combined anticancer effects of BA with other natural bioactive compounds or approved drugs. Notably, several novel BA nanoformulations have been found to exhibit encouraging antineoplastic activities. CONCLUSION BA, whether used alone or in combination, or as a form of nanoformulation, shows significant potential for cancer prevention and treatment. Nevertheless, further detailed studies are necessary to confirm the therapeutic effectiveness of this natural compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhasis Banerjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Gupta College of Technological Sciences, Asansol 713 301, West Bengal, India
| | - Sabyasachi Banerjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Gupta College of Technological Sciences, Asansol 713 301, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Milton Nascimento Da Silva
- Laboratory of Liquid Chromatography, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; Chemistry Post-Graduation Program, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; Pharmaceutical Science Post-Graduation Program, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Olga A Sukocheva
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Edmund Tse
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Nicolette Casarcia
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA.
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Jaroszewski B, Jelonek K, Kasperczyk J. Drug Delivery Systems of Betulin and Its Derivatives: An Overview. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1168. [PMID: 38927375 PMCID: PMC11200571 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural origin products are regarded as promising for the development of new therapeutic therapies with improved effectiveness, biocompatibility, reduced side effects, and low cost of production. Betulin (BE) is very promising due to its wide range of pharmacological activities, including its anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. However, despite advancements in the use of triterpenes for clinical purposes, there are still some obstacles that hinder their full potential, such as their hydrophobicity, low solubility, and poor bioavailability. To address these concerns, new BE derivatives have been synthesized. Moreover, drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising solution to overcome the barriers faced in the clinical application of natural products. The aim of this manuscript is to summarize the recent achievements in the field of delivery systems of BE and its derivatives. This review also presents the BE derivatives mostly considered for medical applications. The electronic databases of scientific publications were searched for the most interesting achievements in the last ten years. Thus far, it is mostly nanoparticles (NPs) that have been considered for the delivery of betulin and its derivatives, including organic NPs (e.g., micelles, conjugates, liposomes, cyclodextrins, protein NPs), inorganic NPs (carbon nanotubes, gold NPs, silver), and complex/hybrid and miscellaneous nanoparticulate systems. However, there are also examples of microparticles, gel-based systems, suspensions, emulsions, and scaffolds, which seem promising for the delivery of BE and its derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Jaroszewski
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jedności 8, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Jelonek
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, Curie-Skłodowska 34 St., 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Janusz Kasperczyk
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jedności 8, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland;
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, Curie-Skłodowska 34 St., 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
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Adepoju FO, Sokolova KV, Gette IF, Danilova IG, Tsurkan MV, Mondragon AC, Kovaleva EG, Miranda JM. Protective Effect of Betulin on Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetes in Female Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2166. [PMID: 38396842 PMCID: PMC10888537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042166] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia and a relative loss of β-cell function. Our research investigated the antidiabetic potential of betulin, a pentacyclic triterpenoid found primarily in birch bark and, intriguingly, in a few marine organisms. Betulin has been shown to possess diverse biological activities, including antioxidant and antidiabetic activities; however, no studies have fully explored the effects of betulin on the pancreas and pancreatic islets. In this study, we investigated the effect of betulin on streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ)-induced diabetes in female Wistar rats. Betulin was prepared as an emulsion, and intragastric treatments were administered at doses of 20 and 50 mg/kg for 28 days. The effect of treatment was assessed by analyzing glucose parameters such as fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1C, and glucose tolerance; hepatic and renal biomarkers; lipid peroxidation; antioxidant enzymes; immunohistochemical analysis; and hematological indices. Administration of betulin improved the glycemic response and decreased α-amylase activity in diabetic rats, although insulin levels and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores remained unchanged. Furthermore, betulin lowered the levels of hepatic biomarkers (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alpha-amylase activities) and renal biomarkers (urea and creatine), in addition to improving glutathione levels and preventing the elevation of lipid peroxidation in diabetic animals. We also found that betulin promoted the regeneration of β-cells in a dose-dependent manner but did not have toxic effects on the pancreas. In conclusion, betulin at a dose of 50 mg/kg exerts a pronounced protective effect against cytolysis, diabetic nephropathy, and damage to the acinar pancreas and may be a potential treatment option for diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feyisayo O. Adepoju
- Department of Technology for Organic Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Technology, Ural Federal University, Mira 19, 620002 Yekaterinburg, Russia; (F.O.A.); (K.V.S.); (I.F.G.); (I.G.D.)
| | - Ksenia V. Sokolova
- Department of Technology for Organic Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Technology, Ural Federal University, Mira 19, 620002 Yekaterinburg, Russia; (F.O.A.); (K.V.S.); (I.F.G.); (I.G.D.)
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Irina F. Gette
- Department of Technology for Organic Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Technology, Ural Federal University, Mira 19, 620002 Yekaterinburg, Russia; (F.O.A.); (K.V.S.); (I.F.G.); (I.G.D.)
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Irina G. Danilova
- Department of Technology for Organic Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Technology, Ural Federal University, Mira 19, 620002 Yekaterinburg, Russia; (F.O.A.); (K.V.S.); (I.F.G.); (I.G.D.)
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | | | - Alicia C. Mondragon
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Nutrición y Bromatología, Campus Terra, Universidade da Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain;
| | - Elena G. Kovaleva
- Department of Technology for Organic Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Technology, Ural Federal University, Mira 19, 620002 Yekaterinburg, Russia; (F.O.A.); (K.V.S.); (I.F.G.); (I.G.D.)
| | - Jose Manuel Miranda
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Nutrición y Bromatología, Campus Terra, Universidade da Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain;
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Kowalski S, Karska J, Tota M, Skinderowicz K, Kulbacka J, Drąg-Zalesińska M. Natural Compounds in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Prevention and Treatment. Molecules 2024; 29:728. [PMID: 38338469 PMCID: PMC10856721 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030728] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The elevated occurrence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and the adverse effects associated with available treatments adversely impact the quality of life in multiple dimensions. In connection with this, there is a necessity for alternative approaches characterized by increased tolerance and lower side effects. Natural compounds could be employed due to their safety profile and effectiveness for inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases. These anti-cancer drugs are often derived from natural sources such as marine, zoonotic, and botanical origins. Natural compounds should exhibit anti-carcinogenic actions through various pathways, influencing apoptosis potentiation, cell proliferation inhibition, and metastasis suppression. This review provides an overview of natural compounds used in cancer chemotherapies, chemoprevention, and promotion of skin regeneration, including polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamins, alkaloids, terpenoids, isothiocyanates, cannabinoids, carotenoids, and ceramides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szymon Kowalski
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (S.K.); (M.T.); (K.S.)
| | - Julia Karska
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 10, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Maciej Tota
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (S.K.); (M.T.); (K.S.)
| | - Katarzyna Skinderowicz
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (S.K.); (M.T.); (K.S.)
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Immunology and Bioelectrochemistry, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Santariškių 5, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Małgorzata Drąg-Zalesińska
- Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Division of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, T. Chalubińskiego 6a, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
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Andze L, Vitolina S, Berzins R, Rizikovs J, Godina D, Teresko A, Grinberga S, Sevostjanovs E, Cirule H, Liepinsh E, Paze A. Innovative Approach to Enhance Bioavailability of Birch Bark Extracts: Novel Method of Oleogel Development Contrasted with Other Dispersed Systems. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:145. [PMID: 38202453 PMCID: PMC10780823 DOI: 10.3390/plants13010145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Birch outer bark extract (BBE), containing pentacyclic triterpenes such as betulin, lupeol, and betulinic acid, is a widely recognized natural product renowned for its diverse pharmacological effects. However, its limited water solubility restricts its bioavailability. Therefore, the main objective is to enhance the bioavailability of BBE for pharmaceutical use. In this study, we aimed to develop a dispersion system utilizing a unique oleogel-producing method through the recrystallization of BBE from an ethanol solution in the oil phase. We generated an oleogel that demonstrates a notable 42-80-fold improvement in betulin and lupeol peroral bioavailability from BBE in Wistar rats, respectively. A physical paste-like BBE hydrogel developed with antisolvent precipitation showed a 16-56-fold increase in the bioavailability of betulin and lupeol from BBE in rat blood plasma, respectively. We also observed that the repeated administration of the BBE oleogel did not exhibit any toxicity at the tested dose (38.5 mg/kg betulin, 5.2 mg/kg lupeol, 1.5 mg/kg betulinic acid daily for 7 days). Betulin and betulinic acid were not detected in rat heart, liver, kidney, or brain tissues after the peroral administration of the oleogel daily for 7 days. Lupeol was found in rat heart, liver, and kidney tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andze
- Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, 27 Dzerbenes Street, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (S.V.); (R.B.); (J.R.); (D.G.); (A.P.)
- ZS DOKTUS, 22 Pavila Street, LV-4101 Cesis, Latvia;
| | - Sanita Vitolina
- Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, 27 Dzerbenes Street, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (S.V.); (R.B.); (J.R.); (D.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Rudolfs Berzins
- Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, 27 Dzerbenes Street, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (S.V.); (R.B.); (J.R.); (D.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Janis Rizikovs
- Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, 27 Dzerbenes Street, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (S.V.); (R.B.); (J.R.); (D.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Daniela Godina
- Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, 27 Dzerbenes Street, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (S.V.); (R.B.); (J.R.); (D.G.); (A.P.)
| | | | - Solveiga Grinberga
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles Street 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (S.G.); (E.S.); (H.C.); (E.L.)
| | - Eduards Sevostjanovs
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles Street 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (S.G.); (E.S.); (H.C.); (E.L.)
| | - Helena Cirule
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles Street 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (S.G.); (E.S.); (H.C.); (E.L.)
| | - Edgars Liepinsh
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles Street 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (S.G.); (E.S.); (H.C.); (E.L.)
| | - Aigars Paze
- Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, 27 Dzerbenes Street, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (S.V.); (R.B.); (J.R.); (D.G.); (A.P.)
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Madej M, Gola J, Chrobak E. Synthesis, Pharmacological Properties, and Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Antitumor Activity of Betulin and Its Derivatives in Gastrointestinal Cancers. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2768. [PMID: 38140110 PMCID: PMC10748330 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are an increasingly common type of malignancy, caused by the unhealthy lifestyles of people worldwide. Limited methods of treatment have prompted the search for new compounds with antitumor activity, in which betulin (BE) is leading the way. BE as a compound is classified as a pentacyclic triterpene of the lupane type, having three highly reactive moieties in its structure. Its mechanism of action is based on the inhibition of key components of signaling pathways associated with proliferation, migration, interleukins, and others. BE also has a number of biological properties, i.e., anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, as well as antitumor. Due to its poor bioavailability, betulin is subjected to chemical modifications, obtaining derivatives with proven enhanced pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties as a result. The method of synthesis and substituents significantly influence the effect on cells and GI cancers. Moreover, the cytotoxic effect is highly dependent on the derivative as well as the individual cell line. The aim of this study is to review the methods of synthesis of BE and its derivatives, as well as its pharmacological properties and molecular mechanisms of action in colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, and esophageal cancer neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Madej
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland;
- Silesia LabMed, Centre for Research and Implementation, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Gola
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Elwira Chrobak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland;
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Fu RH, Chen HJ, Hong SY. Interaction of the C9orf72-Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Related Proline-Arginine Dipeptide Repeat Protein with the RNA-Binding Protein NOVA1 Causes Decreased Expression of UNC13A Due to Enhanced Inclusion of Cryptic Exons, Which Is Reversed by Betulin Treatment. Cells 2023; 12:2476. [PMID: 37887320 PMCID: PMC10605128 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202476] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
C9orf72 mutations are the most common form of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (C9-ALS). It causes the production of proline-arginine dipeptide repeat proteins (PR-DPRs) in motor neurons (MNs), leading to the molecular pathology characteristic of ALS. UNC13A is critical for maintaining the synaptic function of MNs. Most ALS patients have nuclear deletion of the splicing repressor TDP-43 in MNs, which causes inclusion of the cryptic exon (CE) of UNC13A mRNA, resulting in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and reduced protein expression. Therefore, in this study, we explored the role of PR-DPR in CE inclusion of UNC13A mRNA. Our results showed that PR-DPR (PR50) induced CE inclusion and decreased the protein expression of UNC13A in human neuronal cell lines. We also identified an interaction between the RNA-binding protein NOVA1 and PR50 by yeast two-hybrid screening. NOVA1 expression is known to be reduced in patients with ALS. We found that knockdown of NOVA1 enhanced CE inclusion of UNC13A mRNA. Furthermore, the naturally occurring triterpene betulin can inhibit the interaction between NOVA1 and PR50, thus preventing CE inclusion of UNC13A mRNA and protein reduction in human neuronal cell lines. This study linked PR-DPR with CE inclusion of UNC13A mRNA and developed candidate therapeutic strategies for C9-ALS using betulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Huei Fu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Translational Medicine Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program for Aging, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Jye Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Syuan-Yu Hong
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, China Medical University Children’s Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
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Riekstina U, Vitolina S, Goluba K, Jekabsons K, Muceniece R, Berzins R, Rizhikovs J, Godina D, Teresko A, Paze A. Effect of Betulin Colloidal Particles on Proliferation and Cytokine Secretion of Human Skin Fibroblasts. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3088. [PMID: 37687335 PMCID: PMC10490372 DOI: 10.3390/plants12173088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to obtain untreated and treated betulin colloidal particles and assess their effect on the viability, morphology, proliferation and cytokine secretion of human dermal fibroblasts. To improve bioavailability, betulin treatment was performed by an antisolvent precipitation technique. The average particle size after treatment in the aqueous dispersion decreased from 552.9 ± 11.3 to 278.2 ± 1.6 nm. Treated betulin colloidal particles showed no cytotoxicity up to a concentration of 400 µg·mL-1 in the colorimetric tetrazolium salt viability test (CCK-8). Moreover, the cell morphology was not changed in the presence of betulin colloidal particles at a concentration range from 0.78 to 400 µg·mL-1. The obtained results also show that betulin particles induce the secretion of the proinflammatory and angiogenesis-stimulating cytokine IL-8. However, further studies would be required to clarify the mechanism of IL-8 secretion induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Riekstina
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (U.R.); (K.G.); (K.J.); (R.M.)
| | - Sanita Vitolina
- Biorefinery Laboratory, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (S.V.); (R.B.); (J.R.); (D.G.)
| | - Karina Goluba
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (U.R.); (K.G.); (K.J.); (R.M.)
| | - Kaspars Jekabsons
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (U.R.); (K.G.); (K.J.); (R.M.)
| | - Ruta Muceniece
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (U.R.); (K.G.); (K.J.); (R.M.)
| | - Rudolfs Berzins
- Biorefinery Laboratory, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (S.V.); (R.B.); (J.R.); (D.G.)
| | - Janis Rizhikovs
- Biorefinery Laboratory, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (S.V.); (R.B.); (J.R.); (D.G.)
| | - Daniela Godina
- Biorefinery Laboratory, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (S.V.); (R.B.); (J.R.); (D.G.)
| | | | - Aigars Paze
- Biorefinery Laboratory, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia; (S.V.); (R.B.); (J.R.); (D.G.)
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11
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Bozkurt AS, Görücü Yílmaz Ş. Ferroptotic Potency of ISM1 Expression in the Drug-Induced Alzheimer's Disease-Like Phenotype Under the Influence of Betulin. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 96:1565-1578. [PMID: 37980676 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by two main pathological mechanisms, mostly hyperphosphorylated tau and amyloid-β toxicity. Although many studies focus on these basic mechanisms, ferroptosis draws attention as an important pathway responsible for neurodegeneration in AD. There is no definitive treatment for AD but alternative phytochemicals to drugs come into prominence. Betulin is usually obtained from the birch tree. It is an abundant triterpene and has a high antioxidant capacity. Isthmin-1 (ISM1) is a secreted adipokine. OBJECTIVE In this study, we investigated the potential treatment of AD in the ferroptosis-ISM1-betulin triangle. METHODS For this, we created an AD model with okadaic acid (200 ng/kg)) in 36 Wistar albino male rats and treated with betulin (20 mg/kg/day, i.p). We evaluated ISM1 gene expression, iron accumulation, and total oxidative metabolism parameters (TAS, TOS, OSI) in hippocampal tissue. We analyzed cognitive recovery in AD with Morris Water Maze Test and general locomotor activity, explore, and anti-anxiolytic effect with Open Field Test. RESULTS We compared the obtained data with metabolic and genetic results. In conclusion, betulin may have a role in neuronal ferroptotic mechanisms by reducing iron accumulation by ISM1 regulation. CONCLUSIONS Betulin may have a role in neuronal ferroptotic mechanisms by reducing iron accumulation by ISM1 regulation. Although this study suggests the corrective effect of betulin and ISM1 on cognitive gain and anxiety, it is the first study to show the total antioxidant capacity of betulin in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Sarper Bozkurt
- Gaziantep University, Medical Faculty, Physiology Department, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Şenay Görücü Yílmaz
- Gaziantep University, Health Science Faculty, Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
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