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Takeda T, Azumi J, Masaki M, Nagasawa T, Shimada Y, Aso H, Nakamura T. Organogermanium, Ge-132, promotes the clearance of senescent red blood cells via macrophage-mediated phagocyte activation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23296. [PMID: 38163191 PMCID: PMC10754881 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23296] [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: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Red blood cells (RBCs) are renewed in a cyclic manner. Aging RBCs are captured and degraded by phagocytic cells, and heme metabolic pigments are subsequently excreted in feces. We evaluated the effect of an organogermanium compound on RBC metabolism and found that the phagocytosis of RAW264.7 macrophage-like cells was increased by treatment with 3-(trihydroxygermyl)propanoic acid (THGP). Additionally, consumption of Ge-132 (a dehydrate polymer of THGP) changed the fecal color to bright yellow and increased the erythrocyte metabolic pigment levels and antioxidant activity in feces. These data suggest that Ge-132 may activate macrophages in the body and promote the degradation of aged RBCs. Furthermore, Ge-132 intake promoted not only increases in RBC degradation but also the induction of erythroblast differentiation in bone marrow cells. The normal hematocrit levels were maintained due to the maintenance of homeostasis, even though Ge-132 ingestion increased erythrocyte degradation. Therefore, Ge-132 enhances the degradation of senescent RBCs by macrophages. In turn, RBC production is increased to compensate for the amount of degradation, and RBC metabolism is increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Takeda
- Asai Germanium Research Institute Co., Ltd., 3-131, Suzuranoka, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 042-0958, Japan
| | - Junya Azumi
- Asai Germanium Research Institute Co., Ltd., 3-131, Suzuranoka, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 042-0958, Japan
| | - Mika Masaki
- Asai Germanium Research Institute Co., Ltd., 3-131, Suzuranoka, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 042-0958, Japan
| | - Takae Nagasawa
- Asai Germanium Research Institute Co., Ltd., 3-131, Suzuranoka, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 042-0958, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Shimada
- Asai Germanium Research Institute Co., Ltd., 3-131, Suzuranoka, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 042-0958, Japan
| | - Hisashi Aso
- Laboratory of Animal Health Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki aza, Aoba, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakamura
- Asai Germanium Research Institute Co., Ltd., 3-131, Suzuranoka, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 042-0958, Japan
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Shao BZ, Jiang JJ, Zhao YC, Zheng XR, Xi N, Zhao GR, Huang XW, Wang SL. Neutrophil extracellular traps in central nervous system (CNS) diseases. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16465. [PMID: 38188146 PMCID: PMC10771765 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Excessive induction of inflammatory and immune responses is widely considered as one of vital factors contributing to the pathogenesis and progression of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Neutrophils are well-studied members of inflammatory and immune cell family, contributing to the innate and adaptive immunity. Neutrophil-released neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play an important role in the regulation of various kinds of diseases, including CNS diseases. In this review, current knowledge on the biological features of NETs will be introduced. In addition, the role of NETs in several popular and well-studied CNS diseases including cerebral stroke, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and neurological cancers will be described and discussed through the reviewing of previous related studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Zong Shao
- Department of Pharmacy, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | - Yi-Cheng Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Rui Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Na Xi
- Department of Pharmacy, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guan-Ren Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Wu Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Nagasawa T, Sato K, Kasumi T. Interaction of Organogermanium Compounds with Saccharides in Aqueous Solutions: Promotion of Aldose-to-ketose Isomerization and Its Molecular Mechanism. J Appl Glycosci (1999) 2023; 70:81-97. [PMID: 38239765 PMCID: PMC10792222 DOI: 10.5458/jag.jag.jag-2023_0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
This review discusses sugar isomerization with organogermanium compounds. Organogermanium compounds markedly increase the aldose-ketose (glucose-fructose or lactose-lactulose) isomerization ratio, double the initial reaction rate, and significantly reduce the base-catalyzed degradation of sugars. 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance analysis reveals that the affinity of organogermanium compounds with a 3-(trihydroxygermyl)propanoic acid (THGP) structure toward ketoses is 20-40 times stronger than that toward aldoses; thus, such organogermanium compounds form complexes more readily with ketoses than with aldoses. Stable ketose complexes, which contain multiple cis-diol structures and high fractions of furanose structures, suppress the reverse ketose-aldose reaction, thereby shifting the equilibrium toward the ketose side. These complexes also protect sugar molecules from alkaline degradation owing to the repulsion between anionic charges. The increased rate of the initial reaction in the alkaline isomerization process results from stabilizing the transition state by forming a complex between THGP and a cis-enediol intermediate. The cyclic pentacoordinate or hexacoordinate THGP structures give rise to a conjugated system of germanium orbitals, which is extended through dπ-pπ interactions, thereby improving the stability of the complex. Based on these results, we have developed a bench-scale lactulose syrup manufacturing plant incorporating a system to separate, recover, and reuse organogermanium poly-trans-[(2-carboxyethyl)germasesquioxane]. This manufacturing plant can be used as a model of an alkaline isomerization accelerator for continuous industrial production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Takafumi Kasumi
- Enzymology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Nihon University
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Luo X, Sun J, Kong D, Lei Y, Gong F, Zhang T, Shen Z, Wang K, Luo H, Xu Y. The role of germanium in diseases: exploring its important biological effects. J Transl Med 2023; 21:795. [PMID: 37940963 PMCID: PMC10634018 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04643-0] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
With the development of organic germanium and nanotechnology, germanium serves multiple biological functions, and its potential value in biochemistry and medicine has increasingly captured the attention of researchers. In recent years, germanium has gradually gained significance as a material in the field of biomedicine and shows promising application prospects. However, there has been a limited amount of research conducted on the biological effects and mechanisms of germanium, and a systematic evaluation is still lacking. Therefore, the aim of this review is to systematically examine the application of germanium in the field of biomedicine and contribute new insights for future research on the functions and mechanisms of germanium in disease treatment. By conducting a comprehensive search on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases, we systematically reviewed the relevant literature on the relationship between germanium and biomedicine. In this review, we will describe the biological activities of germanium in inflammation, immunity, and antioxidation. Furthermore, we will discuss its role in the treatment of neuroscience and oncology-related conditions. This comprehensive exploration of germanium provides a valuable foundation for the future application of this element in disease intervention, diagnosis, and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Luo
- Yunnan Technological Innovation Centre of Drug Addiction Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Jiaxue Sun
- Yunnan Technological Innovation Centre of Drug Addiction Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Deshenyue Kong
- Yunnan Technological Innovation Centre of Drug Addiction Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Yi Lei
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Fangyou Gong
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Zongwen Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Kunhua Wang
- Yunnan Technological Innovation Centre of Drug Addiction Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, China.
- Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, China.
| | - Huayou Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China.
| | - Yu Xu
- Yunnan Technological Innovation Centre of Drug Addiction Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, China.
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China.
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Menchikov LG, Popov AV. Physiological Activity of Trace Element Germanium including Anticancer Properties. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1535. [PMID: 37371629 PMCID: PMC10295216 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061535] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Germanium is an essential microelement, and its deficiency can result in numerous diseases, particularly oncogenic conditions. Consequently, water-soluble germanium compounds, including inorganic and coordination compounds, have attracted significant attention due to their biological activity. The review analyzes the primary research from the last decade related to the anticancer activity of germanium compounds. Furthermore, the review clarifies their actual toxicity, identifies errors and misconceptions that have contributed to the discrediting of their biological activity, and briefly suggests a putative mechanism of germanium-mediated protection from oxidative stress. Finally, the review provides clarifications on the discovery history of water-soluble organic germanium compounds, which was distorted and suppressed for a long time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid G. Menchikov
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prosp. 47, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Anatoliy V. Popov
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3620 Hamilton Walk, Anatomy Chemistry Building, Rm 317, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Azumi J, Takeda T, Shimada Y, Zhuang T, Tokuji Y, Sakamoto N, Aso H, Nakamura T. Organogermanium THGP Induces Differentiation into M1 Macrophages and Suppresses the Proliferation of Melanoma Cells via Phagocytosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031885. [PMID: 36768216 PMCID: PMC9915250 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
M1 macrophages are an important cell type related to tumor immunology and are known to phagocytose cancer cells. In previous studies, the organogermanium compound poly-trans-[(2-carboxyethyl)germasesquioxane] (Ge-132) and its hydrolysate, 3-(trihydroxygermyl) propanoic acid (THGP), have been reported to exert antitumor effects by activating NK cells and macrophages through the induction of IFN-γ activity in vivo. However, the detailed molecular mechanism has not been clarified. In this study, we found that macrophages differentiate into the M1 phenotype via NF-κB activation under long-term culture in the presence of THGP in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, long-term culture with THGP increases the ability of RAW 264.7 cells to suppress B16 4A5 melanoma cell proliferation. These mechanisms indicate that THGP promotes the M1 polarization of macrophages and suppresses the expression of signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRP-α) in macrophages and CD47 in cancers. Based on these results, THGP may be considered a new regulatory reagent that suppresses tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Azumi
- Research Division, Asai Germanium Research Institute Co., Ltd., Suzuranoka 3-131, Hakodate 042-0958, Japan
| | - Tomoya Takeda
- Research Division, Asai Germanium Research Institute Co., Ltd., Suzuranoka 3-131, Hakodate 042-0958, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Shimada
- Research Division, Asai Germanium Research Institute Co., Ltd., Suzuranoka 3-131, Hakodate 042-0958, Japan
| | - Tao Zhuang
- Laboratory of Animal Health Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8572, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Tokuji
- Department of Human Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Nishi 2 Sen, Inada, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Isotope Imaging Laboratory, Creative Research Institution, Hokkaido University, Kita 10 Jo-Nishi 5, Kita, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Hisashi Aso
- Laboratory of Animal Health Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8572, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakamura
- Research Division, Asai Germanium Research Institute Co., Ltd., Suzuranoka 3-131, Hakodate 042-0958, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-138-32-0032; Fax: +81-138-31-0132
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