1
|
Pan M, Cai C, Li W, Cao T, Liu Y, Yang L, Xie Q, Zhang X. Ebselen improves lipid metabolism by activating PI3K/Akt and inhibiting TLR4/JNK signaling pathway to alleviate nonalcoholic fatty liver. Cytokine 2024; 181:156671. [PMID: 38943739 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156671] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a metabolic disease associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Due to its complex pathogenesis, there are still limitations in the knowledge of the disease. To date, no drug has been approved to treat NAFLD. This study aims to explore the role and mechanism of Ebselen (EbSe) in NAFLD. A high-fat diet-induced mouse model of NAFLD was employed to investigate EbSe function in NAFLD mice by EbSe gavage and to regularly monitor the mouse body weight. HE and oil red O staining were performed, respectively, to detect the pathological damage and lipid accumulation in mouse liver tissues. The biochemical and ELISA kits were employed to measure the levels of ALT, AST, TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and pro-inflammatory cytokines within mouse serum or liver tissue. The expression of key proteins of PPARα, fatty acid β oxidation-related protein, PI3K/Akt and TLR4/JNK signaling pathway was detected by western blot. EbSe significantly downregulated body weight, liver weight and liver lipid accumulation in NAFLD mice and downregulated ALT, AST, TG, TC, LDL-C and increased HDL-C serum levels. EbSe upregulated the expression levels of PPARα and fatty acid β oxidation-associated proteins CPT1α, ACOX1, UCP2 and PGC1α. EbSe promoted Akt and PI3K phosphorylation, and inhibited TLR4 expression and JNK phosphorylation. EbSe can upregulate PPARα to promote fatty acid β-oxidation and improve hepatic lipid metabolism. Meanwhile, EbSe also activated PI3K/Akt and inhibited TLR4/JNK signaling pathway. EbSe is predicted to be an effective therapeutic drug for treating NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meimin Pan
- Department of the Center for Clinical Trail Research, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Chunlin Cai
- Department of Healthcare Associated Infection Control, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Tianran Cao
- Department of the Center for Clinical Trail Research, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of the Center for Clinical Trail Research, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Lihui Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Department of the Center for Clinical Trail Research, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Glajzner P, Bernat A, Jasińska-Stroschein M. Improving the treatment of bacterial infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria through drug repositioning. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1397602. [PMID: 38910882 PMCID: PMC11193365 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1397602] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing (repositioning) is a dynamically-developing area in the search for effective therapy of infectious diseases. Repositioning existing drugs with a well-known pharmacological and toxicological profile is an attractive method for quickly discovering new therapeutic indications. The off-label use of drugs for infectious diseases requires much less capital and time, and can hasten progress in the development of new antimicrobial drugs, including antibiotics. The use of drug repositioning in searching for new therapeutic options has brought promising results for many viral infectious diseases, such as Ebola, ZIKA, Dengue, and HCV. This review describes the most favorable results for repositioned drugs for the treatment of bacterial infections. It comprises publications from various databases including PubMed and Web of Science published from 2015 to 2023. The following search keywords/strings were used: drug repositioning and/or repurposing and/or antibacterial activity and/or infectious diseases. Treatment options for infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria were taken into account, including methicillin-resistant staphylococci, multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or carbapenem-resistant bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family. It analyses the safety profiles of the included drugs and their synergistic combinations with antibiotics and discusses the potential of antibacterial drugs with antiparasitic, anticancer, antipsychotic effects, and those used in metabolic diseases. Drug repositioning may be an effective response to public health threats related to the spread of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains and the growing antibiotic resistance of microorganisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Glajzner
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dagah OMA, Silaa BB, Zhu M, Pan Q, Qi L, Liu X, Liu Y, Peng W, Ullah Z, Yudas AF, Muhammad A, Zhang X, Lu J. Exploring Immune Redox Modulation in Bacterial Infections: Insights into Thioredoxin-Mediated Interactions and Implications for Understanding Host-Pathogen Dynamics. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:545. [PMID: 38790650 PMCID: PMC11117976 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050545] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections trigger a multifaceted interplay between inflammatory mediators and redox regulation. Recently, accumulating evidence has shown that redox signaling plays a significant role in immune initiation and subsequent immune cell functions. This review addresses the crucial role of the thioredoxin (Trx) system in the initiation of immune reactions and regulation of inflammatory responses during bacterial infections. Downstream signaling pathways in various immune cells involve thiol-dependent redox regulation, highlighting the pivotal roles of thiol redox systems in defense mechanisms. Conversely, the survival and virulence of pathogenic bacteria are enhanced by their ability to counteract oxidative stress and immune attacks. This is achieved through the reduction of oxidized proteins and the modulation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways, which are functions of the Trx system, thereby fortifying bacterial resistance. Moreover, some selenium/sulfur-containing compounds could potentially be developed into targeted therapeutic interventions for pathogenic bacteria. Taken together, the Trx system is a key player in redox regulation during bacterial infection, and contributes to host-pathogen interactions, offering valuable insights for future research and therapeutic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omer M. A. Dagah
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Billton Bryson Silaa
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Minghui Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Qiu Pan
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Linlin Qi
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Yuqi Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Wenjing Peng
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Zakir Ullah
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Appolonia F. Yudas
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Amir Muhammad
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| | | | - Jun Lu
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization/Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (O.M.A.D.); (B.B.S.); (M.Z.); (Q.P.); (L.Q.); (X.L.); (Y.L.); (W.P.); (Z.U.); (A.F.Y.); (A.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li L, Guo B, Dai L, Liu C, Lin Z. Ebselen and TPI-1, as RecG helicase inhibitors, potently enhance the susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to DNA damage agents. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116051. [PMID: 38354956 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116051] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Holliday junction (HJ) is a four-way structured DNA intermediate in processes of homologous recombination and DNA double-stranded break (DSB) repair. In bacteria, HJs are processed via either the RuvABC or RecG-dependent pathways. In addition, RecG also plays a critical role in the reactivation of stalled replication forks, making it an attractive target for antibacterial drug development. Here, we conducted a high-throughput screening targeting the RecG helicase from a common opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa). From a library containing 7920 compounds, we identified Ebselen and TPI-1 (2',5'-Dichloro-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2,5-dione) as two potent PaRecG inhibitors, with IC50 values of 0.31 ± 0.02 μM and 1.16 ± 0.06 μM, respectively. Further biochemical analyses suggested that both Ebselen and TPI-1 inhibited the ATPase activity of PaRecG, and hindered its binding to HJ DNA with high selectivity. These compounds, when combined with our previously reported RuvAB inhibitors, resulted in more severe DNA repair defects than the individual treatment, and potently enhanced the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa to the DNA damage agents. This work reports novel small molecule inhibitors of RecG, offering valuable chemical tools for advancing our understanding of RecG's function and mechanism. Additionally, these inhibitors might be further developed as promising antibacterial agents in the fight against P. aeruginosa infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Longheng Li
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Binbin Guo
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Lin Dai
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Chun Liu
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
| | - Zhonghui Lin
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Saha T, Lyons N, Yue Yung DB, Quiñones-Mateu ME, Pletzer D, Das SC. Repurposing ebselen as an inhalable dry powder to treat respiratory tract infections. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 195:114170. [PMID: 38128743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.12.010] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are one of the leading causes of death globally, lately exacerbated by the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. While antimicrobial resistance could be overcome by developing new antimicrobial agents, the use of a safe repurposed agent having potent antimicrobial activity against various RTIs can be an efficient and cost-effective alternative to overcome the long and complex process of developing and testing new drugs. Ebselen, a synthetic organoselenium drug originally developed to treat noise-inducing hearing problems, has shown promising antimicrobial activity in vitro against several respiratory pathogens including viruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus) and bacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus). Inhaled drug delivery is considered a promising approach for treating RTIs, as it can ensure effective drug concentrations at a lower dose, thereby minimizing the side effects that are often encountered by using oral or injectable drugs. In this study, we developed inhalable ebselen dry powder formulations using a spray-drying technique. The amino acids leucine, methionine, and tryptophan were incorporated with ebselen to enhance the yield and aerosolization of the dry powders. The amino acid-containing ebselen dry powders showed a better yield (37-56.4 %) than the amino acid-free formulation (30.9 %). All dry powders were crystalline in nature. The mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) was less than 5 µm for amino acids containing dry powders (3-4 µm) and slightly higher (5.4 µm) for amino acid free dry powder indicating their suitability for inhalation. The aerosol performance was higher when amino acids were used, and the leucine-containing ebselen dry powder showed the highest emitted dose (84 %) and fine particle fraction (68 %). All amino acid formulations had similar cytotoxicity as raw ebselen, tested in respiratory cell line (A549 cells), with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) between 100 and 250 μg/mL. Raw ebselen and amino acid-containing dry powders showed similar potent antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus and S. pneumoniae with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.31 μg/mL and 0.16 μg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, raw ebselen and the formulations showed limited antimicrobial activity against the Gram-negative pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In summary, in this study we were able to develop amino-acid-containing inhalable dry powders of ebselen that could be used against different respiratory pathogens, especially Gram-positive bacteria, which could ensure more drug deposition in the respiratory tract, including the lungs. DPIs are generally used to treat lung (lower respiratory tract) diseases. However, DPIs can also be used to treat both upper and lower RTIs. The deposition of the dry powder in the respiratory tract is dependent on its physicochemical properties and this properties can be modulated to target the intended site of infection (upper and/or lower respiratory tract). Further studies will allow the development of similar formulations of individual and/or combination of antimicrobials that could be used to inhibit a number of respiratory pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tushar Saha
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Nikita Lyons
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Deborah Bow Yue Yung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Miguel E Quiñones-Mateu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Pletzer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Shyamal C Das
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sghier K, Mur M, Veiga F, Paiva-Santos AC, Pires PC. Novel Therapeutic Hybrid Systems Using Hydrogels and Nanotechnology: A Focus on Nanoemulgels for the Treatment of Skin Diseases. Gels 2024; 10:45. [PMID: 38247768 PMCID: PMC10815052 DOI: 10.3390/gels10010045] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Topical and transdermal drug delivery are advantageous administration routes, especially when treating diseases and conditions with a skin etiology. Nevertheless, conventional dosage forms often lead to low therapeutic efficacy, safety issues, and patient noncompliance. To tackle these issues, novel topical and transdermal platforms involving nanotechnology have been developed. This review focuses on the latest advances regarding the development of nanoemulgels for skin application, encapsulating a wide variety of molecules, including already marketed drugs (miconazole, ketoconazole, fusidic acid, imiquimod, meloxicam), repurposed marketed drugs (atorvastatin, omeprazole, leflunomide), natural-derived compounds (eucalyptol, naringenin, thymoquinone, curcumin, chrysin, brucine, capsaicin), and other synthetic molecules (ebselen, tocotrienols, retinyl palmitate), for wound healing, skin and skin appendage infections, skin inflammatory diseases, skin cancer, neuropathy, or anti-aging purposes. Developed formulations revealed adequate droplet size, PDI, viscosity, spreadability, pH, stability, drug release, and drug permeation and/or retention capacity, having more advantageous characteristics than current marketed formulations. In vitro and/or in vivo studies established the safety and efficacy of the developed formulations, confirming their therapeutic potential, and making them promising platforms for the replacement of current therapies, or as possible adjuvant treatments, which might someday effectively reach the market to help fight highly incident skin or systemic diseases and conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Sghier
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University, Palackého tř. 1946, Brno-Královo Pole, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Maja Mur
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva c. 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Paiva-Santos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patrícia C. Pires
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Burkovski A. Latest Review Papers in Molecular Microbiology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13990. [PMID: 37762293 PMCID: PMC10531291 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This Special Issue-dedicated to high-quality review papers in molecular microbiology-is highlighting two important developments in the field: (i) the analysis of microbiome data in health and disease and (ii) the search for strategies against bacteria showing antimicrobial resistance [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Burkovski
- Microbiology Division, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|