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Peng X, Zhang X, Sharma G, Dai C. Thymol as a Potential Neuroprotective Agent: Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Future Prospects. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:6803-6814. [PMID: 38507708 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c06461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases pose a growing global health challenge, with limited effective therapeutic options. Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy are common underlying mechanisms in these diseases. Thymol is a phenolic monoterpene compound that has gained attention for its diverse biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. Thymol supplementation could provide potential neuroprotection and improve cognitive deficits, depressant-like effects, learning, and memory impairments in rodents. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the neuroprotective effects of thymol involve the improvement of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory response. Several signaling pathways, including mitochondrial apoptotic, NF-κB, AKT, Nrf2, and CREB/BDNF pathways are also involved. In this review, the neuroprotective effects of thymol, the potential molecular mechanisms, safety, applications, and current challenges toward development as a neuroprotective agent were summarized and discussed. We hope that this review provides valuable insights for the further development of this promising natural product as a promising neuroprotective agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Peng
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264000, P. R. China
| | - Xiaowen Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264000, P. R. China
| | - Gaurav Sharma
- Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Chongshan Dai
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
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2
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Biswas P, More SS. Using Small Molecules for Targeting Heavy Metals in Neurotoxicity and Neuroinflammation. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2761:135-148. [PMID: 38427235 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3662-6_11] [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: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical drugs, natural toxins, industrial chemicals, and various environmental toxins negatively impact the nervous system. A significant cause of many neurodegenerative diseases is neurotoxicity. Although trace amounts of heavy metals are required for the proper functioning of several metabolic pathways, their dysregulation can cause many cellular and molecular alterations, which can enhance the risks associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. For example, high levels of heavy metals like manganese (Mn) affect the central nervous system with implications in both higher-order cognitive and motor functions. In addition, the buildup of amyloid aggregates and metal ions in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease is associated with disease pathogenesis. Small molecules capable of targeting neuroinflammation and neuroprotection pathways would be valuable to elucidate the pathological pathways associated with metal toxicity in neurogenerative disease. This chapter will summarize the necessary steps involved in (1) culturing of cell lines and maintenance of animal models, (2) design and preparation of samples of small molecules and treatment methodologies, (3) RNA and protein isolation and preparation of tissue and cell culture samples for quantitative studies, and (4) quantitative estimation of cellular products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pronama Biswas
- School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Dayananda Sagar University, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sunil S More
- School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Dayananda Sagar University, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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3
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Chen X, Yu W, Zhang J, Fan X, Liu X, Liu Q, Pan S, Dixon RAF, Li P, Yu P, Shi A. Therapeutic angiogenesis and tissue revascularization in ischemic vascular disease. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:13. [PMID: 36797776 PMCID: PMC9936669 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00330-2] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic vascular disease is a major healthcare problem. The keys to treatment lie in vascular regeneration and restoration of perfusion. However, current treatments cannot satisfy the need for vascular regeneration to restore blood circulation. As biomedical research has evolved rapidly, a variety of potential alternative therapeutics has been explored widely, such as growth factor-based therapy, cell-based therapy, and material-based therapy including nanomedicine and biomaterials. This review will comprehensively describe the main pathogenesis of vascular injury in ischemic vascular disease, the therapeutic function of the above three treatment strategies, the corresponding potential challenges, and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Chen
- grid.412455.30000 0004 1756 5980The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi China
| | - Wenlu Yu
- grid.260463.50000 0001 2182 8825School of Ophthalmology and Optometry of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 China
| | - Jing Zhang
- grid.412455.30000 0004 1756 5980Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi China
| | - Xiao Fan
- grid.412455.30000 0004 1756 5980Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi China
| | - Xiao Liu
- grid.412536.70000 0004 1791 7851Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat Sen University, Guangzhou, 51000 Guangdong China
| | - Qi Liu
- grid.416470.00000 0004 4656 4290Wafic Said Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, The Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Su Pan
- grid.416470.00000 0004 4656 4290Wafic Said Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, The Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Richard A. F. Dixon
- grid.416470.00000 0004 4656 4290Wafic Said Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, The Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Pengyang Li
- grid.224260.00000 0004 0458 8737Division of Cardiology, Pauley Heart Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Peng Yu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China. .,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China.
| | - Ao Shi
- School of Medicine, St. George University of London, London, UK. .,School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Fang Y, Wang J, Zhao M, Zheng Q, Ren C, Wang Y, Zhang J. Progress and Challenges in Targeted Protein Degradation for Neurodegenerative Disease Therapy. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11454-11477. [PMID: 36006861 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are currently incurable diseases that cause progressive degeneration of nerve cells. Many of the disease-causing proteins of NDs are "undruggable" for traditional small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs). None of the compounds that attenuated the amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation process have entered clinical practice, and many phase III clinical trials of SMIs for Alzheimer's disease (AD) have failed. In recent years, emerging targeted protein degradation (TPD) technologies such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), lysosome-targeting chimaeras (LYTACs), and autophagy-targeting chimeras (AUTACs) with TPD-assistive technologies such as click-formed proteolysis-targeting chimeras (CLIPTACs) and deubiquitinase-targeting chimera (DUBTAC) have developed rapidly. In vitro and in vivo experiments have also confirmed that TPD technology can target the degradation of ND pathogenic proteins, bringing hope for the treatment of NDs. Herein, we review the latest TPD technologies, introduce their targets and technical characteristics, and discuss the emerging TPD technologies with potential in ND research, with the hope of providing a new perspective for the development of TPD technology in the NDs field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxu Fang
- Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Min Zhao
- Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinwen Zheng
- Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Changyu Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
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Teleanu RI, Niculescu AG, Roza E, Vladâcenco O, Grumezescu AM, Teleanu DM. Neurotransmitters-Key Factors in Neurological and Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5954. [PMID: 35682631 PMCID: PMC9180936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are molecules that amplify, transmit, and convert signals in cells, having an essential role in information transmission throughout the nervous system. Hundreds of such chemicals have been discovered in the last century, continuing to be identified and studied concerning their action on brain health. These substances have been observed to influence numerous functions, including emotions, thoughts, memories, learning, and movements. Thus, disturbances in neurotransmitters' homeostasis started being correlated with a plethora of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. In this respect, the present paper aims to describe the most important neurotransmitters, broadly classified into canonical (e.g., amino acids, monoamines, acetylcholine, purines, soluble gases, neuropeptides) and noncanonical neurotransmitters (e.g., exosomes, steroids, D-aspartic acid), and explain their link with some of the most relevant neurological conditions. Moreover, a brief overview of the recently developed neurotransmitters' detection methods is offered, followed by several considerations on the modulation of these substances towards restoring homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Ioana Teleanu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, “Dr. Victor Gomoiu” Children’s Hospital, 022102 Bucharest, Romania; (R.I.T.); (E.R.); (O.V.)
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Eugenia Roza
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, “Dr. Victor Gomoiu” Children’s Hospital, 022102 Bucharest, Romania; (R.I.T.); (E.R.); (O.V.)
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Oana Vladâcenco
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, “Dr. Victor Gomoiu” Children’s Hospital, 022102 Bucharest, Romania; (R.I.T.); (E.R.); (O.V.)
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
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Bacci A, Runfola M, Sestito S, Rapposelli S. Beyond Antioxidant Effects: Nature-Based Templates Unveil New Strategies for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10030367. [PMID: 33671015 PMCID: PMC7997428 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex network of malfunctioning pathways occurring in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) represents a huge hurdle in the development of new effective drugs to be used in therapy. In this context, redox reactions act as crucial regulators in the maintenance of neuronal microenvironment homeostasis. Particularly, their imbalance results in the severe compromising of organism’s natural defense systems and subsequently, in the instauration of deleterious OS, that plays a fundamental role in the insurgence and progress of NDDs. Despite the huge efforts in drug discovery programs, the identification process of new therapeutic agents able to counteract the relentless progress of neurodegenerative processes has produced low or no effective therapies. Consequently, a paradigm-shift in the drug discovery approach for these diseases is gradually occurring, paving the way for innovative therapeutical approaches, such as polypharmacology. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the main pharmacological features of most promising nature-based scaffolds for a possible application in drug discovery, especially for NDDs, highlighting their multifaceted effects against OS and neuronal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bacci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Massimiliano Runfola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Simona Sestito
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Simona Rapposelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (M.R.)
- Correspondence:
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Caprifico AE, Foot PJS, Polycarpou E, Calabrese G. Overcoming the Blood-Brain Barrier: Functionalised Chitosan Nanocarriers. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12111013. [PMID: 33114020 PMCID: PMC7690755 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12111013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The major impediment to the delivery of therapeutics to the brain is the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB allows for the entrance of essential nutrients while excluding harmful substances, including most therapeutic agents; hence, brain disorders, especially tumours, are very difficult to treat. Chitosan is a well-researched polymer that offers advantageous biological and chemical properties, such as mucoadhesion and the ease of functionalisation. Chitosan-based nanocarriers (CsNCs) establish ionic interactions with the endothelial cells, facilitating the crossing of drugs through the BBB by adsorptive mediated transcytosis. This process is further enhanced by modifications of the structure of chitosan, owing to the presence of reactive amino and hydroxyl groups. Finally, by permanently binding ligands or molecules, such as antibodies or lipids, CsNCs have showed a boosted passage through the BBB, in both in vivo and in vitro studies which will be discussed in this review.
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Mesenchymal stem cells-derived mitochondria transplantation mitigates I/R-induced injury, abolishes I/R-induced apoptosis, and restores motor function in acute ischemia stroke rat model. Brain Res Bull 2020; 165:70-80. [PMID: 33010349 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Acute ischemia stroke (AIS) is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide, and its neurological impacts are devastating and permanent. There is no efficient and real treatment for acute ischemia stroke so far. Therefore, development of efficient therapeutic strategies is under focus of investigations by basic and clinical scientists. Brain is one of the organs with high energy consumption and metabolism. Hence, its functionality is highly dependent on mitochondrial activity and integrity. Therefore, mitochondria play a vital homeostatic role in neurons physiology and mitochondrial dysfunction implications have been reported in a variety of nervous system diseases including acute ischemia stroke. In an attempt to investigate and introduce a novel potential therapeutic strategy for AIS, we isolated healthy mitochondria from human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) followed by their intracerebroventricular transplantation in a rat model of ischemia, i.e. middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Here we report that the mitochondrial transplantation ameliorated the reperfusion/ischemia-induced damages as reflected by declined blood creatine phosphokinase level, abolished apoptosis, decreased astroglyosis and microglia activation, reduced infarct size, and improved motor function. Although further preclinical and clinical studies are required, our findings strongly suggest that transplantation of MSCs-derived mitochondria is a suitable, potential and efficient therapeutic option for acute ischemia stroke.
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A dual inhibitor of the proteasome catalytic subunits LMP2 and Y attenuates disease progression in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18393. [PMID: 31804556 PMCID: PMC6895163 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54846-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunoproteasome (iP) is a variant of the constitutive proteasome (cP) that is abundantly expressed in immune cells which can also be induced in somatic cells by cytokines such as TNF-α or IFN-γ. Accumulating evidence support that the iP is closely linked to multiple facets of inflammatory response, eventually leading to the development of several iP inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents for autoimmune diseases. Recent studies also found that the iP is upregulated in reactive glial cells surrounding amyloid β (Aβ) deposits in brains of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, but the role it plays in the pathogenesis of AD remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of several proteasome inhibitors on cognitive function in AD mouse models and found that YU102, a dual inhibitor of the iP catalytic subunit LMP2 and the cP catalytic subunit Y, ameliorates cognitive impairments in AD mouse models without affecting Aβ deposition. The data obtained from our investigation revealed that YU102 suppresses the secretion of inflammatory cytokines from microglial cells. Overall, this study indicates that there may exist a potential link between LMP2/Y and microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and that inhibition of these subunits may offer a new therapeutic strategy for AD.
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XIAP as a Target of New Small Organic Natural Molecules Inducing Human Cancer Cell Death. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091336. [PMID: 31505859 PMCID: PMC6770071 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) is an emerging crucial therapeutic target in cancer. We report on the discovery and characterisation of small organic molecules from Piper genus plants exhibiting XIAP antagonism, namely erioquinol, a quinol substituted in the 4-position with an alkenyl group and the alkenylphenols eriopodols A–C. Another isolated compound was originally identified as gibbilimbol B. Erioquinol was the most potent inhibitor of human cancer cell viability when compared with gibbilimbol B and eriopodol A was listed as intermediate. Gibbilimbol B and eriopodol A induced apoptosis through mitochondrial permeabilisation and caspase activation while erioquinol acted on cell fate via caspase-independent/non-apoptotic mechanisms, likely involving mitochondrial dysfunctions and aberrant generation of reactive oxygen species. In silico modelling and molecular approaches suggested that all molecules inhibit XIAP by binding to XIAP-baculoviral IAP repeat domain. This demonstrates a novel aspect of XIAP as a key determinant of tumour control, at the molecular crossroad of caspase-dependent/independent cell death pathway and indicates molecular aspects to develop tumour-effective XIAP antagonists.
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Catalani E, Buonanno F, Lupidi G, Bongiorni S, Belardi R, Zecchini S, Giovarelli M, Coazzoli M, De Palma C, Perrotta C, Clementi E, Prantera G, Marcantoni E, Ortenzi C, Fausto AM, Picchietti S, Cervia D. The Natural Compound Climacostol as a Prodrug Strategy Based on pH Activation for Efficient Delivery of Cytotoxic Small Agents. Front Chem 2019; 7:463. [PMID: 31316972 PMCID: PMC6609918 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We synthesized and characterized MOMO as a new small molecule analog of the cytotoxic natural product climacostol efficiently activated in mild extracellular acidosis. The synthesis of MOMO had a key step in the Wittig olefination for the construction of the carbon-carbon double bond in the alkenyl moiety of climacostol. The possibility of obtaining the target (Z)-alkenyl MOMO derivative in very good yield and without presence of the less active (E)-diastereomer was favored from the methoxymethyl ether (MOM)-protecting group of hydroxyl functions in aromatic ring of climacostol aldehyde intermediate. Of interest, the easy removal of MOM-protecting group in a weakly acidic environment allowed us to obtain a great quantity of climacostol in biologically active (Z)-configuration. Results obtained in free-living ciliates that share the same micro-environment of the climacostol natural producer Climacostomum virens demonstrated that MOMO is well-tolerated in a physiological environment, while its cytotoxicity is rapidly and efficiently triggered at pH 6.3. In addition, the cytostatic vs. cytotoxic effects of acidified-MOMO can be modulated in a dose-dependent manner. In mouse melanoma cells, MOMO displayed a marked pH-sensitivity since its cytotoxic and apoptotic effects become evident only in mild extracellular acidosis. Data also suggested MOMO being preferentially activated in the unique extra-acidic microenvironment that characterizes tumoural cells. Finally, the use of the model organism Drosophila melanogaster fed with an acidic diet supported the efficient activity and oral delivery of MOMO molecule in vivo. MOMO affected oviposition of mating adults and larvae eclosion. Reduced survival of flies was due to lethality during the larval stages while emerging larvae retained their ability to develop into adults. Interestingly, the gut of eclosed larvae exhibited an extended damage (cell death by apoptosis) and the brain tissue was also affected (reduced mitosis), demonstrating that orally activated MOMO efficiently targets different tissues of the developing fly. These results provided a proof-of-concept study on the pH-dependence of MOMO effects. In this respect, MOM-protection emerges as a potential prodrug strategy which deserves to be further investigated for the generation of efficient pH-sensitive small organic molecules as pharmacologically active cytotoxic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Catalani
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Federico Buonanno
- Laboratory of Protistology and Biology Education, Department of Education, Cultural Heritage and Tourism, Università degli Studi di Macerata, Macerata, Italy
| | - Gabriele Lupidi
- School of Sciences and Technologies, Section of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Silvia Bongiorni
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Riccardo Belardi
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Silvia Zecchini
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco” (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Giovarelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco” (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Coazzoli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco” (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara De Palma
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital “Luigi Sacco”-ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristiana Perrotta
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco” (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Emilio Clementi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco” (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Scientific Institute IRCCS “Eugenio Medea”, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Giorgio Prantera
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Enrico Marcantoni
- School of Sciences and Technologies, Section of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Claudio Ortenzi
- Laboratory of Protistology and Biology Education, Department of Education, Cultural Heritage and Tourism, Università degli Studi di Macerata, Macerata, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fausto
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Simona Picchietti
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Davide Cervia
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
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Russo E, Nguyen H, Lippert T, Tuazon J, Borlongan CV, Napoli E. Mitochondrial targeting as a novel therapy for stroke. Brain Circ 2018; 4:84-94. [PMID: 30450413 PMCID: PMC6187947 DOI: 10.4103/bc.bc_14_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a main cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Despite the increasing development of innovative treatments for stroke, most are unsuccessful in clinical trials. In recent years, an encouraging strategy for stroke therapy has been identified in stem cells transplantation. In particular, grafting cells and their secretion products are leading with functional recovery in stroke patients by promoting the growth and function of the neurovascular unit – a communication framework between neurons, their supply microvessels along with glial cells – underlying stroke pathology and recovery. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been recently recognized as a hallmark in ischemia/reperfusion neural damage. Emerging evidence of mitochondria transfer from stem cells to ischemic-injured cells points to transfer of healthy mitochondria as a viable novel therapeutic strategy for ischemic diseases. Hence, a more in-depth understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in mitochondrial impairment may lead to new tools for stroke treatment. In this review, we focus on the current evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in stroke, investigating favorable approaches of healthy mitochondria transfer in ischemic neurons, and exploring the potential of mitochondria-based cellular therapy for clinical applications. This paper is a review article. Referred literature in this paper has been listed in the references section. The data sets supporting the conclusions of this article are available online by searching various databases, including PubMed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Russo
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Hung Nguyen
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Trenton Lippert
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Julian Tuazon
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Cesar V Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Eleonora Napoli
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Understanding the Role of Dysfunctional and Healthy Mitochondria in Stroke Pathology and Its Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19072127. [PMID: 30037107 PMCID: PMC6073421 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19072127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke remains a major cause of death and disability in the United States and around the world. Solid safety and efficacy profiles of novel stroke therapeutics have been generated in the laboratory, but most failed in clinical trials. Investigations into the pathology and treatment of the disease remain a key research endeavor in advancing scientific understanding and clinical applications. In particular, cell-based regenerative medicine, specifically stem cell transplantation, may hold promise as a stroke therapy, because grafted cells and their components may recapitulate the growth and function of the neurovascular unit, which arguably represents the alpha and omega of stroke brain pathology and recovery. Recent evidence has implicated mitochondria, organelles with a central role in energy metabolism and stress response, in stroke progression. Recognizing that stem cells offer a source of healthy mitochondria—one that is potentially transferrable into ischemic cells—may provide a new therapeutic tool. To this end, deciphering cellular and molecular processes underlying dysfunctional mitochondria may reveal innovative strategies for stroke therapy. Here, we review recent studies capturing the intimate participation of mitochondrial impairment in stroke pathology, and showcase promising methods of healthy mitochondria transfer into ischemic cells to critically evaluate the potential of mitochondria-based stem cell therapy for stroke patients.
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Ney Y, Jawad Nasim M, Kharma A, Youssef LA, Jacob C. Small Molecule Catalysts with Therapeutic Potential. Molecules 2018; 23:E765. [PMID: 29584669 PMCID: PMC6017662 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23040765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Catalysts are employed in many areas of research and development where they combine high efficiency with often astonishing selectivity for their respective substrates. In biology, biocatalysts are omnipresent. Enzymes facilitate highly controlled, sophisticated cellular processes, such as metabolic conversions, sensing and signalling, and are prominent targets in drug development. In contrast, the therapeutic use of catalysts per se is still rather limited. Recent research has shown that small molecule catalytic agents able to modulate the redox state of the target cell bear considerable promise, particularly in the context of inflammatory and infectious diseases, stroke, ageing and even cancer. Rather than being "active" on their own in a more traditional sense, such agents develop their activity by initiating, promoting, enhancing or redirecting reactions between biomolecules already present in the cell, and their activity therefore depends critically on the predisposition of the target cell itself. Redox catalysts, for instance, preferably target cells with a distinct sensitivity towards changes in an already disturbed redox balance and/or increased levels of reactive oxygen species. Indeed, certain transition metal, chalcogen and quinone agents may activate an antioxidant response in normal cells whilst at the same time triggering apoptosis in cancer cells with a different pre-existing "biochemical redox signature" and closer to the internal redox threshold. In pharmacy, catalysts therefore stand out as promising lead structures, as sensor/effector agents which are highly effective, fairly selective, active in catalytic, i.e., often nanomolar concentrations and also very flexible in their structural design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Ney
- Division of Bioorganic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Saarland University, D-66123 Saarbruecken, Germany.
| | - Muhammad Jawad Nasim
- Division of Bioorganic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Saarland University, D-66123 Saarbruecken, Germany.
| | - Ammar Kharma
- Division of Bioorganic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Saarland University, D-66123 Saarbruecken, Germany.
| | - Lama A Youssef
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.
| | - Claus Jacob
- Division of Bioorganic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Saarland University, D-66123 Saarbruecken, Germany.
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