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Wróblewska J, Wróblewski M, Hołyńska-Iwan I, Modrzejewska M, Nuszkiewicz J, Wróblewska W, Woźniak A. The Role of Glutathione in Selected Viral Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1325. [PMID: 37507865 PMCID: PMC10376684 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
During inflammatory processes, immunocompetent cells are exposed to substantial amounts of free radicals and toxic compounds. Glutathione is a cysteine-containing tripeptide that is an important and ubiquitous antioxidant molecule produced in human organs. The intracellular content of GSH regulates the detoxifying capacity of cells, as well as the inflammatory and immune response. GSH is particularly important in the liver, where it serves as the major non-protein thiol involved in cellular antioxidant defense. There are numerous causes of hepatitis. The inflammation of the liver can be caused by a variety of infectious viruses. The relationship between oxidative stress and the hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is not fully known. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between hepatotropic viruses and glutathione status, including reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), as well as antioxidant enzymes, e.g., glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Wróblewska
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Marcin Wróblewski
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Iga Hołyńska-Iwan
- Department of Pathobiochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Martyna Modrzejewska
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Jarosław Nuszkiewicz
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Weronika Wróblewska
- Students Research Club of Medical Biology, Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Alina Woźniak
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
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Alabi B, Iwalewa O, Omobowale T, Adedapo A, Hammed O, Ajike R, Afolabi O. Cysteamine Attenuate Intestinal Reperfusion Injury Induced by Occlusion of Mesenteric Artery by Enhancing Intracellular Thiol Activities. Drug Res (Stuttg) 2023; 73:137-145. [PMID: 36574776 DOI: 10.1055/a-1974-9132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ischemia/reperfusion has been reported to further damage the intestine reperfusion injury (IRI) and cause multiple distal organ dysfunction through oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Cysteamine is known to inhibit oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis. This experiment was designed to evaluate the role of cysteamine against IRI in rats METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar rat strains were assigned to four groups: sham, Intestinal-reperfusion injury (IRI), 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg cysteamine treatment IRI. A 5 cm segment of terminal ileum was twisted 360° clockwise along the mesentery for 45 minutes to induce ischemia before detorsion. Tissues were preserved for biochemical evaluation and histology 4 hours after detorsion. Activities of GPx, GSH, protein and non-protein thiol, H2O2, MDA were evaluated. Serum concentration of nitrite, MPO, ALT, AST TNF-alpha and IL-6 were measured. Caspase 3 and bax were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Statistical significance was set as p<0.05 RESULTS: Significant (p<0.05) increase in H2O2, MDA and nitrite but reduction in GPx, GSH, protein thiol and non-protein thiol in the IRI rats was reversed by 50 and 100 mg/kg cysteamine. Serum MPO, TNF-α, IL6, AST and ALT was significantly elevated in IRI while the rats treated with cysteamine showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the activities of these inflammatory and hepatic injury markers. CONCLUSION Cysteamine mitigate IRI by enhancing intracellular antioxidant defense system, inhibiting inflammatory mediators and intestinal tissue expression of pro-apoptotic protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babatunde Alabi
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Bowen University, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Olugbenga Iwalewa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Adeolu Adedapo
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Opeyemi Hammed
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria
| | - Richard Ajike
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria
| | - Oladele Afolabi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria
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Fraternale A, De Angelis M, De Santis R, Amatore D, Masini S, Monittola F, Menotta M, Biancucci F, Bartoccini F, Retini M, Fiori V, Fioravanti R, Magurano F, Chiarantini L, Lista F, Piersanti G, Palamara AT, Nencioni L, Magnani M, Crinelli R. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 by synthetic dual-acting thiol compounds that inhibit Spike/ACE2 interaction and viral protein production. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22741. [PMID: 36583713 PMCID: PMC9880737 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201157rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 life cycle is strictly dependent on the environmental redox state that influences both virus entry and replication. A reducing environment impairs the binding of the spike protein (S) to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2), while a highly oxidizing environment is thought to favor S interaction with ACE2. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 interferes with redox homeostasis in infected cells to promote the oxidative folding of its own proteins. Here we demonstrate that synthetic low molecular weight (LMW) monothiol and dithiol compounds induce a redox switch in the S protein receptor binding domain (RBD) toward a more reduced state. Reactive cysteine residue profiling revealed that all the disulfides present in RBD are targets of the thiol compounds. The reduction of disulfides in RBD decreases the binding to ACE2 in a cell-free system as demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays. Moreover, LMW thiols interfere with protein oxidative folding and the production of newly synthesized polypeptides in HEK293 cells expressing the S1 and RBD domain, respectively. Based on these results, we hypothesize that these thiol compounds impair both the binding of S protein to its cellular receptor during the early stage of viral infection, as well as viral protein folding/maturation and thus the formation of new viral mature particles. Indeed, all the tested molecules, although at different concentrations, efficiently inhibit both SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication in Vero E6 cells. LMW thiols may represent innovative anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics acting directly on viral targets and indirectly by inhibiting cellular functions mandatory for viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta De Angelis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Sofia Masini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Francesca Monittola
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Michele Menotta
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Federica Biancucci
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Francesca Bartoccini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Michele Retini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | | | - Raoul Fioravanti
- Department of Infectious Disease, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Magurano
- Department of Infectious Disease, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Chiarantini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Piersanti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Anna T Palamara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Infectious Disease, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Rita Crinelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
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Benedetti S, Catalani S, De Stefani S, Primiterra M, Fraternale A, Palma F, Palini S. A microplate-based DCFH-DA assay for the evaluation of oxidative stress in whole semen. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10642. [PMID: 36158085 PMCID: PMC9489972 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The well-documented relationship between sperm oxidation and male infertility strongly encourages the development of assays for reactive oxygen species detection in semen samples. The present study aims to apply the microplate-based 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay to the evaluation of oxidative stress in unprocessed whole semen, thus avoiding sample centrifugations and other manipulations that may cause significant reactive oxygen species increments. Main methods The fluorescence assay consisted in the quantification of both intracellular and extracellular reactive oxygen species levels in unwashed semen specimens by using the probe 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate into a 96-well plate. The method was useful for the preliminary assessment of the oxidation levels of whole semen samples from men undergoing standard sperm analysis as well as to evaluate the effect of some pro-glutathione molecules on semen oxidative status. Key findings The 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay was successfully adapted to the evaluation of oxidative stress in whole semen, effectively revealing the perturbation of the redox homeostasis of the sample. Accordingly, specimens with abnormal sperm parameters (n = 10) presented oxidation indexes significantly higher than those with normospermia (n = 10) [7729 (range 3407–12769) vs. 1356 (range 470–2711), p < 0.001]; in addition, semen oxidation indexes negatively correlated to sperm motility and morphology. Noteworthy, whole semen exposure to pro-glutathione compounds led to reduced semen oxidation levels and sperm protection against oxidative damage. Significance Based on our pilot experimental data, the microplate-based 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay appears to be a convenient method for the detection of reactive oxygen species levels in whole semen samples, avoiding artifacts due to semen centrifugation steps. At the same time, the test could be a helpful tool for the basic and quick screening of antioxidant molecules able to preserve semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Benedetti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino, Via Saffi 2, Urbino, Italy
| | - Simona Catalani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino, Via Saffi 2, Urbino, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandra Fraternale
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino, Via Saffi 2, Urbino, Italy
| | - Francesco Palma
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino, Via Saffi 2, Urbino, Italy
| | - Simone Palini
- Physiopathology of Reproduction Unit, Cervesi Hospital, Via Ludwig Van Beethoven 1, Cattolica, Italy
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Jiang Z, Yang X, Han Y, Li J, Hu C, Liu C, Xiao W. Sarmentosin promotes USP17 and regulates Nrf2-mediated mitophagy and cellular oxidative stress to alleviate APAP-induced acute liver failure. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 104:154337. [PMID: 35849971 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An overdose of acetaminophen (APAP), the main cause of acute liver failure (ALF), induces oxidative stress that ultimately causes mitochondrial impairment and hepatotoxicity. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was widely recognized as an anti-oxidative stress mechanism. The present study was aimed at investigating whether sarmentosin, extract from traditional Chinese medicine, protects the liver against APAP-induced injury via activating Nrf2 and subsequently decreasing oxidative stress. METHODS Male ICR mice were treated with sarmentosin oral administration for 1 week and injected APAP (300 mg/kg. i.p.) for acute liver injury model. The liver and serum of mice for histological and biochemistry analysis. AML12 and LO2 cells were used in vitro assays. RESULTS We found that sarmentosin moderately increased accumulation of Nrf2 via upregulating USP17-mediated ubiquitin inhibition at the early stage of hepatocytes damage. The Nrf2 separating from bonding protein Keap1 translocated into nucleus and activated downstream gene of antioxidants. Mitophagy, a unique autophagy can remove Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) damaged mitochondria, was elevated in this progress to maintain mitochondria function and ROS homeostasis. CONCLUSION In summary, our research revealed that sarmentosin could alleviate APAP-induced liver acute injury through USP17-mediated Nrf2 overexpression and PINK1-dependent mitophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhitao Jiang
- Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiang Yang
- Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Han
- Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Li
- Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Chen Hu
- Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Chundi Liu
- Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Economic and Technological Development Zone, Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Jiangning Industrial City, Lianyungang Jiangsu 222001, China.
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Bartoccini F, Retini M, Crinelli R, Menotta M, Fraternale A, Piersanti G. Dithiol Based on l-Cysteine and Cysteamine as a Disulfide-Reducing Agent. J Org Chem 2022; 87:10073-10079. [PMID: 35862282 PMCID: PMC9361291 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c01050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
We report the synthesis, chemical properties, and disulfide
bond-reducing
performance of a dithiol called NACMEAA, conceived as a hybrid of
two biologically relevant thiols: cysteine and cysteamine. NACMEAA
is conveniently prepared from inexpensive l-cystine in an
efficient manner. As a nonvolatile, highly soluble, and neutral compound
at physiological pH with the first thiol pKa value of 8.0, NACMEAA is reactive and user-friendly. We also demonstrate
that NACMEAA reduces disulfide bonds in GSSG and lysozyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bartoccini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Michele Retini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Rita Crinelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Michele Menotta
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fraternale
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Giovanni Piersanti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Piazza Rinascimento 6, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy
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Effect of Maternal Catalase Supplementation on Reproductive Performance, Antioxidant Activity and Mineral Transport in Sows and Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070828. [PMID: 35405818 PMCID: PMC8996845 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070828] [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: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of maternal catalase (CAT) supplementation on reproductive performance, antioxidant enzyme activities, mineral transport, and mRNA expression of related genes in sows and offspring. A total of 40 pregnant sows at 95 days of gestation with similar parity (3−5 parities) and back-fat thickness were assigned randomly and equally into the control (CON) group (fed a basal diet) and CAT group (fed a basal diet supplemented with 660 mg/kg CAT; CAT activity, 280 U/g). The reproductive performance was recorded, and the placenta and blood samples of sows and neonatal piglets, as well as the jejunum and ileum samples from neonatal boars (eight replicates per group), were collected. Results showed that dietary supplementation with CAT significantly decreased the intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) rate and increased the activity of serum CAT in neonatal piglets and umbilical cords (p < 0.05). In addition, CAT supplementation tended to improve total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels in the maternal serum (p = 0.089) and umbilical cords of piglets (p = 0.051). The serum calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) of farrowing sows and Mn concentration in the umbilical cord, and serum Ca, magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and Mn of neonatal piglets were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the CAT group. CAT supplementation downregulated mRNA expression of TRPV6 and CTR1 (p < 0.05), Cu/Zn SOD (p = 0.086) in the placenta and tended to increase the mRNA expression of the glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) (p = 0.084), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) (p = 0.063), and CAT (p = 0.052) genes in the ileum of piglets. These results showed that the maternal CAT supplementation improved fetal growth by decreasing the IUGR rate, and modulated antioxidant activity, as well as mineral elements in the pregnant sows and their piglets.
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Intracellular Redox-Modulated Pathways as Targets for Effective Approaches in the Treatment of Viral Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073603. [PMID: 33808471 PMCID: PMC8036776 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Host-directed therapy using drugs that target cellular pathways required for virus lifecycle or its clearance might represent an effective approach for treating infectious diseases. Changes in redox homeostasis, including intracellular glutathione (GSH) depletion, are one of the key events that favor virus replication and contribute to the pathogenesis of virus-induced disease. Redox homeostasis has an important role in maintaining an appropriate Th1/Th2 balance, which is necessary to mount an effective immune response against viral infection and to avoid excessive inflammatory responses. It is known that excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by viral infection activates nuclear factor (NF)-kB, which orchestrates the expression of viral and host genes involved in the viral replication and inflammatory response. Moreover, redox-regulated protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) chaperones have an essential role in catalyzing formation of disulfide bonds in viral proteins. This review aims at describing the role of GSH in modulating redox sensitive pathways, in particular that mediated by NF-kB, and PDI activity. The second part of the review discusses the effectiveness of GSH-boosting molecules as broad-spectrum antivirals acting in a multifaceted way that includes the modulation of immune and inflammatory responses.
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Fratta Pasini AM, Stranieri C, Cominacini L, Mozzini C. Potential Role of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Therapies to Prevent Severe SARS-Cov-2 Complications. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:272. [PMID: 33578849 PMCID: PMC7916604 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-like coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we review the molecular pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and its relationship with oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. Furthermore, we analyze the potential role of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapies to prevent severe complications. OS has a potential key role in the COVID-19 pathogenesis by triggering the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome and nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB). While exposure to many pro-oxidants usually induces nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor2 (NRF2) activation and upregulation of antioxidant related elements expression, respiratory viral infections often inhibit NRF2 and/or activate NF-kB pathways, resulting in inflammation and oxidative injury. Hence, the use of radical scavengers like N-acetylcysteine and vitamin C, as well as of steroids and inflammasome inhibitors, has been proposed. The NRF2 pathway has been shown to be suppressed in severe SARS-CoV-2 patients. Pharmacological NRF2 inducers have been reported to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication, the inflammatory response, and transmembrane protease serine 2 activation, which for the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cells through the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor. Thus, NRF2 activation may represent a potential path out of the woods in COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Fratta Pasini
- Section of General Medicine and Atherothrombotic and Degenerative Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.S.); (L.C.); (C.M.)
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Crinelli R, Zara C, Galluzzi L, Buffi G, Ceccarini C, Smietana M, Mari M, Magnani M, Fraternale A. Activation of NRF2 and ATF4 Signaling by the Pro-Glutathione Molecule I-152, a Co-Drug of N-Acetyl-Cysteine and Cysteamine. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020175. [PMID: 33530504 PMCID: PMC7911873 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
I-152 combines two pro-glutathione (GSH) molecules, namely N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and cysteamine (MEA), to improve their potency. The co-drug efficiently increases/replenishes GSH levels in vitro and in vivo; little is known about its mechanism of action. Here we demonstrate that I-152 not only supplies GSH precursors, but also activates the antioxidant kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (KEAP1/NRF2) pathway. The mechanism involves disulfide bond formation between KEAP1 cysteine residues, NRF2 stabilization and enhanced expression of the γ-glutamil cysteine ligase regulatory subunit. Accordingly, a significant increase in GSH levels, not reproduced by treatment with NAC or MEA alone, was found. Compared to its parent compounds, I-152 delivered NAC more efficiently within cells and displayed increased reactivity to KEAP1 compared to MEA. While at all the concentrations tested, I-152 activated the NRF2 pathway; high doses caused co-activation of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and ATF4-dependent gene expression through a mechanism involving Atf4 transcriptional activation rather than preferential mRNA translation. In this case, GSH levels tended to decrease over time, and a reduction in cell proliferation/survival was observed, highlighting that there is a concentration threshold which determines the transition from advantageous to adverse effects. This body of evidence provides a molecular framework for the pro-GSH activity and dose-dependent effects of I-152 and shows how synergism and cross reactivity between different thiol species could be exploited to develop more potent drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Crinelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Carolina Zara
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Luca Galluzzi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Gloria Buffi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Chiara Ceccarini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Michael Smietana
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Université de Montpellier UMR 5247 CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Michele Mari
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fraternale
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
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Redox homeostasis as a target for new antimycobacterial agents. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2020; 56:106148. [PMID: 32853674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.106148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite early treatment with antimycobacterial combination therapy, drug resistance continues to emerge. Maintenance of redox homeostasis is essential for Mycobacterium avium (M. avium) survival and growth. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antimycobacterial activity of two pro-glutathione (pro-GSH) drugs that are able to induce redox stress in M. avium and to modulate cytokine production by macrophages. Hence, we investigated two molecules shown to possess antiviral and immunomodulatory properties: C4-GSH, an N-butanoyl GSH derivative; and I-152, a prodrug of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and β-mercaptoethylamine (MEA). Both molecules showed activity against replicating M. avium, both in the cell-free model and inside macrophages. Moreover, they were even more effective in reducing the viability of bacteria that had been kept in water for 7 days, proving to be active both against replicating and non-replicating bacteria. By regulating the macrophage redox state, I-152 modulated cytokine production. In particular, higher levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), IL-18 and IL-12, which are known to be crucial for the control of intracellular pathogens, were found after I-152 treatment. Our results show that C4-GSH and I-152, by inducing perturbation of redox equilibrium, exert bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against M. avium. Moreover, I-152 can boost the host response by inducing the production of cytokines that serve as key regulators of the Th1 response.
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I-152, a supplier of N-acetyl-cysteine and cysteamine, inhibits immunoglobulin secretion and plasma cell maturation in LP-BM5 murine leukemia retrovirus-infected mice by affecting the unfolded protein response. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165922. [PMID: 32800945 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Excessive production of immunoglobulins (Ig) causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR). Hypergammaglobulinemia and lymphadenopathy are hallmarks of murine AIDS that develops in mice infected with the LP-BM5 murine leukemia retrovirus complex. In these mice, Th2 polarization and aberrant humoral response have been previously correlated to altered intracellular redox homeostasis. Our goal was to understand the role of the cell's redox state in Ig secretion and plasma cell (PC) maturation. To this aim, LP-BM5-infected mice were treated with I-152, an N-acetyl-cysteine and cysteamine supplier. Intraperitoneal I-152 administration (30 μmol/mouse three times a week for 9 weeks) decreased plasma IgG and increased IgG/Syndecan 1 ratio in the lymph nodes where IgG were in part accumulated within the ER. PC containing cytoplasmic inclusions filled with IgG were present in all animals, with fewer mature PC in those treated with I-152. Infection induced up-regulation of signaling molecules involved in the UPR, i.e. CHAC1, BiP, sXBP-1 and PDI, that were generally unaffected by I-152 treatment except for PDI and sXBP-1, which have a key role in protein folding and PC maturation, respectively. Our data suggest that one of the mechanisms through which I-152 can limit hypergammaglobulinemia in LP-BM5-infected mice is by influencing IgG folding/assembly as well as secretion and affecting PC maturation.
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Jain SK, Parsanathan R. Can Vitamin D and L-Cysteine Co-Supplementation Reduce 25(OH)-Vitamin D Deficiency and the Mortality Associated with COVID-19 in African Americans? J Am Coll Nutr 2020; 39:694-699. [PMID: 32659175 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2020.1789518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Early reports indicate an association between the severity of the COVID-19 infection and the widespread 25-hydroxy vitamin D deficiency known to exist in populations around the world. Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common among African American (AA) communities, where the COVID-19 infection rate is three-fold higher, and the mortality rate nearly six-fold higher, compared with rates in predominantly white communities. COVID-19 infection primarily affects the lungs and airways. Previous reports have linked 25-hydroxy vitamin D deficiency with subclinical interstitial lung disease. AA are at risk for lower cellular glutathione (GSH) levels, and GSH deficiency epigenetically impairs VD biosynthesis pathway genes. Compared with vitamin D alone, co-supplementation of vitamin D and L-cysteine (a GSH precursor) showed a better efficacy in improving levels of GSH and VD-regulatory genes at the cellular/tissue level, increasing 25(OH) vitamin D levels, and reducing inflammation biomarkers in the blood in mice studies. We propose that randomized clinical trials are needed to examine the potential of co-supplementation with anti-inflammatory antioxidants, vitamin D and L-cysteine in correcting the 25(OH)VD deficiency and preventing the 'cytokine storm,' one of the most severe consequences of infection with COVID-19, thereby preventing the adverse clinical effects of COVID-19 infection in the vulnerable AA population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushil K Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Rajesh Parsanathan
- Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
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Checconi P, De Angelis M, Marcocci ME, Fraternale A, Magnani M, Palamara AT, Nencioni L. Redox-Modulating Agents in the Treatment of Viral Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4084. [PMID: 32521619 PMCID: PMC7312898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses use cell machinery to replicate their genome and produce viral proteins. For this reason, several intracellular factors, including the redox state, might directly or indirectly affect the progression and outcome of viral infection. In physiological conditions, the redox balance between oxidant and antioxidant species is maintained by enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems, and it finely regulates several cell functions. Different viruses break this equilibrium and induce an oxidative stress that in turn facilitates specific steps of the virus lifecycle and activates an inflammatory response. In this context, many studies highlighted the importance of redox-sensitive pathways as novel cell-based targets for therapies aimed at blocking both viral replication and virus-induced inflammation. In the review, we discuss the most recent findings in this field. In particular, we describe the effects of natural or synthetic redox-modulating molecules in inhibiting DNA or RNA virus replication as well as inflammatory pathways. The importance of the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2 is also discussed. Most of the data reported here are on influenza virus infection. We believe that this approach could be usefully applied to fight other acute respiratory viral infections characterized by a strong inflammatory response, like COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Checconi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy; (P.C.); (A.T.P.)
| | - Marta De Angelis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.A.); (M.E.M.)
| | - Maria Elena Marcocci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.A.); (M.E.M.)
| | - Alessandra Fraternale
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy; (A.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy; (A.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy; (P.C.); (A.T.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.A.); (M.E.M.)
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.A.); (M.E.M.)
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