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Ajiboye BO, Fatoki TH, Akinnusi PA, Ajuwon OR, Oyinloye BE, Jeje TO, Owolabi OV, Ogedengbe OO, Genovese C. Molecular docking, MMGBSA, and ADMET studies of phytoconstituents of Ocimum gratissimum on multiple breast cancer targets. Nat Prod Res 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38648537 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2344193] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
O. gratissimum is one of the most common medicinal plants in every community in Nigeria. This plant has been presumed to be useful in the management of diseases including breast cancer, which is one the commonest cancers affecting women globally. Hence, this study aimed to computationally investigate the phytochemicals present in O. gratissimum by elucidate their binding dynamics against five selected molecular targets of breast cancer and predict their pharmacokinetics properties. Molecular docking, MMGBSA calculation and ADMET prediction were used. The results showed that isovitexin has the highest binding affinity of -9.11 kcal/mol and -9.80 kcal/mol for Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) respectively. Rosmarinic acid has the highest binding affinity of -12.15 kcal/mol for Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Nepetoidin A has the highest binding affinity of -9.14 kcal/mol for oestrogen receptor (ER), and Vitexin has the highest binding affinity of -12.90 kcal/mol for Progesterone receptor (PR). MMGBSA provided total binding energy that confirmed the stability of the complexes under physiological conditions. The ADMET profiles showed that O. gratissimum top phytochemicals identified would be safe for oral administration with no hepatoxicity. Overall, this study identified isovitexin, vitexin, rosmarinic acid, nepetoidin A and luteolin among others, as compounds that exhibit strong anti-cancer properties against breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basiru Olaitan Ajiboye
- Phytomedicine and Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Toluwase Hezekiah Fatoki
- Bioinformatics and Enzymology Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Precious Ayorinde Akinnusi
- Bioinformatics and Enzymology Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Olawale Rasaq Ajuwon
- Redox Biology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Babatunji Emmanuel Oyinloye
- Phytomedicine, Biochemical Toxicology and Biotechnology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
- Biotechnology and Structural Biology (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa
| | - Temitope Olawale Jeje
- Biochemical Immunology and Phytomedicine Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Olutunmise Victoria Owolabi
- Medical Biochemistry Unit, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Oluwatosin O Ogedengbe
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Claudia Genovese
- Institute for Agriculture and Forestry Systems in the Mediterranean, Catania, Italy
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2
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Longhitano L, Distefano A, Amorini AM, Orlando L, Giallongo S, Tibullo D, Lazzarino G, Nicolosi A, Alanazi AM, Saoca C, Macaione V, Aguennouz M, Salomone F, Tropea E, Barbagallo IA, Volti GL, Lazzarino G. (+)-Lipoic Acid Reduces Lipotoxicity and Regulates Mitochondrial Homeostasis and Energy Balance in an In Vitro Model of Liver Steatosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14491. [PMID: 37833939 PMCID: PMC10572323 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the accumulation of lipids within hepatocytes, which compromises liver functionality following mitochondrial dysfunction and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Lipoic acid is one of the prosthetic groups of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex also known for its ability to confer protection from oxidative damage because of its antioxidant properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of lipoic acid on lipotoxicity and mitochondrial dynamics in an in vitro model of liver steatosis. HepG2 cells were treated with palmitic acid and oleic acid (1:2) to induce steatosis, without and with 1 and 5 µM lipoic acid. Following treatments, cell proliferation and lipid droplets accumulation were evaluated. Mitochondrial functions were assessed through the evaluation of membrane potential, MitoTracker Red staining, expression of genes of the mitochondrial quality control, and analysis of energy metabolism by HPLC and Seahorse. We showed that lipoic acid treatment restored membrane potential to values comparable to control cells, as well as protected cells from mitochondrial fragmentation following PA:OA treatment. Furthermore, our data showed that lipoic acid was able to determine an increase in the expression of mitochondrial fusion genes and a decrease in mitochondrial fission genes, as well as to restore the bioenergetics of cells after treatment with palmitic acid and oleic acid. In conclusion, our data suggest that lipoic acid reduces lipotoxicity and improves mitochondrial functions in an in vitro model of steatosis, thus providing a potentially valuable pharmacological tool for NAFLD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Longhitano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Alfio Distefano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Angela Maria Amorini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Laura Orlando
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Sebastiano Giallongo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Anna Nicolosi
- Hospital Pharmacy Unit, Ospedale Cannizzaro, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Amer M. Alanazi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Concetta Saoca
- Department Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (V.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Vincenzo Macaione
- Department Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (V.M.); (M.A.)
| | - M’hammed Aguennouz
- Department Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (V.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Federico Salomone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Ospedale di Acireale, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale di Catania, 95024 Catania, Italy;
| | - Emanuela Tropea
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Ignazio Alberto Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Giacomo Lazzarino
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy;
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3
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Caserta S, Genovese C, Cicero N, Toscano V, Gangemi S, Allegra A. The Interplay between Medical Plants and Gut Microbiota in Cancer. Nutrients 2023; 15:3327. [PMID: 37571264 PMCID: PMC10421419 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota is a dynamic community of bacteria distributed in the gastroenteric tract and changes in response to diseases, diet, use of antibiotics and probiotics, hygiene status, and other environmental factors. Dysbiosis, a disruption of the normal crosstalk between the host and the microbes, is associated with obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, is linked to a reduction of anti-inflammatory bacteria like Lactobacillus and Roseburia, and to an increase in the growth of proinflammatory species like Ruminococcus gnavus and Bacteroidetes. Some plants possess anticancer properties and various studies have reported that some of these are also able to modulate the gut microbiota. The aim of this work is to evaluate the crucial relationship between medical plants and gut microbiota and the consequences on the onset and progression of cancer. In vivo studies about hematological malignancies showed that beta-glucans tie to endogenous antibeta glucan antibodies and to iC3b, an opsonic fragment of the central complement protein C3, leading to phagocytosis of antibody-targeted neoplastic cells and potentiation of the cytotoxic activity of the innate immune system if administered together with monoclonal antibodies. In conclusion, this review suggests the potential use of medical plants to improve gut dysbiosis and assist in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santino Caserta
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.C.); (A.A.)
| | - Claudia Genovese
- National Research Council, Institute for Agriculture and Forestry Systems in the Mediterranean, Via Empedocle 58, 95128 Catania, Italy;
| | - Nicola Cicero
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Valeria Toscano
- National Research Council, Institute for Agriculture and Forestry Systems in the Mediterranean, Via Empedocle 58, 95128 Catania, Italy;
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Allegra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.C.); (A.A.)
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4
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Caserta S, Genovese C, Cicero N, Gangemi S, Allegra A. The Anti-Cancer Effect of Cinnamon Aqueous Extract: A Focus on Hematological Malignancies. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051176. [PMID: 37240821 DOI: 10.3390/life13051176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cinnamon is an evergreen and tropical plant of the family Lauraceae, growing particularly in Sri Lanka, whose aqueous extract has been tested in different studies to evaluate its possible use as an anti-cancer compound. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments seem to confirm that it acts on various cellular pathways, contributing to down-regulating the activity of molecules that stimulate the proliferation and survival of cells such as the transcription factors NF-KB and AP-1, COX-2, dihydrofolate reductase and pro-angiogenic substances such as VEGF, while up-regulating the function of immune cells against tumors, such as cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. In hematological malignancies, aqueous cinnamon extract has been studied in order to understand if it is possible to count on its help, alone or in combination with traditional drugs such as doxorubicin, to treat patients. The aim of our work is to investigate results from in vitro and in vivo studies about the possible anti-cancer effect of aqueous cinnamon extract in hematological malignancies and the different pathways involved in its action. The possibility of using cinnamon extract in clinical practice is discussed; even if its use could appear very interesting, more studies are necessary to clear the real potentiality of this substance in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santino Caserta
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Genovese
- National Research Council, Institute for Agricultural and Forest Systems in the Mediterranean, Via Empedocle 58, 95128 Catania, Italy
| | - Nicola Cicero
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Allegra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
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Indelicato S, Houmanat K, Bongiorno D, Ejjilani A, Hssaini L, Razouk R, Charafi J, Ennahli S, Hanine H. Freeze dried pomegranate juices of Moroccan fruits: main representative phenolic compounds. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2023; 103:1355-1365. [PMID: 36131535 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.12229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is an ancient perennial plant species of the Punicaceae family. Its seeds are consumed as food or as juice. Previous studies have noted that pomegranate juice encompasses many active compounds with beneficial effects. The main goals of this work were to study the phenolic components of freeze-dried and reconstituted pomegranate juices obtained from 13 pomegranate genotypes growing in Morocco. RESULTS We analyzed several pomegranate juices using high-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry to determine phenolic compounds. Twenty-seven bio-phenols, belonging to four different classes (phenolic acids, hydrolyzable tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids), were identified based on their accurate mass measurements, and quantified. Some encouraging results were obtained. Even though the freeze-drying process introduced a marked degradation of bio-phenols, substantially lowering their levels in the reconstituted fruit juices, these fruit juices were still rich enough in bio-phenols to compete with some fresh fruit juices. The reconstituted juices obtained by rehydration of the lyophilized material still differed enough to enable a statistical classification based on their polyphenol content. A correlation analysis was applied to the polyphenol data to explore correlations and similarities between genotypes. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that freeze-drying and reconstitution of juices introduced some degradation of the polyphenol content. The overall polyphenolic pattern within the same cultivar, in two different harvesting years, was maintained, however, suggesting the composition stability of the freeze-dried juices produced in this time span. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Indelicato
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Karim Houmanat
- National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Rabat, Morocco
| | - David Bongiorno
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Assia Ejjilani
- National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Rabat, Morocco
- Faculty of Science and Technics, Laboratory of Bioprocess and Bio-Interfaces, Université Sultan Moulay Slimane, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
| | - Lahcen Hssaini
- National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Rabat, Morocco
| | - Rachid Razouk
- National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Rabat, Morocco
| | - Jamal Charafi
- National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Rabat, Morocco
| | - Said Ennahli
- National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Rabat, Morocco
| | - Hafida Hanine
- Faculty of Science and Technics, Laboratory of Bioprocess and Bio-Interfaces, Université Sultan Moulay Slimane, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
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Betageri KR, Link PA, Haak AJ, Ligresti G, Tschumperlin DJ, Caporarello N. The matricellular protein CCN3 supports lung endothelial homeostasis and function. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 324:L154-L168. [PMID: 36573684 PMCID: PMC9925165 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00248.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant vascular remodeling contributes to the progression of many aging-associated diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), where heterogeneous capillary density, endothelial transcriptional alterations, and increased vascular permeability correlate with poor disease outcomes. Thus, identifying disease-driving mechanisms in the pulmonary vasculature may be a promising strategy to limit IPF progression. Here, we identified Ccn3 as an endothelial-derived factor that is upregulated in resolving but not in persistent lung fibrosis in mice, and whose function is critical for vascular homeostasis and repair. Loss and gain of function experiments were carried out to test the role of CCN3 in lung microvascular endothelial function in vitro through RNAi and the addition of recombinant human CCN3 protein, respectively. Endothelial migration, permeability, proliferation, and in vitro angiogenesis were tested in cultured human lung microvascular endothelial cells (ECs). Loss of CCN3 in lung ECs resulted in transcriptional alterations along with impaired wound-healing responses, in vitro angiogenesis, barrier integrity as well as an increased profibrotic activity through paracrine signals, whereas the addition of recombinant CCN3 augmented endothelial function. Altogether, our results demonstrate that the matricellular protein CCN3 plays an important role in lung endothelial function and could serve as a promising therapeutic target to facilitate vascular repair and promote lung fibrosis resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana R Betageri
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Patrick A Link
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Andrew J Haak
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Giovanni Ligresti
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Goncharov NV, Kovalskaia VA, Romanishin AO, Shved NA, Belousov AS, Tiasto VS, Gulaia VS, Neergheen VS, Rummun N, Liskovykh M, Larionov V, Kouprina N, Kumeiko VV. Novel assay to measure chromosome instability identifies Punica granatum extract that elevates CIN and has a potential for tumor- suppressing therapies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:989932. [PMID: 36601386 PMCID: PMC9806258 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.989932] [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: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human artificial chromosomes (HACs) have provided a useful tool to study kinetochore structure and function, gene delivery, and gene expression. The HAC propagates and segregates properly in the cells. Recently, we have developed an experimental high-throughput imaging (HTI) HAC-based assay that allows the identification of genes whose depletion leads to chromosome instability (CIN). The HAC carries a GFP transgene that facilitates quantitative measurement of CIN. The loss of HAC/GFP may be measured by flow cytometry or fluorescence scanning microscope. Therefore, CIN rate can be measured by counting the proportion of fluorescent cells. Here, the HAC/GFP-based assay has been adapted to screen anticancer compounds for possible induction or elevation of CIN. We analyzed 24 cytotoxic plant extracts. Punica granatum leaf extract (PLE) indeed sharply increases CIN rate in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells. PLE treatment leads to cell cycle arrest, reduction of mitotic index, and the increased numbers of micronuclei (MNi) and nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs). PLE-mediated increased CIN correlates with the induction of double-stranded breaks (DSBs). We infer that the PLE extract contains a component(s) that elevate CIN, making it a candidate for further study as a potential cancer treatment. The data also provide a proof of principle for the utility of the HAC/GFP-based system in screening for natural products and other compounds that elevate CIN in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay V. Goncharov
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia,Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia,*Correspondence: Nikolay V. Goncharov, ; Vadim V. Kumeiko,
| | | | | | - Nikita A. Shved
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia,Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Andrei S. Belousov
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Vladlena S. Tiasto
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Valeriia S. Gulaia
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Vidushi S. Neergheen
- Biopharmaceutical Unit, Centre for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research (CBBR), University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius
| | - Nawraj Rummun
- Biopharmaceutical Unit, Centre for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research (CBBR), University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius
| | - Mikhail Liskovykh
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Vladimir Larionov
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Natalay Kouprina
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Vadim V. Kumeiko
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia,Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia,*Correspondence: Nikolay V. Goncharov, ; Vadim V. Kumeiko,
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8
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Ding K, Jiang W, Jia H, Lei M. Synergistically Anti-Multiple Myeloma Effects: Flavonoid, Non-Flavonoid Polyphenols, and Bortezomib. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1647. [PMID: 36358997 PMCID: PMC9687375 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal plasma cell tumor originating from a post-mitotic lymphoid B-cell lineage. Bortezomib(BTZ), a first-generation protease inhibitor, has increased overall survival, progression-free survival, and remission rates in patients with MM since its clinical approval in 2003. However, the use of BTZ is challenged by the malignant features of MM and drug resistance. Polyphenols, classified into flavonoid and non-flavonoid polyphenols, have potential health-promoting activities, including anti-cancer. Previous preclinical studies have demonstrated the anti-MM potential of some dietary polyphenols. Therefore, these dietary polyphenols have the potential to be alternative therapies in anti-MM treatment regimens. This systematic review examines the synergistic effects of flavonoids and non-flavonoid polyphenols on the anti-MM impacts of BTZ. Preclinical studies on flavonoids and non-flavonoid polyphenols-BTZ synergism in MM were collected from PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase published between 2008 and 2020. 19 valid preclinical studies (Published from 2008 to 2020) were included in this systematic review. These studies demonstrated that eight flavonoids (icariin, icariside II, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, scutellarein, wogonin, morin, formononetin, daidzin), one plant extract rich in flavonoids (Punica granatum juice) and four non-flavonoid polyphenols (silibinin, resveratrol, curcumin, caffeic acid) synergistically enhanced the anti-MM effect of BTZ. These synergistic effects are mediated through the regulation of cellular signaling pathways associated with proliferation, apoptosis, and drug resistance. Given the above, flavonoids and non-flavonoid polyphenols can benefit MM patients by overcoming the challenges faced in BTZ treatment. Despite the positive nature of this preclinical evidence, some additional investigations are still needed before proceeding with clinical studies. For this purpose, we conclude by providing some suggestions for future research directions.
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Contino M, Leonardi C, Genovese C, Scalisi EM, Pecoraro R, Ignoto S, Failla C, Ferruggia G, Salvaggio A, Asero P, Calderaro P, Toscano V, Raccuia SA, Caruso G, Bracchitta G, Brundo MV. Antioxidant activity of two Opuntia Mill. species fruit extracts on human sperm quality after a freeze-thaw cycle. Nat Prod Res 2022:1-7. [PMID: 36110058 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2022.2124984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of fruit extracts of Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw.(OD) and Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.(OFI), yellow (F1) and red (F2) varieties. In order to evaluate the antioxidant activity of these extracts on human sperm quality after thawing, the semen parameters (vitality, motility, acrosome reaction, oxidative stress, and DNA fragmentation) were analysed after 1 h of exposure. The results showed that OD has higher phenolic content and antioxidant power than OFI, and that they are higher in F2 than F1. Furthermore, regarding the activity of extracts on thawed sperm, the results showed a significant increase in motility in samples treated with OFI F1 and OD extracts, while an improvement in vitality and acrosome reaction and a reduction of DNA fragmentation were observed in all exposed samples compared to the control. Finally, a reduction of oxidative stress was observed in samples exposed to OFI F2 and OD than control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Contino
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Leonardi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Genovese
- National Research Council, Institute for Agricultural and Forest Systems in the Mediterranean, Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Maria Scalisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberta Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sara Ignoto
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Failla
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Greta Ferruggia
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Salvaggio
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Sicily “A. Mirri”, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Calderaro
- National Research Council, Institute for Agricultural and Forest Systems in the Mediterranean, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Toscano
- National Research Council, Institute for Agricultural and Forest Systems in the Mediterranean, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Antonino Raccuia
- National Research Council, Institute for Agricultural and Forest Systems in the Mediterranean, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanna Caruso
- U.O. Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione Umana - Clinica del Mediterraneo, Ragusa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bracchitta
- U.O. Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione Umana - Clinica del Mediterraneo, Ragusa, Italy
| | - Maria Violetta Brundo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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10
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Caporarello N, Lee J, Pham TX, Jones DL, Guan J, Link PA, Meridew JA, Marden G, Yamashita T, Osborne CA, Bhagwate AV, Huang SK, Nicosia RF, Tschumperlin DJ, Trojanowska M, Ligresti G. Dysfunctional ERG signaling drives pulmonary vascular aging and persistent fibrosis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4170. [PMID: 35879310 PMCID: PMC9314350 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31890-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular dysfunction is a hallmark of chronic diseases in elderly. The contribution of the vasculature to lung repair and fibrosis is not fully understood. Here, we performed an epigenetic and transcriptional analysis of lung endothelial cells (ECs) from young and aged mice during the resolution or progression of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. We identified the transcription factor ETS-related gene (ERG) as putative orchestrator of lung capillary homeostasis and repair, and whose function is dysregulated in aging. ERG dysregulation is associated with reduced chromatin accessibility and maladaptive transcriptional responses to injury. Loss of endothelial ERG enhances paracrine fibroblast activation in vitro, and impairs lung fibrosis resolution in young mice in vivo. scRNA-seq of ERG deficient mouse lungs reveales transcriptional and fibrogenic abnormalities resembling those associated with aging and human lung fibrosis, including reduced number of general capillary (gCap) ECs. Our findings demonstrate that lung endothelial chromatin remodeling deteriorates with aging leading to abnormal transcription, vascular dysrepair, and persistent fibrosis following injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jisu Lee
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tho X Pham
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dakota L Jones
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jiazhen Guan
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick A Link
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Meridew
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Grace Marden
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Takashi Yamashita
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Collin A Osborne
- Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Aditya V Bhagwate
- Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Steven K Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Roberto F Nicosia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Maria Trojanowska
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Giovanni Ligresti
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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11
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Chronic Pesticide Exposure in Farm Workers Is Associated with the Epigenetic Modulation of hsa-miR-199a-5p. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127018. [PMID: 35742265 PMCID: PMC9222590 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of pesticides in intensive agriculture has had a negative impact on human health. It was widely demonstrated how pesticides can induce different genetic and epigenetic alterations associated with the development of different diseases, including tumors and neurological disorders. Therefore, the identification of effective indicators for the prediction of harmful pesticide exposure is mandatory. In this context, the aim of the study was to evaluate the modification of hsa-miR-199a-5p expression levels in liquid biopsy samples obtained from healthy donors and farm workers with chronic exposure to pesticides. For this purpose, the high-sensitive droplet digital PCR assay (ddPCR) was used to detect variation in the expression levels of the selected microRNA (miRNA). The ddPCR analyses revealed a significant down-regulation of hsa-miR-199a-5p observed in individuals exposed to pesticides compared to control samples highlighting the good predictive value of this miRNA as demonstrated by statistical analyses. Overall, the obtained results encourage the analysis of miRNAs as predictive biomarkers of chronic pesticide exposure thus improving the current strategies for the monitoring of harmful pesticide exposure.
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12
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Cheshomi H, Bahrami AR, Rafatpanah H, Matin MM. The effects of ellagic acid and other pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) derivatives on human gastric cancer AGS cells. Hum Exp Toxicol 2022; 41:9603271211064534. [PMID: 35179410 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211064534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Although surgery with or without (neo)adjuvant chemo/radiotherapy, as the standard treatments, can be suitable therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer, side effects and drug resistance are two main treatment obstacles. It has been discovered that pomegranate and its natural derivatives, especially ellagic acid (EA), offer significant anti-cancer effects while causing trivial side effects. In this study, we aimed to explore the anti-cancer effects of EA on a human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS) as well as in immunocompromised mice bearing human gastric tumors, for the first time. HPLC was used for determining EA in samples. MTT assay, apoptosis and scratch assay, gelatin zymography, and quantitative RT-PCR were used to determine the anti-cancer properties of different concentrations of pomegranate fruit juice, pomegranate peel extract, and EA. Furthermore, the effects of these compounds were investigated on immunosuppressed C57BL/6 mice carrying human gastric cancer tumors. EA could inhibit the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells. It also had significant effects on reducing both expression and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Further, it was demonstrated that with alterations in the expression of genes involved in apoptosis and inflammation including P53, BAX, APAF1, BCL2, iNOS, NF-κB, IL-8, and TNF-α, EA treatment led to increased cancer cell death and reduced inflammation. Furthermore, its use in mice bearing gastric tumors resulted in a significant reduction in tumor volume without any obvious side effects. Ellagic acid exhibited anti-cancer effects on gastric adenocarcinoma, and can be considered as a safe anti-cancer agent for further preclinical studies on this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Cheshomi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, 48440Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Bahrami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, 48440Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.,Industrial Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, 48440Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Houshang Rafatpanah
- Immunology Research Center, Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam M Matin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, 48440Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.,Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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13
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Arlotta C, Toscano V, Genovese C, Calderaro P, Puglia GD, Raccuia SA. Nutraceutical Content and Genetic Diversity Share a Common Pattern in New Pomegranate Genotypes. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27020389. [PMID: 35056703 PMCID: PMC8779006 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The nutraceutical value of pomegranate in the treatment of many diseases is well-documented and is linked to its richness in phenolic compounds. This study aims to evaluate the nutraceutical and genetic diversity of novel pomegranate genotypes (G1–G5) in comparison to leading commercial pomegranate varieties, i.e., ‘Wonderful’, ‘Primosole’, ‘Dente di Cavallo’ and ‘Valenciana’. Morphometric measurements were carried out on fruits, accompanied by chemical characterization (total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, carbohydrates and minerals) and the development of four new polymorphic SSR markers involved in the flavonoid pathway. The cultivars displayed a marked variability in the weight and shape of the fruits, as well as in the weight of the arils and juice yield. The highest level of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was found in ‘Wonderful’ and G4, while the lowest was in ‘Dente di Cavallo’. Furthermore, the results showed that pomegranate juice is an excellent source of minerals, especially potassium, which plays a key role in organ functioning. The new flavonoid-related markers effectively differentiated the cultivars with the same diversity pattern as morpho-chemical characterization, so the SSRs developed in the present study can be used as a rapid tool for the identification of pomegranate cultivars with relevant nutraceutical traits, such as the new genotypes investigated.
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14
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Wong TL, Strandberg KR, Croley CR, Fraser SE, Nagulapalli Venkata KC, Fimognari C, Sethi G, Bishayee A. Pomegranate bioactive constituents target multiple oncogenic and oncosuppressive signaling for cancer prevention and intervention. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 73:265-293. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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15
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Pacifici F, Rovella V, Pastore D, Bellia A, Abete P, Donadel G, Santini S, Beck H, Ricordi C, Daniele ND, Lauro D, Della-Morte D. Polyphenols and Ischemic Stroke: Insight into One of the Best Strategies for Prevention and Treatment. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13061967. [PMID: 34201106 PMCID: PMC8229516 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke (IS) is still among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. The pathogenic mechanisms beyond its development are several and are complex and this is the main reason why a functional therapy is still missed. The beneficial effects of natural compounds against cardiovascular diseases and IS have been investigated for a long time. In this article, we reviewed the association between the most studied polyphenols and stroke protection in terms of prevention, effect on acute phase, and rehabilitation. We described experimental and epidemiological studies reporting the role of flavonols, phenolic acid, and stilbens on ischemic mechanisms leading to stroke. We analyzed the principal animal models used to evaluate the impact of these micronutrients to cerebral blood flow and to molecular pathways involved in oxidative stress and inflammation modulation, such as sirtuins. We reported the most significant clinical trials demonstrated as the persistent use of polyphenols is clinically relevant in terms of the reduction of vascular risk factors for IS, such as Atrial Fibrillation. Interestingly, different kinds of polyphenols provide brain protection by activating different pathways and mechanisms, like inducing antithrombotic effect, such as Honokiol. For this reason, we discussed an appropriate integrative use of them as a possible therapeutic alternative against stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pacifici
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (V.R.); (D.P.); (A.B.); (N.D.D.); (D.L.)
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (V.R.); (D.P.); (A.B.); (N.D.D.); (D.L.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Donatella Pastore
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (V.R.); (D.P.); (A.B.); (N.D.D.); (D.L.)
| | - Alfonso Bellia
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (V.R.); (D.P.); (A.B.); (N.D.D.); (D.L.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Abete
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giulia Donadel
- Department of Clinical Science and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Silvia Santini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Heinz Beck
- Campus Principe di Napoli, Università Unipegaso, 80132 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Camillo Ricordi
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Nicola Di Daniele
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (V.R.); (D.P.); (A.B.); (N.D.D.); (D.L.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Davide Lauro
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (V.R.); (D.P.); (A.B.); (N.D.D.); (D.L.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - David Della-Morte
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (V.R.); (D.P.); (A.B.); (N.D.D.); (D.L.)
- Department of Neurology and Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Studies on Lab-on-Chip and Organ-on-Chip Applications (ICLOC), University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-305-243-4790
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16
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Hegazi NM, El-Shamy S, Fahmy H, Farag MA. Pomegranate juice as a super-food: A comprehensive review of its extraction, analysis, and quality assessment approaches. J Food Compost Anal 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2020.103773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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17
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Arlotta C, Puglia GD, Genovese C, Toscano V, Karlova R, Beekwilder J, De Vos RCH, Raccuia SA. MYB5-like and bHLH influence flavonoid composition in pomegranate. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 298:110563. [PMID: 32771164 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2020.110563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The fruit of the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important nutraceutical food rich in polyphenolic compounds, including hydrolysable tannins, anthocyanins and flavonols. Their composition varies according to cultivar, tissue and fruit development stage and is probably regulated by a combination of MYB and bHLH type transcription factors (TFs). In this study, metabolomics analysis during fruit developmental stages in the main pomegranate cultivars, Wonderful and Valenciana with contrasting colour of their ripe fruits, showed that flavonols were mostly present in flowers while catechins were highest in unripe fruits and anthocyanins in late fruit maturation stages. A novel MYB TF, PgMYB5-like, was identified, which differs from previously isolated pomegranate TFs by unique C-terminal protein motifs and lack of the amino-acid residues conserved among anthocyanins promoting MYBs. In both pomegranate cultivars the expression of PgMYB5-like was high at flowering stage, while it decreased during fruit ripening. A previously identified bHLH-type TF, PgbHLH, also showed high transcript levels at flowering stage in both cultivars, while it showed a decrease in expression during fruit ripening in cv. Valenciana, but not in cv. Wonderful. Functional analysis of both TFs was performed by agro-infiltration into Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Plants infiltrated with the PgMYB5-like+PgbHLH combined construct showed a specific and significant accumulation of intermediates of the flavonoid pathway, especially dihydroflavonols, while anthocyanins were not produced. Thus, we propose a role for PgMYB5-like and PgbHLH in the first steps of flavonoid production in flowers and in unripe fruits. The expression patterns of these two TFs may be key in determining the differential flavonoid composition in both flowers and fruits of the pomegranate varieties Wonderful and Valenciana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Arlotta
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per i Sistemi Agricoli e Forestali del Mediterraneo (CNR-ISAFOM) U.O.S. Catania, Via Empedocle, 58, 95128, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe D Puglia
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per i Sistemi Agricoli e Forestali del Mediterraneo (CNR-ISAFOM) U.O.S. Catania, Via Empedocle, 58, 95128, Catania, Italy.
| | - Claudia Genovese
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per i Sistemi Agricoli e Forestali del Mediterraneo (CNR-ISAFOM) U.O.S. Catania, Via Empedocle, 58, 95128, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Toscano
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per i Sistemi Agricoli e Forestali del Mediterraneo (CNR-ISAFOM) U.O.S. Catania, Via Empedocle, 58, 95128, Catania, Italy
| | - Rumyana Karlova
- Wageningen Plant Research, Bioscience, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jules Beekwilder
- Wageningen Plant Research, Bioscience, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ric C H De Vos
- Wageningen Plant Research, Bioscience, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Salvatore A Raccuia
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per i Sistemi Agricoli e Forestali del Mediterraneo (CNR-ISAFOM) U.O.S. Catania, Via Empedocle, 58, 95128, Catania, Italy
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18
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Puglia GD, Prjibelski AD, Vitale D, Bushmanova E, Schmid KJ, Raccuia SA. Hybrid transcriptome sequencing approach improved assembly and gene annotation in Cynara cardunculus (L.). BMC Genomics 2020; 21:317. [PMID: 32819282 PMCID: PMC7441626 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6670-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The investigation of transcriptome profiles using short reads in non-model organisms, which lack of well-annotated genomes, is limited by partial gene reconstruction and isoform detection. In contrast, long-reads sequencing techniques revealed their potential to generate complete transcript assemblies even when a reference genome is lacking. Cynara cardunculus var. altilis (DC) (cultivated cardoon) is a perennial hardy crop adapted to dry environments with many industrial and nutraceutical applications due to the richness of secondary metabolites mostly produced in flower heads. The investigation of this species benefited from the recent release of a draft genome, but the transcriptome profile during the capitula formation still remains unexplored. In the present study we show a transcriptome analysis of vegetative and inflorescence organs of cultivated cardoon through a novel hybrid RNA-seq assembly approach utilizing both long and short RNA-seq reads. Results The inclusion of a single Nanopore flow-cell output in a hybrid sequencing approach determined an increase of 15% complete assembled genes and 18% transcript isoforms respect to short reads alone. Among 25,463 assembled unigenes, we identified 578 new genes and updated 13,039 gene models, 11,169 of which were alternatively spliced isoforms. During capitulum development, 3424 genes were differentially expressed and approximately two-thirds were identified as transcription factors including bHLH, MYB, NAC, C2H2 and MADS-box which were highly expressed especially after capitulum opening. We also show the expression dynamics of key genes involved in the production of valuable secondary metabolites of which capitulum is rich such as phenylpropanoids, flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones. Most of their biosynthetic genes were strongly transcribed in the flower heads with alternative isoforms exhibiting differentially expression levels across the tissues. Conclusions This novel hybrid sequencing approach allowed to improve the transcriptome assembly, to update more than half of annotated genes and to identify many novel genes and different alternatively spliced isoforms. This study provides new insights on the flowering cycle in an Asteraceae plant, a valuable resource for plant biology and breeding in Cynara and an effective method for improving gene annotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe D Puglia
- Institute for Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstrasse 21, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany. .,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per i Sistemi Agricoli e Forestali del Mediterraneo (CNR-ISAFOM) U.O.S. Catania, Via Empedocle, 58, 95128, Catania, Italy.
| | - Andrey D Prjibelski
- Center for Algorithmic Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Domenico Vitale
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per i Sistemi Agricoli e Forestali del Mediterraneo (CNR-ISAFOM) U.O.S. Catania, Via Empedocle, 58, 95128, Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Bushmanova
- Center for Algorithmic Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Karl J Schmid
- Institute for Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstrasse 21, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Salvatore A Raccuia
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per i Sistemi Agricoli e Forestali del Mediterraneo (CNR-ISAFOM) U.O.S. Catania, Via Empedocle, 58, 95128, Catania, Italy
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19
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Fahmy H, Hegazi N, El-Shamy S, Farag MA. Pomegranate juice as a functional food: a comprehensive review of its polyphenols, therapeutic merits, and recent patents. Food Funct 2020; 11:5768-5781. [PMID: 32608443 DOI: 10.1039/d0fo01251c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is an ancient perennial plant species of the Punicaceae family and is regarded as the 'miracle fruit' for its seeds being consumed as food, juice and as a functional food. Significant modern pharmacological and clinical evidence has highlighted the wide medicinal applications of pomegranate fruit parts and its juice. Pomegranate juice (PJ) that is superior to other fruit juices is a fortified source of dietary polyphenols with potential antioxidant capacity. Polyphenols of PJ include tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. The presence of these beneficial phytochemicals is directly linked to its favourable health benefits viz., obesity and diabetes management and anti-inflammatory effects. This comprehensive review capitalizes on PJ with emphasis on the interrelationship between its holistic chemical composition, metabolism and biological effects. Moreover, the review recapitulates on the diverse health benefits of PJ and related patents in the field of PJ production to ensure the best produced juice quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Fahmy
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology & Information, Cairo, Egypt
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20
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Raimondi L, De Luca A, Giavaresi G, Barone A, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P, Amodio N. Impact of Natural Dietary Agents on Multiple Myeloma Prevention and Treatment: Molecular Insights and Potential for Clinical Translation. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:187-215. [PMID: 29956610 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180629153141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Chemoprevention is based on the use of non-toxic, pharmacologically active agents to prevent tumor progression. In this regard, natural dietary agents have been described by the most recent literature as promising tools for controlling onset and progression of malignancies. Extensive research has been so far performed to shed light on the effects of natural products on tumor growth and survival, disclosing the most relevant signal transduction pathways targeted by such compounds. Overall, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and cytotoxic effects of dietary agents on tumor cells are supported either by results from epidemiological or animal studies and even by clinical trials. Multiple myeloma is a hematologic malignancy characterized by abnormal proliferation of bone marrow plasma cells and subsequent hypercalcemia, renal dysfunction, anemia, or bone disease, which remains incurable despite novel emerging therapeutic strategies. Notably, increasing evidence supports the capability of dietary natural compounds to antagonize multiple myeloma growth in preclinical models of the disease, underscoring their potential as candidate anti-cancer agents. In this review, we aim at summarizing findings on the anti-tumor activity of dietary natural products, focusing on their molecular mechanisms, which include inhibition of oncogenic signal transduction pathways and/or epigenetic modulating effects, along with their potential clinical applications against multiple myeloma and its related bone disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Agnese Barone
- Hospice Cascina Brandezzata-Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine Catanzaro, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine Catanzaro, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine Catanzaro, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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Lupo G, Cambria MT, Olivieri M, Rocco C, Caporarello N, Longo A, Zanghì G, Salmeri M, Foti MC, Anfuso CD. Anti-angiogenic effect of quercetin and its 8-methyl pentamethyl ether derivative in human microvascular endothelial cells. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:6565-6577. [PMID: 31369203 PMCID: PMC6787496 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is involved in many pathological states such as progression of tumours, retinopathy of prematurity and diabetic retinopathy. The latter is a more complex diabetic complication in which neurodegeneration plays a significant role and a leading cause of blindness. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a powerful pro‐angiogenic factor that acts through three tyrosine kinase receptors (VEGFR‐1, VEGFR‐2 and VEGFR‐3). In this work we studied the anti‐angiogenic effect of quercetin (Q) and some of its derivates in human microvascular endothelial cells, as a blood retinal barrier model, after stimulation with VEGF‐A. We found that a permethylated form of Q, namely 8MQPM, more than the simple Q, is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis both in vitro and ex vivo. Our results showed that these compounds inhibited cell viability and migration and disrupted the formation of microvessels in rabbit aortic ring. The addition of Q and more significantly 8MQPM caused recoveries or completely re‐establish the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) to the control values and suppressed the activation of VEGFR2 downstream signalling molecules such as AKT, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase. Taken together, these data suggest that 8MQPM might have an important role in the contrast of angiogenesis‐related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Lupo
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (Biometec), School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Cambria
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (Biometec), School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Melania Olivieri
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (Biometec), School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Rocco
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry of CNR, Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzia Caporarello
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (Biometec), School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Longo
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (Biometec), School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Guido Zanghì
- Department of Surgery (CHIR), School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Salmeri
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (Biometec), School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario C Foti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry of CNR, Catania, Italy
| | - Carmelina Daniela Anfuso
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (Biometec), School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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22
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Possible use of Punica granatum (Pomegranate) in cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2018; 133:53-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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23
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Beigi Boroujeni M, Shahrokhi SS, Birjandi M, Abbaszadeh A, Beyranvand F, Hamoleh S, Zandbaf Z, Gholami M. Effects of pomegranate peel extract on histopathology, testosterone levels and sperm of testicular torsion–detorsion induced in adult Wistar rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 14:/j/jcim.ahead-of-print/jcim-2017-0009/jcim-2017-0009.xml. [DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2017-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundIn the present study, effects of pomegranate peel extract have been evaluated on decreasing the damage induced by testis torsion.MethodsIn this study, 30 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups of control, experimental (1) and experimental (2). Control: no ischemia, received vehicle alone, exposed to sham operation. Experimental (1): Received the vehicle alone during ischemia followed by 60 days’ reperfusion. Experimental (2): After performing ischemia reperfusion, 500 mg/kg of pomegranate peel extract has been used for 60 days. Blood samples and sperm samples were collected. Testes were harvested and stained with haematoxylin and eosin to study the structure of seminiferous tubules.ResultsThe statistical comparison between sperm count and their viability and testosterone hormone amount showed a significant difference between control and experimental (1) groups and control and experimental (2) groups. The results showed an improvement of morphological condition of seminiferous tubules.ConclusionsPomegranate peel extract has revealed desirable changes on the effective parameters in infertility.
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Fuochi V, Li Volti G, Camiolo G, Tiralongo F, Giallongo C, Distefano A, Petronio Petronio G, Barbagallo I, Viola M, Furneri PM, Di Rosa M, Avola R, Tibullo D. Antimicrobial and Anti-Proliferative Effects of Skin Mucus Derived from Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758). Mar Drugs 2017; 15:md15110342. [PMID: 29104260 PMCID: PMC5706032 DOI: 10.3390/md15110342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to chemotherapy occurs in various diseases (i.e., cancer and infection), and for this reason, both are very difficult to treat. Therefore, novel antimicrobial and chemotherapic drugs are needed for effective antibiotic therapy. The aim of the present study was to assess the antimicrobial and anti-proliferative effects of skin mucus derived from Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758). Our results showed that skin mucus exhibited a significant and specific antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria but not against Gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, we also observed a significant antifungal activity against some strains of Candida spp. Concerning anti-proliferative activity, we showed that fish mucus was specifically toxic for acute leukemia cells (HL60) with an inhibition of proliferation in a dose dependent manner (about 52% at 1000 μg/mL of fish skin mucous, FSM). Moreover, we did not observe effects in healthy cells, in neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y), and multiple myeloma cell lines (MM1, U266). Finally, it exhibited strong expression and activity of chitinase which may be responsible, at least in part, for the aforementioned results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Fuochi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95124, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95124, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Camiolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95124, Italy.
| | | | - Cesarina Giallongo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95124, Italy.
| | - Alfio Distefano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95124, Italy.
| | - Giulio Petronio Petronio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95124, Italy.
| | - Ignazio Barbagallo
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95125, Italy.
| | - Maria Viola
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95124, Italy.
| | - Pio Maria Furneri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95124, Italy.
| | - Michelino Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95124, Italy.
| | - Roberto Avola
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95124, Italy.
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95124, Italy.
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Di Pietro P, Caporarello N, Anfuso CD, Lupo G, Magrì A, La Mendola D, Satriano C. Immobilization of Neurotrophin Peptides on Gold Nanoparticles by Direct and Lipid-Mediated Interaction: A New Multipotential Therapeutic Nanoplatform for CNS Disorders. ACS OMEGA 2017; 2:4071-4079. [PMID: 31457708 PMCID: PMC6641863 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.7b00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophins are essential proteins for the development and maintenance of neural functions as well as promising drugs in neurodegenerative disorders. Current limits in their effective clinical applications can be overwhelmed by the combined use of peptidomimetic and nanomedicine approaches. Indeed, neurotrophin-mimicking peptides may allow minimizing the adverse side effects of the whole protein drug. Moreover, the immobilization of such peptides on nanomaterials may offer additional advantages, including protection against degradation, enhanced permeability of barrier membranes, and intrinsic therapeutic properties of the nanoparticles (e.g., antiangiogenic and plasmonic features of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)). In the present article, we scrutinize the functionalization of spherical AuNPs of diameter 12 nm by peptides because of the N-terminal domains of the nerve growth factor (NGF) and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), NGF1-14 and BDNF1-12, respectively. The hybrid gold-peptide nanobiointerface was investigated, both in the direct physisorption and in the lipid-bilayer-mediated adsorption processes, by a multitechnique study that included UV-vis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, dynamic light scattering, zeta-potential analyses, and atomic force microscopy. Both peptide- and lipid-dependent features were identified, to have a modulation in the peptide coverage of nanoparticles as well as in the cellular uptake of NGF and BDNF peptides, as investigated by confocal microscopy. The promising potentials of the neurotrophins to cross the blood-brain barrier were demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Di Pietro
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzia Caporarello
- Department
of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Biological Tower, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carmelina D. Anfuso
- Department
of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Biological Tower, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriella Lupo
- Department
of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Biological Tower, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Magrì
- Institute
of Biostructures and Bioimages − Catania, National Council of Research (IBB-CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 16, I-95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno Pisano, 6, I-56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Satriano
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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