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Du H, Li Z, Su L, He Z, Tan X, Hou F, He T, Pan Y, Xu S, Cao L, Dong S, Ma Y. Synthesis, characterization, and mechanistic insights into the enhanced anti-inflammatory activity of baicalin butyl ester via the PI3K-AKT pathway. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1417372. [PMID: 39104394 PMCID: PMC11298432 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1417372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of Baicalin derivative (Baicalin butyl ester, BE). Methods BE was synthesized and identified using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. Its anti-inflammatory potential was explored by an in vitro inflammation model. Network pharmacology was employed to predict the anti-inflammatory targets of BE, construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and analysis topological features and KEGG pathway enrichment. Additionally, molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the binding affinity between BE and its core targets. qRT-PCR analysis was conducted to validate the network pharmacology results. The organizational efficiency was further evaluated through octanol-water partition coefficient and transmembrane activity analysis. Results UV-Vis, FT-IR, MS, and HPLC analyses confirmed the successfully synthesis of BE with a high purity of 93.75%. In vitro anti-inflammatory research showed that BE could more effectively suppress the expression of NO, COX-2, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS. Network pharmacology and in vitro experiments validated that BE's anti-inflammatory effects was mediated through the suppression of SRC, HSP90AA1, PIK3CA, JAK2, AKT1, and NF-κB via PI3K-AKT pathway. Molecular docking results revealed that the binding affinities of BA to the core targets were lower than those of BE. The Log p-value of BE (1.7) was markedly higher than that of BA (-0.5). Furthermore, BE accumulated in cells at a level approximately 200 times greater than BA. Conclusion BE exhibits stronger anti-inflammatory activity relative to BA, possibly attributed to its better lipid solubility and cellular penetration capabilities. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of BE may be mediated through the PI3K-AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxu Du
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Immunology Research Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhangxun Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lijuan Su
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengke He
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Tan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fengzhi Hou
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tanjie He
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Pan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuang Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liting Cao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Immunology Research Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shiqi Dong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Immunology Research Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Gong L, Zhao H, Liu Y, Wu H, Liu C, Chang S, Chen L, Jin M, Wang Q, Gao Z, Huang W. Research advances in peptide‒drug conjugates. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:3659-3677. [PMID: 37719380 PMCID: PMC10501876 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide‒drug conjugates (PDCs) are drug delivery systems consisting of a drug covalently coupled to a multifunctional peptide via a cleavable linker. As an emerging prodrug strategy, PDCs not only preserve the function and bioactivity of the peptides but also release the drugs responsively with the cleavable property of the linkers. Given the ability to significantly improve the circulation stability and targeting of drugs in vivo and reduce the toxic side effects of drugs, PDCs have already been extensively applied in drug delivery. Herein, we review the types and mechanisms of peptides, linkers and drugs used to construct PDCs, and summarize the clinical applications and challenges of PDC drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Heming Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shuangyan Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Liqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Mingji Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Qiming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhonggao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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Vilaça H, Carvalho A, Castro T, Castanheira EMS, Hilliou L, Hamley I, Melle-Franco M, Ferreira PMT, Martins JA. Unveiling the Role of Capping Groups in Naphthalene N-Capped Dehydrodipeptide Hydrogels. Gels 2023; 9:464. [PMID: 37367135 DOI: 10.3390/gels9060464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-assembled peptide-based hydrogels are archetypical nanostructured materials with a plethora of foreseeable applications in nanomedicine and as biomaterials. N-protected di- and tri-peptides are effective minimalist (molecular) hydrogelators. Independent variation of the capping group, peptide sequence and side chain modifications allows a wide chemical space to be explored and hydrogel properties to be tuned. In this work, we report the synthesis of a focused library of dehydrodipeptides N-protected with 1-naphthoyl and 2-naphthylacetyl groups. The 2-naphthylacetyl group was extensively reported for preparation of peptide-based self-assembled hydrogels, whereas the 1-naphthaloyl group was largely overlooked, owing presumably to the lack of a methylene linker between the naphthalene aromatic ring and the peptide backbone. Interestingly, dehydrodipeptides N-capped with the 1-naphthyl moiety afford stronger gels, at lower concentrations, than the 2-naphthylacetyl-capped dehydrodipeptides. Fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy showed that the self-assembly of the dehydrodipeptides is driven by intermolecular aromatic π-π stacking interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the 1-naphthoyl group allows higher order aromatic π-π stacking of the peptide molecules than the 2-naphthylacetyl group, together with hydrogen bonding of the peptide scaffold. The nanostructure of the gel networks was studied by TEM and STEM microscopy and was found to correlate well with the elasticity of the gels. This study contributes to understanding the interplay between peptide and capping group structure on the formation of self-assembled low-molecular-weight peptide hydrogels. Moreover, the results presented here add the 1-naphthoyl group to the palette of capping groups available for the preparation of efficacious low-molecular-weight peptide-based hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Vilaça
- Centre of Chemistry, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Technological Centre for the Textile and Clothing Industries of Portugal, 4760-034 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
| | - André Carvalho
- Centre of Chemistry, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Tarsila Castro
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Elisabete M S Castanheira
- Physics Centre of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Loic Hilliou
- Institute for Polymers and Composites, Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ian Hamley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, Whiteknights, P.O. Box 224, Reading RG6 6AD, UK
| | - Manuel Melle-Franco
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paula M T Ferreira
- Centre of Chemistry, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - José A Martins
- Centre of Chemistry, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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Wei M, Liu F, Raka RN, Xiang J, Xiao J, Han T, Guo F, Yang S, Wu H. In vitro and in silico analysis of 'Taikong blue' lavender essential oil in LPS-induced HaCaT cells and RAW264.7 murine macrophages. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:324. [PMID: 36474235 PMCID: PMC9727978 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03800-0] [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: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 'Taikong blue' lavender, a space-bred cultivar of Lavandula angustifolia, is one of the main lavender essential oil production crops in Xinjiang Province, China. Several cases of local usage indicated that 'Taikong blue' lavender essential oil (TLEO) had excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties for skin problems. However, to date, substantial data on these functions are lacking. In this study, we aimed to investigate the composition and bioactivities of TLEO and the potential underlying mechanisms through LPS-induced inflammatory models of HaCaT and RAW264.7 cells. METHODS The composition of TLEO was determined by GC‒MS. To study the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of TLEO, we induced HaCaT and RAW264.7 cells by LPS. TLEO (0.001%-0.1%, v/v) was used to treat inflamed cells with dexamethasone (DEX, 10 μg/mL) as the standard drug. A variety of tests were carried out, including biochemical assays, ELISA, RT‒PCR, and western blotting. Docking of components was performed to predict potential ligands. RESULTS The GC‒MS analysis revealed that 53 compounds (> 0.01%) represented 99.76% of the TLEO, and the majority of them were esters. TLEO not only reduced the levels of oxidative stress indicators (NO, ROS, MDA, and iNOS at the mRNA and protein levels) but also protected the SOD and CAT activities. According to the RT‒PCR, ELISA, and Western blot results, TLEO decreased inflammation by inhibiting the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and key proteins (IκBα, NF-кB p65, p50, JNK, and p38 MAPK) in MAPK-NF-кB signaling. Molecular docking results showed that all of the components (> 1% in TLEO) were potent candidate ligands for further research. CONCLUSION The theoretical evidence for TLEO in this study supported its use in skin care as a functional ingredient for cosmetics and pharmaceutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengya Wei
- grid.411615.60000 0000 9938 1755Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048 China
| | - Fei Liu
- Shandong Freda Biotech Co., Ltd, Ji’nan, 250101 Shandong China ,Xinjiang Eprhan Spices Co., Ltd, Cocodala, 835213 Xinjiang China
| | - Rifat Nowshin Raka
- grid.411615.60000 0000 9938 1755Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048 China
| | - Jie Xiang
- grid.411615.60000 0000 9938 1755Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048 China
| | - Junsong Xiao
- grid.411615.60000 0000 9938 1755Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048 China
| | - Tingting Han
- Shandong Freda Biotech Co., Ltd, Ji’nan, 250101 Shandong China ,Xinjiang Eprhan Spices Co., Ltd, Cocodala, 835213 Xinjiang China
| | - Fengjiao Guo
- Shandong Freda Biotech Co., Ltd, Ji’nan, 250101 Shandong China ,Xinjiang Eprhan Spices Co., Ltd, Cocodala, 835213 Xinjiang China
| | - Suzhen Yang
- Shandong Freda Biotech Co., Ltd, Ji’nan, 250101 Shandong China ,Xinjiang Eprhan Spices Co., Ltd, Cocodala, 835213 Xinjiang China
| | - Hua Wu
- grid.411615.60000 0000 9938 1755Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048 China
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Boruah A, Roy A. Advances in hybrid peptide-based self-assembly systems and their applications. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:4694-4723. [PMID: 35899853 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00775d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembly of peptides demonstrates a great potential for designing highly ordered, finely tailored supramolecular arrangements enriched with high specificity, improved efficacy and biological activity. Along with natural peptides, hybrid peptide systems composed of natural and chemically diverse unnatural amino acids have been used in various fields, including drug delivery, wound healing, potent inhibition of diseases, and prevention of biomaterial related diseases to name a few. In this review, we provide a brief outline of various methods that have been utilized for obtaining fascinating structures that create an avenue to reproduce a range of functions resulting from these folds. An overview of different self-assembled structures as well as their applications will also be provided. We believe that this review is very relevant to the current scenario and will cover conformations of hybrid peptides and resulting self-assemblies from the late 20th century through 2022. This review aims to be a comprehensive and reliable account of the hybrid peptide-based self-assembly owing to its enormous influence in understanding and mimicking biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpana Boruah
- Applied Organic Chemistry Group, Chemical Sciences and Technology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Pulibor, Jorhat-785006, Assam, India. .,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Arup Roy
- Applied Organic Chemistry Group, Chemical Sciences and Technology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Pulibor, Jorhat-785006, Assam, India. .,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
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Ahmadi M, Bekeschus S, Weltmann KD, von Woedtke T, Wende K. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: recent advances in the use of synthetic COX-2 inhibitors. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:471-496. [PMID: 35685617 PMCID: PMC9132194 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00280e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes comprise COX-1 and COX-2 isoforms and are responsible for prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins have critical roles in the inflammation pathway and must be controlled by administration of selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Selective COX-2 inhibitors have been among the most used NSAIDs during the ongoing coronavirus 2019 pandemic because they reduce pain and protect against inflammation-related diseases. In this framework, the mechanism of action of both COX isoforms (particularly COX-2) as inflammation mediators must be reviewed. Moreover, proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-8 must be highlighted due to their major participation in upregulation of the inflammatory reaction. Structural and functional analyses of selective COX-2 inhibitors within the active-site cavity of COXs could enable introduction of lead structures with higher selectivity and potency against inflammation with fewer adverse effects. This review focuses on the biological activity of recently discovered synthetic COX-2, dual COX-2/lipoxygenase, and COX-2/soluble epoxide hydrolase hybrid inhibitors based primarily on the active motifs of related US Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs. These new agents could provide several advantages with regard to anti-inflammatory activity, gastrointestinal protection, and a safer profile compared with those of the NSAIDs celecoxib, valdecoxib, and rofecoxib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Ahmadi
- Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP Greifswald), Center for Innovation Competence (ZIK) plasmatis Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 2 17489 Greifswald Germany
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP Greifswald), Center for Innovation Competence (ZIK) plasmatis Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 2 17489 Greifswald Germany
| | - Klaus-Dieter Weltmann
- Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP Greifswald), Center for Innovation Competence (ZIK) plasmatis Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 2 17489 Greifswald Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP Greifswald) Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 2 17489 Greifswald Germany
| | - Thomas von Woedtke
- Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP Greifswald), Center for Innovation Competence (ZIK) plasmatis Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 2 17489 Greifswald Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP Greifswald) Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 2 17489 Greifswald Germany
- University Medicine Greifswald, Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine Walther-Rathenau-Straße 49A 17489 Germany
| | - Kristian Wende
- Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP Greifswald), Center for Innovation Competence (ZIK) plasmatis Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 2 17489 Greifswald Germany
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Oliveira CBP, Veloso SRS, Castanheira EMS, Figueiredo PR, Carvalho ATP, Hilliou L, Pereira RB, Pereira DM, Martins JA, Ferreira PMT, Jervis PJ. An injectable, naproxen-conjugated, supramolecular hydrogel with ultra-low critical gelation concentration-prepared from a known folate receptor ligand. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:3955-3966. [PMID: 35551321 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00121g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Short peptides capped on the N-terminus with aromatic groups are often able to form supramolecular hydrogels-self-assembled networks of fibrils able to trap water molecules. Typically, these hydrogelators can form stiff gels at concentrations of 0.1 to 1.0 wt%-i.e. they consist of mainly water. The properties of these soft materials mimic those of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of biological tissue and therefore they have found many biomedical uses in tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, biosensing and bioprinting applications. In drug delivery strategies related to cancer therapy, injectable hydrogels can serve as a depot formulation, where a sustained release of the chemotherapeutic from near the tumour site allows reduced doses and, therefore, decreased side effects. To further target cancer cells, folic acid-conjugated hydrogels and nanostructures are often sought, to exploit the overexpression of folate receptors on cancer cells-an approach which can allow the selective cellular uptake of an encapsulated drug. In this present study, two known dipeptide folate receptor ligands (1 and 2) recently identified from a screen of a DNA-encoded compound library, were synthesised and investigated for their hydrogelation ability and cytotoxicity. Compound 1, containing a naproxen capping group, rapidly forms hydrogels at concentrations as low as 0.03 wt%-one of the lowest critical gelation concentrations (CGCs) known for a supramolecular hydrogelator. In contrast, compound 2, which contains a 3-indolepropionic acid capping group, was unable to form hydrogels under a range of conditions and concentrations, instead forming nanospheres with diameters of 0.5 μm. Hydrogels of 1 were characterised by STEM microscopy, rheology, fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. Both compounds 1 and 2 had no impact on the proliferation of kerotinocytes (HaCaT cells) at concentrations up to 100 μM. Compound 1, containing the NSAID, was tested for anti-inflammatory activity in a human cyclooxygenase-1/2 model. The rate of the release of model drug compounds from within hydrogels of 1 was also investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos B P Oliveira
- Centre of Chemistry (CQUM), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Sérgio R S Veloso
- Centre of Physics (CFUM), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Pedro R Figueiredo
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alexandra T P Carvalho
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Almac Sciences, Department of Biocatalysis and Isotope Chemistry, Almac House, 20 Seagoe Industrial Estate, Craigavon, BT63 5QD, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Loic Hilliou
- Institute for Polymers and Composites, Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Renato B Pereira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Lab. of Pharmacognosy, Dep. of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - David M Pereira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Lab. of Pharmacognosy, Dep. of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - José A Martins
- Centre of Chemistry (CQUM), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Paula M T Ferreira
- Centre of Chemistry (CQUM), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Peter J Jervis
- Centre of Chemistry (CQUM), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
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8
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Veloso C, Videira RA, Andrade PB, Cardoso C, Vitorino C. Topical Fixed-Dose Combinations: Current in vitro methodologies for pre-clinical development. Int J Pharm 2022; 617:121621. [PMID: 35219825 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The combination of two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients in the same dosage form - fixed-dose combination products - for topical administration represents a promising therapeutic approach for treating several pathologies, including pain. The pre-clinical development of fixed-dose combination products aims to characterize the interactions between the different APIs and ensure that the final medicinal product has the required safety characteristics. To this end, there are several regulatory accepted in vitro tests to assess the safety of medicinal products intended for cutaneous administration. In turn, the evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity should be based on models described in the scientific literature, as there are no models fully validated by competent entities. Therefore, the present work presents the information regarding accepted in vitro tests to assess the safety of topical products and the most used methods to assess anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, a new approach to select a fixed-dose combination product with the potential to enhance the therapeutic effects of the individual active pharmaceutical ingredients is rationalized by integrating the overall effects on several targets relevant for inflammation and pain management in one numeric index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Veloso
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Romeu A Videira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paula B Andrade
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Cardoso
- Laboratórios Basi, Parque Industrial Manuel Lourenço Ferreira, lote 15, 3450-232 Mortágua, Portugal
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Dagallier C, Avry F, Touchefeu Y, Buron F, Routier S, Chérel M, Arlicot N. Development of PET Radioligands Targeting COX-2 for Colorectal Cancer Staging, a Review of in vitro and Preclinical Imaging Studies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:675209. [PMID: 34169083 PMCID: PMC8217454 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.675209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death, making early diagnosis a major public health challenge. The role of inflammation in tumorigenesis has been extensively explored, and among the identified markers of inflammation, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression seems to be linked to lesions with a poor prognosis. Until now, COX-2 expression could only be accessed by invasive methods, mainly by biopsy. Imaging techniques such as functional Positron Emission Tomography (PET) could give access to in vivo COX-2 expression. This could make the staging of the disease more accurate and would be of particular interest in the exploration of the first metastatic stages. In this paper, we review recent progress in the development of COX-2 specific PET tracers by comparing the radioligands' characteristics and highlighting the obstacles that remain to be overcome in order to achieve the clinical development of such a radiotracer, and its evaluation in the management of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Dagallier
- Unité de Radiopharmacie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France.,Inserm UMR1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - François Avry
- Inserm UMR1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Yann Touchefeu
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Nantes University, Nantes, France.,Institut des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, University Hospital, Nantes, France
| | - Frédéric Buron
- ICOA, Université d'Orléans, UMR CNRS 7311, Orléans, France
| | | | - Michel Chérel
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Nantes University, Nantes, France
| | - Nicolas Arlicot
- Unité de Radiopharmacie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France.,Inserm UMR1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Tours, France.,INSERM CIC 1415, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
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10
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Macedo T, Ferreres F, Pereira DM, Oliveira AP, Gomes NGM, Gil-Izquierdo Á, Valentão P, Araújo L, Andrade PB. Cassia sieberiana DC. leaves modulate LPS-induced inflammatory response in THP-1 cells and inhibit eicosanoid-metabolizing enzymes. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 269:113746. [PMID: 33359184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE According to ethnobotanical surveys, Cassia sieberiana DC. (1825) is a particularly reputed species in African folk Medicine, namely due to the application of its leaves and roots for the treatment of diseases and symptomatology that appear to be related with an inflammatory background. In contrast with the roots of the plant, the leaves remain to be investigated, which prompted us to further detail mechanisms underlying their anti-inflammatory properties, by using in vitro models of disease. AIM OF THE STUDY Considering its use in the amelioration and treatment of conditions that frequently underlie an inflammatory response, C. sieberiana leaves extract was prioritized amongst a collection of extracts obtained from plants collected in Guinea-Bissau. As such, this work aims to deliver experimental data on the anti-inflammatory properties of C. sieberiana leaf and to establish possible associations with its chemical composition, thus providing a rationale on its use in folk Medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS The chemical profile of an hydroethanol extract obtained from the leaves of the plant was established by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn in order to identify bioactives. The extract and its main compound were tested towards a series of inflammatory mediators, both in enzymatic and cell-based models. The capacity to interfere with the eicosanoid-metabolizing enzymes 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and -2 (COX-2) was evaluated in cell-free systems, while the effects in interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels produced by THP-1 derived macrophages were assessed through ELISA. RESULTS HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn analysis of the extract elucidated a chemical profile qualitatively characterized by a series of anthraquinones, particularly rhein derivatives, and nine flavonols, most of which 3-O-glycosylated. Considering the concentrations of the identified compounds, quercetin was detached as the main component. Effects of the hydroethanol extract obtained from C. sieberiana leaves against key enzymes of the arachidonic acid cascade were recorded, namely a concentration-dependent inhibition against 5-LOX, at concentrations ranging from 16 to 250 μg mL-1 and a selective inhibitory action upon COX-2 (IC50 = 3.58 μg mL-1) in comparison with the isoform COX-1 (IC50 = 9.10 μg mL-1). Impact on inflammatory cytokines was also noted, C. sieberiana leaf extract significantly decreasing IL-6 levels in THP-1 derived macrophages at 250 and 500 μg mL-1. In contrast, TNF-α levels were found to be increased in the same model. Quercetin appears to partially account for the observed effects, namely due to the significant inhibitory effects on the activity of the arachidonic acid metabolizing enzymes COX-2 and 5-LOX. CONCLUSIONS The anti-inflammatory effects herein reported provide a rationale for the use of C. sieberiana leaves in African folk practices, such as in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism and body aches. Considering the occurrence of flavonoidic and anthraquinonic constituents, as well as the observed anti-inflammatory properties of quercetin, recorded effects must be related with the presence of several bioactives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Macedo
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, nº 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Federico Ferreres
- Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Molecular Recognition and Encapsulation (REM) Group, Universidad Católica de Murcia. UCAM, Campus Los Jerónimos, s/n., 30107, Murcia, Spain.
| | - David M Pereira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, nº 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Andreia P Oliveira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, nº 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Nelson G M Gomes
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, nº 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ángel Gil-Izquierdo
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS (CSIC), P.O. Box 164, Campus University Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, Spain.
| | - Patrícia Valentão
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, nº 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Luísa Araújo
- MDS - Medicamentos e Diagnósticos em Saúde, Avenida dos Combatentes da Liberdade da Pátria, Bissau, Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
| | - Paula B Andrade
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, nº 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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Evaluation of a Model Photo-Caged Dehydropeptide as a Stimuli-Responsive Supramolecular Hydrogel. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11030704. [PMID: 33799670 PMCID: PMC8001155 DOI: 10.3390/nano11030704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Short peptides capped on the N-terminus with aromatic groups are often able to form supramolecular hydrogels, via self-assembly, in aqueous media. The rheological properties of these readily tunable hydrogels resemble those of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and therefore have potential for various biological applications, such as tissue engineering, biosensors, 3D bioprinting, drug delivery systems and wound dressings. We herein report a new photo-responsive supramolecular hydrogel based on a "caged" dehydropeptide (CNB-Phe-ΔPhe-OH 2), containing a photo-cleavable carboxy-2-nitrobenzyl (CNB) group. We have characterized this hydrogel using a range of techniques. Irradiation with UV light cleaves the pendant aromatic capping group, to liberate the corresponding uncaged model dehydropeptide (H-Phe-ΔPhe-OH 3), a process which was investigated by 1H NMR and HPLC studies. Crucially, this cleavage of the capping group is accompanied by dissolution of the hydrogel (studied visually and by fluorescence spectroscopy), as the delicate balance of intramolecular interactions within the hydrogel structure is disrupted. Hydrogels which can be disassembled non-invasively with temporal and spatial control have great potential for specialized on-demand drug release systems, wound dressing materials and various topical treatments. Both 2 and 3 were found to be non-cytotoxic to the human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. The UV-responsive hydrogel system reported here is complementary to previously reported related UV-responsive systems, which are generally composed of peptides formed from canonical amino acids, which are susceptible to enzymatic proteolysis in vivo. This system is based on a dehydrodipeptide structure which is known to confer proteolytic resistance. We have investigated the ability of the photo-activated system to accelerate the release of the antibiotic, ciprofloxacin, as well as some other small model drug compounds. We have also conducted some initial studies towards skin-related applications. Moreover, this model system could potentially be adapted for on-demand "self-delivery", through the uncaging of known biologically active dehydrodipeptides.
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Jervis PJ, Amorim C, Pereira T, Martins JA, Ferreira PMT. Dehydropeptide Supramolecular Hydrogels and Nanostructures as Potential Peptidomimetic Biomedical Materials. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2528. [PMID: 33802425 PMCID: PMC7959283 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Supramolecular peptide hydrogels are gaining increased attention, owing to their potential in a variety of biomedical applications. Their physical properties are similar to those of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is key to their applications in the cell culture of specialized cells, tissue engineering, skin regeneration, and wound healing. The structure of these hydrogels usually consists of a di- or tripeptide capped on the N-terminus with a hydrophobic aromatic group, such as Fmoc or naphthalene. Although these peptide conjugates can offer advantages over other types of gelators such as cross-linked polymers, they usually possess the limitation of being particularly sensitive to proteolysis by endogenous proteases. One of the strategies reported that can overcome this barrier is to use a peptidomimetic strategy, in which natural amino acids are switched for non-proteinogenic analogues, such as D-amino acids, β-amino acids, or dehydroamino acids. Such peptides usually possess much greater resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis. Peptides containing dehydroamino acids, i.e., dehydropeptides, are particularly interesting, as the presence of the double bond also introduces a conformational restraint to the peptide backbone, resulting in (often predictable) changes to the secondary structure of the peptide. This review focuses on peptide hydrogels and related nanostructures, where α,β-didehydro-α-amino acids have been successfully incorporated into the structure of peptide hydrogelators, and the resulting properties are discussed in terms of their potential biomedical applications. Where appropriate, their properties are compared with those of the corresponding peptide hydrogelator composed of canonical amino acids. In a wider context, we consider the presence of dehydroamino acids in natural compounds and medicinally important compounds as well as their limitations, and we consider some of the synthetic strategies for obtaining dehydropeptides. Finally, we consider the future direction for this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Jervis
- Centre of Chemistry, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (C.A.); (T.P.); (J.A.M.); (P.M.T.F.)
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13
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Wątły J, Miller A, Kozłowski H, Rowińska-Żyrek M. Peptidomimetics - An infinite reservoir of metal binding motifs in metabolically stable and biologically active molecules. J Inorg Biochem 2021; 217:111386. [PMID: 33610030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of metal ions in interactions with therapeutic peptides is inevitable. They are one of the factors able to fine-tune the biological properties of antimicrobial peptides, a promising group of drugs with one large drawback - a problematic metabolic stability. Appropriately chosen, proteolytically stable peptidomimetics seem to be a reasonable solution of the problem, and the use of D-, β-, γ-amino acids, unnatural amino acids, azapeptides, peptoids, cyclopeptides and dehydropeptides is an infinite reservoir of metal binding motifs in metabolically stable, well-designed, biologically active molecules. Below, their specific structural features, metal-chelating abilities and antimicrobial potential are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Wątły
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, Joliot - Curie 14, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland.
| | - Adriana Miller
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, Joliot - Curie 14, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Henryk Kozłowski
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, Joliot - Curie 14, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland; Department of Health Sciences, University of Opole, Katowicka 68, Opole 45-060, Poland
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14
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Jervis PJ, Amorim C, Pereira T, Martins JA, Ferreira PMT. Exploring the properties and potential biomedical applications of NSAID-capped peptide hydrogels. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:10001-10012. [PMID: 32789370 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01198c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The development of strategies to minimise the adverse side-effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remains a challenge for medicinal chemists. One such strategy is the development of NSAID-peptide prodrug conjugates and this conjugation to a peptide often confers the additional property of hydrogelation. This review summarises the work published by our research group, alongside other research groups, on supramolecular hydrogels consisting of short peptides conjugated to NSAIDs. Generally, supramolecular low molecular weight hydrogels (LMWHs) are composed of amphiteric molecules, usually consisting of short peptides attached to an aromatic capping group. When the aromatic capping group is switched for an NSAID to afford hybrid gelators, some conjugates exhibit retained or improved anti-inflammatory properties of the parent drug, and sometimes new and unexpected biological activities are observed. Conjugation to peptides often provides selective COX-2 inhibition over COX-1 inhibtion, which is key to retaining the anti-inflammatory benefits of NSAIDs whilst minimising gastric side-effects. Naproxen is the most commonly employed NSAID capping group, partly due to its similarity in structure to commonly employed naphthalene capping groups. Biomimetic approaches, where canonical amino acids are switched for non-natural amino acids such as d-amino acids or dehydroamino acids, are often employed, to tune the stability. The future direction for this area of research is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Jervis
- Centre of Chemistry, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
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15
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Li S, Jiang M, Wang L, Yu S. Combined chemotherapy with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors in treating human cancers: Recent advancement. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110389. [PMID: 32540642 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy with a single chemotherapeutic agent or a combined chemotherapeutic regimen is the clinically standardized treatment for almost all human cancers. Upregulated expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, also known as prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS), is associated with human carcinogenesis and cancer progression and COX-2 inhibitors show antitumor activity in different human cancers. Thus, a combination of chemotherapeutic agents with COX-2 inhibitors has been shown to improve therapeutic effects on human cancers. This review discusses and summarizes recent advances in cancer control and treatment using various antineoplastic drugs combined with COX-2 inhibitors. These combinations showed synergistic antitumor effects. At the gene level, COX-2 inhibitors can reduce inflammatory factors thereby regulating macrophage recruitment for activating the antitumor immune microenvironment; downregulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to inhibit tumor angiogenesis; and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to induce tumor cell apoptosis. In addition, such a combination can reduce toxicity and chemoresistance and enhance radiosensitivity, although COX-2 inhibitors-related cardiotoxicity may potentially affect its use. Further in-depth investigation of these drug combinations is needed to maximize antitumor efficacy and minimize the side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Min Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Lu Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, China.
| | - Shuwen Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, China.
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16
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Moreira R, Fernandes F, Valentão P, Pereira DM, Andrade PB. Echium plantagineum L. honey: Search of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and polyphenols, anti-inflammatory potential and cytotoxicity. Food Chem 2020; 328:127169. [PMID: 32485580 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.127169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
For a long time, honey has been recognized for its health-promoting properties and, consequently, has been used in traditional medicine worldwide. Apart from the beneficial bioactive compounds found in this food (e.g. polyphenols), molecules with potentially harmful effects may also be present, such as pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Aiming the quality assessment of honeys produced from Echium plantagineum L., a species known for its content in pyrrolizidine alkaloids, this work was focused in the search of these alkaloids and of polyphenols in one monofloral and two multifloral honeys, using chromatographic techniques. Additionally, their cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory potential were assessed in cellular models. Several polyphenols were determined, but no pyrrolizidine alkaloid was detected in the analysed honey samples. Honey extracts exhibited capacity to decrease NO levels in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophage-like cells (RAW 264.7) up to 40% at concentrations of 0.25 mg/mL. Therefore, this work highlights the health benefits of these honey samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Moreira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n.° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Fátima Fernandes
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n.° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Patrícia Valentão
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n.° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - David M Pereira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n.° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paula B Andrade
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n.° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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