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Basagni F, Di Paolo ML, Cozza G, Dalla Via L, Fagiani F, Lanni C, Rosini M, Minarini A. Double Attack to Oxidative Stress in Neurodegenerative Disorders: MAO-B and Nrf2 as Elected Targets. Molecules 2023; 28:7424. [PMID: 37959843 PMCID: PMC10650714 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217424] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation play a pivotal role in triggering the neurodegenerative pathological cascades which characterize neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In search for potential efficient treatments for these pathologies, that are still considered unmet medical needs, we started from the promising properties of the antidiabetic drug pioglitazone, which has been repositioned as an MAO-B inhibitor, characterized by promising neuroprotective properties. Herein, with the aim to broaden its neuroprotective profile, we tried to enrich pioglitazone with direct and indirect antioxidant properties by hanging polyphenolic and electrophilic features that are able to trigger Nrf2 pathway and the resulting cytoprotective genes' transcription, as well as serve as radical scavengers. After a preliminary screening on MAO-B inhibitory properties, caffeic acid derivative 2 emerged as the best inhibitor for potency and selectivity over MAO-A, characterized by a reversible mechanism of inhibition. Furthermore, the same compound proved to activate Nrf2 pathway by potently increasing Nrf2 nuclear translocation and strongly reducing ROS content, both in physiological and stressed conditions. Although further biological investigations are required to fully clarify its neuroprotective properties, we were able to endow the pioglitazone scaffold with potent antioxidant properties, representing the starting point for potential future pioglitazone-based therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Basagni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Maria Luisa Di Paolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.L.D.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Giorgio Cozza
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.L.D.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Lisa Dalla Via
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy;
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali (INSTM), 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.F.); (C.L.)
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.F.); (C.L.)
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Anna Minarini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
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2
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Liu X, Xu C, Xiao W, Yan N. Unravelling the role of NFE2L1 in stress responses and related diseases. Redox Biol 2023; 65:102819. [PMID: 37473701 PMCID: PMC10404558 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102819] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 1 (NFE2L1, also known as Nrf1) is a highly conserved transcription factor that belongs to the CNC-bZIP subfamily. Its significance lies in its control over redox balance, proteasome activity, and organ integrity. Stress responses encompass a series of compensatory adaptations utilized by cells and organisms to cope with extracellular or intracellular stress initiated by stressful stimuli. Recently, extensive evidence has demonstrated that NFE2L1 plays a crucial role in cellular stress adaptation by 1) responding to oxidative stress through the induction of antioxidative responses, and 2) addressing proteotoxic stress or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by regulating the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), unfolded protein response (UPR), and ER-associated degradation (ERAD). It is worth noting that NFE2L1 serves as a core factor in proteotoxic stress adaptation, which has been extensively studied in cancer and neurodegeneration associated with enhanced proteasomal stress. In these contexts, utilization of NFE2L1 inhibitors to attenuate proteasome "bounce-back" response holds tremendous potential for enhancing the efficacy of proteasome inhibitors. Additionally, abnormal stress adaptations of NFE2L1 and disturbances in redox and protein homeostasis contribute to the pathophysiological complications of cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune diseases. Therefore, a comprehensive exploration of the molecular basis of NFE2L1 and NFE2L1-mediated diseases related to stress responses would not only facilitate the identification of novel diagnostic and prognostic indicators but also enable the identification of specific therapeutic targets for NFE2L1-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhu Liu
- Queen Mary College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, China; School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chang Xu
- Queen Mary College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, China; School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wanglong Xiao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Nianlong Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.
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3
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Frantz MC, Rozot R, Marrot L. NRF2 in dermo-cosmetic: From scientific knowledge to skin care products. Biofactors 2023; 49:32-61. [PMID: 36258295 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The skin is the organ that is most susceptible to the impact of the exposome. Located at the interface with the external environment, it protects internal organs through the barrier function of the epidermis. It must adapt to the consequences of the harmful effects of solar radiation, the various chemical constituents of atmospheric pollution, and wounds associated with mechanical damage: oxidation, cytotoxicity, inflammation, and so forth. In this biological context, a capacity to adapt to the various stresses caused by the exposome is essential; otherwise, more or less serious conditions may develop accelerated aging, pigmentation disorders, atopy, psoriasis, and skin cancers. Nrf2-controlled pathways play a key role at this level. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that controls genes involved in oxidative stress protection and detoxification of chemicals. Its involvement in UV protection, reduction of inflammation in processes associated with healing, epidermal differentiation for barrier function, and hair regrowth, has been demonstrated. The modulation of Nrf2 in the skin may therefore constitute a skin protection or care strategy for certain dermatological stresses and disorders initiated or aggravated by the exposome. Nrf2 inducers can act through different modes of action. Keap1-dependent mechanisms include modification of the cysteine residues of Keap1 by (pro)electrophiles or prooxidants, and disruption of the Keap1-Nrf2 complex. Indirect mechanisms are suggested for numerous phytochemicals, acting on upstream pathways, or via hormesis. While developing novel and safe Nrf2 modulators for skin care may be challenging, new avenues can arise from natural compounds-based molecular modeling and emerging concepts such as epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roger Rozot
- Advanced Research, L'OREAL Research & Innovation, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - Laurent Marrot
- Advanced Research, L'OREAL Research & Innovation, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
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4
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Basagni F, Naldi M, Ginex T, Luque FJ, Fagiani F, Lanni C, Iurlo M, Marcaccio M, Minarini A, Bartolini M, Rosini M. Inhibition of β-Amyloid Aggregation in Alzheimer’s Disease: The Key Role of (Pro)electrophilic Warheads. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1812-1818. [DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Basagni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marina Naldi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Tiziana Ginex
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Gastronomy, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) and Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona, Avinguda Prat de la Riba 171, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
| | - F. Javier Luque
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Gastronomy, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) and Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona, Avinguda Prat de la Riba 171, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
| | - Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Iurlo
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Marcaccio
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Minarini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Bartolini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Patouret R, Barluenga S, Winssinger N. Withaferin A, a polyfunctional pharmacophore that includes covalent engagement of IPO5, is an inhibitor of influenza A replication. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 69:116883. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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6
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Nature-Inspired Hybrids (NIH) Improve Proteostasis by Activating Nrf2-Mediated Protective Pathways in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071385. [PMID: 35883876 PMCID: PMC9312215 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antioxidant systems play key roles in many elderly diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Oxidative stress, autophagy impairment and inflammation are well-described in AMD, especially in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The master regulator of antioxidant defense Nrf2 has been linked to AMD, autophagy and inflammation. In this study, in human ARPE-19 cells, some nature-inspired hybrids (NIH1–3) previously shown to induce Nrf2-mediated protection against oxidative stress were further investigated for their potential against cellular stress caused by dysfunction of protein homeostasis. NIH1–3 compounds increased the expression of two Nrf2-target genes coding defense proteins, HO-1 and SQSTM1/p62, in turn exerting beneficial effects on intracellular redox balance without modification of the autophagy flux. NIH1–3 treatments predisposed ARPE-19 cells to a better response to following exposure to proteasome and autophagy inhibitors, as revealed by the increase in cell survival and decreased secretion of the pro-inflammatory IL-8 compared to NIH-untreated cells. Interestingly, NIH4 compound, through an Nrf2-independent pathway, also increased cell viability and decreased IL-8 secretion, although to a lesser extent than NIH1–3, suggesting that all NIHs are worthy of further investigation into their cytoprotective properties. This study confirms Nrf2 as a valuable pharmacological target in contexts characterized by oxidative stress, such as AMD.
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7
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De Nuccio C, Bernardo A, Troiano C, Brignone MS, Falchi M, Greco A, Rosini M, Basagni F, Lanni C, Serafini MM, Minghetti L, Visentin S. NRF2 and PPAR-γ Pathways in Oligodendrocyte Progenitors: Focus on ROS Protection, Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Promotion of Cell Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7216. [PMID: 33003644 PMCID: PMC7583077 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An adequate protection from oxidative and inflammatory reactions, together with the promotion of oligodendrocyte progenitor (OP) differentiation, is needed to recover from myelin damage in demyelinating diseases. Mitochondria are targets of inflammatory and oxidative insults and are essential in oligodendrocyte differentiation. It is known that nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor/antioxidant responsive element (NRF2/ARE) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma/PPAR-γ response element (PPAR-γ/PPRE) pathways control inflammation and overcome mitochondrial impairment. In this study, we analyzed the effects of activators of these pathways on mitochondrial features, protection from inflammatory/mitochondrial insults and cell differentiation in OP cultures, to depict the specificities and similarities of their actions. We used dimethyl-fumarate (DMF) and pioglitazone (pio) as agents activating NRF2 and PPAR-γ, respectively, and two synthetic hybrids acting differently on the NRF2/ARE pathway. Only DMF and compound 1 caused early effects on the mitochondria. Both DMF and pio induced mitochondrial biogenesis but different antioxidant repertoires. Moreover, pio induced OP differentiation more efficiently than DMF. Finally, DMF, pio and compound 1 protected from tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) insult, with pio showing faster kinetics of action and compound 1 a higher activity than DMF. In conclusion, NRF2 and PPAR-γ by inducing partially overlapping pathways accomplish complementary functions aimed at the preservation of mitochondrial function, the defense against oxidative stress and the promotion of OP differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara De Nuccio
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.D.N.); (L.M.)
| | - Antonietta Bernardo
- National Center for Research and Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of Drugs, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Carmen Troiano
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Mario Falchi
- National Research Center on HIV/AIDS, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Anita Greco
- National Center for Research and Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of Drugs, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.R.); (F.B.)
| | - Filippo Basagni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.R.); (F.B.)
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (C.L.); (M.M.S.)
| | | | - Luisa Minghetti
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.D.N.); (L.M.)
| | - Sergio Visentin
- National Center for Research and Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of Drugs, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.)
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8
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Marotta G, Basagni F, Rosini M, Minarini A. Memantine Derivatives as Multitarget Agents in Alzheimer's Disease. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25174005. [PMID: 32887400 PMCID: PMC7504780 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25174005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Memantine (3,5-dimethyladamantan-1-amine) is an orally active, noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist approved for treatment of moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative condition characterized by a progressive cognitive decline. Unfortunately, memantine as well as the other class of drugs licensed for AD treatment acting as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), provide only symptomatic relief. Thus, the urgent need in AD drug development is for disease-modifying therapies that may require approaching targets from more than one path at once or multiple targets simultaneously. Indeed, increasing evidence suggests that the modulation of a single neurotransmitter system represents a reductive approach to face the complexity of AD. Memantine is viewed as a privileged NMDAR-directed structure, and therefore, represents the driving motif in the design of a variety of multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs). In this review, we present selected examples of small molecules recently designed as MTDLs to contrast AD, by combining in a single entity the amantadine core of memantine with the pharmacophoric features of known neuroprotectants, such as antioxidant agents, AChEIs and Aβ-aggregation inhibitors.
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9
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Fagiani F, Catanzaro M, Buoso E, Basagni F, Di Marino D, Raniolo S, Amadio M, Frost EH, Corsini E, Racchi M, Fulop T, Govoni S, Rosini M, Lanni C. Targeting Cytokine Release Through the Differential Modulation of Nrf2 and NF-κB Pathways by Electrophilic/Non-Electrophilic Compounds. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1256. [PMID: 32922294 PMCID: PMC7456937 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Nrf2 coordinates a multifaceted response to various forms of stress and to inflammatory processes, maintaining a homeostatic intracellular environment. Nrf2 anti-inflammatory activity has been related to the crosstalk with the transcription factor NF-κB, a pivotal mediator of inflammatory responses and of multiple aspects of innate and adaptative immune functions. However, the underlying molecular basis has not been completely clarified. By combining into new chemical entities, the hydroxycinnamoyl motif from curcumin and the allyl mercaptan moiety of garlic organosulfur compounds, we tested a set of molecules, carrying (pro)electrophilic features responsible for the activation of the Nrf2 pathway, as valuable pharmacologic tools to dissect the mechanistic connection between Nrf2 and NF-κB. We investigated whether the activation of the Nrf2 pathway by (pro)electrophilic compounds may interfere with the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, during immune stimulation, in a human immortalized monocyte-like cell line (THP-1). The capability of compounds to affect the NF-κB pathway was also evaluated. We assessed the compounds-mediated regulation of cytokine and chemokine release by using Luminex X-MAP® technology in human primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) upon LPS stimulation. We found that all compounds, also in the absence of electrophilic moieties, significantly suppressed the LPS-evoked secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-1β, but not of IL-8, in THP-1 cells. A reduction in the release of pro-inflammatory mediators similar to that induced by the compounds was also observed after siRNA mediated-Nrf2 knockdown, thus indicating that the attenuation of cytokine secretion cannot be directly ascribed to the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway. Moreover, all compounds, with the exception of compound 1, attenuated the LPS-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway, by reducing the upstream phosphorylation of IκB, the NF-κB nuclear translocation, as well as the activation of NF-κB promoter. In human PBMCs, compound 4 and CURC attenuated TNFα release as observed in THP-1 cells, and all compounds acting as Nrf2 inducers significantly decreased the levels of MCP-1/CCL2, as well as the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-12. Altogether, the compounds induced a differential modulation of innate immune cytokine release, by differently regulating Nrf2 and NF-κB intracellular signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Michele Catanzaro
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Erica Buoso
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Filippo Basagni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefano Raniolo
- Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Computational Science-Center for Computational Medicine in Cardiology, CH-Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Marialaura Amadio
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eric H Frost
- Department of Microbiology and Infectiology, Centre de Recherches Cliniques, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Tamas Fulop
- Geriatric Division, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Research Center on Aging, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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10
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Catanzaro M, Lanni C, Basagni F, Rosini M, Govoni S, Amadio M. Eye-Light on Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Targeting Nrf2-Pathway as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:844. [PMID: 32581803 PMCID: PMC7291861 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common disease with a multifactorial aetiology, still lacking effective and curative therapies. Among the early events triggering AMD is the deterioration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), whose fundamental functions assure good health of the retina. RPE is physiologically exposed to high levels of oxidative stress during its lifespan; thus, the integrity and well-functioning of its antioxidant systems are crucial to maintain RPE homeostasis. Among these defensive systems, the Nrf2-pathway plays a primary role. Literature evidence suggests that, in aged and especially in AMD RPE, there is an imbalance between the increased pro-oxidant stress, and the impaired endogenous detoxifying systems, finally reverberating on RPE functions and survival. In this in vitro study on wild type (WT) and Nrf2-silenced (siNrf2) ARPE-19 cells exposed to various AMD-related noxae (H2O2, 4-HNE, MG132 + Bafilomycin), we show that the Nrf2-pathway activation is a physiological protective stress response, leading downstream to an up-regulation of the Nrf2-targets HO1 and p62, and that a Nrf2 impairment predisposes the cells to a higher vulnerability to stress. In search of new pharmacologically active compounds potentially useful for AMD, four nature-inspired hybrids (NIH) were individually characterized as Nrf2 activators, and their pharmacological activity was investigated in ARPE-19 cells. The Nrf2 activator dimethyl-fumarate (DMF; 10 μM) was used as a positive control. Three out of the four tested NIH (5 μM) display both direct and indirect antioxidant properties, in addition to cytoprotective effects in ARPE-19 cells under pro-oxidant stimuli. The observed pro-survival effects require the presence of Nrf2, with the exception of the lead compound NIH1, able to exert a still significant, albeit lower, protection even in siNrf2 cells, supporting the concept of the existence of both Nrf2-dependent and independent pathways mediating pro-survival effects. In conclusion, by using some pharmacological tools as well as a reference compound, we dissected the role of the Nrf2-pathway in ARPE-19 stress response, suggesting that the Nrf2 induction represents an efficient defensive strategy to prevent the stress-induced damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Catanzaro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Filippo Basagni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marialaura Amadio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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11
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Serafini MM, Catanzaro M, Fagiani F, Simoni E, Caporaso R, Dacrema M, Romanoni I, Govoni S, Racchi M, Daglia M, Rosini M, Lanni C. Modulation of Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway by Curcuma- and Garlic-Derived Hybrids. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1597. [PMID: 32047434 PMCID: PMC6997134 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nrf2 is a basic leucine zipper transcription factor that binds to the promoter region of the antioxidant response element (ARE), inducing the coordinated up-regulation of antioxidant and detoxification genes. We recently synthesized a set of new molecules by combining the functional moieties of curcumin and diallyl sulfide, both known to induce the expression of antioxidant phase II enzymes by activating Nrf2 pathway. The aim of the study is to investigate the ability of such compounds to activate Keap1/Nrf2/ARE cytoprotective pathway, in comparison with two reference Nrf2-activators: curcumin and dimethyl fumarate, a drug approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, since Nrf2 pathway is known to be regulated also by epigenetic modifications, including key modifications in microRNA (miRNA) expression, the effects of the hybrids on the expression levels of selected miRNAs, associated with Nrf2 signaling pathway have also been investigated. The results show that compounds exert antioxidant effect by activating Nrf2 signaling pathway and inducing the ARE-regulated expression of its downstream target genes, such as HO-1 and NQO1, with two hybrids to a higher extent than curcumin. In addition, some molecules induce changes in the expression levels of miR-125b-5p, even if to a lesser extent than curcumin. However, no changes have been observed in the expression levels of mRNA coding for glutathione synthetase, suggesting that the modulation of this mRNA is not strictly under the control of miR-125b-5p, which could be influenced by other miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Maria Serafini
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Simoni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Caporaso
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Dacrema
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Irene Romanoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Rosini M, Simoni E, Caporaso R, Basagni F, Catanzaro M, Abu IF, Fagiani F, Fusco F, Masuzzo S, Albani D, Lanni C, Mellor IR, Minarini A. Merging memantine and ferulic acid to probe connections between NMDA receptors, oxidative stress and amyloid-β peptide in Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 180:111-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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13
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Blass BE. Modulators of KEAP-1 Activity as Potential Therapies for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:1245-1246. [PMID: 31531189 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin E. Blass
- Temple University School of Pharmacy, Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
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