1
|
Qian YW, Guo YQ, Li YL, Wang Y, Guo S, Niu QQ, Zhu ML, Li P. The antihypertensive effect of Alizarin is achieved by activating VEGFR2/eNOS pathway, attenuating oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial damage and premature senescence. Life Sci 2024; 351:122862. [PMID: 38917872 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The primary and initial manifestations of hypertension encompass arterial hypoelasticity and histiocyte senescence. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the progression of senescence. Elevated intracellular oxidative stress levels will directly induce cell damage, disrupt normal physiological signal transduction, which can cause mitochondrial dysfunction to accelerate the process of senescence. Alizarin, an anthraquinone active ingredient isolated from Rubia cordifolia L., has a variety of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet. Nevertheless, its potential in lowering blood pressure (BP) and mitigating hypertension-induced vascular senescence remains uncertain. In this study, we used spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to establish a model of vascular senescence in hypertension. Our aim was to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning the vascular protective effects of Alizarin. By assessing systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), H&E staining, SA-β-Gal staining, vascular function, oxidative stress levels, calcium ion concentration and mitochondrial membrane potential, we found that Alizarin not only restored SBP and increased endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) in SHR, but also inhibited oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial damage and significantly delayed the vascular senescence effect in hypertension, and the mechanism may be related to the activation of VEGFR2/eNOS signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Wen Qian
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Ya-Qi Guo
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Yin-Lan Li
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Shuang Guo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Qian-Qian Niu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Mo-Li Zhu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China.
| | - Peng Li
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dormán G, Szalai Z, Keglevich G. Cytotoxic Activity of Distinct Families of Phosphonic Acid Derivatives - A Chemocentric Approach to Assess Their Molecular Action. ChemMedChem 2024:e202400370. [PMID: 38965788 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400370] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Phosphorus containing small molecules (particularly α-aminophosphonates, α-hydroxyphosphonates and bisphosphonates) represent a unique chemical space among the biologically active compounds. We selected 35 diverse compounds that showed remarkable cytotoxicity effects on various cancer cell lines. However, the exact mechanism of action often requires further investigations, in vitro or in silico target identification even though many target-based activity data were gathered for the above cluster of compounds. In our conceptual account, we offer a systematic in silico analysis between the cytotoxicity, cell lines, their (over)expressed protein targets associated with malignant diseases, and the activity data on protein targets already reported for those compounds in the hope that we gain better understanding and explanation, what is behind their cytotoxic behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- György Dormán
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, 1111, Budapest, Műegyetem rkp. 3., Hungary
- TargetEx llc., 2120, Dunakeszi, Madách Imre Street 31/2., Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Szalai
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, 1111, Budapest, Műegyetem rkp. 3., Hungary
| | - György Keglevich
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, 1111, Budapest, Műegyetem rkp. 3., Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tang NN, Xu RB, Jiang B, Zhang HL, Wang XS, Chen DD, Zhu JJ. AHNAK2 Regulates NF-κB/MMP-9 Signaling to Promote Pancreatic Cancer Progression. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-024-10844-z. [PMID: 38864962 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-024-10844-z] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Early metastasis of pancreatic cancer (PaC) is a major cause of its high mortality rate. Previous studies have shown that AHNAK2 is involved in the progression of some tumors and is predicted to be an independent prognostic factor for PaC; however, the specific mechanisms through which AHNAK2 regulates PaC remain unclear. In this study, we examined the role of AHNAK2 in PaC and its potential molecular mechanisms. AHNAK2 mRNA and protein expression in PaC tissues and cells were measured using qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. After AHNAK2 knockdown using small interfering RNA, PaC cells were subjected to CCK-8 scratch, and Transwell assays to assess cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively. Furthermore, the validation of the mechanistic pathway was achieved by western blot analysis. AHNAK2 mRNA and protein levels were up-regulated in PaC and silencing AHNAK2 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PaC cells. Mechanistically, AHNAK2 knockdown decreased the expression of phosphorylated p65, phosphorylated IκBα, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), suggesting that activation of the NF-κB/MMP-9 signaling pathway was inhibited. Importantly, activation of NF-κB reversed the effects of AHNAK2 knockdown. Our findings indicate that AHNAK2 promotes PaC progression through the NF-kB/MMP-9 pathway and provides a theoretical basis for targeting AHNAK2 for the treatment of PaC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na-Na Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suqian First People's Hospital, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong-Bo Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suqian First People's Hospital, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bo Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suqian First People's Hospital, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hai-Ling Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suqian First People's Hospital, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Song Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suqian First People's Hospital, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dan-Dan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suqian First People's Hospital, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ji-Jun Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suqian First People's Hospital, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhu ML, Fan JX, Guo YQ, Guo LJ, Que HD, Cui BY, Li YL, Guo S, Zhang MX, Yin YL, Li P. Protective effect of alizarin on vascular endothelial dysfunction via inhibiting the type 2 diabetes-induced synthesis of THBS1 and activating the AMPK signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155557. [PMID: 38547622 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we investigated the protective effects of alizarin (AZ) on endothelial dysfunction (ED). AZ has inhibition of the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-induced synthesis of thrombospondin 1 (THBS1). Adenosine 5'-monophosphate- activated protein kinase (AMPK), particularly AMPKα2 isoform, plays a critical role in maintaining cardiac homeostasis. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effect of AZ on vascular injury caused by T2DM and to reveal the potential mechanism of AZ in high glucose (HG)-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and diabetic model rats. STUDY DESIGN HUVECs, rats and AMPK-/- transgenic mice were used to investigate the mitigating effects of AZ on vascular endothelial dysfunction caused by T2DM and its in vitro and in vivo molecular mechanisms. METHODS In type 2 diabetes mellitus rats and HUVECs, the inhibitory effect of alizarin on THBS1 synthesis was verified by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot (WB) so that increase endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) content in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we verified protein interactions with immunoprecipitation (IP). To probe the mechanism, we also performed AMPKα2 transfection. AMPK's pivotal role in AZ-mediated prevention against T2DM-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction was tested using AMPKα2-/- mice. RESULTS We first demonstrated that THBS1 and AMPK are targets of AZ. In T2DM, THBS1 was robustly induced by high glucose and inhibited by AZ. Furthermore, AZ activates the AMPK signaling pathway, and recoupled eNOS in stressed endothelial cells which plays a protective role in vascular endothelial dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS The main finding of this study is that AZ can play a role in different pathways of vascular injury due to T2DM. Mechanistically, alizarin inhibits the increase in THBS1 protein synthesis after high glucose induction and activates AMPKα2, which increases NO release from eNOS, which is essential in the prevention of vascular endothelial dysfunction caused by T2DM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mo-Li Zhu
- Henan international joint laboratory of cardiovascular remodeling and drug intervention, Sino-UK Joint Laboratory of Brain Function and Injury and Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Jia-Xin Fan
- Henan international joint laboratory of cardiovascular remodeling and drug intervention, Sino-UK Joint Laboratory of Brain Function and Injury and Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Ya-Qi Guo
- Henan international joint laboratory of cardiovascular remodeling and drug intervention, Sino-UK Joint Laboratory of Brain Function and Injury and Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Li-Juan Guo
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453119, China
| | - Hua-Dong Que
- Henan international joint laboratory of cardiovascular remodeling and drug intervention, Sino-UK Joint Laboratory of Brain Function and Injury and Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Bao-Yue Cui
- Henan international joint laboratory of cardiovascular remodeling and drug intervention, Sino-UK Joint Laboratory of Brain Function and Injury and Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Yin-Lan Li
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang, 150040, China
| | - Shuang Guo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
| | - Ming-Xiang Zhang
- Henan international joint laboratory of cardiovascular remodeling and drug intervention, Sino-UK Joint Laboratory of Brain Function and Injury and Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Ya-Ling Yin
- Henan international joint laboratory of cardiovascular remodeling and drug intervention, Sino-UK Joint Laboratory of Brain Function and Injury and Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Peng Li
- Henan international joint laboratory of cardiovascular remodeling and drug intervention, Sino-UK Joint Laboratory of Brain Function and Injury and Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gu M, Liu Y, Xin P, Guo W, Zhao Z, Yang X, Ma R, Jiao T, Zheng W. Fundamental insights and molecular interactions in pancreatic cancer: Pathways to therapeutic approaches. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216738. [PMID: 38401887 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract can be affected by a number of diseases that pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant manifestation of them. The prognosis of PC patients is unfavorable and because of their diagnosis at advanced stage, the treatment of this tumor is problematic. Owing to low survival rate, there is much interest towards understanding the molecular profile of PC in an attempt in developing more effective therapeutics. The conventional therapeutics for PC include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as emerging immunotherapy. However, PC is still incurable and more effort should be performed. The molecular landscape of PC is an underlying factor involved in increase in progression of tumor cells. In the presence review, the newest advances in understanding the molecular and biological events in PC are discussed. The dysregulation of molecular pathways including AMPK, MAPK, STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin and non-coding RNA transcripts has been suggested as a factor in development of tumorigenesis in PC. Moreover, cell death mechanisms such as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis and necroptosis demonstrate abnormal levels. The EMT and glycolysis in PC cells enhance to ensure their metastasis and proliferation. Furthermore, such abnormal changes have been used to develop corresponding pharmacological and nanotechnological therapeutics for PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Gu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Peng Xin
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Zimo Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Ruiyang Ma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Taiwei Jiao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Wenhui Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Choudhury C, Gill MK, McAleese CE, Butcher NJ, Ngo ST, Steyn FJ, Minchin RF. The Arylamine N-Acetyltransferases as Therapeutic Targets in Metabolic Diseases Associated with Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:300-320. [PMID: 38351074 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In humans, there are two arylamine N-acetyltransferase genes that encode functional enzymes (NAT1 and NAT2) as well as one pseudogene, all of which are located together on chromosome 8. Although they were first identified by their role in the acetylation of drugs and other xenobiotics, recent studies have shown strong associations for both enzymes in a variety of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. There is growing evidence that this association may be causal. Consistently, NAT1 and NAT2 are shown to be required for healthy mitochondria. This review discusses the current literature on the role of both NAT1 and NAT2 in mitochondrial bioenergetics. It will attempt to relate our understanding of the evolution of the two genes with biologic function and then present evidence that several major metabolic diseases are influenced by NAT1 and NAT2. Finally, it will discuss current and future approaches to inhibit or enhance NAT1 and NAT2 activity/expression using small-molecule drugs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The arylamine N-acetyltransferases (NATs) NAT1 and NAT2 share common features in their associations with mitochondrial bioenergetics. This review discusses mitochondrial function as it relates to health and disease, and the importance of NAT in mitochondrial function and dysfunction. It also compares NAT1 and NAT2 to highlight their functional similarities and differences. Both NAT1 and NAT2 are potential drug targets for diseases where mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of onset and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Choudhury
- School of Biomedical Sciences (C.C., M.K.G., C.E.M., N.J.B., F.J.S., R.F.M.) and Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (S.T.N.), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Melinder K Gill
- School of Biomedical Sciences (C.C., M.K.G., C.E.M., N.J.B., F.J.S., R.F.M.) and Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (S.T.N.), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Courtney E McAleese
- School of Biomedical Sciences (C.C., M.K.G., C.E.M., N.J.B., F.J.S., R.F.M.) and Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (S.T.N.), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Neville J Butcher
- School of Biomedical Sciences (C.C., M.K.G., C.E.M., N.J.B., F.J.S., R.F.M.) and Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (S.T.N.), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Shyuan T Ngo
- School of Biomedical Sciences (C.C., M.K.G., C.E.M., N.J.B., F.J.S., R.F.M.) and Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (S.T.N.), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Frederik J Steyn
- School of Biomedical Sciences (C.C., M.K.G., C.E.M., N.J.B., F.J.S., R.F.M.) and Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (S.T.N.), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rodney F Minchin
- School of Biomedical Sciences (C.C., M.K.G., C.E.M., N.J.B., F.J.S., R.F.M.) and Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (S.T.N.), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jassi C, Kuo WW, Chang YC, Wang TF, Li CC, Ho TJ, Hsieh DJY, Kuo CH, Chen MC, Huang CY. Aloin and CPT-11 combination activates miRNA-133b and downregulates IGF1R- PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MEK/ERK pathways to inhibit colorectal cancer progression. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115911. [PMID: 38000359 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
CPT-11 is one of the drugs employed in colorectal cancer treatment and has faced challenges in the form of resistance. The insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor is a tyrosine kinase receptor that mediates cancer cell survival and drug resistance. It is frequently overexpressed in colorectal cancer and has previously been identified as a microRNA target. MicroRNAs are non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene function by suppressing messenger RNA translation. Studies have demonstrated that natural compounds can regulate microRNA function and their target genes. Therefore, combining natural compounds with existing cancer drugs can enhance the therapeutic efficacy. We investigated a natural compound, Aloin, for the potential sensitization of colorectal cancer to CPT-11. We used western blot, MTT cell viability assay, flow cytometry, and microRNA/gene knockdown and overexpression experiments, as well as an in vivo mouse model. Our investigation revealed that combining Aloin with CPT-11 exerts an enhanced anti-tumor effect in colorectal cancer. This combination reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis, both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, this combination upregulated miRNA-133b, while downregulating the IGF1R and its downstream MEK/ERK, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. Our findings suggests that CPT-11 and Aloin are potential combination treatment partners against colorectal cancer. MicroRNA-133b may serve as a co-therapeutic target with IGF1R against colorectal cancer, which might overcome the existing treatment limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chikondi Jassi
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Wen Kuo
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Chang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tso-Fu Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan; School of Medicine Tzu Chi University, 701, Section 3, Chung-Yang Road, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Cheng Li
- School of Medicine Tzu Chi University, 701, Section 3, Chung-Yang Road, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; Center of Stem Cell & Precision Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Jung Ho
- Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Dennis Jine-Yuan Hsieh
- School of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hua Kuo
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA
| | - Ming-Cheng Chen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Huang
- Cardiovascular and Mitochondria related diseases research center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien 970, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan; Center of General Education, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien 970, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liang S, Bo H, Zhang Y, Zhen H, Zhong L. Alizarin, an Agonist of AHR Receptor, Enhances CYP1A1 Enzyme Activity and Induces Transcriptional Changes in Hepatoma Cells. Molecules 2023; 28:7373. [PMID: 37959792 PMCID: PMC10650112 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217373] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The phytopigment alizarin was previously characterized as an anti-tumor drug owing to its antioxidant or antigenotoxic activities. However, the safety of alizarin is currently still under dispute. In this study, we explored the activity of alizarin in the AHR-CYP1A1 pathway and analyzed the transcriptional changes affected by alizarin using human hepatoma cell line HepG2-based assays. The results showed that alizarin decreased HepG2 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 values between 160.4 and 216.8 μM. Furthermore, alizarin significantly upregulated the expression of CYP1A1 and increased the ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity. Alizarin also exhibited agonistic activity toward the AHR receptor in the XRE-mediated luciferase reporter gene assay, which was further confirmed via the molecular docking assay. In addition, the transcriptional analysis indicated that alizarin may act as a potential carcinogen through significantly enriching several items related to cancer in both DO and KEGG analysis. In brief, our findings indicated that alizarin shows agonistic activities to the AHR receptor through activating the AHR-CYP1A1 signaling pathway in HepG2 cells, which may lead to the risks for cancer developing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengxian Liang
- Institute of Life Sciences and Green Development, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China; (H.B.); (Y.Z.); (H.Z.)
| | - Haimei Bo
- Institute of Life Sciences and Green Development, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China; (H.B.); (Y.Z.); (H.Z.)
| | - Yue Zhang
- Institute of Life Sciences and Green Development, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China; (H.B.); (Y.Z.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hongcheng Zhen
- Institute of Life Sciences and Green Development, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China; (H.B.); (Y.Z.); (H.Z.)
| | - Li Zhong
- Institute of Life Sciences and Green Development, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China; (H.B.); (Y.Z.); (H.Z.)
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lu X, Li W, Wang Q, Wang J, Qin S. Progress on the Extraction, Separation, Biological Activity, and Delivery of Natural Plant Pigments. Molecules 2023; 28:5364. [PMID: 37513236 PMCID: PMC10385551 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145364] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural plant pigments are safe and have low toxicity, with various nutrients and biological activities. However, the extraction, preservation, and application of pigments are limited due to the instability of natural pigments. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the extraction and application processes of natural plant pigments in detail. This review discusses the classification, extraction methods, biological activities, and modification methods that could improve the stability of various pigments from plants, providing a reference for applying natural plant pigments in the industry and the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianwen Lu
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264032, China
| | - Wenjun Li
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264032, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264032, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264032, China
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Song Qin
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264032, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Murthy HN, Joseph KS, Paek KY, Park SY. Production of anthraquinones from cell and organ cultures of Morinda species. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:2061-2071. [PMID: 36847855 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12440-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Since ancient times, Morinda species, particularly Morinda citrifolia, have been used for their therapeutic benefits. Iridoids, anthraquinones, coumarins, flavonoids, lignans, phytosterols, and carotenoids are examples of natural substances with bioactivity. Anthraquinone derivatives are the most significant of these chemicals since they are utilized as natural coloring agents and have a wide range of medicinal functions. Utilizing cell and organ cultures of Morinda species, various biotechnological methods have been developed for the bioproduction of anthraquinone derivatives. The generation of anthraquinone derivatives in cell and organ cultures is summarized in this article. The methods used to produce these chemicals in bioreactor cultures have also been examined. KEY POINTS: • This review investigates the potential of cell and organ cultures for anthraquinone synthesis. • The overproduction of anthraquinones has been addressed using a variety of techniques. • The use of bioreactor technologies for anthraquinone manufacturing is highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hosakatte Niranjana Murthy
- Department of Botany, Karnatak University, Dharwad, 580003, India.
- Department of Horticultural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
| | | | - Kee Yoeup Paek
- Department of Horticultural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - So Young Park
- Department of Horticultural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Seo SW, Han DG, Baek YM, Park MC, Yoo JW, Jung Y, Maeng HJ, Myung H, Yoon IS. Investigation of the factors responsible for the low oral bioavailability of alizarin using a sensitive LC-MS/MS method: In vitro, in situ, and in vivo evaluations. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:579-591. [PMID: 36811607 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22047] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Alizarin (1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinone) is an anthraquinone reddish dye widely used for painting and textile dyeing. As the biological activity of alizarin has recently attracted increasing attention from researchers, its therapeutic potential as complementary and alternative medicine is of interest. However, no systematic research has been conducted on the biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic aspects of alizarin. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively investigate the oral absorption and intestinal/hepatic metabolism of alizarin using a simple and sensitive tandem mass spectrometry method developed and validated in-house. The present method for the bioanalysis of alizarin has merits, including a simple pretreatment procedure, small sample volume, and adequate sensitivity. Alizarin exhibited pH-dependent moderate lipophilicity and low solubility with limited intestinal luminal stability. Based on the in vivo pharmacokinetic data, the hepatic extraction ratio of alizarin was estimated to be 0.165-0.264, classified as a low level of hepatic extraction. In an in situ loop study, considerable fractions (28.2%-56.4%) of the alizarin dose were significantly absorbed in gut segments from the duodenum to ileum, suggesting that alizarin may be classified as the Biopharmaceutical Classification System class II. An in vitro metabolism study using rat and human hepatic S9 fractions revealed that glucuronidation and sulfation, but not NADPH-mediated phase I reactions and methylation, are significantly involved in the hepatic metabolism of alizarin. Taken together, it can be estimated that the fractions of oral alizarin dose unabsorbed from the gut lumen and eliminated by the gut and liver before reaching the systemic circulation are 43.6%-76.7%, 0.474%-36.3%, and 3.77%-5.31% of the dose, respectively, resulting in a low oral bioavailability of 16.8%. Therefore, the oral bioavailability of alizarin depends primarily on its chemical degradation in the gut lumen and secondarily on first-pass metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Wook Seo
- Department of Manufacturing Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Dong-Gyun Han
- Department of Manufacturing Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Young Mee Baek
- Cultural Heritage Preservation Research Institute, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Min Chul Park
- College of Pharmacy and Inje Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Inje University, Gimhae, South Korea
| | - Jin-Wook Yoo
- Department of Manufacturing Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Yunjin Jung
- Department of Manufacturing Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Han-Joo Maeng
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Heejoon Myung
- LyseNTech Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si, Gyunggi, South Korea.,Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin-si, Gyunggi, South Korea
| | - In-Soo Yoon
- Department of Manufacturing Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lu YC, Kuan YH, Lin CY, Chou YT, Chen SC, Gao GL, Hsu CW, Su JGJ. Alizarin as a New Activator of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling Pathway. Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221136669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alizarin (1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinone) is a natural red dye extracted from the roots of Rubia cordifolia L. (family Rubiaceae). Alizarin has been used as a biological red stain for calcium. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has critical roles in multiple physiological pathways. This study aimed to determine whether alizarin is an unreported ligand of AhR. In the present study, we investigated the effects on cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 mRNA, protein expression, AhR nuclear translocation, aryl hydrocarbon response element (AHRE) reporter activity, and AhR-specific antagonist following alizarin treatment of cells of the human hepatoma cell line, HepG2, and murine hepatoma cell line, Hepa-1c1c7. Alizarin induced CYP1A1 mRNA and protein expression in HepG2 and Hep-1c1c7 cells. Such induction was not present in C4 (B13NBii1) cells, which are AhR signal deficient, C12 (B15ECiii2) cells, which reduce AhR protein levels. The alizarin-induced responses were blocked by CH-223191, which is an AhR antagonist. Alizarin, the same as with the AhR ligand, induced the nuclear localization of AhR, as well as stimulated the transcriptional activity of AHRE. The results of this study suggest that alizarin is an AhR agonist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Che Lu
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Min-Hwei Junior College of Health Care Management, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsiang Kuan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yi Lin
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Chou
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Shan-Chun Chen
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Lun Gao
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Resources, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chiang Wei Hsu
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Jyan-Gwo Joseph Su
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|