1
|
Zaharieva A, Rusanov K, Rusanova M, Paunov M, Yordanova Z, Mantovska D, Tsacheva I, Petrova D, Mishev K, Dobrev PI, Lacek J, Filepová R, Zehirov G, Vassileva V, Mišić D, Motyka V, Chaneva G, Zhiponova M. Uncovering the Interrelation between Metabolite Profiles and Bioactivity of In Vitro- and Wild-Grown Catmint ( Nepeta nuda L.). Metabolites 2023; 13:1099. [PMID: 37887424 PMCID: PMC10609352 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13101099] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Nepeta nuda L. is a medicinal plant enriched with secondary metabolites serving to attract pollinators and deter herbivores. Phenolics and iridoids of N. nuda have been extensively investigated because of their beneficial impacts on human health. This study explores the chemical profiles of in vitro shoots and wild-grown N. nuda plants (flowers and leaves) through metabolomic analysis utilizing gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Initially, we examined the differences in the volatiles' composition in in vitro-cultivated shoots comparing them with flowers and leaves from plants growing in natural environment. The characteristic iridoid 4a-α,7-β,7a-α-nepetalactone was highly represented in shoots of in vitro plants and in flowers of plants from nature populations, whereas most of the monoterpenes were abundant in leaves of wild-grown plants. The known in vitro biological activities encompassing antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial potentials alongside the newly assessed anti-inflammatory effects exhibited consistent associations with the total content of phenolics, reducing sugars, and the identified metabolic profiles in polar (organic acids, amino acids, alcohols, sugars, phenolics) and non-polar (fatty acids, alkanes, sterols) fractions. Phytohormonal levels were also quantified to infer the regulatory pathways governing phytochemical production. The overall dataset highlighted compounds with the potential to contribute to N. nuda bioactivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zaharieva
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.Z.); (Z.Y.); (D.M.); (D.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Krasimir Rusanov
- Department of Agrobiotechnology, Agrobioinstitute, Agricultural Academy, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria; (K.R.)
| | - Mila Rusanova
- Department of Agrobiotechnology, Agrobioinstitute, Agricultural Academy, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria; (K.R.)
| | - Momchil Paunov
- Department of Biophysics and Radiobiology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Zhenya Yordanova
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.Z.); (Z.Y.); (D.M.); (D.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Desislava Mantovska
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.Z.); (Z.Y.); (D.M.); (D.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Ivanka Tsacheva
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Detelina Petrova
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.Z.); (Z.Y.); (D.M.); (D.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Kiril Mishev
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (K.M.); (G.Z.); (V.V.)
| | - Petre I. Dobrev
- Laboratory of Hormonal Regulations in Plants, Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 165 02 Praha, Czech Republic; (P.I.D.); (J.L.); (R.F.); (V.M.)
| | - Jozef Lacek
- Laboratory of Hormonal Regulations in Plants, Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 165 02 Praha, Czech Republic; (P.I.D.); (J.L.); (R.F.); (V.M.)
| | - Roberta Filepová
- Laboratory of Hormonal Regulations in Plants, Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 165 02 Praha, Czech Republic; (P.I.D.); (J.L.); (R.F.); (V.M.)
| | - Grigor Zehirov
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (K.M.); (G.Z.); (V.V.)
| | - Valya Vassileva
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (K.M.); (G.Z.); (V.V.)
| | - Danijela Mišić
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Václav Motyka
- Laboratory of Hormonal Regulations in Plants, Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 165 02 Praha, Czech Republic; (P.I.D.); (J.L.); (R.F.); (V.M.)
| | - Ganka Chaneva
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.Z.); (Z.Y.); (D.M.); (D.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Miroslava Zhiponova
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.Z.); (Z.Y.); (D.M.); (D.P.); (G.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Secondary Metabolites with Biomedical Applications from Plants of the Sarraceniaceae Family. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179877. [PMID: 36077275 PMCID: PMC9456395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnivorous plants have fascinated researchers and hobbyists for centuries because of their mode of nutrition which is unlike that of other plants. They are able to produce bioactive compounds used to attract, capture and digest prey but also as a defense mechanism against microorganisms and free radicals. The main purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the secondary metabolites with significant biological activity found in the Sarraceniaceae family. The review also underlines the necessity of future studies for the biochemical characterization of the less investigated species. Darlingtonia, Heliamphora and Sarracenia plants are rich in compounds with potential pharmaceutical and medical uses. These belong to several classes such as flavonoids, with flavonol glycosides being the most abundant, monoterpenes, triterpenes, sesquiterpenes, fatty acids, alkaloids and others. Some of them are well characterized in terms of chemical properties and biological activity and have widespread commercial applications. The review also discusses biological activity of whole extracts and commercially available products derived from Sarraceniaceae plants. In conclusion, this review underscores that Sarraceniaceae species contain numerous substances with the potential to advance health. Future perspectives should focus on the discovery of new molecules and increasing the production of known compounds using biotechnological methods.
Collapse
|
3
|
Sycz Z, Wojnicz D, Tichaczek-Goska D. Does Secondary Plant Metabolite Ursolic Acid Exhibit Antibacterial Activity against Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Living in Single- and Multispecies Biofilms? Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081691. [PMID: 36015317 PMCID: PMC9415239 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Multispecies bacterial biofilms are the often cause of chronic recurrent urinary tract infections within the human population. Eradicating such a complex bacterial consortium with standard pharmacotherapy is often unsuccessful. Therefore, plant-derived compounds are currently being researched as an alternative strategy to antibiotic therapy for preventing bacterial biofilm formation and facilitating its eradication. Therefore, our research aimed to determine the effect of secondary plant metabolite ursolic acid (UA) on the growth and survival, the quantity of exopolysaccharides formed, metabolic activity, and morphology of uropathogenic Gram-negative rods living in single- and mixed-species biofilms at various stages of their development. Spectrophotometric methods were used for biofilm mass formation and metabolic activity determination. The survival of bacteria was established using the serial dilution assay. The decrease in survival and inhibition of biofilm creation, both single- and multispecies, as well as changes in the morphology of bacterial cells were noticed. As UA exhibited better activity against young biofilms, the use of UA-containing formulations, especially during the initial steps of urinary tract infection, seems to be reasonable. However, the future direction should be a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of UA activity as a bioactive substance.
Collapse
|
4
|
Sycz Z, Tichaczek-Goska D, Wojnicz D. Anti-Planktonic and Anti-Biofilm Properties of Pentacyclic Triterpenes-Asiatic Acid and Ursolic Acid as Promising Antibacterial Future Pharmaceuticals. Biomolecules 2022; 12:98. [PMID: 35053246 PMCID: PMC8774094 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the ever-increasing number of multidrug-resistant bacteria, research concerning plant-derived compounds with antimicrobial mechanisms of action has been conducted. Pentacyclic triterpenes, which have a broad spectrum of medicinal properties, are one of such groups. Asiatic acid (AA) and ursolic acid (UA), which belong to this group, exhibit diverse biological activities that include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and immunostimulatory. Some of these articles usually contain only a short section describing the antibacterial effects of AA or UA. Therefore, our review article aims to provide the reader with a broader understanding of the activity of these acids against pathogenic bacteria. The bacteria in the human body can live in the planktonic form and create a biofilm structure. Therefore, we found it valuable to present the action of AA and UA on both planktonic and biofilm cultures. The article also presents mechanisms of the biological activity of these substances against microorganisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dorota Tichaczek-Goska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland; (Z.S.); (D.W.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Current strategies of combating bacterial infections are limited and involve the use of antibiotics and preservatives. Each of these agents has generally inadequate efficacy and a number of serious adverse effects. Thus, there is an urgent need for new antimicrobial drugs and food preservatives with higher efficacy and lower toxicity. Edible plants have been used in medicine since ancient times and are well known for their successful antimicrobial activity. Often photosensitizers are present in many edible plants; they could be a promising source for a new generation of drugs and food preservatives. The use of photodynamic therapy allows enhancement of antimicrobial properties in plant photosensitizers. The purpose of this review is to present the verified data on the antimicrobial activities of photodynamic phytochemicals in edible species of the world’s flora, including the various mechanisms of their actions.
Collapse
|
6
|
Efficacy of Ursolic Acid-Enriched Water-Soluble and Not Cytotoxic Nanoparticles against Enterococci. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111976. [PMID: 34834390 PMCID: PMC8625572 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid acid found in many medicinal plants and aromas, is known for its antibacterial effects against multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Gram-positive bacteria, which seriously threaten human health. Unfortunately, UA water-insolubility, low bioavailability, and systemic toxicity limit the possibilities of its application in vivo. Consequently, the beneficial activities of UA observed in vitro lose their potential clinical relevance unless water-soluble, not cytotoxic UA formulations are developed. With a nano-technologic approach, we have recently prepared water-soluble UA-loaded dendrimer nanoparticles (UA-G4K NPs) non-cytotoxic on HeLa cells, with promising physicochemical properties for their clinical applications. In this work, with the aim of developing a new antibacterial agent based on UA, UA-G4K has been tested on different strains of the Enterococcus genus, including marine isolates, toward which UA-G4K has shown minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) very low (0.5-4.3 µM), regardless of their resistance to antibiotics. Time-kill experiments, in addition to confirming the previously reported bactericidal activity of UA against E. faecium, also established it for UA-G4K. Furthermore, cytotoxicity experiments on human keratinocytes revealed that nanomanipulation of UA significantly reduced the cytotoxicity of UA, providing UA-G4K NPs with very high LD50 (96.4 µM) and selectivity indices, which were in the range 22.4-192.8, depending on the enterococcal strain tested. Due to its physicochemical and biological properties, UA-G4K could be seriously evaluated as a novel oral-administrable therapeutic option for tackling difficult-to-treat enterococcal infections.
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu Y, Huang Y, Fan C, Chi Z, Bai M, Sun L, Yang L, Yu C, Song Z, Yang X, Yi J, Wang S, Liu L, Wang G, Zheng L. Ursolic Acid Targets Glucosyltransferase and Inhibits Its Activity to Prevent Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:743305. [PMID: 34646258 PMCID: PMC8503646 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.743305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), the prime pathogen of dental caries, can secrete glucosyltransferases (GTFs) to synthesize extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs), which are the virulence determinants of cariogenic biofilms. Ursolic acid, a type of pentacyclic triterpene natural compound, has shown potential antibiofilm effects on S. mutans. To investigate the mechanisms of ursolic acid-mediated inhibition of S. mutans biofilm formation, we first demonstrated that ursolic acid could decrease the viability and structural integrity of biofilms, as evidenced by XTT, crystal violet, and live/dead staining assays. Then, we further revealed that ursolic acid could compete with the inherent substrate to occupy the catalytic center of GTFs to inhibit EPS formation, and this was confirmed by GTF activity assays, computer simulations, site-directed mutagenesis, and capillary electrophoresis (CE). In conclusion, ursolic acid can decrease bacterial viability and prevent S. mutans biofilm formation by binding and inhibiting the activity of GTFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yucui Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China.,State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanxin Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Cell and Gene Therapy Medicine Products, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Cong Fan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Department of Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongmei Chi
- Faculty of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Miao Bai
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Luguo Sun
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Cell and Gene Therapy Medicine Products, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Li Yang
- Faculty of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunlei Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhenbo Song
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoguang Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Cell and Gene Therapy Medicine Products, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingwen Yi
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Cell and Gene Therapy Medicine Products, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuyue Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Lei Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Guannan Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Lihua Zheng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jubair N, Rajagopal M, Chinnappan S, Abdullah NB, Fatima A. Review on the Antibacterial Mechanism of Plant-Derived Compounds against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria (MDR). EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:3663315. [PMID: 34447454 PMCID: PMC8384518 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3663315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microbial resistance has progressed rapidly and is becoming the leading cause of death globally. The spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms has been a significant threat to the successful therapy against microbial infections. Scientists have become more concerned about the possibility of a return to the pre-antibiotic era. Thus, searching for alternatives to fight microorganisms has become a necessity. Some bacteria are naturally resistant to antibiotics, while others acquire resistance mainly by the misuse of antibiotics and the emergence of new resistant variants through mutation. Since ancient times, plants represent the leading source of drugs and alternative medicine for fighting against diseases. Plants are rich sources of valuable secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, quinones, tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Many studies focus on plant secondary metabolites as a potential source for antibiotic discovery. They have the required structural properties and can act by different mechanisms. This review analyses the antibiotic resistance strategies produced by multidrug-resistant bacteria and explores the phytochemicals from different classes with documented antimicrobial action against resistant bacteria, either alone or in combination with traditional antibiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najwan Jubair
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Mogana Rajagopal
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Sasikala Chinnappan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | | | - Ayesha Fatima
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Oprean C, Zambori C, Borcan F, Soica C, Zupko I, Minorics R, Bojin F, Ambrus R, Muntean D, Danciu C, Pinzaru IA, Dehelean C, Paunescu V, Tanasie G. Anti-proliferative and antibacterial in vitro evaluation of the polyurethane nanostructures incorporating pentacyclic triterpenes. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2016; 54:2714-2722. [PMID: 27159077 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2016.1180538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Oleanolic and ursolic acids are antitumor and antibacterial agents which are extensively studied. Their major disadvantage is the poor water solubility which limits their applications. OBJECTIVES Oleanolic and ursolic acid were encapsulated into polyurethane nanostructures that act as drug carriers. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the particles, anti-microbial and anti-proliferative activity compared to un-encapsulated active compounds was tested. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using an interfacial polycondensation technique, combined with spontaneous emulsification, structures with nanoscale dimensions were obtained. Scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray assays confirmed the encapsulation process. Concentrations of 10 and 30 μM particles and un-encapsulated compounds were tested by MTT viability assay for several breast cancer lines, with an exposure time of 72 h. For the antibacterial studies, the dilution method with MIC determination was used. RESULTS Ursolic acid had an excellent inhibitory effect with IC50 value of 2.47, 1.20, 1.26 and 1.34 μM on MCF7, T47D, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-361, respectively. Oleanolic acid did not show anti-proliferative activity. The pure compounds showed their antibacterial activity only against Bacillus species and Candida albicans, but MIC values were too high to be considered efficient antimicrobial agents (2280 and 4570 μg mL - 1, respectively). Polyurethane nanoparticles which incorporated the agents did not show any biological activity. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Although the active compounds did not fully exert their anti-proliferative activity following encapsulation inside polymeric nanoparticles, in vivo evaluation is needed in order to obtain an exhaustive conclusion, as the active compounds could be released as a result of metabolic activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Oprean
- a Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeş" , Timişoara , România
| | - Csilla Zambori
- b Faculty of Medicine , University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeş" , Timişoara , România
| | - Florin Borcan
- a Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeş" , Timişoara , România
| | - Codruta Soica
- a Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeş" , Timişoara , România
| | - Istvan Zupko
- c Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy , University of Szeged , Szeged , Hungary
| | - Renata Minorics
- c Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy , University of Szeged , Szeged , Hungary
| | - Florina Bojin
- b Faculty of Medicine , University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeş" , Timişoara , România
| | - Rita Ambrus
- d Department of Pharmaceutical Technology , University of Szeged , Szeged , Hungary
| | - Delia Muntean
- b Faculty of Medicine , University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeş" , Timişoara , România
| | - Corina Danciu
- a Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeş" , Timişoara , România
| | - Iulia Andreea Pinzaru
- a Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeş" , Timişoara , România
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- a Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeş" , Timişoara , România
| | - Virgil Paunescu
- b Faculty of Medicine , University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeş" , Timişoara , România
| | - Gabriela Tanasie
- b Faculty of Medicine , University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeş" , Timişoara , România
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abreu AC, Paulet D, Coqueiro A, Malheiro J, Borges A, Saavedra MJ, Choi YH, Simões M. Antibiotic adjuvants from Buxus sempervirens to promote effective treatment of drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra21137b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants have been long scrutinized in the quest for new antibiotics, but no strong antibiotic molecule was ever found.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. C. Abreu
- LEPABE
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Faculty of Engineering
- University of Porto
- 4200-465 Porto
| | - D. Paulet
- Natural Products Laboratory
- Institute of Biology
- Leiden University
- Leiden
- The Netherlands
| | - A. Coqueiro
- Natural Products Laboratory
- Institute of Biology
- Leiden University
- Leiden
- The Netherlands
| | - J. Malheiro
- LEPABE
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Faculty of Engineering
- University of Porto
- 4200-465 Porto
| | - A. Borges
- LEPABE
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Faculty of Engineering
- University of Porto
- 4200-465 Porto
| | - M. J. Saavedra
- CECAV
- Veterinary and Animal Science Research Center and Veterinary Science Department
- University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro
- 5000-801 Vila Real
- Portugal
| | - Y. H. Choi
- Natural Products Laboratory
- Institute of Biology
- Leiden University
- Leiden
- The Netherlands
| | - M. Simões
- LEPABE
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Faculty of Engineering
- University of Porto
- 4200-465 Porto
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Woźniak Ł, Skąpska S, Marszałek K. Ursolic Acid--A Pentacyclic Triterpenoid with a Wide Spectrum of Pharmacological Activities. Molecules 2015; 20:20614-41. [PMID: 26610440 PMCID: PMC6332387 DOI: 10.3390/molecules201119721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural terpene compound exhibiting many pharmaceutical properties. In this review the current state of knowledge about the health-promoting properties of this widespread, biologically active compound, as well as information about its occurrence and biosynthesis are presented. Particular attention has been paid to the application of ursolic acid as an anti-cancer agent; it is worth noticing that clinical tests suggesting the possibility of practical use of UA have already been conducted. Amongst other pharmacological properties of UA one can mention protective effect on lungs, kidneys, liver and brain, anti-inflammatory properties, anabolic effects on skeletal muscles and the ability to suppress bone density loss leading to osteoporosis. Ursolic acid also exhibits anti-microbial features against numerous strains of bacteria, HIV and HCV viruses and Plasmodium protozoa causing malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Woźniak
- Department of Fruit and Vegetable Product Technology, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, 36 Rakowiecka Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Sylwia Skąpska
- Department of Fruit and Vegetable Product Technology, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, 36 Rakowiecka Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Krystian Marszałek
- Department of Fruit and Vegetable Product Technology, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, 36 Rakowiecka Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Broniatowski M, Flasiński M, Hąc-Wydro K. Antagonistic effects of α-tocopherol and ursolic acid on model bacterial membranes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2015; 1848:2154-62. [PMID: 26003534 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
α-tocopherol (Toc), the most active component of vitamin E can exert antagonistic effects disabling the therapy of cancers and bacterial infections. Such antagonisms were observed also between Toc and bioactive pentacyclic triterpenes (PT) exhibiting anticancer and antibacterial properties. Both Toc and PT are water-insoluble membrane active substances. Thus, our idea was to emulate their interactions with model Escherichia coli membranes. E. coli inner membranes were selected for the experiments because their lipid composition is quite simple and well characterized and the two main components are phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. As a model of E. coli membranes we applied Langmuir monolayers formed by the E. coli total extract of polar lipids (Etotal) as well as by the main lipid components: phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE) and phosphatidylglycerol (ECPG). The antagonistic effects of ursolic acid (Urs) and Toc were investigated with the application of ternary Langmuir monolayers formed by Urs, Toc and one of the phospholipids POPE or ECPG. Our studies indicated that the affinities of Urs and Toc towards the POPE molecule are comparable; whereas there are profound differences in the interactions of Urs and Toc with ECPG. Thus, the model experiments prove that in the case of E. coli membrane, the differences in the interactions between Urs and Toc with the anionic bacterial phosphatidylglycerol can be the key factor responsible for the antagonistic effects observed between PT and Toc in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Broniatowski
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Michał Flasiński
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Hąc-Wydro
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Broniatowski M, Mastalerz P, Flasiński M. Studies of the interactions of ursane-type bioactive terpenes with the model of Escherichia coli inner membrane-Langmuir monolayer approach. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2015; 1848:469-76. [PMID: 25450351 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2014.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Revised: 08/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pentacyclic triterpenes (PT), ursolic acid (Urs), and α-amyrin (AMalf) are natural products exhibiting broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. These compounds are membrane-active and can disorder bacterial membranes when incorporated; however, the exact mechanism of their membrane activity is unknown. In our studies, we applied Langmuir monolayer technique supported by Brewster angle microscopy to model the interactions of the selected PT with the lipid matrix of E. coli inner membrane. As the model membrane, we applied mixtures (75/25 mole/.mole %) of the representative Escherichia coli phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE), with the cardiolipin (ECCL) or phosphatidylglycerol (ECPG) extracted from the E. coli inner membrane. On the basis of the recorded isotherms, we performed thermodynamic analysis and calculated free energy of mixing ΔGexc. It turned out that the phospholipids forming the inner membrane of E. coli are ideally miscible, whereas in binary systems composed of PT and POPE, negative deviations from ideality indicating attractive interactions between the investigated PT and POPE molecules were observed. On the other hand, in ternary systems composed of PT, POPE and one of the E. coli anionic phospholipids large positive changes in ΔGexc were observed. Thus, both PT exhibit disorganizing effect on the model E. coli membrane. It was also proved that at low terpene proportion, AMalf can be more active than Urs. However, at higher proportion Urs incorporation can lead to the disintegration of cardiolipin-rich domains present in bacterial membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Broniatowski
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3,30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Patrycja Mastalerz
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3,30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Michał Flasiński
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3,30-387 Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Flasiński M, Hąc-Wydro K, Broniatowski M. Incorporation of pentacyclic triterpenes into mitochondrial membrane--studies on the interactions in model 2D lipid systems. J Phys Chem B 2014; 118:12927-37. [PMID: 25358079 DOI: 10.1021/jp508743j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Three representatives of naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) were subjected to comprehensive studies aimed at the analysis of their interactions with phospholipids found naturally in mitochondrial membrane. To reach this goal, the selected compounds--α-amyrin (AMalf), betulinic acid (BAc), and ursolic acid (Urs)--were incorporated into two-component and multicomponent Langmuir monolayers acting as a model of mitochondrial membrane. As the lipids characteristic for mitochondria, phosphatidylcholine (POPC), phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE), and cardiolipin (BHCL) were chosen. Our studies were motivated by the fact that, according to the literature, the anticancer activity of PTs is correlated with their ability to incorporate into mitochondrial membrane and modify its properties. The undertaken studies were based on the surface pressure (π)-molecular area (A) isotherm registration complemented with the thermodynamic analysis and BAM visualization. It was found that all three terpenes with the exception of high betulinic acid proportion (30 and 50%) interact beneficially with POPC in two-component monolayers, while incorporation of BAc and Urs into POPE film is energetically unfavorable. As far as the model mitochondrial membrane composed of POPC/POPE/BHCL is concerned, the largest destructive influence (high positive values of ΔG(Exc) and decrease of the model monolayer condensation) was found in the case of terpene acids, while the effect of α-amyrin was energetically favorable. We postulated that the origin of the observed findings is connected with the specific interactions between bolaamphlilic terpene acids and POPE, known from its propensity to form intermolecular hydrogen bonds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michał Flasiński
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University , Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Broniatowski M, Flasiński M, Zięba K, Miśkowiec P. Interactions of pentacyclic triterpene acids with cardiolipins and related phosphatidylglycerols in model systems. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2014; 1838:2530-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2014.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|