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Constantin L, Ungurianu A, Streinu-Cercel A, Săndulescu O, Aramă V, Margină D, Țârcomnicu I. Investigation of Serum Endocan Levels in SARS-CoV-2 Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3042. [PMID: 38474287 PMCID: PMC10932032 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Endocan is an endothelial-cell-specific proteoglycan (ESM-1) and has emerged as an endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory marker in recent years. Endocan can be used as a marker of inflammatory endothelial dysfunction in endothelium-dependent disease: cardiovascular disease, sepsis, lung and kidney disease and malignancies. Recent data suggest that endothelial dysfunction is a key mechanism in COVID-19 pathogenesis. Endotheliitis and thrombo-inflammation are associated with severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and endocan is currently under investigation as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker. The aim of this study was to determine serum endocan levels in patients with COVID-19 to evaluate the correlation between endocan levels and clinical disease diagnosis and prognosis. This study enrolled 56 patients, divided into three groups depending on disease severity: mild (15), moderate (25) and severe (16). The biochemical, demographic, clinical and imagistic data were collected and evaluated in correlation with the endocan levels. Serum endocan levels were significantly higher in the COVID-19 patients compared to the control group; also, endocan concentration correlated with vaccination status. The results revealed significantly elevated serum endocan levels in COVID-19 patients compared to the control group, with a correlation observed between endocan concentration and vaccination status. These findings suggest that endocan may serve as a novel biomarker for detecting inflammation and endothelial dysfunction risk in COVID-19 patients. There was no significant relationship between serum endocan levels and disease severity or the presence of cardiovascular diseases. Endocan can be considered a novel biomarker for the detection of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction risk in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Constantin
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals”, 021105 Bucharest, Romania; (L.C.); (A.S.-C.); (V.A.); (I.Ț.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Anca Ungurianu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Anca Streinu-Cercel
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals”, 021105 Bucharest, Romania; (L.C.); (A.S.-C.); (V.A.); (I.Ț.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Oana Săndulescu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals”, 021105 Bucharest, Romania; (L.C.); (A.S.-C.); (V.A.); (I.Ț.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Victoria Aramă
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals”, 021105 Bucharest, Romania; (L.C.); (A.S.-C.); (V.A.); (I.Ț.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Denisa Margină
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Isabela Țârcomnicu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals”, 021105 Bucharest, Romania; (L.C.); (A.S.-C.); (V.A.); (I.Ț.)
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Adam-Dima EI, Balas M, Anastasescu M, Purdel C, Margină D. Synthesis of homogeneous spherical selenium nanoparticles through a chemical method for cancer therapy applications. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 95:105765. [PMID: 38103703 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is associated with pathologies affecting various organs or metabolic pathways. Thus, targeting oxidative stress might represent a valid therapeutic option. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are reported to exert antioxidant effects by many mechanisms. Our purpose was to assess in vitro on normal (MRC-5) and cancer (PANC-1) cell lines the potential of SeNPs for inducing cytotoxicity and redox modulation. They were synthesized through a chemogenic method and characterized through advanced microscopy techniques. SeNPs were spherical, with 100 nm average diameters and low dimension variability. Cancer and normal cells were exposed for 24 h to different concentrations of SeNPs ranging from 1 to 25 μg/mL. According to the LDH and MTT assay results, SeNPs treatment caused a more pronounced decrease in cancer cell viability compared to normal cells, suggesting a possible therapeutic benefit on tumors, thus supporting the hypothesis of therapeutic use of SeNPs with the benefit of cell type selectivity. Neither an elevation nor an inhibition of intracellular ROS production was detected in MRC-5 cells exposed to concentrations between 1 and 25 μg/mL SeNPs. The results of this study suggest that SeNPs could represent potential candidate for treatment of cancer, especially pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- E I Adam-Dima
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - M Balas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - M Anastasescu
- "Ilie Murgulescu" Institute of Physical-Chemistry, Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independentei no. 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Purdel
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - D Margină
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania.
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Ungurianu A, Zanfirescu A, Margină D. Exploring the therapeutic potential of quercetin: A focus on its sirtuin-mediated benefits. Phytother Res 2024. [PMID: 38429891 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
As the global population ages, preventing lifestyle- and aging-related diseases is increasing, necessitating the search for safe and affordable therapeutic interventions. Among nutraceuticals, quercetin, a flavonoid ubiquitously present in various plants, has garnered considerable interest. This review aimed to collate and analyze existing literature on the therapeutic potentials of quercetin, especially its interactions with SIRTs and its clinical applicability based on its bioavailability and safety. This narrative review was based on a literature survey spanning from 2015 to 2023 using PUBMED. The keywords and MeSH terms used were: "quercetin" AND "bioavailability" OR "metabolism" OR "metabolites" as well as "quercetin" AND "SIRTuin" OR "SIRT*" AND "cellular effects" OR "pathway" OR "signaling" OR "neuroprotective" OR "cardioprotective" OR "nephroprotective" OR "antiatherosclerosis" OR "diabetes" OR "antidiabetic" OR "dyslipidemia" AND "mice" OR "rats". Quercetin demonstrates multiple therapeutic activities, including neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-atherosclerotic effects. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties are well-established. At a molecular level, it majorly interacts with SIRTs, particularly SIRT1 and SIRT6, and modulates numerous signaling pathways, contributing to its therapeutic effects. These pathways play roles in reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy regulation, mitochondrial biogenesis, glucose utilization, fatty acid oxidation, and genome stability. However, clinical trials on quercetin's effectiveness in humans are scarce. Quercetin exhibits a wide range of SIRT-mediated therapeutic effects. Despite the compelling preclinical data, more standardized clinical trials are needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential. Future research should focus on addressing its bioavailability and safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Ungurianu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Zanfirescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Denisa Margină
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Bucharest, Romania
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Purdel C, Margină D, Adam-Dima I, Ungurianu A. The Beneficial Effects of Dietary Interventions on Gut Microbiota-An Up-to-Date Critical Review and Future Perspectives. Nutrients 2023; 15:5005. [PMID: 38068863 PMCID: PMC10708505 DOI: 10.3390/nu15235005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Different dietary interventions, especially intermittent fasting, are widely used and promoted by physicians; these regimens have been studied lately for their impact on the gut microbiota composition/function and, consequently, on the general physiopathological processes of the host. Studies are showing that dietary components modulate the microbiota, and, at the same time, the host metabolism is deeply influenced by the different products resulting from nutrient transformation in the microbiota compartment. This reciprocal relationship can potentially influence even drug metabolism for chronic drug regimens, significantly impacting human health/disease. Recently, the influence of various dietary restrictions on the gut microbiota and the differences between the effects were investigated. In this review, we explored the current knowledge of different dietary restrictions on animal and human gut microbiota and the impact of these changes on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Purdel
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.); (I.A.-D.)
| | - Denisa Margină
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ines Adam-Dima
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.); (I.A.-D.)
| | - Anca Ungurianu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
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Ungurianu A, Zanfirescu A, Margină D. Sirtuins, resveratrol and the intertwining cellular pathways connecting them. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 88:101936. [PMID: 37116286 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Sirtuins are a family of NAD+-dependent deacylases with numerous physiological and pathological implications, which lately became an attractive therapeutic target. Sirtuin-activating compounds (STACs) could be useful in disease prevention and treatment. Despite its bioavailability issues, resveratrol exerts a myriad of beneficial effects, known as the "resveratrol paradox". Modulation of sirtuins' expression and activity may, in fact, underlie many of resveratrol revered actions; however, the cellular pathways affected by modulating the activity of each sirtuin isoform, in different physio-pathological conditions, are not fully known. The purpose of this review was to summarize recent reports concerning the effects of resveratrol on the activity of sirtuins in different experimental settings, focusing on in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies. Most reports concern SIRT1, however recent studies dive into the effects initiated via other isoforms. Numerous cellular signaling pathways were reported to be modulated by resveratrol in a sirtuin-dependent manner (increased phosphorylation of MAPKs, AKT, AMPK, RhoA, BDNF, decreased activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, NF-κB, STAT3, upregulation of SIRT1/SREBP1c pathway, reduced β-amyloid via SIRT1-NF-κB-BACE1 signaling and counteracting mitochondrial damage by deacetylating PGC-1α). Thus, resveratrol may be the ideal candidate in the search for STACs as a tool for preventing and treating inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Ungurianu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Zanfirescu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Denisa Margină
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
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Purdel C, Ungurianu A, Adam-Dima I, Margină D. Exploring the potential impact of probiotic use on drug metabolism and efficacy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114468. [PMID: 36868015 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Probiotics are frequently consumed as functional food and widely used as dietary supplements, but are also recommended in treating or preventing various gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, their co-administration with other drugs is sometimes unavoidable or even compulsory. Recent technological developments in the pharmaceutical industry permitted the development of novel drug-delivery systems for probiotics, allowing their addition to the therapy of severely ill patients. Literature data regarding the changes that probiotics could impose on the efficacy or safety of chronic medication is scarce. In this context, the present paper aims to review probiotics currently recommended by the international medical community, to evaluate the relationship between gut microbiota and various pathologies with high impact worldwide and, most importantly, to assess the literature reports concerning the ability of probiotics to influence the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of some widely used drugs, especially for those with narrow therapeutic indexes. A better understanding of the potential influence of probiotics on drug metabolism, efficacy and safety could contribute to improving therapy management, facilitating individualized therapy and updating treatment guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Purdel
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Traian Vuia 6, Bucharest 020956, Romania
| | - Anca Ungurianu
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Traian Vuia 6, Bucharest 020956, Romania.
| | - Ines Adam-Dima
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Traian Vuia 6, Bucharest 020956, Romania
| | - Denisa Margină
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Traian Vuia 6, Bucharest 020956, Romania
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Ungurianu A, Zanfirescu A, Margină D. Regulation of Gene Expression through Food—Curcumin as a Sirtuin Activity Modulator. Plants 2022; 11:plants11131741. [PMID: 35807694 PMCID: PMC9269530 DOI: 10.3390/plants11131741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The sirtuin family comprises NAD+-dependent protein lysine deacylases, mammalian sirtuins being either nuclear (SIRT1, SIRT2, SIRT6, and SIRT7), mitochondrial (SIRT3, SIRT4, and SIRT5) or cytosolic enzymes (SIRT2 and SIRT5). They are able to catalyze direct metabolic reactions, thus regulating several physiological functions, such as energy metabolism, stress response, inflammation, cell survival, DNA repair, tissue regeneration, neuronal signaling, and even circadian rhythms. Based on these data, recent research was focused on finding molecules that could regulate sirtuins’ expression and/or activity, natural compounds being among the most promising in the field. Curcumin (1,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione) can induce, through SIRT, modulation of cancer cell senescence, improve endothelial cells protection against atherosclerotic factors, enhance muscle regeneration in atrophy models, and act as a pro-longevity factor counteracting the neurotoxicity of amyloid-beta. Although a plethora of protective effects was reported (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, etc.), its therapeutical use is limited due to its bioavailability issues. However, all the reported effects may be explained via the bioactivation theory, which postulates that curcumin’s observed actions are modulated via its metabolites and/or degradation products. The present article is focused on bringing together the literature data correlating the ability of curcumin and its metabolites to modulate SIRT activity and its consequent beneficial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Ungurianu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (A.U.); (D.M.)
| | - Anca Zanfirescu
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Denisa Margină
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (A.U.); (D.M.)
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Ungurianu A, Zanfirescu A, Grădinaru D, Ionescu-Tîrgoviște C, Dănciulescu Miulescu R, Margină D. Interleukins and redox impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus: mini-review and pilot study. Curr Med Res Opin 2022; 38:511-522. [PMID: 35067142 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2033049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a leading cause of morbidity and premature mortality, low-grade inflammation being acknowledged as a key contributor to its development and progression. A tailored therapeutic approach, based on sensitive and specific biomarkers, could allow a more accurate analysis of disease susceptibility/prognostic and of the response to treatment. OBJECTIVES This mini-review and pilot study had two main goals: (1) reviewing the most recent literature encompassing the use of interleukins as inflammatory markers influenced by the redox imbalances in T2DM and (2) assessing parameters that conjunctly evaluate the redox impairment and inflammatory burden of T2DM patients, taking into consideration smoking status, as such group-specific biomarkers are scarcely reported in literature. METHODS Firstly, PubMed database was surveyed to select and review the relevant studies employing interleukins as T2DM biomarkers and to assess if studies using combined inflammatory-redox indices were reported. Then, routine biochemical parameters were assessed in a pilot study -T2DM patients with 3 subgroups: non-smokers, smokers and ex-smokers, were compared to a control group of non-diabetic, apparently healthy non-smokers. Protein (AOPPs, AGEs), lipid/HDL (Amplex Red-based method) oxidative damage and inflammatory status (CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10) biomarkers were assessed. Cytokine ratios and 2 oxidative-inflammatory status indices were developed (IH1 and IH2) and evaluated. RESULTS We observed significant differences in terms of serum redox and inflammatory status (AOPPs, AGEs, CRP, CRP/HDL, CRP/IL-6, IL-10/IL-6, IH1) between T2DM patients compared to control and, moreover, between the subgroups formed considering smoking status (CRP, CRP/HDL, IH1). Glycemic control strongly influenced inflammatory status biomarkers: glycemia was positively correlated with the inflammatory parameters (CRP/IL-10) and inversely with the anti-inflammatory ones (IL-10, IL-10/IL-1β ratio). CONCLUSIONS Several of the assessed parameters may possess prognostic value for diabetics, especially when comparing subgroups with a different smoking history and could prove useful in clinical practice for assessing disease progress and therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Ungurianu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Zanfirescu
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Grădinaru
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Rucsandra Dănciulescu Miulescu
- N. Paulescu National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Dentistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Denisa Margină
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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Grădinaru D, Margină D, Ungurianu A, Nițulescu G, Pena CM, Ionescu-Tîrgoviște C, Dănciulescu Miulescu R. Zinc status, insulin resistance and glycoxidative stress in elderly subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1393. [PMID: 34650641 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc deficiencies have been reported in numerous pathologies, such as diabetes mellitus, but also in the physiological process of ageing. Similarly, the end products of glycoxidation processes, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), are damaging compounds, a myriad of reports linking them to the development and progression of several age-associated chronic diseases. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationships between zinc status, glycoxidative stress and insulin resistance (IR) in elderly subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A group of 52 non-smoking subjects (9 men and 43 women, aged 65-83 years) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study: 27 patients with T2DM, and 25 apparently healthy control subjects. Serum zinc (Zn) levels were assessed using a commercial kit based on an end-point colorimetric method, and serum AGEs were evaluated with a fluorimetric analytic procedure. The calculated glucose-to-zinc ratio (Gly/Zn), insulin-to-zinc ratio (Ins/Zn) and insulin-zinc resistance index (HOMA-IR/Zn) were further used to study the associations between serum Zn levels, secretory function of β-pancreatic cells and AGEs. T2DM patients presented significantly higher serum insulin and Zn levels, as compared to the controls. We found a significant inverse correlation between Zn and AGEs, and a strong positive correlation between AGEs and the Gly/Zn ratio, suggesting that both Zn and AGEs are biomarkers that could reflect the persistence of hyperglycemia. We identified new surrogate biomarkers useful for the assessment of glycemic control with great potential for the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies for elderly diabetics, based on the evaluation of serum Zn levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Grădinaru
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Denisa Margină
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Ungurianu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Georgiana Nițulescu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cătălina Monica Pena
- Biology of Aging Department, 'Ana Aslan' National Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 011241 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Constantin Ionescu-Tîrgoviște
- Clinical Department, 'Nicolae Paulescu' Institute of Diabetes, Metabolic and Nutrition Diseases, 020475 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rucsandra Dănciulescu Miulescu
- Clinical Department, 'Nicolae Paulescu' Institute of Diabetes, Metabolic and Nutrition Diseases, 020475 Bucharest, Romania
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Ungurianu A, Zanfirescu A, Nițulescu G, Margină D. Vitamin E beyond Its Antioxidant Label. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10050634. [PMID: 33919211 PMCID: PMC8143145 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10050634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin E, comprising tocopherols and tocotrienols, is mainly known as an antioxidant. The aim of this review is to summarize the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways linked to inflammation and malignancy modulated by its vitamers. Preclinical reports highlighted a myriad of cellular effects like modulating the synthesis of pro-inflammatory molecules and oxidative stress response, inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, regulating cell cycle, and apoptosis. Furthermore, animal-based models have shown that these molecules affect the activity of various enzymes and signaling pathways, such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, JAK/STAT, and NF-κB, acting as the underlying mechanisms of their reported anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer effects. In clinical settings, not all of these were proven, with reports varying considerably. Nonetheless, vitamin E was shown to improve redox and inflammatory status in healthy, diabetic, and metabolic syndrome subjects. The anti-cancer effects were inconsistent, with both pro- and anti-malignant being reported. Regarding its neuroprotective properties, several studies have shown protective effects suggesting vitamin E as a potential prevention and therapeutic (as adjuvant) tool. However, source and dosage greatly influence the observed effects, with bioavailability seemingly a key factor in obtaining the preferred outcome. We conclude that this group of molecules presents exciting potential for the prevention and treatment of diseases with an inflammatory, redox, or malignant component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Ungurianu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Anca Zanfirescu
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Georgiana Nițulescu
- Department Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Denisa Margină
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence:
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Petrakis D, Margină D, Tsarouhas K, Tekos F, Stan M, Nikitovic D, Kouretas D, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis A. Obesity ‑ a risk factor for increased COVID‑19 prevalence, severity and lethality (Review). Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:9-19. [PMID: 32377709 PMCID: PMC7248467 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs), enveloped positive-sense RNA viruses, are a group of viruses that cause infections in the human respiratory tract, which can be characterized clinically from mild to fatal. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) is the virus responsible. The global spread of COVID‑19 can be described as the worst pandemic in humanity in the last century. To date, COVID‑19 has infected more than 3,000,000 people worldwide and killed more than 200,000 people. All age groups can be infected from the virus, but more serious symptoms that can possibly result in death are observed in older people and those with underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. Novel data report more severe symptoms and even a negative prognosis for the obese patients. A growing body of evidence connects obesity with COVID‑19 and a number of mechanisms from immune system activity attenuation to chronic inflammation are implicated. Lipid peroxidation creates reactive lipid aldehydes which in a patient with metabolic disorder and COVID‑19 will affect its prognosis. Finally, pregnancy‑associated obesity needs to be studied further in connection to COVID‑19 as this infection could pose high risk both to pregnant women and the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetrios Petrakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Denisa Margină
- ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Fotios Tekos
- Department of Biochemistry-Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Miriana Stan
- ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragana Nikitovic
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Demetrios Kouretas
- Department of Biochemistry-Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
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Mușat MG, Nițulescu GM, Surleac M, Tsatsakis A, Spandidos DA, Margină D. HIV‑1 integrase inhibitors targeting various DDE transposases: Retroviral integration versus RAG‑mediated recombination (Review). Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:4749-4762. [PMID: 31702817 PMCID: PMC6854553 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposases are ubiquitous mobile genetic elements responsible for genome development, driving rearrangements, such as insertions, deletions and translocations. Across species evolution, some transposases are tamed by their host and are made part of complex cellular systems. The proliferation of retroviruses is also dependent on transposase related enzymes termed integrases. Recombination-activating gene protein (RAG)1 and metnase are just two examples of transposase domestication and together with retroviral integrases (INs), they belong to the DDE polynucleotidyl transferases superfamily. They share mechanistic and structural features linked to the RNase H-like fold, harboring a DDE(D) metal dependent catalytic motif. Recent antiretroviral compounds target the catalytic domain of integrase, but they also have the potential of inhibiting other related enzymes. In this review, we report the activity of different classes of integrase inhibitors on various DDE transposases. Computational simulations are useful to predict the extent of off-target activity and have been employed to study the interactions between RAG1 recombinase and compounds from three different pharmacologic classes. We demonstrate that strand-transfer inhibitors display a higher affinity towards the RAG1 RNase H domain, as suggested by experimental data compared to allosteric inhibitors. While interference with RAG1 and 2 recombination is associated with a negative impact on immune function, the inhibition of metnase or HTLV-1 integrase opens the way for the development of novel therapies for refractory cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Georgiana Mușat
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - George Mihai Nițulescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marius Surleac
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Matei Bals', 021105 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Denisa Margină
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
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Zanfirescu A, Ungurianu A, Tsatsakis AM, Nițulescu GM, Kouretas D, Veskoukis A, Tsoukalas D, Engin AB, Aschner M, Margină D. A review of the alleged health hazards of monosodium glutamate. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2019; 18:1111-1134. [PMID: 31920467 PMCID: PMC6952072 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an umami substance widely used as flavor enhancer. Although it is generally recognized as being safe by food safety regulatory agencies, several studies have questioned its long-term safety. The purpose of this review was to survey the available literature on preclinical studies and clinical trials regarding the alleged adverse effects of MSG. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the reported possible risks that may potentially arise following chronic exposure. Furthermore, we intend to critically evaluate the relevance of this data for dietary human intake. Preclinical studies have associated MSG administration with cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, low-grade inflammation, metabolic disarray and premalignant alterations, along with behavioral changes. Moreover, links between MSG consumption and tumorigenesis, increased oxidative stress and apoptosis in thymocytes, as well as genotoxic effects in lymphocytes have been reported. However, in reviewing the available literature, we detected several methodological flaws, which led us to conclude that these studies have limited relevance for extrapolation to dietary human intakes of MSG risk exposure. Clinical trials have focused mainly on the effects of MSG on food intake and energy expenditure. Besides its well-known impact on food palatability, MSG enhances salivary secretion and interferes with carbohydrate metabolism, while the impact on satiety and post-meal recovery of hunger varied in relation to meal composition. Reports on MSG hypersensitivity, also known as 'Chinese restaurant syndrome', or links of its use to increased pain sensitivity and atopic dermatitis were found to have little supporting evidence. Based on the available literature, we conclude that further clinical and epidemiological studies are needed, with an appropriate design, accounting for both added and naturally occurring dietary MSG. Critical analysis of existing literature, establishes that many of the reported negative health effects of MSG have little relevance for chronic human exposure and are poorly informative as they are based on excessive dosing that does not meet with levels normally consumed in food products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Zanfirescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, Bucharest 020956, Romania
| | - Anca Ungurianu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, Bucharest 020956, Romania
| | - Aristides M. Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71409, Crete, Greece
| | - George M. Nițulescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, Bucharest 020956, Romania
| | - Demetrios Kouretas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa 41500, Greece
| | - Aris Veskoukis
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa 41500, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tsoukalas
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71409, Crete, Greece
- Metabolomic Medicine Clinic, Athens 10674, Greece
| | - Ayse B. Engin
- Gazi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Ankara 06330, Turkey
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY 10463, USA
| | - Denisa Margină
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, Bucharest 020956, Romania
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Ungurianu A, Șeremet O, Grădinaru D, Ionescu-Tîrgoviște C, Margină D, Dănciulescu Miulescu R. Spectrophotometric versus spectrofluorometric assessment in the study of the relationships between lipid peroxidation and metabolic dysregulation. Chem Biol Drug Des 2019; 93:1026-1035. [PMID: 30701670 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species are crucial to normal cell function, but are also part of the pathogenesis of multiple modern maladies. As such, sensitive, fast, and reliable methods of appreciating redox status are needed. We aimed to optimize the Amplex Red (AR) and ferric-xylenol orange (FOX) methods using human serum samples, rat tissue homogenates, and mitochondrial preparations. For AR, we intended to reduce probe concentration, maintaining method sensitivity, as well as extending its use from isolated lipoproteins samples, and readjust it for a high-throughput application. Also, we evaluated the usefulness of a modified xylenol orange-based spectrophotometric protocol, comparing and contrasting these methods in terms of clinical relevance and suitability for their further use in assessing redox status of various biological samples in different pathological conditions. Our results show that these optimized protocols are suitable for complex in vivo studies, as they require low quantities of sample and reagents, and are sensitive, rapid, and economical, with the option of adapting them for high-throughput analysis. For a better assessment of oxidative status of serum-derived samples, the two methods can be used concurrently, while for tissue-derived ones, either can be employed for the measurement of a global redox status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Ungurianu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Șeremet
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Grădinaru
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Denisa Margină
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rucsandra Dănciulescu Miulescu
- "N. Paulescu" National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Endocrinology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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15
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Ungurianu A, Şeremet O, Grădinaru D, Ionescu-Tîrgoviște C, Dănciulescu-Miulescu R, Margină D. The effects of a plant-based antidiabetic supplement on the antioxidant capacity of serum and serum lipoproteins in diabetic rats. Toxicol Lett 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.06.558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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17
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Ungurianu A, Margină D, Grădinaru D, Băcanu C, Ilie M, Tsitsimpikou C, Tsarouhas K, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis AM. Lipoprotein redox status evaluation as a marker of cardiovascular disease risk in patients with inflammatory disease. Mol Med Rep 2016; 15:256-262. [PMID: 27909725 PMCID: PMC5355743 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with chronic inflammatory disorders (ID) have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and routinely determined parameters do not reveal the real metabolic status of specific subgroups, such as patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, in order to evaluate state of the art markers for the assessment of cardiometabolic risk, abnormalities in lipoprotein levels in patients with a low-grade inflammatory status [diabetes mellitus (DM) subgroup] and in patients with a high systemic inflammatory burden (RA subgroup) was determined. The study group comprised patients with ID [DM (n=20) and RA (n=20)], with an aged-matched control group (n=17). Patient serum was used to determine routine biochemical parameters and to isolate low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The heparin-citrate method was used for LDL precipitation and the phosphotungstic acid-MgCl2 technique for the isolation of HDL. Further, Amplex Red and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) assays were applied to determine lipid peroxides and protein oxidation, respectively, while the levels of serum advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were also determined. Although the differences in the routinely determined lipidemic profile were notable between the DM and RA subgroups, markers of lipid peroxidation and of advanced protein oxidation/glycation did not differ significantly, indicating possible similar oxidative damage of serum lipoproteins. On the whole, as alterations in lipoprotein functionality can occur long before any changes in routinely measured biochemical parameters are observed, more sensitive markers for the assessment of cardiovascular risk are required. As AOPPs, AGEs, oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and especially oxidized HDL (oxHDL) are affected during the early stages of inflammatory disease, and due to their known link to coronary artery disease, it would be wise to include these markers in the routine cardiovascular evaluation of patients with chronic inflammatory disease, such as those with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Ungurianu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 020956, Romania
| | - Denisa Margină
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 020956, Romania
| | - Daniela Grădinaru
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 020956, Romania
| | - Claudia Băcanu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 020956, Romania
| | - Mihaela Ilie
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 020956, Romania
| | - Christina Tsitsimpikou
- Department of Hazardous Substances, Mixtures and Articles, General Chemical State Laboratory of Greece, Athens 115121, Greece
| | | | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Aristides M Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
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Văleanu A, Margină D, Grădinaru D, Ilie M. A fuzzy c-means and k-means clustering analysis on relevant diabetic retinopathy biomarkers. Toxicol Lett 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.06.1476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Margină D, Olaru OT, Ilie M, Grădinaru D, GuȚu C, Voicu S, Dinischiotu A, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis AM. Assessment of the potential health benefits of certain total extracts from Vitis vinifera, Aesculus hyppocastanum and Curcuma longa. Exp Ther Med 2015; 10:1681-1688. [PMID: 26640536 PMCID: PMC4665218 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of recent studies have illustrated the active role of food/natural components in the prevention of chronic diseases and in the improvement of the quality of life. In the present study, we aimed to obtain and characterize certain extracts from Vitis vinifera L., Aesculus hippocastanum L. and Curcuma longa L., focusing on their antioxidant effects in vitro. Three vegetal extracts were obtained for each plant: in water, 50% water-alcohol and in 96% ethanol. These extracts were then analyzed for their qualitative composition by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and total phenolic content by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-VIS). The antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed in vitro by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay; the effects of lipid peroxidation on the cell membrane were evaluated using Jurkat cells in two experimental models: normoglycemic and hyperglycemic medium, in order for the results to be able to be translated into clinical practice. In addition, the resistance of the extracts to acid and alkaline hydrolysis was investigated. The obtained extracts had 0.4-39 µg phenolics/mg total extract. The largest amount of phenolics was found in the Cucurma longa extracts, while the lowest was found in the Aesculus hippocastanum extacts. HPTLC analysis identified the main phenolic compounds in the extracts which were ferulic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid and coumaric acid, as well as quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, curcumin, luteolin and esculetin. The Aesculus hippocastanum extracts had a low antioxidant efficacy, while both the Curcuma longa and Vitis vinifera extracts had a high antioxidant activity; the products resulting from alkaline hydrolisis were significantly more efficient in scavenging DPPH radicals compared to the products resulting from acid hydrolisis. The antioxidant effects of the Curcuma longa extracts exerted on the membranes of Jurkat cells were the most prominent under both normal and hyperglycemic conditions. The results of the present study may be translated into clinical practice and demonstrate that Curcuma longa extracts may be effective in both the prevention of diabetes mellitus and in attenuating the development of complications associated with the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisa Margină
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 020956, Romania
| | - Octavian Tudorel Olaru
- Department of Botany and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 020956, Romania
| | - Mihaela Ilie
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 020956, Romania
| | - Daniela Grădinaru
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 020956, Romania
| | - Claudia GuȚu
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 020956, Romania
| | - Sorina Voicu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest 050095, Romania
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest 050095, Romania
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Department of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Aristidis M Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
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Margină D, Ilie M, Grădinaru D, Androutsopoulos VP, Kouretas D, Tsatsakis AM. Natural products-friends or foes? Toxicol Lett 2015; 236:154-67. [PMID: 25980574 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A trend in the general population has been observed in recent years regarding the orientation toward preventive measures in health; in this context the increased interest from the users and researchers concerning the active effect of food supplements on the health state and on longevity, is noticeable. All over the world, the consumption of natural foods and of vegetal supplements has increased spectacularly over the last 5-10 years. The decreased prevalence of cardio-vascular diseases associated with Mediterranean diet, as well as the French paradox convinced researchers to scientifically document the beneficial outcomes pointed out by traditional use of plants, and to try to develop supplements that would have the same positive effects as these noticed for diet components. The intense research dedicated to this topic revealed the fact that food supplements are linked to some problematic aspects, such as toxicological side effects when associated with classical synthetic drugs. The food supplement-drug interactions are submitted to complex issues regarding pharmacokinetic interactions leading to changes in absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion processes with direct impact on effect and toxicological potential. The present review based on recent literature aims at discussing the food-drug interactions with direct impact on efficacy and toxicity of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisa Margină
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia St., 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Ilie
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia St., 020956 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Daniela Grădinaru
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia St., 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vasilis P Androutsopoulos
- University of Crete, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Sciences & Toxicology, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Demetrios Kouretas
- University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Larisa, Greece
| | - Aristidis M Tsatsakis
- University of Crete, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Sciences & Toxicology, Heraklion, Greece
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