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Flori L, Lazzarini G, Spezzini J, Pirone A, Calderone V, Testai L, Miragliotta V. The isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis: A biochemical and histological investigation. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116534. [PMID: 38565062 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116534] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial fibrosis is considered a reliable and repeatable experimental model characterized by a relatively low mortality rate. Although is well-known that ISO stimulates the β1 adrenergic receptors at the myocardial level, a high degree of heterogeneity emerges around the doses and duration of the treatment generating unclear results. Therefore, we propose to gain insights into the progression of ISO-induced myocardial fibrosis, in order to critically analyze and optimize the experimental model. Male Wistar rats (12-14-week-old) were submitted to subcutaneous injection of ISO, in particular, two doses were selected: the commonly used dose of 5 mg/kg and a lower dose of 1 mg/kg, administered for 3 and 6 days. Biochemical and histological examinations were conducted either immediately after the last administration or after a recovering period of 7 or 14 days from the initial administration. Noteworthy, from our investigation emerged that even the lower dose of ISO was able to induce the maximal biochemical and histological alterations, suggesting that lower doses should be considered to control the progression of the damage more precisely and to identify a prodromic phase in which intervention with pharmacological or nutraceutical tools can be effectively attempted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6-56120, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Lazzarini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, via Delle Piagge 2-56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Jacopo Spezzini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6-56120, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Pirone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, via Delle Piagge 2-56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6-56120, Pisa, Italy; CISUP, Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione dell'Università di Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6-56120, Pisa, Italy; CISUP, Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione dell'Università di Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43, Pisa 56126, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Miragliotta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, via Delle Piagge 2-56124, Pisa, Italy; CISUP, Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione dell'Università di Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43, Pisa 56126, Italy
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2
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Flori L, Piragine E, Calderone V, Testai L. Role of hydrogen sulfide in the regulation of lipid metabolism: Implications on cardiovascular health. Life Sci 2024; 341:122491. [PMID: 38336275 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122491] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as an urgency for health and a social emergency. Today around 39 % of people is overweight, of these over 13 % is obese. It is well-consolidated that the adipose cells are deputy to lipid storage under caloric excess; however, despite the classical idea that adipose tissue has exclusively a passive function, now it is known to be deeply involved in the regulation of systemic metabolism in physiological as well as under obesogenic conditions, with consequences on cardiovascular health. Beside two traditional types of adipose cells (white and brown), recently the beige one has been highlighted as the consequence of the healthy remodeling of white adipocytes, confirming their metabolic adaptability. In this direction, pharmacological, nutraceutical and nutrient-based approaches are addressed to positively influence inflammation and metabolism, thus contributing to reduce the obese-associated cardiovascular risk. In this scenario, hydrogen sulfide emerges as a new mediator that may regulate crucial targets involved in the regulation of metabolism. The current evidence demonstrates that hydrogen sulfide may induce peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ), a crucial mediator of adipogenesis, inhibit the phosphorylation of perlipin-1 (plin-1), a protein implicated in the lipolysis, and finally promote browning process, through the release of irisin from skeletal muscle. The results summarized in this review suggest an important role of hydrogen sulfide in the regulation of metabolism and in the prevention/treatment of obese-associated cardiovascular diseases and propose new insight on the putative mechanisms underlying the release of hydrogen sulfide or its biosynthesis, delineating a further exciting field of application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56120 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Eugenia Piragine
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56120 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56120 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6-56120 Pisa, Italy.
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3
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Spezzini J, Piragine E, Flori L, Calderone V, Martelli A. Natural H 2 S-donors: A new pharmacological opportunity for the management of overweight and obesity. Phytother Res 2024. [PMID: 38430052 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8181] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of overweight and obesity has progressively increased in the last few years, becoming a real threat to healthcare systems. To date, the clinical management of body weight gain is an unmet medical need, as there are few approved anti-obesity drugs and most require an extensive monitoring and vigilance due to risk of adverse effects and poor patient adherence/persistence. Growing evidence has shown that the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) and, therefore, H2 S-donors could have a central role in the prevention and treatment of overweight/obesity. The main natural sources of H2 S-donors are plants from the Alliaceae (garlic and onion), Brassicaceae (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, and wasabi), and Moringaceae botanical families. In particular, polysulfides and isothiocyanates, which slowly release H2 S, derive from the hydrolysis of alliin from Alliaceae and glucosinolates from Brassicaceae/Moringaceae, respectively. In this review, we describe the emerging role of endogenous H2 S in regulating adipose tissue function and the potential efficacy of natural H2 S-donors in animal models of overweight/obesity, with a final focus on the preliminary results from clinical trials. We conclude that organosulfur-containing plants and their extracts could be used before or in combination with conventional anti-obesity agents to improve treatment efficacy and reduce inflammation in obesogenic conditions. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish their clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health (NUTRAFOOD)", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Biology and Pathology of Ageing", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health (NUTRAFOOD)", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Biology and Pathology of Ageing", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Flori L, Spezzini J, Calderone V, Testai L. Role of mitochondrial potassium channels in ageing. Mitochondrion 2024; 76:101857. [PMID: 38403095 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2024.101857] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Ageing is described as an inevitable decline in body functions over time and an increase in susceptibility to age-related diseases. Therefore, the increase of life expectancy is also viewed as a condition in which many elderly will develop age-related diseases and disabilities, such as cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological and oncological ones. Currently, several recognized cellular hallmarks of senescence are taken in consideration to evaluate the level of biological ageing and are the topic to plan preventive/curative anti-ageing interventions, including genomic instability, epigenetic alterations, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In this scenario, alterations in the function/expression of mitochondrial ion channels have been found in ageing and associated to an impairment of calcium cycling and a reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Although several ion channels have been described at mitochondrial level, undoubtedly the mitochondrial potassium (mitoK) channels are the most investigated. Therefore, this review summarized the evidence that sheds to light a correlation between age-related diseases and alteration of mitoK channels, focusing the attention of the main age-related diseases, i.e. cardiovascular, neurological and oncological ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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5
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Benedetti G, Flori L, Spezzini J, Miragliotta V, Lazzarini G, Pirone A, Meneguzzo C, Tagliavento L, Martelli A, Antonelli M, Donelli D, Faraloni C, Calderone V, Meneguzzo F, Testai L. Improved Cardiovascular Effects of a Novel Pomegranate Byproduct Extract Obtained through Hydrodynamic Cavitation. Nutrients 2024; 16:506. [PMID: 38398831 PMCID: PMC10893178 DOI: 10.3390/nu16040506] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The healthy properties of pomegranate fruit, a highly consumed food, have been known for a long time. However, the pomegranate supply chain is still rather inefficient, with the non-edible fraction, whose weight is roughly half the total and is endowed with plenty of valuable bioactive compounds, either disposed of or underutilized. A novel extract obtained from non-edible byproducts (called PPE), using hydrodynamic cavitation, a green, efficient, and scalable technique, was investigated for its cardiovascular effects in vivo. PPE showed efficacy in an acute phenylephrine (PE)-induced hypertensive rat model, similar to the extract of whole fruit (PFE) obtained using the same extractive technique, along with good intestinal bioaccessibility after oral administration. Finally, when chronically administered for 6 weeks to spontaneously hypertensive rats, PPE was shown to significantly contain the increase in systolic blood pressure, comparable to the reference drug Captopril, and at a dose remarkably lower than the reported effective dose of ellagic acid. The extract from the non-edible fraction of the pomegranate fruit also showed good anti-inflammation and anti-fibrotic effects. The findings of this study, along with the extraction technique, could contribute to enhancing the value of the pomegranate supply chain, relieve the related environmental burden, and potentially improve public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Benedetti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (J.S.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
| | - Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (J.S.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
| | - Jacopo Spezzini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (J.S.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
| | - Vincenzo Miragliotta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.M.); (G.L.); (A.P.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
- Centro per l’Integrazione della Strumentazione Scientifica dell’Università di Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Lazzarini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.M.); (G.L.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrea Pirone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.M.); (G.L.); (A.P.)
| | - Cosimo Meneguzzo
- HyRes Srl, Via Salvator Rosa 18, 82100 Benevento, Italy; (C.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Luca Tagliavento
- HyRes Srl, Via Salvator Rosa 18, 82100 Benevento, Italy; (C.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (J.S.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Antonelli
- Department of Public Health, AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Davide Donelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy;
- Division of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Cecilia Faraloni
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Florence, Italy; (C.F.); (F.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (J.S.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Meneguzzo
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Florence, Italy; (C.F.); (F.M.)
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (J.S.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
- Centro per l’Integrazione della Strumentazione Scientifica dell’Università di Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
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6
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Bononi G, Citi V, Martelli A, Poli G, Tuccinardi T, Granchi C, Testai L, Calderone V, Minutolo F. Sirtuin 1-activating derivatives belonging to the anilinopyridine class displaying in vivo cardioprotective activities. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:267-282. [PMID: 38283227 PMCID: PMC10809423 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00489a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is an enzyme that relies on NAD+ cofactor and functions as a deacetylase. It has been associated with various biological and pathological processes, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have shown that compounds that activate SIRT1 exhibit protective effects on the heart. Consequently, targeting SIRT1 has emerged as a viable approach to treat cardiovascular diseases, leading to the identification of several SIRT1 activators derived from natural or synthetic sources. In this study, we developed anilinopyridine-based SIRT1 activators that displayed significantly greater potency in activating SIRT1 compared to the reference compound resveratrol, as demonstrated in enzymatic assays. In particular, compounds 8 and 10, representative 6-aryl-2-anilinopyridine derivatives from this series, were further investigated pharmacologically and found to reduce myocardial damage caused by occlusion and subsequent reperfusion in vivo, confirming their cardioprotective properties. Notably, the cardioprotective effects of 8 and 10 were significantly superior to that of resveratrol. Significantly, compound 10 emerged as the most potent among the tested compounds, demonstrating the ability to substantially decrease the size of the ischemic area at a dosage one hundred times lower (0.1 mg kg-1) than that of resveratrol/compound 1. These promising findings open avenues for expanding and optimizing this chemical class of potent SIRT1 activators as potential agents for cardioprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bononi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa Via Bonanno 6 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa Via Bonanno 6 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa Via Bonanno 6 56126 Pisa Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP) Lungarno Pacinotti 43 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Giulio Poli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa Via Bonanno 6 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Tiziano Tuccinardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa Via Bonanno 6 56126 Pisa Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP) Lungarno Pacinotti 43 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Carlotta Granchi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa Via Bonanno 6 56126 Pisa Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP) Lungarno Pacinotti 43 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa Via Bonanno 6 56126 Pisa Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP) Lungarno Pacinotti 43 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa Via Bonanno 6 56126 Pisa Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP) Lungarno Pacinotti 43 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Filippo Minutolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa Via Bonanno 6 56126 Pisa Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP) Lungarno Pacinotti 43 56126 Pisa Italy
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Flori L, Montanaro R, Pagnotta E, Ugolini L, Righetti L, Martelli A, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Ghelardini C, Brancaleone V, Testai L, Calderone V. Erucin Exerts Cardioprotective Effects on Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury through the Modulation of mitoKATP Channels. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3281. [PMID: 38137502 PMCID: PMC10740937 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123281] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulation of mitochondrial K channels represents a pharmacological strategy to promote cardioprotective effects. Isothiocyanates emerge as molecules capable of releasing hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous pleiotropic gasotransmitter responsible for anti-ischemic cardioprotective effects also through the involvement of mitoK channels. Erucin (ERU) is a natural isothiocyanate resulting from the enzymatic hydrolysis of glucosinolates (GSLs) present in Eruca sativa Mill. seeds, an edible plant of the Brassicaceae family. In this experimental work, the specific involvement of mitoKATP channels in the cardioprotective effect induced by ERU was evaluated in detail. An in vivo preclinical model of acute myocardial infarction was reproduced in rats to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of ERU. Diazoxide was used as a reference compound for the modulation of potassium fluxes and 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (5HD) as a selective blocker of KATP channels. Specific investigations on isolated cardiac mitochondria were carried out to evaluate the involvement of mitoKATP channels. The results obtained showed ERU cardioprotective effects against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage through the involvement of mitoKATP channels and the consequent depolarizing effect, which in turn reduced calcium entry and preserved mitochondrial integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy; (L.F.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
| | - Rosangela Montanaro
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (R.M.); (V.B.)
| | - Eleonora Pagnotta
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (L.U.); (L.R.)
| | - Luisa Ugolini
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (L.U.); (L.R.)
| | - Laura Righetti
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (L.U.); (L.R.)
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy; (L.F.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (L.D.C.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (L.D.C.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Vincenzo Brancaleone
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (R.M.); (V.B.)
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy; (L.F.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy; (L.F.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
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8
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Yazdani B, Sirous H, Brogi S, Calderone V. Structure-Based High-Throughput Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics Simulation for the Discovery of Novel SARS-CoV-2 NSP3 Mac1 Domain Inhibitors. Viruses 2023; 15:2291. [PMID: 38140532 PMCID: PMC10747130 DOI: 10.3390/v15122291] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, many genetic variations within its genome have been identified, but only a few mutations have been found in nonstructural proteins (NSPs). Among this class of viral proteins, NSP3 is a multidomain protein with 16 different domains, and its largest domain is known as the macrodomain or Mac1 domain. In this study, we present a virtual screening campaign in which we computationally evaluated the NCI anticancer library against the NSP3 Mac1 domain, using Molegro Virtual Docker. The top hits with the best MolDock and Re-Rank scores were selected. The physicochemical analysis and drug-like potential of the top hits were analyzed using the SwissADME data server. The binding stability and affinity of the top NSC compounds against the NSP3 Mac1 domain were analyzed using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, using Desmond software, and their interaction energies were analyzed using the MM/GBSA method. In particular, by applying subsequent computational filters, we identified 10 compounds as possible NSP3 Mac1 domain inhibitors. Among them, after the assessment of binding energies (ΔGbind) on the whole MD trajectories, we identified the four most interesting compounds that acted as strong binders of the NSP3 Mac1 domain (NSC-358078, NSC-287067, NSC-123472, and NSC-142843), and, remarkably, it could be further characterized for developing innovative antivirals against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Yazdani
- Bioscience Department, Faculty of Science and Technology (FCT), Universitat de Vic—Universitat Central de Catalunya (Uvic-UCC), 08500 Vic, Spain;
| | - Hajar Sirous
- Bioinformatics Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran
| | - Simone Brogi
- Bioinformatics Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
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Citi V, Barresi E, Piragine E, Spezzini J, Testai L, Da Settimo F, Martelli A, Taliani S, Calderone V. Anti-Proliferative Properties of the Novel Hybrid Drug Met-ITC, Composed of the Native Drug Metformin with the Addition of an Isothiocyanate H 2S Donor Moiety, in Different Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16131. [PMID: 38003321 PMCID: PMC10671447 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216131] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin (Met) is the first-line therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus but, in last few years, it has also been evaluated as anti-cancer agent. Several pathways, such as AMPK or PI3K/Akt/mTOR, are likely to be involved in the anti-cancer Met activity. In addition, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and H2S donors have been described as anti-cancer agents affecting cell-cycle and inducing apoptosis. Among H2S donors, isothiocyanates are endowed with a further anti-cancer mechanism: the inhibition of the histone deacetylase enzymes. On this basis, a hybrid molecule (Met-ITC) obtained through the addition of an isothiocyanate moiety to the Met molecule was designed and its ability to release Met has been demonstrated. Met-ITC exhibited more efficacy and potency than Met in inhibiting cancer cells (AsPC-1, MIA PaCa-2, MCF-7) viability and it was less effective on non-tumorigenic cells (MCF 10-A). The ability of Met-ITC to release H2S has been recorded both in cell-free and in cancer cells assays. Finally, its ability to affect the cell cycle and to induce both early and late apoptosis has been demonstrated on the most sensitive cell line (MCF-7). These results confirmed that Met-ITC is a new hybrid molecule endowed with potential anti-cancer properties derived both from Met and H2S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
| | - Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenia Piragine
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
| | - Jacopo Spezzini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Biology and Pathology of Ageing”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Biology and Pathology of Ageing”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Biology and Pathology of Ageing”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Martelli A, d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca R, Cirino G, Sorrentino R, Calderone V, Bucci M. Hydrogen sulfide and sulfaceutic or sulfanutraceutic agents: Classification, differences and relevance in preclinical and clinical studies. Pharmacol Res 2023; 196:106947. [PMID: 37797660 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106947] [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] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been extensively studied as a signal molecule in the body for the past 30 years. Researchers have conducted studies using both natural and synthetic sources of H2S, known as H2S donors, which have different characteristics in terms of how they release H2S. These donors can be inorganic salts or have various organic structures. In recent years, certain types of sulfur compounds found naturally in foods have been characterized as H2S donors and explored for their potential health benefits. These compounds are referred to as "sulfanutraceuticals," a term that combines "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical". It is used to describe products derived from food sources that offer additional health advantages. By introducing the terms "sulfaceuticals" and "sulfanutraceuticals," we categorize sulfur-containing substances based on their origin and their use in both preclinical and clinical research, as well as in dietary supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center "Biology and Pathology of Ageing", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - R d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - G Cirino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - R Sorrentino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, School of Medicine, University of Naples, Federico II, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - V Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center "Biology and Pathology of Ageing", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - M Bucci
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
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11
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Testai L, Montanaro R, Flori L, Pagnotta E, Vellecco V, Gorica E, Ugolini L, Righetti L, Brancaleone V, Bucci M, Piragine E, Martelli A, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Ghelardini C, Calderone V. Persulfidation of mitoKv7.4 channels contributes to the cardioprotective effects of the H 2S-donor Erucin against ischemia/reperfusion injury. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115728. [PMID: 37524208 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter deeply involved in cardiovascular homeostasis and implicated in the myocardial protection against ischemia/reperfusion. The post-translational persulfidation of cysteine residues has been identified as the mechanism through which H2S regulates a plethora of biological targets. Erucin (ERU) is an isothiocyanate produced upon hydrolysis of the glucosinolate glucoerucin, presents in edible plants of Brassicaceae family, such as Eruca sativa Mill., and it has emerged as a slow and long-lasting H2S-donor. AIM In this study the cardioprotective profile of ERU has been investigated and the action mechanism explored, focusing on the possible role of the recently identified mitochondrial Kv7.4 (mitoKv7.4) potassium channels. RESULTS Interestingly, ERU showed to release H2S and concentration-dependently protected H9c2 cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage. Moreover, in in vivo model of myocardial infarct ERU showed protective effects, reducing the extension of ischemic area, the levels of troponin I and increasing the amount of total AnxA1, as well as co-related inflammatory outcomes. Conversely, the pre-treatment with XE991, a blocker of Kv7.4 channels, abolished them. In isolated cardiac mitochondria ERU exhibited the typical profile of a mitochondrial potassium channels opener, in particular, this isothiocyanate produced a mild depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, a reduction of calcium accumulation into the matrix and finally a flow of potassium ions. Finally, mitoKv7.4 channels were persulfidated in ERU-treated mitochondria. CONCLUSIONS ERU modulates the cardiac mitoKv7.4 channels and this mechanism may be relevant for cardioprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - R Montanaro
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - L Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy
| | - E Pagnotta
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - V Vellecco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - E Gorica
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy
| | - L Ugolini
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - L Righetti
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - V Brancaleone
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - M Bucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - E Piragine
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy
| | - A Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-Neurofarba-Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - C Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-Neurofarba-Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - V Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Citi V, Passerini M, Calderone V, Testai L. Plants and Mushrooms as Possible New Sources of H 2S Releasing Sulfur Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11886. [PMID: 37569263 PMCID: PMC10418851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511886] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), known for many decades exclusively for its toxicity and the smell of rotten eggs, has been re-discovered for its pleiotropic effects at the cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular level. Therefore, great attention is being paid to the discovery of molecules able to release H2S in a smart manner, i.e., slowly and for a long time, thus ensuring the maintenance of its physiological levels and preventing "H2S-poor" diseases. Despite the development of numerous synthetically derived molecules, the observation that plants containing sulfur compounds share the same pharmacological properties as H2S led to the characterization of naturally derived compounds as H2S donors. In this regard, polysulfuric compounds occurring in plants belonging to the Alliaceae family were the first characterized as H2S donors, followed by isothiocyanates derived from vegetables belonging to the Brassicaceae family, and this led us to consider these plants as nutraceutical tools and their daily consumption has been demonstrated to prevent the onset of several diseases. Interestingly, sulfur compounds are also contained in many fungi. In this review, we speculate about the possibility that they may be novel sources of H2S-donors, furnishing new data on the release of H2S from several selected extracts from fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 56120 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.)
| | | | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 56120 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Center of Nutrafood, University of Pisa, Via Del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 56120 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Center of Nutrafood, University of Pisa, Via Del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Spezzini J, Piragine E, d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca R, Bucci M, Martelli A, Calderone V. Hydrogen sulfide and epigenetics: Novel insights into the cardiovascular effects of this gasotransmitter. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:1793-1802. [PMID: 37005728 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16083] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics studies the heritable modifications of genome expression that do not affect the nucleotide sequence. Epigenetic modifications can be divided into: DNA methylation, histone modifications, and modulation of genome expression by non-coding RNAs. Alteration of these mechanisms can alter the phenotype, and can lead to disease onset. The endogenous gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) plays pleiotropic roles in many systems, including the cardiovascular (CV) system, and its mechanism of action mainly includes S-persulfidation of cysteine residues. Recent evidence suggests that many H2 S-mediated biological activities are based on the epigenetic regulation of cellular function, with effects ranging from DNA methylation to modification of histones and regulation of non-coding RNAs. This review describes the role of H2 S-regulating epigenetic mechanisms, providing a panorama of the current literature, and offers a novel scenario for the development of H2 S-releasing 'epidrugs' with a potential clinical use in the prevention and treatment of many CV and non-CV disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mariarosaria Bucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Tabanelli R, Brogi S, Calderone V. Targeting Opioid Receptors in Addiction and Drug Withdrawal: Where Are We Going? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10888. [PMID: 37446064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310888] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This review article offers an outlook on the use of opioids as therapeutics for treating several diseases, including cancer and non-cancer pain, and focuses the analysis on the opportunity to target opioid receptors for treating opioid use disorder (OUD), drug withdrawal, and addiction. Unfortunately, as has been well established, the use of opioids presents a plethora of side effects, such as tolerance and physical and physiological dependence. Accordingly, considering the great pharmacological potential in targeting opioid receptors, the identification of opioid receptor ligands devoid of most of the adverse effects exhibited by current therapeutic agents is highly necessary. To this end, herein, we analyze some interesting molecules that could potentially be useful for treating OUD, with an in-depth analysis regarding in vivo studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Tabanelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Benedetti G, Zabini F, Tagliavento L, Meneguzzo F, Calderone V, Testai L. An Overview of the Health Benefits, Extraction Methods and Improving the Properties of Pomegranate. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1351. [PMID: 37507891 PMCID: PMC10376364 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071351] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a polyphenol-rich edible food and medicinal plant of ancient origin, containing flavonols, anthocyanins, and tannins, with ellagitannins as the most abundant polyphenols. In the last decades, its consumption and scientific interest increased, due to its multiple beneficial effects. Pomegranate is a balausta fruit, a large berry surrounded by a thick colored peel composed of exocarp and mesocarp with edible arils inside, from which the pomegranate juice can be produced by pressing. Seeds are used to obtain the seed oil, rich in fatty acids. The non-edible part of the fruit, the peel, although generally disposed as a waste or transformed into compost or biogas, is also used to extract bioactive products. This review summarizes some recent preclinical and clinical studies on pomegranate, which highlight promising beneficial effects in several fields. Although further insight is needed on key aspects, including the limited oral bioavailability and the role of possible active metabolites, the ongoing development of suitable encapsulation and green extraction techniques enabling the valorization of waste pomegranate products point to the great potential of pomegranate and its bioactive constituents as dietary supplements or adjuvants in therapies of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Benedetti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56120 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Zabini
- Istituto per la Bioeconomia, CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Meneguzzo
- Istituto per la Bioeconomia, CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56120 Pisa, Italy
- Interdeparmental Center of Nutrafood, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto, 56120 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56120 Pisa, Italy
- Interdeparmental Center of Nutrafood, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto, 56120 Pisa, Italy
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Piragine E, Malanima MA, Lucenteforte E, Martelli A, Calderone V. Circulating Levels of Hydrogen Sulfide (H 2S) in Patients with Age-Related Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1023. [PMID: 37509058 PMCID: PMC10376967 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071023] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter that promotes multiple biological effects in many organs and tissues. An imbalanced biosynthesis of H2S has been observed in animal models of age-related pathological conditions. However, the results from human studies are inconsistent. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis of studies searched in Medline, Embase, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases. We included observational studies on patients with age-related diseases showing levels of H2S in blood, plasma, or serum. All the analyses were carried out with R software. 31 studies were included in the systematic review and 21 in the meta-analysis. The circulating levels of H2S were significantly reduced in patients with progressive, chronic, and degenerative diseases compared with healthy people (standardized mean difference, SMD: -1.25; 95% confidence interval, CI: -1.98; -0.52). When we stratified results by type of disorder, we observed a significant reduction in circulating levels of H2S in patients with vascular disease (e.g., hypertension) (SMD: -1.32; 95% CI: -2.43; -0.22) or kidney disease (SMD: -2.24; 95% CI: -4.40; -0.08) compared with the control group. These results could support the potential use of compounds targeting the "H2S system" to slow down the progression of many diseases in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Andrea Malanima
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ersilia Lucenteforte
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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17
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Flori L, Piragine E, Spezzini J, Citi V, Calderone V, Martelli A. Influence of Polyphenols on Adipose Tissue: Sirtuins as Pivotal Players in the Browning Process. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119276. [PMID: 37298226 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119276] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue (AT) can be classified into two different types: (i) white adipose tissue (WAT), which represents the largest amount of total AT, and has the main function of storing fatty acids for energy needs and (ii) brown adipose tissue (BAT), rich in mitochondria and specialized in thermogenesis. Many exogenous stimuli, e.g., cold, exercise or pharmacological/nutraceutical tools, promote the phenotypic change of WAT to a beige phenotype (BeAT), with intermediate characteristics between BAT and WAT; this process is called "browning". The modulation of AT differentiation towards WAT or BAT, and the phenotypic switch to BeAT, seem to be crucial steps to limit weight gain. Polyphenols are emerging as compounds able to induce browning and thermogenesis processes, potentially via activation of sirtuins. SIRT1 (the most investigated sirtuin) activates a factor involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), which, through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) modulation, induces typical genes of BAT and inhibits genes of WAT during the transdifferentiation process in white adipocytes. This review article aims to summarize the current evidence, from pre-clinical studies to clinical trials, on the ability of polyphenols to promote the browning process, with a specific focus on the potential role of sirtuins in the pharmacological/nutraceutical effects of natural compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Jacopo Spezzini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Biology and Pathology of Ageing", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Biology and Pathology of Ageing", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Faoro L, Brusegan A, Russi A, Calderone V, Martelli A, Marranconi E, Carpanese D, Berti E, Coppola M. Analysis of the relation between adverse events and overall survival in patients treated with pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment for metastatic NSCLC. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 24:32. [PMID: 37189193 PMCID: PMC10184366 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-023-00663-0] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many trials supported pembrolizumab as a first-line monotherapy to significantly improve overall survival (OS) in selected patients with previously untreated metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (mNSCLC) and a PD-L1 TPS of ≥50% without EGFR/ALK mutations. The aim of this study was to reveal the correlation between OS and adverse events in real-world settings after 42 months. METHODS This retrospective observational study involved 98 patients with mNSCLC, TPS ≥ 50%, and no EGFR/ALK aberrations. Patients were treated with pembrolizumab (200 mg q3w) as a first-line treatment. Clinical data, including PD-L1 expression, Performance Status (ECOG-PS), treatment duration, toxicity, and outcomes were retrieved from local electronic medical records and from the Italian Regulatory Agency Registry. RESULTS The cohort's main characteristics were as follows: median age 73 [44-89] years, 64.3% were male and 35.7% were female, an ECOG-PS score of 0 (n = 73) and 1 or 2 (n = 25), and a PD-L1 > 90% in 29.6% of patients. The entire cohort had stage IV NSCLC at diagnosis. The median number of cycles was 8.5 at a median follow-up of 13 months. The median OS of 13.6 months (95% CI: 11.7-NA) was not influenced by sex and PD-L1, but was significantly associated with ECOG-PS (p = 0.02). Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAEs) occurred in 77.5% of patients (30.1% cutaneous, 27.5% gastrointestinal, and 20.4% endocrinological), but no grade 4 or 5 irAEs were identified. Patients experiencing any type of toxicity had a significantly longer median OS (20.39 months, 95% CI: 13.08-NA) than those with no toxicities (6.46 months, 95% CI: 1.41-NA, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION The percentage of irAEs detected was comparable to that reported in KEYNOTE-024 and KEYNOTE-042. These real-world findings demonstrated the significant correlation between OS and cutaneous toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Faoro
- Department of Pharmacy, Specialization School in Hospital Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Adriana Brusegan
- Pharmacy Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy.
| | - Alberto Russi
- Pharmacy Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, Specialization School in Hospital Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Specialization School in Hospital Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ettore Marranconi
- Department of Pharmacy, Specialization School in Hospital Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Debora Carpanese
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Berti
- Pharmacy Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Marina Coppola
- Pharmacy Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
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Benvenuti L, D'Antongiovanni V, Pellegrini C, Fornai M, Bernardini N, Ippolito C, Segnani C, Salvo CD, Colucci R, Martelli A, Flori L, Calderone V, Carta G, Ghelardi E, Calvigioni M, Panattoni A, Coppolecchia R, Arini A, Antonioli L. Dietary supplementation with the probiotic SF68 reinforces intestinal epithelial barrier in obese mice by improving butyrate bioavailability. Mol Nutr Food Res 2023:e2200442. [PMID: 37099449 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202200442] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
SCOPE Modifications in intestinal microbiota and its metabolites, the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are main factors altering intestinal epithelial barrier integrity and eliciting the onset of a meta-inflammation observed in obesity. The present study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of Enterococcus faecium (SF68) administration in counteracting the impairment of gut barrier and enteric inflammation in a model of diet-induced obesity, characterizing the molecular mechanisms underlying such beneficial effects. METHODS AND RESULTS Male C57BL/6J mice, fed with standard diet (SD) or high-fat diet (HFD), were treated with SF68 (108 CFU/day). After 8 weeks, plasma IL-1β and LBP were measured, analysis of fecal microbiota composition and butyrate content as well as intestinal malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, mucins, tight junction protein and butyrate transporter expression were investigated. After 8 weeks, SF68 administration counteracted the body weight gain in HFD mice, reducing plasma IL-1β and LBP. In parallel, SF68 treatment acted against the intestinal inflammation in HFD-fed animals and improved the intestinal barrier integrity and functionality in obese mice via the increase in tight junction protein and intestinal butyrate transporter (SMCT1) expression. CONCLUSIONS Supplementation with SF68 reduced intestinal inflammation and reinforced the enteric epithelial barrier in obese mice, improving the transport and utilization of butyrate. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Benvenuti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Carolina Pellegrini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Matteo Fornai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nunzia Bernardini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Segnani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Clelia Di Salvo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rocchina Colucci
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Gianfranca Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Emilia Ghelardi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Calvigioni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Adelaide Panattoni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Luca Antonioli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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20
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Flori L, Brogi S, Sirous H, Calderone V. Disruption of Irisin Dimerization by FDA-Approved Drugs: A Computational Repurposing Approach for the Potential Treatment of Lipodystrophy Syndromes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087578. [PMID: 37108741 PMCID: PMC10145865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087578] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we present the development of a computer-based repurposing approach to identify FDA-approved drugs that are potentially able to interfere with irisin dimerization. It has been established that altered levels of irisin dimers are a pure hallmark of lipodystrophy (LD) syndromes. Accordingly, the identification of compounds capable of slowing down or precluding the irisin dimers' formation could represent a valuable therapeutic strategy in LD. Combining several computational techniques, we identified five FDA-approved drugs with satisfactory computational scores (iohexol, XP score = -7.70 kcal/mol, SP score = -5.5 kcal/mol, ΔGbind = -61.47 kcal/mol, ΔGbind (average) = -60.71 kcal/mol; paromomycin, XP score = -7.23 kcal/mol, SP score = -6.18 kcal/mol, ΔGbind = -50.14 kcal/mol, ΔGbind (average) = -49.13 kcal/mol; zoledronate, XP score = -6.33 kcal/mol, SP score = -5.53 kcal/mol, ΔGbind = -32.38 kcal/mol, ΔGbind (average) = -29.42 kcal/mol; setmelanotide, XP score = -6.10 kcal/mol, SP score = -7.24 kcal/mol, ΔGbind = -56.87 kcal/mol, ΔGbind (average) = -62.41 kcal/mol; and theophylline, XP score = -5.17 kcal/mol, SP score = -5.55 kcal/mol, ΔGbind = -33.25 kcal/mol, ΔGbind (average) = -35.29 kcal/mol) that are potentially able to disrupt the dimerization of irisin. For this reason, they deserve further investigation to characterize them as irisin disruptors. Remarkably, the identification of drugs targeting this process can offer novel therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of LD. Furthermore, the identified drugs could provide a starting point for a repositioning approach, synthesizing novel analogs with improved efficacy and selectivity against the irisin dimerization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Bioinformatics Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran
| | - Hajar Sirous
- Bioinformatics Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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21
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Recinella L, Libero ML, Citi V, Chiavaroli A, Martelli A, Foligni R, Mannozzi C, Acquaviva A, Di Simone S, Calderone V, Orlando G, Ferrante C, Veschi S, Piro A, Menghini L, Brunetti L, Leone S. Anti-Inflammatory and Vasorelaxant Effects Induced by an Aqueous Aged Black Garlic Extract Supplemented with Vitamins D, C, and B12 on Cardiovascular System. Foods 2023; 12:foods12071558. [PMID: 37048379 PMCID: PMC10094181 DOI: 10.3390/foods12071558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple studies demonstrated biological activities of aged black garlic, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective effects. We aimed to investigate the protective effects of an aged black garlic water extract (ABGE) alone or in association with multivitamins consisting of combined Vitamins D, C, and B12, on mouse heart specimens exposed to E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Moreover, we studied the hydrogen sulphide (H2S) releasing properties and the membrane hyperpolarization effect of the Formulation composed by ABGE and multivitamins, using Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells (HASMCs). ABGE, vitamins D and C, and the Formulation suppressed LPS-induced gene expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) on mouse heart specimens. The beneficial effects induced by the extract could be related to the pattern of polyphenolic composition, with particular regard to gallic acid and catechin. The Formulation also increased fluorescence values compared to the vehicle, and it caused a significant membrane hyperpolarization of HASMCs compared to ABGE. To conclude, our present findings showed that ABGE, alone and in association with multivitamins, exhibited protective effects on mouse heart. Moreover, the Formulation increased intracellular H2S formation, further suggesting its potential use on cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Recinella
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Loreta Libero
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Chiavaroli
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- CISUP, Centre for Instrumentation Sharing of Pisa University, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Foligni
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche 10, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Cinzia Mannozzi
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche 10, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessandra Acquaviva
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy
- Veridia Italia Srl, Via Piano di Sacco, 65013 Città Sant'Angelo, Italy
| | - Simonetta Di Simone
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- CISUP, Centre for Instrumentation Sharing of Pisa University, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giustino Orlando
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudio Ferrante
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Serena Veschi
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Anna Piro
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Luigi Menghini
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy
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22
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Carullo G, Bottoni L, Pasquini S, Papa A, Contri C, Brogi S, Calderone V, Orlandini M, Gemma S, Varani K, Butini S, Galvagni F, Vincenzi F, Campiani G. Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Squaramides as Allosteric GSK-3β Inhibitors Promoting β-Catenin-Mediated Transcription of TCF/LEF in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200456. [PMID: 36194001 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200456] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a ubiquitous enzyme that is a validated target for the development of potential therapeutics useful in several diseases including retinal degeneration. Aiming at developing an innovative class of allosteric inhibitors of GSK-3β potentially useful for retinal degeneration, we explored the class of squaramides. The developed compounds (6 a-l) were obtained through a nontoxic one-pot synthetic protocol, which employs low-cost goods and avoids any purification step. Ethanol was used as the reaction solvent, simultaneously allowing the pure reaction products' recovery (by precipitation). Out of this set of squaramides, 6 j stood out, from computational and enzymatic converging data, as an ATP non-competitive inhibitor of GSK-3β of micromolar potency. When engaged in cellular studies using retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) transfected with a luciferase reporter gene under the control of T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) binding sites, 6 j was able to dose-dependently induce β-catenin nuclear accumulation, as shown by the increased luciferase activity at a concentration of 2.5 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Laura Bottoni
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Papa
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Contri
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Orlandini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Federico Galvagni
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
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23
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Carullo G, Bottoni L, Pasquini S, Papa A, Contri C, Brogi S, Calderone V, Orlandini M, Gemma S, Varani K, Butini S, Galvagni F, Vincenzi F, Campiani G. Front Cover: Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Squaramides as Allosteric GSK‐3β Inhibitors Promoting β‐Catenin‐Mediated Transcription of TCF/LEF in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells (ChemMedChem 24/2022). ChemMedChem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Life Sciences University of Siena Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Laura Bottoni
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy University of Siena Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences University of Ferrara Via Fossato di Mortara 17–19 44121 Ferrara Italy
| | - Alessandro Papa
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy University of Siena Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Chiara Contri
- Department of Translational Medicine University of Ferrara Via Fossato di Mortara 17–19 44121 Ferrara Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy University of Pisa Via Bonanno 6 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy University of Pisa Via Bonanno 6 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Maurizio Orlandini
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy University of Siena Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy University of Siena Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine University of Ferrara Via Fossato di Mortara 17–19 44121 Ferrara Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy University of Siena Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Federico Galvagni
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy University of Siena Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine University of Ferrara Via Fossato di Mortara 17–19 44121 Ferrara Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy University of Siena Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
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24
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Kampa RP, Sęk A, Bednarczyk P, Szewczyk A, Calderone V, Testai L. Flavonoids as new regulators of mitochondrial potassium channels: contribution to cardioprotection. J Pharm Pharmacol 2022; 75:466-481. [PMID: 36508341 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgac093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Acute myocardial ischemia is one of the major causes of illness in western society. Reduced coronary blood supply leads to cell death and loss of cardiomyocyte population, resulting in serious and often irreversible consequences on myocardial function. Mitochondrial potassium (mitoK) channels have been identified as fine regulators of mitochondrial function and, consequently, in the metabolism of the whole cell, and in the mechanisms underlying the cardioprotection. Interestingly, mitoK channels represent a novel putative target for treating cardiovascular diseases, particularly myocardial infarction, and their modulators represent an interesting tool for pharmacological intervention. In this review, we took up the challenge of selecting flavonoids that show cardioprotective properties through the activation of mitoK channels.
Key findings
A brief overview of the main information on mitoK channels and their participation in the induction of cytoprotective processes was provided. Then, naringenin, quercetin, morin, theaflavin, baicalein, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, puerarin, luteolin and proanthocyanidins demonstrated to be effective modulators of mitoK channels activity, mediating many beneficial effects.
Summary
The pathophysiological role of mitoK channels has been investigated as well as the impact of flavonoids on this target with particular attention to their potential role in the prevention of cardiovascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał P Kampa
- Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS , Warsaw , Poland
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa , Italy
| | - Aleksandra Sęk
- Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS , Warsaw , Poland
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Piotr Bednarczyk
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, SGGW , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Adam Szewczyk
- Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS , Warsaw , Poland
| | | | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa , Italy
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25
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Ciccone V, Piragine E, Gorica E, Citi V, Testai L, Pagnotta E, Matteo R, Pecchioni N, Montanaro R, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Ghelardini C, Brancaleone V, Morbidelli L, Calderone V, Martelli A. Anti-Inflammatory Effect of the Natural H 2S-Donor Erucin in Vascular Endothelium. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415593. [PMID: 36555238 PMCID: PMC9778978 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular inflammation (VI) represents a pathological condition that progressively affects the integrity and functionality of the vascular wall, thus leading to endothelial dysfunction and the onset of several cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the research of novel compounds able to prevent VI represents a compelling need. In this study, we tested erucin, the natural isothiocyanate H2S-donor derived from Eruca sativa Mill. (Brassicaceae), in an in vivo mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritonitis, where it significantly reduced the amount of emigrated CD11b positive neutrophils. We then evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of erucin in LPS-challenged human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The pre-incubation of erucin, before LPS treatment (1, 6, 24 h), significantly preserved cell viability and prevented the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels. Moreover, erucin downregulated endothelial hyperpermeability and reduced the loss of vascular endothelial (VE)-Cadherin levels. In addition, erucin decreased vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and microsomal prostaglandin E-synthase 1 (mPGES-1) expression. Of note, erucin induced eNOS phosphorylation and counteracted LPS-mediated NF-κB nuclear translocation, an effect that was partially abolished in the presence of the eNOS inhibitor L-NAME. Therefore, erucin can control endothelial function through biochemical and genomic positive effects against VI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Ciccone
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Eugenia Piragine
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Era Gorica
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Biology and Pathology of Ageing”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pagnotta
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, CREA Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via di Corticella 133, 40134 Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Matteo
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, CREA Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via di Corticella 133, 40134 Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicola Pecchioni
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, CREA Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, S.S. 673 Km 25,200, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Rosangela Montanaro
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Via Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini, 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini, 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Brancaleone
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Via Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Lucia Morbidelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Biology and Pathology of Ageing”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Biology and Pathology of Ageing”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.C.); (A.M.)
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26
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Ciccone L, Piragine E, Brogi S, Camodeca C, Fucci R, Calderone V, Nencetti S, Martelli A, Orlandini E. Resveratrol-like Compounds as SIRT1 Activators. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315105. [PMID: 36499460 PMCID: PMC9738298 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activator resveratrol has emerged as a promising candidate for the prevention of vascular oxidative stress, which is a trigger for endothelial dysfunction. However, its clinical use is limited by low oral bioavailability. In this work, we have applied a previously developed computational protocol to identify the most promising derivatives from our in-house chemical library of resveratrol derivatives. The most promising compounds in terms of SIRT1 activation and oral bioavailability, predicted in silico, were evaluated for their ability to activate the isolated SIRT1 enzyme. Then, we assessed the antioxidant effects of the most effective derivative, compound 3d, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) injured with H2O2 100 µM. The SIRT1 activator 3d significantly preserved cell viability and prevented an intracellular reactive oxygen species increase in HUVECs exposed to the oxidative stimulus. Such effects were partially reduced in the presence of a sirtuin inhibitor, sirtinol, confirming the potential role of sirtuins in the activity of resveratrol and its derivatives. Although 3d appeared less effective than resveratrol in activating the isolated enzyme, the effects exhibited by both compounds in HUVECs were almost superimposable, suggesting a higher ability of 3d to cross cell membranes and activate the intracellular target SIRT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Ciccone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing, University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenia Piragine
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Caterina Camodeca
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Raffaele Fucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing, University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Susanna Nencetti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing, University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.N.); (A.M.)
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing, University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.N.); (A.M.)
| | - Elisabetta Orlandini
- Department of Earth Science, University of Pisa, Via Santa Maria 53, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Research Centre E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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27
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Piragine E, Citi V, Lawson K, Calderone V, Martelli A. Regulation of blood pressure by natural sulfur compounds: Focus on their mechanisms of action. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 206:115302. [PMID: 36265595 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural sulfur compounds are emerging as therapeutic options for the management of hypertension and prehypertension. They are mainly represented by polysulfides from Alliaceae (i.e., garlic) and isothiocyanates from Brassicaceae (or crucifers). The beneficial cardiovascular effects of these compounds, especially garlic polysulfides, are well known and widely reported both in preclinical and clinical studies. However, only a few authors have linked the ability of natural sulfur compounds to induce vasorelaxation and subsequent antihypertensive effects with their ability to release hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in biological tissue. H2S is an endogenous gasotransmitter involved in vascular tone regulation. Some cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, are associated with lower plasma H2S levels. Consequently, exogenous sources of H2S (H2S donors) have been designed and synthesized or identified among secondary plant metabolites as potential therapeutic options. In addition to antioxidant effects due to its chemical properties as a reducing agent, H2S induces vasorelaxation by interacting with a range of molecular targets. The mechanisms of action accounting for H2S-induced vasodilation include opening of vascular potassium channels (such as ATP-sensitive (KATP) and voltage-operated (Kv7) channels), inhibition of 5-phosphodiesterase (5-PDE), and activation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). These effects may be attributed to H2S-induced S-persulfidation (or S-sulfhydration), which is a posttranslational modification of cysteine residues of many types of proteins resulting in structural and functional alterations (activation/inhibition). Thus, H2S donors, such as natural sulfur compounds, are promising antihypertensive agents with novel mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Piragine
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Kim Lawson
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center "Biology and Pathology of Ageing", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center "Biology and Pathology of Ageing", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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Bononi G, Citi V, Lapillo M, Martelli A, Poli G, Tuccinardi T, Granchi C, Testai L, Calderone V, Minutolo F. Sirtuin 1-Activating Compounds: Discovery of a Class of Thiazole-Based Derivatives. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196535. [PMID: 36235072 PMCID: PMC9570679 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196535] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a NAD+-dependent deacetylase implicated in various biological and pathological processes, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, SIRT1-activating compounds have been demonstrated to exert cardioprotective effects. Therefore, this enzyme has become a feasible target to treat cardiovascular diseases, and many SIRT1 activators, of a natural or synthetic origin, have been identified. In the present work, we developed thiazole-based SIRT1 activators, which showed remarkably higher SIRT1 activation potencies compared with those of the reference compound resveratrol when tested in enzymatic assays. Thiazole 8, a representative compound of this series, was also subjected to further pharmacological investigations, where it was proven to reduce myocardial damage induced by an in vivo occlusion/reperfusion event, thus confirming its cardioprotective properties. In addition, the cardioprotective effect of compound 8 was significantly higher than that of resveratrol. Molecular modeling studies suggest the binding mode of these derivatives within SIRT1 in the presence of the p53-AMC peptide. These promising results could pave the way to further expand and optimize this chemical class of new and potent SIRT1 activators as potential cardioprotective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bononi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Margherita Lapillo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulio Poli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tiziano Tuccinardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlotta Granchi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (L.T.)
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (L.T.)
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Minutolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Brogi S, Tabanelli R, Calderone V. Combinatorial approaches for novel cardiovascular drug discovery: a review of the literature. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:1111-1129. [PMID: 35853260 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2104247] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this article, authors report an inclusive discussion about the combinatorial approach for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and for counteracting the cardiovascular risk factors. The mentioned strategy was demonstrated to be useful for improving the efficacy of pharmacological treatments and in CVDs showed superior efficacy with respect to the classical monotherapeutic approach. AREAS COVERED According to this topic, authors analyzed the combinatorial treatments that are available on the market, highlighting clinical studies that demonstrated the efficacy of combinatorial drug strategies to cure CVDs and related risk factors. Furthermore, the review gives an outlook on the future perspective of this therapeutic option, highlighting novel drug targets and disease models that could help the future cardiovascular drug discovery. EXPERT OPINION The use of specifically designed and increasingly rational and effective drug combination therapies can therefore be considered the evolution of polypharmacy in cardiometabolic and CVDs. This approach can allow to intervene on multiple etiopathogenetic mechanisms of the disease or to act simultaneously on different pathologies/risk factors, using the combinations most suitable from a pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological perspective, thus finding the most appropriate therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Kampa RP, Flori L, Sęk A, Spezzini J, Brogi S, Szewczyk A, Calderone V, Bednarczyk P, Testai L. Luteolin-Induced Activation of Mitochondrial BK Ca Channels: Undisclosed Mechanism of Cytoprotection. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:1892. [PMID: 36290615 PMCID: PMC9598376 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11101892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Luteolin (LUT) is a well-known flavonoid that exhibits a number of beneficial properties. Among these, it shows cardioprotective effects, as confirmed by numerous studies. However, its effect on mitochondrial potassium channels, the activation of which is related to cytoprotection, as well as on heart ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage prevention, has not yet been investigated. The large conductance calcium-regulated potassium channel (mitoBKCa) has been identified in both the mitochondria of the vascular endothelial cells, which plays a significant role in the functioning of the cardiovascular system under oxidative stress-related conditions, and in the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes, where it is deeply involved in cardiac protection against I/R injury. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the role of the mitoBKCa channel in luteolin-induced cytoprotection. A number of in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo and in silico studies have confirmed that luteolin activates this channel in the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, which in turn leads to the protection of the endothelium and a significant reduction in the extent of damage resulting from myocardial infarction, where this effect was partially abolished by the mitoBKCa channel blocker paxilline. In conclusion, these results suggest that luteolin has cardioprotective effects, at least in part, through the activation of the mitoBKCa channel, shedding light on a new putative mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał P. Kampa
- Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 6 via Bonanno Pisano, 56120 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 6 via Bonanno Pisano, 56120 Pisa, Italy
| | - Aleksandra Sęk
- Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacopo Spezzini
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 6 via Bonanno Pisano, 56120 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 6 via Bonanno Pisano, 56120 Pisa, Italy
| | - Adam Szewczyk
- Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 6 via Bonanno Pisano, 56120 Pisa, Italy
| | - Piotr Bednarczyk
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences–SGGW (WULS-SGGW), 159 Nowoursynowska St., 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 6 via Bonanno Pisano, 56120 Pisa, Italy
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Marotta L, Rossi S, Ibba R, Brogi S, Calderone V, Butini S, Campiani G, Gemma S. The green chemistry of chalcones: Valuable sources of privileged core structures for drug discovery. Front Chem 2022; 10:988376. [PMID: 36172001 PMCID: PMC9511966 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.988376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The sustainable use of resources is essential in all production areas, including pharmaceuticals. However, the aspect of sustainability needs to be taken into consideration not only in the production phase, but during the whole medicinal chemistry drug discovery trajectory. The continuous progress in the fields of green chemistry and the use of artificial intelligence are contributing to the speed and effectiveness of a more sustainable drug discovery pipeline. In this light, here we review the most recent sustainable and green synthetic approaches used for the preparation and derivatization of chalcones, an important class of privileged structures and building blocks used for the preparation of new biologically active compounds with a broad spectrum of potential therapeutic applications. The literature here reported has been retrieved from the SciFinder database using the term “chalcone” as a keyword and filtering the results applying the concept: “green chemistry”, and from the Reaxys database using the keywords “chalcone” and “green”. For both databases the time-frame was 2017–2022. References were manually selected based on relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Marotta
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Sara Rossi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Roberta Ibba
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Simone Brogi, ; Giuseppe Campiani,
| | | | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- *Correspondence: Simone Brogi, ; Giuseppe Campiani,
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Flori L, Albanese L, Calderone V, Meneguzzo F, Pagliaro M, Ciriminna R, Zabini F, Testai L. Cardioprotective Effects of Grapefruit IntegroPectin Extracted via Hydrodynamic Cavitation from By-Products of Citrus Fruits Industry: Role of Mitochondrial Potassium Channels. Foods 2022; 11:foods11182799. [PMID: 36140927 PMCID: PMC9497567 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182799] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Citrus flavonoids are well-known for their beneficial effects at the cardiovascular and cardio-metabolic level, but often the encouraging in vitro results are not confirmed by in vivo approaches; in addition, the clinical trials are also inconsistent. Their limited bioavailability can be, at least in part, the reason for these discrepancies. Therefore, many efforts have been made towards the improvement of their bioavailability. Hydrodynamic cavitation methods were successfully applied to the extraction of byproducts of the Citrus fruits industry, showing high process yields and affording stable phytocomplexes, known as IntegroPectin, endowed with great amounts of bioactive compounds and high water solubility. The cardioprotective effects of grapefruit IntegroPectin were evaluated by an ex vivo ischemia/reperfusion protocol. Further pharmacological characterization was carried out to assess the involvement of mitochondrial potassium channels. Grapefruit IntegroPectin, where naringin represented 98% of the flavonoids, showed anti-ischemic cardioprotective activity, which was better than pure naringenin (the bioactive aglycone of naringin). On cardiac-isolated mitochondria, this extract confirmed that naringenin/naringin were involved in the activation of mitochondrial potassium channels. The hydrodynamic cavitation-based extraction confirmed a valuable opportunity for the exploitation of Citrus fruits waste, with the end product presenting high levels of Citrus flavonoids and improved bioaccessibility that enhances its nutraceutical and economic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Albanese
- Istituto per la Bioeconomia, CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center of Nutrafood, University of Pisa, Via Del Borghetto, 56120 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Meneguzzo
- Istituto per la Bioeconomia, CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-392-9850002
| | - Mario Pagliaro
- Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati, CNR, Via U. La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosaria Ciriminna
- Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati, CNR, Via U. La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Federica Zabini
- Istituto per la Bioeconomia, CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center of Nutrafood, University of Pisa, Via Del Borghetto, 56120 Pisa, Italy
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Abstract
Unveiling the secrets of genome’s flexibility does not only foster new research in the field, but also gives rise to the exploration and development of novel epigenetic-based therapies as an approach to alleviate disease phenotypes. A better understanding of chromatin biology (DNA/histone complexes) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has enabled the development of epigenetic drugs able to modulate transcriptional programs implicated in cardiovascular diseases. This particularly applies to heart failure, where epigenetic networks have shown to underpin several pathological features, such as left ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and microvascular dysfunction. Targeting epigenetic signals might represent a promising approach, especially in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), where prognosis remains poor and breakthrough therapies have yet to be approved. In this setting, epigenetics can be employed for the development of customized therapeutic approaches thus paving the way for personalized medicine. Even though the beneficial effects of epi-drugs are gaining attention, the number of epigenetic compounds used in the clinical practice remains low suggesting that more selective epi-drugs are needed. From DNA-methylation changes to non-coding RNAs, we can establish brand-new regulations for drug targets with the aim of restoring healthy epigenomes and transcriptional programs in the failing heart. In the present review, we bring the timeline of epi-drug discovery and development, thus highlighting the emerging role of epigenetic therapies in heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Era Gorica
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Shafeeq A Mohammed
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Samuele Ambrosini
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | | | - Sarah Costantino
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Paneni
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Lucarini E, Micheli L, Pagnotta E, Toti A, Ferrara V, Ciampi C, Margiotta F, Martelli A, Testai L, Calderone V, Matteo R, Suriano S, Troccoli A, Pecchioni N, Manera C, Mannelli LDC, Ghelardini C. The Efficacy of Camelina sativa Defatted Seed Meal against Colitis-Induced Persistent Visceral Hypersensitivity: The Relevance of PPAR α Receptor Activation in Pain Relief. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14153137. [PMID: 35956313 PMCID: PMC9370738 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Brassicaceae are natural sources of bioactive compounds able to promote gut health. Belonging to this plant family, Camelina sativa is an ancient oil crop rich in glucosinolates, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants that is attracting renewed attention for its nutraceutical potential. This work aimed at investigating the therapeutic effects of a defatted seed meal (DSM) of Camelina sativa on the colon damage and the persistent visceral hypersensitivity associated with colitis in rats. Inflammation was induced by the intrarectal injection of 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS). The acute administration of Camelina sativa DSM (0.1–1 g kg−1) showed a dose-dependent pain-relieving effect in DNBS-treated rats. The efficacy of the meal was slightly enhanced after bioactivation with myrosinase, which increased isothiocyanate availability, and drastically decreased by pre-treating the animals with the selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR α) receptor antagonist GW6471. Repeated treatments with Camelina sativa DSM (1 g kg−1) meal counteracted the development, as well as the persistence, of visceral hyperalgesia in DNBS-treated animals by reducing the intestinal inflammatory damage and preventing enteric neuron damage. In conclusion, Camelina sativa meal might be employed as a nutraceutical tool to manage persistent abdominal pain in patients and to promote gut healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lucarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Eleonora Pagnotta
- CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Alessandra Toti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Valentina Ferrara
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Clara Ciampi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Francesco Margiotta
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.); (C.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre Nutraceuticals and Food for Health—NUTRAFOOD, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.); (C.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre Nutraceuticals and Food for Health—NUTRAFOOD, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.); (C.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre Nutraceuticals and Food for Health—NUTRAFOOD, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Matteo
- CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Serafino Suriano
- CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (S.S.); (A.T.); (N.P.)
| | - Antonio Troccoli
- CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (S.S.); (A.T.); (N.P.)
| | - Nicola Pecchioni
- CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (S.S.); (A.T.); (N.P.)
| | - Clementina Manera
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
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Carpi S, Scoditti E, Polini B, Brogi S, Calderone V, Proksch P, Ebada SS, Nieri P. Pro-Apoptotic Activity of the Marine Sponge Dactylospongia elegans Metabolites Pelorol and 5-epi-Ilimaquinone on Human 501Mel Melanoma Cells. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20070427. [PMID: 35877720 PMCID: PMC9317990 DOI: 10.3390/md20070427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural environment represents an important source of drugs that originates from the terrestrial and, in minority, marine organisms. Indeed, the marine environment represents a largely untapped source in the process of drug discovery. Among all marine organisms, sponges with algae represent the richest source of compounds showing anticancer activity. In this study, the two secondary metabolites pelorol (PEL) and 5-epi-ilimaquinone (EPI), purified from Dactylospongia elegans were investigated for their anti-melanoma activity. PEL and EPI induced cell growth repression of 501Mel melanoma cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. A cell cycle block in the G1 phase by PEL and EPI was also observed. Furthermore, PEL and EPI induced significant accumulation of DNA histone fragments in the cytoplasmic fraction, indicating a pro-apoptotic effect of both compounds. At the molecular level, PEL and EPI induced apoptosis through the increase in pro-apoptotic BAX expression, confirmed by the decrease in its silencing miR-214-3p and the decrease in the anti-apoptotic BCL-2, MCL1, and BIRC-5 mRNA expression, attested by the increase in their silencing miRNAs, i.e., miR-193a-3p and miR-16-5p. In conclusion, our data indicate that PEL and EPI exert cytotoxicity activity against 501Mel melanoma cells promoting apoptotic signaling and inducing changes in miRNA expression and their downstream effectors. For these reasons could represent promising lead compounds in the anti-melanoma drug research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Carpi
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.P.); (S.B.); (V.C.); (P.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Egeria Scoditti
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Beatrice Polini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.P.); (S.B.); (V.C.); (P.N.)
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.P.); (S.B.); (V.C.); (P.N.)
- Interdepartmental Center of Marine Pharmacology (MArinePHARMA), University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.P.); (S.B.); (V.C.); (P.N.)
- Interdepartmental Center of Marine Pharmacology (MArinePHARMA), University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Peter Proksch
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universtätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Sherif S. Ebada
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt;
| | - Paola Nieri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.P.); (S.B.); (V.C.); (P.N.)
- Interdepartmental Center of Marine Pharmacology (MArinePHARMA), University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Testai L, Pagnotta E, Piragine E, Flori L, Citi V, Martelli A, Mannelli LDC, Ghelardini C, Matteo R, Suriano S, Troccoli A, Pecchioni N, Calderone V. Cardiovascular benefits of Eruca sativa mill. Defatted seed meal extract: Potential role of hydrogen sulfide. Phytother Res 2022; 36:2616-2627. [PMID: 35478197 PMCID: PMC9320972 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Eruca sativa Mill. is an edible plant belonging to the Brassicaceae botanical family with a long story as a medicinal material, mainly linked to the presence of glucoerucin. One of the main products of this glucosinolate is erucin, a biologicallly active isothiocyanate recently recognized as a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor. In this work, an Eruca sativa extract has been obtained from a defatted seed meal (DSM), achieving a powder rich in thiofunctionalized glucosinolates, glucoerucin, and glucoraphanin, accounting for 95% and 5% of the total glucosinolate content (17% on a dry weight basis), associated with 13 identified phenolic acids and flavonoids accounting for 2.5%. In a cell‐free model, Eruca sativa DSM extract slowly released H2S. Moreover, this extract promoted significant hypotensive effects in hypertensive rats, and evoked dose‐dependent cardioprotection in in vivo model of acute myocardial infarct, obtained through a reversible coronary occlusion. This latter effect was sensitive to blockers of mitochondrial KATP and Kv7.4 potassium channels, suggesting a potential role of these mitochondrial channels in the protective effects of Eruca sativa DSM extract. Accordingly, Eruca sativa DSM extract reduced calcium uptake and apoptotic cell death in isolated cardiac mitochondria. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Eruca sativa DSM extract is endowed with an interesting nutraceutical profile on the cardiovascular system due to, at least in part, its H2S releasing properties. These results pave the way for future investigations on active metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pagnotta
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-Neurofarba- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-Neurofarba- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberto Matteo
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Bologna, Italy
| | - Serafino Suriano
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Troccoli
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Foggia, Italy
| | - Nicola Pecchioni
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Foggia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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37
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Brogi S, Ibba R, Rossi S, Butini S, Calderone V, Gemma S, Campiani G. Covalent Reversible Inhibitors of Cysteine Proteases Containing the Nitrile Warhead: Recent Advancement in the Field of Viral and Parasitic Diseases. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27082561. [PMID: 35458759 PMCID: PMC9029279 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In the field of drug discovery, the nitrile group is well represented among drugs and biologically active compounds. It can form both non-covalent and covalent interactions with diverse biological targets, and it is amenable as an electrophilic warhead for covalent inhibition. The main advantage of the nitrile group as a warhead is mainly due to its milder electrophilic character relative to other more reactive groups (e.g., -CHO), reducing the possibility of unwanted reactions that would hinder the development of safe drugs, coupled to the ease of installation through different synthetic approaches. The covalent inhibition is a well-assessed design approach for serine, threonine, and cysteine protease inhibitors. The mechanism of hydrolysis of these enzymes involves the formation of a covalent acyl intermediate, and this mechanism can be exploited by introducing electrophilic warheads in order to mimic this covalent intermediate. Due to the relevant role played by the cysteine protease in the survival and replication of infective agents, spanning from viruses to protozoan parasites, we will review the most relevant and recent examples of protease inhibitors presenting a nitrile group that have been introduced to form or to facilitate the formation of a covalent bond with the catalytic cysteine active site residue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.B.); (V.C.)
| | - Roberta Ibba
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.I.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Sara Rossi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.I.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.I.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.B.); (V.C.)
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.I.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.I.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.C.)
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38
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Piragine E, Citi V, Lawson K, Calderone V, Martelli A. Potential Effects of Natural H 2S-Donors in Hypertension Management. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040581. [PMID: 35454169 PMCID: PMC9024781 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
After the discovery of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the central nervous system by Abe and Kimura in 1996, the physiopathological role of H2S has been widely investigated in several systems such as the cardiovascular. In particular, H2S plays a pivotal role in the control of vascular tone, exhibiting mechanisms of action able to induce vasodilation: for instance, activation of potassium channels (KATP and Kv7) and inhibition of 5-phosphodiesterase (5-PDE). These findings paved the way for the research of natural and synthetic exogenous H2S-donors (i.e., molecules able to release H2S) in order to have new tools for the management of hypertension. In this scenario, some natural molecules derived from Alliaceae (i.e., garlic) and Brassicaceae (i.e., rocket or broccoli) botanical families show the profile of slow H2S-donors able to mimic the endogenous production of this gasotransmitter and therefore can be viewed as interesting potential tools for management of hypertension or pre-hypertension. In this article, the preclinical and clinical impacts of these natural H2S-donors on hypertension and vascular integrity have been reviewed in order to give a complete panorama of their potential use for the management of hypertension and related vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Piragine
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.P.); (V.C.); (V.C.)
| | - Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.P.); (V.C.); (V.C.)
| | - Kim Lawson
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK;
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.P.); (V.C.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health (NUTRAFOOD)”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing, Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.P.); (V.C.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health (NUTRAFOOD)”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing, Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence:
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39
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Mohammed SA, Albiero M, Ambrosini S, Gorica E, Karsai G, Caravaggi CM, Masi S, Camici GG, Wenzl FA, Calderone V, Madeddu P, Sciarretta S, Matter CM, Spinetti G, Lüscher TF, Ruschitzka F, Costantino S, Fadini GP, Paneni F. The BET Protein Inhibitor Apabetalone Rescues Diabetes-Induced Impairment of Angiogenic Response by Epigenetic Regulation of Thrombospondin-1. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 36:667-684. [PMID: 34913726 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Aims: Therapeutic modulation of blood vessel growth holds promise for the prevention of limb ischemia in diabetic (DM) patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Epigenetic changes, namely, posttranslational histone modifications, participate in angiogenic response suggesting that chromatin-modifying drugs could be beneficial in this setting. Apabetalone (APA), a selective inhibitor of bromodomain (BRD) and bromodomain and extraterminal containing protein family (BET) proteins, prevents bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) interactions with chromatin thus modulating transcriptional programs in different organs. We sought to investigate whether APA affects angiogenic response in diabetes. Results: Compared with vehicle, APA restored tube formation and migration in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) exposed to high-glucose (HG) levels. Expression profiling of angiogenesis genes showed that APA prevents HG-induced upregulation of the antiangiogenic molecule thrombospondin-1 (THBS1). ChIP-seq and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays in HG-treated HAECs showed the enrichment of both BRD4 and active marks (H3K27ac) on THBS1 promoter, whereas BRD4 inhibition by APA prevented chromatin accessibility and THBS1 transcription. Mechanistically, we show that THBS1 inhibits angiogenesis by suppressing vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) signaling, while APA prevents these detrimental changes. In diabetic mice with hind limb ischemia, epigenetic editing by APA restored the THBS1/VEGFA axis, thus improving limb vascularization and perfusion, compared with vehicle-treated animals. Finally, epigenetic regulation of THBS1 by BRD4/H3K27ac was also reported in DM patients with PAD compared with nondiabetic controls. Innovation: This is the first study showing that BET protein inhibition by APA restores angiogenic response in experimental diabetes. Conclusions: Our findings set the stage for preclinical studies and exploratory clinical trials testing APA in diabetic PAD. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 667-684.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafeeq A Mohammed
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Mattia Albiero
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Samuele Ambrosini
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Era Gorica
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gergely Karsai
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Stefano Masi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanni G Camici
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland.,University Heart Center, Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Florian A Wenzl
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | | | - Paolo Madeddu
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastiano Sciarretta
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Christian M Matter
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland.,University Heart Center, Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Gaia Spinetti
- Cardiovascular Physiopathology-Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Thomas F Lüscher
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland.,Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Ruschitzka
- University Heart Center, Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Costantino
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | | | - Francesco Paneni
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland.,University Heart Center, Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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40
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Relitti N, Saraswati AP, Carullo G, Papa A, Monti A, Benedetti R, Passaro E, Brogi S, Calderone V, Butini S, Gemma S, Altucci L, Campiani G, Doti N. Design and Synthesis of New Oligopeptidic Parvulin Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200050. [PMID: 35357776 PMCID: PMC9321596 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200050] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Pin1 catalyzes the cis-trans isomerization of pThr-Pro or pSer-Pro amide bonds of different proteins involved in several physio/pathological processes. In this framework, recent research activity is directed towards the identification of new selective Pin1 inhibitors. Here, we developed a set ( 5a - p ) of peptide-based Pin1 inhibitors. Direct-binding experiments allowed the identification of the peptide-based inhibitor 5k as a potent ligand of Pin1. Notably, 5k binds Pin1 with a higher affinity compared to Pin4. The comparative analysis of molecular models of Pin1 and Pin4 with the selected compound, gave a rational explanation of the biochemical activity, and pinpointed the chemical elements that, if opportunely modified, may further improve inhibitory potency, pharmacological properties and selectivity of future peptide-based Parvulin inhibitors. Since 5k showed a limited cell penetration and no antiproliferative activity, it was conjugated to a polyarginine stretch, known to promote cell penetration of peptides, to obtain R8-5k derivative, which displayed an anti-proliferative effect on cancer cell lines compared to non-tumor cells. The effect of R8 on cell proliferation was also investigated. This work doubts the application of the R8 strategy for the development of cell penetrating antiproliferative peptides since it is not inert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Relitti
- University of Siena: Universita degli Studi di Siena, DBCF, ITALY
| | | | - Gabriele Carullo
- University of Siena: Universita degli Studi di Siena, DBCF, 2, Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena Italy, 53100, Siena, ITALY
| | - Alessandro Papa
- University of Siena: Universita degli Studi di Siena, DBCF, ITALY
| | | | - Rosaria Benedetti
- University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli: Universita degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Medicine, ITALY
| | - Eugenia Passaro
- University of Pisa Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Universita degli Studi di Pisa Dipartimento di Farmacia, Pharmacy, ITALY
| | - Simone Brogi
- University of Pisa Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Universita degli Studi di Pisa Dipartimento di Farmacia, Pharmacy, ITALY
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- University of Pisa Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Universita degli Studi di Pisa Dipartimento di Farmacia, Pharmacy, ITALY
| | - Stefania Butini
- University of Siena: Universita degli Studi di Siena, DBCF, ITALY
| | - Sandra Gemma
- University of Siena: Universita degli Studi di Siena, DBCF, ITALY
| | - Lucia Altucci
- University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli: Universita degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Medicine, ITALY
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Universita degli Studi di Siena, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, ITALY
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- CNR: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bioimaging, ITALY
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41
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Bononi G, Flori L, Citi V, Acciai C, Nocilla V, Martelli A, Poli G, Tuccinardi T, Granchi C, Testai L, Calderone V, Minutolo F. New Synthetic Analogues of Natural Polyphenols as Sirtuin 1-Activating Compounds. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030339. [PMID: 35337137 PMCID: PMC8949162 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
NAD+-dependent deacetylase SIRT1 regulates many different biological processes, thus being involved in pathogenic conditions such as metabolic diseases, neurogenerative disorders and cancer. Notably, experimental evidence underlined that the activation of SIRT1 had promising cardioprotective effects. Consequently, many efforts have been so far devoted to finding new SIRT1 activators, both derived from natural sources or prepared by synthetic procedures. Herein, we discovered new SIRT1-activating derivatives, characterized by phenolic rings spaced by sulfur, nitrogen or oxygen-based central linkers. The newly synthesized derivatives were analyzed in enzymatic assays to determine their ability to activate SIRT1, as compared with that of resveratrol. Among the tested molecules, bisarylaniline compound 10 proved to be the most efficient SIRT1 activator. An evaluation of the effects caused by focused structural variations revealed that its para-hydroxy-substituted diphenyl moiety of 10 was the fundamental structural requirement for achieving good SIRT1 activation. Compound 10 was further investigated in ex vivo studies in isolated and perfused rat hearts submitted to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), where it showed significant protection of the myocardium against I/R injury. Molecular modeling studies suggest the binding mode of 10 within SIRT1 in the presence of the p53-AMC peptide. Our findings reveal that this chemical scaffold may be used as the starting point to develop a new class of more potent SIRT1 activators as cardioprotective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bononi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (V.C.); (C.A.); (V.N.); (A.M.); (G.P.); (T.T.); (V.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (V.C.); (C.A.); (V.N.); (A.M.); (G.P.); (T.T.); (V.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (V.C.); (C.A.); (V.N.); (A.M.); (G.P.); (T.T.); (V.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Cecilia Acciai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (V.C.); (C.A.); (V.N.); (A.M.); (G.P.); (T.T.); (V.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Viviana Nocilla
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (V.C.); (C.A.); (V.N.); (A.M.); (G.P.); (T.T.); (V.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (V.C.); (C.A.); (V.N.); (A.M.); (G.P.); (T.T.); (V.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Giulio Poli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (V.C.); (C.A.); (V.N.); (A.M.); (G.P.); (T.T.); (V.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Tiziano Tuccinardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (V.C.); (C.A.); (V.N.); (A.M.); (G.P.); (T.T.); (V.C.); (F.M.)
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlotta Granchi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (V.C.); (C.A.); (V.N.); (A.M.); (G.P.); (T.T.); (V.C.); (F.M.)
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (L.T.)
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (V.C.); (C.A.); (V.N.); (A.M.); (G.P.); (T.T.); (V.C.); (F.M.)
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (L.T.)
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (V.C.); (C.A.); (V.N.); (A.M.); (G.P.); (T.T.); (V.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Filippo Minutolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (V.C.); (C.A.); (V.N.); (A.M.); (G.P.); (T.T.); (V.C.); (F.M.)
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Lucarini E, Micheli L, Pagnotta E, Matteo R, Parisio C, Toti A, Ferrara V, Ciampi C, Martelli A, Testai L, Calderone V, Savino M, Russo M, Pecchioni N, Ghelardini C, Di Cesare Mannelli L. Beneficial Effects of Eruca sativa Defatted Seed Meal on Visceral Pain and Intestinal Damage Resulting from Colitis in Rats. Foods 2022; 11:foods11040580. [PMID: 35206057 PMCID: PMC8870774 DOI: 10.3390/foods11040580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most therapies used in patients affected by inflammatory bowel diseases are ineffective in preventing the development of chronic visceral hypersensitivity, mainly due to inflammation-induced enteric neuroplasticity. Glucosinolates, secondary metabolites mainly of Brassicaceae with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, are effective in treating both neuropathic and arthritis pain through H2S release and Kv7 potassium channel activation. The aim of this work was to investigate the protective and anti-hyperalgesic efficacy of a defatted seed meal from Eruca sativa Mill. (Brassicaceae), rich in glucosinolates, in a rat model of colitis induced by 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). The mechanisms of action were also investigated. Visceral pain was assessed by measuring the abdominal response to colorectal distension. Fifteen days after colitis induction, the acute administration of E. sativa defatted seed meal (0.1–1 g kg−1 p.o.) dose-dependently relieved pain. This effect was hampered by co-administering an H2S scavenger or a selective Kv7 blocker. Administering E. sativa (1 g kg−1) for 14 days, starting after DNBS injection, contributed to counteracting visceral pain persistence in the post-inflammatory phase of colitis by promoting colon healing from the damage and reducing enteric gliosis. E. sativa defatted seed meal might be employed as a nutraceutical tool for supporting abdominal pain relief in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lucarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Eleonora Pagnotta
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Roberto Matteo
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Carmen Parisio
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Alessandra Toti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Valentina Ferrara
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Clara Ciampi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre Nutraceuticals and Food for Health (NUTRAFOOD), University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre Nutraceuticals and Food for Health (NUTRAFOOD), University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre Nutraceuticals and Food for Health (NUTRAFOOD), University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Savino
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (M.S.); (M.R.); (N.P.)
| | - Mario Russo
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (M.S.); (M.R.); (N.P.)
| | - Nicola Pecchioni
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (M.S.); (M.R.); (N.P.)
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Corvino A, Citi V, Fiorino F, Frecentese F, Magli E, Perissutti E, Santagada V, Calderone V, Martelli A, Gorica E, Brogi S, Colombo FF, Capello CN, Araujo Ferreira HH, Rimoli MG, Sodano F, Rolando B, Pavese F, Petti A, Muscará MN, Caliendo G, Severino B. H 2S donating corticosteroids: Design, synthesis and biological evaluation in a murine model of asthma. J Adv Res 2022; 35:267-277. [PMID: 35024201 PMCID: PMC8721254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a fundamental biological endogenous gas-mediator in the respiratory system. It regulates pivotal patho-physiological processes such as oxidative stress, pulmonary circulation, airway tone and inflammation. Objectives We herein describe the design and synthesis of molecular hybrids obtained by the condensation of several corticosteroids with different hydrogen sulfide releasing moieties. Methods All the molecules are characterized for their ability to release H2S both via amperometric approach and using a fluorescent probe. The chemical stability of the newly synthesized hybrid molecules has been investigated at differing pH values and in human serum. Results Prednisone-TBZ hybrid (compound 7) was selected for further evaluations. The obtained results from the in vitro and in vivo studies clearly show evidence in favor of the anti-inflammatory properties of the released H2S. Conclusions The protective effect on airway remodeling makes the hybrid Prednisone-TBZ (compound 7) as a promising therapeutic option in reducing allergic asthma symptoms and exacerbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Corvino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples «Federico II», Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Fiorino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples «Federico II», Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Frecentese
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples «Federico II», Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Elisa Magli
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples «Federico II», Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Elisa Perissutti
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples «Federico II», Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Santagada
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples «Federico II», Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Era Gorica
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Maria Grazia Rimoli
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples «Federico II», Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Federica Sodano
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via Pietro Giuria, 9, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Barbara Rolando
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via Pietro Giuria, 9, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Pavese
- Genetic S.p.A., Via della Monica, 26 – 84083 Castel San Giorgio (SA), Italy
| | - Antonio Petti
- Genetic S.p.A., Via della Monica, 26 – 84083 Castel San Giorgio (SA), Italy
| | - Marcelo Nicolás Muscará
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Caliendo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples «Federico II», Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Beatrice Severino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples «Federico II», Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
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D'Antongiovanni V, Pellegrini C, Antonioli L, Benvenuti L, Di Salvo C, Flori L, Piccarducci R, Daniele S, Martelli A, Calderone V, Martini C, Fornai M. Palmitoylethanolamide Counteracts Enteric Inflammation and Bowel Motor Dysfunctions in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:748021. [PMID: 34658885 PMCID: PMC8511319 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.748021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endogenous lipid mediator, is emerging as a promising pharmacological agent in multiple neurodegenerative disorders for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. However, its effects on enteric inflammation and colonic dysmotility associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are lacking. This study was designed to investigate the beneficial effect of PEA administration in counteracting the enteric inflammation and relieving the bowel motor dysfunctions in an AD mouse model, SAMP8 mice. In addition, the ability of PEA in modulating the activation of enteric glial cells (EGCs), pivotally involved in the pathophysiology of bowel dysfunctions associated with inflammatory conditions, has also been examined. SAMP8 mice at 4 months of age were treated orally with PEA (5 mg/kg/day) for 2 months. SAMR1 animals were employed as controls. At the end of treatment, parameters dealing with colonic motility, inflammation, barrier integrity and AD protein accumulation were evaluated. The effect of PEA on EGCs was tested in cultured cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus β-amyloid 1–42 (Aβ). SAMP8 treated with PEA displayed: 1) an improvement of in vitro colonic motor activity, citrate synthase activity and intestinal epithelial barrier integrity and 2) a decrease in colonic Aβ and α-synuclein (α-syn) accumulation, S100-β expression as well as enteric IL-1β and circulating LPS levels, as compared with untreated SAMP8 mice. In EGCs, treatment with PEA counteracted the increment of S100-β, TLR-4, NF-κB p65 and IL-1β release induced by LPS and Aβ. These results suggest that PEA, under a condition of cognitive decline, prevents the enteric glial hyperactivation, reduces AD protein accumulation and counteracts the onset and progression of colonic inflammatory condition, as well as relieves intestinal motor dysfunctions and improves the intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. Therefore, PEA represents a viable approach for the management of the enteric inflammation and motor contractile abnormalities associated with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carolina Pellegrini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Antonioli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Benvenuti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Clelia Di Salvo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center "Biology and Pathology of Ageing", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center "Biology and Pathology of Ageing", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Fornai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Tabanelli R, Brogi S, Calderone V. Improving Curcumin Bioavailability: Current Strategies and Future Perspectives. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1715. [PMID: 34684008 PMCID: PMC8540263 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [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: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin possesses a plethora of interesting pharmacological effects. Unfortunately, it is also characterized by problematic drug delivery and scarce bioavailability, representing the main problem related to the use of this compound. Poor absorption, fast metabolism, and rapid systemic clearance are the most important factors contributing to low curcumin levels in plasma and tissues. Accordingly, to overcome these issues, numerous strategies have been proposed and are investigated in this article. Due to advances in the drug delivery field, we describe here the most promising strategies for increasing curcumin bioavailability, including the use of adjuvant, complexed/encapsulated curcumin, specific curcumin formulations, and curcumin nanoparticles. We analyze current strategies, already available in the market, and the most advanced technologies that can offer a future perspective for effective curcumin formulations. We focus the attention on the effectiveness of curcumin-based formulations in clinical trials, providing a comprehensive summary. Clinical trial results, employing various delivery methods for curcumin, showed that improved bioavailability corresponds to increased therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, advances in the field of nanoparticles hold great promise for developing curcumin-based complexes as effective therapeutic agents. Summarizing, suitable delivery methods for this polyphenol will ensure the possibility of using curcumin-derived formulations in clinical practice as preventive and disease-modifying therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.T.); (V.C.)
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Flori L, Petrarolo G, Brogi S, La Motta C, Testai L, Calderone V. Identification of novel SIRT1 activators endowed with cardioprotective profile. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 165:105930. [PMID: 34265406 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.105930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Drugs targeting epigenetic mechanisms are attracting the attention of scientists since it was observed that the modulation of this post-translational apparatus, could help to identify innovative therapeutic strategies. Among the epigenetic druggable targets, the positive modulation of SIRT1 has also been related to significant cardioprotective effects. Unfortunately, actual SIRT1 activators (natural products and synthetic molecules) suffer from several drawbacks, particularly poor pharmacokinetic profiles. Accordingly, in this article we present the development of an integrated screening platform aimed at identifying novel SIRT1 activators with favorable drug-like features as cardioprotective agents. Encompassing several competencies (in silico, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology), we describe a multidisciplinary approach for rapidly identifying SIRT1 activators and their preliminary pharmacological characterization. In the first step, we virtually screened an in-house chemical library comprising synthetic molecules inspired by nature, against SIRT1 enzyme. To this end, we combined molecular docking-based approach with the estimation of relative ligand binding energy, using the crystal structure of SIRT1 enzyme in complex with resveratrol. Eleven computational hits were identified, synthesized and tested against the isolated enzyme for validating the in silico strategy. Among the tested molecules, five of them behave as SIRT1 enzyme activators. Due to the superior response in activating the enzyme and its favorable calculated physico-chemical properties, compound 8 was further characterized in ex vivo studies on isolated and perfused rat hearts submitted to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) period. The pharmacological profile of compound 8, suggests that this molecule represents a prototypic SIRT1 activator with satisfactory drug-like profile, paving the way for developing novel epigenetic cardioprotective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Petrarolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Concettina La Motta
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
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Sirous H, Campiani G, Calderone V, Brogi S. Discovery of novel hit compounds as potential HDAC1 inhibitors: The case of ligand- and structure-based virtual screening. Comput Biol Med 2021; 137:104808. [PMID: 34478925 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) as an important family of epigenetic regulatory enzymes are implicated in the onset and progression of carcinomas. As a result, HDAC inhibition has been proven as a compelling strategy for reversing the aberrant epigenetic changes associated with cancer. However, non-selective profile of most developed HDAC inhibitors (HDACIs) leads to the occurrence of various side effects, limiting their clinical utility. This evidence provides a solid ground for ongoing research aimed at identifying isoform-selective inhibitors. Among the isoforms, HDAC1 have particularly gained increased attention as a preferred target for the design of selective HDACIs. Accordingly, in this paper, we have developed a reliable virtual screening process, combining different ligand- and structure-based methods, to identify novel benzamide-based analogs with potential HDAC1 inhibitory activity. For this purpose, a focused library of 736,160 compounds from PubChem database was first compiled based on 80% structural similarity with four known benzamide-based HDAC1 inhibitors, Mocetinostat, Entinostat, Tacedinaline, and Chidamide. Our inclusive in-house 3D-QSAR model, derived from pharmacophore-based alignment, was then employed as a 3D-query to discriminate hits with the highest predicted HDAC1 inhibitory activity. The selected hits were subjected to subsequent structure-based approaches (induced-fit docking (IFD), MM-GBSA calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation) to retrieve potential compounds with the highest binding affinity for HDAC1 active site. Additionally, in silico ADMET properties and PAINS filtration were also considered for selecting an enriched set of the best drug-like molecules. Finally, six top-ranked hit molecules, CID_38265326, CID_56064109, CID_8136932, CID_55802151, CID_133901641 and CID_18150975 were identified to expose the best stability profiles and binding mode in the HDAC1 active site. The IFD and MD results cooperatively confirmed the interactions of the promising selected hits with critical residues within HDAC1 active site. In summary, the presented computational approach can provide a set of guidelines for the further development of improved benzamide-based derivatives targeting HDAC1 isoform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Sirous
- Bioinformatics Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 81746-73461 Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Excellence of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy.
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Recinella L, Chiavaroli A, Masciulli F, Fraschetti C, Filippi A, Cesa S, Cairone F, Gorica E, De Leo M, Braca A, Martelli A, Calderone V, Orlando G, Ferrante C, Menghini L, Di Simone SC, Veschi S, Cama A, Brunetti L, Leone S. Protective Effects Induced by a Hydroalcoholic Allium sativum Extract in Isolated Mouse Heart. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13072332. [PMID: 34371842 PMCID: PMC8308751 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible protective effects of a garlic hydroalcoholic extract on the burden of oxidative stress and inflammation occurring on mouse heart specimens exposed to E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is a well-established inflammatory stimulus. Headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) technique was applied to determine the volatile fraction of the garlic powder, and the HS-SPME conditions were optimized for each of the most representative classes of compounds. CIEL*a*b* colorimetric analyses were performed on the powder sample at the time of delivery, after four and after eight months of storage at room temperature in the dark, to evaluate the color changing. Freshly prepared hydroalcoholic extract was also evaluated in its color character. Furthermore, the hydroalcoholic extract was analyzed through GC-MS. The extract was found to be able to significantly inhibit LPS-induced prostaglandin (PG) E2 and 8-iso-PGF2α levels, as well as mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, interleukin (IL)-6, and nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), in heart specimens. Concluding, our findings showed that the garlic hydroalcoholic extract exhibited cardioprotective effects on multiple inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Recinella
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Annalisa Chiavaroli
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Fabrizio Masciulli
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Caterina Fraschetti
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (S.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Antonello Filippi
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (S.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Stefania Cesa
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (S.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Cairone
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (S.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Era Gorica
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.G.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
| | - Marinella De Leo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.G.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- CISUP, Centre for Instrumentation Sharing of Pisa University, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Braca
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.G.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- CISUP, Centre for Instrumentation Sharing of Pisa University, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.G.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Biology and Pathology of Ageing”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.G.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Biology and Pathology of Ageing”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giustino Orlando
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Claudio Ferrante
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Luigi Menghini
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Simonetta Cristina Di Simone
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Serena Veschi
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Alessandro Cama
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0871-3554758
| | - Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
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Martelli A, Piragine E, Gorica E, Citi V, Testai L, Pagnotta E, Lazzeri L, Pecchioni N, Ciccone V, Montanaro R, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Ghelardini C, Brancaleone V, Morbidelli L, Calderone V. The H 2S-Donor Erucin Exhibits Protective Effects against Vascular Inflammation in Human Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10060961. [PMID: 34203803 PMCID: PMC8232611 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10060961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [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: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Preservation of vascular wall integrity against degenerative processes associated with ageing, fat-rich diet and metabolic diseases is a timely therapeutical challenge. The loss of endothelial function and integrity leads to cardiovascular diseases and multiorgan inflammation. The protective effects of the H2S-donor erucin, an isothiocyanate purified by Eruca sativa Mill. seeds, were evaluated on human endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. In particular, erucin actions were evaluated on cell viability, ROS, caspase 3/7, inflammatory markers levels and the endothelial hyperpermeability in an inflammatory model associated with high glucose concentrations (25 mM, HG). Erucin significantly prevented the HG-induced decrease in cell viability as well as the increase in ROS, caspase 3/7 activation, and TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Similarly, erucin suppressed COX-2 and NF-κB upregulation associated with HG exposure. Erucin also caused a significant inhibition of p22phox subunit expression in endothelial cells. In addition, erucin significantly prevented the HG-induced increase in endothelial permeability as also confirmed by the quantification of the specific markers VE-Cadherin and ZO-1. In conclusion, our results assess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by erucin in vascular cells undergoing HG-induced inflammation and this protection parallels the preservation of endothelial barrier properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.P.); (E.G.); (V.C.); (L.T.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Biology and Pathology of Ageing”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (V.C.)
| | - Eugenia Piragine
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.P.); (E.G.); (V.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Era Gorica
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.P.); (E.G.); (V.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.P.); (E.G.); (V.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.P.); (E.G.); (V.C.); (L.T.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Biology and Pathology of Ageing”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pagnotta
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, CREA Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via di Corticella 128, 40134 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (L.L.)
| | - Luca Lazzeri
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, CREA Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via di Corticella 128, 40134 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (L.L.)
| | - Nicola Pecchioni
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, CREA Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, S.S. 673 Km 25,200, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Valerio Ciccone
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (V.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Rosangela Montanaro
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo lucano, 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (R.M.); (V.B.)
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health–NEUROFARBA–Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (L.D.C.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health–NEUROFARBA–Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (L.D.C.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Vincenzo Brancaleone
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo lucano, 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (R.M.); (V.B.)
| | - Lucia Morbidelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (V.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.P.); (E.G.); (V.C.); (L.T.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Biology and Pathology of Ageing”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (V.C.)
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Citi V, Neggiani F, Sansò M, Calderone V. Pharmacological evaluation of innovative eye drop formulations containing TS-polysaccaride, hyaluronic acid and glycyrrhizin for irritative ocular diseases using in vitro reconstituted human corneal epithelium model. Toxicol In Vitro 2021; 75:105199. [PMID: 34097953 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2021.105199] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In vitro reconstructed human corneal tissue models are closer to in vivo human corneal tissue in term of morphology, biochemical and physiological properties, and represent a valid alternative to animal use for evaluating the pharmacological effects ophthalmic topically applied medical devices. In this experimental work the in vitro reconstructed human corneal tissues have been used for assessing the potential beneficial effects of an innovative ophthalmic formulation containing hyaluronic acid, glycyrrhizin and TS-polysaccharide for the treatment of symptomatic states on the eye surface including dry eye, itching, foreign body sensation and redness due allergic reaction. Corneal tissues have been treated with benzalkonium chloride for 24 h to induce cell damage and then treated with the tested items for 16 h. After the incubation period, tissue viability, TNF-α, IL-6 and MMP-9 have been assessed. Diclofenac has been used as reference anti-inflammatory drug. The novel formulation protected the tissues against benzalkonium chloride damage, while exerted a mild but not significant reduction of the anti-inflammatory mediator TNF-α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56125 Pisa, Italy.
| | | | - Marco Sansò
- Farmigea S.p.A., via G.B. Oliva 6/8, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56125 Pisa, Italy
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