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Sirinyildiz F, Unay S. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and thymoquinone induce apoptosis and alteration in mitochondria in colorectal cancer cells. Med Oncol 2024; 41:123. [PMID: 38652404 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02348-y] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Colon cancer is on the rise in both men and women. In addition to traditional treatment methods, herbal treatments from complementary and alternative medicine are actively followed. Naturally derived from plants, thymoquinone (TQ) has drawn a lot of attention in the field of cancer treatment. MK-801, an N-methyl-D-aspartate agonist, is used to improve memory and plasticity, but it has also lately been explored as a potential cancer treatment. This study aimed to determine the roles of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate agonists and Thymoquinone on mitochondria and apoptosis. HT-29 cells were treated with different TQ and MK-801 concentrations. We analyzed cell viability, apoptosis, and alteration of mitochondria. Cell viability significantly decreased depending on doses of TQ and MK-801. Apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunctions induced by low and high doses of TQ and MK-801. Our study emphasizes the need for further safety evaluation of MK-801 due to the potential toxicity risk of TQ and MK-801. Optimal and toxic doses of TQ and MK-801 were determined for the treatment of colon cancer. It should be considered as a possibility that colon cancer can be treated with TQ and MK-801.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferhat Sirinyildiz
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Simge Unay
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, Turkey.
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2
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Munef A, Lafi Z, Shalan N. Investigating anti-cancer activity of dual-loaded liposomes with thymoquinone and vitamin C. Ther Deliv 2024; 15:267-278. [PMID: 38449422 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2023-0140] [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] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Thymoquinone (TQ) and vitamin C (Vit C) have demonstrated individual anticancer effects in various studies. TQ exhibits inhibitory properties against tumor growth, induces apoptosis, while Vit C protects against DNA damage and oxidative stress. Aim: Formulation of TQ and Vit C combination into liposomes using two methods and investigate the synergistic anticancer. Method: Liposomal preparations were characterized, and the purity of drug components was confirmed using encapsulation efficiency (EE %). Results: In vitro cell viability studies demonstrated the inhibitory effect of TQ and Vit C against colorectal (HT29, 5.5 ± 0.9 μM) and lung cancer (A549, 6.25 ± 0.9 μM) cell lines with combination index <1. Conclusion: The formulation of TQ and Vit C displayed synergistic anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Munef
- Pharmacological & Diagnostic Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, 19328, Jordan
| | - Zainab Lafi
- Pharmacological & Diagnostic Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, 19328, Jordan
| | - Naeem Shalan
- Pharmacological & Diagnostic Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, 19328, Jordan
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3
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Erdemli Z, Gul M, Gokturk N, Kayhan E, Demircigil N, Ozsoy EN, Gozukara Bag H, Erdemli ME. Ameliorative effects of thymoquinone on the caspase 3, kidney function and oxidative stress tartrazine-induced nephrotoxicity. Toxicon 2024; 241:107660. [PMID: 38408527 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107660] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
First in the literature this study aimed to investigate the effects of Tartrazine, a common industrial food dye, on kidney and whether Thymoquinone has a protective effect in tartrazine-induced nephrotoxicity. The study conducted on the rats bred at İnönü University Experimental Animals Production and Research Center. Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, where each group included 8 rats: control, Tartrazine, Thymoquinone, and Tartrazine + Thymoquinone groups. The experiments continued for 3 weeks and then, kidney tissues and blood samples were collected from the rats under anesthesia. Malondialdehyde (MDA), super oxidized dismutase (SOD), total oxidant status (TOS), increase in Oxidative stress index (OSI), glutathione (GSH), Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), Total antioxidant status (TAS) levels decreased in the kidney tissues collected from the tartrazine group. Serum Bun and Creatinine levels increased in the tartrazine group. Tartrazine administration damaged and degenerated the glomeruli and cortical distal tubes in the histopathology of kidney tissues, also different degrees of inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the renal cortex and medulla. Thymoquinone and tartrazine administration improved both biochemical and histopathological parameters. Tartrazine administration induced nephrotoxicity. This could be observed with the increase in oxidant capacity and the deterioration of kidney functions. Thymoquinone was observed to demonstrate strong antioxidant properties. Thymoquinone could be used primarily as a protective agent against Tartrazine-induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Erdemli
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Gul
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Nurcan Gokturk
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Elif Kayhan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Turgut Ozal University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Nursena Demircigil
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Eda Nur Ozsoy
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Harika Gozukara Bag
- Department of Biostatistics, Medical Faculty, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Erman Erdemli
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey.
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Taiyab A, Choudhury A, Haidar S, Yousuf M, Rathi A, Koul P, Chakrabarty A, Islam A, Shamsi A, Hassan MI. Exploring MTH1 inhibitory potential of Thymoquinone and Baicalin for therapeutic targeting of breast cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116332. [PMID: 38430630 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116332] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancers frequently have increased ROS levels due to disrupted redox balance, leading to oxidative DNA and protein damage, mutations, and apoptosis. The MTH1 protein plays a crucial role by sanitizing the oxidized dNTP pools. Hence, cancer cells rely on MTH1 to prevent the integration of oxidized dNTPs into DNA, preventing DNA damage and allowing cancer cell proliferation. We have discovered Thymoquinone (TQ) and Baicalin (BC) as inhibitors of MTH1 using combined docking and MD simulation approaches complemented by experimental validations via assessing binding affinity and enzyme inhibition. Docking and MD simulations studies revealed an efficient binding of TQ and BC to the active site pocket of the MTH1, and the resultant complexes are appreciably stable. Fluorescence measurements estimated a strong binding affinity of TQ and BC with Ka 3.4 ×106 and 1.0 ×105, respectively. Treating breast cancer cells with TQ and BC significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation (IC50 values 28.3 µM and 34.8 µM) and induced apoptosis. TQ and BC increased the ROS production in MCF7 cells, imposing substantial oxidative stress on cancer cells and leading to cell death. Finally, TQ and BC are proven strong MTH1 inhibitors, offering promising prospects for anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaliya Taiyab
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Arunabh Choudhury
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Shaista Haidar
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, NH91, Tehsil Dadri, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh 201314, India
| | - Mohd Yousuf
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Aanchal Rathi
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Priyanka Koul
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Anindita Chakrabarty
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, NH91, Tehsil Dadri, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh 201314, India
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Anas Shamsi
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman 364, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India.
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Khazaei MR, Bozorgi M, Khazaei M, Moradi A, Bozorgi A. Computational and in vitro analyses on synergistic effects of paclitaxel and thymoquinone in suppressing invasive breast cancer cells. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:388. [PMID: 38446390 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09328-5] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the present experiment, we evaluated the impact of thymoquinone (TQ) and paclitaxel (PTX) treatment on MDA-MB-231 cell line growth inhibition via controlling apoptosis/autophagy. MATERIALS AND RESULTS MDA-MB-231cells were exposed to PTX (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 nM), TQ (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 µM), and combinations for 48 h. After the MTT assessment, dose-response curves and IC50 values were calculated, and the combination synergism was evaluated using the Compusyn software. Following the treatment with PTX, TQ, and combinations at IC50 doses, the expression of apoptosis and autophagy genes was assessed in cells. The GraphPad Prism program was used to analyze the data, and Tukey's test at p < 0.05 was then run. PTX, TQ, and their combinations inhibited MDA-MB-231cell proliferation and viability dose-dependently. TQ reduced the effective concentration (IC50) of PTX in co-treatment groups. PTX and TQ showed antagonistic effects when cell proliferation declined above 70%. Antagonistic effects shifted into additive and synergistic effects upon increasing PTX concentration, indicated by diminished cell proliferation below 70%. PTX-TQ co-treatment significantly enhanced P53 and BAX expression while reducing Bcl-2 expression. Also, their combination increased Beclin-1, ATG-5, and ATG-7 expression in treated cells. CONCLUSION Effective concentrations of TQ and PTX had synergic effects and inhibited breast cancer cells via prompting apoptosis and autophagy in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rsool Khazaei
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Maryam Bozorgi
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mozafar Khazaei
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Alireza Moradi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Azam Bozorgi
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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6
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Zhang C, Chen X, Liu R, Zhao G. HSP90 Inhibition Attenuated Isoflurane-Induced Neurotoxicity in Mice and Human Neuroglioma Cells. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:706-717. [PMID: 38055149 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04060-1] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Isoflurane, a widely used inhalation anesthetic in clinical practice, is associated with an increased risk of neuronal injury. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) plays a crucial role in maintaining neuronal homeostasis under stress conditions; however, its role during isoflurane exposure remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of HSP90 inhibition and explore the regulatory mechanisms underlying these effects during isoflurane exposure. We found that the HSP90 inhibitor 17-N-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17 AAG) has great protective effects in mitigating isoflurane-induced ferroptosis of mouse hippocampus and cultured neuronal cells. We focused on the activity of the crucial protein GPX4 in ferroptosis and found that 17 AAG exerted protective effects, preserving the physiological GPX4 activity under isoflurane exposure; further, 17 AAG restored the protein level of GPX4. Further, we observed that the chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) pathway was activated; 17 AAG also mediated GPX4 degradation under isoflurane exposure. Additionally, it interfered with the formation of complexes between HSP90 and Lamp-2a, inhibiting CMA activity, followed by the blockade of GPX4 degradation, further affecting the isoflurane-induced ferroptosis. Based on these findings, we proposed HSP90 inhibition as a protective mechanism against isoflurane-induced ferroptosis in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlu Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruizhu Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Guoqing Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
- Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Zhang Q, Lu F, Zhang C, Yu X, Yang X, Yan H. Blocking exosomal secretion aggravated 1,4-benzoquinone-induced cytotoxicity. Environ Toxicol 2024; 39:1099-1106. [PMID: 37818967 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23944] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Benzene exposure inhibits the hematopoietic system and leads to the occurrence of various types of leukemia. However, the mechanism underlying the hematotoxicity of benzene is still largely unclear. Emerging evidence has shown that exosomes are involved in toxic mechanisms of benzene. To understand the effect of 1,4-benzoquinone (PBQ; an active metabolite of benzene in bone marrow) on the exosomal release characteristics and role of exosomal secretion in PBQ-induced cytotoxicity. Exosomes were isolated from PBQ-treated HL-60 cells, purified by ultracentrifugation, and verified by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and the presence of specific biomarkers. Our results showed that PBQ increased exosomal secretion in a dose-dependent manner, reaching a peak in 3 h at 10 μM PBQ treatment and then slowly decreasing in HL-60 cells. The exosomes contained miRNAs, which have been reported to be associated with benzene exposure or benzene poisoning. In particular, mir-34a-3p and mir-34A-5p were enriched in exosomes derived from PBQ-treated cells. In addition, the inhibition of exosomal release by GW4869 (an inhibitor of exosomal release) exacerbated PBQ-induced cytotoxicity, including increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased the apoptosis rate. Our findings illustrated that exosomes secretion plays an important role in antagonizing PBQ-induced cytotoxicity and maintaining cell homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Medicine, Shandong Xiandai University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangfang Lu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunxiao Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuyuan Yu
- Clinical Laboratory, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Jimo City, Jimo, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinjun Yang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongtao Yan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
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Prashanth N, Meghana P, Sandeep Kumar Jain R, Pooja S Rajaput, Satyanarayan N D, Raja Naika H, Kumaraswamy H M. Nicotine promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition and gemcitabine resistance via hENT1/RRM1 signalling in pancreatic cancer and chemosensitizing effects of Embelin-a naturally occurring benzoquinone. Sci Total Environ 2024; 914:169727. [PMID: 38163613 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169727] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is lethal due to poor prognosis with 5-year survival rate lesser than 5 %. Gemcitabine is currently used to treat pancreatic cancer and development of chemoresistance is a major obstacle to overcome pancreatic cancer. Nicotine is a known inducer of drug resistance in pancreatic tumor micro-environment. Present study evaluates chemoresistance triggered by nicotine while treating with gemcitabine and chemosensitization using Embelin. Embelin is a naturally occurring benzoquinone from Embelia ribes possessing therapeutic potency. To develop nicotine-induced chemo-resistance, pancreatic cancer cells PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 were continuously treated with nicotine followed by exposure to gemcitabine. Gemcitabine sensitivity assay and immunoblotting was performed to assess the chemo-resistance. Antiproliferative assays such as migration assay, clonogenic assay, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP) assay, dual staining assay, comet assay, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) assay, cell cycle analysis and immunoblotting assays were performed to witness the protein expression involved in chemoresistance and chemosensitization. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition was observed in nicotine induced chemoresistant cells. Gemcitabine sensitivity assay revealed that relative resistance was increased to 6.26 (p < 0.0001) and 6.45 (p < 0.0001) folds in resistant PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 compared to parental cells. Protein expression studies confirmed resistance markers like hENT1 and dCK were downregulated with subsequent increase in RRM1 expression in resistant cells. Embelin considerably decreased the cell viability with an IC50 value of 4.03 ± 0.08 μM in resistant PANC-1 and 2.11 ± 0.04 μM in resistant MIA PaCa-2. Cell cycle analysis showed Embelin treatment caused cell cycle arrest at S phase in resistant PANC-1 cells; in resistant MIA PaCa-2 cells there was an escalation in the Sub G1. Embelin upregulated Bax, γH2AX, p53, ERK1/2 and hENT1 expression with concomitant down regulation of Bcl-2 and RRM1. Bioactive molecule embelin, its combination with gemcitabine could provide new vistas to overcome chemo resistance in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanth N
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of PG Studies and Research in Biotechnology, Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta, 577451, Karnataka, India
| | - Meghana P
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of PG Studies and Research in Biotechnology, Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta, 577451, Karnataka, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar Jain R
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of PG Studies and Research in Biotechnology, Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta, 577451, Karnataka, India
| | - Pooja S Rajaput
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of PG Studies and Research in Biotechnology, Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta, 577451, Karnataka, India
| | - Satyanarayan N D
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kuvempu University, Post Graduate Centre, Kadur, Chikkamagaluru, 577548, Karnataka, India
| | - Raja Naika H
- Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod 671320, Kerala, India
| | - Kumaraswamy H M
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of PG Studies and Research in Biotechnology, Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta, 577451, Karnataka, India.
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Smith TR, Koprivnikar J. Influences of compound age and identity in the effectiveness of insect quinone secretions against the fungus Beauveria bassiana. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:121. [PMID: 38308145 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08145-w] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Chemical defences against parasites and pathogens can be seen in a wide range of animal taxa, including insect pests such as the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. Antimicrobial quinone-based secretions can be used by these beetles to defend against various parasites, particularly the fungal entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana. While quinone secretions can inhibit B. bassiana growth, it is unknown how long they remain effective or how individual secretion compounds contribute to growth inhibition. Here, we tested each individual component of the quinone secretions (methyl-1,4-benzoquinone, ethyl-1,4-benzoquinone, and 1-pentadecene), as well as two mixed solutions that represent the composition range found in natural T. castaneum secretions, after aging for 0, 24, or 72 h. The two quinone compounds equally contributed to B. bassiana inhibition, but their efficacy was significantly reduced after 24 h, with no growth inhibition after 72 h. This indicates that quinones protect insects against B. bassiana for only a limited time, perhaps requiring constant secretion into the environment to effectively defend against this fungal threat. Future investigations may consider the extent to which quinone secretions are effective against other parasites, as well as how their ability to cause parasite damage changes with compound age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R Smith
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada.
| | - Janet Koprivnikar
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
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10
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Ahmed SHH, Tayeb BA, Gonda T, Girst G, Szőri K, Berkecz R, Zupkó I, Minorics R, Hunyadi A. Thymoquinone-protoflavone hybrid molecules as potential antitumor agents. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0291567. [PMID: 38271403 PMCID: PMC10810434 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
We describe herein the synthesis of eight new ester-coupled hybrid compounds from thymoquinone and protoflavone building blocks, and their bioactivity testing against multiple cancer cell lines. Among the hybrids, compound 14 showed promising activities in all cell lines studied. The highest activities were recorded against breast cancer cell lines with higher selectivity to MDA-MB-231 as compared to MCF-7. Even though the hybrids were found to be completely hydrolysed in 24 h under cell culture conditions, compound 14 demonstrated a ca. three times stronger activity against U-87 glioblastoma cells than a 1:1 mixture of its fragments. Further, compound 14 showed good tumour selectivity: it acted 4.4-times stronger on U-87 cells than on MRC-5 fibroblasts. This selectivity was much lower, only ca. 1.3-times, when the cells were co-treated with a 1:1 mixture of its non-coupled fragments. Protoflavone-thymoquinone hybrids may therefore serve as potential new antitumor leads particularly against glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara H. H. Ahmed
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bizhar A. Tayeb
- Institute of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tímea Gonda
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Girst
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Kornél Szőri
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Róbert Berkecz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Analysis, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Zupkó
- Institute of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Renáta Minorics
- Institute of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Hunyadi
- Institute of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SZTE Biologically Active Natural Products Research Group, Szeged, Hungary
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Natural Products, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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11
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Kaleem M, Kayali A, Sheikh RA, Kuerban A, Hassan MA, Almalki NAR, Al-Abbasi FA, Anwar F, Omran Z, Alhosin M. In Vitro and In Vivo Preventive Effects of Thymoquinone against Breast Cancer: Role of DNMT1. Molecules 2024; 29:434. [PMID: 38257347 PMCID: PMC10819256 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020434] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers in women and is a major cause of female cancer-related deaths. BC is a multifactorial disease caused by the dysregulation of many genes, raising the need to find novel drugs that function by targeting several signaling pathways. The antitumoral drug thymoquinone (TQ), found in black seed oil, has multitargeting properties against several signaling pathways. This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of TQ on the MCF7 and T47D human breast cancer cell lines and its antitumor activity against BC induced by a single oral dose (65 mg/kg) of 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) in female rats. The therapeutic activity was evaluated in DMBA-treated rats who received oral TQ (50 mg/kg) three times weekly. TQ-treated MCF7 and T47D cells showed concentration-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. TQ also decreased the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in both cancer cell types. In DMBA-treated animals, TQ inhibited the number of liver and kidney metastases. These effects were associated with a reduction in DNMT1 mRNA expression. These results indicate that TQ has protective effects against breast carcinogens through epigenetic mechanisms involving DNMT1 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Kaleem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.K.); (A.K.); (R.A.S.); (A.K.); (M.A.H.); (N.A.R.A.); (F.A.A.-A.); (F.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Dadasaheb Balpande College of Pharmacy, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440037, Maharashtra, India
| | - Asaad Kayali
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.K.); (A.K.); (R.A.S.); (A.K.); (M.A.H.); (N.A.R.A.); (F.A.A.-A.); (F.A.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Science, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 59911, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ryan A. Sheikh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.K.); (A.K.); (R.A.S.); (A.K.); (M.A.H.); (N.A.R.A.); (F.A.A.-A.); (F.A.)
- Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abudukadeer Kuerban
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.K.); (A.K.); (R.A.S.); (A.K.); (M.A.H.); (N.A.R.A.); (F.A.A.-A.); (F.A.)
| | - Mohammed A. Hassan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.K.); (A.K.); (R.A.S.); (A.K.); (M.A.H.); (N.A.R.A.); (F.A.A.-A.); (F.A.)
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hadhramout University, Mukalla P.O. Box 8892, Yemen
| | - Naif Abdullah R. Almalki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.K.); (A.K.); (R.A.S.); (A.K.); (M.A.H.); (N.A.R.A.); (F.A.A.-A.); (F.A.)
- Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad A. Al-Abbasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.K.); (A.K.); (R.A.S.); (A.K.); (M.A.H.); (N.A.R.A.); (F.A.A.-A.); (F.A.)
| | - Firoz Anwar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.K.); (A.K.); (R.A.S.); (A.K.); (M.A.H.); (N.A.R.A.); (F.A.A.-A.); (F.A.)
| | - Ziad Omran
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdelaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia;
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guards-Health Affairs, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Alhosin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.K.); (A.K.); (R.A.S.); (A.K.); (M.A.H.); (N.A.R.A.); (F.A.A.-A.); (F.A.)
- Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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12
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KarimiPourSaryazdi A, Jafari MM, Pirestani M, Sadeghi SH, Moghadamizad Z. Thymoquinone Effect on Leishmania tropica/infantum and Leishmania-Infected Macrophages. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:735-745. [PMID: 37589882 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00713-x] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leishmania is a parasitic protozoan that tries to enter and amplify within macrophages. Macrophage cells are also immune defense cells that phagocyte many microbes like bacteria, fungi, as well as parasites like Leishmania spp. However, they are unable to kill this parasite that resides in the phagosomes of contaminated macrophages and multiplies in these macrophages, leading to the destruction of contaminated macrophages and the emerging of Leishmania wounds. A large number of current therapies for Leishmania cure have adverse effects, or parasites have developed resistance to some of these therapies, so a better therapy for the cure of Leishmania is required. Thymoquinone is one of the Nigella Sativa ingredients with numerous biological effects, such as antioxidant as well as antimicrobial effects on a variety of microbes, namely fungi, bacteria, as well as parasites like Leishmania spp. The impacts of Thymoquinone on Leishmania tropica and Leishmania infantum, as well as Leishmania-infected macrophages, were examined in this study. METHODS The impact of various Thymoquinone dosages on L. tropica and L. infantum promastigotes and amastigotes was examined in vitro. Flow cytometry, as well as MTT, was also applied to examine the cytotoxic activity of Thymoquinone on promastigotes of L. tropica and L. infantum, as well as the incidence of apoptosis. The amastigote assay is also utilized to calculate the % of contaminated macrophages as well as the number of the present parasites in each macrophage. RESULTS The percentage of macrophages contaminated with L. tropica and L. infantum amastigotes after medicating with 20 μM of Thymoquinone was 23% and 19%, respectively. Also, after medicating with 10 μM of Thymoquinone, these percentages were 32% and 31%, respectively. Flow cytometry indicated that Thymoquinone caused 33.9% and 31.4% apoptosis in L. tropica and L. infantum, respectively. As determined by the promastigote assay, the inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Thymoquinone for L. tropica and L. infantum was 9.49 μM and 12.66 μM, respectively. The results of the promastigote and amastigote assay show that with an increase in Thymoquinone doses, its ability to kill Leishmania parasites increases, too. CONCLUSION According to the results of the study, Thymoquinone has a potentially lethal impact on L. tropica and L. infantum promastigotes as well as amastigotes (within leishmania contaminated macrophages).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir KarimiPourSaryazdi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Jafari
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Pirestani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyyed Hojjat Sadeghi
- Organic and Nano Group (ONG), Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Tehran, 16846-13114, Iran
| | - Zeinab Moghadamizad
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Abdulrahman N, Leo R, Boumenar HA, Ahmad F, Mateo JM, Jochebeth A, Al-Sowaidi NK, Sher G, Ansari AW, Alam M, Uddin S, Ahmad A, Steinhoff M, Buddenkotte J. Embelin inhibits viability of cutaneous T cell lymphoma cell lines HuT78 and H9 by targeting inhibitors of apoptosis. Leuk Lymphoma 2023; 64:2236-2248. [PMID: 37708450 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2023.2256909] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a varied group of neoplasms that affects the skin. Acquired resistance against chemotherapeutic drugs and associated toxic side effects are limitations that warrant search for novel drugs against CTCL. Embelin (EMB) is a naturally occurring benzoquinone derivative that has gained attention owing to its anticancer pharmacological actions and nontoxic nature. We assessed the anticancer activity of EMB against CTCL cell lines, HuT78, and H9. EMB inhibited viability of CTCL cells in a dose-dependent manner. EMB activated extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis as shown by the activation of initiator and executioner caspases. EMB-induced apoptosis also involved suppression of inhibitors of apoptosis, XIAP, cIAP1, and cIAP2. PARP cleavage and upregulation of pH2AX indicated DNA damage induced by EMB. In conclusion, we characterized a novel apoptosis-inducing activity of EMB against CTCL cells, implicating EMB as a potential therapeutic agent against CTCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabeel Abdulrahman
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rari Leo
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hasna Amal Boumenar
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fareed Ahmad
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jericha M Mateo
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Anh Jochebeth
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Gulab Sher
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdul W Ansari
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Majid Alam
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine, School of Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joerg Buddenkotte
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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14
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Harms K, Paomephan P, Boonpratuang T, Choeyklin R, Boonchird C, Surup F. ent-Clavilactone J and Its Quinone Derivative, Meroterpenoids from the Fungus Resupinatus sp. J Nat Prod 2023; 86:2580-2584. [PMID: 37931226 PMCID: PMC10683060 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Metabolites 1 and 2, isolated from cultures of the basidiomycete Resupinatus sp. BCC84615, collected in a tropical forest in northeastern Thailand, showed weak antibiotic activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus and cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines. Their planar structures were elucidated by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy as clavilactone J, known from the basidiomycete Ampulloclitocybe clavipes, and its new 1,4-benzoquinone derivative. A detailed analysis of the ROESY correlations in 1 confirmed the recent revision of the relative configuration of clavilactone J. However, specific rotation and Cotton effects observed by electronic circular dichroism were contrary to those of the clavilactones; thus, we assigned a rare antipodal absolute configuration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Harms
- Department
Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection
Research, and German Centre for Infection Research
(DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Pathompong Paomephan
- Department
Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection
Research, and German Centre for Infection Research
(DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Department
of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol
University, 272 Thanon 4 Rama VI, Thung Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Thitiya Boonpratuang
- National
Biobank of Thailand (NBT), National Science
and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 144 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Rattaket Choeyklin
- National
Biobank of Thailand (NBT), National Science
and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 144 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
- Biodiversity-Based
Economy Development Office (Public Organization), The Government Complex Commemorating
His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary 5 December
2007 Ratthaprasasanabhakdi Building, ninth Floor, Chaengwattana Road,
Thung Song Hong, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Chuenchit Boonchird
- Department
of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol
University, 272 Thanon 4 Rama VI, Thung Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Frank Surup
- Department
Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection
Research, and German Centre for Infection Research
(DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute
of Microbiology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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15
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Kaviani F, Razavi BM, Mohsenzadeh MS, Rameshrad M, Hosseinzadeh H. Thymoquinone attenuates olanzapine-induced metabolic disorders in rats. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:8925-8935. [PMID: 37707771 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08726-5] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Olanzapine (OLZ) is an atypical antipsychotic agent for psychotic disorders. Evidence has shown that OLZ is related to metabolic side effects, including obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the principal bioactive component of Nigella sativa. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of TQ in alleviating metabolic abnormalities. In the current research work, the protective effects of TQ on metabolic disorders induced by OLZ and possible underlying mechanisms were investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS Wistar rats were exposed to TQ alone (10 mg/kg), OLZ (5 mg/kg), or OLZ plus TQ (2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg) given daily by intraperitoneal injection. After the treatment, variations in body weight, food intake, systolic blood pressure, serum leptin, biochemical factors, liver malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) content were evaluated. Protein expression of AMPK in the liver was also measured by a western blotting test. OLZ increased body weight, food intake, MDA levels, and blood pressure. OLZ also elevated glucose, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and leptin serum levels. It decreased GSH. In the western blot, decreased AMPK protein level was obtained. These changes were attenuated by TQ co-administration. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates the effectiveness of TQ on OLZ-induced metabolic abnormalities related to its antioxidant activity and regulation of glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farima Kaviani
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Bibi Marjan Razavi
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Sadat Mohsenzadeh
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Food Control Laboratory, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Rameshrad
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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16
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Mohammad MY, Haniffa HM, Choudhary MI. Antibacterial activity of thymoquinone derivative. BMC Res Notes 2023; 16:260. [PMID: 37798782 PMCID: PMC10557212 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06523-8] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products such as terpenoidal compounds have been extremely tested against pathogenic bacteria. Researches are frequently carried out to find out new natural, semisynthetic and synthetic antibacterial agents due to problems of resistance. Thymoquinone derivative was obtained in our previous study and the current research is a continuation. The antibacterial activity of a monoterpenoid; thymoquinone derivative, 5-isopropyl-2-methyloxepine-1-one (1) has been evaluated for the first time by following the Agar cup bioassay method employed. The bacterial strains used in this study were Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Compound 1 showed moderate activity against Gram-positive organism; B. subtilis and good activity against Gram-negative species; E. coli with zones of inhibition (ZOI) 10.0 ± 0.2 mm and 11.0 ± 0.2 mm against E. coli and B. subtilis, respectively, and in comparison with antibiotic, imipenem. The zones of inhibition were calculated as the mean of the triplicate. The antibacterial activity of thymoquinone derivative 1 could be explained by the presence of unsaturated lactone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haroon M. Haniffa
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, South Eastern University, Oluvil, Sri Lanka
| | - M. Iqbal Choudhary
- H. E. J, Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
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17
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Seo EJ, Khelifi D, Fayez S, Feineis D, Bringmann G, Efferth T, Dawood M. Molecular determinants of the response of cancer cells towards geldanamycin and its derivatives. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 383:110677. [PMID: 37586545 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110677] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Geldanamycin is an ansamycin-derivative of a benzoquinone isolated from Streptomyces hygroscopicus. It inhibits tyrosine kinases and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). Geldanamycin and 11 derivatives were subjected to molecular docking to HSP90, and 17-desmethoxy-17-N,N-dimethylamino-geldanamycin (17-DMAG) was the compound with the highest binding affinity (-7.73 ± 0.12 kcal/mol) and the lowest inhibition constant (2.16 ± 0.49 μM). Therefore, 17-DMAG was selected for further experiments in comparison to geldanamycin. Multidrug resistance (MDR) represents a major problem for successful cancer therapy. We tested geldanamycin and 17-DMAG against various drug-resistant cancer cell lines. Although geldanamycin and 17-DMAG inhibited the proliferation in all cell lines tested, multidrug-resistant P-glycoprotein-overexpressing CEM/ADR5000 cells were cross-resistant, ΔEGFR-overexpressing tumor cells and p53 knockout cells were sensitive to these two compounds. COMPARE and hierarchical cluster analyses were performed, and 60 genes were identified to predict the sensitivity or resistance of 59 NCI tumor cell lines towards geldanamycin and 17-DMAG. The distribution of cell lines according to their mRNA expression profiles indicated sensitivity or resistance to both compounds with statistical significance. Moreover, bioinformatic tools were used to study possible mechanisms of action of geldanamycin and 17-DMAG. Galaxy Cistrome analyses were carried out to predict transcription factor binding motifs in the promoter regions of the candidate genes. Interestingly, the NF-ĸB DNA binding motif (Rel) was identified as the top transcription factor. Furthermore, these 60 genes were subjected to Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to study the signaling pathway interactions of these genes. Interestingly, IPA also revealed the NF-ĸB pathway as the top network among these genes. Finally, NF-ĸB reporter assays confirmed the bioinformatic prediction, and both geldanamycin and 17-DMAG significantly inhibited NF-κB activity after exposure for 24 h. In conclusion, geldanamycin and 17-DMAG exhibited cytotoxic activity against different tumor cell lines. Their activity was not restricted to HSP90 but indicated an involvement of the NF-KB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ean-Jeong Seo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daycem Khelifi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Shaimaa Fayez
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Germany; Department of Pharmacognosy, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Doris Feineis
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mona Dawood
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany; Department of Molecular Biology, Al-Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan.
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18
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Muhammed Celebi , Semiha Dede , Ayşe Usta . Effect of thymoquinone on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in NRK-52e cells. Pak J Pharm Sci 2023; 36:1139-1146. [PMID: 37599489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), the active component of Nigella sativa, has many beneficial effects. The endoplasmic reticulum involved in the quality control of protein translocation and folding can vary under different conditions, the phenomenon of causing the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins within the ER lumen is termed ER stress. This in vitro study was planned to investigate the effect of TQ on ER stress at proliferative (Tp) and toxic (TQIC50) concentrations on NRK-52E cells at 24th, 48th hours. The expression of important genes in the ER stress pathway (ATF4, ATF6, BIP, CHOP, IRE1, XBP1, PERK) was analyzed. Expression of all genes except CHOP and XBPI increased at 24 hours and BIP at 48 hours for Tp. In the IC50, the CHOP and XBPI gene expressions increased at the 24th hour, and the CHOP and ATF4 genes increased at the 48th hour. As a result, it was determined that the expression of ER stress genes had significant changes with the TQ induction, depending on time and concentration, especially in the proliferative concentration. It is thought that TQ may have varying effects on healthy kidney cells, and it is important to investigate the mechanism of this effect in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- - Muhammed Celebi
- Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Institute of Health Sciences, Van, Turkiye
| | - - Semiha Dede
- Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Biochemistry Department, Van, Turkiye
| | - - Ayşe Usta
- Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Science Faculty, Chemistry Department, Van, Turkiye
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19
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Salama B, Alzahrani KJ, Alghamdi KS, Al-Amer O, Hassan KE, Elhefny MA, Albarakati AJA, Alharthi F, Althagafi HA, Al Sberi H, Amin HK, Lokman MS, Alsharif KF, Albrakati A, Abdel Moneim AE, Kassab RB, Fathalla AS. Silver Nanoparticles Enhance Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Liver and Kidney Tissues: Potential Protective Role of Thymoquinone. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:2942-2954. [PMID: 36018545 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03399-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most common nanomaterials in consumer products. Therefore, it has been crucial to control AgNPs toxicological effects to improve their safety and increase the outcome of their applications. This work investigated the possible protective effect of thymoquinone (TQ) against AgNPs-induced hepatic and renal cytotoxicity in rats. Serum markers of liver and kidney functions as well as liver and kidney oxidative stress status, pro-inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis markers, and histopathology were assessed. TQ reversed AgNPs-induced elevation in serum liver and kidney function markers, including aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, urea, and creatinine. Moreover, TQ co-administration with AgNPs alleviates hepatic and renal oxidative insults by decreasing MDA and NO levels with a significant increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione recycling enzymes peroxidase and reductase) compared to AgNPs-treated rats. Besides, TQ upregulated hepatic and renal Nrf2 gene expression in AgNPs-intoxicated rats. Furthermore, TQ co-administration decreased the hepatic and renal pro-inflammatory mediators represented by IL-1β, TNF-α, TGF-β, and NF-κB levels. Besides, TQ co-administration decreased apoptotic protein (Bax) levels and increased the anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) levels. These findings were confirmed by the histopathological examination of hepatic and renal tissues. Our data affirmed the protective effect of TQ against AgNPs cytotoxicity and proposed a possible mechanism of TQ antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Consequently, we could conclude that using TQ might control AgNPs toxicological effects, improve their safety, and increase the outcome of their applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma Salama
- Biochemistry and Chemistry of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Khalid J Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid S Alghamdi
- Regional Laboratory, General Administration of Laboratories and Blood Banks, Ministry of Health, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama Al-Amer
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Genome and Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid E Hassan
- Pathology Department, College of Medicine, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A Elhefny
- Department of Cancer and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Medial Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Alqunfudah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Jameel A Albarakati
- Surgery Department, College of Medicine, Al-Qunfudah Branch, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Alharthi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussam A Althagafi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Al-Baha University, Almakhwah, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan Al Sberi
- Basic Medical Science, Histopathology Department, National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hatem K Amin
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galala University, El-Galala City, Egypt
| | - Maha S Lokman
- Biology Department, College of Science and Humanities, Prince Sattam Bin Abdul Aziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalaf F Alsharif
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Albrakati
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed E Abdel Moneim
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, 11795, Egypt
| | - Rami B Kassab
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Al-Baha University, Almakhwah, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, 11795, Egypt.
| | - Ayah S Fathalla
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, 11795, Egypt
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20
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Ghelichkhani S, Saffari-Chaleshtori J, Ghaffari F, Nili-Ahmadabadi A. The Cytotoxic Effect of Thymoquinone Enhance on HepG2 Cell Line due to Induction of Fenton Reaction by Hydrogen Peroxide: An In Vitro and In Silico Study. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2023; 24:1809-1815. [PMID: 37247304 PMCID: PMC10495912 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2023.24.5.1809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Thymoquinone (TQ) is a component derived from the volatile oil of Nigella sativa. Fenton reaction induction is a well-known strategy to prevent the growth of cancer cells which can stimulate by hydrogen peroxide. This study was designed to investigate the TQ effects on hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity. METHODS In this study, HepG2 cell survival, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cell membrane integrity, and changes of superoxide dismutase (SOD)/ catalase (CAT) activity were evaluated following incubation of HepG2 cells with 31 μM hydrogen peroxide and different concentrations of TQ (18.5, 37 and 75 μM). In addition, molecular docking studies on the interference of TQ with CAT/SOD enzymes were investigated. RESULTS Our findings showed that TQ low concentration can increase the survival of HepG2 cells when exposed to hydrogen peroxide, and on the contrary, its high concentration can potentiate cytotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide. The TQ alongside hydrogen peroxide increased the production of ROS, which was related to increase CAT and SOD activity in the HepG2 cells. Molecular docking findings showed that TQ effects on the formation of free radicals were not related to its chemical interference with the structure of the SOD/CAT molecules. CONCLUSION Fenton reaction induction may increase the effectiveness of TQ in preventing HepG2 cells proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ghelichkhani
- Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Javad Saffari-Chaleshtori
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffari
- Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Amir Nili-Ahmadabadi
- Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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21
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Zhang C, Zhang G, Jin J, Zheng H, Zhou Z, Zhang S. Selenite-Catalyzed Reaction between Benzoquinone and Acetylacetone Deciphered the Enhanced Inhibition on Microcystis aeruginosa Growth. Environ Sci Technol 2023; 57:6188-6195. [PMID: 37011377 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09682] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The coexistence of selenite (Se(IV)) and acetylacetone (AA) generated a synergistic effect on the growth inhibition of a bloom-forming cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa. The mechanism behind this phenomenon is of great significance in the control of harmful algal blooms. To elucidate the role of Se(IV) in this effect, the reactions in ternary solutions composed of Se(IV), AA (or two other similar hydrogen donors), and quinones, especially benzoquinone (BQ), were investigated. The transformation kinetic results demonstrate that Se(IV) played a catalytic role in the reactions between AA (or ascorbic acid) and quinones. By comparison with five other oxyanions (sulfite, sulfate, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate) and two AA derivatives, the formation of an AA-Se(IV) complexation intermediate was confirmed as a key step in the accelerated reactions between BQ and AA. To our knowledge, this is the first report on Se(IV) as a catalyst for quinone-involved reactions. Since both quinones and Se are essential in cells and there are many other chemicals of similar electron-donating properties to that of AA, the finding here shed light on the regulation of electron transport chains in a variety of processes, especially the redox balances that are tuned by quinones and glutathione.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Guoyang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiyuan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hongcen Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shujuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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22
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Ghasemi F, Ghaffari F, Omidifar N, Taheri Azandaryani M, Nili-Ahmadabadi A. Hepatic Response to the Interaction Between Thymoquinone and Iron-Dextran: an In Vitro and In Vivo Study. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:1358-1367. [PMID: 35484332 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03249-9] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Iron is one of the most important essential elements for cell function. However, iron overload can exert destructive effects on various tissues, especially the liver. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of thymoquinone (TQ) on hepatotoxicity induced by iron-overload in in vitro and mouse model. After in vitro studies, thirty mice were divided into five groups, six each. Group 1 received normal saline. Group 2 received five doses of iron dextran (i.p; 100 mg/kg, one dose every 2 days). Group 3 received TQ (orally, 2 mg/kg/day). Groups 4 and 5 were administrated iron dextran saline (i.p; 100 mg/kg, one dose every 2 days) following treatment with 0.5 and 2 mg/kg/day of TQ, respectively. Based on the findings of the DPPH experiment, although TQ has significant anti-radical potential, at a safe dose of 15 × 10+3 nM, it reduced the IC50 of iron dextran on HepG2 cells by about 25%, in in vitro. Following administration of low-dose TQ (0.5 mg/kg), a significant improvement was observed in serum hepatic enzymes activity and hepatic lipid peroxidation compared to iron dextran. However, administration of TQ-high dose (2 mg/kg) led to decrease antioxidant defense alongside increased serum hepatic enzymes and pathological damages in iron dextran-treated animals. Due to the different efficacy of TQ in treatment groups, it seems that the TQ therapeutic index is low and does not have significant safety in the iron overload status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Ghasemi
- Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, 99628, Via Mersin 10, Famagusta, North Cyprus, Turkey
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffari
- Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Navid Omidifar
- Medical Education Research Center, Department of Pathology, Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Amir Nili-Ahmadabadi
- Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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Martín-Acosta P, Cuadrado I, González-Cofrade L, Pestano R, Hortelano S, de las Heras B, Estévez-Braun A. Synthesis of Quinoline and Dihydroquinoline Embelin Derivatives as Cardioprotective Agents. J Nat Prod 2023; 86:317-329. [PMID: 36749898 PMCID: PMC9972480 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A set of new dihydroquinoline embelin derivatives was obtained from the reaction of the natural benzoquinone embelin (1) with anilines and aromatic aldehydes in the presence of AgOTf. The synthesis of these compounds involves the formation of a Knoevenagel adduct, followed by nucleophilic addition of aniline and subsequent electrocyclic ring closure. The scope of the reaction regarding the aldehydes and anilines was determined. Quinoline derivatives were also obtained from the corresponding dihydroquinolines under oxidation with DDQ. The cardioprotective activity of the synthesized compounds was screened using a doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity model in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Some structure-activity relationships were outlined, and the best activities were achieved with quinoline-embelin derivatives having a 4-nitrophenyl group attached at the pyridine ring. The obtained results indicated that embelin derivatives 4i, 6a, 6d, 6k, and 6m could have potential as cardioprotective agents, as they attenuated a DOX-induced cardiotoxicity effect acting on oxidative stress and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Martín-Acosta
- Instituto
Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Departamento
de Química Orgánica, Universidad
de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez N° 2, 38206, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Irene Cuadrado
- Departamento
de Farmacología, Farmacognosia y Botánica, Facultad
de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de
Madrid (UCM), Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura González-Cofrade
- Departamento
de Farmacología, Farmacognosia y Botánica, Facultad
de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de
Madrid (UCM), Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Pestano
- Instituto
Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Departamento
de Química Orgánica, Universidad
de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez N° 2, 38206, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Sonsoles Hortelano
- Unidad
de Terapias Farmacológicas, Área de Genética
Humana, Instituto de Investigación
de Enfermedades Raras (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Carretera de Majadahonda-Pozuelo
Km 2, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz de las Heras
- Departamento
de Farmacología, Farmacognosia y Botánica, Facultad
de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de
Madrid (UCM), Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Estévez-Braun
- Instituto
Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Departamento
de Química Orgánica, Universidad
de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez N° 2, 38206, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
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Qu M, Gong Y, Jin Y, Gao R, He Q, Xu Y, Shen T, Mei L, Xu C, Hussain M, Barkat MQ, Wu X. HSP90β chaperoning SMURF1-mediated LATS proteasomal degradation in the regulation of bone formation. Cell Signal 2023; 102:110523. [PMID: 36379376 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) molecular chaperone is responsible for the stabilization and biological activity of a diverse set of client proteins. We have previously demonstrated that inhibition of HSP90 by 17-Demethoxy-17-allyaminogeldanmycin (17-AAG) not only reverses the glucocorticoid-induced bone loss but also enhances the basal level of bone mass in mice. Here, we investigate the potential mechanism underlying HSP90-associated osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Knockdown of HSP90β but not HSP90α or inhibition of HSP90 by 17-AAG or NVP-BEP800 negates the protein levels of large tumor suppressor (LATS), the core kinases of Hippo signaling, resulting in the inactivation of LATS and activation of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), in the enhancement of osteoblastic differentiation. In contrast, genetic ablation of Lats1 in mesenchymal stem cells is sufficient to abolish the HSP90 inhibition-induced osteoblastic differentiation and bone formation. Mechanistically, HSP90β but not HSP90α chaperones and prevents the SMAD specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (SMURF1)-mediated and ubiquitination-dependent LATS protein proteasomal degradation, whereas 17-AAG abolishes these effects of HSP90β. Thus, these results uncover the HSP90β chaperoning SMURF1-mediated LATS protein proteasomal degradation and the subsequent YAP/TAZ activation as a hitherto uncharacterized mechanism controlling osteoblastic differentiation and bone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyu Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China,; Department of Orthopaedics, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Ying Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Yuyang Jin
- Shanghai Luyi Cell Biotech Co., Ltd, Jiading District, Shanghai 201821, China
| | - Ruibo Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qiangqiang He
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yana Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China,; Department of Orthopaedics, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Tingyu Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Liu Mei
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Chengyun Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Musaddique Hussain
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Muhammad Qasim Barkat
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ximei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China,; Department of Orthopaedics, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China.
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Yenigun VB, Acar H, Kanimdan E, Yenigun A, Kocyigit A, Cora T. KRAS Mutation Reduces Thymoquinone Anticancer Effects on Viability of Cells and Apoptosis. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2023; 23:1747-1753. [PMID: 37194932 DOI: 10.2174/1871520623666230517123807] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is a life-threatening condition with an economic burden on societies. Phytotherapy is rapidly taking place in cancer research to increase the success of treatment and quality of life. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main active phenolic compound obtained from the essential oil of the Nigella sativa (black cumin) plant seed. For a long time, black cumin has been used traditionally for the remedy of different diseases because of its various biological effects. It has been shown that most of these effects of black cumin seeds are due to TQ. TQ became a popular research topic for phytotherapy studies for its potential therapeutic applications, and more research is going on to fully understand its mechanisms of action, safety, and efficacy in humans. KRAS is a gene that regulates cell division and growth. Monoallelic variants in KRAS result in uncontrollable cell division, leading to cancer development. Studies have shown that cancer cells with KRAS mutations are often resistant to certain types of chemotherapy and targeted therapies. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the effect of TQ on cancer cells with and without KRAS mutation to better understand the reason why TQ may have different anticancer effects in the different types of cancer cells. METHODS TQ was investigated for its cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in laryngeal cancer cells (HEp-2) without KRAS mutation and compared to mutant KRAS-transfected larynx cancer cells and KRAS mutation-carrying lung cancer cells (A549). RESULTS We showed that TQ has more cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on laryngeal cancer cells without KRAS mutation than in cells with mutation. CONCLUSION KRAS mutations decrease the effect of TQ on cell viability and apoptosis, and further studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between KRAS mutations and thymoquinone effectiveness in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vildan Betul Yenigun
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Health Services Vocational School, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hasan Acar
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Health Sciences, Konya City Research and Application Center, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ebru Kanimdan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Health Services Vocational School, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alper Yenigun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdurrahim Kocyigit
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tulin Cora
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
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26
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Gupta P, Neupane YR, Parvez S, Kohli K, Sultana Y. Combinatorial Chemosensitive Nanomedicine Approach for the Treatment of Breast Cancer. Curr Mol Med 2023; 23:876-888. [PMID: 35986537 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666220819122948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer and ranks second among cancer that leads to death. From becoming the foremost reason for global concern, this multifactorial disease is being treated by conventional chemotherapies that are associated with severe side effects, with chemoresistance being the ruling reason. Exemestane, an aromatase inhibitor that has been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of breast cancer in post-menopausal women, acts by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme, in turn, inhibiting the production of estrogen. However, the clinical application of exemestane remains limited due to its poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability. Furthermore, the treatment regimen of exemestane often leads to thinning of bone mineral density. Thymoquinone, a natural compound derived from the oil of the seeds of Nigella sativa Linn, possesses the dual property of being a chemosensitizer and chemotherapeutic agent. In addition, it has been found to exhibit potent bone protection properties, as evidenced by several studies. To mitigate the limitations associated with exemestane and to deliver to the cancerous cells overcoming chemoresistance, the present hypothesis has been put forth, wherein a natural chemosensitizer and chemotherapeutic agent thymoquinone will be incorporated into a lipid nanocarrier along with exemestane for combinatorial delivery to cancer cells. Additionally, thymoquinone being bone protecting will help in ousting the untoward effect of exemestane at the same time delivering it to the required malignant cells, safeguarding the healthy cells, reducing the offsite toxicity, and providing potent synergistic action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi - 110062, India
| | - Yub Raj Neupane
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117559, Singapore
| | - Suhel Parvez
- Department of Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi- 110062, India
| | - Kanchan Kohli
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi - 110062, India
- Lloyd Institute of Management and Technology (Pharm.), Plot No. 11, Knowledge Park-II, Greater Noida - 201308, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Yasmin Sultana
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi - 110062, India
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Abdualmjid RJ, Sergi CM. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Induction of Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Lines by Thymoquinone. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314669. [PMID: 36498999 PMCID: PMC9737800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), a plant-based bioactive constituent derived from the volatile oil of Nigella sativa, has been shown to possess some anti-neoplastic activities. The present study aimed to investigate the mitochondria and apoptosis observed when TQ is applied against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and cholangiocarcinoma (HuCCT1) cells, two of the most common primary tumors of the liver. All cell lines were treated with increasing concentrations of TQ for varying durations. The anti-proliferative effect of TQ was measured using the methoxyphenyl-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay and resulted in dose- and time-dependent growth inhibition in both cell lines. Cell cycle, apoptosis, and assessment of mitochondria viability by morphology assessment and evaluation of the mitochondrial membrane potential were investigated. The present study confirms that TQ caused cell cycle arrest at different phases and induced apoptosis in both cell lines. A systematic review of rodent animal models was also carried out. Overall, our data seem to represent the most robust results, suggesting that TQ possesses promising therapeutic potential as an anti-tumor agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem J. Abdualmjid
- Department of Lab. Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Consolato M. Sergi
- Department of Lab. Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
- Anatomic Pathology, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-613-737-7600 (ext. 2427); Fax: +1-613-738-4837
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28
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Wróbel-Biedrawa D, Galanty A, Zagrodzki P, Podolak I. Optimization of Extraction Conditions and Cytotoxic Activity of Rapanone in Comparison to Its Homologue, Embelin. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27227912. [PMID: 36432013 PMCID: PMC9693145 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Rapanone is a plant-derived simple alkyl-dihydroxybenzoquinone structurally close to embelin, a well-known cytotoxic agent. The pharmacological characterization of rapanone is still incomplete, and to fill the data gap, a good source for its acquisition is required to conduct further research. This study aimed to optimize the conditions for the extraction of rapanone from the leaves of white-berried Ardisia crenata Sims. For this purpose, three methods were employed: heat reflux (HRE), shaking (SE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and such parameters as the extraction time, solvent, and the number of extractions from the same sample were set as experimental variables. Furthermore, cytotoxic activity toward prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, and colorectal carcinoma cell lines was investigated and compared with doxorubicin and embelin. The most effective and economical method for the extraction of rapanone was shown to be 20 min UAE with ethyl acetate or chloroform. Rapanone exhibited high cytotoxic activity against PC3 (IC50 = 6.50 μg/mL), Du145 (IC50 = 7.68 μg/mL), FTC133 (IC50 = 6.01 μg/mL), 8505C (IC50 = 7.84 μg/mL), and Caco-2 (IC50 = 8.79 μg/mL) cell lines after 24 h and against the HT29 cell line after 48 h (IC50 = 11.67 μg/mL). Furthermore, it revealed a more favorable safety profile than either its homologue, embelin, or doxorubicin. The set of optimal extraction parameters obtained may be utilized for scientific and industrial purposes to achieve the best rapanone yield. Moreover, this benzoquinone revealed a high cytotoxic activity with good selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Wróbel-Biedrawa
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Faculty, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Cracow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Galanty
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Faculty, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Cracow, Poland
| | - Paweł Zagrodzki
- Department of Food Chemistry and Nutrition, Pharmaceutical Faculty, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Cracow, Poland
| | - Irma Podolak
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Faculty, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Cracow, Poland
- Correspondence:
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Bashir S, Morgan WA. Inhibition of mitochondrial function: An alternative explanation for the antipyretic and hypothermic actions of acetaminophen. Life Sci 2022; 312:121194. [PMID: 36379307 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121194] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Acetaminophen is the medication of choice when treating fever because of its limited anti-inflammatory effects. However at overdose it can cause mitochondrial dysfunction and damage, often associated with metabolism to N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). What has never been investigated is whether the inhibition of mitochondrial function, particularly fatty acid uptake and oxidation could be the key to its antipyretic and hypothermic properties. METHODS Mitochondrial function and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) was determined by measuring oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in isolated mitochondria and in 3T3-L1 adipocytes using the XFp Analyser. Basal fatty acids and adrenergic stimulated OCR of mitochondria and 3T3-L1 adipocytes were assessed with acetaminophen and compared to NAPQI, etomoxir, and various mitochondrial stress compounds. KEY FINDINGS Using the XFp Analyser, acetaminophen (10 mM) decreased FAO by 31 % and 29 % in basal and palmitate stimulated adipocytes. NAPQI (50 μM) caused a 63 % decrease in both basal and palmitate stimulated FAO. Acetaminophen (10 mM) caused a 34 % reduction in basal and adrenergic stimulated OCR. In addition acetaminophen also inhibited complex I and II activity at 5 mM. NAPQI was far more potent at reducing mitochondrial respiratory capacity, maximum respiratory rates and ATP production than acetaminophen. SIGNIFICANCE These studies demonstrate the direct inhibition of mitochondrial function by acetaminophen at concentrations which have been shown to reduce fever and hypothermia in mammals. Understanding how antipyretics directly affect mitochondrial function and heat generation could lead to the development of new antipyretics which are not compromised by the anti-inflammatory and toxicity of the current medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazma Bashir
- The Medicines Research Group, School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, Stratford Campus, Water Lane, London E15 4LZ, UK
| | - Winston A Morgan
- The Medicines Research Group, School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, Stratford Campus, Water Lane, London E15 4LZ, UK.
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Mahomoodally MF, Aumeeruddy MZ, Legoabe LJ, Montesano D, Zengin G. Nigella sativa L. and Its Active Compound Thymoquinone in the Clinical Management of Diabetes: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012111. [PMID: 36292966 PMCID: PMC9602931 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite existing conventional hypoglycemic drugs to manage diabetes, their non-availability and cost in low-income countries coupled with the associated side effects remain a major concern. Consequently, exploring for alternative treatments to manage diabetes has been a continuous priority. Nigella sativa L. (NS) (Family: Ranunculaceae) is regarded as a valuable traditional remedy in diabetes management and extensively studied for its biological properties. This systematic review provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of clinical studies on the efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action of NS and its compound thymoquinone (TQ) in diabetes management. The main scientific databases which were scrutinised were Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Data search was conducted from inception to January 2022. A total of 17 clinical studies were obtained; 16 studies on Nigella sativa L. and 1 study on its compound TQ. N. sativa was found to be highly potent in terms of its hypoglycemic activity when compared to placebo based on improvement in parameters including fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG), Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and homeostatic model assessment for assessment of beta-cell functionality (HOMA-β). The compound TQ in combination with a daily dose of metformin demonstrated a greater reduction in the levels of HbA1c and blood glucose compared to metformin alone. The bioavailability of TQ can be enhanced by using nanoparticulate drug delivery systems. Considering the findings of the clinical studies along with negligible adverse effects, NS has strong potential application in bioproduct development for the management of diabetes. Further investigations should explore the detailed mechanism of actions by which TQ exerts its therapeutic antidiabetic effects to provide more insights into its clinical use in the management of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
| | | | - Lesetja J. Legoabe
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen), North-West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
| | - Domenico Montesano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Selcuk University, 42250 Konya, Turkey
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Durak MA, Ozhan O, Yildiz A, Durhan M, Vardi N, Cigremis Y, Parlakpinar H. Protective effect of short-term thymoquinone administration on the central nervous system in cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:6935-6943. [PMID: 36263573 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202210_29874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was performed to investigate the potential beneficial effects of thymoquinone (TQ) on brain tissue based on biochemical and histopathological analyses in cisplatin (CIS) treated rats with central nervous system (CNS) neurotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups with 8 rats in each group (n:8). Group 1: (Control), saline was administered for 3 days at a volume of 0.5 ml per day intraperitoneal (i.p.). Group 2: (CIS Group), one dose of CIS was administered (7 mg/kg i.p.). Group 3: (TQ Group), TQ was given at a dose of 5 mg/kg per day for 3 days (i.p.). Group 4: (CIS+TQ Group), one dose of 7 mg/kg was initiated half an hour before administration of CIS and one dose of 5 mg/kg per day was administered TQ i.p. for 3 days. RESULTS Malondialdehyde levels were found to be statistically significantly higher in the CIS group compared to the control group. Degenerative changes observed in the CIS+TQ group were found to be milder than in the CIS group. In the CIS+TQ group, a statistically significant decrease in the severity of caspase-3 immunoreactivity was found when compared to the CIS group. It was found that the severity of neurofilament immunoreactivity monitored in neuronal extensions was similar in all groups. In the CIS+TQ group, the severity of tau protein's immunoreactivity was similar to that of the CIS-group. CONCLUSIONS According to the results obtained in our study, beneficial effects were obtained in reducing neurotoxicity with short-term TQ application in rats treated with CIS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Durak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Histology and Embryology, Department of Medical Biology and Genetic, Medical School, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey.
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Nyssen P, Franck T, Serteyn D, Mouithys-Mickalad A, Hoebeke M. Propofol metabolites and derivatives inhibit the oxidant activities of neutrophils and myeloperoxidase. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 191:164-175. [PMID: 36064069 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.08.039] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
In previous studies, propofol has shown immunomodulatory abilities on various in vitro models. As this anesthetic molecule is extensively used in intensive care units, its anti-inflammatory properties present a great interest for the treatment of inflammatory disorders like the systemic inflammatory response syndrome. In addition to its inhibition abilities on important neutrophils mechanisms (chemotaxis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) formation, …), our group has shown that propofol is also a reversible inhibitor of the oxidant myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Propofol being subject to rapid metabolism, its derivatives could contribute to its anti-inflammatory action. First, propofol-β-glucuronide (PPFG), 2,6-diisopropyl-1,4-p-benzoquinone (PPFQ) and 3,5,3',5'-tetraisopropyl-(4,4')-diphenoquinone (PPFDQ) were compared on their superoxide (O2.-) scavenging properties and more importantly on their inhibitory action on the O2.- release by activated neutrophils using EPR spectroscopy and chemiluminescence assays. PPFQ and PPFDQ are potent superoxide scavengers and also inhibit the release of ROS by neutrophils. An Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) has also highlighted the ability of both molecules to significantly decrease the MPO degranulation process of neutrophils. Fluorescence enzymatic assays helped to investigate the action of the propofol derivatives on the peroxidase and chlorination activities of MPO. In addition, using SIEFED (Specific Immunological Extraction Followed by Enzyme Detection) assays and docking, we demonstrated the concentration-dependent inhibitory action of PPFQ and its ability to bind to the enzyme active site while PPFG presented a much weaker inhibitory action. Overall, the oxidation derivatives and metabolites PPFQ and PPFDQ can, at physiological concentrations, perpetuate the immunomodulatory action of propofol by acting on the oxidant response of PMN and MPO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Nyssen
- Biomedical Spectroscopy Laboratory, Department of Physics, CESAM, University of Liège, Building B5a, Quartier Agora, Allée Du 6 Août, 19, 4000 Liège (Sart-Tilman), Belgium.
| | - Thierry Franck
- CORD, Department of Chemistry, CIRM, University of Liège, Building B6a, Quartier Agora, Allée Du 6 Août, 13, 4000 Liège (Sart-Tilman), Belgium
| | - Didier Serteyn
- CORD, Department of Chemistry, CIRM, University of Liège, Building B6a, Quartier Agora, Allée Du 6 Août, 13, 4000 Liège (Sart-Tilman), Belgium; Department of Clinical Sciences, Anesthesiology and Equine Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Building B41, Quartier Vallée 2, Avenue de Cureghem 5, 4000 Liège (Sart-Tilman), Belgium
| | - Ange Mouithys-Mickalad
- CORD, Department of Chemistry, CIRM, University of Liège, Building B6a, Quartier Agora, Allée Du 6 Août, 13, 4000 Liège (Sart-Tilman), Belgium
| | - Maryse Hoebeke
- Biomedical Spectroscopy Laboratory, Department of Physics, CESAM, University of Liège, Building B5a, Quartier Agora, Allée Du 6 Août, 19, 4000 Liège (Sart-Tilman), Belgium
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Ji J, Huang J, Cao N, Hao X, Wu Y, Ma Y, An D, Pang S, Li X. Multiview behavior and neurotransmitter analysis of zebrafish dyskinesia induced by 6PPD and its metabolites. Sci Total Environ 2022; 838:156013. [PMID: 35588826 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The typical tire manufacturing additive 6PPD, its metabolites 6PPDQ and 4-Hydroxy should be monitored because of their ubiquitous presence in the environment and the high toxicity of 6PPDQ to coho salmon. The toxic effect of 6PPD and its metabolites have been revealed superficially, especially on behavioral characteristics. However, the behavioral indicators explored so far are relatively simple and the toxic causes are poorly understood. With this in mind, our work investigated the toxic effects of 6PPD, 6PPDQ and 4-Hydroxy on adult zebrafish penetratingly through machine vision, and the meandering, body angle, top time and 3D trajectory are used for the first time to show the abnormal behaviors induced by 6PPD and its metabolites. Moreover, neurotransmitter changes in the zebrafish brain were measured to explore the causes of abnormal behavior. The results showed that high-dose treatment of 6PPD reduced the velocity by 42.4% and decreased the time at the top of the tank by 91.0%, suggesting significant activity inhibition and anxiety. In addition, γ-aminobutyric acid and acetylcholine were significantly impacted by 6PPD, while dopamine exhibited a slight variation, which can explain the bradykinesia, unbalance and anxiety of zebrafish and presented similar symptoms as Huntingdon's disease. Our study explored new abnormal behaviors of zebrafish induced by 6PPD and its metabolites in detail, and the toxic causes were revealed for the first time by studying the changes of neurotransmitters, thus providing an important reference for further studies of the biological toxicity of 6PPD and its metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Ji
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jinze Huang
- College of Information and Electrical Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Niannian Cao
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xianghong Hao
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yanhua Wu
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yongqiang Ma
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Dong An
- College of Information and Electrical Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Sen Pang
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xuefeng Li
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Liu Y, Huang L, Kim MY, Cho JY. The Role of Thymoquinone in Inflammatory Response in Chronic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810246. [PMID: 36142148 PMCID: PMC9499585 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-inflammatory therapies have been shown to be effective in the prevention of various cardiovascular diseases, tumors, and cancer complications. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main active constituent of Nigella sativa, has shown promising therapeutic properties in many in vivo and in vitro models. However, TQ has poor bioavailability and is hydrophobic, prohibiting clinical trials with TQ alone. Studies have explored the combination of TQ with biological nanomaterials to improve its bioavailability. The TQ nanoparticle formulation shows better bioavailability than free TQ, and these formulations are ready for clinical trials to determine their potential as therapeutic agents. In this paper, we review current knowledge about the interaction between TQ and the inflammatory response and summarize the research prospects in Korea and abroad. We discuss the different biological activities of TQ and various combination therapies of TQ and nanomaterials in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Lei Huang
- Department of Biocosmetics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Mi-Yeon Kim
- Department of Biocosmetics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Correspondence: (M.-Y.K.); (J.Y.C.); Tel.:+82-2-820-0458 (M.-Y.K.); +82-31-290-7868 (J.Y.C.)
| | - Jae Youl Cho
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Biocosmetics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Correspondence: (M.-Y.K.); (J.Y.C.); Tel.:+82-2-820-0458 (M.-Y.K.); +82-31-290-7868 (J.Y.C.)
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35
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Butnariu M, Quispe C, Herrera-Bravo J, Helon P, Kukula-Koch W, López V, Les F, Vergara CV, Alarcón-Zapata P, Alarcón-Zapata B, Martorell M, Pentea M, Dragunescu AA, Samfira I, Yessimsiitova Z, Daştan SD, Castillo CMS, Roberts TH, Sharifi-Rad J, Koch W, Cho WC. The effects of thymoquinone on pancreatic cancer: Evidence from preclinical studies. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113364. [PMID: 35810693 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113364] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is a secondary metabolite found in abundance in very few plant species including Nigella sativa L., Monarda fistulosa L., Thymus vulgaris L. and Satureja montana L. Preclinical pharmacological studies have shown that TQ has many biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments have shown that TQ acts as an antitumor agent by altering cell cycle progression, inhibiting cell proliferation, stimulating apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, reducing metastasis and affecting autophagy. In this comprehensive study, the evidence on the pharmacological potential of TQ on pancreatic cancer is reviewed. The positive results of preclinical studies support the view that TQ can be considered as an additional therapeutic agent against pancreatic cancer. The possibilities of success for this compound in human medicine should be further explored through clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Butnariu
- Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara, Romania.
| | - Cristina Quispe
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Avda. Arturo Prat 2120, Iquique 1110939, Chile.
| | - Jesús Herrera-Bravo
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomas, Chile; Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile.
| | - Paweł Helon
- Branch in Sandomierz, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, Schinzla 13a Str., 27-600, Sandomierz, Poland.
| | - Wirginia Kukula-Koch
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Garden, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Str., 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Víctor López
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad San Jorge, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), 50059 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Francisco Les
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad San Jorge, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), 50059 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Cristian Valdés Vergara
- Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del Maule, Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Chile.
| | - Pedro Alarcón-Zapata
- Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepción, Concepción, VIII - Bio Bio Region, Chile; Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción 4080871, Chile.
| | - Barbara Alarcón-Zapata
- Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepción, Concepción, VIII - Bio Bio Region, Chile.
| | - Miquel Martorell
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Centre for Healthy Living, University of Concepción, 4070386 Concepción, Chile; Universidad de Concepción, Unidad de Desarrollo Tecnológico, UDT, Concepción 4070386, Chile.
| | - Marius Pentea
- Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara, Romania.
| | - Aneta Anca Dragunescu
- Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara, Romania.
| | - Ionel Samfira
- Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara, Romania.
| | - Zura Yessimsiitova
- Department of Biodiversity and Bioresource, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 050040, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
| | - Sevgi Durna Daştan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140 Sivas, Turkey; Beekeeping Development Application and Research Center, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140 Sivas, Turkey.
| | | | - Thomas H Roberts
- Plant Breeding Institute, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, University of Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia.
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Azuay, 14-008 Cuenca, Ecuador.
| | - Wojciech Koch
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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Alam M, Hasan GM, Ansari MM, Sharma R, Yadav DK, Hassan MI. Therapeutic implications and clinical manifestations of thymoquinone. Phytochemistry 2022; 200:113213. [PMID: 35472482 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural phytochemical predominantly found in Nigella sativa, has been investigated for its numerous health benefits. TQ showed anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, validated in various disease models. The anti-cancer potential of TQ is goverened by anti-proliferation, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, ROS production, anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis, inhibition of cell migration and invasion action. Additionally, TQ exhibited antitumor activity via the modulation of multiple pathways and molecular targets, including Akt, ERK1/2, STAT3, and NF-κB. The present review highlighted the anticancer potential of TQ . We summarize the anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of TQ, focusing on its molecular targets and its promising action in cancer therapy. We further described the molecular mechanisms by which TQ prevents signaling pathways that mediate cancer progression, invasion, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manzar Alam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Gulam Mustafa Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Meraj Ansari
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
| | - Rishi Sharma
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Yadav
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, Hambakmoeiro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon City, 21924, South Korea.
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India.
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Maehana T, Tanaka T, Hashimoto K, Kobayashi K, Kitamura H, Masumori N. Heat shock protein 90 is a new potential target of anti-rejection therapy in allotransplantation. Cell Stress Chaperones 2022; 27:337-351. [PMID: 35397061 PMCID: PMC9346020 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-022-01272-2] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The critical roles of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in immune reactions associated with viral infection and autoimmune disease are well known. To date, however, its roles in the alloimmune response and the immunosuppressive effect of HSP90 inhibitors in allotransplantation have remained unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the therapeutic efficacy of the HSP90 inhibitor 17-DMAG in allotransplantation models. C57BL/6 (H-2b) and BALB/c (H-2d) mice were used as donors for and recipients of skin and heart transplantation, respectively. Treatment with 17-DMAG (daily i.p.) or a vehicle was initiated 3 days before transplantation. Immunological outcomes were assessed by histopathological examinations, flow cytometric analysis, quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA, ELISPOT assay, and MLR. 17-DMAG treatment significantly prolonged the survival of both skin and heart allografts. In 17-DMAG-treated mice, donor-reactive splenocytes producing IFN-γ were significantly reduced along with the intragraft mRNA expression level and serum concentration of IFN-γ. Intragraft mRNA expression of cytokines and chemokines associated with both innate and adaptive immunity was suppressed in 17-DMAG-treated group. MLR showed suppression of the donor-specific proliferation of CD4 + T and CD19 + B cells in the spleens of 17-DMAG-treated mice. 17-DMAG treatment also reduced the number of activated NK cells. Furthermore, the treatment lowered the titers of donor-specific antibodies in the serum and prolonged a second skin allograft in mice sensitized by previous skin transplantation. HSP90 inhibition by 17-DMAG can affect various immune responses, including innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and humoral immunity, suggesting its therapeutic potential against acute rejection in allotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Maehana
- Department of Urology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8543, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Tanaka
- Department of Urology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8543, Japan.
| | - Kohei Hashimoto
- Department of Urology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8543, Japan
| | - Ko Kobayashi
- Department of Urology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8543, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kitamura
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences for Research, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-1094, Japan
| | - Naoya Masumori
- Department of Urology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8543, Japan
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Prajapati C, Agrawal YO, Agnihotri VV, Mahajan UB, Patil KR, Patil DD, Patil CR. Development and biological evaluation of protective effect of kidney targeted N-acetylated chitosan nanoparticles containing thymoquinone for the treatment of DNA damage in cyclophosphamide-induced haemorrhagic cystitis. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 214:391-401. [PMID: 35714868 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.06.070] [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: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), the most prominent constituent of Nigella sativa seeds, essential oil, is reported to possess an organ protective effect via Nrf2 expression and activation of Phase-II antioxidant enzymes. Haemorrhagic cystitis is the sudden onset of haematuria combined with bladder pain and irritable bladder symptoms are the known toxic effects of cyclophosphamide (CYP) chemotherapy. The objective of the present study was to investigate and compare the protective effect of thymoquinone (TQ) and thymoquinone nanoparticles (TQ-NP) in the kidney against CYP-induced haemorrhagic cystitis. Primarily, TQ-NP was fabricated by synthesis of N-acetylated chitosan and nanoparticle preparation by the ionic gelation technique. They were characterized by particle size, polydispersive index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE), SEM, and dynamic scattering calorimetry (DSC). Moreover, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled NPs were prepared for biodistribution studies. The protective mechanisms of TQ-NP included its anti-inflammatory activity, inhibitory effects on cytokine levels, and protection against the DNA damage in the bladder epithelium. The cystitis was induced in rats by orally administering 200 mg/kg of CYP. The dose-dependent protective effect of the TQ-NP was determined by intravenously administering 1, 2, and 5 mg/kg of the TQ-NP to CYP-treated rats. The present study revealed that the TQ-NP prepared by ionic gelation method provides kidney targeted delivery of TQ as compared to TQ solution. The mean particle size, PDI, and %EE of TQ-NP were 272.6 nm, 0.216, 70.81 ± 0.12% respectively. The zeta potential of thymoquinone-loaded nanoparticles was found to be -20.7 mV and - 22.6 mV respectively before and after lyophilization. SEM study also confirmed the small size and spherical shape. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed the improvement in half-life and prolonged action of the TQ-NP as compared to the TQ solution. Also, TQ-NP administration showed more protection against the characteristic histological alterations in the bladder in comparison to TQ solution. The present study indicates that TQ-NP exerts potent anti-oxidant, DNA protective and cytokine inhibitory activity at considerably lower concentrations as compared to plain TQ solution. The nano formulation of TQ using N-acetylated chitosan provides effective kidney targeted delivery of TQ, which in turn improves its retention and protective efficacy against CYP-induced haemorrhagic cystitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaitali Prajapati
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Dist. Dhule, Shirpur 425405, Maharashtra, India
| | - Yogeeta O Agrawal
- Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Vinit V Agnihotri
- Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Umesh B Mahajan
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Dist. Dhule, Shirpur 425405, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kalpesh R Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Dist. Dhule, Shirpur 425405, Maharashtra, India
| | - Dipak D Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, H. R. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Dist. Dhule, Shirpur 425405, Maharashtra, India
| | - Chandragouda R Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Dist. Dhule, Shirpur 425405, Maharashtra, India.
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Zhang L, Zhang H, Ma J, Wang Y, Pei Z, Ding H. Effects of thymoquinone against angiotensin II‑induced cardiac damage in apolipoprotein E‑deficient mice. Int J Mol Med 2022; 49:63. [PMID: 35293590 PMCID: PMC8930094 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5119] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbal medicines have attracted much attention in recent years and are increasingly being used as alternatives to pharmaceutical medicines. Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the most active ingredients in Nigella sativa seeds, which has several beneficial properties, including anti‑inflammatory, anti‑oxidative stress, anti‑hypertensive, anti‑apoptotic and free radical‑scavenging effects. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is involved in cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of TQ against Ang II‑induced cardiac damage in apolipoprotein E‑deficient (ApoE‑/‑) mice. Briefly, 8‑week‑old male ApoE‑/‑ mice were randomly divided into four groups: Control, TQ, Ang II and Ang II + TQ groups. Osmotic minipumps, filled with either a saline vehicle or an Ang II solution (1,000 ng/kg/min), were implanted in ApoE‑/‑ mice for up to 4 weeks. The serum levels of high‑sensitivity C‑reactive protein (hs‑CRP) and histopathological alterations in heart tissue were assessed. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of molecules associated with fibrosis (collagen I and III), oxidative stress and apoptosis (Nox4 and p53), and inflammation [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α, interleukin (IL)‑1β and IL‑6] were analyzed by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR) and western blotting. In the in vitro study, H9c2 cells were incubated with different concentrations of Ang II, and the expression levels of pro‑inflammatory cytokines were evaluated using RT‑qPCR, whereas the protein expression levels of phosphorylated‑extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (p‑ERK) were determined using western blotting. Western blotting was also performed to detect the expression levels of collagen I, collagen III, Nox4 and p53 in H9c2 cells. The results revealed that TQ inhibited the Ang II‑induced increases in serum hs‑CRP levels. TQ also significantly inhibited the high levels of TNF‑α, IL‑1β, IL‑6, collagen I, collagen III, Nox4 and p53 in Ang II‑treated mice. Furthermore, TQ protected against Ang II‑induced cardiac damage by inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration, proinflammatory cytokine expression, fibrosis, oxidative stress and apoptosis by suppressing activation of the p‑ERK signaling pathway. In conclusion, TQ could be considered a potential therapeutic agent for Ang II‑induced cardiac damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710018, P.R. China
| | - Hujin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710000, P.R. China
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710018, P.R. China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710018, P.R. China
| | - Zuowei Pei
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
- National Centre of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Cardiology, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710018, P.R. China
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Dede S, Turkoglu V, Bas Z. The inhibitory effects of lycopene and thymoquinone on angiotensin converting enzyme from human plasma (An in vitro study). Pak J Pharm Sci 2022; 35:801-805. [PMID: 35791479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE, EC 3.4.15.1) is an important enzyme responsible for regulating blood pressure. Inhibition of this enzyme is an important treatment approach in the treatment of hypertension, and natural or synthetic ACE inhibitors are often used for this purpose. In this study, the preventive effect of two important antioxidant compounds, lycopene (LYC) and thymoquinone (TQ) on ACE activity in human plasma was investigated. Human plasma was used as ACE source. ACE activity was calculated absorbance at 345 nm after incubation for 30 minutes at 35°C. TQ and LYC showed inhibitory effect on ACE activity. IC50 values for TQ and LYC were determined as 314μM and 182 μM, respectively. Type of inhibition for TQ and lycopene from plot Line weaver-Burk was designated as non-competitive inhibition. The Ki constants of TQ and LYC were determined to be 707 μM and 167 μM, respectively. It was concluded that TQ and LYC may have significant potential as ACE inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semiha Dede
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey
| | - Vedat Turkoglu
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey
| | - Zehra Bas
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey
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Łyżeń R, Gawron G, Kadziński L, Banecki B. GSH Protects the Escherichia coli Cells from High Concentrations of Thymoquinone. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27082546. [PMID: 35458746 PMCID: PMC9029668 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082546] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of glutathione (GSH) on Escherichia coli cells grown in a high concentration of thymoquinone (TQ). This quinone, as the main active compound of Nigella sativa seed oil, exhibits a wide range of biological activities. At low concentrations, it acts as an antioxidant, and at high concentrations, an antimicrobial agent. Therefore, any interactions between thymoquinone and glutathione are crucial for cellular defense against oxidative stress. In this study, we found that GSH can conjugate with thymoquinone and its derivatives in vitro, and only fivefold excess of GSH was sufficient to completely deplete TQ and its derivatives. We also carried out studies on cultures of GSH-deficient Escherichia coli strains grown on a minimal medium in the presence of different concentrations of TQ. The strains harboring mutations in gene ΔgshA and ΔgshB were about two- and fourfold more sensitive (256 and 128 µg/mL, respectively) than the wild type. It was also revealed that TQ concentration has an influence on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in E. coli strains—at the same thymoquinone concentration, the level of ROS was higher in GSH-deficient E. coli strains than in wild type.
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Raymonda MH, Ciesla JH, Monaghan M, Leach J, Asantewaa G, Smorodintsev-Schiller LA, Lutz MM, Schafer XL, Takimoto T, Dewhurst S, Munger J, Harris IS. Pharmacologic profiling reveals lapatinib as a novel antiviral against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Virology 2022; 566:60-68. [PMID: 34871905 PMCID: PMC8626825 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.11.008] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 virus has resulted in a worldwide pandemic, but effective antiviral therapies are not widely available. To improve treatment options, we conducted a high-throughput screen to uncover compounds that block SARS-CoV-2 infection. A minimally pathogenic human betacoronavirus (OC43) was used to infect physiologically-relevant human pulmonary fibroblasts (MRC5) to facilitate rapid antiviral discovery in a preclinical model. Comprehensive profiling was conducted on more than 600 compounds, with each compound arrayed across 10 dose points. Our screening revealed several FDA-approved agents that can attenuate both OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 viral replication, including lapatinib, doramapimod, and 17-AAG. Importantly, lapatinib inhibited SARS-CoV-2 RNA replication by over 50,000-fold. Further, both lapatinib and doramapimod could be combined with remdesivir to improve antiviral activity in cells. These findings reveal novel therapeutic avenues that could limit SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Raymonda
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - J H Ciesla
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - M Monaghan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - J Leach
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - G Asantewaa
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - L A Smorodintsev-Schiller
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - M M Lutz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - X L Schafer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - T Takimoto
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - S Dewhurst
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - J Munger
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - I S Harris
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Farooq J, Sultana R, Taj T, Asdaq SMB, Alsalman AJ, Mohaini MA, Al Hawaj MA, Kamal M, Alghamdi S, Imran M, Shahin H, Tabassum R. Insights into the Protective Effects of Thymoquinone against Toxicities Induced by Chemotherapeutic Agents. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010226. [PMID: 35011457 PMCID: PMC8746502 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The drugs used to treat cancer not only kill fast-growing cancer cells, but also kill or slow the growth of healthy cells, causing systemic toxicities that lead to altered functioning of normal cells. Most chemotherapeutic agents have serious toxicities associated with their use, necessitating extreme caution and attention. There is a growing interest in herbal remedies because of their pharmacological activities, minimal side effects, and low cost. Thymoquinone, a major component of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa Linn, also known as black cumin or black seeds, is commonly used in Middle Eastern countries as a condiment. It is also utilized for medicinal purposes and possesses antidiabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. This review attempts to compile the published literature demonstrating thymoquinone's protective effect against chemotherapeutic drug-induced toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juveriya Farooq
- Department of Pharmacology, Yenepoya Pharmacy College and Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India; (J.F.); (T.T.); (H.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Rokeya Sultana
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Yenepoya Pharmacy College and Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India
- Correspondence: or (R.S.); or (S.M.B.A.)
| | - Tahreen Taj
- Department of Pharmacology, Yenepoya Pharmacy College and Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India; (J.F.); (T.T.); (H.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin Asdaq
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: or (R.S.); or (S.M.B.A.)
| | - Abdulkhaliq J. Alsalman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Arar 91911, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammed Al Mohaini
- Basic Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 31982, Saudi Arabia;
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Thuwal 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maitham A. Al Hawaj
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mehnaz Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Saad Alghamdi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohd. Imran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Arar 91911, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Haleema Shahin
- Department of Pharmacology, Yenepoya Pharmacy College and Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India; (J.F.); (T.T.); (H.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Ruheena Tabassum
- Department of Pharmacology, Yenepoya Pharmacy College and Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India; (J.F.); (T.T.); (H.S.); (R.T.)
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Phua CYH, Teoh ZL, Goh BH, Yap WH, Tang YQ. Triangulating the pharmacological properties of thymoquinone in regulating reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and cancer: Therapeutic applications and mechanistic pathways. Life Sci 2021; 287:120120. [PMID: 34762903 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120120] [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: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease with high morbidity and mortality rate involving changes in redox balance and deregulation of redox signalling. For decades, studies have involved developing an effective cancer treatment to combat treatment resistance. As natural products such as thymoquinone have numerous health benefits, studies are also focusing on using them as a viable method for cancer treatment, as they have minimal toxic effects compared with standard cancer treatments. Thymoquinone studies have shown numerous mechanisms of action, such as regulation of reactive species interfering with DNA structure, modulating various potential targets and their signalling pathways as well as immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Thymoquinone's anti-cancer effect is mainly due to the induction of apoptotic mechanisms, such as activation of caspases, downregulation of precancerous genes, inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), anti-tumour cell proliferation, ROS regulation, hypoxia and anti-metastasis. Insight into thymoquinone's potential as an alternative treatment for chemoprevention and inflammation can be accomplished via compiling these studies, to provide a better understanding on how and why it works, as well as its interactions with common chemotherapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Yuin Hueii Phua
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Zhi Ling Teoh
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Bey-Hing Goh
- Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory (BMEX) Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Wei Hsum Yap
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Yin-Quan Tang
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia.
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Sakai C, Hosokawa K, Watanabe T, Suzuki Y, Nakano T, Ueda K, Fujimuro M. Human hepatitis B virus-derived virus-like particle as a drug and DNA delivery carrier. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 581:103-109. [PMID: 34678685 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The controlled release of medications using nanoparticle-based drug delivery carriers is a promising method to increase the efficacy of pharmacotherapy and gene therapy. One critical issue that needs to be overcome with these drug delivery carriers is their target specificity. We focused on the cell tropism of a virus to solve this issue, i.e., we attempted to apply hepatitis B virus-like particle (HBV-VLP) as a novel hepatic cell-selective carrier for medication and DNA. To prepare HBV-VLP, 293T cells were transfected with expression plasmids carrying HBV envelope surface proteins, large envelope protein (L), and small envelope protein (S). After 72 h post-transfection, VLP-containing culture supernatants were harvested, and HBV-VLP was labeled with red fluorescent dye (DiI) and was purified by sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation. An anticancer drugs (geldanamycin or doxorubicin) and GFP-expressing plasmid DNA were incorporated into HBV-VLP, and medication- and plasmid DNA-loaded VLPs were prepared. We evaluated their delivery capabilities into hepatocytes, other organ-derived cells, and hepatocytes expressing sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), which functions as the cellular receptor for HBV by binding to HBV L protein. HBV-VLP selectively delivered both anticancer drugs and plasmid DNA not into HepG2, Huh7, and other organ cells but into HepG2 cells expressing NTCP. In summary, we developed a novel delivery nanocarrier using HBV-VLP that could be used as a hepatitis selective drug- and DNA-carrier for cancer treatment and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiho Sakai
- Department of Cell Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, 607-8412, Japan
| | - Kohei Hosokawa
- Department of Cell Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, 607-8412, Japan
| | - Tadashi Watanabe
- Department of Cell Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, 607-8412, Japan
| | - Youichi Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, 569-8686, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakano
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, 569-8686, Japan
| | - Keiji Ueda
- Division of Virology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahiro Fujimuro
- Department of Cell Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, 607-8412, Japan.
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Abstract
CONTEXT COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that causes a severe infection in the respiratory system. Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae) is an annual flowering plant used traditionally as a natural food supplement and multipurpose medicinal agent. OBJECTIVE The possible beneficial effects of N. sativa, and its constituent, thymoquinone (TQ) on COVID-19 were reviewed. METHODS The key words including, COVID-19, N. sativa, thymoquinone, antiviral effects, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in different databases such as Web of Science (ISI), PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched from 1990 up to February 2021. RESULTS The current literature review showed that N. sativa and TQ reduced the level of pro-inflammatory mediators including, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-12, while enhancing IFN-γ. Nigella sativa and TQ increased the serum levels of IgG1 and IgG2a, and improved pulmonary function tests in restrictive respiratory disorders. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS These preliminary data of molecular docking, animal, and clinical studies propose N. sativa and TQ might have beneficial effects on the treatment or control of COVID-19 due to antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties as well as bronchodilatory effects. The efficacy of N. sativa and TQ on infected patients with COVID-19 in randomize clinical trials will be suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Khazdair
- Pharmaceutical Science and Clinical Physiology, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- CONTACT Mohammad Reza Khazdair ; Pharmaceutical Science and Clinical Physiology, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand9717853111, Iran
| | - Shoukouh Ghafari
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mahmood Sadeghi
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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George A, Indhu M, Ashokraj S, Shanmugam G, Ganesan P, Kamini NR, Ayyadurai N. Genetically encoded dihydroxyphenylalanine coupled with tyrosinase for strain promoted labeling. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 50:116460. [PMID: 34757293 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116460] [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: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Protein modifications through genetic code engineering have a remarkable impact on macromolecule engineering, protein translocation, protein-protein interaction, and cell biology. We used the newly developed molecular biology approach, genetic code engineering, for fine-tuning of proteins for biological availability. Here, we have introduced 3, 4-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine in recombinant proteins by selective pressure incorporation method for protein-based cell labeling applications. The congener proteins treated with tyrosinase convert 3, 4-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine to dopaquinone for strain-promoted click chemistry. Initially, the single-step Strain-Promoted Oxidation-Controlled Cyclooctyne-1,2-quinone Cycloaddition was studied using tyrosinase catalyzed congener protein and optimized the temporally controlled conjugation with (1R,8S,9s)-Bicyclo[6.1.0]non-4-yn-9-ylmethanol. Then, the feasibility of tyrosinase-treated congener annexin A5 with easily reactive quinone functional moiety was conjugated with fluorescent tag dibenzocyclooctyne-PEG4-TAMRA for labeling of apoptotic cells. Thus, the congener proteins-based products demonstrate selective cell labeling and apoptosis detection in EA.hy926 cells even after the protein modifications. Hence, genetic code engineering can be coupled with click chemistry to develop various protein-based fluorescent labels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustine George
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, India
| | - Mohan Indhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Sundarapandian Ashokraj
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Ganesh Shanmugam
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, India; Division of Organic and Bio-Organic Chemistry, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, India
| | - Ponesakki Ganesan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, India
| | - Numbi Ramudu Kamini
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, India
| | - Niraikulam Ayyadurai
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India.
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Salam SA, Mostafa F, Alnamshan MM, Elshewemi SS, Sorour JM. Thymoquinone ameliorates age-related hearing loss in C57BL/6J mice by modulating Sirt1 activity and Bak1 expression. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 143:112149. [PMID: 34507120 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (AHL) is the most common sensory disorder of aged population. Currently, one of the most important sources of experimental medicine for AHL is medicinal plants. This study performed the first investigation of the effect of thymoquinone (TQ), a potent antioxidant, on AHL. Here, we used inbred C57BL/6J mice (B6 mice) as a successful experimental model of the early onset of AHL. The behavioral assessment of hearing revealed that the injection of a high dose of TQ (40 mg/kg; TQ40) significantly improved the auditory sensitivity of B6 mice at all tested frequencies (8, 16 and 22 kHz). Histological sections of cochlea from B6 mice injected with a low dose (20 mg/kg; TQ20) and high dose showed relatively less degenerative signs in the modiolus, hair cells and spiral ligaments, the main constituents of the cochlea. In addition, TQ40 completely restored the normal pattern of hair cells in B6 mice, as shown in scanning electron micrographs. Our data indicated that TQ20 and TQ40 reduced levels of Bak1-mediated apoptosis in the cochlea of B6 mice. Interestingly, the level of Sirt1, a positive regulator of autophagy, was significantly increased in B6 mice administered TQ40. In conclusion, TQ relieves the symptoms of AHL by downregulating Bak1 and activating Sirt1 in the cochlea of B6 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherine Abdel Salam
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt.
| | - Fatma Mostafa
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt.
| | - Mashael M Alnamshan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Salma S Elshewemi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt.
| | - Jehan M Sorour
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt.
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Kim D, Lee Y, Kim HR, Park YJ, Hwang H, Rhim H, Kang T, Choi CW, Lee B, Kim MS. Hypothalamic administration of sargahydroquinoic acid elevates peripheral thermogenic signaling and ameliorates high fat diet-induced obesity through the sympathetic nervous system. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21315. [PMID: 34716371 PMCID: PMC8556287 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00074-3] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Sargassum serratifolium (C. Agardh) C.Agardh, a marine brown alga, has been consumed as a food and traditional medicine in Asia. A previous study showed that the meroterpenoid-rich fraction of an ethanolic extract of S. serratifolium (MES) induced adipose tissue browning and suppressed diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome when orally supplemented. Sargahydroquinoic acid (SHQA) is a major component of MES. However, it is unclear whether SHQA regulates energy homeostasis through the central nervous system. To examine this, SHQA was administrated through the third ventricle in the hypothalamus in high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6 mice and investigated its effects on energy homeostasis. Chronic administration of SHQA into the brain reduced body weight without a change in food intake and improved metabolic syndrome-related phenotypes. Cold experiments and biochemical analyses indicated that SHQA elevated thermogenic signaling pathways, as evidenced by an increase in body temperature and UCP1 signaling in white and brown adipose tissues. Peripheral denervation experiments using 6-OHDA indicated that the SHQA-induced anti-obesity effect is mediated by the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, possibly by regulating genes associated with sympathetic outflow and GABA signaling pathways. In conclusion, hypothalamic injection of SHQA elevates peripheral thermogenic signaling and ameliorates diet-induced obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doyeon Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuna Lee
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeung-Rak Kim
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeo Jin Park
- Korea Medicine (KM) Application Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea
- Korean Convergence Medicine, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34504, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongik Hwang
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyewhon Rhim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Taek Kang
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Chun Whan Choi
- Natural Product Research Team, Gyeonggi Biocenter, Gyeonggido Business and Science Accelerator, Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Bonggi Lee
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min Soo Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.
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50
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Yoon JH, Youn K, Jun M. Protective effect of sargahydroquinoic acid against Aβ 25-35-evoked damage via PI3K/Akt mediated Nrf2 antioxidant defense system. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112271. [PMID: 34619494 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss and cognitive impairment. β-Amyloid (Aβ) is widely accepted as the main neurotoxin that triggers mitochondrial-associated oxidative stress, leading to neuronal death in AD. Following our preliminary research on the neuroprotective effects of the brown alga Sargassum serratifolium, its major compounds, including sargaquinoic acid, sargahydroquinoic acid (SHQA), and sargachromenol, were investigated to elucidate the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties of Aβ25-35-stimulated PC12 cells. SHQA exhibited the most potent effect on Aβ-induced mitochondrial-associated oxidative stress and apoptosis. In addition, the compound enhanced the expression and translocation of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), while reducing the expression of cytoplasmic Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Furthermore, the compound upregulated the expression of Nrf2-regulated antioxidant enzymes, including HO-1, NQO1, GCLc, GCLm, and TrxR1. Co-treatment with SHQA and LY294002, a specific PI3K inhibitor, inhibited nuclear Nrf2 expression and Akt phosphorylation, demonstrating that SHQA-mediated Nrf2 activation was directly associated with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Mechanistic studies indicate that activation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway is the molecular basis for the neuroprotective effects of SHQA. In silico docking simulation revealed that SHQA established specific interactions with the key amino acid residues of PI3K, Akt, and Nrf2-Keap1 via hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions, which may affect the biological capacities of target markers. Overall, this is the first report of this novel mechanism of SHQA as a Nrf2 activator against Aβ-mediated oxidative damage, suggesting that the compound might be a potential agent for the prevention of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Hyun Yoon
- Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kumju Youn
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mira Jun
- Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea; Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea; Institute of Convergence Bio-Health, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea.
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