Exploring the Anticancer Activity of Tamoxifen-Based Metal Complexes Targeting Mitochondria

Two new 'hybrid' metallodrugs of Au(III) (AuTAML) and Cu(II) (CuTAML) were designed featuring a tamoxifen-derived pharmacophore to ideally synergize the anticancer activity of both the metal center and the organic ligand. The compounds have antiproliferative effects against human MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells. Molecular dynamics studies suggest that the compounds retain the binding activity to estrogen receptor (ERα). In vitro and in silico studies showed that the Au(III) derivative is an inhibitor of the seleno-enzyme thioredoxin reductase, while the Cu(II) complex may act as an oxidant of different intracellular thiols. In breast cancer cells treated with the compounds, a redox imbalance characterized by a decrease in total thiols and increased reactive oxygen species production was detected. Despite their different reactivities and cytotoxic potencies, a great capacity of the metal complexes to induce mitochondrial damage was observed as shown by their effects on mitochondrial respiration, membrane potential, and morphology.

Nrf2-Activating Bioactive Peptides Exert Anti-Inflammatory Activity through Inhibition of the NF-κB Pathway

Redox status and inflammation are related to the pathogenesis of the majority of diseases. Therefore, understanding the role of specific food-derived molecules in the regulation of their specific pathways is a relevant issue. Our previous studies indicated that K-8-K and S-10-S, milk and soy-derived bioactive peptides, respectively, exert antioxidant effects through activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. A crosstalk between Nrf2 and NF-κB, mediated by the action of heme oxygenase (HO-1), is well known. On this basis, we studied if these peptides, in addition to their antioxidant activity, could exert anti-inflammatory effects in human cells. First, we observed an increase of HO-1 expression in Caco-2 cells treated with K-8-K and S-10-S, following the activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. Moreover, when cells are treated with the two peptides and stimulated by TNF-α, the levels of NF-κB in the nucleus decreased in comparison with TNF-α alone. In the same conditions, we observed the downregulation of the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL1B, IL6, and TNF), while the anti-inflammatory cytokine gene, IL1RN, was upregulated in Caco-2 cells processed as reported above. Then, when the cells were pretreated with the two peptides and stimulated with LPS, a different proinflammatory factor, (TNF-α) was estimated to have a lower secretion in the supernatant of cells. In conclusion, these observations confirmed that Nrf2-activating bioactive peptides, K-8-K and S-10-S, exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.

Mitochondrial depletion of glutaredoxin 2 induces metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in mice

Glutaredoxin 2 (Grx2) is a glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase that facilitates glutathionylation/de-glutathionylation of target proteins. The main variants of Grx2 are the mitochondrial Grx2a and the cytosolic Grx2c. The aim of this study was to investigate the specific role of mitochondrial Grx2 in vivo using a mitochondrial Grx2 depleted (mGD) mouse model. mGD mice displayed an altered mitochondrial morphology and functioning. Furthermore, the lack of Grx2 in the mitochondrial compartment is responsible for increased blood lipid levels under a normal diet, a metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) phenotype and a decreased glycogen storage capacity. In addition, depleting Grx2a leads to an alteration in abundance and in glutathionylation pattern of different mitochondrial enzymes, highlighting the selective role of Grx2 in the regulation of metabolic pathways. Overall, our findings identify the involvement of mitochondrial Grx2a in the regulation of cell metabolism and highlight a previously unknown association between Grx2 and MAFLD.

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Mitochondrial Grx2 depleted (mGD) mice display mitochondrial impairment.

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mGD mice show alterations in lipid metabolism and glycogen storage in the liver.

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Upon Grx2 deficiency the glutathionylation pattern of metabolic enzymes changes

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Mitochondrial Grx2 depletion is associated with MAFLD development

New Platinum(II) Complexes Affecting Different Biomolecular Targets in Resistant Ovarian Carcinoma Cells

Resistance to platinum-based anticancer drugs represents an important limit for their clinical effectiveness and one of the most important field of investigation in the context of platinum compounds. From our previous studies, PtII complexes containing the triphenylphosphino moiety have been emerging as promising agents, showing significant cytotoxicity to resistant ovarian carcinoma cells. Two brominated triphenylphosphino trans-platinum derivatives were prepared and evaluated on human tumor cell lines, sensitive and resistant to cisplatin. The new complexes exert a notable antiproliferative effect on resistant ovarian carcinoma cells, showing a remarkable intracellular accumulation and the ability to interact with different intracellular targets. The interaction with DNA, the collapse of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and the impairment of intracellular redox state were demonstrated. Moreover, a selectivity towards the selenocysteine of thioredoxin reductase was observed. The mechanism of action is discussed with regard to the resistance phenomenon in ovarian carcinoma cells.

The Determining Role of Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Monoamine Oxidase Activity in Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Aims: Doxorubicin cardiomyopathy is a lethal pathology characterized by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and contractile impairment, leading to cell death. Although extensive research has been done to understand the pathophysiology of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy, no effective treatments are available. We investigated whether monoamine oxidases (MAOs) could be involved in doxorubicin-derived oxidative stress, and in the consequent mitochondrial, cardiomyocyte, and cardiac dysfunction. Results: We used neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) and adult mouse ventricular myocytes (AMVMs). Doxorubicin alone (i.e., 0.5 μM doxorubicin) or in combination with H₂O₂ induced an increase in mitochondrial formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was prevented by the pharmacological inhibition of MAOs in both NRVMs and AMVMs. The pharmacological approach was supported by the genetic ablation of MAO-A in NRVMs. In addition, doxorubicin-derived ROS caused lipid peroxidation and alterations in mitochondrial function (i.e., mitochondrial membrane potential, permeability transition, redox potential), mitochondrial morphology (i.e., mitochondrial distribution and perimeter), sarcomere organization, intracellular [Ca²⁺] homeostasis, and eventually cell death. All these dysfunctions were abolished by MAO inhibition. Of note, in vivo MAO inhibition prevented chamber dilation and cardiac dysfunction in doxorubicin-treated mice. Innovation and Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the severe oxidative stress induced by doxorubicin requires the involvement of MAOs, which modulate mitochondrial ROS generation. MAO inhibition provides evidence that mitochondrial ROS formation is causally linked to all disorders caused by doxorubicin in vitro and in vivo. Based upon these results, MAO inhibition represents a novel therapeutic approach for doxorubicin cardiomyopathy.

Comparative analysis of the antioxidant capacity and lipid and protein oxidation of soy and oats beverages

Abstract

Soy (Glycine max) and oats (Avena sativa) are plant sources used in milk-alternative beverages. However, protein and lipid constituents of these food matrices can undergo alterations during the storage. In this work, a commercial formulation of soy and oat-based beverages were comparatively evaluated. During the 12 months of shelf life and two following months, their phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl formation and protein breakdown were assessed. Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of soy and oat-based beverages were maintained during the entire period of 14 months. Both beverages did not show any increase in spontaneous lipid peroxidation beyond the basal level, however, due to the different content of unsaturated fats, when lipid peroxidation was stimulated, soy exhibited a major peroxidizability with respect to oat beverage. Oxidative alteration of proteins, estimated as carbonyl group formation, presented no increase with respect to the basal levels both in soy and oat beverages for all 14 months. Finally, soy proteins showed a gradual increase of proteolytic activity up until half of the shelf life, while oat did not show significant changes in protein fragmentation. In conclusion, both soy and oat beverages resulted oxidatively stable throughout their storage. We suggest that phytochemicals might guarantee the oxidative stability of the product, possibly in combination with antioxidant bioactive peptides, which already have well-known benefits on human health.

Graphical abstract

Identification of New Peptides from Fermented Milk Showing Antioxidant Properties: Mechanism of Action

Due to their beneficial properties, fermented foods are considered important constituents of the human diet. They also contain bioactive peptides, health-promoting compounds studied for a wide range of effects. In this work, several antioxidant peptides extracted from fermented milk proteins were investigated. First, enriched peptide fractions were purified and analysed for their antioxidant capacity in vitro and in a cellular model. Subsequently, from the most active fractions, 23 peptides were identified by mass spectrometry MS/MS), synthesized and tested. Peptides N-15-M, E-11-F, Q-14-R and A-17-E were selected for their antioxidant effects on Caco-2 cells both in the protection against oxidative stress and inhibition of ROS production. To define their action mechanism, the activation of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Keap1/Nrf2) pathway was studied evaluating the translocation of Nrf2 from cytosol to nucleus. In cells treated with N-15-M, Q-14-R and A-17-E, a higher amount of Nrf2 was found in the nucleus with respect to the control. In addition, the three active peptides, through the activation of Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, led to overexpression and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes. Molecular docking analysis confirmed the potential ability of N-15-M, Q-14-R and A-17-E to bind Keap1, showing their destabilizing effect on Keap1/Nrf2 interaction.

Antioxidant Properties of Fermented Soy during Shelf Life

Glycine max (soybean) is a fundamental food in human nutrition, largely utilized by the consumers, and in particular, fermented soy is mainly used. However, health benefits of the products can change during the shelf life as oxidation processes occur determining alterations of protein and lipid constituents leading to a decrease of nutritional quality. Therefore, the oxidative stability of the fermented soy during the shelf life was studied. The antioxidant potential of this product was evaluated by estimating total phenols, free radical scavenger activity using DPPH and ABTS tests, and the degree of lipid peroxidation, from I up to IX weeks. The antioxidant capacity after an initial decrease, increased again at VII-IX weeks. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated by comparing non fermented and fermented soy. The results disclosed a low amount of peroxides in the fermented soy, suggesting that fermentation brings to an improvement of the product associated to a decreased lipid peroxidation at longer times. Fractions of aqueous extract, obtained at the end of the shelf life from fermented soy, showed an enrichment in antioxidant peptides.

Insight into antioxidant properties of milk-derived bioactive peptides in vitro and in a cellular model

Milk is a nutritionally important source of bioactive peptides with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. These compounds can be useful as ingredients of functional food. For this reason, in the last decades, bioactive peptides attracted the interest of researchers and food companies. In this work, the results obtained with six milk-derived bioactive peptides (Y-4-R, V-6-R, V-7-K, A-10-F, R-10-M, and H-9-M) synthesized and studied for their antioxidant properties in vitro and in a cellular model, are reported. These molecules correspond to peptide fragments derived from parent compounds able to cross the apical membrane of Caco-2 cell layer and released in the basolateral compartment. In vitro, antioxidant tests such as 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and crocin bleaching showed antioxidant activity mainly for peptides Y-4-R and V-6-R, respectively. In Caco-2 cells, peptides V-6-R, H-9-R, Y-4-R, and particularly R-10-M and V-7-K are able to prevent the decrease of viability due to oxidative stress. The latter peptide is also the most effective in protecting cells from lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, the reported hydrolyzed peptides are shown to exert the antioxidant properties both in vitro and in a cellular model.

Dimers of glutaredoxin 2 as mitochondrial redox sensors in selenite-induced oxidative stress

Grx2 coordinates an iron–sulfur cluster, forming inactive dimers. In mitochondria, Grx2 monomerization, after oxidative stress, determines iron release triggering apoptosis.

Significance of the mitochondrial thioredoxin reductase in cancer cells: An update on role, targets and inhibitors

Thioredoxin reductase 2 (TrxR2) is a key component of the mitochondrial thioredoxin system able to transfer electrons to peroxiredoxin 3 (Prx3) in a reaction mediated by thioredoxin 2 (Trx2). In this way, both the level of hydrogen peroxide and thiol redox state are modulated. TrxR2 is often overexpressed in cancer cells conferring apoptosis resistance. Due to their exposed flexible arm containing selenocysteine, both cytosolic and mitochondrial TrxRs are inhibited by a large number of molecules. The various classes of inhibitors are listed and the molecules acting specifically on TrxR2 are extensively described. Particular emphasis is given to gold(I/III) complexes with phosphine, carbene or other ligands and to tamoxifen-like metallocifens. Also chemically unrelated organic molecules, including natural compounds and their derivatives, are taken into account. An important feature of many TrxR2 inhibitors is provided by their nature of delocalized lipophilic cations that allows their accumulation in mitochondria exploiting the organelle membrane potential. The consequences of TrxR2 inhibition are presented focusing especially on the impact on mitochondrial pathophysiology. Inhibition of TrxR2, by hindering the activity of Trx2 and Prx3, increases the mitochondrial concentration of reactive oxygen species and shifts the thiol redox state toward a more oxidized condition. This is reflected by alterations of specific targets involved in the release of pro-apoptotic factors such as cyclophilin D which acts as a regulator of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Therefore, the selective inhibition of TrxR2 could be utilized to induce cancer cell apoptosis.

Tamoxifen-like metallocifens target the thioredoxin system determining mitochondrial impairment leading to apoptosis in Jurkat cells

Tamoxifen-like metallocifens (TLMs) of the group-8 metals (Fe, Ru, and Os) show strong anti-proliferative activity on cancer cell lines resistant to apoptosis, owing to their unique redox properties. In contrast, the thioredoxin system, which is involved in cellular redox balance, is often overexpressed in cancer cells, especially in tumour types resistant to standard chemotherapies. Therefore, we investigated the effect of these three TLMs on the thioredoxin system and evaluated the input of the metallocene unit in comparison with structurally related organic tamoxifens. In vitro, all three TLMs became strong inhibitors of the cytosolic (TrxR1) and mitochondrial (TrxR2) isoforms of thioredoxin reductase after enzymatic oxidation with HRP/H₂O₂ while none of the organic analogues was effective. In Jurkat cells, TLMs inhibited mainly TrxR2, resulting in the accumulation of oxidized thioredoxin 2 and cell redox imbalance. Overproduction of ROS resulted in a strong decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential, translocation of cytochrome c to the cytosol and activation of caspase 3, thus leading to apoptosis. None of these events occurred with organic tamoxifens. The mitochondrial fraction of cells exposed to TLMs contained a high amount of the corresponding metal, as quantified by ICP-OES. The lipophilic and cationic character associated with the singular redox properties of the TLMs could explain why they alter the mitochondrial function. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of action of tamoxifen-like metallocifens, underlying their prodrug behaviour and the pivotal role played by the metallocenic entity in their cytotoxic activity associated with the induction of apoptosis.

Milk-derived bioactive peptides protect against oxidative stress in a Caco-2 cell model

Milk-derived bioactive peptides are able to prevent oxidative stress in Caco-2 cell model.

Oxidative changes in lipids, proteins, and antioxidants in yogurt during the shelf life

Oxidation processes in milk and yogurt during the shelf life can result in an alteration of protein and lipid constituents. Therefore, the antioxidant properties of yogurt in standard conditions of preservation were evaluated. Total phenols, free radical scavenger activity, degree of lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation were determined in plain and skim yogurts with or without fruit puree. After production, plain, skim, plain berries, and skim berries yogurts were compared during the shelf life up to 9 weeks. All types of yogurts revealed a basal antioxidant activity that was higher when a fruit puree was present but gradually decreased during the shelf life. However, after 5–8 weeks, antioxidant activity increased again. Both in plain and berries yogurts lipid peroxidation increased until the seventh week of shelf life and after decreased, whereas protein oxidation of all yogurts was similar either in the absence or presence of berries and increased during shelf life. During the shelf life, a different behavior between lipid and protein oxidation takes place and the presence of berries determines a protection only against lipid peroxidation.

Enzymatic oxidation of ansa-ferrocifen leads to strong and selective thioredoxin reductase inhibition in vitro

This paper reports the inhibitory effect on the cytosolic thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1) in vitro by the ansa-ferrocifen derivative (ansa-FcdiOH, 1). We found that 1 decreased only slightly enzyme activity (IC₅₀=8μM), while 1*, the species generated by enzymatic oxidation by the HRP (horseradish peroxidase)/H₂O₂ mixture, strongly inhibited TrxR1 (IC₅₀=0.15μM). At the same concentrations, neither 1 nor 1* had effect on glutathione reductase (GR). The most potent TrxR1 inhibitor did not appear to be the corresponding quinone methide as it was the case for ferrocifens of the acyclic series, or the stabilized carbocation as in the osmocifen series, but rather the quinone methide radical. This hypothesis was confirmed by ab-initio calculations of the species generated by oxidation of 1 and by EPR spectroscopy. BIAM (biotin-conjugated iodoacetamide) assay showed that 1* targeted both cysteine and selenocysteine of the C-terminal redox center of TrxR1.

Mitochondrial Thioredoxin System as a Modulator of Cyclophilin D Redox State

The mitochondrial thioredoxin system (NADPH, thioredoxin reductase, thioredoxin) is a major redox regulator. Here we have investigated the redox correlation between this system and the mitochondrial enzyme cyclophilin D. The peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase activity of cyclophilin D was stimulated by the thioredoxin system, while it was decreased by cyclosporin A and the thioredoxin reductase inhibitor auranofin. The redox state of cyclophilin D, thioredoxin 1 and 2 and peroxiredoxin 3 was measured in isolated rat heart mitochondria and in tumor cell lines (CEM-R and HeLa) by redox Western blot analysis upon inhibition of thioredoxin reductase with auranofin, arsenic trioxide, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene or after treatment with hydrogen peroxide. A concomitant oxidation of thioredoxin, peroxiredoxin and cyclophilin D was observed, suggesting a redox communication between the thioredoxin system and cyclophilin. This correlation was further confirmed by i) co-immunoprecipitation assay of cyclophilin D with thioredoxin 2 and peroxiredoxin 3, ii) molecular modeling and iii) depleting thioredoxin reductase by siRNA. We conclude that the mitochondrial thioredoxin system controls the redox state of cyclophilin D which, in turn, may act as a regulator of several processes including ROS production and pro-apoptotic factors release.

Toward anticancer gold-based compounds targeting PARP-1: a new case study

A new gold(iii) complex bearing a 2-((2,2′-bipyridin)-5-yl)-1H-benzimidazol-4-carboxamide ligand has been synthesized and characterized for its biological properties in vitro.

Insights into the strong in-vitro anticancer effects for bis(triphenylphosphane)iminium compounds having perchlorate, tetrafluoridoborate and bis(chlorido)argentate anions

Three new compounds containing the bis(triphenylphosphane)iminium cation (PPN(+)) with ClO4(-), BF4(-) and [AgCl2](-) as counter anions have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The two derivatives with ClO4(-) and BF4(-) were found to be isostructural by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Interestingly, the three compounds show extremely potent antiproliferative effects against the human cancer cell line SKOV3. To gain insights into the possible mechanisms of biological action, several intracellular targets have been considered. Thus, DNA binding has been evaluated, as well as the effects of the compounds on the mitochondrial function. Furthermore, the compounds have been tested as possible inhibitors of the seleno-enzyme thioredoxin reductase.