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Fong ZW, Tang RMY, Cheah IKM, Leow DMK, Chen L, Halliwell B. Ergothioneine and mitochondria: An important protective mechanism? Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 726:150269. [PMID: 38909533 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in a wide range of human disorders including many neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, cancers, and respiratory disorders. Studies have suggested the potential of l-ergothioneine (ET), a unique dietary thione, to prevent mitochondrial damage and improve disease outcome. Despite this, no studies have definitively demonstrated uptake of ET into mitochondria. Moreover, the expression of the known ET transporter, OCTN1, on the mitochondria remains controversial. In this study, we utilise mass spectrometry to demonstrate direct ET uptake in isolated mitochondria as well as its presence in mitochondria isolated from ET-treated cells and animals. Mitochondria isolated from OCTN1 knockout mice tissues, have impaired but still detectable ET uptake, raising the possibility of alternative transporter(s) which may facilitate ET uptake into the mitochondria. Our data confirm that ET can enter mitochondria, providing a basis for further work on ET in the prevention of mitochondrial dysfunction in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Weijie Fong
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117596, Singapore; Neurobiology Research Programme, Life Sciences Institute, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117456, Singapore; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Richard Ming Yi Tang
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117596, Singapore; Neurobiology Research Programme, Life Sciences Institute, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
| | - Irwin Kee-Mun Cheah
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117596, Singapore; Neurobiology Research Programme, Life Sciences Institute, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
| | - Damien Meng Kiat Leow
- Neurobiology Research Programme, Life Sciences Institute, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117456, Singapore; Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 4 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117594, Singapore
| | - Lucrecia Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117596, Singapore; Neurobiology Research Programme, Life Sciences Institute, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
| | - Barry Halliwell
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117596, Singapore; Neurobiology Research Programme, Life Sciences Institute, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117456, Singapore.
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2
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Alves LDF, Moore JB, Kell DB. The Biology and Biochemistry of Kynurenic Acid, a Potential Nutraceutical with Multiple Biological Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9082. [PMID: 39201768 PMCID: PMC11354673 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25169082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an antioxidant degradation product of tryptophan that has been shown to have a variety of cytoprotective, neuroprotective and neuronal signalling properties. However, mammalian transporters and receptors display micromolar binding constants; these are consistent with its typically micromolar tissue concentrations but far above its serum/plasma concentration (normally tens of nanomolar), suggesting large gaps in our knowledge of its transport and mechanisms of action, in that the main influx transporters characterized to date are equilibrative, not concentrative. In addition, it is a substrate of a known anion efflux pump (ABCC4), whose in vivo activity is largely unknown. Exogeneous addition of L-tryptophan or L-kynurenine leads to the production of KYNA but also to that of many other co-metabolites (including some such as 3-hydroxy-L-kynurenine and quinolinic acid that may be toxic). With the exception of chestnut honey, KYNA exists at relatively low levels in natural foodstuffs. However, its bioavailability is reasonable, and as the terminal element of an irreversible reaction of most tryptophan degradation pathways, it might be added exogenously without disturbing upstream metabolism significantly. Many examples, which we review, show that it has valuable bioactivity. Given the above, we review its potential utility as a nutraceutical, finding it significantly worthy of further study and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana de Fátima Alves
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Building 220, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - J. Bernadette Moore
- School of Food Science & Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Douglas B. Kell
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Building 220, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
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3
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Seko T, Uchida H, Sato Y, Imamura S, Ishihara K, Yamashita Y, Yamashita M. Selenoneine Is Methylated in the Bodies of Mice and then Excreted in Urine as Se-Methylselenoneine. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:3672-3685. [PMID: 37932617 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03936-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Oral intake of purified selenoneine and seafoods has been reported to result in selenoneine accumulation in erythrocytes in mice and human. In addition, Se-methylselenoneine was suggested to be produced as a metabolite of selenoneine in the urine and whole blood of humans. In order to confirm the molecular mechanism of production of Se-methylselenoneine, a stable isotope (Se-76) labeled selenoneine was biosynthesized using genetically modified fission yeast and administered to mice. The Se-76-labeled Se-methylselenoneine was detected in urine but Se-78 and Se-80-labeled Se-methylselenoneine arising from natural isotopes of Se was hardly detected. These results suggest that Se-methylselenoneine was a metabolite and the excreted form of selenoneine. The methylation of selenoneine in mice administered selenoneine continuously was evaluated by the analyses of organs using an online liquid chromatograph system with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LC-ICP-MS). These experiments indicate that selenoneine is methylated in the liver and (or) kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Seko
- Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-8648, Japan.
| | - Hajime Uchida
- Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-8648, Japan
| | - Yoko Sato
- Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-8648, Japan
| | - Shintaro Imamura
- Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-8648, Japan
| | - Kenji Ishihara
- Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-8648, Japan
| | - Yumiko Yamashita
- Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-8648, Japan
| | - Michiaki Yamashita
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National Fisheries University, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Yamaguchi, 759-6595, Japan
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4
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Thomas TA, Francis RO, Zimring JC, Kao JP, Nemkov T, Spitalnik SL. The Role of Ergothioneine in Red Blood Cell Biology: A Review and Perspective. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:717. [PMID: 38929156 PMCID: PMC11200860 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress can damage tissues and cells, and their resilience or susceptibility depends on the robustness of their antioxidant mechanisms. The latter include small molecules, proteins, and enzymes, which are linked together in metabolic pathways. Red blood cells are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress due to their large number of hemoglobin molecules, which can undergo auto-oxidation. This yields reactive oxygen species that participate in Fenton chemistry, ultimately damaging their membranes and cytosolic constituents. Fortunately, red blood cells contain robust antioxidant systems to enable them to circulate and perform their physiological functions, particularly delivering oxygen and removing carbon dioxide. Nonetheless, if red blood cells have insufficient antioxidant reserves (e.g., due to genetics, diet, disease, or toxin exposure), this can induce hemolysis in vivo or enhance susceptibility to a "storage lesion" in vitro, when blood donations are refrigerator-stored for transfusion purposes. Ergothioneine, a small molecule not synthesized by mammals, is obtained only through the diet. It is absorbed from the gut and enters cells using a highly specific transporter (i.e., SLC22A4). Certain cells and tissues, particularly red blood cells, contain high ergothioneine levels. Although no deficiency-related disease has been identified, evidence suggests ergothioneine may be a beneficial "nutraceutical." Given the requirements of red blood cells to resist oxidative stress and their high ergothioneine content, this review discusses ergothioneine's potential importance in protecting these cells and identifies knowledge gaps regarding its relevance in enhancing red blood cell circulatory, storage, and transfusion quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany A. Thomas
- Laboratory of Transfusion Biology, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (T.A.T.)
| | - Richard O. Francis
- Laboratory of Transfusion Biology, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (T.A.T.)
| | - James C. Zimring
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Joseph P. Kao
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Travis Nemkov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO 80203, USA
| | - Steven L. Spitalnik
- Laboratory of Transfusion Biology, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (T.A.T.)
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5
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Tian X, Guo J, Gu C, Wang H, Wang D, Liao Y, Zhu S, Zhao M, Gu Z. Ergothioneine-Sodium Hyaluronate Dressing: A Promising Approach for Protecting against Radiation-Induced Skin Injury. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:29917-29929. [PMID: 38813785 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c05416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Radiotherapy commonly causes damage to healthy tissues, particularly radiation-induced skin injury (RISI) that affects a significant majority of patients undergoing radiotherapy. Effective treatments for RISI are lacking. This study focuses on the pathogenesis of RISI, which primarily involves oxidative stress. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation during radiation induces damage to biological macromolecules, triggering oxidative stress and inflammation. To address this, ergothioneine (EGT), a natural and biocompatibile thiol compound with excellent antioxidant activity, is explored as a potential radiation-protective agent. By utilizing its specific transport and absorption in the skin tissue, as well as its efficient and stable clearance of radiation-induced "ROS storm", EGT is combined with sodium hyaluronate (NaHA) to develop a novel radiation protective dressing suitable for the skin. This EGT-NaHA dressing demonstrates an effective ability to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo, reducing cellular apoptosis and inflammation. These results demonstrate the protective properties of EGT against RISI, with far-reaching implications for research and development in the field of radioprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Tian
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of High Energy Physics and National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junsong Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of High Energy Physics and National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chenglu Gu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of High Energy Physics and National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of High Energy Physics and National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of High Energy Physics and National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - You Liao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of High Energy Physics and National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuang Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of High Energy Physics and National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Maoru Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of High Energy Physics and National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhanjun Gu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of High Energy Physics and National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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6
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Leow DMK, Cheah IKM, Chen L, Ng YK, Yeo CJJ, Halliwell B, Ong WY. Ergothioneine-Mediated Neuroprotection of Human iPSC-Derived Dopaminergic Neurons. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:693. [PMID: 38929132 PMCID: PMC11200999 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell death involving oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction is a major cause of dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra (SN) of Parkinson's disease patients. Ergothioneine (ET), a natural dietary compound, has been shown to have cytoprotective functions, but neuroprotective actions against PD have not been well established. 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) is a widely used neurotoxin to simulate the degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in Parkinson's disease. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of ET on 6-OHDA treated iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons (iDAs) and further confirmed the protective effects in 6-OHDA-treated human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. In 6-OHDA-treated cells, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS), reduced cellular ATP levels, and increased total protein carbonylation levels were observed. 6-OHDA treatment also significantly decreased tyrosine hydroxylase levels. These effects were significantly decreased when ET was present. Verapamil hydrochloride (VHCL), a non-specific inhibitor of the ET transporter OCTN1 abrogated ET's cytoprotective effects, indicative of an intracellular action. These results suggest that ET could be a potential therapeutic for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Meng-Kiat Leow
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117594, Singapore
- Neurobiology Research Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Irwin Kee-Mun Cheah
- Neurobiology Research Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
| | - Lucrecia Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117594, Singapore
- Neurobiology Research Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Yang-Kai Ng
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117594, Singapore
- Neurobiology Research Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Crystal Jing-Jing Yeo
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore
- National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), Singapore 308433, Singapore
- Institute of Education in Healthcare and Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB51 7HA, UK
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60611, USA
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Barry Halliwell
- Neurobiology Research Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
| | - Wei-Yi Ong
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117594, Singapore
- Neurobiology Research Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
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Ben Mariem O, Palazzolo L, Torre B, Wei Y, Bianchi D, Guerrini U, Laurenzi T, Saporiti S, De Fabiani E, Pochini L, Indiveri C, Eberini I. Atomistic description of the OCTN1 recognition mechanism via in silico methods. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304512. [PMID: 38829838 PMCID: PMC11146731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The Organic Cation Transporter Novel 1 (OCTN1), also known as SLC22A4, is widely expressed in various human tissues, and involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes remains. It facilitates the transport of organic cations, zwitterions, with selectivity for positively charged solutes. Ergothioneine, an antioxidant compound, and acetylcholine (Ach) are among its substrates. Given the lack of experimentally solved structures of this protein, this study aimed at generating a reliable 3D model of OCTN1 to shed light on its substrate-binding preferences and the role of sodium in substrate recognition and transport. A chimeric model was built by grafting the large extracellular loop 1 (EL1) from an AlphaFold-generated model onto a homology model. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed domain-specific mobility, with EL1 exhibiting the highest impact on overall stability. Molecular docking simulations identified cytarabine and verapamil as highest affinity ligands, consistent with their known inhibitory effects on OCTN1. Furthermore, MM/GBSA analysis allowed the categorization of substrates into weak, good, and strong binders, with molecular weight strongly correlating with binding affinity to the recognition site. Key recognition residues, including Tyr211, Glu381, and Arg469, were identified through interaction analysis. Ach demonstrated a low interaction energy, supporting the hypothesis of its one-directional transport towards to outside of the membrane. Regarding the role of sodium, our model suggested the involvement of Glu381 in sodium binding. Molecular dynamics simulations of systems at increasing levels of Na+ concentrations revealed increased sodium occupancy around Glu381, supporting experimental data associating Na+ concentration to molecule transport. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the 3D structure of OCTN1, its substrate-binding preferences, and the role of sodium in the recognition. These findings contribute to the understanding of OCTN1 involvement in various physiological and pathological processes and may have implications for drug development and disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Ben Mariem
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Palazzolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Torre
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Yao Wei
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Bianchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Uliano Guerrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Laurenzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Saporiti
- Analytical Excellence and Program Management, Merck Serono S.p.A., Rome, Italy
| | - Emma De Fabiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra, Università della Calabria, Arcavacata CS, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra, Università della Calabria, Arcavacata CS, Italy
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), Bari, Italy
| | - Ivano Eberini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- DSRC, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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8
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Nalivaiko EY, Seebeck FP. A Rhodanese-Like Enzyme that Catalyzes Desulfination of Ergothioneine Sulfinic Acid. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400131. [PMID: 38597743 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Many actinobacterial species contain structural genes for iron-dependent enzymes that consume ergothioneine by way of O2-dependent dioxygenation. The resulting product ergothioneine sulfinic acid is stable under physiological conditions unless cleavage to sulfur dioxide and trimethyl histidine is catalyzed by a dedicated desulfinase. This report documents that two types of ergothioneine sulfinic desulfinases have evolved by convergent evolution. One type is related to metal-dependent decarboxylases while the other belongs to the superfamily of rhodanese-like enzymes. Pairs of ergothioneine dioxygenases (ETDO) and ergothioneine sulfinic acid desulfinase (ETSD) occur in thousands of sequenced actinobacteria, suggesting that oxidative ergothioneine degradation is a common activity in this phylum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egor Y Nalivaiko
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, 4002, Switzerland
| | - Florian P Seebeck
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, 4002, Switzerland
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9
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Ayotte P, Achouba A. Selenium from fish consumption may protect against cognitive impairment: could selenoneine be involved? Am J Clin Nutr 2024; 119:1371-1372. [PMID: 38702111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Ayotte
- From the Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada; Axe Santé des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada; Centre de Toxicologie du Québec, Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Québec, Québec, Canada.
| | - Adel Achouba
- Axe Santé des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
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10
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Halliwell B, Cheah I. Are age-related neurodegenerative diseases caused by a lack of the diet-derived compound ergothioneine? Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 217:60-67. [PMID: 38492784 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
We propose that the diet-derived compound ergothioneine (ET) is an important nutrient in the human body, especially for maintenance of normal brain function, and that low body ET levels predispose humans to significantly increased risks of neurodegenerative (cognitive impairment, dementia, Parkinson's disease) and possibly other age-related diseases (including frailty, cardiovascular disease, and eye disease). Hence, restoring ET levels in the body could assist in mitigating these risks, which are rapidly increasing due to ageing populations globally. Prevention of neurodegeneration is especially important, since by the time dementia is usually diagnosed damage to the brain is extensive and likely irreversible. ET and vitamin E from the diet may act in parallel or even synergistically to protect different parts of the brain; both may be "neuroprotective vitamins". The present article reviews the substantial scientific basis supporting these proposals about the role of ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry Halliwell
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Centre for Life Sciences, #05-01A, 28 Medical Drive, 117456, Singapore.
| | - Irwin Cheah
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Centre for Life Sciences, #05-01A, 28 Medical Drive, 117456, Singapore.
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11
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Bauer MA, Bazard P, Acosta AA, Bangalore N, Elessaway L, Thivierge M, Chellani M, Zhu X, Ding B, Walton JP, Frisina RD. L-Ergothioneine slows the progression of age-related hearing loss in CBA/CaJ mice. Hear Res 2024; 446:109004. [PMID: 38608332 PMCID: PMC11112832 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2024.109004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The naturally occurring amino acid, l-ergothioneine (EGT), has immense potential as a therapeutic, having shown promise in the treatment of other disease models, including neurological disorders. EGT is naturally uptaken into cells via its specific receptor, OCTN1, to be utilized by cells as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. In our current study, EGT was administered over a period of 6 months to 25-26-month-old CBA/CaJ mice as a possible treatment for age-related hearing loss (ARHL), since presbycusis has been linked to higher levels of cochlear oxidative stress, apoptosis, and chronic inflammation. Results from the current study indicate that EGT can prevent aging declines of some key features of ARHL. However, we found a distinct sex difference for the response to the treatments, for hearing - Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABRs) and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs). Males exhibited lower threshold declines in both low dose (LD) and high dose (HD) test groups throughout the testing period and did not display some of the characteristic aging declines in hearing seen in Control animals. In contrast, female mice did not show any therapeutic effects with either treatment dose. Further confirming this sex difference, EGT levels in whole blood sampling throughout the testing period showed greater uptake of EGT in males compared to females. Additionally, RT-PCR results from three tissue types of the inner ear confirmed EGT activity in the cochlea in both males and females. Males and females exhibited significant differences in biomarkers related to apoptosis (Cas-3), inflammation (TNF-a), oxidative stress (SOD2), and mitochondrial health (PGC1a).These changes were more prominent in males as compared to females, especially in stria vascularis tissue. Taken together, these findings suggest that EGT has the potential to be a naturally derived therapeutic for slowing down the progression of ARHL, and possibly other neurodegenerative diseases. EGT, while effective in the treatment of some features of presbycusis in aging males, could also be modified into a general prophylaxis for other age-related disorders where treatment protocols would include eating a larger proportion of EGT-rich foods or supplements. Lastly, the sex difference discovered here, needs further investigation to see if therapeutic conditions can be developed where aging females show better responsiveness to EGT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Bauer
- Department of Medical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA; Global Center for Hearing and Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Parveen Bazard
- Department of Medical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA; Global Center for Hearing and Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Alejandro A Acosta
- School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, 00925 Puerto Rico; Global Center for Hearing and Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Nidhi Bangalore
- Department of Medical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA; Global Center for Hearing and Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Lina Elessaway
- Department of Medical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA; Biomedical Sciences - Dept. of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Global Center for Hearing and Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Mark Thivierge
- Department of Medical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA; Global Center for Hearing and Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Moksheta Chellani
- Department of Medical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA; Global Center for Hearing and Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Department of Medical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA; Global Center for Hearing and Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Bo Ding
- Department of Medical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA; Global Center for Hearing and Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Joseph P Walton
- Department of Medical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA; Department Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Behavioral & Community Sciences, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Global Center for Hearing and Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Robert D Frisina
- Department of Medical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA; Department Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Behavioral & Community Sciences, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Global Center for Hearing and Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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12
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Chen L, Zhang L, Ye X, Deng Z, Zhao C. Ergothioneine and its congeners: anti-ageing mechanisms and pharmacophore biosynthesis. Protein Cell 2024; 15:191-206. [PMID: 37561026 PMCID: PMC10903977 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ergothioneine, Ovothiol, and Selenoneine are sulfur/selenium-containing histidine-derived natural products widely distributed across different organisms. They exhibit significant antioxidant properties, making them as potential lead compounds for promoting health. Increasing evidence suggests that Ergothioneine is positively correlated with healthy ageing and longevity. The mechanisms underlying Ergothioneine's regulation of the ageing process at cellular and molecular levels are beginning to be understood. In this review, we provide an in-depth and extensive coverage of the anti-ageing studies on Ergothioneine and discuss its possible intracellular targeting pathways. In addition, we highlight the recent efforts in elucidating the biosynthetic details for Ergothioneine, Ovothiol, and Selenoneine, with a particular focus on the study of their pharmacophore-forming enzymology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatory Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatory Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xujun Ye
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zixin Deng
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatory Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Changming Zhao
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatory Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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13
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Little M, Achouba A, Ayotte P, Lemire M. Emerging evidence on selenoneine and its public health relevance in coastal populations: a review and case study of dietary Se among Inuit populations in the Canadian Arctic. Nutr Res Rev 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38327212 DOI: 10.1017/s0954422424000039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Selenium is an essential mineral yet both deficiency and excess are associated with adverse health effects. Dietary intake of Se in humans varies greatly between populations due to food availability, dietary preferences, and local geological and ecosystem processes impacting Se accumulation into agricultural products and animal populations. We argue there is a need to evaluate and reconsider the relevance of public health recommendations on Se given recent evidence, including the metabolic pathways and health implications of Se. This argument is particularly pertinent for Inuit populations in Northern Canada, who often exceed dietary tolerable upper intake levels and exhibit very high whole blood Se concentrations due to their dependence on local country foods high in the newly discovered Se compound, selenoneine. Since selenoneine appears to have lower toxicity compared to other Se species and does not contribute to the circulating pools of Se for selenoprotein synthesis, we argue that total dietary Se or total Se in plasma or whole blood are poor indicators of Se adequacy for human health in these populations. Overall, this review provides an overview of the current evidence of Se speciation, deficiency, adequacy, and excess and implications for human health and dietary recommendations, with particular reference to Inuit populations in the Canadian Arctic and other coastal populations consuming marine foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Little
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BCV8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Adel Achouba
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en Santé, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en Santé, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, G1S 4L8, Canada
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, Université Laval, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de Toxicologie du Québec, Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), 945 Avenue Wolfe, Quebec, G1V 5B3, Canada
| | - Mélanie Lemire
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en Santé, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, G1S 4L8, Canada
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, Université Laval, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
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14
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Apparoo Y, Wei Phan C, Rani Kuppusamy U, Chan EWC. Potential role of ergothioneine rich mushroom as anti-aging candidate through elimination of neuronal senescent cells. Brain Res 2024; 1824:148693. [PMID: 38036238 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress can upset the antioxidant balance and cause accelerated aging including neurodegenerative diseases and decline in physiological function. Therefore, an antioxidant-rich diet plays a crucial role in healthy aging. This study aimed to identify and quantify mushrooms with the highest ergothioneine content through HPLC analysis and evaluate their anti-aging potential as a natural antioxidant and antisenescence in HT22 cells. Among the 14 evaluated mushroom species, Lentinula edodes (LE), shiitake mushroom contains the highest ergothioneine content and hence was used for the in-vitro studies. The cells were preincubated with ethanolic extract of ergothioneine-rich mushroom and the equimolar concentration of EGT on t-BHP-induced senescence HT22 cells. The extract was analyzed for its free radical scavenging properties using DPPH and ABTS methods. Then, the neuroprotective effect was conducted by measuring the cell viability using MTT. Senescence-associated markers and ROS staining were also analyzed. Our results revealed that a low dose of t-BHP reduces cell viability and induces senescence in HT22 cells as determined through β-galactosidase staining and expressions of P16INK4a, P21CIPL which are the markers of cellular senescence. However, the pretreatment with ethanolic extract of LE for 8 h significantly improved the cell viability, reversed the t-BHP-induced cellular senescence in the neuronal cells, and reduced the reactive oxygen species visualized through DCFH-DA staining. These results suggest that ergothioneine-rich mushroom is a potential candidate for anti-aging exploration through the elimination of senescent cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaaswini Apparoo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chia Wei Phan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Mushroom Research Centre, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Umah Rani Kuppusamy
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Eric Wei Chiang Chan
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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15
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Pochini L, Barone F, Console L, Brunocilla C, Galluccio M, Scalise M, Indiveri C. OCTN1 (SLC22A4) displays two different transport pathways for organic cations or zwitterions. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2024; 1866:184263. [PMID: 38092232 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2023.184263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND OCTN1 belongs to the SLC22 family, which includes transporters for cationic, zwitterionic, and anionic substrates. OCTN1 function and role in cells are still poorly understood. Not only cations, such as TEA, but also zwitterions, such as carnitine and ergothioneine, figure among transported molecules. METHODS In this work, we carried out transport assays measuring [14C]-TEA and [3H]-Carnitine in proteoliposomes reconstituted with the recombinant human OCTN1 in the presence of Na+ or other cations. The homology model of OCTN1 was built using the structure of OCT3 as a template for docking analysis. RESULTS TEA and carnitine did not inhibit each other. Moreover, carnitine uptake was not affected by the presence of Na+ and TEBA, whereas TEA was strongly inhibited by both compounds. Computational data revealed that TEA, Na+, and carnitine can interact with E381 in the OCTN1 substrate site. Differently from TEA, in the presence of Na+, carnitine is still able to interact with the binding site via R469. CONCLUSIONS The lack of mutual inhibition of the two prototype substrates, the different effect of Na+ and TEBA on their transport reaction, together with the computational analysis supports the existence of two transport pathways for cations and zwitterions. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The results shed new light on the transport mechanisms of OCTN1, helping to get further insights into the structure/function relationships. The described results correlate well with previous and very recent findings on the polyspecificity of the OCT group of transporters belonging to the same family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Pochini
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology, and Molecular Biology, University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 6C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Barone
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology, and Molecular Biology, University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 6C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Lara Console
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology, and Molecular Biology, University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 6C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Chiara Brunocilla
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology, and Molecular Biology, University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 6C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology, and Molecular Biology, University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 6C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology, and Molecular Biology, University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 6C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology, and Molecular Biology, University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 6C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy.
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16
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Achouba A, Dumas P, Ayotte P. Simultaneous determination of ergothioneine, selenoneine, and their methylated metabolites in human blood using ID-LC-MS/MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:7259-7267. [PMID: 37914954 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04994-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Ergothioneine and selenoneine are structurally related dietary antioxidants and cytoprotectants that may help prevent several chronic diseases associated with inflammation and aging. Both compounds share pharmacokinetic characteristics such as cellular uptake through the ergothioneine transporter, accumulation in red blood cells, and biotransformation to methylated metabolites. A rapid, sensitive, specific, precise, and cost-effective analytical method is required to further investigate the potential health benefits of these compounds, individually or combined, in large epidemiological studies. We developed and validated an isotope-dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous specific quantification of these analytes in human blood following a simple sample preparation consisting of dilution in aqueous dithiothreitol followed by centrifugal filtration. Chromatographic separation of the analytes is achieved using a reversed-phase chromatography within an 8-min run. Analyte detection is performed using triple quadrupole mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Each analyte is quantified against its corresponding isotopically labeled internal standard either commercially available or synthesized in-house (77Se-labeled selenoneine compounds). The validated method demonstrates excellent linearity and very good precision (all CV < 10%). Matrix effects are minimal, suggesting that this method could easily be adapted to other matrices. Freeze/thaw cycles have little effect on methylated metabolites but significantly reduced concentrations of the parent compounds. The method was successfully applied to a small set of volunteer blood samples containing low levels of the analytes. The developed ID-LC-MS/MS method opens new avenues for exploring the roles of these bioactive compounds and their metabolites in human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Achouba
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Pierre Dumas
- Centre de toxicologie du Québec, Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), 945 Wolfe, Québec, QC, G1V 5B3, Canada
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, G1S 4L8, Canada.
- Centre de toxicologie du Québec, Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), 945 Wolfe, Québec, QC, G1V 5B3, Canada.
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
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17
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Hondal RJ. Selenium vitaminology: The connection between selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and ergothioneine. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 75:102328. [PMID: 37236134 PMCID: PMC10524500 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Selenium is connected to three small molecule antioxidant compounds, ascorbate, α-tocopherol, and ergothioneine. Ascorbate and α-tocopherol are true vitamins, while ergothioneine is a "vitamin-like" compound. Here we review how selenium is connected to all three. Selenium and vitamin E work together as a team to prevent lipid peroxidation. Vitamin E quenches lipid hydroperoxyl radicals and the resulting lipid hydroperoxide is then converted to the lipid alcohol by selenocysteine-containing glutathione peroxidase. Ascorbate reduces the resulting α-tocopheroxyl radical in this reaction back to α-tocopherol with concomitant production of the ascorbyl radical. The ascorbyl radical can be reduced back to ascorbate by selenocysteine-containing thioredoxin reductase. Ergothioneine and ascorbate are both water soluble, small molecule reductants that can reduce free radicals and redox-active metals. Thioredoxin reductase can reduce oxidized forms of ergothioneine. While the biological significance of this is not yet realized, this discovery underscores the centrality of selenium to all three antioxidants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Hondal
- Department of Biochemistry, 89 Beaumont Ave, Given Laboratory, Room B413, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
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18
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Hartmann L, Seebeck FP, Schmalz HG, Gründemann D. Isotope-labeled ergothioneine clarifies the mechanism of reaction with singlet oxygen. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 198:12-26. [PMID: 36736443 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Recently we have uncovered a non-enzymatic multi-step cycle for the regeneration of ergothioneine (ET), after reaction with noxious singlet oxygen (1O2), by glutathione (GSH). When living cells were loaded with ET labeled with deuterium and N-15 atoms (D5-ET) and exposed to light in the presence of a photosensitizer, no loss of deuterium at position 5 of the imidazole ring was observed, in contradiction to our previous mechanistic proposal. Therefore, it was necessary to reexamine the in vitro products of ET and 1O2 by liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. Pure 1O2 was generated by thermolysis at 37 °C of the endoperoxide DHPNO2. The use of D5-ET enabled us to revise and extend the reaction scheme. On the main pathway, 1O2 attacks the imidazole ring, and the hydroperoxide intermediates are reduced rapidly by ET or GSH via different mechanisms. The intramolecular water elimination from the 5-hydroperoxide described previously is slower and not a part of the cycle. On another side path, 1O2 attacks the sulfur of ET to form a sulfine (S-oxide). The reduction of the sulfine also allows for the complete regeneration of ET. Experiments with methanol instead of water as solvent revealed that, in the absence of GSH, ET was attacked 6 times more frequently at the ring than at the sulfur. In the presence of 1 mM GSH or higher, both side paths were abandoned. ET efficiently captures 1O2 with its ring and can then be regenerated to a large extent by GSH, without enzyme involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Hartmann
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Gleueler Straße 24, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Florian P Seebeck
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, 4002, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Günther Schmalz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cologne, Greinstraße 4, 50939, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dirk Gründemann
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Gleueler Straße 24, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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19
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Protection against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Ergothioneine. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020320. [PMID: 36829879 PMCID: PMC9951880 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Anthracyclines such as doxorubicin remain a primary treatment for hematological malignancies and breast cancers. However, cardiotoxicity induced by anthracyclines, possibly leading to heart failure, severely limits their application. The pathological mechanisms of anthracycline-induced cardiac injury are believed to involve iron-overload-mediated formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. The dietary thione, ergothioneine (ET), is avidly absorbed and accumulated in tissues, including the heart. Amongst other cytoprotective properties, ET was shown to scavenge ROS, decrease proinflammatory mediators, and chelate metal cations, including Fe2+, preventing them from partaking in redox activities, and may protect against mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. Plasma ET levels are also strongly correlated to a decreased risk of cardiovascular events in humans, suggesting a cardioprotective role. This evidence highlights ET's potential to counteract anthracycline cardiotoxicity. Methods and Findings: We investigated whether ET supplementation can protect against cardiac dysfunction in mice models of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and revealed that it had significant protective effects. Moreover, ET administration in a mouse breast cancer model did not exacerbate the growth of the tumor or interfere with the chemotherapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin. Conclusion: These results suggest that ET could be a viable co-therapy to alleviate the cardiotoxic effects of anthracyclines in the treatment of cancers.
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20
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The Role of Organic Cation Transporters in the Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Drug-Drug Interactions of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032101. [PMID: 36768423 PMCID: PMC9917293 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) decisively contributed in revolutionizing the therapeutic approach to cancer, offering non-invasive, tolerable therapies for a better quality of life. Nonetheless, degree and duration of the response to TKI therapy vary depending on cancer molecular features, the ability of developing resistance to the drug, on pharmacokinetic alterations caused by germline variants and unwanted drug-drug interactions at the level of membrane transporters and metabolizing enzymes. A great deal of approved TKIs are inhibitors of the organic cation transporters (OCTs). A handful are also substrates of them. These transporters are polyspecific and highly expressed in normal epithelia, particularly the intestine, liver and kidney, and are, hence, arguably relevant sites of TKI interactions with other OCT substrates. Moreover, OCTs are often repressed in cancer cells and might contribute to the resistance of cancer cells to TKIs. This article reviews the OCT interactions with approved and in-development TKIs reported in vitro and in vivo and critically discusses the potential clinical ramifications thereof.
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21
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Discovery and structure of a widespread bacterial ABC transporter specific for ergothioneine. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7586. [PMID: 36481738 PMCID: PMC9732360 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35277-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
L-Ergothioneine (ET), the 2-thioimidazole derivative of trimethylhistidine, is biosynthesized by select fungi and bacteria, notably Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and functions as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species. The extent to which ET broadly functions in bacterial cells unable to synthesize it is unknown. Here we show that spd_1642-1643 in Streptococcus pneumoniae, a Gram-positive respiratory pathogen, encodes an ET uptake ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, designated EgtU. The solute binding domain (SBD) of EgtU, EgtUC, binds ET with high affinity and exquisite specificity in a cleft between the two subdomains, with cation-π interactions engaging the betaine moiety and a network of water molecules that surround the thioimidazole ring. EgtU is highly conserved among known quaternary amine compound-specific transporters and widely distributed in Firmicutes, including the human pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, as BilEB, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. ET increases the chemical diversity of the low molecular weight thiol pool in Gram-positive human pathogens and may contribute to antioxidant defenses in the infected host.
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22
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Halliwell B. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxygen radicals and antioxidants: Where are we now, where is the field going and where should we go? Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 633:17-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.08.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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23
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Apparoo Y, Phan CW, Kuppusamy UR, Sabaratnam V. Ergothioneine and its prospects as an anti-ageing compound. Exp Gerontol 2022; 170:111982. [PMID: 36244584 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2022.111982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Healthy ageing is a crucial process that needs to be highlighted as it affects the quality of lifespan. An increase in oxidative stress along with ageing is the major factor related to the age-associated diseases, especially neurodegenerative disorders. An antioxidant-rich diet has been proven to play a significant role in the ageing process. Targeting ageing mechanisms could be a worthwhile approach to improving health standards. Ergothioneine (EGT), a hydrophilic compound with specific transporter known as OCTN1, has been shown to exert anti-ageing properties. In addition to its antioxidant effect, EGT has been reported to have anti-senescence, anti-inflammatory and anti-neurodegenerative properties. This review aims to define the pivotal role of EGT in major signalling pathways in ageing such as insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signalling (IIS), sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) and mammalian target of rapamycin complex (mTOR) pathways. The review further discusses evidence of EGT on neurodegeneration in its therapeutic context in various model organisms, providing new insights into improving health. In conclusion, an ergothioneine-rich diet may be beneficial in preventing age-related diseases, resulting in a healthy ageing population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaaswini Apparoo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chia Wei Phan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Clinical Investigation Centre (CIC), 5th Floor, East Tower, University Malaya Medical Centre, 59100 Lembah Pantai Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Mushroom Research Centre, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Umah Rani Kuppusamy
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vikneswary Sabaratnam
- Mushroom Research Centre, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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24
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Jędrejko K, Kała K, Sułkowska-Ziaja K, Pytko-Polończyk J, Muszyńska B. Effect of Cordyceps spp. and Cordycepin on Functions of Bones and Teeth and Related Processes: A Review. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238170. [PMID: 36500262 PMCID: PMC9737375 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cordyceps spp. (belonging to the Ascomycota group) are entomopathogenic mushrooms that have traditionally been used in ethnomedicine in Asian countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and India. They are unique parasites of larvae of selected species of moths. Cordyceps militaris is one of the best sources of cordycepin. Worldwide, osteoporosis is one of the most common bone diseases, whose pharmacotherapy includes various medical interventions; however, the research and development of new molecules and new drugs is required. The impact of adenosine receptors (ARs) on the purinergic signaling pathway may regulate proliferation, differentiate dental pulp stem cells and bone marrow, and modulate osteogenesis and bone repair. The aim of the review was to collect and analyze the available data on the effects of Cordyceps spp. or cordycepin on bone function and related processes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review in this perspective, not necessarily using mushroom raw material or even the isolated parent compound cordycepin, but new molecules that are analogs of nucleosides, such as those from C. militaris. This review found that Cordyceps spp. or isolated cordycepin interacts via the AR, 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) signaling pathway and evaluated their impact on bones, teeth, and dental pulp. Cordyceps spp. was found to have the potential to develop regenerative medicines, thus providing an opportunity to expand the treatment or intervention methods in the recovery after traumatic injuries, convalescence, and terminal-stage or devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Jędrejko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
- Correspondence: (K.J.); (B.M.)
| | - Katarzyna Kała
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sułkowska-Ziaja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Jolanta Pytko-Polończyk
- Chair and Department of Integrated Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 4 Montelupich Street, 31-155 Kraków, Poland
| | - Bożena Muszyńska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
- Correspondence: (K.J.); (B.M.)
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25
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Protective Effect of Ergothioneine Against Stroke in Rodent Models. Neuromolecular Med 2022:10.1007/s12017-022-08727-w. [PMID: 36261765 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-022-08727-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Ergothioneine (ET) is a naturally occurring antioxidant and cytoprotective agent that is synthesized by fungi and certain bacteria. Recent studies have shown a beneficial effect of ET on neurological functions, including cognition and animal models of depression. The aim of this study is to elucidate a possible effect of ET in rodent models of stroke. Post-ischemic intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of ET significantly reduced brain infarct volume by as early as 1 day after infusion in rats, as shown by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) assay. There was a dose-dependent increase in protection, from 50 to 200 ng of ET infusion. These results suggest that ET could have a protective effect on CNS neurons. We next elucidated the effect of systemic ET on brain infarct volume in mice after stroke. Daily i.p. injection of 35 mg/kg ET (the first dose being administered 3 h after stroke) had no significant effect on infarct volume. However, daily i.p. injections of 70 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 125 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg ET, with the first dose administered 3 h after stroke, significantly decreased infarct volume at 7 days after vessel occlusion in mice. In order to elucidate at what time interval during the 7 days there could be effective protection, a second set of experiments was carried out in mice, using one of the effective loading protocols, i.e. 125 mg/kg i.p. ET but the brains were analyzed at 1, 4 and 7 days post-stroke by MRI. We found that ET was already protective against neuronal injury and decreased the size of the brain infarct from as early as 1 day post-stroke. Behavioral experiments carried out on a third set of mice (using 125 mg/kg i.p. ET) showed that this was accompanied by significant improvements in certain behaviors (pole test) at 1 day after stroke. Together, results of this study indicate that i.c.v. and systemic ET are effective in reducing brain infarct volume after stroke in rodent models.
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26
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Beliaeva M, Seebeck FP. Discovery and Characterization of the Metallopterin-Dependent Ergothioneine Synthase from Caldithrix abyssi. JACS AU 2022; 2:2098-2107. [PMID: 36186560 PMCID: PMC9516567 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.2c00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Ergothioneine is a histidine derivative with a 2-mercaptoimidazole side chain and a trimethylated α-amino group. Although the physiological function of this natural product is not yet understood, the facts that many bacteria, some archaea, and most fungi produce ergothioneine and that plants and animals have specific mechanisms to absorb and distribute ergothioneine in specific tissues suggest a fundamental role in cellular life. The observation that ergothioneine biosynthesis has emerged multiple times in molecular evolution points to the same conclusion. Aerobic bacteria and fungi attach sulfur to the imidazole ring of trimethylhistidine via an O2-dependent reaction that is catalyzed by a mononuclear non-heme iron enzyme. Green sulfur bacteria and archaea use a rhodanese-like sulfur transferase to attach sulfur via oxidative polar substitution. In this report, we describe a third unrelated class of enzymes that catalyze sulfur transfer in ergothioneine production. The metallopterin-dependent ergothioneine synthase from Caldithrix abyssi contains an N-terminal module that is related to the tungsten-dependent acetylene hydratase and a C-terminal domain that is a functional cysteine desulfurase. The two modules cooperate to transfer sulfur from cysteine onto trimethylhistidine. Inactivation of the C-terminal desulfurase blocks ergothioneine production but maintains the ability of the metallopterin to exchange sulfur between ergothioneine and trimethylhistidine. Homologous bifunctional enzymes are encoded exclusively in anaerobic bacterial and archaeal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia
A. Beliaeva
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Molecular
Systems Engineering, National Competence
Center in Research (NCCR), 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florian P. Seebeck
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Molecular
Systems Engineering, National Competence
Center in Research (NCCR), 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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27
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Kell DB, Pretorius E. The potential role of ischaemia-reperfusion injury in chronic, relapsing diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Long COVID, and ME/CFS: evidence, mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. Biochem J 2022; 479:1653-1708. [PMID: 36043493 PMCID: PMC9484810 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ischaemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury, initiated via bursts of reactive oxygen species produced during the reoxygenation phase following hypoxia, is well known in a variety of acute circumstances. We argue here that I-R injury also underpins elements of the pathology of a variety of chronic, inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ME/CFS and, our chief focus and most proximally, Long COVID. Ischaemia may be initiated via fibrin amyloid microclot blockage of capillaries, for instance as exercise is started; reperfusion is a necessary corollary when it finishes. We rehearse the mechanistic evidence for these occurrences here, in terms of their manifestation as oxidative stress, hyperinflammation, mast cell activation, the production of marker metabolites and related activities. Such microclot-based phenomena can explain both the breathlessness/fatigue and the post-exertional malaise that may be observed in these conditions, as well as many other observables. The recognition of these processes implies, mechanistically, that therapeutic benefit is potentially to be had from antioxidants, from anti-inflammatories, from iron chelators, and via suitable, safe fibrinolytics, and/or anti-clotting agents. We review the considerable existing evidence that is consistent with this, and with the biochemical mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B. Kell
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 200, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1 Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1 Matieland 7602, South Africa
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28
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Low Plasma Ergothioneine Predicts Cognitive and Functional Decline in an Elderly Cohort Attending Memory Clinics. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091717. [PMID: 36139790 PMCID: PMC9495818 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Low blood concentrations of the diet-derived compound ergothioneine (ET) have been associated with cognitive impairment and cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) in cross-sectional studies, but it is unclear whether ET levels can predict subsequent cognitive and functional decline. Here, we examined the temporal relationships between plasma ET status and cognition in a cohort of 470 elderly subjects attending memory clinics in Singapore. All participants underwent baseline plasma ET measurements as well as neuroimaging for CeVD and brain atrophy. Neuropsychological tests of cognition and function were assessed at baseline and follow-up visits for up to five years. Lower plasma ET levels were associated with poorer baseline cognitive performance and faster rates of decline in function as well as in multiple cognitive domains including memory, executive function, attention, visuomotor speed, and language. In subgroup analyses, the longitudinal associations were found only in non-demented individuals. Mediation analyses showed that the effects of ET on cognition seemed to be largely explainable by severity of concomitant CeVD, specifically white matter hyperintensities, and brain atrophy. Our findings support further assessment of plasma ET as a prognostic biomarker for accelerated cognitive and functional decline in pre-dementia and suggest possible therapeutic and preventative measures.
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29
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Nakamichi N, Tsuzuku S, Shibagaki F. Ergothioneine and central nervous system diseases. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:2513-2521. [PMID: 35788879 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03665-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ergothioneine (ERGO) is a thiol contained in the food that exhibits an excellent antioxidant effect similar to that of glutathione. Although mammals lack a biosynthetic pathway for ERGO, the carnitine/organic cation transporter OCTN1/SLC22A4, which transports ERGO in vivo, is expressed throughout the body, and ERGO is distributed to various organs after oral intake. ERGO is a stable compound that remains in the body for a long time after ingestion. OCTN1 is also expressed in brain parenchymal cells, including neurons, and ERGO in the blood permeates the blood-brain barrier and is distributed to the brain, exhibiting a neuroprotective effect. Recently, the association between central nervous system (CNS) diseases and ERGO has become a research focus. ERGO concentrations in the blood components are lower in patients with cognitive impairment, Parkinson's disease, and frailty than in healthy subjects. ERGO exerts a protective effect against various neurotoxins and improves the symptoms of cognitive impairment, depression, and epilepsy in animal models. The promotion of neurogenesis and induction of neurotrophic factors, in addition to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, may be involved in the neuroprotective effect of ERGO. This review shows the association between ERGO and CNS diseases, discusses the possible biomarkers of peripheral ERGO in CNS diseases, and the possible preventive and improvement effects of ERGO on CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noritaka Nakamichi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, 60 Nakaorui-machi, 370-0033, Takasaki, Gunma, Japan.
| | - Sota Tsuzuku
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, 60 Nakaorui-machi, 370-0033, Takasaki, Gunma, Japan
| | - Fumiya Shibagaki
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, 60 Nakaorui-machi, 370-0033, Takasaki, Gunma, Japan
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry Halliwell
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Irwin Cheah
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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31
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Cheah IK, Lee JZ, Tang RMY, Koh PW, Halliwell B. Does Lactobacillus reuteri influence ergothioneine levels in the human body? FEBS Lett 2022; 596:1241-1251. [PMID: 35486429 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The dietary thione-thiol, ergothioneine (ET), accumulates in human and animal tissues and may play important roles in disease prevention. ET biosynthesis has only been described in fungi and certain bacteria, and humans and animals are widely assumed to accumulate ET solely from diet. However, a recent study suggested that Lactobacillus/Limosilactobacillus reuteri, a commensal gut bacterium, may produce ET, thereby protecting the host against social defeat stress and sleep disturbances. Upon our further investigation, no evidence of ET biosynthesis was observed in L. reuteri when a heavy-labelled histidine precursor was administered. Instead, we discovered that L. reuteri avidly accumulates ET. This observation may indicate a possible mechanism by which the gut microbiota could influence tissue levels of ET in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irwin K Cheah
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596.,Neurobiology Programme, Centre for Life Sciences, Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456
| | - Jovan Z Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596
| | - Richard M Y Tang
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596.,Neurobiology Programme, Centre for Life Sciences, Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456
| | - Pei Wen Koh
- Neurobiology Programme, Centre for Life Sciences, Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456
| | - Barry Halliwell
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596.,Neurobiology Programme, Centre for Life Sciences, Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456
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32
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Müller JP, Gründemann D. Does Intracellular Metabolism Render Gemcitabine Uptake Undetectable in Mass Spectrometry? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094690. [PMID: 35563081 PMCID: PMC9101085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ergothioneine transporter ETT (formerly OCTN1; human gene symbol SLC22A4) is a powerful and highly specific transporter for the uptake of ergothioneine (ET). Recently, Sparreboom et al. reported that the ETT would transport nucleosides and nucleoside analogues such as cytarabine and gemcitabine with the highest efficiency. In our assay system, we could not detect any such transport. Subsequently, Sparreboom suggested that the intracellular metabolization of the nucleosides occurs so fast that the original compounds cannot be detected by LC–MS/MS after inward transport. Our current experiments with 293 cells disprove this hypothesis. Uptake of gemcitabine was easily detected by LC–MS/MS measurements when we expressed the Na+/nucleoside cotransporter CNT3 (SLC28A3). Inward transport was 1280 times faster than the intracellular production of gemcitabine triphosphate. The deoxycytidine kinase inhibitor 2-thio-2′-deoxycytidine markedly blocked the production of gemcitabine triphosphate. There was no concomitant surge in intracellular gemcitabine, however. This does not fit the rapid phosphorylation of gemcitabine. Uptake of cytarabine was very slow, but detection by MS was still possible. When the ETT was expressed and incubated with gemcitabine, there was no increase in intracellular gemcitabine triphosphate. We conclude that the ETT does not transport nucleosides.
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