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Sun K, Chen Y, Zheng S, Wan W, Hu K. Genipin ameliorates diabetic retinopathy via the HIF-1α and AGEs-RAGE pathways. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155596. [PMID: 38626646 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155596] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is useful in disease treatment and prevention. Genipin is an active TCM compound used to treat diabetic retinopathy (DR). In this study, a network pharmacology (NP)-based approach was employed to investigate the therapeutic mechanisms underlying genipin administration in DR. METHODS The potential targets of DR were identified using the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. TCM database screening and NP were used to predict the potential active targets and pathways of genipin in DR. Cell viability was tested in vitro to determine the effects of different doses of glucose and genipin on Human Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cells (hRMECs). CCK-8, CCK-F, colony formation, CellTiter-Lum, Annexin V-FITC, wound healing, Transwell, tube-forming, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and other assay kits were used to detect the effects of genipin on hRMECs during high levels of glucose. In vivo, a streptozotocin (STZ)-mouse intraocular genipin injection (IOI.) model was used to explore the effects of genipin on diabetes-induced retinal dysfunction. Western blotting was performed to identify the cytokines involved in proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, ROS, and inflammation. The protein expression of the AKT/ PI3K/ HIF-1α and AGEs/ RAGE pathways was also examined. RESULTS Approximately 14 types of TCM, and nearly 300 active ingredients, including genipin, were identified. The NP approach successfully identified the HIF-1α and AGEs-RAGE pathways, with the EGR1 and UCP2 genes, as key targets of genipin in DR. In the in vitro and in vivo models, we discovered that high glucose increased cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, ROS, and inflammation. However, genipin application regulated cell proliferation and apoptosis, inhibited angiogenesis, and reduced ROS and inflammation in the HRMECs exposed to high glucose. Furthermore, the retinal thickness in the genipin-treated group was lower than that in the untreated group. AKT/ PI3K/ HIF-1α and AGEs/ RAGE signaling was increased by high glucose levels; however, genipin treatment decreased AKT/ PI3K and AGEs/ RAGE pathway expressions. Genipin also increased HIF-1α phosphorylation, oxidative phosphorylation of ATP synthesis, lipid peroxidation, and the upregulation of oxidoreductase. Genipin was found to protect HG-induced hRMECs and the retina of STZ-mice, based on; 1 the inhibition of UCP2 and Glut1 decreased intracellular glucose, and glycosylation; 2 the increased presence of HIF-1α, which increased oxidative phosphorylation and decreased substrate phosphorylation; 3 the increase in oxidative phosphorylation from ATP synthesis increased lipid peroxidation and oxidoreductase activity, and; 4 the parallel effect of phosphorylation and glycosylation on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), MMP9, and Scg3. CONCLUSION Based on NP, we demonstrated the potential targets and pathways of genipin in the treatment of DR and confirmed its effective molecular mechanism in vitro and in vivo. Genipin protects cells and tissues from high glucose levels by regulating phosphorylation and glycosylation. The activation of the HIF-1α pathway can also be used to treat DR. Our study provides new insights into the key genes and pathways associated with the prognosis and pathogenesis of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, No. 1, Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, PR China; Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yanyi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, No. 1, Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, PR China; Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Shijie Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, No. 1, Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Wenjuan Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, No. 1, Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Ke Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, No. 1, Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, PR China.
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Iida M, Hitomi S, Hayashi Y, Shibuta I, Tsuboi Y, Ueda K, Iwata K, Shinoda M. Analgesic effect of linalool odor on oral ulcerative mucositis-induced pain in rats. Brain Res Bull 2024; 206:110844. [PMID: 38096923 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110844] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Oral ulcerative mucositis (OUM) induces severe pain, leading to a low quality of life. Linalool odor exposure has recently been reported to suppress inflammatory pain in the hind paws. However, the analgesic effect of linalool odor on orofacial pain remains unclear. In this study, we examined the mechanism underlying the analgesic effect of linalool odor on oral pain caused by OUM using nocifensive behavioral and immunohistochemical analyses in rats. OUM was developed by treating the labial fornix region of the inferior incisors with acetic acid. Linalool at 1% was exposed for 5 min at 30 min before nocifensive behavioral measurements. OUM induced spontaneous pain and mechanical allodynia, which were suppressed by the linalool odor. Mechanical allodynia in the hind paw following the injection of complete Freund's adjuvant was also suppressed by linalool odor. Application of lidocaine to the olfactory bulb attenuated the inhibition of spontaneous pain and hyperactivation of trigeminal spinal nucleus caudalis neurons in OUM model rats. Linalool odor exposure-induced neuronal activation in the locus coeruleus (LC) of OUM model rats was decreased by lidocaine application to the olfactory bulb. The decrease in neuronal activation in the LC was attenuated by the administration of orexin 1 receptor (OX-1) antagonist to the LC. These results suggest that linalool odor stimulation through the olfactory pathway activates LC neurons via OX-1 signaling, leading to the suppression of OUM-induced oral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Iida
- Department of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
| | - Suzuro Hitomi
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan.
| | - Yoshinori Hayashi
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
| | - Ikuko Shibuta
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Tsuboi
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
| | - Koichiro Ueda
- Department of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
| | - Koichi Iwata
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
| | - Masamichi Shinoda
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
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Smiljanić K, Prodić I, Trifunovic S, Krstić Ristivojević M, Aćimović M, Stanković Jeremić J, Lončar B, Tešević V. Multistep Approach Points to Compounds Responsible for the Biological Activity and Safety of Hydrolates from Nine Lamiaceae Medicinal Plants on Human Skin Fibroblasts. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1988. [PMID: 38001841 PMCID: PMC10669667 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12111988] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
As byproducts of essential oil distillation, hydrolates are used in natural cosmetics/biomedicine due to their beneficial skin effects. However, data on their safety with relevant biological targets, such as human skin cells, are scarce. Therefore, we have tested nine hydrolates from the Lamiaceae family with skin fibroblasts that are responsible for extracellular collagenous matrix builds. Thyme, oregano, and winter savoury hydrolates showed several times higher total phenolics, which correlated strongly with their radical scavenging and antioxidative capacity; there was no correlation between their viability profiles and the reducing sugar levels. No proteins/peptides were detected. All hydrolates appeared safe for prolonged skin exposure except for 10-fold diluted lavender, which showed cytotoxicity (~20%), as well as rosemary and lavandin (~10%) using viability, DNA synthesis, and cell count testing. Clary sage, oregano, lemon balm, and thyme hydrolates (10-fold diluted) increased fibroblast viability and/or proliferation by 10-30% compared with the control, while their viability remained unaffected by Mentha and winter savoury. In line with the STITCH database, increased viability could be attributed to thymol presence in oregano and thyme hydrolates in lemon balm, which is most likely attributable to neral and geranial. The proliferative effect of clary sage could be supported by alpha-terpineol, not linalool. The major volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts were borneol, 1,8-cineole, and terpinene-4-ol. Further research with pure compounds is warranted to confirm the roles of VOCs in the observed effects that are relevant to cosmetic and wound healing aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Smiljanić
- University of Belgrade—Faculty of Chemistry (UBFC), Studentski Trg 12–16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.K.R.); (V.T.)
| | - Ivana Prodić
- Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera “Torlak”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Vojvode Stepe 458, 11152 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Sara Trifunovic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE), University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Maja Krstić Ristivojević
- University of Belgrade—Faculty of Chemistry (UBFC), Studentski Trg 12–16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.K.R.); (V.T.)
| | - Milica Aćimović
- Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, 21101 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Jovana Stanković Jeremić
- Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Biljana Lončar
- Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Vele Tešević
- University of Belgrade—Faculty of Chemistry (UBFC), Studentski Trg 12–16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.K.R.); (V.T.)
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Wang X, Yan S, Zhao W, Wu L, Tian W, Xue X. Comprehensive study of volatile compounds of rare Leucosceptrum canum Smith honey: Aroma profiling and characteristic compound screening via GC-MS and GC-MS/MS. Food Res Int 2023; 169:112799. [PMID: 37254383 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112799] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Monofloral honeys are highly valued for their unique flavors and potential health benefits. In this study, the aromatic attributes of rare Leucosceptrum canum Smith honey (LCH) were characterized by GC-MS coupled with GC-MS/MS. Based on their odor contribution rates (OCRs), linalool (74.22%), 3-methyl-1-butanol (18.19%), benzeneacetaldehyde (1.31%) and lilac aldehyde B (2.78%) were largely responsible for the unique and complex flavor of LCH - flowery, spicy, sweet, fruity and fresh. Compared to other tested honeys, linalool (0.18 mg/kg), which has known antibacterial properties, was higher in LCH. However, it was not the main antibacterial compound in LCH, suggesting as of now unknown antibacterial compounds. This study provides the first aromatic profile of LCH, which will be useful for the authentication of LCH and for uncovering the mechanisms behind its perceived health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Sha Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; College of Food Science and Engineering, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Liming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Wenli Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Xiaofeng Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China.
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Donelli D, Antonelli M, Valussi M. Olfactory training with essential oils for patients with post-COVID-19 smell dysfunction: A case series. Eur J Integr Med 2023; 60:102253. [PMID: 37163157 PMCID: PMC10102705 DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2023.102253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction It is estimated that up to one third of COVID-19 patients can develop long-lasting smell dysfunction. Viral infections, especially COVID-19, can cause anosmia through different pathomechanisms, and different strategies have been proposed for effectively managing post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction in clinical practice, with olfactory training being recommended as a first-line treatment option. Methods This report describes a non-consecutive series of clinical cases. After COVID-19, eight cases (5 females, 3 males) of adult patients with long-lasting (3+ months) post-viral smell dysfunction followed a 30-day olfactory training protocol with a set of plant-derived essential oils. At baseline and at the end of the treatment, the patients were administered the Assessment of Self-reported Olfactory Functioning (ASOF) questionnaire, an inventory used to measure olfactory dysfunction and health-related quality of life. Results For any of the outcomes assessed with the ASOF scale, a significant improvement from baseline was reported, even though mean value ameliorations were more pronounced for olfactory function per se (Subjective Olfactory Capability: from 3.6 to 5.6 out of 10; Self-Reported capability of Perceiving specific odors: from 1.8 to 3.0 out of 5), rather than for health-related quality of life (Olfactory-Related Quality of life: from 2.9 to 3.9 out of 6). Conclusions It was observed that patients with long-lasting COVID-19-related smell dysfunction improved after a 30-day olfactory training protocol. Further controlled clinical studies would be useful to better investigate the role of olfactory training in patients with postviral smell dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Donelli
- Servizio di Consulenza in Medicina Integrativa e Complementare, Croce Arancione, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Michele Antonelli
- Servizio di Consulenza in Medicina Integrativa e Complementare, Croce Arancione, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Marco Valussi
- European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association (EHTPA), Norwich, UK
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Becker V, Yuan X, Boewe AS, Ampofo E, Ebert E, Hohneck J, Bohle RM, Meese E, Zhao Y, Menger MD, Laschke MW, Gu Y. Hypoxia-induced downregulation of microRNA-186-5p in endothelial cells promotes non-small cell lung cancer angiogenesis by upregulating protein kinase C alpha. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 31:421-436. [PMID: 36845338 PMCID: PMC9945639 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment stimulates the angiogenic activity of endothelial cells (ECs) to facilitate tumor vascularization, growth, and metastasis. The involvement of microRNA-186-5p (miR-186) in regulating the aberrant activity of tumor-associated ECs has so far not been clarified. In the present study, we demonstrated that miR-186 is significantly downregulated in ECs microdissected from human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues compared with matched non-malignant lung tissues. In vitro analyses of primary human dermal microvascular ECs (HDMECs) exposed to different stimuli indicated that this miR-186 downregulation is triggered by hypoxia via activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α). Transfection of HDMECs with miR-186 mimic (miR-186m) significantly inhibited their proliferation, migration, tube formation, and spheroid sprouting. In contrast, miR-186 inhibitor (miR-186i) exerted pro-angiogenic effects. In vivo, endothelial miR-186 overexpression inhibited the vascularization of Matrigel plugs and the initial growth of tumors composed of NSCLC cells (NCI-H460) and HDMECs. Mechanistic analyses revealed that the gene encoding for protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) is a bona fide target of miR-186. Activation of this kinase significantly reversed the miR-186m-repressed angiogenic activity of HDMECs. These findings indicate that downregulation of miR-186 in ECs mediates hypoxia-stimulated NSCLC angiogenesis by upregulating PKCα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Becker
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Xu Yuan
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Anne S. Boewe
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Ampofo
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Elke Ebert
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Center, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Johannes Hohneck
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Center, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Rainer M. Bohle
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Center, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Eckart Meese
- Institute of Human Genetics, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Yingjun Zhao
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Michael D. Menger
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Matthias W. Laschke
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Yuan Gu
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
- Corresponding author: Yuan Gu, Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany.
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BMP2 as a promising anticancer approach: functions and molecular mechanisms. Invest New Drugs 2022; 40:1322-1332. [PMID: 36040572 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-022-01298-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), a pluripotent factor, is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily and is implicated in embryonic development and postnatal homeostasis in tissues and organs. Experimental research in the contexts of physiology and pathology has indicated that BMP2 can induce macrophages to differentiate into osteoclasts and accelerate the osteolytic mechanism, aggravating cancer cell bone metastasis. Emerging studies have stressed the potent regulatory effect of BMP2 in cancer cell differentiation, proliferation, survival, and apoptosis. Complicated signaling networks involving multiple regulatory proteins imply the significant biological functions of BMP2 in cancer. In this review, we comprehensively summarized and discussed the current evidence related to the modulation of BMP2 in tumorigenesis and development, including evidence related to the roles and molecular mechanisms of BMP2 in regulating cancer stem cells (CSCs), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer angiogenesis and the tumor microenvironment (TME). All these findings suggest that BMP2 may be an effective therapeutic target for cancer and a new marker for assessing treatment efficacy.
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Qin T, Xi X, Wu Z. Downregulation of glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B prevents high glucose-induced angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 478:697-706. [PMID: 36036335 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04537-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a microvascular complication characterized by abnormal angiogenesis, is the most common reason for irreversible blindness. Glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB), as a transmembrane protein, was found to be associated with angiogenesis. This study aims to investigate the role of GPNMB in DR. The levels of GPNMB and Integrin β1 were detected by real-time PCR and western blot and were found to be increased in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) with high glucose (HG, 25 mmol/L) treatment. Knockdown of GPNMB was mediated by lentivirus carrying shRNA targeting GPNMB in vivo and in vitro. Functional experiments, including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), scratch, and tube formation assays, showed the anti-proliferative, anti-migrative, and anti-angiogenic roles of GPNMB knockdown in HRMECs using the lentivirus system following HG challenge. Additionally, increased GPNMB levels were detected in the retina of DR rats induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) using real-time PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence assays. Downregulation of GPNMB inhibited the angiogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor production in the retina of rats with DR. Furthermore, overexpression of Integrin β1 led to increased angiogenesis in DR. Integrin β1 was indicated as a target protein of GPNMB. Upregulated-Integrin β1 restored GPNMB knockdown-induced inhibition of cell viability, migration, and tube formation in HRMECs. In conclusion, we provide evidence for the angiogenic role of GPNMB and demonstrate that silencing GPNMB may represent a therapeutic potential in the treatment of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiangying Xi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhipeng Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
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Laschke MW, Gu Y, Menger MD. Replacement in angiogenesis research: Studying mechanisms of blood vessel development by animal-free in vitro, in vivo and in silico approaches. Front Physiol 2022; 13:981161. [PMID: 36060683 PMCID: PMC9428454 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.981161] [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: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, is an essential process determining numerous physiological and pathological conditions. Accordingly, there is a high demand for research approaches allowing the investigation of angiogenic mechanisms and the assessment of pro- and anti-angiogenic therapeutics. The present review provides a selective overview and critical discussion of such approaches, which, in line with the 3R principle, all share the common feature that they are not based on animal experiments. They include in vitro assays to study the viability, proliferation, migration, tube formation and sprouting activity of endothelial cells in two- and three-dimensional environments, the degradation of extracellular matrix compounds as well as the impact of hemodynamic forces on blood vessel formation. These assays can be complemented by in vivo analyses of microvascular network formation in the chorioallantoic membrane assay and early stages of zebrafish larvae. In addition, the combination of experimental data and physical laws enables the mathematical modeling of tissue-specific vascularization, blood flow patterns, interstitial fluid flow as well as oxygen, nutrient and drug distribution. All these animal-free approaches markedly contribute to an improved understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms underlying angiogenesis. Hence, they do not only represent essential tools in basic science but also in early stages of drug development. Moreover, their advancement bears the great potential to analyze angiogenesis in all its complexity and, thus, to make animal experiments superfluous in the future.
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Brassinin Promotes the Degradation of Tie2 and FGFR1 in Endothelial Cells and Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Angiogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143540. [PMID: 35884601 PMCID: PMC9318525 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Brassinin is a natural compound enriched in several commonly consumed vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbages. It shows potent anti-cancer activity against several cancers. However, its effects on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype with limited treatment options, remain elusive so far. Therefore, we investigated the effects of brassinin on TNBC angiogenesis and growth. Our results demonstrate that brassinin inhibits TNBC growth preferentially through inhibiting the angiogenic activity of endothelial cells (ECs). Additional in-vitro analyses revealed that this effect may be mediated by brassinin-stimulated degradation of two pivotal angiogenesis-related receptors in ECs: Tie2 and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1. These findings provide novel insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer activity of brassinin and indicate that this phytochemical may be a promising lead compound or drug candidate for TNBC treatment. Abstract Brassinin, a phytoalexin derived from cruciferous vegetables, has been reported to exhibit anti-cancer activity in multiple cancer types. However, its effects on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) development and the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated so far. In this study, we demonstrated in vitro that brassinin preferentially reduces the viability of endothelial cells (ECs) when compared to other cell types of the tumor microenvironment, including TNBC cells, pericytes, and fibroblasts. Moreover, brassinin at non-cytotoxic doses significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, tube formation, and spheroid sprouting of ECs. It also efficiently inhibited angiogenesis in an ex-vivo aortic ring assay and an in-vivo Matrigel plug assay. Daily intraperitoneal injection of brassinin significantly reduced tumor size, microvessel density, as well as the perfusion of tumor microvessels in a dorsal skinfold chamber model of TNBC. Mechanistic analyses showed that brassinin selectively stimulates the degradation of Tie2 and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in ECs, leading to the down-regulation of the AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways. These findings demonstrate a preferential and potent anti-angiogenic activity of brassinin, which may be the main mechanism of its anti-tumor action. Accordingly, this phytochemical represents a promising candidate for the future anti-angiogenic treatment of TNBC.
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Pal P, Jana S, Biswas I, Mandal DP, Bhattacharjee S. Biphasic effect of the dietary phytochemical linalool on angiogenesis and metastasis. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:1041-1052. [PMID: 34994923 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04341-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cytotoxic chemotherapy dominates the field of cancer treatment. Consequently, anticancer phytochemicals are largely screened on the basis of their cytotoxicity towards cancer cells which are achieved at higher doses, leading to various toxic side effects. Some phytochemicals also showed pro-carcinogenic effects at certain doses. The concept of hormesis has taught us to look into biphasic responses of phytochemicals in a more systematic way. Interestingly, the monoterpenoid alcohol, linalool, also has been reported to display both anti-oxidant and pro-oxidant properties, which prompted us to explore a probable biphasic effect on cancer cells. Cytotoxicity of various concentrations of linalool (0.1-4 mM) was tested on B16F10 murine melanoma cell line, and two sub-lethal concentrations (0.4 and 0.8 mM) were selected for further experiments. 0.4 mM linalool inhibited angiogenesis and metastasis, while 0.8 mM increased them. Similarly, B16F10 cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers also showed inhibition and induction with lower and higher linalool concentrations, respectively. Chorioallantoic membrane assay, scratch wound assay, and Boyden's chamber were used to analyze angiogenesis and metastasis. Expression of molecular markers such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor phosphorylated VEGF receptor II (p-VEGFRII or p-Flk-1), Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α), E-cadherin, and vimentin were detected using Western blot, ELISA, PCR, qPCR, and immunofluorescence. Finally, ChIP assay was performed to evaluate HIF-1α association with VEGF promoter. Interestingly, measurement of intracellular reactive oxygen species at the selected concentrations of linalool using DCFDA in a flow cytometer showed that the phytochemical induced significant amount of ROS at 0.8 mM. This work sheds light on bimodal dose-response relationship exhibited by dietary phytochemicals like linalool, and it should be taken into consideration to elicit a desirable therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Pal
- Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Berunanpukuria, Malikapur, North-24 Parganas, Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700126, India
| | - Samarjit Jana
- Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Berunanpukuria, Malikapur, North-24 Parganas, Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700126, India
| | - Ipsita Biswas
- Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Berunanpukuria, Malikapur, North-24 Parganas, Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700126, India
| | - Deba Prasad Mandal
- Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Berunanpukuria, Malikapur, North-24 Parganas, Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700126, India.
| | - Shamee Bhattacharjee
- Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Berunanpukuria, Malikapur, North-24 Parganas, Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700126, India.
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An Q, Ren JN, Li X, Fan G, Qu SS, Song Y, Li Y, Pan SY. Recent updates on bioactive properties of linalool. Food Funct 2021; 12:10370-10389. [PMID: 34611674 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo02120f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Natural products, including essential oils and their components, have been used for their bioactivities. Linalool (2,6-dimethyl-2,7-octadien-6-ol) is an aromatic monoterpene alcohol that is widely found in essential oils and is broadly used in perfumes, cosmetics, household cleaners and food additives. This review covers the sources, physicochemical properties, application, synthesis and bioactivities of linalool. The present study focuses on the bioactive properties of linalool, including anticancer, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anti-stress, hepatoprotective, renal protective, and lung protective activity and the underlying mechanisms. Besides this, the therapeutic potential of linalool and the prospect of encapsulating linalool are also discussed. Linalool can induce apoptosis of cancer cells via oxidative stress, and at the same time protects normal cells. Linalool exerts antimicrobial effects through disruption of cell membranes. The protective effects of linalool to the liver, kidney and lung are owing to its anti-inflammatory activity. On account of its protective effects and low toxicity, linalool can be used as an adjuvant of anticancer drugs or antibiotics. Therefore, linalool has a great potential to be applied as a natural and safe alternative therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi An
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology of Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Jing-Nan Ren
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology of Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Xiao Li
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology of Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Gang Fan
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology of Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Sha-Sha Qu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology of Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Yue Song
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology of Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Yang Li
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology of Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Si-Yi Pan
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology of Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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