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Clark GC, Lai A, Agarwal A, Liu Z, Wang XY. Biopterin metabolism and nitric oxide recoupling in cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1321326. [PMID: 38469569 PMCID: PMC10925643 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1321326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Tetrahydrobiopterin is a cofactor necessary for the activity of several enzymes, the most studied of which is nitric oxide synthase. The role of this cofactor-enzyme relationship in vascular biology is well established. Recently, tetrahydrobiopterin metabolism has received increasing attention in the field of cancer immunology and immunotherapy due to its involvement in the cytotoxic T cell response. Past research has demonstrated that when the availability of BH4 is low, as it is in chronic inflammatory conditions and tumors, electron transfer in the active site of nitric oxide synthase becomes uncoupled from the oxidation of arginine. This results in the production of radical species that are capable of a direct attack on tetrahydrobiopterin, further depleting its local availability. This feedforward loop may act like a molecular switch, reinforcing low tetrahydrobiopterin levels leading to altered NO signaling, restrained immune effector activity, and perpetual vascular inflammation within the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we discuss the evidence for this underappreciated mechanism in different aspects of tumor progression and therapeutic responses. Furthermore, we discuss the preclinical evidence supporting a clinical role for tetrahydrobiopterin supplementation to enhance immunotherapy and radiotherapy for solid tumors and the potential safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene Chatman Clark
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Alan Lai
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | | | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Xiang-Yang Wang
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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Wang W, Kou J, Long J, Wang T, Zhang M, Wei M, Xie Q. GC/MS and LC/MS serum metabolomic analysis of Chinese LN patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1523. [PMID: 38233574 PMCID: PMC10794181 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52137-w] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
China, being a densely populated nation, faces a substantial economic burden due to a high incidence of lupus nephritis (LN) cases. The concealed onset of LN has resulted in many individuals have missed the optimal timing for treatment. The aim of the research is to study the serum metabolomics of Chinese LN patients using gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS) and liquid chromatography (LC)/MS to identify potential diagnostic markers. Fifty LN patients and fifty normal controls, matched for Body Mass Index (BMI) and age, were selected. Serum analysis was conducted using GC/MS and LC/MS, followed by multivariate statistical analysis. Various multidimensional analyses, including principal component analysis, partial least squares discrimination analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis, along with one-dimensional analyses such as t-tests, were performed. Metabolites with variable importance in projection value > 1 and a p-value < 0.05 were considered critical biomarkers for LN. Furthermore, identified biomarkers delineated relevant metabolic pathways, and a metabolic pathway map was obtained from the database. Forty-one metabolites were identified as potential LN biomarkers, primarily associated with immune regulation, energy metabolism, intestinal microbial metabolism, renal damage, and oxidative stress. The potential for diagnosing LN and other diseases through metabolomics is demonstrated. Future research should explore larger sample sizes, metabolomic comparisons across different diseases and health states, and integration of metabolomics with clinical diagnostics. Such studies will enhance the understanding of metabolomics in medical diagnosis and provide robust support for its practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Rongdu Avenue No. 270, Chengdu, 610000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Kou
- Department of Ultrasound Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders (Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics), Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Jie Long
- Department of Nephrology, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, No.555 Youyi East Road, Beilin District, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Tianhui Road 270, Chengdu, 610000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingmei Zhang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Tianhui Road 270, Chengdu, 610000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wei
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Tianhui Road 270, Chengdu, 610000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qingyun Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Rongdu Avenue No. 270, Chengdu, 610000, People's Republic of China.
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Zierfuss B, Wang Z, Jackson AN, Moezzi D, Yong VW. Iron in multiple sclerosis - Neuropathology, immunology, and real-world considerations. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 78:104934. [PMID: 37579645 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Iron is an essential element involved in a multitude of bodily processes. It is tightly regulated, as elevated deposition in tissues is associated with diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Iron accumulation in the central nervous system (CNS) of MS patients is linked to neurotoxicity through mechanisms including oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, misfolding of proteins, and ferroptosis. In the past decade, the combination of MRI and histopathology has enhanced our understanding of iron deposition in MS pathophysiology, including in the pro-inflammatory and neurotoxicity of iron-laden rims of chronic active lesions. In this regard, iron accumulation may not only have an impact on different CNS-resident cells but may also promote the innate and adaptive immune dysfunctions in MS. Although there are discordant results, most studies indicate lower levels of iron but higher amounts of the iron storage molecule ferritin in the circulation of people with MS. Considering the importance of iron, there is a need for evidence-guided recommendation for dietary intake in people living with MS. Potential novel therapeutic approaches include the regulation of iron levels using next generation iron chelators, as well as therapies to interfere with toxic consequences of iron overload including antioxidants in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Zierfuss
- The Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal H2X 0A9, Québec, Canada
| | - Zitong Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Alexandra N Jackson
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Dorsa Moezzi
- The Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - V Wee Yong
- The Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.
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Cronin SJF, Andrews NA, Latremoliere A. Peripheralized sepiapterin reductase inhibition as a safe analgesic therapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1173599. [PMID: 37251335 PMCID: PMC10213231 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1173599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of novel analgesics for chronic pain in the last 2 decades has proven virtually intractable, typically failing due to lack of efficacy and dose-limiting side effects. Identified through unbiased gene expression profiling experiments in rats and confirmed by human genome-wide association studies, the role of excessive tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) in chronic pain has been validated by numerous clinical and preclinical studies. BH4 is an essential cofactor for aromatic amino acid hydroxylases, nitric oxide synthases, and alkylglycerol monooxygenase so a lack of BH4 leads to a range of symptoms in the periphery and central nervous system (CNS). An ideal therapeutic goal therefore would be to block excessive BH4 production, while preventing potential BH4 rundown. In this review, we make the case that sepiapterin reductase (SPR) inhibition restricted to the periphery (i.e., excluded from the spinal cord and brain), is an efficacious and safe target to alleviate chronic pain. First, we describe how different cell types that engage in BH4 overproduction and contribute to pain hypersensitivity, are themselves restricted to peripheral tissues and show their blockade is sufficient to alleviate pain. We discuss the likely safety profile of peripherally restricted SPR inhibition based on human genetic data, the biochemical alternate routes of BH4 production in various tissues and species, and the potential pitfalls to predictive translation when using rodents. Finally, we propose and discuss possible formulation and molecular strategies to achieve peripherally restricted, potent SPR inhibition to treat not only chronic pain but other conditions where excessive BH4 has been demonstrated to be pathological.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nick A. Andrews
- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Alban Latremoliere
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Neurosurgery Pain Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Ouro A, Correa-Paz C, Maqueda E, Custodia A, Aramburu-Núñez M, Romaus-Sanjurjo D, Posado-Fernández A, Candamo-Lourido M, Alonso-Alonso ML, Hervella P, Iglesias-Rey R, Castillo J, Campos F, Sobrino T. Involvement of Ceramide Metabolism in Cerebral Ischemia. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:864618. [PMID: 35531465 PMCID: PMC9067562 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.864618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke, caused by the interruption of blood flow to the brain and subsequent neuronal death, represents one of the main causes of disability in worldwide. Although reperfusion therapies have shown efficacy in a limited number of patients with acute ischemic stroke, neuroprotective drugs and recovery strategies have been widely assessed, but none of them have been successful in clinical practice. Therefore, the search for new therapeutic approaches is still necessary. Sphingolipids consist of a family of lipidic molecules with both structural and cell signaling functions. Regulation of sphingolipid metabolism is crucial for cell fate and homeostasis in the body. Different works have emphasized the implication of its metabolism in different pathologies, such as diabetes, cancer, neurodegeneration, or atherosclerosis. Other studies have shown its implication in the risk of suffering a stroke and its progression. This review will highlight the implications of sphingolipid metabolism enzymes in acute ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Ouro
- NeuroAging Group (NEURAL), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Clara Correa-Paz
- Translational Stroke Laboratory Group (TREAT), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Elena Maqueda
- Neuroimaging and Biotechnology Laboratory (NOBEL), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Antía Custodia
- NeuroAging Group (NEURAL), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marta Aramburu-Núñez
- NeuroAging Group (NEURAL), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Daniel Romaus-Sanjurjo
- NeuroAging Group (NEURAL), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Adrián Posado-Fernández
- NeuroAging Group (NEURAL), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María Candamo-Lourido
- Translational Stroke Laboratory Group (TREAT), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Maria Luz Alonso-Alonso
- Neuroimaging and Biotechnology Laboratory (NOBEL), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Pablo Hervella
- Neuroimaging and Biotechnology Laboratory (NOBEL), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ramón Iglesias-Rey
- Neuroimaging and Biotechnology Laboratory (NOBEL), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Castillo
- Neuroimaging and Biotechnology Laboratory (NOBEL), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Francisco Campos
- Translational Stroke Laboratory Group (TREAT), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Tomás Sobrino
- NeuroAging Group (NEURAL), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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