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Sung JY, Kim SG, Park SY, Kim JR, Choi HC. Telomere stabilization by metformin mitigates the progression of atherosclerosis via the AMPK-dependent p-PGC-1α pathway. Exp Mol Med 2024:10.1038/s12276-024-01297-w. [PMID: 39223261 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01297-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomere dysfunction is a well-known molecular trigger of senescence and has been associated with various age-related diseases, including atherosclerosis. However, the mechanisms involved have not yet been elucidated, and the extent to which telomeres contribute to atherosclerosis is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism of metformin-induced telomere stabilization and the ability of metformin to inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) senescence caused by advanced atherosclerosis. The present study revealed that metformin inhibited the phenotypes of atherosclerosis and senescence in VSMCs. Metformin increased the phosphorylation of AMPK-dependent PGC-1α and thus increased telomerase activity and the protein level of TERT in OA-treated VSMCs. Mechanistically, the phosphorylation of AMPK and PGC-1α by metformin not only enhanced telomere function but also increased the protein level of TERT, whereas TERT knockdown accelerated the development of atherosclerosis and senescent phenotypes in OA-treated VSMCs regardless of metformin treatment. Furthermore, the in vivo results showed that metformin attenuated the formation of atherosclerotic plaque markers in the aortas of HFD-fed ApoE KO mice. Although metformin did not reduce plaque size, it inhibited the phosphorylation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/TERT signaling cascade, which is associated with the maintenance and progression of plaque formation, in HFD-fed ApoE KO mice. Accordingly, metformin inhibited atherosclerosis-associated phenotypes in vitro and in vivo. These observations show that the enhancement of telomere function by metformin is involved in specific signaling pathways during the progression of atherosclerosis. These findings suggest that telomere stabilization by metformin via the AMPK/p-PGC-1α pathway might provide a strategy for developing therapeutics against vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Young Sung
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 170 Hyunchung-Ro, Nam-Gu, Daegu, 42415, Republic of Korea
- Senotherapy-based Metabolic Disease Control Research Center, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 170 Hyunchung-Ro, Nam-Gu, Daegu, 42415, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul Gi Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 170 Hyunchung-Ro, Nam-Gu, Daegu, 42415, Republic of Korea
- Senotherapy-based Metabolic Disease Control Research Center, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 170 Hyunchung-Ro, Nam-Gu, Daegu, 42415, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Young Park
- Senotherapy-based Metabolic Disease Control Research Center, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 170 Hyunchung-Ro, Nam-Gu, Daegu, 42415, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 170 Hyunchung-Ro, Nam-Gu, Daegu, 42415, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Ryong Kim
- Senotherapy-based Metabolic Disease Control Research Center, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 170 Hyunchung-Ro, Nam-Gu, Daegu, 42415, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 170 Hyunchung-Ro, Nam-Gu, Daegu, 42415, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoung Chul Choi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 170 Hyunchung-Ro, Nam-Gu, Daegu, 42415, Republic of Korea.
- Senotherapy-based Metabolic Disease Control Research Center, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 170 Hyunchung-Ro, Nam-Gu, Daegu, 42415, Republic of Korea.
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Li S, Yan MQ, Wang ZY, Wang ZB, Kuang HX. Phytochemistry of Genus Buxus and Pharmacology of Cyclovirobuxine D. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202400494. [PMID: 38744674 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202400494] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genus Buxus plants, commonly known as "boxwood", are widely distributed in China. The stems, branches, and leaves of the plant are traditionally used for rheumatism, toothache, chest pain, abdominal gas, and other diseases. However, an overview of the genus Buxus remains to be provided. PURPOSE To provide a scientific basis for the appropriate use and further research the recent advancements in the traditional usage, phytochemistry, and, pharmacology of Buxus. STUDY DESIGN Chemical composition and pharmacological correlation studies through a literature review. METHODS Between 1970 and 2023, the available data concerning Buxus was compiled from online scientific sources, such as Sci-Finder, PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar, and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Plant names were verified from "The Plant List" (http://www.theplantlist.org/). RESULTS To date, 266 structurally diverse chemicals have been extracted and identified from the genus Buxus. Alkaloids constitute one of its primary bioactive phytochemicals. A summary of the channels of action of Cyclovirobuxine D on the cytotoxicity of a variety of cancers has been provided. CONCLUSION Numerous findings from contemporary phytochemical and pharmacological studies support the traditional use, facilitating its application. Further research is necessary to address various shortcomings, including the identification of the active ingredients and quality control of the genus Buxus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Li
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao, (Ministry of Education), Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040, Harbin, China
| | - Meng-Qi Yan
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao, (Ministry of Education), Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040, Harbin, China
| | - Zhen-Yue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao, (Ministry of Education), Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040, Harbin, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao, (Ministry of Education), Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040, Harbin, China
| | - Hai-Xue Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao, (Ministry of Education), Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040, Harbin, China
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Bhattacharya S, Sangave PC, Belemkar S, Anjum MM. pH-Sensitive Nanoparticles of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in Enhanced Colorectal Cancer Therapy. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2024; 19:459-481. [PMID: 38223987 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0342] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM Encapsulating epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in pH-sensitive polymeric nanoparticles for targeted delivery of drugs could revolutionize colorectal cancer treatment. MATERIALS & METHODS Nanoparticles were synthesized to release drugs at colon pH. Dynamic light scattering measured their average diameter and ζ-potential, while differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray diffraction assessed EGCG encapsulation. RESULTS The nanoparticles showed stability and bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract, efficiently encapsulating and releasing over 93% of EGCG at pH 7.2. They enhanced cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells and demonstrated antibacterial properties, increasing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. CONCLUSION The study underscores the potential of nanoparticles in enhancing EGCG delivery for colorectal cancer therapy, aiming to minimize side effects and improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankha Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Shirpur, Maharashtra, 425405, India
| | - Preeti Chidambar Sangave
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Shirpur, Maharashtra, 425405, India
| | - Sateesh Belemkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India
| | - Md Meraj Anjum
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, UP, 226025, India
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