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Ang B, Yang T, Jiang H, Cheng Y, Chen Y, Qie X, Yin L, Wang T, Chen Q, Wang Z, Zeng M, Adhikari B, He Z, Chen J. Enzymatic Synthesis and Evaluation of Eight Methylated Quercetin Products: In Vitro Chemical Properties and Adipogenesis Regulation. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2025. [PMID: 40393977 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2025]
Abstract
The methoxylated modification of flavonoids has been reported to enhance stability and permeability; however, its effect on the improvement of activity is not clear. In this study, Citrus depressa flavonoid O-methyltransferase 5 and Sorghum vulgare 7-O-methyltransferase were recombinantly expressed and successfully converted quercetin (QUE) into eight methoxylated products, which were isolated and identified with a purity exceeding 95%. All products except rhamnetin (RHA) showed improved stability, while only 5,7,3',4'-EMQ, 7,3',4'-TMQ, and 3,7,3',4'-EMQ had higher uptake ratios. Compared to QUE, 5,7,3',4'-EMQ and RHA significantly reduced the intracellular triglyceride level, while 3,5,7,3',4'-PMQ, 3,3',4'-TMQ and 3,7,3',4'-EMQ increased it. 5,7,3',4'-EMQ and RHA also significantly downregulated both the mRNA and protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, while 3,5,7,3',4'-PMQ and 3,7,3',4'-EMQ upregulated PPARγ at the transcriptional level to about ten times higher than that of QUE. The structure-activity relationship analysis highlighted the importance of C3-OH retention and dual methoxylation of the A-ring. In summary, this study efficiently produced eight structurally well-defined QUE methoxylation products via biotransformation, established an in vitro initial structure-activity relationship for regulating adipogenesis, and provided a potential structure for PPARγ regulation, a central target of lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beijun Ang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Tian Yang
- Analytical and Testing Center, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Hongtao Jiang
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Xuejiao Qie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health across Life Cycle/School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Liduan Yin
- Yantai New Era Health Industry Co., Ltd., Yantai, Shandong 264000, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Yantai New Era Health Industry Co., Ltd., Yantai, Shandong 264000, China
| | - Qiuming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Zhaojun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Maomao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Benu Adhikari
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Zhiyong He
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
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Cheng Y, Wu J, Gao Y, Ang B, Chen Q, Wang Z, Zeng M, Qin F, Chen J, He Z, Wu F. Microbial Fermentation-Derived Dihydroquercetin Derivatives Exhibit Superior Efficacy in Ameliorating Insulin Resistance via JNK/PI3K/AKT Pathway Regulation Compared to Dihydroquercetin. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2025; 73:8323-8337. [PMID: 40152883 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c00109] [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: 03/29/2025]
Abstract
Insulin resistance (IR) is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by diminished insulin sensitivity, leading to impaired glucose uptake and a potential progression to hyperglycemia and diabetes. While lifestyle modifications are essential, the limitations of current pharmacological interventions highlight the need for natural products with therapeutic benefits. This study introduces two novel dihydroquercetin (DHQ) derivatives, 8-hydroxy-dihydroquercetin (H-DHQ) and dihydroquercetin-7-O-β-d-(4″-O-methyl)-glucoside (DHQ-MG), developed through microbial fermentation using Beauveria bassiana. Results indicated that H-DHQ and DHQ-MG significantly enhanced the alleviation of IR in a HepG2 cell model compared with DHQ, with no significant differences noticed between DHQ-MG and H-DHQ. Mechanistic analyses revealed that these derivatives effectively reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, thereby activating the JNK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to promote glycogen synthesis, suppress gluconeogenesis, and stimulate glucose transport. This research highlights the potential of H-DHQ and DHQ-MG as effective natural alternatives for managing IR, while also providing indirect evidence for the application of microbial fermentation as a strategy to modify natural flavonoids for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Junhao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yueqing Gao
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Beijun Ang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Qiuming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Zhaojun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Maomao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Fang Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Zhiyong He
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Fengfeng Wu
- Huzhou Central Hospital, The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China
- The Affiliated Central Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China
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Mustafa NF, Cheng KK, Razali SA, Wahab HA, Salin NH, Zakaria II, Nadri MH. Evaluation of methoxyflavones as dengue NS2B-NS3 protease inhibitors: an in silico and in vitro studies. Mol Divers 2025; 29:1175-1187. [PMID: 39841317 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-024-10899-5] [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: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2025]
Abstract
Dengue is one of the most prevalent viruses transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Currently, no specific medication is available to treat dengue diseases. The NS2B-NS3 protease is vital during post-translational processing, which is a key target in this study. Due to methoxy group substitution, methoxyflavones are more bioavailable and metabolically stable than hydroxylated flavones. To date, research on the anti-dengue activity of methoxyflavones is limited. Hence, this work aims to determine the inhibitory activity of methoxyflavones against the dengue NS2B-NS3. Methoxyflavones derivatives were screened using molecular docking. The result showed a strong binding interaction of compound 1 and compound 2 with NS2B-NS3 protease. Both compounds exhibited comparable binding energy as the reference compound, quercetin, with values lower than - 8.1 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics simulation using GROMACS revealed the stability and stiffness of the complexes over a 100 ns time scale. In addition, an in vitro assay for NS2B-NS3 protease inhibition revealed inhibitory effects of compounds 1 and 2 with IC50 values of 316.80 µM and 463.30 µM, respectively. The ADMET analyses showed favorable pharmacokinetics profiles that comply with Lipinski's Rule of Five. Collectively, our findings suggest that compounds 1 and 2 inhibit dengue NS2B-NS3 activity. These findings hold promise of methoxyflavones as starting compounds for potential dengue treatment, highlighting the need for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Farhana Mustafa
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Kian-Kai Cheng
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Aisyah Razali
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Nerus, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Habibah A Wahab
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals, National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, Halaman Bukit Gambir, 11700, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Hanim Salin
- Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals, National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, Halaman Bukit Gambir, 11700, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Iffah Izzati Zakaria
- Malaysia Genome and Vaccine Institute, National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, Jalan Bangi, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Helmi Nadri
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
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Poungcho P, Hairani R, Chaotham C, De-Eknamkul W, Chavasiri W. Methoxylated Chrysin and Quercetin as Potent Stimulators of Melanogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:3281. [PMID: 40244144 PMCID: PMC11989990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26073281] [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: 03/04/2025] [Revised: 03/23/2025] [Accepted: 03/28/2025] [Indexed: 04/18/2025] Open
Abstract
Polymethoxyflavonoids (PMFs) from plants are known to exhibit melanogenic activity. Very little is known about their structure-activity relationships, and this was the aim of this study. Several series of alkoxy flavonoids were synthesized via semisynthetic and total synthetic pathways. Their structures were identified by NMR analyses, followed by evaluating their potency on the stimulation of melanogenesis using mouse B16F10 and human MNT-1 cells. Among more than twenty methoxylated flavonoids, 5,7-dimethoxychrysin (dimethoxylated chrysin, F1) and 3,3',4',5,7-pentamethoxyquercetin (pentamethoxylated quercetin, F21) appeared to be the most active melanogenic-stimulating compounds in a dose-dependent manner. Both compounds showed no effect on cell viability as determined by MTT assay. The structure-activity relationship study of PMFs revealed that the -OCH3 substituent at 5 and 7 positions of A-ring are the most important as melanogenic-stimulating part (e.g., 5,7-dimethoxychrysin, F1) followed by at 3' and 4' positions of B-ring, and at 3 positions of C-ring (e.g., 3,3',4',5,7-pentamethoxyquercetin, F21), Therefore, both natural methoxylated flavonoid derivatives of chrysin and quercetin have a potential to be developed further as melanogenic stimulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattara Poungcho
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Rita Hairani
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Mulawarman University, Samarinda 75123, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
| | - Chatchai Chaotham
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Wanchai De-Eknamkul
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Warinthorn Chavasiri
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
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Tang J, Su L, He X, Liu D, Zhao C, Zhang S, Li Q, Li R, Li H. Biotransformation of Patchouli Alcohol by Cladosporium cladosporioides and the Anti-Influenza Virus Activities of Biotransformation Products. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:7991-8005. [PMID: 38544458 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09753] [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: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The biotransformation of patchouli alcohol by Cladosporium cladosporioides afforded 31 products, including 21 new ones (1-3, 5, 6, 8-14, and 17-25). Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic data analysis (1H and 13C NMR, HSQC, HMBC, 1H-1H COSY, ROESY, and HRESIMS), and the absolute configuration of compounds 1, 2, 8, 9, and 17 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction using Cu Kα radiation. Structurally, compounds 21-24 were patchoulol-type norsesquiterpenoids without Me-12. Among them, a Δ3(4) double bond existed in compounds 21 and 22; a three-membered ring was formed between C-4, C-5, and C-6 in compound 23; an epoxy moiety appeared between C-3 and C-4 in compound 24. Furthermore, the biotransformation products 9, 10, 12, and 25 showed potent anti-influenza virus activity with EC50 values of 2.11, 7.94, 20.87, and 3.45 μM, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxian Tang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P.R. China
| | - Lu Su
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P.R. China
| | - Xiu He
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P.R. China
| | - Dan Liu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P.R. China
| | - Chunyan Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P.R. China
| | - Shixian Zhang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P.R. China
| | - Qin Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, P.R. China
| | - Rongtao Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P.R. China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P.R. China
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Ang B, Yang T, Wang Z, Cheng Y, Chen Q, Wang Z, Zeng M, Chen J, He Z. In Vitro Comparative Analysis of the Effect and Structure-Based Influencing Factors of Flavonols on Lipid Accumulation. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:8237-8246. [PMID: 38530935 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c02159] [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: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Flavonols represented by quercetin have been widely reported to have biological activities of regulating lipid metabolism. However, the differences in flavonols with different structures in lipid-lowering activity and the influencing factors remain unclear. In this study, the stability, transmembrane uptake ratio, and lipid metabolism regulation activities of 12 flavonol compounds in the 3T3-L1 cell model were systematically compared. The results showed that kaempferide had the highest cellular uptake ratio and the most potent inhibitory effect on adipogenesis at a dosing concentration of 20 μM, followed by isorhamnetin and kaempferol. They inhibited TG accumulation by more than 65% and downregulated the expression of PPARγ and SREBP1c by more than 60%. The other four aglycones, including quercetin, did not exhibit significant activity due to the structural instability in the cell culture medium. Meanwhile, five quercetin glucosides were quite stable but showed a low uptake ratio that no obvious activity was observed. Correlation analysis also showed that for 11 compounds except galangin, the activity was positively correlated with the cellular uptake ratio (p < 0.05, r = 0.6349). These findings may provide a valuable idea and insight for exploring the structure-based activity of flavonoids at the cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beijun Ang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Tian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Qiuming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Zhaojun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Maomao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Zhiyong He
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resource, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
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Chlipała P, Tronina T, Dymarska M, Urbaniak M, Kozłowska E, Stępień Ł, Kostrzewa-Susłow E, Janeczko T. Multienzymatic biotransformation of flavokawain B by entomopathogenic filamentous fungi: structural modifications and pharmacological predictions. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:65. [PMID: 38402203 PMCID: PMC10893614 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02338-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Flavokawain B is one of the naturally occurring chalcones in the kava plant (Piper methysticum). It exhibits anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimalarial properties. Due to its therapeutic potential, flavokawain B holds promise for the treatment of many diseases. However, due to its poor bioavailability and low aqueous solubility, its application remains limited. The attachment of a sugar unit impacts the stability and solubility of flavonoids and often determines their bioavailability and bioactivity. Biotransformation is an environmentally friendly way to improve the properties of compounds, for example, to increase their hydrophilicity and thus affect their bioavailability. Recent studies proved that entomopathogenic filamentous fungi from the genera Isaria and Beauveria can perform O-methylglycosylation of hydroxyflavonoids or O-demethylation and hydroxylation of selected chalcones and flavones. RESULTS In the present study, we examined the ability of entomopathogenic filamentous fungal strains of Beauveria bassiana, Beauveria caledonica, Isaria farinosa, Isaria fumosorosea, and Isaria tenuipes to transform flavokawain B into its glycosylated derivatives. The main process occurring during the reaction is O-demethylation and/or hydroxylation followed by 4-O-methylglycosylation. The substrate used was characterized by low susceptibility to transformations compared to our previously described transformations of flavones and chalcones in the cultures of the tested strains. However, in the culture of the B. bassiana KCh J1.5 and BBT, Metarhizium robertsii MU4, and I. tenuipes MU35, the expected methylglycosides were obtained with high yields. Cheminformatic analyses indicated altered physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties in the derivatives compared to flavokawain B. Pharmacological predictions suggested potential anticarcinogenic activity, caspase 3 stimulation, and antileishmanial effects. CONCLUSIONS In summary, the study provided valuable insights into the enzymatic transformations of flavokawain B by entomopathogenic filamentous fungi, elucidating the structural modifications and predicting potential pharmacological activities of the obtained derivatives. The findings contribute to the understanding of the biocatalytic capabilities of these microbial cultures and the potential therapeutic applications of the modified flavokawain B derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Chlipała
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Norwida 25, 50-375, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Tronina
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Norwida 25, 50-375, Poland
| | - Monika Dymarska
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Norwida 25, 50-375, Poland
| | - Monika Urbaniak
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Strzeszyńska 34, 60-479, Poland
| | - Ewa Kozłowska
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Norwida 25, 50-375, Poland
| | - Łukasz Stępień
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Strzeszyńska 34, 60-479, Poland
| | - Edyta Kostrzewa-Susłow
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Norwida 25, 50-375, Poland
| | - Tomasz Janeczko
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Norwida 25, 50-375, Poland.
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8
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Tronina T, Łużny M, Dymarska M, Urbaniak M, Kozłowska E, Piegza M, Stępień Ł, Janeczko T. Glycosylation of Quercetin by Selected Entomopathogenic Filamentous Fungi and Prediction of Its Products' Bioactivity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11857. [PMID: 37511613 PMCID: PMC10380404 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Quercetin is the most abundant flavonoid in food products, including berries, apples, cauliflower, tea, cabbage, nuts, onions, red wine and fruit juices. It exhibits various biological activities and is used for medical applications, such as treating allergic, inflammatory and metabolic disorders, ophthalmic and cardiovascular diseases, and arthritis. However, its low water solubility may limit quercetin's therapeutic potential. One method of increasing the solubility of active compounds is their coupling to polar molecules, such as sugars. The attachment of a glucose unit impacts the stability and solubility of flavonoids and often determines their bioavailability and bioactivity. Entomopathogenic fungi are biocatalysts well known for their ability to attach glucose and its 4-O-methyl derivative to bioactive compounds, including flavonoids. We investigated the ability of cultures of entomopathogenic fungi belonging to Beauveria, Isaria, Metapochonia, Lecanicillium and Metarhizium genera to biotransform quercetin. Three major glycosylation products were detected: (1), 7-O-β-D-(4″-O-methylglucopyranosyl)-quercetin, (2) 3-O-β-D-(4″-O-methylglucopyranosyl)-quercetin and (3) 3-O-β-D-(glucopyranosyl)-quercetin. The results show evident variability of the biotransformation process, both between strains of the tested biocatalysts from different species and between strains of the same species. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the obtained compounds were predicted with the use of cheminformatics tools. The study showed that the obtained compounds may have applications as effective modulators of intestinal flora and may be stronger hepato-, cardio- and vasoprotectants and free radical scavengers than quercetin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Tronina
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Mateusz Łużny
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Monika Dymarska
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Monika Urbaniak
- Department of Pathogen Genetics and Plant Resistance, Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 34, 60-479 Poznań, Poland
| | - Ewa Kozłowska
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Michał Piegza
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Łukasz Stępień
- Department of Pathogen Genetics and Plant Resistance, Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 34, 60-479 Poznań, Poland
| | - Tomasz Janeczko
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
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9
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Ahmad B, Friar EP, Vohra MS, Khan N, Serpell CJ, Garrett MD, Loo JSE, Fong IL, Wong EH. Hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones reduce the activity of pancreatic lipase, inhibit adipogenesis and enhance lipolysis in 3T3-L1 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 379:110503. [PMID: 37084996 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110503] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones (HPMFs) have been shown to possess various anti-disease effects, including against obesity. This study investigates the anti-obesity effects of HPMFs in further detail, aiming to gain understanding of their mechanism of action in this context. The current study demonstrates that two HPMFs; 3'-hydroxy-5,7,4',5'-tetramethoxyflavone (3'OH-TetMF) and 4'-hydroxy-5,7,3',5'-tetramethoxyflavone (4'OH-TetMF) possess anti-obesity effects. They both significantly reduced pancreatic lipase activity in a competitive manner as demonstrated by molecular docking and kinetic studies. In cell studies, it was revealed that both of the HPMFs suppress differentiation of 3T3-L1 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells during the early stages of adipogenesis. They also reduced expression of key adipogenic and lipogenic marker genes, namely peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α and β (C/EBP α and β), adipocyte binding protein 2 (aP2), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBF 1). They also enhanced the expression of cell cycle genes, i.e., cyclin D1 (CCND1) and C-Myc, and reduced cyclin A2 expression. When further investigated, it was also observed that these HPMFs accelerate lipid breakdown (lipolysis) and enhance lipolytic gene expression. Moreover, they also reduced the secretion of proteins (adipokines), including pro-inflammatory cytokines, from mature adipocytes. Taken together, this study concludes that these HPMFs have anti-obesity effects, which are worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Ahmad
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, No1 Jalan Taylor's, 47500, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Emily P Friar
- School of Chemistry and Forensic Science, Ingram Building, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NH, United Kingdom
| | - Muhammad Sufyan Vohra
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, No1 Jalan Taylor's, 47500, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Nasar Khan
- R3 Medical Research, 10045 East Dynamite Boulevard Suite 260, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
| | - Christopher J Serpell
- School of Chemistry and Forensic Science, Ingram Building, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NH, United Kingdom.
| | - Michelle D Garrett
- School of Biosciences, Stacey Building, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NJ, United Kingdom
| | - Jason Siau Ee Loo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, No1 Jalan Taylor's, 47500, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Isabel Lim Fong
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Eng Hwa Wong
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, No1 Jalan Taylor's, 47500, Subang Jaya, Malaysia.
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10
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Flavonoid Constituents and Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibition of Solanum stramonifolium Jacq. Inflorescence with In Vitro and In Silico Studies. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238189. [PMID: 36500280 PMCID: PMC9736281 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Solanum stramonifolium Jacq. (Solanaceae) is widely found in South East Asia. In Thailand, it is used as vegetable and as a component in traditional recipes. The results of an alpha-glucosidase inhibitory screening test found that the crude extract of S. stramonifolium inflorescence exhibited the potential effect with IC50 81.27 μg/mL. The separation was performed by the increasing solvent polarity method. The ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water extracts of S. stramonifolium inflorescence showed the synergistic effect together with acarbose standard. The phytochemical investigation of these extracts was conducted by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Six flavonoid compounds, myricetin 3, 4', 5', 7-tetramethyl ether (1), combretol (2), kaempferol (3), kaempferol 7-O-glucopyranoside (4), 5-hydroxy 3-7-4'-5'-tetramethoxyflavone-3'-O-glucopyranoside (5), and a mixture (6) of isorhamnetin 3-O-glucopyranoside (6a) and astragalin (6b) were isolated. This discovery is the first report of flavonoid-glycoside 5. Moreover, the selected flavonoids, kaempferol and astragalin, were representatives to explore the mechanism of action. Both of them performed mixed-type inhibition. The molecular docking gave a better understanding of flavonoid compounds' ability to inhibit the alpha-glucosidase enzyme.
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11
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Hydroxylation of Progesterone and Its Derivatives by the Entomopathogenic Strain Isaria farinosa KCh KW1.1. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137015. [PMID: 35806021 PMCID: PMC9266320 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Progesterone biotransformation is worth studying because of the high industrial value of its derivatives. This study investigated the catalytic ability of the entomopathogenic filamentous fungus strain Isaria farinosa KCh KW1.1 to transform progesterone derivatives: 11α-hydroxyprogesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, 16α,17α-epoxyprogesterone and pregnenolone. In the culture of Isaria farinosa KCh KW1.1, 11α-hydroxyprogesterone was effectively transformed into only one product: 6β,11α-dihydroxyprogesterone. Transformation of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone gave three hydroxy derivatives: 6β,17α-dihydroxyprogesterone, 12β,17α-dihydroxyprogesterone and 6β,12β,17α-trihydroxyprogesterone. Two products: 6β-hydroxy-16α,17α-epoxyprogesterone and 6β,11α-dihydroxy-16α,17α-epoxyprogesterone, were obtained from the 16α,17α-epoxyprogesterone transformation. We isolated two compounds from the biotransformation medium with pregnenolone: 11α-hydroxy-7-oxopregnenolone and 5α,6α-epoxy-3β,11α-dihydroxypregnan-7,20-dione. In this study, we observed only mono- and dihydroxy derivatives of the tested substrates, and the number of obtained products for each biotransformation did not exceed three.
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12
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Tronina T, Mrozowska M, Bartmańska A, Popłoński J, Sordon S, Huszcza E. Simple and Rapid Method for Wogonin Preparation and Its Biotransformation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168973. [PMID: 34445678 PMCID: PMC8396506 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Wogonin is one of the most active flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (baikal skullcap), widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. It exhibits a broad spectrum of health-promoting and therapeutic activities. Together with baicalein, it is considered to be the one of main active ingredients of Chinese medicines for the management of COVID-19. However, therapeutic use of wogonin may be limited due to low market availability connected with its low content in baikal skullcap and lack of efficient preparative methods for obtaining this compound. Although the amount of wogonin in skullcap root often does not exceed 0.5%, this material is rich in wogonin glucuronide, which may be used as a substrate for wogonin production. In the present study, a rapid, simple, cheap and effective method of wogonin and baicalein preparation, which provides gram quantities of both flavonoids, is proposed. The obtained wogonin was used as a substrate for biotransformation. Thirty-six microorganisms were tested in screening studies. The most efficient were used in enlarged scale transformations to determine metabolism of this xenobiotic. The major phase I metabolism product was 4′-hydroxywogonin—a rare flavonoid which exhibits anticancer activity—whereas phase II metabolism products were glucosides of wogonin. The present studies complement and extend the knowledge on the effect of substitution of A- and B-ring on the regioselective glycosylation of flavonoids catalyzed by microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Tronina
- Department of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C.K. Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland; (A.B.); (J.P.); (S.S.); (E.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-71320-5019
| | - Monika Mrozowska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, T. Chałubinskiego 6a, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Bartmańska
- Department of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C.K. Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland; (A.B.); (J.P.); (S.S.); (E.H.)
| | - Jarosław Popłoński
- Department of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C.K. Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland; (A.B.); (J.P.); (S.S.); (E.H.)
| | - Sandra Sordon
- Department of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C.K. Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland; (A.B.); (J.P.); (S.S.); (E.H.)
| | - Ewa Huszcza
- Department of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C.K. Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland; (A.B.); (J.P.); (S.S.); (E.H.)
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