1
|
Poulsen-Silva E, Gordillo-Fuenzalida F, Atala C, Moreno AA, Otero MC. Bioactive Lichen Secondary Metabolites and Their Presence in Species from Chile. Metabolites 2023; 13:805. [PMID: 37512512 PMCID: PMC10383681 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070805] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Lichens are symbiotic organisms composed of at least one fungal and one algal species. They are found in different environments around the world, even in the poles and deserts. Some species can withstand extreme abiotic conditions, including radiation and the vacuum of space. Their chemistry is mainly due to the fungal metabolism and the production of several secondary metabolites with biological activity, which have been isolated due to an increasing interest from the pharmaceutical community. However, beyond the experimental data, little is known about their mechanisms of action and the potential pharmaceutical use of these kinds of molecules, especially the ones isolated from lesser-known species and/or lesser-studied countries. The main objective of this review is to analyze the bibliographical data of the biological activity of secondary metabolites from lichens, identifying the possible mechanisms of action and lichen species from Chile. We carried out a bibliographic revision of different scientific articles in order to collect all necessary information on the biological activity of the metabolites of these lichen species. For this, validated databases were used. We found the most recent reports where in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the biological properties of these metabolites. The biological activity, namely anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity, of 26 secondary metabolites are described, as well as their reported molecular mechanisms. The most notable metabolites found in this review were usnic acid, atranorin, protolichesterinic acid, and lobaric acid. Usnic acid was the most investigated metabolite, in addition to undergoing toxicological and pharmacological studies, where a hepatotoxicity effect was reported due to uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, no major studies have been made to validate the pharmacological application of these metabolites, and few advancements have been made in their artificial growth in bioreactors. Despite the described biological activities, there is little support to consider these metabolites in pharmaceutical formulations or to evaluate them in clinical trials. Nevertheless, it is important to carry out further studies regarding their possible human health effects. These lichen secondary metabolites present a promising research opportunity to find new pharmaceutical molecules due to their bioactive properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erick Poulsen-Silva
- Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, República 252, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Felipe Gordillo-Fuenzalida
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Aplicada, Centro de Biotecnología de los Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Avda. San Miguel 3605, Talca 3466706, Chile
| | - Cristian Atala
- Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Campus Curauma, Av. Universidad 330, Curauma, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile
| | - Adrián A Moreno
- Centro de Biotecnología Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile
| | - María Carolina Otero
- Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, República 252, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang H, Xuan M, Diao J, Xu N, Li M, Huang C, Wang C. Metabolism and toxicity of usnic acid and barbatic acid based on microsomes, S9 fraction, and 3T3 fibroblasts in vitro combined with a UPLC-Q-TOF-MS method. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1207928. [PMID: 37397492 PMCID: PMC10308081 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1207928] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Usnic acid (UA) and barbatic acid (BA), two typical dibenzofurans and depsides in lichen, have a wide range of pharmacological activities and hepatotoxicity concerns. This study aimed to clarify the metabolic pathway of UA and BA and illuminate the relationship between metabolism and toxicity. Methods: An UPLC-Q-TOF-MS method was developed for metabolite identification of UA and BA in human liver microsomes (HLMs), rat liver microsomes (RLMs), and S9 fraction (RS9). The key metabolic enzymes responsible for UA and BA were identified by enzyme inhibitors combined with recombinant human cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. The cytotoxicity and metabolic toxicity mechanism of UA and BA were determined by the combination model of human primary hepatocytes and mouse 3T3 fibroblasts. Results: The hydroxylation, methylation, and glucuronidation reactions were involved in the metabolic profiles of UA and BA in RLMs, HLMs, and RS9. CYP2C9, CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and UGT1A1 are key metabolic enzymes responsible for metabolites of UA and CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP1A1, UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A9, and UGT1A10 for metabolites of BA. UA and BA did not display evident cytotoxicity in human primary hepatocytes at concentrations of 0.01-25 and 0.01-100 µM, respectively, but showed potential cytotoxicity to mouse 3T3 fibroblasts with 50% inhibitory concentration values of 7.40 and 60.2 µM. Discussion: In conclusion, the attenuated cytotoxicity of BA is associated with metabolism, and UGTs may be the key metabolic detoxification enzymes. The cytotoxicity of UA may be associated with chronic toxicity. The present results provide important insights into the understanding of the biotransformation behavior and metabolic detoxification of UA and BA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanxue Wang
- Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Xuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Eighth People’s Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Juanjuan Diao
- Analysis and Testing Center, Xinjiang Medical University (Xuelanshan Campus), Urumqi, China
| | - Nan Xu
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Manlin Li
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gunawan GA, Gimła M, Gardiner MG, Herman-Antosiewicz A, Reekie TA. Divergent reactivity of usnic acid and evaluation of its derivatives for antiproliferative activity against cancer cells. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 79:117157. [PMID: 36652792 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Natural products continue to be an inspiration for new drugs to treat debilitating diseases such as cancer. Usnic acid is a secondary metabolite isolated predominately from lichen species and has been shown to exhibit antiproliferative properties, however its application is limited by poor drug-like properties and low specificity. We report our work on investigating the reactivity of usnic acid for incorporating heterocyclic rings and the divergent reactivity that can be obtained by simply altering the reaction solvent and temperature. The synthesised derivatives were then tested against HeLa cancer cells for their antiproliferative properties. A number of promising compounds were obtained including 4, 5 and 9 that showed an IC50 of 878, 311 and 116 nM, respectively, against HeLa cancer cells after 48 h of treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Gunawan
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, 2600 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Mariola Gimła
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Biology, Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michael G Gardiner
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, 2600 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Anna Herman-Antosiewicz
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Biology, Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tristan A Reekie
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, 2600 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia; School of Science, University of New South Wales Canberra, 2600 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang H, Xuan M, Huang C, Wang C. Advances in Research on Bioactivity, Toxicity, Metabolism, and Pharmacokinetics of Usnic Acid In Vitro and In Vivo. Molecules 2022; 27:7469. [PMID: 36364296 PMCID: PMC9657990 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Lichens are among the most widely distributed plants on earth and have the longest growth cycle. Usnic acid is an abundant characteristic secondary metabolite of lichens and the earliest lichen compound used commercially. It has diverse pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, and photoprotective effects, and promotes wound healing. It is widely used in dietary supplements, daily chemical products (fodder, dyes, food, perfumery, and cosmetics), and medicine. However, some studies have found that usnic acid can cause allergic dermatitis and drug-induced liver injury. In this paper, the bioactivity, toxicity, in vivo and in vitro metabolism, and pharmacokinetics of usnic acid were summarized. The aims were to develop and utilize usnic acid and provide reference for its future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanxue Wang
- Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 230 Baoding Road, Shanghai 200082, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Min Xuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Eighth People’s Hospital, 84 Fengshan Road, Qingdao 266121, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Toxicity of Usnic Acid: A Narrative Review. J Toxicol 2022; 2022:8244340. [PMID: 36310641 PMCID: PMC9605823 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8244340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Usnic acid (UA) is a dibenzofuran derivative naturally present in lichens, organisms resulting from the symbiosis between a fungus and a cyanobacterium, or an alga. UA shows antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory as well as UV-protective activities. Its use as pharmacological agent is widely described in traditional medicine, and in the past few years, the product has been marketed as a food supplement for the induction of weight loss. However, the development of severe hepatotoxicity in a limited number of subjects prompted the FDA to issue a warning letter, which led to the withdrawal of the product from the market in November 2001. Data published in literature on UA toxicology, genotoxicity, mutagenesis, and teratogenicity have been reviewed, as well as the case reports of subjects who developed hepatotoxicity following oral administration of UA as a slimming agent. Finally, we reviewed the most recent studies on the topical use of UA, as well as studies aimed at improving UA pharmacologic activity and reducing toxicity. Indeed, advancements in this field of research could open the possibility to reintroduce the use of UA as therapeutical agent.
Collapse
|
6
|
Roth RA, Kana O, Filipovic D, Ganey PE. Pharmacokinetic and toxicodynamic concepts in idiosyncratic, drug-induced liver injury. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2022; 18:469-481. [PMID: 36003040 PMCID: PMC9484408 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2022.2113379] [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: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (IDILI) causes morbidity and mortality in patients and leads to curtailed use of efficacious pharmaceuticals. Unlike intrinsically toxic reactions, which depend on dose, IDILI occurs in a minority of patients at therapeutic doses. Much remains unknown about causal links among drug exposure, a mode of action, and liver injury. Consequently, numerous hypotheses about IDILI pathogenesis have arisen. AREAS COVERED Pharmacokinetic and toxicodynamic characteristics underlying current hypotheses of IDILI etiology are discussed and illustrated graphically. EXPERT OPINION Hypotheses to explain IDILI etiology all involve alterations in pharmacokinetics, which lead to plasma drug concentrations that rise above a threshold for toxicity, or in toxicodynamics, which result in a lowering of the toxicity threshold. Altered pharmacokinetics arise, for example, from changes in drug metabolism or from transporter polymorphisms. A lowered toxicity threshold can arise from drug-induced mitochondrial injury, accumulation of toxic endogenous factors or harmful immune responses. Newly developed, interactive freeware (DemoTox-PK; https://bit.ly/DemoTox-PK) allows the user to visualize how such alterations might lead to a toxic reaction. The illustrations presented provide a framework for conceptualizing idiosyncratic reactions and could serve as a stimulus for future discussion, education, and research into modes of action of IDILI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Roth
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 49924
- ProbiTox LLC, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Omar Kana
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 49924
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - David Filipovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Patricia E. Ganey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 49924
- ProbiTox LLC, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xu Q, Deng H, Li X, Quan ZS. Application of Amino Acids in the Structural Modification of Natural Products: A Review. Front Chem 2021; 9:650569. [PMID: 33996749 PMCID: PMC8118163 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.650569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products and their derivatives are important sources for drug discovery; however, they usually have poor solubility and low activity and require structural modification. Amino acids are highly soluble in water and have a wide range of activities. The introduction of amino acids into natural products is expected to improve the performance of these products and minimize their adverse effects. Therefore, this review summarizes the application of amino acids in the structural modification of natural products and provides a theoretical basis for the structural modification of natural products in the future. The articles were divided into six types based on the backbone structures of the natural products, and the related applications of amino acids in the structural modification of natural products were discussed in detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Affiliated Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Hao Deng
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Affiliated Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaoting Li
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Affiliated Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhe-Shan Quan
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Affiliated Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kwong SP, Huang Z, Ji L, Wang C. PORIMIN: The key to (+)-Usnic acid-induced liver toxicity and oncotic cell death in normal human L02 liver cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 270:113873. [PMID: 33485970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Usnic acid (UA) is one of the well-known lichen metabolites that induces liver injury. It is mainly extracted from Usnea longissima and U. diffracta in China or from other lichens in other countries. U. longissima has been used as traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of cough, pain, indigestion, wound healing and infection. More than 20 incidences with hepatitis and liver failure have been reported by the US Food and Drug Administration since 2000. UA is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation causing glutathione and ATP depletion. Previous histological studies observed extensive cell and organelle swellings accompanied with hydrotropic vacuolization of hepatocytes. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was to investigate the mechanism of UA-induced liver toxicity in normal human L02 liver cells and ICR mice using various techniques, such as immunoblotting and siRNA transfection. MATERIALS AND METHODS Assays were performed to evaluate the oxidative stress and levels of GSH, MDA and SOD. Double flouresencence staining was used for the detection of apoptotic cell death. The protein expressions, such as glutathione S transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase 4, catalase, c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase, caspases, gastamin-D and porimin were detected by Western blotting. Comparisons between transfected and non-transfected cells were applied for the elucidation of the role of porimin in UA-induced hepatotoxicity. Histopathological examination of mice liver tissue, serum total bilirubin and hepatic enzymes of alanine aminotransferase and aspatate aminotransferase were also studied. RESULTS The protein expressions of glutathione reductase, glutathione S transferase and glutathione peroxidase-4 were increased significantly in normal human L02 liver cells. Catalase expression was diminished in dose-dependent manner. Moreover, (+)-UA did not induce the activation of caspase-3, caspase-1 or gasdermin-D. No evidence showed the occurrence of pyroptosis. However, the porimin expressions were increased significantly. In addition, (+)-UA caused no cytotoxicity in the porimin silencing L02 cells. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, (+)-UA induces oncotic L02 cell death via increasing protein porimin and the formation of irreversible membrane pores. This may be the potential research area for future investigation in different aspects especially bioactivity and toxicology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sukfan P Kwong
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Zhenlin Huang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Lili Ji
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Changhong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sepahvand A, Studzińska-Sroka E, Ramak P, Karimian V. Usnea sp.: Antimicrobial potential, bioactive compounds, ethnopharmacological uses and other pharmacological properties; a review article. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 268:113656. [PMID: 33276059 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Usnea sp. is a fruticose thalli lichen with interesting medicinal properties. Since ancient times, Usnea sp. has been used in traditional medicine worldwide to treat various diseases. The broad scientific studies on this lichen have proved its multidirectional biological effect, such as antimicrobial activity, which is attributed to its usnic acid content. PURPOSE The main aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the antimicrobial activities of Usnea sp., including the traditional and medicinal uses, and a critical evaluation of the presented data. Also, the mechanism of this type of action will be explained. METHODS To prepare this manuscript, the information was extracted from scientific databases (Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer, and Google Scholar), books, and theses. The available scientific information was critically analysed. RESULTS Analysis of the scientific literature regarding traditional uses and bioactivity research showed that Usnea sp. extracts exhibit high antibacterial activity. The Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and aquatic oomycetous fungi were the most sensitive Usnea sp. extracts. Moderate activity against Malassezia furfur and dermatophytes was observed, as well. Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and fungi were more frequently resistant to Usnea sp. extracts (included Escherichia coli, Candida sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus sp.). The antiviral activity of Usnea sp. was limited. CONCLUSION The results show that the use of Usnea sp. in traditional medicine can be scientifically documented. Studies show that usnic acid is the active compound present in Usnea sp. extracts. This compound, which has a high antibacterial and cytotoxic activity, exists in large quantities in low-polarity extracts, and low concentration in these of high-polarity. Usnea sp. extracts contain compounds other than usnic acid as well with biological effects. Usnea barbata is a species that has been employed in modern-day cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. The information presented in the review can be considered as a source of knowledge about the Usnea sp. It presents research on biological properties reported for different species of Usnea genus and thus can facilitate their use in medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asghar Sepahvand
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
| | | | - Parvin Ramak
- Research Division of Natural Resources, Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Khorramabad, Iran.
| | - Vahid Karimian
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Yasooj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yasooj, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kwong SP, Wang C. Review: Usnic acid-induced hepatotoxicity and cell death. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 80:103493. [PMID: 32961280 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Increasing prevalence of herbal and dietary supplement-induced hepatotoxicity has been reported worldwide. Usnic acid (UA) is a well-known hepatotoxin derived from lichens. Since 2000, more than 20 incident reports have been received by the US Food and Drug Administration after intake of UA containing dietary supplement resulting in severe complications. Scientists and clinicians have been studying the cause, prevention and treatment of UA-induced hepatotoxicity. It is now known that UA decouples oxidative phosphorylation, induces adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion, decreases glutathione (GSH), and induces oxidative stress markedly leading to lipid peroxidation and organelle stress. In addition, experimental rat liver tissues have shown massive vacuolization associated with cellular swellings. Additionally, various signaling pathways, such as c-JNK N-terminal kinase (JNK), store-operated calcium entry, nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (Akt/mTOR) pathways are stimulated by UA causing beneficial or harmful effects. Nevertheless, there are controversial issues, such as UA-induced inflammatory or anti-inflammatory responses, cytochrome P450 detoxifying UA into non-toxic or transforming UA into reactive metabolites, and unknown mechanism of the formation of vacuolization and membrane pore. This article focused on the previous and latest comprehensive putative mechanistic findings of UA-induced hepatotoxicity and cell death. New insights on controversial issues and future perspectives are also discussed and summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sukfan P Kwong
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Piska K, Galanty A, Koczurkiewicz P, Żmudzki P, Potaczek J, Podolak I, Pękala E. Usnic acid reactive metabolites formation in human, rat, and mice microsomes. Implication for hepatotoxicity. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 120:112-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
12
|
Childress ES, Alexopoulos SJ, Hoehn KL, Santos WL. Small Molecule Mitochondrial Uncouplers and Their Therapeutic Potential. J Med Chem 2017; 61:4641-4655. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S. Childress
- Department of Chemistry and Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Stephanie J. Alexopoulos
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
| | - Kyle L. Hoehn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
- Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, and Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
| | - Webster L. Santos
- Department of Chemistry and Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang H, Yang T, Cheng X, Kwong S, Liu C, An R, Li G, Wang X, Wang C. Simultaneous determination of usnic, diffractaic, evernic and barbatic acids in rat plasma by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry and its application to pharmacokinetic studies. Biomed Chromatogr 2017; 32. [PMID: 29055065 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.4123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Usnea longissima Ach. (Usnea) is used in pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics. Evernic acid (EA), barbatic acid (BA), diffractaic acid (DA) and usnic acid (UA) are the most typical ingredients in U. longissima and exert a wide variety of biological functions. The study aimed to develop a sensitive method for simultaneous analysis of EA, BA, DA and UA in rat plasma and was applied to pharmacokinetic studies after consumption of UA and ethanol extract from U. longissima (UE). The samples were separated on a BEH C18 column by gradient elution with 0.5% formic acid in water and in methanol. The relative molecular masses of analytes were obtained in full-scan range from 50.0 to 750.0 m/z under negative ionization mode by UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS. All validation parameters, such as lower limit of quantitation, linearity, specificity, precision, accuracy, extraction recovery, matrix effect and stability, were within acceptable ranges and the method was appropriate for biological specimen analysis. The pharmacokinetic results indicated that the absolute bioavailabilities of UA after oral administration of UA and UE reached 69.2 and 146.9%, respectively. Compared with UA in UE, the relative bioavailability of DA, BA and EA reached 103.7, 10.4 and 0.7% after oral administration of UE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanxue Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai TCM-integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuemei Cheng
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sukfan Kwong
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenghai Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui An
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guowen Li
- Shanghai TCM-integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinhong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ahmad R, Borowiec P, Falck-Ytter AB, Strætkvern KO. Extraction, Solubility and Antimicrobial Activity of (-) Usnic Acid in Ethanol, a Pharmaceutically Relevant Solvent. Nat Prod Commun 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1701200725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Usnic acid (UA) is the most studied bioactive secondary metabolite from lichens. Recently, UA research has focused on its antibacterial activity. However, increased application in healthcare products of UA is hampered by low solubility in aqueous solutions. Here, we report ethanol both as an alternative extraction solvent to acetone and as a pharmaceutically relevant solvent for future formulations. Dried samples of the abundant reindeer lichen ( Cladonia stellaris) were extracted in a 23 factorial design using either ethanol or acetone, varying both time and solvent-to-dry mass ratio. In both extracts, UA was the predominant compound as shown by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography (TLC). In a disc diffusion assay, both extracts demonstrated similar antibacterial susceptibility towards Gram-positive ( Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus), while showing little to no activity against Gram-negative bacteria ( Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Among a range of pharmaceutically relevant solvents tested, UA was only soluble in ethanol (at concentrations up to 1–2 mg mL−1).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafi Ahmad
- Department of Natural Sciences and Technology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (INN), Campus Hamar, P.O. Box 4010, N-2306 Hamar, Norway
| | - Paulina Borowiec
- Department of Natural Sciences and Technology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (INN), Campus Hamar, P.O. Box 4010, N-2306 Hamar, Norway
| | - Anne Bergljot Falck-Ytter
- Department of Natural Sciences and Technology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (INN), Campus Hamar, P.O. Box 4010, N-2306 Hamar, Norway
| | - Knut Olav Strætkvern
- Department of Natural Sciences and Technology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (INN), Campus Hamar, P.O. Box 4010, N-2306 Hamar, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhao P, Liu B, Wang C. Hepatotoxicity evaluation of traditional Chinese medicines using a computational molecular model. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2017; 55:996-1000. [PMID: 28594241 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2017.1333123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver injury caused by traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) is reported from many countries around the world. TCM hepatotoxicity has attracted worldwide concerns. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop a more applicable and optimal tool to evaluate TCM hepatotoxicity. METHODS A quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis was performed based on published data and U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Liver Toxicity Knowledge Base (LTKB). RESULTS Eleven herbal ingredients with proven liver toxicity in the literature were added into the dataset besides chemicals from LTKB. The finally generated QSAR model yielded a sensitivity of 83.8%, a specificity of 70.1%, and an accuracy of 80.2%. Among the externally tested 20 ingredients from TCMs, 14 hepatotoxic ingredients were all accurately identified by the QSAR model derived from the dataset containing natural hepatotoxins. CONCLUSIONS Adding natural hepatotoxins into the dataset makes the QSAR model more applicable for TCM hepatotoxicity assessment, which provides a right direction in the methodology study for TCM safety evaluation. The generated QSAR model has the practical value to prioritize the hepatotoxicity risk of TCM compounds. Furthermore, an open-access international specialized database on TCM hepatotoxicity should be quickly established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pan Zhao
- a Clinical Trial Center , Beijing 302 Hospital , Beijing , China.,b Liver Failure Therapy and Research Center, Beijing 302 Hospital , Beijing , China
| | - Bin Liu
- c Computer Technology Center, Beijing 302 Hospital , Beijing , China
| | - Chunya Wang
- d Emergency & Critical Care Center , Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Machado NM, de Rezende AAA, Nepomuceno JC, Tavares DC, Cunha WR, Spanó MA. Evaluation of mutagenic, recombinogenic and carcinogenic potential of (+)-usnic acid in somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster. Food Chem Toxicol 2016; 96:226-33. [PMID: 27497765 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The main of this study was to evaluate the mutagenic and carcinogenic potential of (+) - usnic acid (UA), using Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART) and the test for detecting epithelial tumor clones (wts) in Drosophila melanogaster. Larvae from 72 ± 4 h from Drosophila were fed with UA (5.0, 10.0 or 20.0 mM); urethane (10.0 mM) (positive control); and solvent (Milli-Q water, 1% Tween-80 and 3% ethanol) (negative control). ST cross produced increase in total mutant spots in the individuals treated with 5.0, 10.0 or 20.0 mM of UA. HB cross produced spot frequencies in the concentration of 5.0 mM that were higher than the frequency for the same concentration in the ST cross. In the highest concentrations the result was negative, which means that the difference observed can be attributed, in part, to the high levels of P450, suggesting that increasing the metabolic capacity maximized the toxic effect of these doses. In the evaluation of carcinogenesis using the wts test, the results obtained for the same concentrations of UA show a positive result for the presence of tumors when compared to the negative control. We conclude that UA has recombinogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects on somatic cells in D. melanogaster.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nayane Moreira Machado
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Campus Umuarama, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Júlio César Nepomuceno
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Campus Umuarama, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Centro Universitário de Patos de Minas, Laboratório de Citogenética e Mutagênese, Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mário Antônio Spanó
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Campus Umuarama, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Luzina OA, Salakhutdinov NF. Biological activity of usnic acid and its derivatives: Part 2. effects on higher organisms. Molecular and physicochemical aspects. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162016030109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
18
|
Suwalsky M, Jemiola-Rzeminska M, Astudillo C, Gallardo MJ, Staforelli JP, Villena F, Strzalka K. An in vitro study on the antioxidant capacity of usnic acid on human erythrocytes and molecular models of its membrane. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2015; 1848:2829-38. [PMID: 26299817 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Usnic acid (UA) has been associated with chronic diseases through its antioxidant action. Its main target is the cell membrane; however, its effect on that of human erythrocytes has been scarcely investigated. To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms of the interaction between UA and cell membranes human erythrocytes and molecular models of its membrane have been utilized. Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dimyristoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DMPE) were chosen as representative of phospholipid classes located in the outer and inner monolayers of the erythrocyte membrane, respectively. Results by X-ray diffraction showed that UA produced structural perturbations on DMPC and DMPE bilayers. DSC studies have indicated that thermotropic behavior of DMPE was most strongly distorted by UA than DMPC, whereas the latter is mainly affected on the pretransition. Scanning electron (SEM) and defocusing microscopy (DM) showed that UA induced alterations to erythrocytes from the normal discoid shape to echinocytes. These results imply that UA molecules were located in the outer monolayer of the erythrocyte membrane. Results of its antioxidant properties showed that UA neutralized the oxidative capacity of HClO on DMPC and DMPE bilayers; SEM, DM and hemolysis assays demonstrated the protective effect of UA against the deleterious oxidant effects of HClO upon human erythrocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Suwalsky
- Faculty of Chemical Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
| | - M Jemiola-Rzeminska
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - C Astudillo
- Faculty of Chemical Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - M J Gallardo
- Center for Optics and Photonics, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - J P Staforelli
- Center for Optics and Photonics, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - F Villena
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - K Strzalka
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mazzanti G, Di Sotto A, Vitalone A. Hepatotoxicity of green tea: an update. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:1175-91. [PMID: 25975988 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1521-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Green tea (GT), obtained from the leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (Fam. Theaceae), is largely used for its potential health benefits such as reduction in risk of cardiovascular diseases and weight loss. Nevertheless, it is suspected to induce liver damage. Present work reviews the hepatic adverse reactions associated with GT-based herbal supplements, published by the end of 2008 to March 2015. A systematic research was carried out on PubMed, MedlinePlus, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, without any language restriction. Moreover, some accessible databases on pharmacovigilance or phytovigilance were consulted. The causality assessment was performed using the CIOMS/RUCAM score. Nineteen cases of hepatotoxicity related to the consumption of herbal products containing GT were identified. The hepatic reactions involved mostly women (16/19); the kind of liver damage was generally classified as hepatocellular (16/19). The causality assessment between consumption of herbal preparation and hepatic reaction resulted as probable in eight cases and as possible in eleven cases. In seven cases, patients used preparations containing only GT, while twelve reactions involved patients who took multicomponent preparations (MC). The reactions induced by GT had a generally long latency (179.1 ± 58.95 days), and the outcome was always resolution, with recovery time of 64.6 ± 17.78 days. On the contrary, liver injury associated with MC had a shorter latency (44.7 ± 13.85 days) and was more serious in four cases that required liver transplantation and, when resolution occurred, the recovery time was longer (118.9 ± 38.79). MC preparations contained numerous other components, many of which are suspected to induce liver damage, so it is difficult to ascribe the toxicity to one specific component, e.g., GT. Present data confirm a certain safety concern with GT, even if the number of hepatic reactions reported is low considering the great extent of use of this supplement. The mechanism of GT hepatotoxicity remains unclear, but factors related to the patient are becoming predominant. A major safety concern exists when GT is associated with other ingredients that can interact between them and with GT, enhancing the risk of liver damage. Patients should be discouraged from using herbal or dietary supplements containing complex mixtures and should be encouraged to use herbal and dietary supplement possibly under supervision of healthcare professionals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Mazzanti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Araújo AAS, de Melo MGD, Rabelo TK, Nunes PS, Santos SL, Serafini MR, Santos MRV, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Gelain DP. Review of the biological properties and toxicity of usnic acid. Nat Prod Res 2015; 29:2167-80. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2015.1007455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
21
|
Kulak V, Newton G. A guide to using case-based learning in biochemistry education. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION : A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 42:457-73. [PMID: 25345695 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.20823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Studies indicate that the majority of students in undergraduate biochemistry take a surface approach to learning, associated with rote memorization of material, rather than a deep approach, which implies higher cognitive processing. This behavior relates to poorer outcomes, including impaired course performance and reduced knowledge retention. The use of case-based learning (CBL) into biochemistry teaching may facilitate deep learning by increasing student engagement and interest. Abundant literature on CBL exists but clear guidance on how to design and implement case studies is not readily available. This guide provides a representative review of CBL uses in science and describes the process of developing CBL modules to be used in biochemistry. Included is a framework to implement a directed CBL assisted with lectures in a content-driven biochemistry course regardless of class size. Moreover, this guide can facilitate adopting CBL to other courses. Consequently, the information presented herein will be of value to undergraduate science educators with an interest in active learning pedagogies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verena Kulak
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Ontario, N1G, 2W1, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lauinger IL, Vivas L, Perozzo R, Stairiker C, Tarun A, Zloh M, Zhang X, Xu H, Tonge PJ, Franzblau SG, Pham DH, Esguerra CV, Crawford AD, Maes L, Tasdemir D. Potential of lichen secondary metabolites against Plasmodium liver stage parasites with FAS-II as the potential target. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2013; 76:1064-70. [PMID: 23806111 PMCID: PMC4119598 DOI: 10.1021/np400083k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Chemicals targeting the liver stage (LS) of the malaria parasite are useful for causal prophylaxis of malaria. In this study, four lichen metabolites, evernic acid (1), vulpic acid (2), psoromic acid (3), and (+)-usnic acid (4), were evaluated against LS parasites of Plasmodium berghei. Inhibition of P. falciparum blood stage (BS) parasites was also assessed to determine stage specificity. Compound 4 displayed the highest LS activity and stage specificity (LS IC50 value 2.3 μM, BS IC50 value 47.3 μM). The compounds 1-3 inhibited one or more enzymes (PfFabI, PfFabG, and PfFabZ) from the plasmodial fatty acid biosynthesis (FAS-II) pathway, a potential drug target for LS activity. To determine species specificity and to clarify the mechanism of reported antibacterial effects, 1-4 were also evaluated against FabI homologues and whole cells of various pathogens (S. aureus, E. coli, M. tuberculosis). Molecular modeling studies suggest that lichen acids act indirectly via binding to allosteric sites on the protein surface of the FAS-II enzymes. Potential toxicity of compounds was assessed in human hepatocyte and cancer cells (in vitro) as well as in a zebrafish model (in vivo). This study indicates the therapeutic and prophylactic potential of lichen metabolites as antibacterial and antiplasmodial agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ina L. Lauinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Livia Vivas
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Remo Perozzo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Christopher Stairiker
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 152614, USA
| | - Alice Tarun
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 152614, USA
| | - Mire Zloh
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Xujie Zhang
- Institute for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, NY 11794, USA
| | - Hua Xu
- Institute for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, NY 11794, USA
| | - Peter J. Tonge
- Institute for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, NY 11794, USA
| | - Scott G. Franzblau
- Institute for Tuberculosis Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Duc-Hung Pham
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Camila V. Esguerra
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander D. Crawford
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Deniz Tasdemir
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Burkova TV, Goncharova IA. GENETIC FACTORS INFLUENCING THE EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF LONG-TERM ANTICOAGULANT THERAPY. КАРДИОВАСКУЛЯРНАЯ ТЕРАПИЯ И ПРОФИЛАКТИКА 2013. [DOI: 10.15829/1728-8800-2013-3-89-94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Late postoperative thrombotic and haemorrhagic complications in anticoagulant-treated patients remain one of the key problems of the modern clinical medicine. At present, the most widely used anticoagulant is warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist. One of the reasons for a pathological reaction to the therapeutic concentration of warfarin could be individual features of warfarin metabolism, determined by relevant genes. The literature data suggest that protein-coding CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genes play an important role in the development of postoperative complications. However, the individual warfarin dosage can be influenced by a wide range of other genetic polymorphisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T. V. Burkova
- Research Institute of Complex Cardiovascular Problems, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Kemerovo
| | - I. A. Goncharova
- Research Institute of Complex Cardiovascular Problems, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Kemerovo
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Shi Q, Greenhaw J, Salminen WF. Inhibition of cytochrome P450s enhances (+)-usnic acid cytotoxicity in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. J Appl Toxicol 2013; 34:835-40. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.2892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Revised: 03/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Shi
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research; U.S. FDA; 3900 NCTR Road Jefferson AR 72079 USA
| | - James Greenhaw
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research; U.S. FDA; 3900 NCTR Road Jefferson AR 72079 USA
| | - William F. Salminen
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research; U.S. FDA; 3900 NCTR Road Jefferson AR 72079 USA
- PAREXEL International; 7321 Hemlock Lane Sarasota FL 34241 USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sahu SC, O'Donnell MW, Sprando RL. Interactive toxicity of usnic acid and lipopolysaccharides in human liver HepG2 cells. J Appl Toxicol 2012; 32:739-49. [PMID: 22777745 DOI: 10.1002/jat.2768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Usnic acid (UA), a natural botanical product, is a constituent of some dietary supplements used for weight loss. It has been associated with clinical hepatotoxicity leading to liver failure in humans. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the interactive toxicity, if any, of UA with lipopolysaccarides (LPS), a potential contaminant of food, at low non-toxic concentrations. The human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells were treated with the vehicle control and test agents, separately and in a binary mixture, for 24 h at 37°C in 5% CO2. After the treatment period, the cells were evaluated by the traditional biochemical endpoints of toxicity in combination with the toxicogenomic endpoints that included cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial injury and changes in pathway-focused gene expression profiles. Compared with the controls, low non-toxic concentrations of UA and LPS separately showed no effect on the cells as determined by the biochemical endpoints. However, the simultaneous mixed exposure of the cells to their binary mixture resulted in increased cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury. The pathway-focused gene expression analysis resulted in the altered expression of several genes out of 84 genes examined. Most altered gene expressions induced by the binary mixture of UA and LPS were different from those induced by the individual constituents. The genes affected by the mixture were not modulated by either UA or LPS. The results of the present study suggest that the interactions of low nontoxic concentrations of UA and LPS produce toxicity in HepG2 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saura C Sahu
- Division of Toxicology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD 20708, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sahu SC, Amankwa-Sakyi M, O'Donnell MW, Sprando RL. Effects of usnic acid exposure on human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells in culture. J Appl Toxicol 2011; 32:722-30. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.1721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Revised: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Saura C. Sahu
- Division of Toxicology; Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment; Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; US Food and Drug Administration; Laurel; MD; 20708; USA
| | - Margaret Amankwa-Sakyi
- Division of Public Health and Biostatistics; Office of Food Defense; Communication and Emergency Response; Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; US Food and Drug Administration; Laurel; MD; 20708; USA
| | - Michael W. O'Donnell
- Division of Public Health and Biostatistics; Office of Food Defense; Communication and Emergency Response; Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; US Food and Drug Administration; Laurel; MD; 20708; USA
| | - Robert L. Sprando
- Division of Toxicology; Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment; Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; US Food and Drug Administration; Laurel; MD; 20708; USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Acute liver failure caused by 'fat burners' and dietary supplements: a case report and literature review. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2011; 25:157-60. [PMID: 21499580 DOI: 10.1155/2011/174978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Globally, people are struggling with obesity. Many effective, nonconventional methods of weight reduction, such as herbal and natural dietary supplements, are increasingly being sought. Fat burners are believed to raise metabolism, burn more calories and hasten fat loss. Despite patient perceptions that herbal remedies are free of adverse effects, some supplements are associated with severe hepatotoxicity. The present report describes a young healthy woman who presented with fulminant hepatic failure requiring emergent liver transplantation caused by a dietary supplement and fat burner containing usnic acid, green tea and guggul tree extracts. Thorough investigation, including histopathological examination, revealed no other cause of hepatotoxicity. The present case adds to the increasing number of reports of hepatotoxicity associated with dietary supplements containing usnic acid, and highlights that herbal extracts from green tea or guggul tree may not be free of adverse effects. Until these products are more closely regulated and their advertising better scrutinized, physicians and patients should become more familiar with herbal products that are commonly used as weight loss supplements and recognize those that are potentially harmful.
Collapse
|
28
|
Jamei M, Marciniak S, Feng K, Barnett A, Tucker G, Rostami-Hodjegan A. The Simcyp population-based ADME simulator. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2010; 5:211-23. [PMID: 19199378 DOI: 10.1517/17425250802691074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 384] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The Simcyp population-based absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion simulator is a platform and database for 'bottom-up' mechanistic modelling and simulation of the processes of oral absorption, tissue distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs and drug candidates in healthy and disease populations. It combines experimental data generated routinely during preclinical drug discovery and development from in vitro enzyme and cellular systems and relevant physicochemical attributes of compound and dosage form with demographic, physiological and genetic information on different patient populations. The mechanistic approach implemented in the Simcyp Simulator allows simulation of complex absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion outcomes, particularly those involving multiple drug interactions, parent drug and metabolite profiles and time- and dose-dependent phenomena such as auto-induction and auto-inhibition.This review describes the framework and organisation of the simulator and how it combines the different categories of information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Jamei
- Modelling & Simulation Group, Simcyp Limited, Blades Enterprise Centre, Sheffield, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the number of publications appearing annually regarding drug-induced liver injury (DILI), there remains a need to concisely summarize each year's new crop of case series and reports as well as the advances in mechanisms of liver injury and in the field of pharmacogenomics relating to DILI. OBJECTIVE To present an up-to-date review of the past year's most important clinical studies and reports of DILI, placing them into context of previous publications. METHODS A Medline search was conducted of all manuscripts appearing in the fields "hepatotoxicity" and "drug-induced liver injury" during the calendar year 2008. The most clinically relevant English language case reports and studies exploring mechanisms and risk factors for DILI were then chosen for review, and supplemented with older literature where appropriate. CONCLUSIONS As in past years, 2008 was replete with publications dealing with virtually all facets of DILI, including updated incidence and prevalence data, as well as the latest information regarding mechanisms of liver injury. Data from the first 300 patients in the National Institute of Health-sponsored DILI Network registry of > 100 non-acetaminophen causes were presented. Antimicrobials and CNS drugs were responsible for > 60% of cases, with herbals and dietary supplements being increasingly reported. Identification of genetic predispositions to DILI is coming of age with the FDA calling for the testing of human leukocyte antigen B(*)5701 before the use of abacavir to reduce the risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Several groups emphasized the pitfalls in utilizing Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method and other causality assessment methodologies, and an updated review appeared on the use of potentially hepatotoxic medications in patients with underlying liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Liss
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Division of Gastroenterology, 3800 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Jamei M, Dickinson GL, Rostami-Hodjegan A. A Framework for Assessing Inter-individual Variability in Pharmacokinetics Using Virtual Human Populations and Integrating General Knowledge of Physical Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics: A Tale of ‘Bottom-Up’ vs ‘Top-Down’ Recognition of Covariates. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2009; 24:53-75. [DOI: 10.2133/dmpk.24.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 269] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
31
|
Guo L, Shi Q, Fang JL, Mei N, Ali AA, Lewis SM, Leakey JEA, Frankos VH. Review of usnic acid and Usnea barbata toxicity. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, ENVIRONMENTAL CARCINOGENESIS & ECOTOXICOLOGY REVIEWS 2008; 26:317-38. [PMID: 19034791 PMCID: PMC5739313 DOI: 10.1080/10590500802533392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Usnic acid is a prominent secondary lichen metabolite that has been used for various purposes worldwide. Crude extracts of usnic acid or pure usnic acid have been marketed in the United States as dietary supplements to aid in weight loss. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received 21 reports of liver toxicity related to the ingestion of dietary supplements that contain usnic acid. This prompted the FDA to issue a warning about one such supplement, LipoKinetix, in 2001 (http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ds-lipo.html). Subsequently, usnic acid and Usnea barbata lichen were nominated by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) for toxicity evaluations. At present, a toxicological evaluation of usnic acid is being conducted by the NTP. This review focuses on the recent findings of usnic acid-induced toxicities and their underlying mechanisms of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Guo
- National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|